Subjective response to alcohol in young adults with bipolar disorder and recent alcohol use: a within-subject randomized placebo-controlled alcohol administration study - Elizabeth T. C. Lippard; Dylan E. Kirsch; Raquel Kosted; Vanessa Le; Jorge R. C. Almeida; Kim Fromme; Stephen M. Strakowski (Psychopharmacology, 2023)

Inter-colony and inter-annual variation in discard use by albatross chicks revealed using isotopes and regurgitates - Amanda Kuepfer; Paulo Catry; Stuart Bearhop; Richard B. Sherley; Olivia Bell; Jason Newton; Paul Brickle; Alexander Arkhipkin; Stephen C. Votier (Marine Biology, 2023)
Effective marine ecosystem monitoring is critical for sustainable management. Monitoring seabird diets can convey important information on ecosystem health and seabird–fishery interactions. The diet of breeding black-browed albatross ( Thalassarche melanophris ) has previously been assessed using stomach content analysis (SCA) or stable isotope analysis (SIA), but not both methods together. Combining dietary sampling approaches reduces biases associated with using single methods. This study combines SCA and SIA to study the diet of black-browed albatross chicks, with a specific focus on fishery discard consumption, at two Falkland Islands colonies (New Island 51°43′S, 61°18′W and Steeple Jason Island 51°01′S, 61°13′W) during two consecutive breeding seasons (2019 and 2020). SCA provided high taxonomic resolution of short-term diet and priors for stable isotope mixing models, with multiple measures of dietary items (e.g. numeric frequency N%, frequency of occurrence FO%). By contrast, SIA of down feathers provided a single and more integrated dietary signal from throughout chick development. Although the two methods disagreed on the dominant prey group (SCA—crustacean; SIA—pelagic fish), the complementary information suggested a chick diet dominated by natural prey (SCA: 74%–93% [FO], 44%–98% [N]; SIA: minimum 87%–95% contribution). Nonetheless, SCA revealed that a high proportion of breeding adults do take discards. We detected consistent colony-specific diets in relation to prey species, but not in relation to higher discard use. Overall, discard consumption was highest in 2020, the year characterised by the poorest foraging conditions. Our results have implications for fisheries management and future dietary studies assessing discard use.

Great expectations: patients’ preferences for clinically significant results from genomic sequencing - Salma Shickh; Agnes Sebastian; Marc Clausen; Chloe Mighton; Christine Elser; Andrea Eisen; Larissa Waldman; Seema Panchal; Thomas Ward; June C. Carroll; Emily Glogowski; Kasmintan A. Schrader; et al. (Human Genetics, 2023)

Associations between physical activity and cognitive dysfunction in older companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project - Emily E. Bray; David A. Raichlen; Kiersten K. Forsyth; Daniel E. L. Promislow; Gene E. Alexander; Evan L. MacLean; Joshua M. Akey; Brooke Benton; Elhanan Borenstein; Marta G. Castelhano; Amanda E. Coleman; Kate E. Creevy; et al. (GeroScience, 2023)

Correction to: Climate justice in higher education: a proposed paradigm shift towards a transformative role for colleges and universities - Alaina Kinol; Elijah Miller; Hannah Axtell; Ilana Hirschfeld; Sophie Leggett; Yutong Si; Jennie C. Stephens (Climatic Change, 2023)

Perkinsus olseni and other parasites and abnormal tissue structures in New Zealand Greenshell™ mussels (Perna canaliculus) across different seasons - Farhana Muznebin; Andrea C. Alfaro; Stephen C. Webb (Aquaculture International, 2023)
The New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel ( Perna canaliculus ) supports the largest aquaculture industry in the country. However, summer mortality events and potential disease outbreaks may threaten the growth of this industry. As an approach to gauging potential threats through the seasons, a detailed histopathological examination was conducted on 256 adult cultured mussels collected from a farm between April 2018 to September 2019, which covered the austral autumn, winter, spring and summer seasons. Histological sections followed by confirmatory in situ hybridization (ISH) resulted in the identification of Perkinsus olseni at an overall prevalence of 56%. Other parasites and pathogens were identified by histology: apicomplexan parasite X (APX) (78%), copepods ( Pseudomyicola spinosus or Lichomolgus uncus ) (1%), Microsporidium rapuae (1%), intracellular microcolonies of bacteria (IMCs) (2%) and bacilli and cocci bacteria (4%) in gills, mantle, gonads, digestive epithelium and digestive tubules. There was a significant association between P. olseni and APX infection in mussels. This is the first report on seasonal variations of P. olseni and APX in New Zealand Greenshell™ mussel. There was a significant association between seasons and the presence of P. olseni and APX in mussels. A significant positive association between the brown material accumulation and parasites ( P. olseni and APX) and between haemocytosis and P. olseni infections were recorded. A significant association between presence of parasites and health condition (healthy and unhealthy) of mussels was observed. Moreover, a significant association between digestive tubule deterioration (large lumen, with a thin epithelial wall) and P. olseni infection was noted. Therefore, this study provides information regarding the infections of potential parasites and pathogens for the first time in P. canaliculus , their seasonal variations and host-parasite interactions within a commercial farm.

Banking on a new understanding: translational opportunities from veterinary biobanks - D. LaLonde-Paul; L. Mouttham; Joshua M. Akey; Brooke Benton; Elhanan Borenstein; Amanda E. Coleman; Kate E. Creevy; Kyle Crowder; Matthew D. Dunbar; Virginia R. Fajt; Annette L. Fitzpatrick; Unity Jeffery; et al. (GeroScience, 2023)

No accumulation of microplastics detected in western Canadian ringed seals (Pusa hispida) - Alexander M. Jardine; Jennifer F. Provencher; Stephen J. Insley; Lila Tauzer; William D. Halliday; Madelaine P.T. Bourdages; Magali Houde; Derek Muir; Jesse C. Vermaire (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2023)

Whales in the carbon cycle: can recovery remove carbon dioxide? - Heidi C. Pearson; Matthew S. Savoca; Daniel P. Costa; Michael W. Lomas; Renato Molina; Andrew J. Pershing; Craig R. Smith; Juan Carlos Villaseñor-Derbez; Stephen R. Wing; Joe Roman (Trends in Ecology & Evolution, 2023)

Elevation-based probabilistic mapping of irregularly flooded wetlands along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast - Nicholas M. Enwright; Wyatt C. Cheney; Kristine O. Evans; Hana R. Thurman; Mark S. Woodrey; Auriel M.V. Fournier; Dean B. Gesch; Jonathan L. Pitchford; Jason M. Stoker; Stephen C. Medeiros (Remote Sensing of Environment, 2023)

