Enhancing Assessments of Coastal Wetland Migration Potential with Sea-level Rise: Accounting for Uncertainty in Elevation Data, Tidal Data, and Future Water Levels - Nicholas M. Enwright; Michael J. Osland; Hana R. Thurman; Claire E. McHenry; William C. Vervaeke; Brett A. Patton; Davina L. Passeri; Jason M. Stoker; Richard H. Day; Bethanie M. Simons (Estuaries and Coasts, 2024)

Reimagining the language of engagement in a post-stakeholder world - Mark S. Reed; Bethann Garramon Merkle; Elizabeth J. Cook; Caitlin Hafferty; Adam P. Hejnowicz; Richard Holliman; Ian D. Marder; Ursula Pool; Christopher M. Raymond; Kenneth E. Wallen; David Whyte; Marta Ballesteros; et al. (Sustainability Science, 2024)
Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely used, yet little attention is paid to the possibility that its use may inadvertently perpetuate colonial narratives and reinforce systemic inequities. In this article, we critically examine the limitations of the stakeholder concept and its ambiguity, normativity, and exclusionary implications. We emphasise the importance of using language that gives a voice to marginalised groups, promotes inclusion and equity, and fosters meaningful and reflexive participation in decision-making processes. In critiquing the use of the term and calling for alternative practices, we aim to contribute to the decolonisation of research norms and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies. Therefore, rather than advocating a single alternative term, we suggest a focus on the people, places, and species affected by decisions, interventions, projects, and issues.

Reflections on the life and work of Richard Abbott (1945–2024) - Mark A. Chapman; Simon J. Hiscock; Janis Antonovics; Spencer C. H. Barrett; Adrian C. Brennan; Jianquan Liu (Molecular Ecology, 2024)

Geography and ecology shape the phylogenetic composition of Amazonian tree communities - Bruno Garcia Luize; David Bauman; Hans ter Steege; Clarisse Palma‐Silva; Iêda Leão do Amaral; Luiz de Souza Coelho; Francisca Dionízia de Almeida Matos; Diógenes de Andrade Lima Filho; Rafael P. Salomão; Florian Wittmann; Carolina V. Castilho; Marcelo de Jesus Veiga Carim; et al. (Journal of Biogeography, 2024)
Aim Amazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types. Location Amazonia. Taxon Angiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots). Methods Data for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega‐phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny. Results In the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white‐sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured ( R 2 = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified ( R 2 = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types. Main Conclusion Numerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long‐standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions.

Characterizing phenotypic data of Peromyscus leucopus compared to C57BL/6J Mus musculus and diversity outbred (DO) Mus musculus - Lauren A. Wimer; Asia Davis-Castillo; Sofiya Galkina; Serban Ciotlos; Cavan Patterson; Leandro Prado; Maria Castro Munoz; Nicolas Martin; Sharon Epstein; Nicholas Schaum; Simon Melov (GeroScience, 2024)
Translational research is commonly performed in the C57B6/J mouse strain, chosen for its genetic homogeneity and phenotypic uniformity. Here, we evaluate the suitability of the white-footed deer mouse ( Peromyscus leucopus ) as a model organism for aging research, offering a comparative analysis against C57B6/J and diversity outbred (DO) Mus musculus strains. Our study includes comparisons of body composition, skeletal muscle function, and cardiovascular parameters, shedding light on potential applications and limitations of P. leucopus in aging studies. Notably, P. leucopus exhibits distinct body composition characteristics, emphasizing reduced muscle force exertion and a unique metabolism, particularly in fat mass. Cardiovascular assessments showed changes in arterial stiffness, challenging conventional assumptions and highlighting the need for a nuanced interpretation of aging-related phenotypes. Our study also highlights inherent challenges associated with maintaining and phenotyping P. leucopus cohorts. Behavioral considerations, including anxiety-induced responses during handling and phenotyping assessment, pose obstacles in acquiring meaningful data. Moreover, the unique anatomy of P. leucopus necessitates careful adaptation of protocols designed for Mus musculus . While showcasing potential benefits, further extensive analyses across broader age ranges and larger cohorts are necessary to establish the reliability of P. leucopus as a robust and translatable model for aging studies.

Long-term study of phytoplankton dynamics in a supply reservoir reveals signs of trophic state shift linked to changes in hydrodynamics associated with flow management and extreme events - Huy A. Luong; Ann-Marie Rohlfs; Jordan A. Facey; Anne Colville; Simon M. Mitrovic (Water Research, 2024)

Using luminescence dating to constrain lake sediment records: A new age model for the 1.38 Ma lake Malawi drill core, Eastern Africa - Laura C. Streib; Simon J. Armitage; Christopher A. Scholz (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2024)

Early Aboriginal pottery production and offshore island occupation on Jiigurru (Lizard Island group), Great Barrier Reef, Australia - Sean Ulm; Ian J. McNiven; Glenn R. Summerhayes; Pei-hua Wu; Magdalena M.E. Bunbury; Fiona Petchey; Quan Hua; Robert Skelly; Ariana B.J. Lambrides; Cassandra Rowe; Kelsey M. Lowe; Christian H. Reepmeyer; et al. (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2024)

More realistic planetesimal masses alter Kuiper belt formation models and add stochasticity - Nathan A. Kaib; Alex Parsells; Simon Grimm; Billy Quarles; Matthew S. Clement (Icarus, 2024)

On-purpose production of propane fuel gas from the hydrothermal reactions of n-butanol over Pt/Al2O3 catalyst: A parametric and mechanistic study - Onajite T. Abafe Diejomaoh; Jude A. Onwudili; Keith E. Simons; Priscila Maziero (Fuel, 2024)

Top predator feeding ecology and microplastic (MP) contamination on the far eastern South American coast: Evidence of MP trophic biotransfer - Roger R.R.C.B. Melo; Mário Barletta; Francisco F.J.A. Cysneiros; Maria Inês B. Tavares; Karoline da Silva Santana; Stephan Carty; Simon A. Morley (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2024)

Two Film Approach to Continuum Scale Mixing and Dispersion with Equilibrium Bimolecular Reaction - Simon A. Mathias; Diogo Bolster; Sergii Veremieiev (Transport in Porous Media, 2024)
Reliable reactive transport models require careful separation of mixing and dispersion processes. Here we treat displacing and displaced fluids as two separate fluid phases and invoke Whitman’s classical two-film theory to model mass transfer between the two phases. We use experimental data from Gramling’s bimolecular reaction experiment to assess model performance. Gramling’s original model involved just three coupled PDEs. In this context, our new formulation leads to a set of seven coupled PDEs but only requires the specification of two extra parameters, associated with the mass transfer coefficient and its dependence on time. The two film mass transfer model provides a simple and theoretically based method for separating mixing from dispersion in Eulerian continuum-scale methods. The advantage of this approach over existing methods is that it enables the simulation of equilibrium chemical reactions without having to invoke unrealistically small reaction rate coefficients. The comparison with Gramling’s experimental data confirms that our proposed method is suitable for simulating realistic and complicated bimolecular reaction behaviour. However, further work is needed to explore alternative methods for avoiding the need of a time-dependent mass transfer rate coefficient.

Development of a novel optimization modeling pipeline for range prediction of vectors with limited occurrence records in the Philippines: a bipartite approach - Germaine Comia-Geneta; Simon Justin Reyes-Haygood; Nicole Louise Salazar-Golez; Nicole Alessandra Seladis-Ocampo; Merlin Rei Samuel-Sualibios; Nikki Heherson A. Dagamac; Don Enrico Buebos-Esteve (Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 2024)

Recommendations for the safe use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with cirrhosis based on a systematic review of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety data - Maaike M. E. Diesveld; Daniëlle W. M. Jacobs- Pijnenburg; Rianne A. Weersink; Ina Barzel; Joost P. H. Drenth; Ton Lisman; Herold J. Metselaar; Margje H. Monster-Simons; Midas B. Mulder; Eline Okel; Katja Taxis; Sander D. Borgsteede (European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2024)

When can higher‐order interactions produce stable coexistence? - Theo L. Gibbs; Gabriel Gellner; Simon A. Levin; Kevin S. McCann; Alan Hastings; Jonathan M. Levine (Ecology Letters, 2024)
Most ecological models are based on the assumption that species interact in pairs. Diverse communities, however, can have higher‐order interactions, in which two or more species jointly impact the growth of a third species. A pitfall of the common pairwise approach is that it misses the higher‐order interactions potentially responsible for maintaining natural diversity. Here, we explore the stability properties of systems where higher‐order interactions guarantee that a specified set of abundances is a feasible equilibrium of the dynamics. Even these higher‐order interactions which lead to equilibria do not necessarily produce stable coexistence. Instead, these systems are more likely to be stable when the pairwise interactions are weak or facilitative. Correlations between the pairwise and higher‐order interactions, however, do permit robust coexistence even in diverse systems. Our work not only reveals the challenges in generating stable coexistence through higher‐order interactions but also uncovers interaction patterns that can enable diversity.

Polyester microfiber impacts on coastal sediment organic matter consumption - Samantha M. Ladewig; Thomas S. Bianchi; Giovanni Coco; Eliana Ferretti; Rebecca V. Gladstone-Gallagher; Jenny Hillman; Julie A. Hope; Candida Savage; Stefano Schenone; Simon F. Thrush (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2024)

Biofloc supplementation improves growth performances, nutrient utilization, and histological status of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) while enhancing zooplankton diversity, community, and abundance - Amr M. Helal; Marwa M. Zaher; Dina T. Meshhal; Mohamed Ashour; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Afify D.G. Al-Afify; Zaki Z. Sharawy; Simon Davies; Ehab El-Haroun; Marian G. Nassif (Aquaculture, 2024)

Reproductive output and other adult life-history traits of black soldier flies grown on different organic waste and by-products - Stine Frey Laursen; Casey A. Flint; Simon Bahrndorff; Jeffery K. Tomberlin; Torsten Nygaard Kristensen (Waste Management, 2024)

Commentary: Value of information case study strongly supports use of the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) - Ted W. Simon; Jessica Ryman; Richard A. Becker (Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2024)

Temporal monitoring of free-living nematode communities for evaluation of soil health in an arable crop rotation - Ana I.M. Natalio; Mohammed Ahmed; Matthew A. Back; Andrew Richards; Simon Jeffery (Pedobiologia, 2024)

Description and taxonomic assessment of fossil Cercopithecidae from the Pliocene Galili Formation (Ethiopia) - Hailay G. Reda; Stephen R. Frost; Evan A. Simons; Jay Quade; Scott W. Simpson (Journal of Human Evolution, 2024)

Oscillation rheology, calorimetry and computed tomography: A practical toolkit combination of qualification for real poly(ethylene terephthalate) waste - L. Simon-Stőger; A. Kovács; M. Szigeti; J. Bobek-Nagy; R. Kurdi; Cs. Varga (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2024)

Role and origin of water-fluxed melting in the generation of High Himalayan leucogranites - Kai Lei; Xuan-Ce Wang; Simon A. Wilde (Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2024)

Circumpolar Deep Water upwelling is a primary source of 10Be in Antarctic continental shelf sediments - Matthew R. Jeromson; Toshiyuki Fujioka; David Fink; Krista Simon; James Smith; Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand; Gerhard Kuhn; Alexandra L. Post; Jose Tonatiuh Sánchez-Palacios; Marcello Blaxell; T. Gabriel Enge; Duanne A. White (Global and Planetary Change, 2024)

Niche appropriation by a widespread nereidid polychaete within estuarine-like modern coastal stromatolite pools - Gavin M. Rishworth; Tris H. Wooldridge; Torkild Bakken; Nelson A.F. Miranda; Renzo Perissinotto; Carol A. Simon (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2024)

No effect on biological or chemical soil properties when amended with effective microorganisms for improved cover crop decomposition - Simon Oberholzer; Christa Herrmann; Natacha Bodenhausen; Hans-Martin Krause; Adrien Mestrot; Chinwe Ifejika Speranza; Klaus A. Jarosch (Applied Soil Ecology, 2024)

‘Drivin' with your eyes closed’: Results from an international, blinded simulation experiment to evaluate spatial stock assessments - Daniel R. Goethel; Aaron M. Berger; Simon D. Hoyle; Patrick D. Lynch; Caren Barceló; Jonathan Deroba; Nicholas D. Ducharme‐Barth; Alistair Dunn; Dan Fu; Francisco Izquierdo; Craig Marsh; Haikun Xu; et al. (Fish and Fisheries, 2024)
Spatial models enable understanding potential redistribution of marine resources associated with ecosystem drivers and climate change. Stock assessment platforms can incorporate spatial processes, but have not been widely implemented or simulation tested. To address this research gap, an international simulation experiment was organized. The study design was blinded to replicate uncertainty similar to a real‐world stock assessment process, and a data‐conditioned, high‐resolution operating model (OM) was used to emulate the spatial dynamics and data for Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares ). Six analyst groups developed both single‐region and spatial stock assessment models using an assessment platform of their choice, and then applied each model to the simulated data. Results indicated that across all spatial structures and platforms, assessments were able to adequately recreate the population trends from the OM. Additionally, spatial models were able to estimate regional population trends that generally reflected the true dynamics from the OM, particularly for the regions with higher biomass and fishing pressure. However, a consistent population biomass scaling pattern emerged, where spatial models estimated higher population scale than single‐region models within a given assessment platform. Balancing parsimony and complexity trade‐offs were difficult, but adequate complexity in spatial parametrizations (e.g., allowing time‐ and age‐variation in movement and appropriate tag mixing periods) was critical to model performance. We recommend expanded use of high‐resolution OMs and blinded studies, given their ability to portray realistic performance of assessment models. Moreover, increased support for international simulation experiments is warranted to facilitate dissemination of methodology across organizations.

Reading tea leaves worldwide: Decoupled drivers of initial litter decomposition mass‐loss rate and stabilization - Judith M. Sarneel; Mariet M. Hefting; Taru Sandén; Johan van den Hoogen; Devin Routh; Bhupendra S. Adhikari; Juha M. Alatalo; Alla Aleksanyan; Inge H. J. Althuizen; Mohammed H. S. A. Alsafran; Jeff W. Atkins; Laurent Augusto; et al. (Ecology Letters, 2024)
The breakdown of plant material fuels soil functioning and biodiversity. Currently, process understanding of global decomposition patterns and the drivers of such patterns are hampered by the lack of coherent large‐scale datasets. We buried 36,000 individual litterbags (tea bags) worldwide and found an overall negative correlation between initial mass‐loss rates and stabilization factors of plant‐derived carbon, using the Tea Bag Index (TBI). The stabilization factor quantifies the degree to which easy‐to‐degrade components accumulate during early‐stage decomposition (e.g. by environmental limitations). However, agriculture and an interaction between moisture and temperature led to a decoupling between initial mass‐loss rates and stabilization, notably in colder locations. Using TBI improved mass‐loss estimates of natural litter compared to models that ignored stabilization. Ignoring the transformation of dead plant material to more recalcitrant substances during early‐stage decomposition, and the environmental control of this transformation, could overestimate carbon losses during early decomposition in carbon cycle models.

Short-term salicylic acid application induces the expression of GPPS and NEPS1 in catnip - Kirsten A. Allen; Erik Nunes Gomes; Anthony Lockhart; Qingli Wu; Rong Di; James E. Simon (Theoretical and Experimental Plant Physiology, 2024)
The catnip plant, Nepeta cataria L., produces bioactive iridoid monoterpenes known as nepetalactones. These monoterpenes follow a noncanonical biosynthetic route starting as isoprene monomers in the methylerythritol (MEP) pathway after condensation via geranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GPPS) and later cyclization through the iridoid pathway via nepetalactol-related short-chain dehydrogenase enzymes (NEPS). Nepetalactones exhibit insect repellant properties against disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes, bed bugs and ticks. Chemical elicitors such as salicylic acid have been used to induce biochemical changes in medicinal and aromatic plant species including catnip that can temporarily increase the yield and quality of secondary metabolites. This is the first study to correlate the effects of short-term salicylic acid application on the genes in the nepetalactone biosynthetic pathway. Both 0.5 mM SA and 1.0 mM SA resulted in upregulation of GPPS and NEPS1 . However, within the 24-h time course of the study significant changes in nepetalactone yield were not observed. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the mRNA transcript abundance for GPPS and NEPS1 demonstrating a low positive co-expression strength for the two genes.