Making the invisible visible: Using a qualitative system dynamics model to map disparities in cumulative environmental stressors and children's neurodevelopment - Devon C. Payne-Sturges; Ellis Ballard; Deborah A. Cory-Slechta; Stephen B. Thomas; Peter Hovmand (Environmental Research, 2023)

Shifts in bowhead whale distribution, behavior, and condition following rapid sea ice change in the Bering sea - John J. Citta; Greg A. Breed; Stephen R. Okkonen; Matthew L. Druckenmiller; Lori Quakenbush; John C. George; Billy Adams; Wieslaw Maslowski; Robert Osinski; Justin Olnes; Ellen V. Lea; Robert Suydam (Continental Shelf Research, 2023)

The effect of arterial cannula tip position on differential hypoxemia during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation - Avishka Wickramarachchi; Aidan J. C. Burrell; Andrew F. Stephens; Michael Šeman; Ashkan Vatani; Mehrdad Khamooshi; Jaishankar Raman; Rinaldo Bellomo; Shaun D. Gregory (Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 2023)

Activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam and imipenem/relebactam against clinical gram-negative isolates from Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland—SMART 2017–2020 - Sibylle H. Lob; Stephen P. Hawser; Fakhar Siddiqui; Irina Alekseeva; C. Andrew DeRyke; Katherine Young; Mary R. Motyl; Daniel F. Sahm (European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 2023)

Metabolic syndrome is associated with aggressive prostate cancer regardless of race - Lourdes Guerrios-Rivera; Lauren E. Howard; Emily K. Wiggins; Cathrine Hoyo; Delores J. Grant; Tyler R. Erickson; Jaruda Ithisuphalap; Alexis R. Freedland; Adriana C. Vidal; Jay H. Fowke; Stephen J. Freedland (Cancer Causes & Control, 2023)

Cardiac Effects of Micrurus corallinus and Micrurus dumerilii carinicauda (Elapidae) Venoms and Neutralization by Brazilian Coralsnake Antivenom and Varespladib - Matheus Z. Gaspar; Ana C. Yabunaka; Rosimeire Silva-Carvalho; Charles U. Nascimento; Rejane B. Brinholi; Elisangela O. Silva; Juliana R. Gerez; Nelson J. Silva; Kristian A. Torres-Bonilla; Stephen Hyslop; Francis L. Pacagnelli; Rafael S. Floriano (Cardiovascular Toxicology, 2023)

Sediment gravity flow frequency offshore central California diminished significantly following the Last Glacial Maximum - Stephen C. Dobbs; Charles K. Paull; Eve M. Lundsten; Roberto Gwiazda; David W. Caress; Mary McGann; Marianne M. Coholich; Maureen A. L. Walton; Nora M. Nieminski; Tim McHargue; Stephan A. Graham (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023)
A high-resolution multibeam survey from a portion of the San Simeon Channel (offshore Morro Bay, California) captured a zone of recurring troughs and ridges adjacent to prominent submarine meander bends. Through an integrated study using surveying data, sediment core analysis, radiocarbon dating, and stable isotope measurements, we hypothesize that turbidity current event frequency was higher during the late Pleistocene than at present conditions. We speculate that the rise in sea-level following the Last Glacial Maximum sequestered sedimentation largely to the shelf during the Holocene. This work suggests that the occurrence of sediment gravity flows in this region, particularly away from any submarine channels, is appreciably lower than at times of continental shelf subaerial exposure.

A new genomics tool for monitoring Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) populations in the Lower Northwest Passage, Nunavut - Peiwen Li; Peter van Coeverden de Groot; Zhengxin Sun; Stephen C. Lougheed (Fisheries Research, 2023)

Socially cued anticipatory plasticity predicts male primary mating tactic but not mating behaviour rates - Elizabeth C. Lange; Stephen Erk; Margaret B. Ptacek; Joseph Travis; Kimberly A. Hughes (Animal Behaviour, 2023)

Environmental and bioclimatic factors influencing yeasts and molds distribution along European shores - M. Cogliati; S. Arikan-Akdagli; A. Barac; A.C. Bostanaru; S. Brito; N. Çerikçioğlu; M.A. Efstratiou; Ç. Ergin; M.C. Esposto; M. Frenkel; J.P. Gangneux; A. Gitto; et al. (Science of The Total Environment, 2023)

Projecting climate change impacts from physics to fisheries: A view from three California Current fisheries - James A. Smith; Mercedes Pozo Buil; Barbara Muhling; Desiree Tommasi; Stephanie Brodie; Timothy H. Frawley; Jerome Fiechter; Stefan Koenigstein; Amber Himes-Cornell; Michael A. Alexander; Steven J. Bograd; Nathalí Cordero Quirós; et al. (Progress in Oceanography, 2023)

Introduction to the Special Issue: Bland J. Finlay: Uncovering the Unseen World of Microbes - Genoveva F. Esteban; Stephen C. Maberly (Protist, 2023)

Exploring long-term trends in microcystin toxin values associated with persistent harmful algal blooms in Grand Lake St Marys - Stephen J. Jacquemin; Jason C. Doll; Laura T. Johnson; Silvia E. Newell (Harmful Algae, 2023)

Efficacy of Do-It-Yourself air filtration units in reducing exposure to simulated respiratory aerosols - Raymond C. Derk; Jayme P. Coyle; William G. Lindsley; Francoise M. Blachere; Angela R. Lemons; Samantha K. Service; Stephen B. Martin; Kenneth R. Mead; Steven A. Fotta; Jeffrey S. Reynolds; Walter G. McKinney; Erik W. Sinsel; et al. (Building and Environment, 2023)

Differential cardiopulmonary effects of isoprene-versus toluene-generated photochemically-Aged smog in rats - Samantha J. Snow; Jonathan D. Krug; John M. Turlington; Judy E. Richards; Mette C. Schladweiler; Allen D. Ledbetter; Todd Krantz; Charly King; M. Ian Gilmour; Stephen H. Gavett; Urmila P. Kodavanti; Aimen K. Farraj; et al. (Atmospheric Environment, 2023)

Climate justice in higher education: a proposed paradigm shift towards a transformative role for colleges and universities - Alaina Kinol; Elijah Miller; Hannah Axtell; Ilana Hirschfeld; Sophie Leggett; Yutong Si; Jennie C. Stephens (Climatic Change, 2023)
Moving beyond technocratic approaches to climate action, climate justice articulates a paradigm shift in how organizations think about their response to the climate crisis. This paper makes a conceptual contribution by exploring the potential of this paradigm shift in higher education. Through a commitment to advancing transformative climate justice, colleges and universities around the world could realign and redefine their priorities in teaching, research, and community engagement to shape a more just, stable, and healthy future. As inequitable climate vulnerabilities increase, higher education has multiple emerging opportunities to resist, reverse, and repair climate injustices and related socioeconomic and health disparities. Rather than continuing to perpetuate the concentration of wealth and power by promoting climate isolationism’s narrow focus on technological innovation and by prioritizing the financial success of alumni and the institution, colleges and universities have an opportunity to leverage their unique role as powerful anchor institutions to demonstrate climate justice innovations and catalyze social change toward a more equitable, renewable-based future. This paper explores how higher education can advance societal transformation toward climate justice, by teaching climate engagement, supporting impactful justice-centered research, embracing non-extractive hiring and purchasing practices, and integrating community-engaged climate justice innovations across campus operations. Two climate justice frameworks, Green New Deal-type policies and energy democracy, provide structure for reviewing a breadth of proposed transformational climate justice initiatives in higher education.