Detection of plastic, cellulosic micro-fragments and microfibers in Laternula elliptica from King George Island (Maritime Antarctica) - Marcelo González-Aravena; Carmen Rotunno; César A. Cárdenas; Mariett Torres; Simon A. Morley; Jessica Hurley; Luis Caro-Lara; Karla Pozo; Cristóbal Galban; Rodolfo Rondon (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2024)

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract abates the neurotoxic and neurobehavioral outcomes of fluoride in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) via balancing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and acetylcholinesterase activity - Asmaa Elsayyad; Yasmin A. Reyad; Basma A. Elshafey; Enas K. Aziz; Mohamed M.M. Metwally; Yasmina M. Abd-Elhakim; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Elsayed M. Younis; Simon J. Davies; Walaa El-Houseiny; Ahmed H. Arisha; Hanan A. Ghetas (Aquaculture, 2024)

Effect of early peptide diets on European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) skeletal development - A. Printzi; S. Jodet; V. Fournier; S. Collet; L. Madec; V. Simon; J.-L. Zambonino-Infante; G. Koumoundouros; D. Mazurais (Aquaculture, 2024)

Retracted: The anti-parasitic effect of Melaleuca alternifolia oil against gills monogeneans (Dactylogyrus spp) infestation of Clarias gariepinus: Hematology, immune response, and histopathological / immunohistochemical investigation of gills - Afaf N. Abdel Rahman; Mohamed F.M. Farag; Alshimaa A. Khalil; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Shimaa R. Masoud; Shefaa M. Bazeed; Aya Elgamal; Refaat Ras; Simon J. Davies; Rowida E. Ibrahim; Amany M. Abd El-Ghany (Aquaculture, 2024)

Comparative study of the commonly used protein quantitation assays on different Hymenoptera venoms: A fundamental aspect of Hymenoptera venom proteome analysis - Troy Wanandy; Simon A. Handley; Emily Mulcahy; Michael Wiese (Toxicon, 2024)

Testing the physiological capacity of the mussel Mytilus chilensis to establish into the Southern Ocean - Jorge M. Navarro; Leyla Cárdenas; Alejandro Ortiz; Álvaro Figueroa; Simon A. Morley; Luis Vargas-Chacoff; Jean-Charles Leclerc; Camille Détrée (Science of The Total Environment, 2024)

Coupling marine ecosystem state with environmental management and conservation: A risk-based approach - Rebecca V. Gladstone-Gallagher; Judi E. Hewitt; Jasmine M.L. Low; Conrad A. Pilditch; Fabrice Stephenson; Simon F. Thrush; Joanne I. Ellis (Biological Conservation, 2024)

When will the Glomerular Filtration Rate in Former Preterm Neonates Catch up with Their Term Peers? - Yunjiao Wu; Karel Allegaert; Robert B. Flint; Sebastiaan C. Goulooze; Pyry A. J. Välitalo; Matthijs de Hoog; Hussain Mulla; Catherine M. T. Sherwin; Sinno H. P. Simons; Elke H. J. Krekels; Catherijne A. J. Knibbe; Swantje Völler (Pharmaceutical Research, 2024)
Aims Whether and when glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in preterms catches up with term peers is unknown. This study aims to develop a GFR maturation model for (pre)term-born individuals from birth to 18 years of age. Secondarily, the function is applied to data of different renally excreted drugs. Methods We combined published inulin clearance values and serum creatinine (Scr) concentrations in (pre)term born individuals throughout childhood. Inulin clearance was assumed to be equal to GFR, and Scr to reflect creatinine synthesis rate/GFR. We developed a GFR function consisting of GFR birth (GFR at birth), and an Emax model dependent on PNA (with GFR max , PNA 50 (PNA at which half of $${GFR}_{max}$$ GFR max is reached) and Hill coefficient). The final GFR model was applied to predict gentamicin, tobramycin and vancomycin concentrations. Result In the GFR model, GFR birth varied with birthweight linearly while in the PNA-based Emax equation, GA was the best covariate for PNA 50 , and current weight for GFR max . The final model showed that for a child born at 26 weeks GA, absolute GFR is 18%, 63%, 80%, 92% and 96% of the GFR of a child born at 40 weeks GA at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and 12 years, respectively. PopPK models with the GFR maturation equations predicted concentrations of renally cleared antibiotics across (pre)term-born neonates until 18 years well. Conclusions GFR of preterm individuals catches up with term peers at around three years of age, implying reduced dosages of renally cleared drugs should be considered below this age.

The Cologne ECMM Excellence Center: A Two-Year Analysis of External Consultation Service for Invasive Fungal Infections - Jon Salmanton-García; Philipp Koehler; Jan-Hendrik Grothe; Sibylle C. Mellinghoff; Ertan Sal; Michaela Simon; Jannik Stemler; Oliver A. Cornely; Rosanne Sprute (Mycopathologia, 2024)
The European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM), formed due to the surge in invasive fungal infections (IFI), initiated the Excellence Centers program in 2016 to guide stakeholders to leading medical mycology sites. This report focuses on the Cologne ECMM Excellence Center, recognized with Diamond status for active global involvement in 2017. The center offers free consultation via email and phone, responding within 24 h for life-threatening IFI, collecting data on origin, pathogens, infection details, and more. Over two years, 189 requests were received globally, predominantly from Germany (85%), mainly involving Aspergillus spp., Mucorales, and Candida spp. Fungal mixed infections occurred in 4% of cases. The center's service effectively addresses IFI challenges, advocating for a comprehensive study encompassing all ECMM Excellence Centers to enhance global mycological care. Proactive expansion of consultancy platforms is crucial, with future analyses needed to assess expert advice's impact on patient outcomes.

Correction to: The Kelp Forest Challenge: A collaborative global movement to protect and restore 4 million hectares of kelp forests - Aaron Eger; J. David Aguirre; María Altamirano; Nur Arafeh‑Dalmau; Nina Larissa Arroyo; Anne M. Bauer‑Civiello; Rodrigo Beas‑Luna; Trine Bekkby; Alecia Bellgrove; Scott Bennett; Blanca Bernal; Caitlin O. Blain; et al. (Journal of Applied Phycology, 2024)

The Kelp Forest ﻿Challenge: A collaborative global movement to protect and restore 4 million hectares of kelp forests - Aaron Eger; J. David Aguirre; María Altamirano; Nur Arafeh-Dalmau; Nina Larissa Arroyo; Anne M. Bauer-Civiello; Rodrigo Beas-Luna; Trine Bekkby; Alecia Bellgrove; Scott Bennett; Blanca Bernal; Caitlin O. Blain; et al. (Journal of Applied Phycology, 2024)
Marine kelp forests cover 1/3 of our world's coastlines, are heralded as a nature-based solution to address socio-environmental issues, connect hundreds of millions of people with the ocean, and support a rich web of biodiversity throughout our oceans. But they are increasingly threatened with some areas reporting over 90% declines in kelp forest cover in living memory. Despite their importance and the threats they face, kelp forests are entirely absent from the international conservation dialogue. No international laws, policies, or targets focus on kelp forests and very few countries consider them in their national policy. The Kelp Forest Challenge addresses that gap. Together with 252 kelp experts, professionals, and citizens from 25 countries, the Kelp Forest Challenge was developed as a grassroots vision of what the world can achieve for kelp forest conservation. It is a global call to restore 1 million and protect 3 million hectares of kelp forests by 2040. This is a monumental challenge, that will require coordination across multiple levels of society and the mobilization of immense resources. Pledges may therefore include area for protection or restoration, enabling pledges which assist in conservation (funding, equipment, professional expertise, capacity building), or awareness-based pledges which increase awareness or education about kelp forests. Correspondingly, participants may be from government, scientific institutions, private sector, NGOs, community groups, or individuals. This challenge is the beginning of a 17-year mission to save our kelp forests and anyone and any organisation is invited to participate.

The interior climate and its microclimatic variation of temperate forests in Northern Patagonia, Argentina - Alois Simon; Jonas Fierke; Ernesto J. Reiter; Gabriel A. Loguercio; Steffi Heinrichs; Birgitta Putzenlechner; Natalia Z. Joelson; Helge Walentowski (International Journal of Biometeorology, 2024)
Knowledge on mesoclimatic zonation and microclimatic variations within mountain forest ecosystems is crucial for understanding regional species turnover and effects of climate change on these systems. The temperate mountain forests in the Andean region of South America are among the largest and contiguous natural deciduous forest areas in the world. Due to their pronounced disturbance regime and different successional stages, a climatic zonation combined with the characterisation of its microclimatic variation is important to identify thresholds of species occurrences. We used micro-loggers to measure air temperature and relative humidity for one year at 40 measurement locations along longitudinal and elevation gradients in mountain forests in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Our results unveil mesoclimatic patterns within these forests characterised by variations in temperature and vapour pressure deficit along the elevational gradient in general, but also at different times of the year. For example, Austrocedrus chilensis and Nothofagus dombeyi forests differed mainly by temperature and its diurnal range in the warmest months of the year. Also, differences between forest stands and gaps were more pronounced in the warmest months of the year and at lower elevations, with up to 2.5 K higher temperatures in the second half of the day in gaps. We found clear indications that shrubland of Nothofagus antarctica representing a successional stage after disturbances alters the mesoclimatic pattern, favouring forest fire ignition. Such mesoclimatic variations have a major influence on tree species turnover and ecological processes within these forest ecosystems. The findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between topography, climate, and vegetation in shaping the spatial patterns of species occurrences.

Nano-selenium impacts on growth performance, digestive enzymes, antioxidant, immune resistance and histopathological scores of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus against Aspergillus flavus infection - El-Sayed Hemdan Eissa; Walaa K. Bazina; Yasmin M. Abd El-Aziz; Nadia A. Abd Elghany; Wesam A. Tawfik; Monga I. Mossa; Ola Hasan Abd El Megeed; Nadia N. B. Abd El-Hamed; Adel F. El-Saeed; Ehab El-Haroun; Simon J. Davies; Oliver J. Hasimuna; et al. (Aquaculture International, 2024)
The present study examined the impacts of varying amounts of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) as a natural antioxidant and metabolic regulator on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzymes and immune resistance of Oreochromis niloticus challenged to Aspergillus flavus infection. For 60 days, fish were fed the experimental diet of 30% crude protein up to apparent satiation three times a day. Se-NPs were added to the control diet at different levels of 0.0 (control), 0.5 (T1), 1.0 (T2) and 1.5 (T3) mg/kg diet to fed monosex Nile tilapia fingerlings with average initial weight (4.5 ± 0.5 g). Fish were randomly distributed in 12 tanks 100 L at a density of 20 fish per tank after 2-week acclimation to represent four treatments in triplicates. The results indicated that the growth indices, feed efficiency and survival rate were significantly enhanced ( P P Aspergillus flavus , a decreasing mortality rate was observed, which clearly shows that selenium nanoparticles boosted the fish’s immune response at T2. The intestinal morphology as villus length, villus width, muscular fibres layer thickness and absorption intestinal zone after challenged with A. flavus infection were considerably enhanced ( P P

A global analysis of field body temperatures of active squamates in relation to climate and behaviour - Shahar Dubiner; Rocío Aguilar; Rodolfo O. Anderson; Diego M. Arenas Moreno; Luciano J. Avila; Estefania Boada‐Viteri; Martin Castillo; David G. Chapple; Christian O. Chukwuka; Alison Cree; Félix B. Cruz; Guarino R. Colli; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2024)
Aim Squamate fitness is affected by body temperature, which in turn is influenced by environmental temperatures and, in many species, by exposure to solar radiation. The biophysical drivers of body temperature have been widely studied, but we lack an integrative synthesis of actual body temperatures experienced in the field, and their relationships to environmental temperatures, across phylogeny, behaviour and climate. Location Global (25 countries on six continents). Taxa Squamates (210 species, representing 25 families). Methods We measured the body temperatures of 20,231 individuals of squamates in the field while they were active. We examined how body temperatures vary with substrate and air temperatures across taxa, climates and behaviours (basking and diel activity). Results Heliothermic lizards had the highest body temperatures. Their body temperatures were the most weakly correlated with substrate and air temperatures. Body temperatures of non‐heliothermic diurnal lizards were similar to heliotherms in relation to air temperature, but similar to nocturnal species in relation to substrate temperatures. The correlation of body temperature with air and substrate temperatures was stronger in diurnal snakes and non‐heliothermic lizards than in heliotherms. Body‐substrate and body‐air temperature correlations varied with mean annual temperatures in all diurnal squamates, especially in heliotherms. Thermal relations vary with behaviour (heliothermy, nocturnality) in cold climates but converge towards the same relation in warm climates. Non‐heliotherms and nocturnal species body temperatures are better explained by substrate temperature than by air temperature. Body temperature distributions become left‐skewed in warmer‐bodied species, especially in colder climates. Main Conclusions Squamate body temperatures, their frequency distributions and their relation to environmental temperature, are globally influenced by behavioural and climatic factors. For all temperatures and climates, heliothermic species' body temperatures are consistently higher and more stable than in other species, but in regions with warmer climate these differences become less pronounced. A comparable variation was found in non‐heliotherms, but in not nocturnal species whose body temperatures were similar to air and substrate irrespective of the macroclimatic context.

Drivers of Laptev Sea interannual variability in salinity and temperature - Phoebe A. Hudson; Adrien C. H. Martin; Simon A. Josey; Alice Marzocchi; Athanasios Angeloudis (Ocean Science, 2024)
Eurasian rivers provide a quarter of total fresh water to the Arctic, maintaining a persistent fresh layer that covers the surface Arctic Ocean. This freshwater export controls Arctic Ocean stratification, circulation, and basin-wide sea ice concentration. The Lena River supplies the largest volume of runoff and plays a key role in this system, as runoff outflows into the Laptev Sea as a particularly shallow plume. Previous in situ and modelling studies suggest that local wind forcing is a driver of variability in Laptev sea surface salinity (SSS) but there is no consensus on the roles of Lena River discharge and sea ice cover in contributing to this variability or on the dominant driver of variability. Until recently, satellite SSS retrievals were insufficiently accurate for use in the Arctic. However, retreating sea ice cover and continuous progress in satellite product development have significantly improved SSS retrievals, giving satellite SSS data true potential in the Arctic. In this region, satellite-based SSS is found to agree well with in situ data (r>0.8) and provides notable improvements compared to the reanalysis product used in this study (r>0.7) in capturing patterns and variability observed in in situ data. This study demonstrates a novel method of identifying the dominant drivers of interannual variability in Laptev Sea dynamics within reanalysis products and testing if these relationships appear to hold in satellite-based SSS, sea surface temperature (SST) data, and in situ observations. The satellite SSS data firmly establish what is suggested by reanalysis products and what has previously been subject to debate due to the limited years and locations analysed with in situ data; the zonal wind is the dominant driver of offshore or onshore Lena River plume transport. The eastward wind confines the plume to the southern Laptev Sea and drives alongshore transport into the East Siberian Sea, and westward wind drives offshore plume transport into the northern Laptev Sea. This finding is affirmed by the strong agreement in SSS pattern under eastward and westward wind regimes in all reanalyses and satellite products used in this study, as well as with in situ data. The pattern of SST also varies with the zonal wind component and drives spatial variability in sea ice concentration.

Reconstruction of the Curie depth distribution on the Arabian Plate: Implications for its regional thermal structure - Ahmed Salem; Asma Alahmed; Simon A. Stewart; Harald Karg (Tectonophysics, 2024)

A comparative analysis of cutin monomers from cereal brans and fruit peels: Isolation and characterization - Yuanyuan Li; Madhav P. Yadav; Robert A. Moreau; Michael Powell; Stefanie Simon; Majher I. Sarker; Shuang Qiu (Journal of Cereal Science, 2024)

Fractionation and characterisation of pectin-rich extracts from garlic biomass - Piyachat Sunanta; Sarana Rose Sommano; Cara A. Luiten; Mahdieh Ghofrani; Ian M. Sims; Tracey J. Bell; Susan M. Carnachan; Simon F.R. Hinkley; Vassilis Kontogiorgos (Food Chemistry, 2024)

The effect of flow conditions on the activity and stability of Pt/LaAlO3 perovskite catalyst during aqueous phase reforming of glycerol - Peter Nagy; Donald R. Inns; Simon A. Kondrat; Jonathan L. Wagner (Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024)

Original plant diversity and ecosystems of a small, remote oceanic island (Corvo, Azores): Implications for biodiversity conservation - Simon E. Connor; Tara Lewis; Jacqueline F.N. van Leeuwen; W.O. (Pim) van der Knaap; Hanno Schaefer; Nicholas Porch; Ana I. Gomes; Stephen B. Piva; Patricia Gadd; Petr Kuneš; Simon G. Haberle; Matthew A. Adeleye; et al. (Biological Conservation, 2024)

Generation Mechanisms and Probabilistic Assessment of Peak Spring Streamflow in the Canadian Prairies - Mohanad A. Zaghloul; Simon Michael Papalexiou (Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2024)

Cascading effects of climate change: new advances in drivers and shifts of tropical reproductive phenology - Megan K. Sullivan; Adeline Fayolle; Emma Bush; Bismark Ofosu-Bamfo; Jason Vleminckx; Margaret R. Metz; Simon A. Queenborough (Plant Ecology, 2024)

New records of Bison (Mammalia: Bovidae) from Southern Mexico and some comments on their distribution and biochronology - R. Carrillo-López; A. Velasco-Rodríguez; R. Vásquez-Simon; G. Valera-Venegas; E. Jiménez-Hidalgo (PalZ, 2024)

A touching advantage: cross-modal stop-signals improve reactive response inhibition - Maximilian A. Friehs; Philipp Schmalbrock; Simon Merz; Martin Dechant; Gesa Hartwigsen; Christian Frings (Experimental Brain Research, 2024)
The ability to inhibit an already initiated response is crucial for navigating the environment. However, it is unclear which characteristics make stop-signals more likely to be processed efficiently. In three consecutive studies, we demonstrate that stop-signal modality and location are key factors that influence reactive response inhibition. Study 1 shows that tactile stop-signals lead to better performance compared to visual stop-signals in an otherwise visual choice-reaction task. Results of Study 2 reveal that the location of the stop-signal matters. Specifically, if a visual stop-signal is presented at a different location compared to the visual go-signal, then stopping performance is enhanced. Extending these results, study 3 suggests that tactile stop-signals and location-distinct visual stop-signals retain their performance enhancing effect when visual distractors are presented at the location of the go-signal. In sum, these results confirm that stop-signal modality and location influence reactive response inhibition, even in the face of concurrent distractors. Future research may extend and generalize these findings to other cross-modal setups.

Evaluating the potential impact of lifestyle-based behavior change interventions delivered at the time of colorectal cancer screening - Veeraj Shah; Greta Geller; Diane Xu; Lily Taylor; Simon Griffin; Juliet A. Usher-Smith (Cancer Causes & Control, 2024)
Purpose To analyze interventions implemented at the time of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, or among individuals who have previously undergone investigation for CRC, focused on reducing CRC risk through promotion of lifestyle behavior change. Additionally, this review evaluated to what extent such interventions apply behavior change techniques (BCTs) to achieve their objectives. Methods Five databases were systematically searched to identify randomized control trials seeking to reduce CRC risk through behavior change. Outcomes were changes in health-related lifestyle behaviors associated with CRC risk, including changes in dietary habits, body mass index, smoking behaviors, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using random effects models. BCT’s were coded from a published taxonomy of 93 techniques. Results Ten RCT’s met the inclusion criteria. Greater increase in fruit/vegetable consumption in the intervention group were observed with respect to the control (SMD 0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.18; p < 0.001). Across fiber, alcohol, fat, red meat, and multivitamin consumption, and smoking behaviors, similar positive outcomes were observed (SMD 0.09–0.57 for all, p < 0.01). However, among physical activity and body mass index, no difference between the intervention groups compared with controls were observed. A median of 7.5 BCTs were applied across included interventions. Conclusion While magnitude of the observed effect sizes varied, they correspond to potentially important changes in lifestyle behaviors when considered on a population scale. Future interventions should identify avenues to maximize long-term engagement to promote sustained lifestyle behavior change.

Destruction and reconstruction: is freshwater offsetting achieving No Net Loss? - Chloe A. Price; Kevin S. Simon; Martin Neale (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2024)
‘Biodiversity offsetting’ aims to address the residual negative environmental impacts of human development. It's goal is to achieve No Net Loss (NNL), and preferably a Net Gain of biodiversity attributes between development and offset sites. Biodiversity offsetting suffers from a lack of ‘proof of concept’, as little work has been done to critically test the ecological efficacy of offsetting practices. Offsetting of stream ecological functions was investigated in Aotearoa New Zealand, via review of regulatory documentation for 76 offsets and field assessments of 14 offset sites. Field results indicated some functions, including fish passage connectivity, respond rapidly post‐offset enhancement whilst others exhibit recovery lags (such as fish spawning habitat provision). However, most offsets were considered unlikely to achieve NNL due to failures in practice and process. Factors included inadequate consideration for restoration uncertainty, inappropriate monitoring conditions, insufficient data and inequivalent trade‐offs. Key linkages between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, particularly regarding floodplain connectivity, were poorly considered in offset implementation. Thus, development may be occurring based on inadequate regulatory processes, and poorly evaluated ecological outcomes. These findings join a growing body of evidence which indicates that, in the context of a global biodiversity crisis, offsetting is not achieving its purpose of NNL.

Denitrification, anammox, and DNRA in oligotrophic continental shelf sediments - Henry L. S. Cheung; Jenny R. Hillman; Conrad A. Pilditch; Candida Savage; Isaac R. Santos; Ronnie N. Glud; Francisco J. A. Nascimento; Simon F. Thrush; Stefano Bonaglia (Limnology and Oceanography, 2024)
Continental shelf sediments are considered hotspots for nitrogen (N) removal. While most investigations have quantified denitrification in shelves receiving large amounts of anthropogenic nutrient supply, we lack insight into the key drivers of N removal on oligotrophic shelves. Here, we measured rates of N removal through denitrification and anammox by the revised‐isotope pairing technique (r‐IPT) along the Northeastern New Zealand shelf. Denitrification dominated total N 2 production at depths between 30 and 128 m with average rates (± SE) ranging from 65 ± 28 to 284 ± 72 μ mol N m −2 d −1 . N 2 production by anammox ranged from 3 ± 1 to 28 ± 11 μ mol N m −2 d −1 and accounted for 2–19% of total N 2 production. DNRA was negligible in these oligotrophic settings. Parallel microbial community analysis showed that both Proteobacteria and Planctomycetota were key taxa driving denitrification. Denitrification displayed a negative correlation with oxygen penetration depth, and a positive correlation with macrofauna abundance. Our denitrification rates were comparable to oligotrophic shelves from the Arctic, but were lower than those from nutrient‐rich Pacific and Atlantic shelves. Based on our results and existing IPT measurements, the global shelf denitrification rate was reassessed to be 53.5 ± 8.1 Tg N yr −1 , equivalent to 20 ± 2% of marine N removal. We suggest that previous estimates of global shelf N loss might have been overestimated due to sampling bias toward areas with high N loads in the Northern Hemisphere.

Unsupervised classification of the northwestern European seas based on satellite altimetry data - Lea Poropat; Dani Jones; Simon D. A. Thomas; Céline Heuzé (Ocean Science, 2024)
From generating metrics representative of a wide region to saving costs by reducing the density of an observational network, the reasons to split the ocean into distinct regions are many. Traditionally, this has been done somewhat arbitrarily using the bathymetry and potentially some artificial latitude–longitude boundaries. We use an ensemble of Gaussian mixture models (GMMs, unsupervised classification) to separate the complex northwestern European coastal region into classes based on sea level variability observed by satellite altimetry. To reduce the dimensionality of the data, we perform a principal component analysis on 27 years of observations and use the spatial components as input for the GMM. The number of classes or mixture components is determined by locating the maximum of the silhouette score and by testing several models. We use an ensemble approach to increase the robustness of the classification and to allow the separation into more regions than a single GMM can achieve. We also vary the number of empirical orthogonal function (EOF) maps and show that more EOFs result in a more detailed classification. With three EOFs, the area is classified into four distinct regions delimited mainly by bathymetry. Adding more EOFs results in further subdivisions that resemble oceanic fronts. To achieve a more detailed separation, we use a model focused on smaller regions, specifically the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and the Norwegian Sea.

Isolation of intake mediated effects demonstrate that the phenomic benefits of dietary omega-3 are nominal to Atlantic salmon when reared in a challenging (hypoxic) environment - Brett D. Glencross; Alex Berry; Ben Clokie; Ernst Hevroy; David Huyben; Laura Martinez-Rubio; Chessor A. Mathew; Pedro Munoz; Simon MacKenzie; Rod W. Wilson (Aquaculture, 2024)

Experiences of emotional eating in an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy based weight management intervention (SWiM): A qualitative study - Laura Kudlek; Rebecca A. Jones; Carly Hughes; Robbie Duschinsky; Andrew Hill; Rebecca Richards; Megan Thompson; Ann Vincent; Simon J. Griffin; Amy L. Ahern (Appetite, 2024)

Unravelling multiple thermotectonic events accommodated by the Highland Boundary Fault: Insights from K–Ar dating - Lucy McKay; Simon J. Kemp; Graham A. Leslie; Andrew Todd; Zoe K. Shipton; Rebecca J. Lunn; John Booth (Journal of Structural Geology, 2024)

Epigallocatechin-gallate attenuates rapamycin exacerbated high fat diet-induced autophagy, hormonal dysregulation, testicular and brain oxidative stress, and neurochemical changes in rats - Chinedu Charles Onyekweli; Benneth Ben-Azu; O. Mega Oyovwi; E. Kingsley Nwangwa; I. Simon Ovuakporaye; Goodies Emuesiri Moke; Ejime Agbonifo-Chijiokwu; B. Oghenetega Onome; Victor Emojevwe; A. Rume Rotu (Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2024)

One-pot fabrication of potent antimicrobial and antiviral films with eco-friendly in situ after-use disposal - Lingdai Liu; Simon Swift; John Taylor; Ashley N. Nutsford; Cherie Tollemache; Ziqi Lu; Pooja Yadav; Zoran Zujovic; Jacqueline Ross; Joseph Vella; Shurui Chen; Janesha Perera; et al. (Chemical Engineering Journal, 2024)

Corroboration and contradictions in global biodiversity indicators - Simone L. Stevenson; Kate Watermeyer; Simon Ferrier; Elizabeth A. Fulton; Hui Xiao; Emily Nicholson (Biological Conservation, 2024)

Chronic kidney disease may evoke anxiety by altering CRH expression in the amygdala and tryptophan metabolism in rats - Katalin Eszter Ibos; Éva Bodnár; Hoa Dinh; Merse Kis; Fanni Márványkövi; Zsuzsanna Z. A. Kovács; Andrea Siska; Imre Földesi; Zsolt Galla; Péter Monostori; István Szatmári; Péter Simon; et al. (Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology, 2024)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with anxiety; however, its exact mechanism is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effect of moderate CKD on anxiety in rats. 5/6 nephrectomy was performed in male Wistar rats. 7 weeks after, anxiety-like behavior was assessed by elevated plus maze (EPM), open field (OF), and marble burying (MB) tests. At weeks 8 and 9, urinalysis was performed, and blood and amygdala samples were collected, respectively. In the amygdala, the gene expression of Avp and the gene and protein expression of Crh , Crhr1 , and Crhr2 were analyzed. Furthermore, the plasma concentration of corticosterone, uremic toxins, and tryptophan metabolites was measured by UHPLC-MS/MS. Laboratory tests confirmed the development of CKD. In the CKD group, the closed arm time increased; the central time and the total number of entries decreased in the EPM. There was a reduction in rearing, central distance and time in the OF, and fewer interactions with marbles were detected during MB. CKD evoked an upregulation of gene expression of Crh , Crhr1 , and Crhr2 , but not Avp , in the amygdala. However, there was no alteration in protein expression. In the CKD group, plasma concentrations of p-cresyl-sulfate, indoxyl-sulfate, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, anthranilic acid, xanthurenic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, picolinic acid, and quinolinic acid increased. However, the levels of tryptophan, tryptamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, and tyrosine decreased. In conclusion, moderate CKD evoked anxiety-like behavior that might be mediated by the accumulation of uremic toxins and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway, but the contribution of the amygdalar CRH system to the development of anxiety seems to be negligible at this stage.

Minimum-entropy velocity estimation from GPS position time series - Jarir Saleh; Richard A. Bennett; Simon D. P. Williams (Journal of Geodesy, 2024)

Stream ecosystem puzzle: understanding how water column and sediment variables shape macroinvertebrate patterns in some Afrotropical streams - Simon Action; Francis O. Arimoro; Fulbert A. G. J. Assie; Diana Nantege; Gilbert Ndatimana; Unique N. Keke (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2024)

Feasibility of a Composite Measure of Pulmonary Vascular Impedance and Application to Patients with Chronic RV Failure Post LVAD Implant - Timothy N. Bachman; S. M. Nouraie; L. E. Williams; M. L. Boisen; K. Kim; H. S. Borovetz; R. Schaub; R. L. Kormos; M. A. Simon (Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology, 2024)

What makes a change agent in environmental conflict transformation? Evidence from rural France - Simon Calla; Lou Lécuyer; James R. A. Butler; Juliette C. Young (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2024)
Transformation of agriculture towards increased sustainability is needed to meet the challenge of declining biodiversity. Nevertheless, stakeholders’ differing perceptions of what sustainability should be, and the multiplicity of possible ways to achieve it can lead to conflictual situations, highlighting the importance of conflict transformation as part of the broader sustainability transformation. If conflict transformation needs to be addressed to prevent the status quo persisting, such processes also reveal the state of social relations and allow us to analyze how collective actions could lead to broader transformations. Using three case studies involving conflicts around pesticide use in the region Bourgogne Franche-Comté (France), we investigate the hypothesis that transformation processes require the engagement of change agents who are motivated and able to overcome barriers to change. Results from 55 in-depth interviews with stakeholders highlight that transformational change depends less on the capacities of a single individual, and more on the mobilization of a plurality of heterogeneous actors (especially farmers, local authorities, and the general public). These actors need to carry out a range of activities that occur with and for others and have an influence on others. According to interviewees, the actors need to engage others, encourage new initiatives, create spaces for knowledge exchanges, and go beyond boundaries. The effectiveness of change agents also depends on the existence of participatory and proactive processes to bring individuals together to create or capitalize on windows of opportunity.

Global patterns and environmental drivers of forest functional composition - Elise Bouchard; Eric B. Searle; Pierre Drapeau; Jingjing Liang; Javier G. P. Gamarra; Meinrad Abegg; Giorgio Alberti; Angelica Almeyda Zambrano; Esteban Alvarez‐Davila; Luciana F. Alves; Valerio Avitabile; Gerardo Aymard; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2024)
Aim To determine the relationships between the functional trait composition of forest communities and environmental gradients across scales and biomes and the role of species relative abundances in these relationships. Location Global. Time period Recent. Major taxa studied Trees. Methods We integrated species abundance records from worldwide forest inventories and associated functional traits (wood density, specific leaf area and seed mass) to obtain a data set of 99,953 to 149,285 plots (depending on the trait) spanning all forested continents. We computed community‐weighted and unweighted means of trait values for each plot and related them to three broad environmental gradients and their interactions (energy availability, precipitation and soil properties) at two scales (global and biomes). Results Our models explained up to 60% of the variance in trait distribution. At global scale, the energy gradient had the strongest influence on traits. However, within‐biome models revealed different relationships among biomes. Notably, the functional composition of tropical forests was more influenced by precipitation and soil properties than energy availability, whereas temperate forests showed the opposite pattern. Depending on the trait studied, response to gradients was more variable and proportionally weaker in boreal forests. Community unweighted means were better predicted than weighted means for almost all models. Main conclusions Worldwide, trees require a large amount of energy (following latitude) to produce dense wood and seeds, while leaves with large surface to weight ratios are concentrated in temperate forests. However, patterns of functional composition within‐biome differ from global patterns due to biome specificities such as the presence of conifers or unique combinations of climatic and soil properties. We recommend assessing the sensitivity of tree functional traits to environmental changes in their geographic context. Furthermore, at a given site, the distribution of tree functional traits appears to be driven more by species presence than species abundance.

Use of moringa protein hydrolysate as a fishmeal replacer in diet of Oreochromis niloticus: Effects on growth, digestive enzymes, protein transporters and immune status - Shimaa A. Amer; Afaf N. Abdel Rahman; Mohamed ElHady; Ali Osman; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Amr A. Moustafa; Tarek Khamis; Simon J. Davies; Rowida E. Ibrahim (Aquaculture, 2024)

The anti-bacterial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by Nelumbo nucifera leaves against Clostridium perfringes challenge in Oreochromis niloticus - Rowida E. Ibrahim; Moustafa M.S. Fouda; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Gamal A. Salem; Ahmed Asaid Elkady; Sameh H. Ismail; Simon J. Davies; Afaf N. Abdel Rahman (Aquaculture, 2024)

Catch per unit effort modelling for stock assessment: A summary of good practices - Simon D. Hoyle; Robert A. Campbell; Nicholas D. Ducharme-Barth; Arnaud Grüss; Bradley R. Moore; James T. Thorson; Laura Tremblay-Boyer; Henning Winker; Shijie Zhou; Mark N. Maunder (Fisheries Research, 2024)

Feeding and biological differences induce wide variation in legacy persistent organic pollutant concentrations among toothed whales and polar bear in the Arctic - Adam F. Pedersen; Rune Dietz; Christian Sonne; Robert J. Letcher; Anna M. Roos; Malene Simon; Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid; Steven H. Ferguson; Melissa A. McKinney (Science of The Total Environment, 2024)

Reevaluation and novel insights into amino sugar and neutral sugar necromass biomarkers in archaea, bacteria, fungi, and plants - Erika Salas; Markus Gorfer; Dragana Bandian; Stephanie A. Eichorst; Hannes Schmidt; Julia Horak; Simon K.-M. R. Rittmann; Christa Schleper; Barbara Reischl; Thomas Pribasnig; Jan Jansa; Christina Kaiser; et al. (Science of The Total Environment, 2024)

The immunosuppressive, growth-hindering, hepatotoxic, and oxidative stress and immune related-gene expressions-altering effects of gibberellic acid in Oreochromis niloticus: A mitigation trial using alpha-lipoic acid - Walaa El-Houseiny; Ahmed H. Arisha; Amany Behairy; Mohamed M.M. Metwally; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Elsayed M. Younis; Simon J. Davies; Bayan A. Hassan; Yasmina M. Abd-Elhakim (Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2024)

On the limits to invasion prediction using coexistence outcomes - Jie Deng; Washington Taylor; Simon A. Levin; Serguei Saavedra (Journal of Theoretical Biology, 2024)

Phyllosilicate decomposition on Bennu due to prolonged surface exposure - Romy D. Hanna; Victoria E. Hamilton; Chris H. Haberle; Hannah H. Kaplan; Cateline Lantz; Phil R. Christensen; Amy A. Simon; Dennis C. Reuter (Icarus, 2024)

Nelumbo nucifera synthesized selenium nanoparticles modulate the immune-antioxidants, biochemical indices, and pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines pathways in Oreochromis niloticus infected with Aeromonas veronii - Rowida E. Ibrahim; Gehad Elshobaky; Mohamed ElHady; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Elsayed M. Younis; Nasreddin R. Rhouma; Suzan K. Murad; Engy Mohamed Mohamed Yassin; Tarek Khamis; Sameh H. Ismail; Simon J. Davies; Afaf N. Abdel Rahman (Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 2024)

Organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers in house dust and mental health outcomes among Canadian mothers: A nested prospective cohort study in CHILD - Stephanie A. Foster; Molly L. Kile; Perry Hystad; Miriam L. Diamond; Liisa M. Jantunen; Piush J. Mandhane; Theo J. Moraes; Garthika Navaranjan; James A. Scott; Elinor Simons; Padmaja Subbarao; Tim K. Takaro; et al. (Environmental Research, 2024)

Effects of climate change on marine coastal ecosystems – A review to guide research and management - Ewan Trégarot; Juan Pablo D'Olivo; Andrea Zita Botelho; Andrea Cabrito; Gabriel O. Cardoso; Gema Casal; Cindy C. Cornet; Simon M. Cragg; A. Karima Degia; Stein Fredriksen; Elisa Furlan; Georg Heiss; et al. (Biological Conservation, 2024)

Demographic mechanisms and anthropogenic drivers of contrasting population dynamics of hummingbirds - Simon G. English; Scott Wilson; Qing Zhao; Christine A. Bishop; Alison J. Moran (Biological Conservation, 2024)

Cellular toxicity and DNA damage induced by Newbouldia laevis used for male infertility treatment in prokaryotic and eukaryotic models - Okunola Adenrele Alabi; Benson Okorie; Iyabo A. Simon-Oke; Halimat Chisom Atanda; John A. V. Olumurewa; Taiwo Cosmas Adebo (Protoplasma, 2024)

Field-scale heterogeneity overrides management impacts following conversion to no-till within an arable system - Ana I.M. Natalio; Matthew A. Back; Andrew Richards; Simon Jeffery (Applied Soil Ecology, 2024)

Uncertainty sources for measurable ocean carbonate chemistry variables - Brendan R. Carter; Jonathan D. Sharp; Andrew G. Dickson; Marta Álvarez; Michael B. Fong; Maribel I. García‐Ibáñez; Ryan J. Woosley; Yuichiro Takeshita; Leticia Barbero; Robert H. Byrne; Wei‐Jun Cai; Melissa Chierici; et al. (Limnology and Oceanography, 2024)
The ocean carbonate system is critical to monitor because it plays a major role in regulating Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. It is monitored using a variety of measurements, and it is commonly understood that all components of seawater carbonate chemistry can be calculated when at least two carbonate system variables are measured. However, several recent studies have highlighted systematic discrepancies between calculated and directly measured carbonate chemistry variables and these discrepancies have large implications for efforts to measure and quantify the changing ocean carbon cycle. Given this, the Ocean Carbonate System Intercomparison Forum (OCSIF) was formed as a working group through the Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry program to coordinate and recommend research to quantify and/or reduce uncertainties and disagreements in measurable seawater carbonate system measurements and calculations, identify unknown or overlooked sources of these uncertainties, and provide recommendations for making progress on community efforts despite these uncertainties. With this paper we aim to (1) summarize recent progress toward quantifying and reducing carbonate system uncertainties; (2) advocate for research to further reduce and better quantify carbonate system measurement uncertainties; (3) present a small amount of new data, metadata, and analysis related to uncertainties in carbonate system measurements; and (4) restate and explain the rationales behind several OCSIF recommendations. We focus on open ocean carbonate chemistry, and caution that the considerations we discuss become further complicated in coastal, estuarine, and sedimentary environments.