Genetic and morphological comparisons of lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) invasions suggest regionally widespread sexual reproduction - Kali Z. Mattingly; Charles T. C. Day; Emily S. J. Rauschert; Aaron Tayal; Stephen M. Hovick (Biological Invasions, 2023)

Initiation of speciation across multiple dimensions in a rock‐restricted, tropical lizard - Stephen M. Zozaya; Luisa C. Teasdale; Leonardo G. Tedeschi; Megan Higgie; Conrad J. Hoskin; Craig Moritz (Molecular Ecology, 2023)
Population isolation and concomitant genetic divergence, resulting in strong phylogeographical structure, is a core aspect of speciation initiation. If and how speciation then proceeds and ultimately completes depends on multiple factors that mediate reproductive isolation, including divergence in genomes, ecology and mating traits. Here we explored these multiple dimensions in two young (Plio‐Pleistocene) species complexes of gekkonid lizards ( Heteronotia ) from the Kimberley–Victoria River regions of tropical Australia. Using mitochondrial DNA screening and exon capture phylogenomics, we show that the rock‐restricted Heteronotia planiceps exhibits exceptional fine‐scale phylogeographical structure compared to the codistributed habitat generalist Heteronotia binoei . This indicates pervasive population isolation and persistence in the rock‐specialist, and thus a high rate of speciation initiation across this geographically complex region, with levels of genomic divergence spanning the “grey zone” of speciation. Proximal lineages of H. planiceps were often separated by different rock substrates, suggesting a potential role for ecological isolation; however, phylogenetic incongruence and historical introgression were inferred between one such pair. Ecomorphological divergence among lineages within both H. planiceps and H. binoei was limited, except that limestone‐restricted lineages of H. planiceps tended to be larger than rock‐generalists. By contrast, among‐lineage divergence in the chemical composition of epidermal pore secretions (putative mating trait) exceeded ecomorphology in both complexes, but with less trait overlap among lineages in H. planiceps . This system—particularly the rock‐specialist H. planiceps— highlights the role of multidimensional divergence during incipient speciation, with divergence in genomes, ecomorphology and chemical signals all at play at very fine spatial scales.

Longer duration of seasonal stratification contributes to widespread increases in lake hypoxia and anoxia - Stephen F. Jane; Joshua L. Mincer; Maximilian P. Lau; Abigail S. L. Lewis; Jonathan T. Stetler; Kevin C. Rose (Global Change Biology, 2023)
The concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) is an important attribute of aquatic ecosystems, influencing habitat, drinking water quality, biodiversity, nutrient biogeochemistry, and greenhouse gas emissions. While average summer DO concentrations are declining in lakes across the temperate zone, much remains unknown about seasonal factors contributing to deepwater DO losses. It is unclear whether declines are related to increasing rates of seasonal DO depletion or changes in seasonal stratification that limit re‐oxygenation of deep waters. Furthermore, despite the presence of important biological and ecological DO thresholds, there has been no large‐scale assessment of changes in the amount of habitat crossing these thresholds, limiting the ability to understand the consequences of observed DO losses. We used a dataset from >400 widely distributed lakes to identify the drivers of DO losses and quantify the frequency and volume of lake water crossing biologically and ecologically important threshold concentrations ranging from 5 to 0.5 mg/L. Our results show that while there were no consistent changes over time in seasonal DO depletion rates, over three‐quarters of lakes exhibited an increase in the duration of stratification, providing more time for seasonal deepwater DO depletion to occur. As a result, most lakes have experienced summertime increases in the amount of water below all examined thresholds in deepwater DO concentration, with increases in the proportion of the water column below thresholds ranging between 0.9% and 1.7% per decade. In the 30‐day period preceding the end of stratification, increases were greater at >2.2% per decade and >70% of analyzed lakes experienced increases in the amount of oxygen‐depleted water. These results indicate ongoing climate‐induced increases in the duration of stratification have already contributed to reduction of habitat for many species, likely increased internal nutrient loading, and otherwise altered lake chemistry. Future warming is likely to exacerbate these trends.

Declining Amazon biomass due to deforestation and subsequent degradation losses exceeding gains - Dominic Fawcett; Stephen Sitch; Philippe Ciais; Jean Pierre Wigneron; Celso H. L. Silva‐Junior; Viola Heinrich; Christelle Vancutsem; Frédéric Achard; Ana Bastos; Hui Yang; Xiaojun Li; Clément Albergel; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2023)
In the Amazon, deforestation and climate change lead to increased vulnerability to forest degradation, threatening its existing carbon stocks and its capacity as a carbon sink. We use satellite L‐Band Vegetation Optical Depth (L‐VOD) data that provide an integrated (top‐down) estimate of biomass carbon to track changes over 2011–2019. Because the spatial resolution of L‐VOD is coarse (0.25°), it allows limited attribution of the observed changes. We therefore combined high‐resolution annual maps of forest cover and disturbances with biomass maps to model carbon losses (bottom‐up) from deforestation and degradation, and gains from regrowing secondary forests. We show an increase of deforestation and associated degradation losses since 2012 which greatly outweigh secondary forest gains. Degradation accounted for 40% of gross losses. After an increase in 2011, old‐growth forests show a net loss of above‐ground carbon between 2012 and 2019. The sum of component carbon fluxes in our model is consistent with the total biomass change from L‐VOD of 1.3 Pg C over 2012‐2019. Across nine Amazon countries, we found that while Brazil contains the majority of biomass stocks (64%), its losses from disturbances were disproportionately high (79% of gross losses). Our multi‐source analysis provides a pessimistic assessment of the Amazon carbon balance and highlights the urgent need to stop the recent rise of deforestation and degradation, particularly in the Brazilian Amazon.

RecruitNet : A global database of plant recruitment networks - Miguel Verdú; Jose L. Garrido; Julio M. Alcántara; Alicia Montesinos‐Navarro; Salomón Aguilar; Marcelo A. Aizen; Ali A. Al‐Namazi; Mohamed Alifriqui; David Allen; Kristina J. Anderson‐Teixeira; Cristina Armas; Jesús M. Bastida; et al. (Ecology, 2023)
Plant recruitment interactions (i.e., what recruits under what) shape the composition, diversity, and structure of plant communities. Despite the huge body of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying recruitment interactions among species, we still know little about the structure of the recruitment networks emerging in ecological communities. Modeling and analyzing the community‐level structure of plant recruitment interactions as a complex network can provide relevant information on ecological and evolutionary processes acting both at the species and ecosystem levels. We report a data set containing 143 plant recruitment networks in 23 countries across five continents, including temperate and tropical ecosystems. Each network identifies the species under which another species recruits. All networks report the number of recruits (i.e., individuals) per species. The data set includes >850,000 recruiting individuals involved in 118,411 paired interactions among 3318 vascular plant species across the globe. The cover of canopy species and open ground is also provided. Three sampling protocols were used: (1) The Recruitment Network (RN) protocol (106 networks) focuses on interactions among established plants (“canopy species”) and plants in their early stages of recruitment (“recruit species”). A series of plots was delimited within a locality, and all the individuals recruiting and their canopy species were identified; (2) The paired Canopy‐Open (pCO) protocol (26 networks) consists in locating a potential canopy plant and identifying recruiting individuals under the canopy and in a nearby open space of the same area; (3) The Georeferenced plot (GP) protocol (11 networks) consists in using information from georeferenced individual plants in large plots to infer canopy‐recruit interactions. Some networks incorporate data for both herbs and woody species, whereas others focus exclusively on woody species. The location of each study site, geographical coordinates, country, locality, responsible author, sampling dates, sampling method, and life habits of both canopy and recruit species are provided. This database will allow researchers to test ecological, biogeographical, and evolutionary hypotheses related to plant recruitment interactions. There are no copyright restrictions on the data set; please cite this data paper when using these data in publications.

Detecting volunteer cotton plants in a corn field with deep learning on UAV remote-sensing imagery - Pappu Kumar Yadav; J. Alex Thomasson; Robert Hardin; Stephen W. Searcy; Ulisses Braga-Neto; Sorin C. Popescu; Daniel E Martin; Roberto Rodriguez; Karem Meza; Juan Enciso; Jorge Solorzano Diaz; Tianyi Wang (Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2023)

Towards a standardisation of morphological measurements in the phylum Kinorhyncha - Alberto González-Casarrubios; Diego Cepeda; Fernando Pardos; Birger Neuhaus; Hiroshi Yamasaki; María Herranz; Katarzyna Grzelak; Anastassya Maiorova; Andrey Adrianov; Matteo Dal Zotto; Maikon Di Domenico; Stephen C. Landers; et al. (Zoologischer Anzeiger, 2023)

Corrigendum to “Priorities to inform research on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia” [Sci. Total Environ. volume 841 (2022) Article 156704] - Lucy C.M. Omeyer; Emily M. Duncan; Kornrawee Aiemsomboon; Nicola Beaumont; Sujaree Bureekul; Bin Cao; Luis R. Carrasco; Suchana Chavanich; James R. Clark; Muhammad R. Cordova; Fay Couceiro; Simon M. Cragg; et al. (Science of The Total Environment, 2023)

Biofilm formation, sodium hypochlorite susceptibility and genetic diversity of Vibrio parahaemolyticus - Dan Wang; Graham C. Fletcher; Stephen L.W. On; Jon S. Palmer; Dragana Gagic; Steve H. Flint (International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2023)

Corrigendum to “Harmonization of acronyms for volatile organic compound metabolites using a standardized naming system” [Int. J. Hygiene Environ. Health 235 (2021) 113749] - Denise S. Tevis; Sharon R. Flores; Brandon M. Kenwood; Deepak Bhandari; Peyton Jacob; Jia Liu; Pawel K. Lorkiewicz; Daniel J. Conklin; Stephen S. Hecht; Maciej L. Goniewicz; Benjamin C. Blount; Víctor R. De Jesús (International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2023)

Whole-Ecosystem Warming Increases Plant-Available Nitrogen and Phosphorus in an Ombrotrophic Bog - Colleen M. Iversen; John Latimer; Deanne J. Brice; Joanne Childs; Holly M. Vander Stel; Camille E. Defrenne; Jake Graham; Natalie A. Griffiths; Avni Malhotra; Richard J. Norby; Keith C. Oleheiser; Jana R. Phillips; et al. (Ecosystems, 2023)

Dive characteristics of Cross Seamount beaked whales from long‐term passive acoustic monitoring at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauaʻi - Roanne Manzano‐Roth; E. Elizabeth Henderson; Gabriela C. Alongi; Cameron R. Martin; Stephen W. Martin; Brian Matsuyama (Marine Mammal Science, 2023)
Beaked whale foraging pulses were detected on the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, via long term passive acoustic monitoring. The unidentified pulses do not match foraging pulses of known species on the range but are similar to the unidentified beaked whale first detected at Cross Seamount, Hawaiʻi. Although there has not been a visual confirmation of the unidentified beaked whale species, analysis of data collected from 2007 to 2019 has identified beaked whale foraging dive characteristics from echolocation pulses. From the 13 years of data, the most distinct patterns were that all foraging dives occurred at night and the nighttime foraging dive rate was 0.11 group vocal periods (GVP) per hour, with most detections on shallow hydrophones (625–1,000 m deep) over steep bathymetric slopes. Data collected during U.S. Navy training events were used to compare dive behavior during mid‐frequency active sonar (MFAS) activity against baseline periods; it was determined that the whales reduced GVPs during sonar and these remained low for at least 3 days after the training events. These results are the first long‐term record of acoustic signals from the Cross Seamount beaked whale and provide important insights into their habitat use and occurrence patterns.