Elevated CO 2 interacts with nutrient inputs to restructure plant communities in phosphorus‐limited grasslands - Christopher R. Taylor; Luke C. England; J. Ben Keane; Jessica A. C. Davies; Jonathan R. Leake; Iain P. Hartley; Simon M. Smart; Victoria Janes‐Bassett; Gareth K. Phoenix (Global Change Biology, 2024)
Globally pervasive increases in atmospheric CO 2 and nitrogen (N) deposition could have substantial effects on plant communities, either directly or mediated by their interactions with soil nutrient limitation. While the direct consequences of N enrichment on plant communities are well documented, potential interactions with rising CO 2 and globally widespread phosphorus (P) limitation remain poorly understood. We investigated the consequences of simultaneous elevated CO 2 (eCO 2 ) and N and P additions on grassland biodiversity, community and functional composition in P‐limited grasslands. We exposed soil‐turf monoliths from limestone and acidic grasslands that have received >25 years of N additions (3.5 and 14 g m −2 year −1 ) and 11 (limestone) or 25 (acidic) years of P additions (3.5 g m −2 year −1 ) to eCO 2 (600 ppm) for 3 years. Across both grasslands, eCO 2 , N and P additions significantly changed community composition. Limestone communities were more responsive to eCO 2 and saw significant functional shifts resulting from eCO 2 –nutrient interactions. Here, legume cover tripled in response to combined eCO 2 and P additions, and combined eCO 2 and N treatments shifted functional dominance from grasses to sedges. We suggest that eCO 2 may disproportionately benefit P acquisition by sedges by subsidising the carbon cost of locally intense root exudation at the expense of co‐occurring grasses. In contrast, the functional composition of the acidic grassland was insensitive to eCO 2 and its interactions with nutrient additions. Greater diversity of P‐acquisition strategies in the limestone grassland, combined with a more functionally even and diverse community, may contribute to the stronger responses compared to the acidic grassland. Our work suggests we may see large changes in the composition and biodiversity of P‐limited grasslands in response to eCO 2 and its interactions with nutrient loading, particularly where these contain a high diversity of P‐acquisition strategies or developmentally young soils with sufficient bioavailable mineral P.

Essential omega‐3 fatty acids are depleted in sea ice and pelagic algae of the Central Arctic Ocean - Katrin Schmidt; Martin Graeve; Clara J. M. Hoppe; Sinhué Torres‐Valdes; Nahid Welteke; Laura M. Whitmore; Philipp Anhaus; Angus Atkinson; Simon T. Belt; Tina Brenneis; Robert G. Campbell; Giulia Castellani; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2024)
Microalgae are the main source of the omega‐3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), essential for the healthy development of most marine and terrestrial fauna including humans. Inverse correlations of algal EPA and DHA proportions (% of total fatty acids) with temperature have led to suggestions of a warming‐induced decline in the global production of these biomolecules and an enhanced importance of high latitude organisms for their provision. The cold Arctic Ocean is a potential hotspot of EPA and DHA production, but consequences of global warming are unknown. Here, we combine a full‐seasonal EPA and DHA dataset from the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO), with results from 13 previous field studies and 32 cultured algal strains to examine five potential climate change effects; ice algae loss, community shifts, increase in light, nutrients, and temperature. The algal EPA and DHA proportions were lower in the ice‐covered CAO than in warmer peripheral shelf seas, which indicates that the paradigm of an inverse correlation of EPA and DHA proportions with temperature may not hold in the Arctic. We found no systematic differences in the summed EPA and DHA proportions of sea ice versus pelagic algae, and in diatoms versus non‐diatoms. Overall, the algal EPA and DHA proportions varied up to four‐fold seasonally and 10‐fold regionally, pointing to strong light and nutrient limitations in the CAO. Where these limitations ease in a warming Arctic, EPA and DHA proportions are likely to increase alongside increasing primary production, with nutritional benefits for a non‐ice‐associated food web.

Profiles of body image concerns and their associations with disordered eating behaviors - Sarah Baker; Christophe Maïano; Simon A. Houle; Lindsey Nadon; Annie Aimé; Alexandre J.S. Morin (Appetite, 2023)

Distinctive hospital and community resistomes in Scottish urban wastewater: Metagenomics of a paired wastewater sampling design - Hannah C. Lepper; Meghan R. Perry; Bryan A. Wee; David Wills; Hanne Nielsen; Saria Otani; Moray Simon; Frank M. Aarestrup; Mark E.J. Woolhouse; Bram A.D. van Bunnik (Science of The Total Environment, 2023)

Approaches to pollen taxonomic harmonisation in Quaternary palynology - H. John B. Birks; Kuber P. Bhatta; Vivian A. Felde; Suzette G.A. Flantua; Ondřej Mottl; Simon G. Haberle; Annika Herbert; Henry Hooghiemstra; Hilary H. Birks; John-Arvid Grytnes; Alistair W.R. Seddon (Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 2023)

Tagging of Atlantic bluefin tuna off Ireland reveals use of distinct oceanographic hotspots - Camille M.L.S. Pagniello; Niall Ó Maoiléidigh; Hugo Maxwell; Michael R. Castleton; Emilius A. Aalto; Jonathan J. Dale; Robert J. Schallert; Michael J.W. Stokesbury; Ronán Cosgrove; Simon Dedman; Alan Drumm; Ross O'Neill; et al. (Progress in Oceanography, 2023)

Reduced synthesis of phospho-polysaccharide in Lactococcus as a strategy to evade phage infection - Conradus A.P. Giesbers; Jack Fagan; Elvina Parlindungan; Simon Palussière; Pascal Courtin; Gabriele A. Lugli; Marco Ventura; Saulius Kulakauskas; Marie-Pierre Chapot-Chartier; Jennifer Mahony; Douwe van Sinderen (International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2023)

A critical study of the nonlinear rheological properties in major classes of foods using the Sequence of Physical Processes (SPP) method and the Fourier Transform Coupled with Chebyshev Decomposition (FTC) method - Anh Nghi Minh Le; Merve Yildirim Erturk; Yul Hui Shim; Simon A. Rogers; Jozef Kokini (Food Research International, 2023)

The impact of heating and drying on protease activities of ruminant milk before and after in vitro infant digestion - Juliana A.S. Leite; Carlos A. Montoya; Simon M. Loveday; Jane A. Mullaney; Trevor S. Loo; Warren C. McNabb; Nicole C. Roy (Food Chemistry, 2023)

Efficient removal of congo red dye using activated lychee peel biochar supported Ca-Cr layered double hydroxide - Estevan D. Cruz; Juliano Missau; Simon R. Collinson; Eduardo H. Tanabe; Daniel A. Bertuol (Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management, 2023)

Widespread clay authigenesis and highly congruent silicate weathering in the Marinoan aftermath - Yi-Sheng Yin; Guang-Yi Wei; Philip A.E. Pogge von Strandmann; Maxwell A. Lechte; Simon V. Hohl; Yi-Bo Lin; Da Li; Tianyu Chen; Tao Yang; Feifei Zhang; Terry T. Isson; He Zhang; et al. (Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 2023)

Aquaculture governance: five engagement arenas for sustainability transformation - Stefan Partelow; Furqan Asif; Christophe Béné; Simon Bush; Aisa O Manlosa; Ben Nagel; Achim Schlüter; Vishnumurthy M Chadag; Afrina Choudhury; Steven M Cole; Richard S Cottrell; Stefan Gelcich; et al. (Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 2023)

Potential role of dietary Boswellia serrata resin against mancozeb fungicide-induced immune-antioxidant suppression, histopathological alterations, and genotoxicity in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus - Afaf N. Abdel Rahman; Dalia E. Altohamy; Gehad E. Elshopakey; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Elsayed M. Younis; Nora M. Elseddawy; Aya Elgamal; Shefaa M. Bazeed; Tarek Khamis; Simon J. Davies; Rowida E. Ibrahim (Aquatic Toxicology, 2023)

Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by recreational anglers: considerations for developing more resilient and sustainable fisheries - J. Robert Britton; Adrian C. Pinder; Josep Alós; Robert Arlinghaus; Andy J. Danylchuk; Wendy Edwards; Kátia M. F. Freire; Casper Gundelund; Kieran Hyder; Ivan Jarić; Robert Lennox; Wolf-Christian Lewin; et al. (Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2023)
The global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many jurisdictions implementing orders restricting the movements of people to inhibit virus transmission, with recreational angling often either not permitted or access to fisheries and/or related infrastructure being prevented. Following the lifting of restrictions, initial angler surveys and licence sales suggested increased participation and effort, and altered angler demographics, but with evidence remaining limited. Here, we overcome this evidence gap by identifying temporal changes in angling interest, licence sales, and angling effort in world regions by comparing data in the ‘pre-pandemic’ (up to and including 2019); ‘acute pandemic’ (2020) and ‘COVID-acclimated’ (2021) periods. We then identified how changes can inform the development of more resilient and sustainable recreational fisheries. Interest in angling (measured here as angling-related internet search term volumes) increased substantially in all regions during 2020. Patterns in licence sales revealed marked increases in some countries during 2020 but not in others. Where licence sales increased, this was rarely sustained in 2021; where there were declines, these related to fewer tourist anglers due to movement restrictions. Data from most countries indicated a younger demographic of people who participated in angling in 2020, including in urban areas, but this was not sustained in 2021. These short-lived changes in recreational angling indicate efforts to retain younger anglers could increase overall participation levels, where efforts can target education in appropriate angling practices and create more urban angling opportunities. These efforts would then provide recreational fisheries with greater resilience to cope with future global crises, including facilitating the ability of people to access angling opportunities during periods of high societal stress.

Downstream Allosteric Modulation of NMDA Receptors by 3-Benzazepine Derivatives - Nadine Ritter; Paul Disse; Isabel Aymanns; Lena Mücher; Julian A. Schreiber; Christoph Brenker; Timo Strünker; Dirk Schepmann; Thomas Budde; Nathalie Strutz-Seebohm; Simon M. Ametamey; Bernhard Wünsch; et al. (Molecular Neurobiology, 2023)
N -Methyl- D -aspartate receptors (NMDARs) composed of different splice variants display distinct pH sensitivities and are crucial for learning and memory, as well as for inflammatory or injury processes. Dysregulation of the NMDAR has been linked to diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. The development of selective receptor modulators, therefore, constitutes a promising approach for numerous therapeutical applications. Here, we identified (R)- OF-NB1 as a promising splice variant selective NMDAR antagonist. We investigated the interaction of ( R )-OF-NB1 and NMDAR from a biochemical, bioinformatical, and electrophysiological perspective to characterize the downstream allosteric modulation of NMDAR by 3-benzazepine derivatives. The allosteric modulatory pathway starts at the ifenprodil binding pocket in the amino terminal domain and immobilizes the connecting α5-helix to the ligand binding domain, resulting in inhibition. In contrast, the exon 5 splice variant GluN1-1b elevates the NMDARs flexibility and promotes the open state of its ligand binding domain.

Geographic Variation in Genomic Signals of Admixture Between Two Closely Related European Sepsid Fly Species - Athene Giesen; Wolf U. Blanckenhorn; Martin A. Schäfer; Kentaro K. Shimizu; Rie Shimizu-Inatsugi; Bernhard Misof; Lars Podsiadlowski; Oliver Niehuis; Heidi E. L. Lischer; Simon Aeschbacher; Martin Kapun (Evolutionary Biology, 2023)
The extent of interspecific gene flow and its consequences for the initiation, maintenance, and breakdown of species barriers in natural systems remain poorly understood. Interspecific gene flow by hybridization may weaken adaptive divergence, but can be overcome by selection against hybrids, which may ultimately promote reinforcement. An informative step towards understanding the role of gene flow during speciation is to describe patterns of past gene flow among extant species. We investigate signals of admixture between allopatric and sympatric populations of the two closely related European dung fly species Sepsis cynipsea and S. neocynipsea (Diptera: Sepsidae). Based on microsatellite genotypes, we first inferred a baseline demographic history using Approximate Bayesian Computation. We then used genomic data from pooled DNA of natural and laboratory populations to test for past interspecific gene flow based on allelic configurations discordant with the inferred population tree (ABBA–BABA test with D -statistic). Comparing the detected signals of gene flow with the contemporary geographic relationship among interspecific pairs of populations (sympatric vs. allopatric), we made two contrasting observations. At one site in the French Cevennes, we detected an excess of past interspecific gene flow, while at two sites in Switzerland we observed lower signals of past microsatellite genotypes gene flow among populations in sympatry compared to allopatric populations. These results suggest that the species boundaries between these two species depend on the past and/or present eco-geographic context in Europe, which indicates that there is no uniform link between contemporary geographic proximity and past interspecific gene flow in natural populations.

Multi-habitat carbon stock assessments to inform nature-based solutions for coastal seascapes in arid regions - Stephen Carpenter; Claire Evans; Simon J. Pittman; Marina Antonopoulou; Ivonne Bejarano; Himansu S. Das; Mona Möller; Kate Peel; Fatin Samara; Kostantinos A. Stamoulis; Daniel Mateos-Molina (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023)
Coastal ecosystems are integral to global carbon cycling and are increasingly recognised for their role in mitigating climate change. Within these ecosystems, the dynamics of carbon storage are diverse, varying significantly across different habitats. However, existing management strategies often focus predominantly on vegetated habitats neglecting the contributions of non-vegetated areas. We address this knowledge gap by providing a quantitative spatial assessment of carbon storage across coastal seascapes varying in plant biomass. Our comprehensive multi-habitat inventory of carbon stocks in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that mangroves are the largest carbon-storing habitat per hectare (94.3 t/ha), followed by saltmarshes (63.6 t/ha), microbial mats (51.6 t/ha), mudflats (46.8 t/ha), seagrass (32.5 t/ha), and coastal sabkha (31.0 t/ha).Mean carbon content in the top 50 cm of mangrove soils (53.9 t/ha) was similar to saltmarshes (52.7 t/ha), microbial mats (51.6 t/ha), and mudflats (46.8 t/ha). We highlight the importance of including non-vegetated habitats in carbon accounting and management strategies. Our findings suggest that a more context-specific whole-system approach is essential for guiding effective ecosystem management and designing ecologically meaningful Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Adopting this broader perspective in NbS can ensure more comprehensive conservation and restoration outcomes, which not only protect and enhance blue carbon ecosystems but also contribute to broader ecological and social benefits. This approach is pivotal for advancing our understanding of interconnected coastal ecosystems and their role in climate change mitigation.

Northerly range expansion and first confirmed records of the smalltooth sand tiger shark, Odontaspis ferox , in the United Kingdom and Ireland - David J. Curnick; Rob Deaville; Jenny R. Bortoluzzi; Luke Cameron; Jeanette E. L. Carlsson; Jens Carlsson; Haley R. Dolton; Cat A. Gordon; Phil Hosegood; Alicia Nilsson; Matthew W. Perkins; Kevin J. Purves; et al. (Journal of Fish Biology, 2023)
Three Odontaspis ferox (confirmed by mtDNA barcoding) were found in the English Channel and Celtic Sea in 2023 at Lepe, UK (50.7846, −1.3508), Kilmore Quay, Ireland (52.1714, −6.5937), and Lyme Bay, UK (50.6448, −2.9302). These are the first records of O. ferox in either country, and extend the species' range by over three degrees of latitude, to >52° N. They were ~275 (female), 433 (female), and 293 cm (male) total length, respectively. These continue a series of new records, possibly indicative of a climate change−induced shift in the species' range.

Simulating carbon accumulation and loss in the central Congo peatlands - Dylan M. Young; Andy J. Baird; Paul J. Morris; Greta C. Dargie; Y. Emmanuel Mampouya Wenina; Mackline Mbemba; Arnoud Boom; Peter Cook; Richard Betts; Eleanor Burke; Yannick E. Bocko; Sarah Chadburn; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2023)
Peatlands of the central Congo Basin have accumulated carbon over millennia. They currently store some 29 billion tonnes of carbon in peat. However, our understanding of the controls on peat carbon accumulation and loss and the vulnerability of this stored carbon to climate change is in its infancy. Here we present a new model of tropical peatland development, DigiBog_Congo, that we use to simulate peat carbon accumulation and loss in a rain‐fed interfluvial peatland that began forming ~20,000 calendar years Before Present (cal. yr BP, where ‘present’ is 1950 CE). Overall, the simulated age‐depth curve is in good agreement with palaeoenvironmental reconstructions derived from a peat core at the same location as our model simulation. We find two key controls on long‐term peat accumulation: water at the peat surface (surface wetness) and the very slow anoxic decay of recalcitrant material. Our main simulation shows that between the Late Glacial and early Holocene there were several multidecadal periods where net peat and carbon gain alternated with net loss. Later, a climatic dry phase beginning ~5200 cal. yr BP caused the peatland to become a long‐term carbon source from ~3975 to 900 cal. yr BP. Peat as old as ~7000 cal. yr BP was decomposed before the peatland's surface became wetter again, suggesting that changes in rainfall alone were sufficient to cause a catastrophic loss of peat carbon lasting thousands of years. During this time, 6.4 m of the column of peat was lost, resulting in 57% of the simulated carbon stock being released. Our study provides an approach to understanding the future impact of climate change and potential land‐use change on this vulnerable store of carbon.

Resource selection by New York City deer reveals the effective interface between wildlife, zoonotic hazards and humans - Meredith C. VanAcker; Vickie L. DeNicola; Anthony J. DeNicola; Sarah Grimké Aucoin; Richard Simon; Katrina L. Toal; Maria A. Diuk‐Wasser; Francesca Cagnacci (Ecology Letters, 2023)
Although the role of host movement in shaping infectious disease dynamics is widely acknowledged, methodological separation between animal movement and disease ecology has prevented researchers from leveraging empirical insights from movement data to advance landscape scale understanding of infectious disease risk. To address this knowledge gap, we examine how movement behaviour and resource utilization by white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) determines blacklegged tick ( Ixodes scapularis ) distribution, which depend on deer for dispersal in a highly fragmented New York City borough. Multi‐scale hierarchical resource selection analysis and movement modelling provide insight into how deer's movements contribute to the risk landscape for human exposure to the Lyme disease vector– I. scapularis . We find deer select highly vegetated and accessible residential properties which support blacklegged tick survival. We conclude the distribution of tick‐borne disease risk results from the individual resource selection by deer across spatial scales in response to habitat fragmentation and anthropogenic disturbances.