Three perspectives on the prediction of chemical effects in ecosystems - Anke Schneeweiss; Noël P. D. Juvigny‐Khenafou; Stephen Osakpolor; Andreas Scharmüller; Sebastian Scheu; Verena C. Schreiner; Roman Ashauer; Beate I. Escher; Florian Leese; Ralf B. Schäfer (Global Change Biology, 2023)
The increasing production, use and emission of synthetic chemicals into the environment represents a major driver of global change. The large number of synthetic chemicals, limited knowledge on exposure patterns and effects in organisms and their interaction with other global change drivers hamper the prediction of effects in ecosystems. However, recent advances in biomolecular and computational methods are promising to improve our capacity for prediction. We delineate three idealised perspectives for the prediction of chemical effects: the suborganismal, organismal and ecological perspective, which are currently largely separated. Each of the outlined perspectives includes essential and complementary theories and tools for prediction but captures only part of the phenomenon of chemical effects. Links between the perspectives may foster predictive modelling of chemical effects in ecosystems and extrapolation between species. A major challenge for the linkage is the lack of data sets simultaneously covering different levels of biological organisation (here referred to as biological levels) as well as varying temporal and spatial scales. Synthesising the three perspectives, some central aspects and associated types of data seem particularly necessary to improve prediction. First, suborganism‐ and organism‐level responses to chemicals need to be recorded and tested for relationships with chemical groups and organism traits. Second, metrics that are measurable at many biological levels, such as energy, need to be scrutinised for their potential to integrate across levels. Third, experimental data on the simultaneous response over multiple biological levels and spatiotemporal scales are required. These could be collected in nested and interconnected micro‐ and mesocosm experiments. Lastly, prioritisation of processes involved in the prediction framework needs to find a balance between simplification and capturing the essential complexity of a system. For example, in some cases, eco‐evolutionary dynamics and interactions may need stronger consideration. Prediction needs to move from a static to a real‐world eco‐evolutionary view.

A will-o’-the wisp? On the utility of voluntary contributions of data and knowledge from the fishing industry to marine science - Nathalie A. Steins; Steven Mackinson; Stephen C. Mangi; Martin A. Pastoors; Robert L. Stephenson; Marta Ballesteros; Kate Brooks; James A. McIsaac; Matthew R. Baker; Julia Calderwood; Barbara Neis; Emily M. Ogier; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
For future sustainable management of fisheries, we anticipate deeper and more diverse information will be needed. Future needs include not only biological data, but also information that can only come from fishers, such as real-time ‘early warning’ indicators of changes at sea, socio-economic data and fishing strategies. The fishing industry, in our experience, shows clear willingness to voluntarily contribute data and experiential knowledge, but there is little evidence that current institutional frameworks for science and management are receptive and equipped to accommodate such contributions. Current approaches to producing knowledge in support of fisheries management need critical re-evaluation, including the contributions that industry can make. Using examples from well-developed advisory systems in Europe, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, we investigate evidence for three interrelated issues inhibiting systematic integration of voluntary industry contributions to science: (1) concerns about data quality; (2) beliefs about limitations in useability of unique fishers’ knowledge; and (3) perceptions about the impact of industry contributions on the integrity of science. We show that whilst these issues are real, they can be addressed. Entrenching effective science-industry research collaboration (SIRC) calls for action in three specific areas; (i) a move towards alternative modes of knowledge production; (ii) establishing appropriate quality assurance frameworks; and (iii) transitioning to facilitating governance structures. Attention must also be paid to the science-policy-stakeholder interface. Better definition of industry’s role in contributing to science will improve credibility and legitimacy of the scientific process, and of resulting management.

Research priorities for measuring biologic age: summary and future directions from the Research Centers Collaborative Network Workshop - Tina E. Brinkley; Jamie N. Justice; Shubhashrita Basu; Scott R. Bauer; Kah Poh Loh; Peter Mukli; Ted Kheng Siang Ng; Indira C. Turney; Luigi Ferrucci; Steven R. Cummings; Stephen B. Kritchevsky (GeroScience, 2022)
Biologic aging reflects the genetic, molecular, and cellular changes underlying the development of morbidity and mortality with advancing chronological age. As several potential mechanisms have been identified, there is a growing interest in developing robust measures of biologic age that can better reflect the underlying biology of aging and predict age-related outcomes. To support this endeavor, the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) conducted a workshop in January 2022 to discuss emerging concepts in the field and identify opportunities to move the science forward. This paper presents workshop proceedings and summarizes the identified research needs, priorities, and recommendations for measuring biologic age. The highest priorities identified were the need for more robust measures, longitudinal studies, multidisciplinary collaborations, and translational approaches.

Kelp Forest Drag Coefficients Derived from Tidal Flow Data - Stephen Monismith; Maha Alnajjar; Margaret Daly; Arnoldo Valle-Levinson; Braulio Juarez; Matheus Fagundes; Tom Bell; C. Brock Woodson (Estuaries and Coasts, 2022)

Coastal hazard mitigation considerations: perspectives from northern Gulf of Mexico coastal professionals and decision-makers - Denise E. DeLorme; Sonia H. Stephens; Renee C. Collini (Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 2022)

2022 taxonomic update of phylum Negarnaviricota (Riboviria: Orthornavirae), including the large orders Bunyavirales and Mononegavirales - Jens H. Kuhn; Scott Adkins; Sergey V. Alkhovsky; Tatjana Avšič-Županc; María A. Ayllón; Justin Bahl; Anne Balkema-Buschmann; Matthew J. Ballinger; Martina Bandte; Martin Beer; Nicolas Bejerman; Éric Bergeron; et al. (Archives of Virology, 2022)

In vivo and in vitro toxicity of a stainless-steel aerosol generated during thermal spray coating - Vamsi Kodali; Aliakbar Afshari; Terence Meighan; Walter McKinney; Md Habibul Hasan Mazumder; Nairrita Majumder; Jared L. Cumpston; Howard D. Leonard; James B. Cumpston; Sherri Friend; Stephen S. Leonard; Aaron Erdely; et al. (Archives of Toxicology, 2022)

Effects of grid spacing on high-frequency precipitation variance in coupled high-resolution global ocean–atmosphere models - Charles X. Light; Brian K. Arbic; Paige E. Martin; Laurent Brodeau; J. Thomas Farrar; Stephen M. Griffies; Ben P. Kirtman; Lucas C. Laurindo; Dimitris Menemenlis; Andrea Molod; Arin D. Nelson; Ebenezer Nyadjro; et al. (Climate Dynamics, 2022)
High-frequency precipitation variance is calculated in 12 different free-running (non-data-assimilative) coupled high resolution atmosphere–ocean model simulations, an assimilative coupled atmosphere–ocean weather forecast model, and an assimilative reanalysis. The results are compared with results from satellite estimates of precipitation and rain gauge observations. An analysis of irregular sub-daily fluctuations, which was applied by Covey et al. (Geophys Res Lett 45:12514–12522, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1029/2018GL078926 ) to satellite products and low-resolution climate models, is applied here to rain gauges and higher-resolution models. In contrast to lower-resolution climate simulations, which Covey et al. (2018) found to be lacking with respect to variance in irregular sub-daily fluctuations, the highest-resolution simulations examined here display an irregular sub-daily fluctuation variance that lies closer to that found in satellite products. Most of the simulations used here cannot be analyzed via the Covey et al. (2018) technique, because they do not output precipitation at sub-daily intervals. Thus the remainder of the paper focuses on frequency power spectral density of precipitation and on cumulative distribution functions over time scales (2–100 days) that are still relatively “high-frequency” in the context of climate modeling. Refined atmospheric or oceanic model grid spacing is generally found to increase high-frequency precipitation variance in simulations, approaching the values derived from observations. Mesoscale-eddy-rich ocean simulations significantly increase precipitation variance only when the atmosphere grid spacing is sufficiently fine (< 0.5°). Despite the improvements noted above, all of the simulations examined here suffer from the “drizzle effect”, in which precipitation is not temporally intermittent to the extent found in observations.

Population genomics of a predatory mammal reveals patterns of decline and impacts of exposure to toxic toads - Brenton von Takach; Louis Ranjard; Christopher P. Burridge; Skye F. Cameron; Teigan Cremona; Mark D. B. Eldridge; Diana O. Fisher; Stephen Frankenberg; Brydie M. Hill; Rosemary Hohnen; Chris J. Jolly; Ella Kelly; et al. (Molecular Ecology, 2022)
Mammal declines across northern Australia are one of the major biodiversity loss events occurring globally. There has been no regional assessment of the implications of these species declines for genomic diversity. To address this, we conducted a species‐wide assessment of genomic diversity in the northern quoll ( Dasyurus hallucatus ), an Endangered marsupial carnivore. We used next generation sequencing methods to genotype 10,191 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 352 individuals from across a 3220‐km length of the continent, investigating patterns of population genomic structure and diversity, and identifying loci showing signals of putative selection. We found strong heterogeneity in the distribution of genomic diversity across the continent, characterized by (i) biogeographical barriers driving hierarchical population structure through long‐term isolation, and (ii) severe reductions in diversity resulting from population declines, exacerbated by the spread of introduced toxic cane toads ( Rhinella marina ). These results warn of a large ongoing loss of genomic diversity and associated adaptive capacity as mammals decline across northern Australia. Encouragingly, populations of the northern quoll established on toad‐free islands by translocations appear to have maintained most of the initial genomic diversity after 16 years. By mapping patterns of genomic diversity within and among populations, and investigating these patterns in the context of population declines, we can provide conservation managers with data critical to informed decision‐making. This includes the identification of populations that are candidates for genetic management, the importance of remnant island and insurance/translocated populations for the conservation of genetic diversity, and the characterization of putative evolutionarily significant units.

Particle Property Characterization and Data Curation for Effective Powder Property Modeling in the Pharmaceutical Industry - Robert C. Wadams; Ilgaz Akseli; Jacob Albrecht; Ana P. Ferreira; John F. Gamble; Michael Leane; Stephen Thomas; Yue Schuman; Lauren Taylor; Mike Tobyn (AAPS PharmSciTech, 2022)

Chromatographic analysis of dithiocarbamate residues and their metabolites in foods employed in dietary exposure studies—a review - Stephen W. C. Chung; Waiky W. K. Wong (Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 2022)

Black Gill in Marine Decapod Crustaceans: A Review - Marc E. Frischer; Stephen C. Landers; Anna N. Walker; Shirley A. Powell; Richard F. Lee (Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 2022)

Genomic tools reveal complex social organization of an invasive large mammal (Sus scrofa) - Chelsea L. Titus; Courtney F. Bowden; Timothy J. Smyser; Stephen L. Webb; James C. Beasley (Biological Invasions, 2022)

Genetic variation and clonal diversity in floating aquatic plants: Comparative genomic analysis of water hyacinth species in their native range - Nicolay Leme da Cunha; Haoran Xue; Stephen I. Wright; Spencer C. H. Barrett (Molecular Ecology, 2022)
Many eukaryotic organisms reproduce by sexual and asexual reproduction. Genetic diversity in populations can be strongly dependent on the relative importance of these two reproductive modes. Here, we compare the amounts and patterns of genetic diversity in related water hyacinths that differ in their propensity for clonal propagation – highly clonal Eichhornia crassipes and moderately clonal E. azurea (Pontederiaceae). Our comparisons involved genotype‐by‐sequencing (GBS) of 137 E. crassipes ramets from 60 locations (193,495 nucleotide sites) and 118 E. azurea ramets from 53 locations (198,343 nucleotide sites) among six hydrological basins in central South America, the native range of both species. We predicted that because of more prolific clonal propagation, E. crassipes would exhibit lower clonal diversity than E. azurea . This prediction was supported by all measures of clonal diversity that we examined. Eichhornia crassipes also had a larger excess of heterozygotes at variant sites, another signature of clonality. However, genome‐wide heterozygosity was not significantly different between the species. Eichhornia crassipes had weaker spatial genetic structure and lower levels of differentiation among hydrological basins than E. azurea , probably because of higher clonality and more extensive dispersal of its free‐floating life form. Our findings for E. crassipes contrast with earlier studies from the invasive range which have reported very low levels of clonal diversity and extensive geographic areas of genetic uniformity.

Fire‐related threats and transformational change in Australian ecosystems - David A. Keith; Stuart P. Allen; Rachael V. Gallagher; Berin D. E. Mackenzie; Tony D. Auld; Sarah Barrett; Anne Buchan; Valerie English; Carl Gosper; Dave Kelly; Allen McIllwee; Rachel T. Melrose; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2022)
Aim Megafire events generate immediate concern for wildlife and human well‐being, but their broader ecological impacts likely extend beyond individual species and single fire events. In the first mechanistic study of fire effects focussed on ecosystems, we aimed to assess the sensitivity and exposure of ecosystems to multiple fire‐related threats, placing impacts in the context of changing fire regimes and their interactions with other threats. Location Southern and eastern Australia. Time period 2019–2020. Major species studied Australian ecosystems. Methods We defined 15 fire‐related threats to ecosystems based on mechanisms associated with: (a) direct effects of fire regime components; (b) interactions between fire and physical environmental processes; (c) effects of fire on biological interactions; and (d) interactions between fire and human activity. We estimated the sensitivity and exposure of a sample of 92 ecosystem types to each threat type based on published relationships and spatial analysis of the 2019–2020 fires. Results Twenty‐nine ecosystem types assessed had more than half of their distribution exposed to one or more threat types, and only three of those were listed as nationally threatened. Three fire‐related threat types posed the most severe threats to large numbers of ecosystem types: high frequency fire; pre‐fire drought; and post‐fire invasive predator activity. The ecosystem types most affected ranged from rain forests to peatlands, and included some, such as sclerophyllous eucalypt forests and heathlands, that are traditionally regarded as fire‐prone and fire‐adapted. Main conclusions Most impacts of the 2019–2020 fires on ecosystems became apparent only when they were placed in the context of the whole fire regime and its interactions with other threatening processes, and were not direct consequences of the megafire event itself. Our mechanistic approach enables ecosystem‐specific management responses for the most threatened ecosystem types to be targeted at underlying causes of degradation and decline.