Alpha-lipoic acid suppresses gibberellic acid nephrotoxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, cytokine production, and apoptosis - Walaa El-Houseiny; Ahmed H. Arisha; Mohamed M.M. Metwally; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Elsayed M. Younis; Simon J. Davies; Bayan A. Hassan; Yasmina M. Abd-Elhakim (Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2023)

Toward a network perspective in coastal ecosystem management - Rebecca V. Gladstone-Gallagher; Simon F. Thrush; Jasmine M.L. Low; Conrad A. Pilditch; Joanne I. Ellis; Judi E. Hewitt (Journal of Environmental Management, 2023)

Environmental DNA metabarcoding for fish diversity assessment in a macrotidal estuary: A comparison with established fish survey methods - Thomas I. Gibson; Gary Carvalho; Amy Ellison; Enrica Gargiulo; Tristan Hatton-Ellis; Lori Lawson-Handley; Stefano Mariani; Rupert A. Collins; Graham Sellers; Marco Antonio Distaso; Carlo Zampieri; Simon Creer (Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2023)

An adaptable integrated modelling platform to support rapidly evolving agricultural and environmental policy - Paula A. Harrison; Kate Beauchamp; Joe Cooper; Ian Dickie; Alice Fitch; Richard Gooday; Michael Hollaway; Ian P. Holman; Merryn Hunt; Laurence Jones; Thomas Mondain-Monval; Daniel Sandars; et al. (Environmental Modelling & Software, 2023)

The role of mantle melting in granite-associated hydrothermal systems: He–Ar isotopes in fluids responsible for Sn–Ag–Pb–Zn mineralization in northeast China - Zhenhua Zhou; Jingwen Mao; Finlay M. Stuart; Xinkai Chen; Simon A. Wilde; Hegen Ouyang; Xu Gao; Jiaqi Zhao (Mineralium Deposita, 2023)

Effect of urbanization and parasitism on the gut microbiota of Darwin's finch nestlings - Gabrielle Solomon; Ashley C. Love; Grace J. Vaziri; Johanna Harvey; Taylor Verrett; Kiley Chernicky; Shelby Simons; Lauren Albert; Jaime A. Chaves; Sarah A. Knutie (Molecular Ecology, 2023)
Host‐associated microbiota can be affected by factors related to environmental change, such as urbanization and invasive species. For example, urban areas often affect food availability for animals, which can change their gut microbiota. Invasive parasites can also influence microbiota through competition or indirectly through a change in the host immune response. These interacting factors can have complex effects on host fitness, but few studies have disentangled the relationship between urbanization and parasitism on an organism's gut microbiota. To address this gap in knowledge, we investigated the effects of urbanization and parasitism by the invasive avian vampire fly ( Philornis downsi ) on the gut microbiota of nestling small ground finches ( Geospiza fuliginosa ) on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos. We conducted a factorial study in which we experimentally manipulated parasite presence in an urban and nonurban area. Faeces were then collected from nestlings to characterize the gut microbiota (i.e. bacterial diversity and community composition). Although we did not find an interactive effect of urbanization and parasitism on the microbiota, we did find main effects of each variable. We found that urban nestlings had lower bacterial diversity and different relative abundances of taxa compared to nonurban nestlings, which could be mediated by introduction of the microbiota of the food items or changes in host physiology. Additionally, parasitized nestlings had lower bacterial richness than nonparasitized nestlings, which could be mediated by a change in the immune system. Overall, this study advances our understanding of the complex effects of anthropogenic stressors on the gut microbiota of birds.

Kidney bean protein hydrolysate as a fish meal replacer: Effects on growth, digestive enzymes, metabolic functions, immune-antioxidant parameters and their related gene expression, intestinal and muscular gene expression - Rowida E. Ibrahim; Samar A. Tolba; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Shimaa I. Shalaby; Ali Osman; Tarek Khamis; Mohamed A. Eissa; Simon J. Davies; Shimaa A. Amer (Aquaculture, 2023)

Experiences of emotional eating during an acceptance and commitment therapy based intervention to support weight loss maintenance (SWiM): A qualitative study - Laura Kudlek; Rebecca A. Jones; Carly Hughes; Robbie Duschinsky; Andrew Hill; Rebecca Richards; Simon J. Griffin; Amy Ahern (Appetite, 2023)

Feasibility and acceptability of an acceptance-based guided self-help programme for weight loss maintenance - Julia Mueller; Rebecca A. Jones; Rebecca Richards; Jennifer Woolston; Fiona Whittle; Andrew J. Hill; Carly A. Hughes; Robbie Duschinsky; Stephen J. Sharp; Clare Boothby; Jennifer Bostock; Penny Breeze; et al. (Appetite, 2023)

Phenotyping urban built and natural environments with high-resolution satellite images and unsupervised deep learning - A. Barbara Metzler; Ricky Nathvani; Viktoriia Sharmanska; Wenjia Bai; Emily Muller; Simon Moulds; Charles Agyei-Asabere; Dina Adjei-Boadi; Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour; Jacob Doku Tetteh; George Owusu; Samuel Agyei-Mensah; et al. (Science of The Total Environment, 2023)

A Ceratopteris EXCESS MICROSPOROCYTES1 suppresses reproductive transition in the fern vegetative leaves - Kelley A. Withers; Kevin Falls; Christopher E. Youngstrom; Tommy Nguyen; Anika DeWald; Rebekah M. Yarvis; Gabriel P. Simons; Robert Flanagan; Linh T. Bui; Erin E. Irish; Chi-Lien Cheng (Plant Science, 2023)

Simon Richard Appleton Kelly (1949–2023) - Simon Schneider; Michael A. Pointon (Proceedings of the Geologists' Association, 2023)

Wildlife habitat association over a twelve-year period (2008–2020) in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem, western Tanzania - Simon Thomsen; Jacqueline Loos; Fiona A. Stewart; Alex K. Piel (Journal for Nature Conservation, 2023)

Chronology of alkali anorthosite 14304 clast “b” records basin forming impact at ∼3.95 Ga - Thomas S. Kruijer; Lars E. Borg; William S. Cassata; Josh Wimpenny; Greg A. Brennecka; Charles K. Shearer; Steven B. Simon (Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 2023)

Draft Genome Sequence of a Primate Isolate of Kazachstania pintolopesii - Steve A. James; Aimee Parker; Catherine Purse; Andrea Telatin; David Baker; Rhiannon Evans; Sandy Holmes; Simon G. P. Funnell; Simon R. Carding (Mycopathologia, 2023)
Kazachstania pintolopesii is an opportunistic mammalian pathobiont from the K. telluris species complex. No draft genomes of this species are currently available. Here, we report the first draft genome sequence of a primate isolate of K. pintolopesii (NCYC 4417).

The Toxicology Investigators Consortium 2022 Annual Report - Alexandra M. Amaducci; Sharan L. Campleman; Shao Li; Dana L. Karshenas; Meghan B. Spyres; Lynn A. Farrugia; A. Min Kang; Rachel E. Culbreth; Paul M. Wax; Jeffrey Brent; Kim Aldy; Jennifer Acciani; et al. (Journal of Medical Toxicology, 2023)

Call type repertoire of killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) in Iceland and its variation across regions - Anna Selbmann; Volker B. Deecke; Olga A. Filatova; Ivan D. Fedutin; Patrick J. O. Miller; Malene Simon; Ann E. Bowles; Thomas Lyrholm; Claire Lacey; Edda E. Magnúsdóttir; William Maunder; Paul J. Wensveen; et al. (Marine Mammal Science, 2023)
Killer whales ( Orcinus orca ) have group‐specific call repertoires that can be used to track groups and populations using passive acoustic monitoring. To provide a detailed description of the Icelandic killer whale repertoire and its variation, we analyzed acoustic data collected in five locations between 1985 and 2016. Calls were classified manually, and CART and random forest analyses were employed to validate the manual classification. A total of 91 call categories (including call types and subtypes) were defined. Most call categories were recorded in more than one location, with the highest proportion shared between herring grounds in Vestmannaeyjar (South) and Breiðafjörður (West). However, both locations included call categories that were not recorded elsewhere in Iceland. Recordings from past herring wintering grounds in eastern Iceland included few call categories that matched other locations. Sample sizes from Reykjanes (Southwest) and Skjálfandi (North) were small and did not include unique call categories. The relative occurrence of call categories in Vestmannaeyjar changed little over a 14‐year period (2002–2016), although shorter‐term changes between years were observed that appeared to correlate to changes in individuals identified. This comparison of acoustic repertoires provides valuable information on the social structure and movement patterns of herring‐eating killer whales around Iceland.

P25-06: Exposure data of makeup products for patients undergoing cancer treatments - P. Roch-Simon; A. Bernard; J. Nonni; C. Guevara; M.-P. Berrada-Gomez; P.-J. Ferret (Toxicology Letters, 2023)

P20-01: First certified reference materials (CRMs) to improve the reliability of biological toxins detection, identification and quantification - R. Zeleny; K. Busschots; B. Kampa; S. Worbs; M. Skiba; B. Dorner; T. Van Nieuwenhuysen; A. Puustinen; P. Vanninen; C. Rasetti-Escargueil; M.-A. Nahori; E. Lemichez; et al. (Toxicology Letters, 2023)

The NW Amazonian Craton in Guainía and Vaupés departments, Colombia: Evidence of a Mesoproterozoic thermal event from apatite LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology and its relation to continental rifting - Amed Bonilla; Jose A. Franco Victoria; Thomas Cramer; Johan De Grave; Simon Nachtergaele; Nathan Cogné; Alejandro Piraquive (Precambrian Research, 2023)

Reducing the time-dependent climate impact of intensive agriculture with strategically positioned short rotation coppice willow - David Livingstone; Beatrice M. Smyth; Rachel Cassidy; Simon T. Murray; Gary A. Lyons; Aoife M. Foley; Christopher R. Johnston (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2023)

Towards a better future for biodiversity and people: Modelling Nature Futures - HyeJin Kim; Garry D. Peterson; William W.L. Cheung; Simon Ferrier; Rob Alkemade; Almut Arneth; Jan J. Kuiper; Sana Okayasu; Laura Pereira; Lilibeth A. Acosta; Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer; Eefje den Belder; et al. (Global Environmental Change, 2023)

How greenhouse horticulture in arid regions can contribute to climate-resilient and sustainable food security - Simon Goddek; Oliver Körner; Karel J. Keesman; Mark A. Tester; Ryan Lefers; Luuk Fleskens; Alyssa Joyce; Erik van Os; Amit Gross; Rik Leemans (Global Food Security, 2023)

Maturation of Paracetamol Elimination Routes in Preterm Neonates Born Below 32 Weeks of Gestation - Yunjiao Wu; Swantje Völler; Elke H. J. Krekels; Daniëlla W. E. Roofthooft; Sinno H. P. Simons; Dick Tibboel; Robert B. Flint; Catherijne A. J. Knibbe (Pharmaceutical Research, 2023)
Purpose Despite being off-label, intravenous paracetamol (PCM) is increasingly used to control mild-to-moderate pain in preterm neonates. Here we aim to quantify the maturation of paracetamol elimination pathways in preterm neonates born below 32 weeks of gestation. Methods Datasets after single dose (rich data) or multiple doses (sparse data) of intravenous PCM dose (median (range)) 9 (3–25) mg/kg were pooled, containing 534 plasma and 44 urine samples of PCM and metabolites (PCM–glucuronide, PCM–sulfate, PCM–cysteine, and PCM–mercapturate) from 143 preterm neonates (gestational age 27.7 (24.0–31.9) weeks, birthweight 985 (462–1,925) g, postnatal age (PNA) 5 (0–30) days, current weight 1,012 (462–1,959) g. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using NONMEM® 7.4. Results For a typical preterm neonate (birthweight 985 g; PNA 5 days), PCM clearance was 0.137 L/h, with glucuronidation, sulfation, oxidation and unchanged renal clearance accounting for 5.3%, 73.7%, 16.3% and 4.6%, respectively. Maturational changes in total PCM clearance and its elimination pathways were best described by birthweight and PNA. Between 500–1,500 g birthweight, total PCM clearance increases by 169%, with glucuronidation, sulfation and oxidation clearance increasing by 347%, 164% and 164%. From 1–30 days PNA for 985 g birthweight neonate, total PCM clearance increases by 167%, with clearance via glucuronidation and oxidation increasing by 551%, and sulfation by 69%. Conclusion Birthweight and PNA are the most important predictors for maturational changes in paracetamol clearance and its glucuronidation, sulfation and oxidation. As a result, dosing based on bodyweight alone will not lead to consistent paracetamol concentrations among preterm neonates.

Identifying Gaps and Challenges in Global Pesticide Legislation that Impact the Protection of Consumer Health: Rice as a Case Study - Patricia Kubiak-Hardiman; Simon A. Haughey; Julie Meneely; Sarah Miller; Kaushik Banerjee; Christopher T. Elliott (Exposure and Health, 2023)
With continued global population expansion, food production will have to increase with crops protected against the growing menace of pests, requiring the increased use of pesticides globally to ensure that agricultural production is optimised and remains economically viable. The aim of this systematic review was to perform an in-depth analysis of pesticide legislation, focusing on rice, to understand the gaps that exist in the harmonisation across different countries. Tricyclazole, carbendazim, thiamethoxam and acephate were considered as these received the highest numbers of RASFF notifications and alerts due to their presence in rice. Global differences in regulations cause trade issues, especially when developing countries use unauthorised pesticides or different MRLs. Discrepancies in the registration and regulation of sales were found to be a global problem. Sales of pesticides and resulting residues in developing countries that are banned in the EU or US is highly concerning. Evidence suggests farmers’ education regarding pesticide use and protection must be increased, particularly as climate change is impacting pesticide use patterns and their bio-efficacy. In conclusion, international pesticide regulations have been implemented to protect consumer health, the environment and facilitate international trade. However, the absence of national MRLs in some countries or non-alignments with Codex MRLs raise significant concerns regarding some pesticides in relation to the protection of consumer health and the use of mixtures versus single pesticides. Additionally, global differences in pesticide regulation highlight problems in trade, especially when developing countries use unauthorised pesticides or when MRLs are not in agreement.

Giants of the Amazon: How does environmental variation drive the diversity patterns of large trees? - Robson Borges de Lima; Eric Bastos Görgens; Diego Armando S. da Silva; Cinthia Pereira de Oliveira; Anderson Pedro B. Batista; Rinaldo L. Caraciolo Ferreira; Flavia R. C. Costa; Renato A. Ferreira de Lima; Perseu da Silva Aparício; Jadson Coelho de Abreu; José Antônio Aleixo da Silva; Aretha Franklin Guimaraes; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2023)
For more than three decades, major efforts in sampling and analyzing tree diversity in South America have focused almost exclusively on trees with stems of at least 10 and 2.5 cm diameter, showing highest species diversity in the wetter western and northern Amazon forests. By contrast, little attention has been paid to patterns and drivers of diversity in the largest canopy and emergent trees, which is surprising given these have dominant ecological functions. Here, we use a machine learning approach to quantify the importance of environmental factors and apply it to generate spatial predictions of the species diversity of all trees (dbh ≥ 10 cm) and for very large trees (dbh ≥ 70 cm) using data from 243 forest plots (108,450 trees and 2832 species) distributed across different forest types and biogeographic regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The diversity of large trees and of all trees was significantly associated with three environmental factors, but in contrasting ways across regions and forest types. Environmental variables associated with disturbances, for example, the lightning flash rate and wind speed, as well as the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation, tend to govern the diversity of large trees. Upland rainforests in the Guiana Shield and Roraima regions had a high diversity of large trees. By contrast, variables associated with resources tend to govern tree diversity in general. Places such as the province of Imeri and the northern portion of the province of Madeira stand out for their high diversity of species in general. Climatic and topographic stability and functional adaptation mechanisms promote ideal conditions for species diversity. Finally, we mapped general patterns of tree species diversity in the Brazilian Amazon, which differ substantially depending on size class.

Social harvest control rules for sustainable fisheries - Kate M. Barclay; Simon R. Bush; Jan Jaap Poos; Andries Richter; Paul A. M. van Zwieten; Katell G. Hamon; Eira Carballo‐Cárdenas; Annet P. Pauwelussen; Rolf A. Groeneveld; Hilde M. Toonen; Amanda Schadeberg; Marloes Kraan; et al. (Fish and Fisheries, 2023)
Fisheries are supposed to be for the benefit of society, producing food, providing livelihoods and enabling cultural continuity. Biological productivity goals for fish stocks operationalised through Harvest Control Rules (HCRs) are central to contemporary fisheries management. While fisheries policies often state socio‐economic objectives, such as enhancing the livelihoods of coastal communities, those are rarely, if ever, incorporated into operationalised management procedures. The lack of articulation of social objectives and lack of monitoring of social outcomes around HCRs amounts to poor public policy. In this article, we explore the potential for social HCRs (sHCRs) with reference points and agreed predefined actions to make the social dimensions of fisheries explicit. sHCRs cannot cover all social dimensions, so should be considered as one tool within a broader framework of fisheries governance. Moreover, successful sHCRs would require sound deliberative and participatory processes to generate legitimate social objectives, and monitoring and evaluation of fisheries management performance against those objectives. We introduce two potential types of sHCRs, one based on allocation of catch within biological limit reference points, and one for when fishing exceeds biological limit reference points. The application of sHCRs, we argue, can foster accountability and help avoid non‐transparent negotiations on size and distribution of the catch. Our proposal is a call to action for policy makers and fisheries managers to properly integrate social criteria into fisheries governance, and for both biophysical fisheries scientists and social scientists to do better in practical collaboration for methods and knowledge development to support this integration.