The conservation impacts of ecological disturbance: Time‐bound estimates of population loss and recovery for fauna affected by the 2019–2020 Australian megafires - Sarah Legge; Libby Rumpff; John C. Z. Woinarski; Nick S. Whiterod; Michelle Ward; Darren G. Southwell; Ben C. Scheele; Dale G. Nimmo; Mark Lintermans; Hayley M. Geyle; Stephen T. Garnett; Brittany Hayward‐Brown; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2022)
Aim After environmental disasters, species with large population losses may need urgent protection to prevent extinction and support recovery. Following the 2019–2020 Australian megafires, we estimated population losses and recovery in fire‐affected fauna, to inform conservation status assessments and management. Location Temperate and subtropical Australia. Time period 2019–2030 and beyond. Major taxa Australian terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates; one invertebrate group. Methods From > 1,050 fire‐affected taxa, we selected 173 whose distributions substantially overlapped the fire extent. We estimated the proportion of each taxon’s distribution affected by fires, using fire severity and aquatic impact mapping, and new distribution mapping. Using expert elicitation informed by evidence of responses to previous wildfires, we estimated local population responses to fires of varying severity. We combined the spatial and elicitation data to estimate overall population loss and recovery trajectories, and thus indicate potential eligibility for listing as threatened, or uplisting, under Australian legislation. Results We estimate that the 2019–2020 Australian megafires caused, or contributed to, population declines that make 70–82 taxa eligible for listing as threatened; and another 21–27 taxa eligible for uplisting. If so‐listed, this represents a 22–26% increase in Australian statutory lists of threatened terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates and spiny crayfish, and uplisting for 8–10% of threatened taxa. Such changes would cause an abrupt worsening of underlying trajectories in vertebrates, as measured by Red List Indices. We predict that 54–88% of 173 assessed taxa will not recover to pre‐fire population size within 10 years/three generations. Main conclusions We suggest the 2019–2020 Australian megafires have worsened the conservation prospects for many species. Of the 91 taxa recommended for listing/uplisting consideration, 84 are now under formal review through national processes. Improving predictions about taxon vulnerability with empirical data on population responses, reducing the likelihood of future catastrophic events and mitigating their impacts on biodiversity, are critical.

SNAPSHOT USA 2020: A second coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States during the COVID ‐19 pandemic - Roland Kays; Michael V. Cove; Jose Diaz; Kimberly Todd; Claire Bresnan; Matt Snider; Thomas E. Lee; Jonathan G. Jasper; Brianna Douglas; Anthony P. Crupi; Katherine C. B. Weiss; Helen Rowe; et al. (Ecology, 2022)
Managing wildlife populations in the face of global change requires regular data on the abundance and distribution of wild animals, but acquiring these over appropriate spatial scales in a sustainable way has proven challenging. Here we present the data from Snapshot USA 2020, a second annual national mammal survey of the USA. This project involved 152 scientists setting camera traps in a standardized protocol at 1485 locations across 103 arrays in 43 states for a total of 52,710 trap‐nights of survey effort. Most (58) of these arrays were also sampled during the same months (September and October) in 2019, providing a direct comparison of animal populations in 2 years that includes data from both during and before the COVID‐19 pandemic. All data were managed by the eMammal system, with all species identifications checked by at least two reviewers. In total, we recorded 117,415 detections of 78 species of wild mammals, 9236 detections of at least 43 species of birds, 15,851 detections of six domestic animals and 23,825 detections of humans or their vehicles. Spatial differences across arrays explained more variation in the relative abundance than temporal variation across years for all 38 species modeled, although there are examples of significant site‐level differences among years for many species. Temporal results show how species allocate their time and can be used to study species interactions, including between humans and wildlife. These data provide a snapshot of the mammal community of the USA for 2020 and will be useful for exploring the drivers of spatial and temporal changes in relative abundance and distribution, and the impacts of species interactions on daily activity patterns. There are no copyright restrictions, and please cite this paper when using these data, or a subset of these data, for publication.

Citizen science and machine learning: Interdisciplinary approach to non-invasively monitoring a northern marine ecosystem - Ashleigh M. Westphal; C-Jae C. Breiter; Sarah Falconer; Najmeh Saffar; Ahmed B. Ashraf; Alysa G. McCall; Kieran McIver; Stephen D. Petersen (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Successful conservation efforts often require novel tactics to achieve the desired goals of protecting species and habitats. One such tactic is to develop an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to ensure that conservation initiatives are science-based, scalable, and goal-oriented. This approach may be particularly beneficial to wildlife monitoring, as there is often a mismatch between where monitoring is required and where resources are available. We can bridge that gap by bringing together diverse partners, technologies, and global resources to expand monitoring efforts and use tools where they are needed most. Here, we describe a successful interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to long-term monitoring of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas ) and their marine ecosystem. Our approach includes extracting images from video data collected through partnerships with other organizations who live-stream educational nature content worldwide. This video has resulted in an average of 96,000 underwater images annually. However, due to the frame extraction process, many images show only water. We have therefore incorporated an automated data filtering step using machine learning models to identify frames that include beluga, which filtered out an annual average of 67.9% of frames labelled as “empty” (no beluga) with a classification accuracy of 97%. The final image datasets were then classified by citizen scientists on the Beluga Bits project on Zooniverse ( https://www.zooniverse.org ). Since 2016, more than 20,000 registered users have provided nearly 5 million classifications on our Zooniverse workflows. Classified images are then used in various researcher-led projects. The benefits of this approach have been multifold. The combination of machine learning tools followed by citizen science participation has increased our analysis capabilities and the utilization of hundreds of hours of video collected each year. Our successes to date include the photo-documentation of a previously tagged beluga and of the common northern comb jellyfish ( Bolinopsis infundibulum ), an unreported species in Hudson Bay. Given the success of this program, we recommend other conservation initiatives adopt an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to increase the success of their monitoring programs.