Seasonality of reproduction in an ever‐wet lowland tropical forest in A mazonian E cuador - Nancy C. Garwood; Margaret R. Metz; Simon A. Queenborough; Viveca Persson; S. Joseph Wright; David F. R. P. Burslem; Milton Zambrano; Renato Valencia (Ecology, 2023)
Flowering and fruiting phenology have been infrequently studied in the ever‐wet hyperdiverse lowland forests of northwestern equatorial Amazonía. These Neotropical forests are typically called aseasonal with reference to climate because they are ever‐wet, and it is often assumed they are also aseasonal with respect to phenology. The physiological limits to plant reproduction imposed by water and light availability are difficult to disentangle in seasonal forests because these variables are often temporally correlated, and both are rarely studied together, challenging our understanding of their relative importance as drivers of reproduction. Here we report on the first long‐term study (18 years) of flowering and fruiting phenology in a diverse equatorial forest, Yasuní in eastern Ecuador, and the first to include a full suite of on‐site monthly climate data. Using twice monthly censuses of 200 traps and >1000 species, we determined whether reproduction at Yasuní is seasonal at the community and species levels and analyzed the relationships between environmental variables and phenology. We also tested the hypothesis that seasonality in phenology, if present, is driven primarily by irradiance. Both the community‐ and species‐level measures demonstrated strong reproductive seasonality at Yasuní. Flowering peaked in September–November and fruiting peaked in March–April, with a strong annual signal for both phenophases. Irradiance and rainfall were also highly seasonal, even though no month on average experienced drought (a month with

Mineral nutrition in penaeid shrimp - Ha H. Truong; Barney M. Hines; Maurício G. Emerenciano; David Blyth; Sarah Berry; Tansyn H. Noble; Nicholas A. Bourne; Nicholas Wade; Artur N. Rombenso; Cedric J. Simon (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2023)
This review summarises the current knowledge of mineral nutrition for penaeid shrimp. It investigates how the aquatic environment and the lifecycle of shrimp affect requirements and the role that minerals play in shrimp health. Methods of supplying minerals via either water or to feed, and novel ways of supplementing minerals within feed, are discussed. The requirements for individual minerals are summarised with recommendations for minimum levels of dietary inclusion for semi‐intensive and intensive commercial shrimp culture presented where data permits. Estimates of dietary requirement remain broad for most minerals for the main shrimp production species ( Penaeus vannamei , Penaeus monodon and Penaeus japonicus ), with some essential minerals remaining unstudied (Table 2 in Section 5.10). Mineral nutrition will become more important as intensification and diversification of production systems provide new challenges to shrimp aquaculture.

Assessing the impacts of ecological framework of Indian riverfront revitalization projects - Susan Simons; Amit Kinjawadekar; Trupti A. Kinjawadekar (Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2023)
Urban waterfronts have evolved into vibrant centres of recreation, tourism, and economic activities, becoming focal points for social, cultural, and religious gatherings in modern cities. The historical development of riverfronts sought to elevate the economic status and image of neighbouring cities during the industrial era. However, with the growing emphasis on riverfront revitalization projects in recent times, it has become imperative to prioritize environmental sustainability and ecological considerations in the planning and execution of these initiatives. This paper delves into the revitalization plans of the Sabarmati and Patna riverfronts in India, undertaking a comparative assessment of their development strategies and challenges encountered in ecological preservation. The study seeks to explore the interplay between the river and environmental concerns and analyse the positive impacts of ecological improvements on the social and economic dimensions of these urban waterfronts. Additionally, the research scrutinizes the alignment of these various aspects with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, presenting an integrated approach towards fostering holistic and sustainable urban riverfront development. The study on riverfront development projects revealed that successful projects prioritize social inclusivity, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability, contributing to the long-term success and well-being of both communities and ecosystems. The research demonstrates the potential for holistic and sustainable urban development through riverfront revitalization, offering valuable insights and case studies for future urban redevelopment projects.

Delineating spatial use combined with threat assessment to aid critical recovery of northeast Australia’s endangered hawksbill turtle, one of western Pacific's last strongholds - Christine A. Madden Hof; Caitlin Smith; Simon Miller; Kita Ashman; Kathy A. Townsend; Justin Meager (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023)
The current rate of decline in the globally significant western Pacific hawksbill turtle nesting population on Milman Island on the northern Great Barrier Reef (neQLD) suggests that it could be functionally extinct within a decade. Yet a poor understanding of the relative importance and spatial distribution of threats to this population has been a major impediment to recovery actions. For the first time, we assess all threats to the neQLD stock using a combination of a post-hatchling dispersal model, new satellite tracking of post-nesting migrations and a comprehensive review of existing data. We overlay migration routes and foraging areas from the satellite tracking data with spatially referenced threat layers to analyse threat exposure. We found all tracked hawksbills remained in Australian waters, with migration to foraging areas in Queensland including western Cape York to western Torres Strait (n = 8), and eastern Cape York to eastern Torres Strait (n = 5). These results underscore the critical importance of foraging habitats in Queensland (particularly western Queensland) to the Millman Island nesting population. In contrast, the Lagrangian post-hatchling dispersal model predicted a concentration of turtles in the Torres Strait to Gulf of Papua region, with most final positions in Australian waters (63%), followed by Papua New Guinea (31%), Solomon Islands (3%), Indonesia (2%), Vanuatu (0.49%), New Caledonia (1%). Even though 37% of post-hatchling turtles were predicted to recruit to foraging areas outside of the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), none of the 25 turtles tracked left the Australian EEZ (13 in this study and 12 previously). This suggests that survival to breeding is low for turtles outside of the Australian EEZ, but other explanations are discussed. No single pervasive threat was identified in the threat risk assessment however, fisheries (bycatch/ghost gear) interactions, direct harvesting and climate change were considered to have the potential to impede recovery or result in further decline in the population. Fisheries and harvesting should be the priorities for immediate management actions. The lack of spatial protection in foraging habitats in western Queensland was identified as a major policy gap requiring immediate attention if this population’s trajectory is to be reversed and remain one of western Pacific’s strongholds.

Neem seed protein hydrolysate as a fishmeal substitute in Nile tilapia: Effects on antioxidant/immune pathway, growth, amino acid transporters-related gene expression, and Aeromonas veronii resistance - Afaf N. Abdel Rahman; Shimaa A. Amer; Shimaa R. Masoud; Mahmoud M. El-Saber; Ali Osman; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Simon J. Davies; Tarek Khamis; Rowida E. Ibrahim (Aquaculture, 2023)

The EnMAP imaging spectroscopy mission towards operations - Tobias Storch; Hans-Peter Honold; Sabine Chabrillat; Martin Habermeyer; Paul Tucker; Maximilian Brell; Andreas Ohndorf; Katrin Wirth; Matthias Betz; Michael Kuchler; Helmut Mühle; Emiliano Carmona; et al. (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2023)

Challenges in cybersecurity: Lessons from biological defense systems - Edward Schrom; Ann Kinzig; Stephanie Forrest; Andrea L. Graham; Simon A. Levin; Carl T. Bergstrom; Carlos Castillo-Chavez; James P. Collins; Rob J. de Boer; Adam Doupé; Roya Ensafi; Stuart Feldman; et al. (Mathematical Biosciences, 2023)

Overview of the search for signs of space weathering on the low-albedo asteroid (101955) Bennu - B.E. Clark; A. Sen; X.-D. Zou; D.N. DellaGiustina; S. Sugita; N. Sakatani; M. Thompson; D. Trang; E. Tatsumi; M.A. Barucci; M. Barker; H. Campins; et al. (Icarus, 2023)

Hadean to early Mesoarchean rocks and zircons in the North China Craton: A review - Yusheng Wan; Chunyan Dong; Hangqiang Xie; Simon A. Wilde; Shoujie Liu; Pengchuan Li; Mingzhu Ma; Yuan Li; Yuqing Wang; Kunli Wang; Dunyi Liu (Earth-Science Reviews, 2023)

Trouble in the tropics: Pathogen spillover is a threat for native stingless bees - Fernando A. Fleites-Ayil; Luis A. Medina-Medina; José Javier G. Quezada Euán; Eckart Stolle; Panagiotis Theodorou; Simon Tragust; Robert J. Paxton (Biological Conservation, 2023)

Acute mancozeb-fungicide exposure induces neuro-ethology disruption, health disorders, and immune-oxidative dysfunction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) - Rowida E. Ibrahim; Mohamed A. Elbealy; Gamal A. Salem; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Elsayed M. Younis; Eman Wagih; Ahmed Asaid Elkady; Simon J. Davies; Afaf N. Abdel Rahman (Aquatic Toxicology, 2023)

Ex Vivo Immunomodulatory Effects of Lactobacillus-, Lacticaseibacillus-, and Bifidobacterium-Containing Synbiotics on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells in the Context of Grass Pollen Allergy - Alexander Heldner; Matthew D. Heath; Benjamin Schnautz; Sebastian Kotz; Adam Chaker; Matthias F. Kramer; Constanze A. Jakwerth; Ulrich M. Zissler; Carsten B. Schmidt-Weber; Simon Blank (Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 2023)
Sensing of the intestinal microbiota by the host immune system is important to induce protective immune responses. Hence, modification of the gut microbiota might be able to prevent or treat allergies, mediated by proinflammatory Th2 immune responses. The aim was to investigate the ex vivo immunomodulatory effects of the synbiotics Pollagen® and Kallergen®, containing the probiotic bacterial strains Lactobacillus , Lacticaseibacillus and Bifidobacterium , in the context of grass pollen allergy. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from grass pollen–allergic patients and healthy controls were stimulated with grass pollen extract (GPE) and synbiotics and Gata3 expression and cytokine secretion analyzed. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) cells were matured in the presence of GPE and synbiotics, co-cultured with autologous naïve T cells and maturation markers and cytokine secretion analyzed. GPE stimulation of PBMCs from grass pollen–allergic patients resulted in a significant higher production of the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13 compared to healthy controls. Gata3 + CD4 + T cell induction was independent of the allergic status. The synbiotics promoted IL-10 and IFN-γ secretion and downregulated the GPE-induced Th2-like phenotype. Co-culturing naïve T cells with MoDCs, matured in the presence of GPE and synbiotics, shifted the GPE-induced Th2 cytokine release towards Th1-Th17-promoting conditions in allergic subjects. The investigated synbiotics are effective in downregulating the GPE-induced Th2 immune response in PBMCs from grass pollen–allergic patients as well as in autologous MoDC-T cell stimulation assays. In addition to increased IL-10 release, the data indicates a shift from a Th2- to a more Th1- and Th17-like phenotype.

Melatonin Influences Terpenoid Indole Alkaloids Biosynthesis and 5′ Upstream-Mediated Regulation of Cell wall Invertase in Catharanthus roseus - S. A. Sheshadri; M. J. Nishanth; Bindu Simon (Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2023)

Effects of food waste digested materials on Lactuva sativa growth and soil composition - F. W. Simon; A. B. de Castilhos Junior; A. Loss; C. Malinowski; M. S. Matias (International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2023)

When and where are livestock climate-smart? A spatial-temporal framework for comparing the climate change and food security synergies and tradeoffs of Sub-Saharan African livestock systems - Leah A. Germer; Corina E. van Middelaar; Simon J. Oosting; Pierre J. Gerber (Agricultural Systems, 2023)

Bacterial Co-Infection as a Potential Threat to Farmed Flathead Grey Mullet (Mugil cephalus): Phenotypic and Molecular Diagnosis, Histopathology, Immunity Response, and In Vitro Antibacterial Evaluation - Samia Elbahnaswy; Gehad E. Elshopakey; Medhat S. Shakweer; Elsayed A. A. Eldessouki; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Elsayed M. Younis; Simon J. Davies; Mai A. M. El-Son (Fishes, 2023)
Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio chlorea, and Enterococcus cloacae were the main bacterial pathogens investigated during recurrent episodes of mortalities among farmed flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) in the Bahar El-Baqar area, Sharqia governorate, Egypt, during the summer season in 2021. Nevertheless, the contamination of water with heavy metals was evaluated. In this study, a total number of sixty moribund and freshly dead Mugil cephalus were examined clinically and upon post-mortem. Then, the bacterial isolates were subjected to bacteriological phenotypic examination, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and antibiotic sensitivity testing. Histopathological screening and the immunity response of naturally infected M. cephalus were also implemented. In areas where bacterial strains were recovered in a high percentage, water contamination with Cu, Fe, and Ni was higher than the permissible limit. The results showed a high similarity (99–100%) to Vibrio and E. cloacae strains using phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA. Most isolates exhibited sensitivity to florfenicol, ciprofloxacin, and norfloxacin, while they were resistant to erythromycin and amoxicillin. Hemorrhage, oedema, hemosiderosis, and melanomacrophage activation in most affected tissues of infected M. cephalus were detected by light microscopy. Nevertheless, higher levels of AST and ALT, as well as serum inflammatory markers, CRP, and lysozyme activity, were shown in infected fish. There were higher MDA levels, along with a reduction of GSH, SOD, and catalase, in the gills and brain of infected M. cephalus, compared to the control fish. Our obtained data confirmed the high prevalence of Vibrio serovars and E. cloacae in infected grey mullets, describing their histopathological alterations, higher inflammatory response, and oxidative stress impact. These results could be useful indicators for understanding the pathogenesis of these pathogens in correlation with water parameter deterioration. Thus, the emergence of Vibrio and E. cloacae species in this study threatens the brackish water aquaculture industry in Egypt and poses a public health concern.

Economics, morality, or race: Referenda voting on tribal gaming legalization - Christopher A. Simon; John Frendreis; Raymond Tatalovich (The Social Science Journal, 2023)

Microscale pollen release and dispersal patterns in flowering grass populations - Carl A. Frisk; Godfrey P. Apangu; Geoffrey M. Petch; Simon Creer; Mary Hanson; Beverley Adams-Groom; Carsten A. Skjøth (Science of The Total Environment, 2023)

Drilling 1100-km-long seafloor ridges reveals how palaeoshorelines control carbonate shelf morphologies (North West Shelf, Australia) - Ulysse Lebrec; Rosine Riera; Michael O'Leary; Jody M. Webster; Yusuke Yokoyama; Luke A. Gliganic; Simon C. Lang; Victorien Paumard (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2023)

Nature and preservation of Late Jurassic breakup-related volcanism in the Carnarvon Basin, North West Shelf, Australia - Michael S. Curtis; Simon P. Holford; Mark A. Bunch; Nick Schofield (Marine and Petroleum Geology, 2023)

Improving spatially-resolved lithium quantification in drill core samples of spodumene pegmatite by using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and pixel-matched reference areas - Simon Müller; Jeannet A. Meima; Hans-Eike Gäbler (Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 2023)

Eastward extension of the Solonker Suture beneath the central Songliao Basin, NE China: Evidence from a deep seismic reflection profile - Ming-Rui Li; Rui Gao; Jian-Bo Zhou; Simon A Wilde; He-Sheng Hou; Xiao-Fan Deng (Gondwana Research, 2023)

The impact of personally relevant consumption contexts during product evaluations in virtual reality - Kym Man; Jeremy A. Patterson; Christopher Simons (Food Quality and Preference, 2023)

The IV International Symposium on Fungal Stress and the XIII International Fungal Biology Conference - Alene Alder-Rangel; Alexandre Melo Bailão; Alfredo Herrera-Estrella; Amanda E.A. Rangel; Attila Gácser; Audrey P. Gasch; Claudia B.L. Campos; Christina Peters; Francine Camelim; Fulvia Verde; Geoffrey Michael Gadd; Gerhard Braus; et al. (Fungal Biology, 2023)

Risk assessments for the dietary intake aflatoxins in food: A systematic review (2016–2022) - Kiran Bhardwaj; Julie P. Meneely; Simon A. Haughey; Moira Dean; Patrick Wall; Guangtao Zhang; Bob Baker; Christopher T. Elliott (Food Control, 2023)

First observations of Weddell seals foraging in sponges in Erebus Bay, Antarctica - Rose T. N. Foster-Dyer; Kimberly T. Goetz; Matthew H. Pinkerton; Takashi Iwata; Rachel R. Holser; Sarah A. Michael; Craig Pritchard; Simon Childerhouse; Jay Rotella; Luisa Federwisch; Daniel P. Costa; Michelle A. LaRue (Polar Biology, 2023)
Attaching cameras to marine mammals allows for first-hand observation of underwater behaviours that may otherwise go unseen. While studying the foraging behaviour of 26 lactating Weddell seals ( Leptonychotes weddellii ) in Erebus Bay during the austral spring of 2018 and 2019, we witnessed three adults and one pup investigating the cavities of Rossellidae glass sponges, with one seal visibly chewing when she removed her head from the sponge. To our knowledge, this is the first report of such behaviour. While the prey item was not identifiable, some Trematomus fish (a known Weddell seal prey) use glass sponges for shelter and in which to lay their eggs. Three of the four sponge foraging observations occurred around 13:00 (NZDT). Two of the three sponge foraging adults had higher-than-average reproductive rates, and the greatest number of previous pups of any seal in our study population, each having ten pups in 12 years. This is far higher than the study population average of three previous pups (± 2.6 SD). This novel foraging strategy may have evolved in response to changes in prey availability, and could offer an evolutionary advantage to some individuals that exploit prey resources that others may not. Our observations offer new insight into the foraging behaviours of one of the world’s most studied marine mammals. Further research on the social aspects of Weddell seal behaviour may increase our understanding of the extent and mechanisms of behavioural transfer between conspecifics. Research into the specific foraging behaviour of especially successful or experienced breeders is also warranted.

Preclinical Considerations for Long-acting Delivery of Tenofovir Alafenamide from Subdermal Implants for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis - Manjula Gunawardana; Mariana Remedios-Chan; Debbie Sanchez; Rob Fanter; Simon Webster; Paul Webster; John A. Moss; MyMy Trinh; Martin Beliveau; Christina M. Ramirez; Mark A. Marzinke; Joseph Kuo; et al. (Pharmaceutical Research, 2023)
Purpose Long-acting formulations of the potent antiretroviral prodrug tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) hold potential as biomedical HIV prevention modalities. Here, we present a rigorous comparison of three animal models, C57BL/6 J mice, beagle dogs, and merino sheep for evaluating TAF implant pharmacokinetics (PKs). Methods Implants delivering TAF over a wide range of controlled release rates were tested in vitro and in mice and dogs. Our existing PK model, supported by an intravenous (IV) dosing dog study, was adapted to analyze mechanistic aspects underlying implant TAF delivery. Results TAF in vitro release in the 0.13 to 9.8 mg d −1 range with zero order kinetics were attained. Implants with equivalent fabrication parameters released TAF in mice and sheep at rates that were not statistically different, but were 3 times higher in dogs. When two implants were placed in the same subcutaneous pocket, a two-week creep to C max was observed in dogs for systemic drug and metabolite concentrations, but not in mice. Co-modeling IV and TAF implant PK data in dogs led to an apparent TAF bioavailability of 9.6 in the single implant groups (compared to the IV group), but only 1.5 when two implants were placed in the same subcutaneous pocket. Conclusions Based on the current results, we recommend using mice and sheep, with macaques as a complementary species, for preclinical TAF implant evaluation with the caveat that our observations may be specific to the implant technology used here. Our report provides fundamental, translatable insights into multispecies TAF delivery via long-acting implants.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients in western Pennsylvania: rural–urban disparities - Kathryn Demanelis; Margaret Rosenzweig; Linda B. Robertson; Carissa A. Low; Shayla Daniels; Hiba Abujaradeh; Beth Simon; Dana H. Bovbjerg; Brenda Diergaarde (Cancer Causes & Control, 2023)

Lessons learned in the practice of community-based participatory research with community partner collaboration in study design and implementation: the community scientist model - Megan A. Morrell; Tabitha R. Willis; Denisha R. Brown; Catherine A. O’Brian; Sharon L. Post; Gayle E. Woloschak; Marcelo G. Bonini; Tatjana Paunesku; Jelena Popovic; Tarneka M. Manning; Candace Henley; Jorge Girotti; et al. (Cancer Causes & Control, 2023)

Insights from an AIMBE Workshop: Diversifying Paths to Academic Leadership - Beth L. Pruitt; Naomi C. Chesler; Rena Seltzer; Omolola Eniola-Adefeso; Susan S. Margulies; Maritza Salazar Campo; Scott I. Simon; Michele J. Grimm; Sarah Mandell; Andrew Alleyne; Jennifer L. West; Tejal A. Desai (Biomedical Engineering Education, 2023)
The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) hosted a virtual symposium titled “Diversifying Paths to Academic Leadership” on January 27 and 28, 2022. The symposium sought to educate the community on the opportunities for and impact of leadership by biomedical engineering faculty, to encourage and invite women faculty, especially women of color, to consider and prepare to pursue leadership roles, to educate faculty on the expectations and duties of these roles, and to highlight experiences and paths to leadership of women engineering leaders. Here we review the main outcomes of the symposium to provide perspective on (1) personal visioning and positioning for leadership, (2) negotiating for success in leadership positions, and (3) leadership strategies for success specific to women faculty and where applicable, faculty of color.

Physiological properties of the visual system in the Green Weaver ant, Oecophylla smaragdina - Yuri Ogawa; Lochlan Jones; Laura A. Ryan; Simon K. A. Robson; Nathan S. Hart; Ajay Narendra (Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 2023)
The Green Weaver ants, Oecophylla smaragdina are iconic animals known for their extreme cooperative behaviour where they bridge gaps by linking to each other to build living chains. They are visually oriented animals, build chains towards closer targets, use celestial compass cues for navigation and are visual predators. Here, we describe their visual sensory capacity. The major workers of O. smaragdina have more ommatidia (804) in each eye compared to minor workers (508), but the facet diameters are comparable between both castes. We measured the impulse responses of the compound eye and found their response duration (42 ms) was similar to that seen in other slow-moving ants. We determined the flicker fusion frequency of the compound eye at the brightest light intensity to be 132 Hz, which is relatively fast for a walking insect suggesting the visual system is well suited for a diurnal lifestyle. Using pattern-electroretinography we identified the compound eye has a spatial resolving power of 0.5 cycles deg −1 and reached peak contrast sensitivity of 2.9 (35% Michelson contrast threshold) at 0.05 cycles deg −1 . We discuss the relationship of spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity, with number of ommatidia and size of the lens.

Millimetre‐scale pollen analysis of non‐varved lacustrine sediments from Onepoto maar palaeolake, Auckland, reveals distal vegetation responses and landscape recovery following the ~25.5‐ka Ōruanui supereruption, New Zealand - Stephen B. Piva; Simon J. Barker; Rewi M. Newnham; Andrew B. H. Rees; Colin J. N. Wilson; Lionel Carter; Nels A. Iverson; Benjamin Läuchli; Paul C. Augustinus (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2023)
The ~25.5‐ka Ōruanui supereruption (Taupō volcano, New Zealand) erupted >1100 km 3 of pyroclastic material during the Last Glacial Maximum. The impacts of this event on climate and the New Zealand environment remain unresolved, particularly on ecological timescales. Using sediment cores from Onepoto maar palaeolake, Auckland (~240 km upwind from source), we have analysed pollen assemblages at contiguous 1‐mm intervals, around an intact 3‐cm layer of the Kawakawa‐Ōruanui Tephra to resolve and assess post‐eruption vegetation impacts and landscape recovery. Sediments immediately above the tephra record a decline in the relative abundance of the dominant canopy species of Fuscospora , and concurrent increase in the abundances of grasses, herbs, ferns and shrubs. These changes reflect a brief (

Stable isotope ecology and interspecific dietary overlap among dolphins in the Northeast Atlantic - Tessa Plint; Mariel T.I. ten Doeschate; Andrew C. Brownlow; Nicholas J. Davison; Georg Hantke; Andrew C. Kitchener; Fred J. Longstaffe; Rona A. R. McGill; Cornelia Simon-Nutbrown; Clayton R. Magill (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023)
Dolphins are mobile apex marine predators. Over the past three decades, warm-water adapted dolphin species (short-beaked common and striped) have expanded their ranges northward and become increasingly abundant in British waters. Meanwhile, cold-water adapted dolphins (white-beaked and Atlantic white-sided) abundance trends are decreasing, with evidence of the distribution of white-beaked dolphins shifting from southern to northern British waters. These trends are particularly evident in Scottish waters and ocean warming may be a contributing factor. This mobility increases the likelihood of interspecific dietary overlap for prey among dolphin species previously separated by latitude and thermal gradients. Foraging success is critical to both individual animal health and overall population resilience. However, the degree of dietary overlap and plasticity among these species in the Northeast Atlantic is unknown. Here, we characterise recent (2015-2021) interspecific isotopic niche and niche overlap among six small and medium-sized delphinid species co-occurring in Scottish waters, using skin stable isotope composition ( δ 13 C and δ 15 N), combined with stomach content records and prey δ 13 C and δ 15 N compiled from the literature. Cold-water adapted white-beaked dolphin have a smaller core isotopic niche and lower dietary plasticity than the generalist short-beaked common dolphin. Striped dolphin isotopic niche displayed no interspecific overlap, however short-beaked common dolphin isotopic niche overlapped with white-beaked dolphin by 30% and Atlantic white-sided dolphin by 7%. Increasing abundance of short-beaked common dolphin in British waters could create competition for cold-water adapted dolphin species as a significant portion of their diets comprise the same size Gadiformes and high energy density pelagic schooling fish. These priority prey species are also a valuable component of the local and global fishing industry. Competition for prey from both ecological and anthropogenic sources should be considered when assessing cumulative stressors acting on cold-water adapted dolphin populations with projected decline in available habitat as ocean temperatures continue to rise.

Supporting a stock assessment with spatio-temporal models fitted to fisheries-dependent data - Arnaud Grüss; Jeremy R. McKenzie; Martin Lindegren; Richard Bian; Simon D. Hoyle; Jennifer A. Devine (Fisheries Research, 2023)

Spins and shapes of basaltic asteroids and the missing mantle problem - Dagmara Oszkiewicz; Volodymyr Troianskyi; Adrián Galád; Josef Hanuš; Josef Ďurech; Emil Wilawer; Anna Marciniak; Tomasz Kwiatkowski; Paweł Koleńczuk; Brian A. Skiff; Tom Polakis; Nicholas A. Moskovitz; et al. (Icarus, 2023)

Dynamics of soot surface growth and agglomeration by enclosed spray combustion of jet fuel - Una Trivanovic; Michael Pereira Martins; Simon Benz; Georgios A. Kelesidis; Sotiris E. Pratsinis (Fuel, 2023)

BasinMaker 3.0: A GIS toolbox for distributed watershed delineation of complex lake-river routing networks - Ming Han; Hongren Shen; Bryan A. Tolson; James R. Craig; Juliane Mai; Simon G.M. Lin; Nandita B. Basu; Frezer S. Awol (Environmental Modelling & Software, 2023)

The nature and spatial–temporal evolution of suture zones in Northeast China - Zhuo Chen; Jian-Bo Zhou; Gong-Yu Li; Simon A. Wilde (Earth-Science Reviews, 2023)

Correction factors for commissioning and patient specific quality assurance of stereotactic fields in a Monte Carlo based treatment planning system - Simon K. Goodall; Pejman Rowshanfarzad; Martin A. Ebert (Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 2023)
Validation of small field dosimetry is crucial for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Accurate and considered measurement of linear accelerator dose must be compared to precise and accurate calculation by the treatment planning system (TPS). Monte Carlo calculated distributions contain statistical noise, reducing the reliance that should be given to single voxel doses. The average dose to a small volume of interest (VOI) can minimise the influence of noise, but for small fields introduces significant volume averaging. Similar challenges present during measurement of composite dose from clinical plans when a small volume ionisation chamber is used. This study derived correction factors for VOI averaged TPS doses calculated for small fields, allowing correction to an isocentre dose following account for statistical noise. These factors were used to determine an optimal VOI to represent small volume ionisation chambers during patient specific quality assurance (PSQA). A retrospective comparison of 82 SRS and 28 SBRT PSQA measurements to TPS calculated doses from varying VOI was completed to evaluate the determined volumes. Small field commissioning correction factors of under 5% were obtained for field sizes of 8 mm and larger. Optimal spherical VOI with radius between 1.5 and 1.8 mm and 2.5 to 2.9 mm were determined for IBA CC01 and CC04 ionisation chambers respectively. Review of PSQA confirmed an optimal agreement between CC01 measured doses and a volume of 1.5 to 1.8 mm while CC04 measured doses showed no variation with VOI.

Development of a Web-GIS Platform for Environmental Monitoring and Conservation of the Muringato Catchment in Kenya - Wisdom Kipkemboi; Bartholomew T. Kuria; David N. Kuria; Arthur W. Sichangi; Charles N. Mundia; Johanna A. Wanjala; Simon W. Muthee; Marcus Goebel; Andreas Rienow (Journal of Geovisualization and Spatial Analysis, 2023)

The Challenge of Global Aflatoxins Legislation with a Focus on Peanuts and Peanut Products: A Systematic Review - Julie P. Meneely; Oluwatobi Kolawole; Simon A. Haughey; Sarah J. Miller; Rudolf Krska; Christopher T. Elliott (Exposure and Health, 2023)
Globally, of all mycotoxins, aflatoxins present a significant threat to human and animal health and has resulted in the introduction of strict food regulatory limits to protect public health. A systematic review, was performed to elucidate the rationale applied in establishing aflatoxin standards and evaluate the economic impacts of these. The focus was peanuts, a principal trading commodity susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. Results revealed that although regulations are established in many countries, there is huge disparity in the maximum limits applied due to different methodologies used when considering exposure assessment. Moreover, in countries most affected by aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, few, if any standards exist. In the case of risk assessments, knowledge gaps identified include the impact of climate change on peanut aflatoxin contamination, the role of aflatoxins in child stunting, Kwashiorkor and immunomodulation and a lack of occurrence and exposure data in many developing countries from contaminated peanuts. Few quantitative studies evaluating the impact of aflatoxin regulations on trade exist and evidence is lacking in terms of what happens to exports that do not meet regulatory requirements. Evidence does suggest a lack of knowledge of the extent of the aflatoxin problem, associated health risks and mitigation strategies in developing countries. A hugely important factor that needs to be highlighted is that while there is a fundamental right for sufficient, safe, nutritious food, in many cases in low-income and lower middle-income countries there exists an incredibly difficult and complex trade-off between food security and food safety.

The role of irradiance in controlling coralline algal calcification - Erik C. Krieger; Wendy A. Nelson; Johan Grand; Eric C. Le Ru; Sarah J. Bury; Amelie Cossais; Simon K. Davy; Christopher E. Cornwall (Limnology and Oceanography, 2023)
Coralline algae are an essential element of benthic ecosystems throughout the ocean's photic zone. Yet, the role of light in shaping the physiology of coralline algae from cold‐water, low‐light habitats is poorly understood. Here, we assess the calcification physiology of five cool temperate coralline algae in response to different irradiance levels over 3 months. We show that in contrast to current models focused on warmer water species, previously observed enhancement of calcification rates by photosynthesis is largely limited to lower irradiances, and that the removal of CO 2 from the calcifying fluid is not the underlying mechanism of this enhancement. Instead, this most likely occurs via two processes: (1) increased ion pumping rates to elevate the calcium carbonate saturation state in the calcifying fluid; and (2) a higher daytime pH in the diffusion boundary layer that raises calcifying fluid pH. However, as irradiance increases, ion pumping becomes increasingly saturated limiting further enhancements. Our results also suggest the existence of two calcification strategies in coralline algae and indicate that magnesium incorporation is determined by the magnesium to calcium ratio in the calcifying fluid ([Mg] CF /[Ca] CF ). This study adds to our mechanistic understanding of calcification in coralline algae and fills in much needed knowledge about the role of light in controlling their physiology.

Coral adaptive capacity insufficient to halt global transition of coral reefs into net erosion under climate change - Christopher Edward Cornwall; Steeve Comeau; Simon D. Donner; Chris Perry; John Dunne; Ruben van Hooidonk; James S. Ryan; Cheryl A. Logan (Global Change Biology, 2023)
Projecting the effects of climate change on net reef calcium carbonate production is critical to understanding the future impacts on ecosystem function, but prior estimates have not included corals' natural adaptive capacity to such change. Here we estimate how the ability of symbionts to evolve tolerance to heat stress, or for coral hosts to shuffle to favourable symbionts, and their combination, may influence responses to the combined impacts of ocean warming and acidification under three representative concentration pathway (RCP) emissions scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). We show that symbiont evolution and shuffling, both individually and when combined, favours persistent positive net reef calcium carbonate production. However, our projections of future net calcium carbonate production (NCCP) under climate change vary both spatially and by RCP. For example, 19%–35% of modelled coral reefs are still projected to have net positive NCCP by 2050 if symbionts can evolve increased thermal tolerance, depending on the RCP. Without symbiont adaptive capacity, the number of coral reefs with positive NCCP drops to 9%–13% by 2050. Accounting for both symbiont evolution and shuffling, we project median positive NCPP of coral reefs will still occur under low greenhouse emissions (RCP2.6) in the Indian Ocean, and even under moderate emissions (RCP4.5) in the Pacific Ocean. However, adaptive capacity will be insufficient to halt the transition of coral reefs globally into erosion by 2050 under severe emissions scenarios (RCP8.5).

Macroalgae exhibit diverse responses to human disturbances on coral reefs - Sara E. Cannon; Simon D. Donner; Angela Liu; Pedro C. González Espinosa; Andrew H. Baird; Julia K. Baum; Andrew G. Bauman; Maria Beger; Cassandra E. Benkwitt; Matthew J. Birt; Yannick Chancerelle; Joshua E. Cinner; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2023)
Scientists and managers rely on indicator taxa such as coral and macroalgal cover to evaluate the effects of human disturbance on coral reefs, often assuming a universally positive relationship between local human disturbance and macroalgae. Despite evidence that macroalgae respond to local stressors in diverse ways, there have been few efforts to evaluate relationships between specific macroalgae taxa and local human‐driven disturbance. Using genus‐level monitoring data from 1205 sites in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we assess whether macroalgae percent cover correlates with local human disturbance while accounting for factors that could obscure or confound relationships. Assessing macroalgae at genus level revealed that no genera were positively correlated with all human disturbance metrics. Instead, we found relationships between the division or genera of algae and specific human disturbances that were not detectable when pooling taxa into a single functional category, which is common to many analyses. The convention to use percent cover of macroalgae as an indication of local human disturbance therefore likely obscures signatures of local anthropogenic threats to reefs. Our limited understanding of relationships between human disturbance, macroalgae taxa, and their responses to human disturbances impedes the ability to diagnose and respond appropriately to these threats.

Retaining natural vegetation to safeguard biodiversity and humanity - Jeremy S. Simmonds; Andres Felipe Suarez‐Castro; April E. Reside; James E. M. Watson; James R. Allan; Scott C. Atkinson; Pasquale Borrelli; Nigel Dudley; Stephen Edwards; Richard A. Fuller; Edward T. Game; Simon Linke; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2023)
Global efforts to deliver internationally agreed goals to reduce carbon emissions, halt biodiversity loss, and retain essential ecosystem services have been poorly integrated. These goals rely in part on preserving natural (e.g., native, largely unmodified) and seminatural (e.g., low intensity or sustainable human use) forests, woodlands, and grasslands. To show how to unify these goals, we empirically derived spatially explicit, quantitative, area‐based targets for the retention of natural and seminatural (e.g., native) terrestrial vegetation worldwide. We used a 250‐m‐resolution map of natural and seminatural vegetation cover and, from this, selected areas identified under different international agreements as being important for achieving global biodiversity, carbon, soil, and water targets. At least 67 million km 2 of Earth's terrestrial vegetation (∼79% of the area of vegetation remaining) required retention to contribute to biodiversity, climate, soil, and freshwater conservation objectives under 4 United Nations’ resolutions. This equates to retaining natural and seminatural vegetation across at least 50% of the total terrestrial (excluding Antarctica) surface of Earth. Retention efforts could contribute to multiple goals simultaneously, especially where natural and seminatural vegetation can be managed to achieve cobenefits for biodiversity, carbon storage, and ecosystem service provision. Such management can and should co‐occur and be driven by people who live in and rely on places where natural and sustainably managed vegetation remains in situ and must be complemented by restoration and appropriate management of more human‐modified environments if global goals are to be realized.

Assignment of tracks from tagged Atlantic bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus to potential stocks using behavioural differences and habitat partitioning - Simon Dedman; Emilius A. Aalto; Michael J. W. Stokesbury; Robert J. Schallert; Michael R. Castleton; Barbara A. Block (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023)
Introduction Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABT) are large, migratory pelagic predators of high economic importance. ABT are currently managed as two independent stocks assigned to discrete spawning areas (Gulf of Mexico, and Mediterranean); however, stock overlap outside spawning areas makes accurate assignment of catch to stock-of-origin difficult. Methods Within this two-stock paradigm, we characterised stock-specific spatial distributions and behaviours by comparing habitat usage and vertical movement behaviours of 118 electronically tagged adult ABT spatially assigned to the GOM and Med spawning grounds. These spatial and behavioural differences were used in tests to probabilistically assign unknown individuals (which did not visit the GOM/Med spawning areas) to a stock. Results This new methodological approach using existing tag data, enables increased assignment of a track to a potential stock, to be achieved before genetic assignments. We identified certain markedly different movement patterns, range extents, depth use preferences (and associated area usage), migration directness and speeds, corresponding distance from shore, and mesopelagic-layer visitation. The probabilistic assignment approach had 97% in-bag testing accuracy, then assigned 190 individuals to a stock, doubling the number of assigned stock-of-origin tracks in our dataset, and potentially revealing novel movement and behaviour patterns among pre-spawning-age ABT. Discussion This approach can be easily adapted to other study species, more stocks, and different testing variables, hopefully serving as a useful addition to the fisheries management toolkit.

Comparative Study on Ginger Powder and Ginger Extract Nanoparticles: Effects on Growth, Immune–Antioxidant Status, Tissue Histoarchitecture, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas putida Infection in Oreochromis niloticus - Shaimaa A. A. Ahmed; Abdelhakeem El-Murr; Yasser Abd Elhakim; Mohamed M. Metwally; Amany Abd El Aziz Gharib; Shimaa A. Amer; Elsayed M. Younis; Abdel-Wahab A. Abdel-Warith; Simon J. Davies; Enas N. M. Khalil (Fishes, 2023)
A 10 week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential effects of ginger powder (GP) and ginger extract nanoparticles (GNPs) on the growth parameters, digestive enzymes (lipase and amylase) activities, blood hematology, blood biochemical indices, immune indices (interleukin 10, immunoglobulin M, nitric oxide, and lysozymes), antioxidant activity, histological characteristics of kidney, spleen, liver, and intestine, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila or Pseudomonas putida infection in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Fish (n = 225, 27.01 ± 0.15 g) were stocked in 15 glass tanks (50 × 40 × 60 cm) and randomly allocated to five experimental treatments (TRTs) in triplicate (15 fish/replicate, 45 fish/TRT), consisting of five isocaloric–isonitrogenous diets. The treatments comprised the basal diet (1) without any additives (control group, CON), (2) with 0.5% GP (GP0.5), (3) with 1% GP (GP1), (4) with 0.5% GNPs (GNPs0.5), and (5) with 1% GNPs (GNPs1). Fish were manually fed to satiety three times a day (at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.). Fish were weighed at the start of the experiment, then the body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were determined at the end of the experiment. At the end of the feeding period, 15 fish/TRT were intraperitoneally inoculated with two pathogenic bacterial strains (A. hydrophila or P. putida) in two separate challenge tests. Blood samples were collected from each TRT at two aliquots for hematological and biochemical analysis at the end of the feeding period. A significant improvement in fish growth was observed in GP and GNPs TRTs compared to the control group. There were no significant changes in the total amount of feed intake/fish in response to the experimental diets. Diets enriched with GNPs, particularly the GNPs1 TRT, resulted in a significant increase (p

Plaster and magnets: Modelling magnetic fabric development in magma intrusions using scaled analogue experiments - Simon A. Martin; Prokop Závada; Janine L. Kavanagh (Tectonophysics, 2023)

Multiple ocean oxygenation events during the Ediacaran Period: Mo isotope evidence from the Nanhua Basin, South China - Lin Yuan; Ying Zhou; Xi Chen; Maoyan Zhu; Simon W. Poulton; Zheyu Tian; Da Li; Matthew Thirlwall; Graham A. Shields (Precambrian Research, 2023)

Evaluation of LiGAPS-Beef to assess extensive pasture-based beef production in three agro-ecological regions in South Africa - Christopher Magona; Abubeker Hassen; Eyob Tesfamariam; Carina Visser; Simon Oosting; A. van der Linden (Livestock Science, 2023)

An evaluation and shortening of the Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale (CAFPAS) using item response theory - Simon Karlsson; Kathryn L. Harris; Jeanette Melin; Jacob Lahne; Julia A. Wolfson; Elizabeth S. Collier (Food Quality and Preference, 2023)

Synthetic Microfiber Material Influences Ingestion by Freshwater Worms - Sarah A. Martinez; Conner J. Simon; Risa A. Cohen (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2023)

The Anthropocene as an epoch is distinct from all other concepts known by this term: a reply to Swindles et al. (2023) - Martin J. Head; Colin N. Waters; Jan A. Zalasiewicz; Anthony D. Barnosky; Simon D. Turner; Alejandro Cearreta; Reinhold Leinfelder; Francine M.G. McCarthy; Daniel de B. Richter; Neil L. Rose; Yoshiki Saito; Davor Vidas; et al. (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2023)

Neritic larval fish assemblages across the Texas shelf in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico following Hurricane Harvey - Shannan McAskill; James M. Tolan; Glenn A. Zapfe; Simon J. Geist (Fisheries Oceanography, 2023)
Fall is an important time of year for fish recruitment in the Gulf of Mexico, with many commercially and recreationally important species spawning during this period. Changes in temperature and salinity regimes through seasonally abnormal freshwater input may change spawning patterns and displace larvae. Such an event occurred off the coast of Galveston Bay, Texas, when a freshwater flood plume formed from unprecedented rainfall related to Hurricane Harvey at the end of August 2017. This study investigated the effects of a large‐scale flood plume on larval fish assemblages, collected at nearshore and shelf zones 1 and 2 months after Hurricane Harvey. Samples from 2017 were compared to historical datasets collected by NOAA Fisheries in September (2000–2004 and 2006–2016) and October (2000–2012). Evidence of lowered water temperature and salinity was found in both September and October 2017. Larval community composition changed along cross‐shelf gradients and with increasing distance from shore. We also found evidence of 2017 assemblages differing from historical data, with the September 2017 assemblage more closely resembling those from October historical samples. Observed differences in 2017 assemblages were most likely explained by an earlier onset in fall sciaenid spawning, suggesting that decreases in water temperature occurring during hurricanes have the potential to alter fish spawning patterns.

Long‐term trajectories of non‐native vegetation on islands globally - Anna Walentowitz; Bernd Lenzner; Franz Essl; Nichola Strandberg; Alvaro Castilla‐Beltrán; José María Fernández‐Palacios; Svante Björck; Simon Connor; Simon G. Haberle; Karl Ljung; Matiu Prebble; Janet M. Wilmshurst; et al. (Ecology Letters, 2023)
Human‐mediated changes in island vegetation are, among others, largely caused by the introduction and establishment of non‐native species. However, data on past changes in non‐native plant species abundance that predate historical documentation and censuses are scarce. Islands are among the few places where we can track human arrival in natural systems allowing us to reveal changes in vegetation dynamics with the arrival of non‐native species. We matched fossil pollen data with botanical status information (native, non‐native), and quantified the timing, trajectories and magnitude of non‐native plant vegetational change on 29 islands over the past 5000 years. We recorded a proportional increase in pollen of non‐native plant taxa within the last 1000 years. Individual island trajectories are context‐dependent and linked to island settlement histories. Our data show that non‐native plant introductions have a longer and more dynamic history than is generally recognized, with critical implications for biodiversity baselines and invasion biology.

Multiscale phenological niches of seed fall in diverse A mazonian plant communities - Damie Pak; Varun Swamy; Patricia Alvarez‐Loayza; Fernando Cornejo‐Valverde; Simon A. Queenborough; Margaret R. Metz; John Terborgh; Renato Valencia; S. Joseph Wright; Nancy C. Garwood; Jesse R. Lasky (Ecology, 2023)
Phenology has long been hypothesized as an avenue for niche partitioning or interspecific facilitation, both promoting species coexistence. Tropical plant communities exhibit striking diversity in reproductive phenology, but many are also noted for large synchronous reproductive events. Here we study whether the phenology of seed fall in such communities is nonrandom, the temporal scales of phenological patterns, and ecological factors that drive reproductive phenology. We applied multivariate wavelet analysis to test for phenological synchrony versus compensatory dynamics (i.e., antisynchronous patterns where one species' decline is compensated by the rise of another) among species and across temporal scales. We used data from long‐term seed rain monitoring of hyperdiverse plant communities in the western Amazon. We found significant synchronous whole‐community phenology at multiple timescales, consistent with shared environmental responses or positive interactions among species. We also observed both compensatory and synchronous phenology within groups of species (confamilials) likely to share traits and seed dispersal mechanisms. Wind‐dispersed species exhibited significant synchrony at ~6‐month scales, suggesting these species might share phenological niches to match the seasonality of wind. Our results suggest that community phenology is shaped by shared environmental responses but that the diversity of tropical plant phenology may partly result from temporal niche partitioning. The scale‐specificity and time‐localized nature of community phenology patterns highlights the importance of multiple and shifting drivers of phenology.

Disproportionate Expression of ATM in Cerebellar Cortex During Human Neurodevelopment - Simon Deacon; William Dalleywater; Charles Peat; Simon M. L. Paine; Rob A. Dineen (The Cerebellum, 2023)
Cerebellar neurodegeneration is a classical feature of ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), an autosomal recessive condition caused by loss-of-function mutation of the ATM gene, a gene with multiple regulatory functions. The increased vulnerability of cerebellar neurones to degeneration compared to cerebral neuronal populations in individuals with ataxia telangiectasia implies a specific importance of intact ATM function in the cerebellum. We hypothesised that there would be elevated transcription of ATM in the cerebellar cortex relative to ATM expression in other grey matter regions during neurodevelopment in individuals without A-T. Using ATM transcription data from the BrainSpan Atlas of the Developing Human Brain, we demonstrate a rapid increase in cerebellar ATM expression relative to expression in other brain regions during gestation and remaining elevated during early childhood, a period corresponding to the emergence of cerebellar neurodegeneration in ataxia telangiectasia patients. We then used gene ontology analysis to identify the biological processes represented in the genes correlated with cerebellar ATM expression. This analysis demonstrated that multiple processes are associated with expression of ATM in the cerebellum, including cellular respiration, mitochondrial function, histone methylation, and cell-cycle regulation, alongside its canonical role in DNA double-strand break repair. Thus, the enhanced expression of ATM in the cerebellum during early development may be related to the specific energetic demands of the cerebellum and its role as a regulator of these processes.

Impact of Streptococcus agalactiae Challenge on Immune Response, Antioxidant Status and Hepatorenal Indices of Nile Tilapia: The Palliative Role of Chitosan White Poplar Nanocapsule - Afaf N. Abdel Rahman; Sameh H. Ismail; Moustafa M. S. Fouda; Abdelwahab A. Abdelwarith; Elsayed M. Younis; Samah S. Khalil; Mahmoud M. El-Saber; Ahmed E. Abdelhamid; Simon J. Davies; Rowida E. Ibrahim (Fishes, 2023)
A new insight into the synthesis of the herbal plant (White poplar, Poplus alba) leave extract using chitosan nanocapsule was studied. The in vitro antibacterial activity of chitosan white poplar nanocapsule (CWPNC) against Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) was determined. About 120 fish were categorized for 7 days into four groups. The first and second (CWPNC) groups were treated with 0 mg/L and 3 mg/L CWPNC in the water, respectively, without being challenged; the first group was a control. The third (S. agalactiae) and fourth (CWPNC + S. agalactiae) groups were treated with 0 and 3 mg/L CWPNC, respectively, and challenged with S. agalactiae (0.5 × 107 CFU/mL). The obtained results revealed that CWPNC had an in vitro antibacterial activity against S. agalactiae. Moreover, S. agalactiae infection caused a significant elevation (p

Genesis and development of an interfluvial peatland in the central Congo Basin since the Late Pleistocene - Donna Hawthorne; Ian T. Lawson; Greta C. Dargie; Yannick E. Bocko; Suspense A. Ifo; Yannick Garcin; Enno Schefuß; William Hiles; Antonio Jonay Jovani-Sancho; Genevieve Tyrrell; George E. Biddulph; Arnoud Boom; et al. (Quaternary Science Reviews, 2023)

Circadian rhythm of preferred temperature in fish: Behavioural thermoregulation linked to daily photocycles in zebrafish and Nile tilapia - Luisa M. Vera; Gonzalo de Alba; Silvere Santos; Tim M. Szewczyk; Simon A. Mackenzie; Francisco J. Sánchez-Vázquez; Sònia Rey Planellas (Journal of Thermal Biology, 2023)

Species-level dataset is required for setting biodiversity conservation priorities for freshwater macroinvertebrates in Melbourne streams - Edward Tsyrlin; Melissa Carew; Ary A. Hoffmann; Simon Linke; Rhys A. Coleman (Journal of Environmental Management, 2023)

Kinetic and mechanistic analysis of membrane fouling in microplastics removal from water by dead-end microfiltration - A. Raffaella P. Pizzichetti; Cristina Pablos; Carmen Álvarez-Fernández; Ken Reynolds; Simon Stanley; Javier Marugán (Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2023)

Biotic and abiotic drivers of aquatic plant communities in shallow pools and wallows on the sub-Antarctic Iles Kerguelen - P. Douce; F. Mermillod-Blondin; L. Simon; S. Dolédec; P. Eymar-Dauphin; D. Renault; C. Sulmon; F. Vallier; A.-K. Bittebiere (Polar Biology, 2023)

ABCD_Harmonizer: An Open-source Tool for Mapping and Controlling for Scanner Induced Variance in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study - Jonathan A. Dudley; Thomas C. Maloney; John O. Simon; Gowtham Atluri; Sarah L. Karalunas; Mekibib Altaye; Jeffery N. Epstein; Leanne Tamm (Neuroinformatics, 2023)

Federated Analysis in COINSTAC Reveals Functional Network Connectivity and Spectral Links to Smoking and Alcohol Consumption in Nearly 2,000 Adolescent Brains - Harshvardhan Gazula; Kelly Rootes-Murdy; Bharath Holla; Sunitha Basodi; Zuo Zhang; Eric Verner; Ross Kelly; Pratima Murthy; Amit Chakrabarti; Debasish Basu; Subodh Bhagyalakshmi Nanjayya; Rajkumar Lenin Singh; et al. (Neuroinformatics, 2023)

Detecting declines of West African Goliath beetle populations based on interviews - Daniele Dendi; Stephanie N. Ajong; Gabriel Hoinsoudé Ségniagbeto; Giovanni Amori; Edem A. Eniang; Julia E. Fa; Gift Simon Demaya; Thomas Francis Lado; Luca Luiselli (Journal of Insect Conservation, 2023)

Sterols, free fatty acids, and total fatty acid content in the massive Porites spp. corals cultured under different pCO2 and temperature treatments - Nora S. H. von Xylander; Simon A. Young; Catherine Cole; Terry K. Smith; Nicola Allison (Coral Reefs, 2023)
Lipids may serve as energy reserves to support coral calcification, allow acclimation to higher temperatures, and are implicated in the control of CaCO 3 precipitation. Here, we report the lipid composition of the soft tissues (including host and symbionts) of 7 massive Porites spp. coral colonies (4 × P. lutea and 3 × P. murrayensis ), which were cultured under different pCO 2 concentrations (180, 260, 400 and 750 µatm) and at two temperatures (25 ℃ and 28 ℃), below the thermal stress threshold. We report the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), free fatty acid (FFA) to total fatty acid content, sterol and wax ester profiles, and identify two ketones ( n -alkanone) and three long chain aldehyde ( n -alkanal) derivatives. Increasing seawater temperature significantly increases the contributions of FFAs to the total lipids, of C18:2 and C20:0 to the total FFA pool, of C14:0 to total FAME, and of campesterol to total sterol. The temperature increase also reduces the contributions of unusual fatty acid derivatives to total lipids, of C14:0, C15:0, C16:0 and C17:0 saturated free fatty acids to total FFAs, and of C16:0 FA to total FAME. Fatty acids are implicated in the control of membrane structure fluidity and the observed changes may promote acclimation and thermostability as temperature varies. Seawater pCO 2 has no significant effect on the composition of tissue lipids with the exception that the contribution of C14:0 FA to total lipid content is significantly lower at 180 µatm compared to 260 and 750 µatm. Decreased contribution of total sterols and unusual fatty acid derivatives and increased contribution of total FFAs to total lipids are observed in the fastest calcifying coral (a P. lutea specimen) compared to the other corals, under all pCO 2 and temperature conditions. Although a rapid calcifier this genotype has been shown previously to exhibit pronounced abnormal changes in skeletal morphology in response to decreased seawater pCO 2 . Variations in tissue lipid composition between coral genotypes may influence their resilience to future climate change.

Gene expression and epigenetic markers of prion diseases - Emmanuelle A. Viré; Simon Mead (Cell and Tissue Research, 2023)
Epigenetics, meaning the variety of mechanisms underpinning gene regulation and chromatin states, plays a key role in normal development as well as in disease initiation and progression. Epigenetic mechanisms like alteration of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, have been proposed as biomarkers for diagnosis, classification, or monitoring of responsiveness to treatment in many diseases. In prion diseases, the profound associations with human aging, the effects of cell type and differentiation on in vitro susceptibility, and recently identified human risk factors, all implicate causal epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the current state of the art of epigenetics in prion diseases and its interaction with genetic determinants. In particular, we will review recent advances made by several groups in the field profiling DNA methylation and microRNA expression in mammalian prion diseases and the potential for these discoveries to be exploited as biomarkers.

Exploring macroinvertebrate biodiversity in the dynamic southern Balkan stream network of the Vjosa using preservative-based DNA metabarcoding - Marie V. Brasseur; Jan Martini; Olivia Wilfling; Remo Wüthrich; Emil Birnstiel; Rebecca Oester; Vera M. A. Zizka; Gabriel Singer; Florian Leese; Simon Vitecek (Aquatic Sciences, 2023)
Reliable biodiversity data are crucial for environmental research and management. Unfortunately, data paucity prevails for many regions and organismal groups such as aquatic invertebrates. High-throughput DNA-based identification, in particular DNA metabarcoding, has accelerated biodiversity data generation. However, in the process of metabarcoding, specimens are usually destroyed, precluding later specimen-based analyses. Metabarcoding of DNA released into the preservative ethanol has been proposed as a non-destructive alternative, but proof-of-principle studies have yielded ambiguous results, reporting variance in detection probability for various taxa and methodological biases. In this study, we tested the performance of preservative-based metabarcoding of aquatic invertebrates in comparison to a standard morpho-taxonomic assessment based on samples from one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers, the Vjosa. Multi-habitat samples were collected at 43 sites in two seasons and stored in ethanol, after fixation in formaldehyde for morpho-taxonomic analyses. Preservative-based DNA metabarcoding detected three times more taxa but failed to detect other taxa found using the standard method. In addition to incomplete reference data and primer bias that likely precluded the detection of specific taxa, preservative-based DNA metabarcoding cannot provide accurate abundance estimates. However, the metabarcoding data revealed distinct small-scale and large-scale community patterns in the Vjosa river network, which were also recovered by quantitative data of the standard approach. Overall, our results indicate that preservative-based metabarcoding provides important biodiversity data, which could be further improved by quantitative validation. The method is robust and reliable, even though samples were taken under harsh field-conditions and stored without cooling. Further, our results emphasise the need for reliable DNA barcoding reference libraries. Building those may be supported by preservative-based metabarcoding that maintains intact vouchers for subsequent specimen-based analyses.