Rapid SNP genotyping, sex identification, and hybrid-detection in threatened bull trout - Stephen J. Amish; Shana Bernall; Patrick DeHaan; Michael Miller; Sean O’Rourke; Matthew C. Boyer; Clint Muhlfeld; Angela Lodmell; Robb F. Leary; Gordon Luikart (Conservation Genetics Resources, 2022)

Na+/HCO3− cotransporter 1 (nbce1) isoform gene expression during smoltification and seawater acclimation of Atlantic salmon - Jason P. Breves; Ian S. McKay; Victor Koltenyuk; Nastasia N. Nelson; Sean C. Lema; Stephen D. McCormick (Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 2022)

Untangling the Gordian knot: estuary survival under sea‐level rise and catchment pollution requires a new policy and governance approach - Stephen C. Urlich; Jazmynn L. Hodder‐Swain (New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2022)
Many estuaries are squeezed between sea‐level rise, coastal hardening and adverse cumulative effects from unsustainable catchment activities. In Aotearoa New Zealand, there is little planning to provide future accommodation space for estuaries. A complex knot of policies and plans, and accompanying poor implementation also affect ecological sustainability. We examine these issues for Brooklands Lagoon/Te Riu o Te Aika Kawa, a tidal lagoon northeast of Christchurch/Ōtautahi. It is within the takiwā of Ngāi Tahu iwi and Ngāi Tūāhuriri hapū, and the jurisdictions of Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury. The estuary is influenced by three rivers, and surrounding land use is managed under three different statutory resource management plans, along with several non‐regulatory strategies and organisational management plans. However, these plans are poorly integrated and estuarine ecological health is compromised. The incoming tide of resource management and local government reform will add complexity, but also an opportunity to accommodate and enhance the estuary as a blue carbon sink, and to restore cultural and ecological values. This requires specific recognition of estuaries in the proposed managed retreat and spatial planning laws, and within the replacement resource management statute. Legal recognition of Indigenous customary rights could also produce novel governance models to improve management.

Summer ecosystem structure in mountain lakes linked to interannual variability of lake ice, snowpack, and landscape attributes - Stephen M. Powers; Steven C. Fradkin; William Baccus; Carmen Archambault; John R. Boetsch; Matthew R. Brousil; Rebecca Lofgren; Ashley Rawhouser; Stephanie E. Hampton (Limnology and Oceanography, 2022)
Mountain lakes experience interannual variability in spring snowpack and ice cover that can lead to differences in physical, chemical, and biological properties in the succeeding summer. Lake studies that capture extreme years of snow and ice would be useful to understand and anticipate effects of climate change, but such data are rare for remote mountain lakes. Monitoring of lakes in Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier National Parks from 2007 to 2018 allowed us to examine limnological differences along interannual and elevation‐driven climate gradients that included unusually high (2011–2012) and 100‐yr record low (2015) snowpack years. Years with lower spring snowpack had earlier ice‐out. Across lakes, our analysis suggested an average of 0.075°C lake warming per day of lost ice duration (0.525°C per week), giving rise to other ecosystem changes linked to temperature such as lower dissolved oxygen, higher total dissolved N, higher chlorophyll, and higher abundance of cladoceran zooplankton. Conversely, in years with higher snowpack and a shorter ice‐free season, lakes were colder and clearer (1 m deeper Secchi depth for every 1 m May snow water equivalent), with more dilute ions as well as lower algal biomass and zooplankton abundance. These results add to evidence that changes in snowpack or ice‐out dates alter mountain lake ecology through multiple processes associated with hydrology, terrestrial‐aquatic connection, water temperature, productivity, ion composition, and plankton communities.

Urinary calculi in larvae of striped trumpeter, Latris lineata - Valera L. Dias; Stephen C. Battaglene; Jennifer M. Cobcroft; Karsten Goemann; Barbara F. Nowak (Journal of Fish Diseases, 2022)
Urinary calculi are observed in some cultured marine fish larvae and may negatively impact larval health and survival. This study assessed urinary calculi in striped trumpeter Latris lineata larvae from hatching to 28 days post‐hatching (dph). The prevalence of urinary calculi was variable over time and ranged from 15% to 50%, whereas the average size of calculi increased with larval age. Urinary calculi were semi‐translucent, light cream to white colour with irregular morphology and a uniform internal structure. The calculi resulted in pressure atrophy causing a distended epithelium of the urinary bladder of fish with calculi. The calculi were predominantly formed of calcium hydrogen phosphate (CaHPO 4 ). Routine assessment of the prevalence of urinary calculi in marine fish larvae is recommended, along with other parameters, to monitor larval quality and inform hatchery management actions.

Tallo: A global tree allometry and crown architecture database - Tommaso Jucker; Fabian Jörg Fischer; Jérôme Chave; David A. Coomes; John Caspersen; Arshad Ali; Grace Jopaul Loubota Panzou; Ted R. Feldpausch; Daniel Falster; Vladimir A. Usoltsev; Stephen Adu‐Bredu; Luciana F. Alves; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2022)
Data capturing multiple axes of tree size and shape, such as a tree's stem diameter, height and crown size, underpin a wide range of ecological research—from developing and testing theory on forest structure and dynamics, to estimating forest carbon stocks and their uncertainties, and integrating remote sensing imagery into forest monitoring programmes. However, these data can be surprisingly hard to come by, particularly for certain regions of the world and for specific taxonomic groups, posing a real barrier to progress in these fields. To overcome this challenge, we developed the Tallo database, a collection of 498,838 georeferenced and taxonomically standardized records of individual trees for which stem diameter, height and/or crown radius have been measured. These data were collected at 61,856 globally distributed sites, spanning all major forested and non‐forested biomes. The majority of trees in the database are identified to species (88%), and collectively Tallo includes data for 5163 species distributed across 1453 genera and 187 plant families. The database is publicly archived under a CC‐BY 4.0 licence and can be access from: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6637599 . To demonstrate its value, here we present three case studies that highlight how the Tallo database can be used to address a range of theoretical and applied questions in ecology—from testing the predictions of metabolic scaling theory, to exploring the limits of tree allometric plasticity along environmental gradients and modelling global variation in maximum attainable tree height. In doing so, we provide a key resource for field ecologists, remote sensing researchers and the modelling community working together to better understand the role that trees play in regulating the terrestrial carbon cycle.

North Pacific minke whales call rapidly when calling conspecifics are nearby - Cameron R. Martin; Regina A. Guazzo; Tyler A. Helble; Gabriela C. Alongi; Ian N. Durbach; Stephen W. Martin; Brian M. Matsuyama; E. Elizabeth Henderson (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
North Pacific minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata ) boing calls are commonly detected in Hawaiian waters. When producing boing vocalizations, minke whales seem to be in one of two calling behavioral states. Most often minke whales produce boings with inter-call intervals of several minutes, but sometimes minke whales call rapidly with inter-call intervals of less than a minute. Since minke whales are difficult to detect visually, cue-rate-based density estimation using passive acoustic monitoring has been proposed. However, the variables that influence cue rate or calling rate are poorly understood in most whales, including minke whales. We collected passive acoustic recordings from 47 bottom-mounted hydrophones at the Pacific Missile Range Facility’s instrumented range off the coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi to test the hypothesis that minke whales call more rapidly when closer in proximity to other calling conspecifics. A total of 599 days of data were recorded between August 2012 and July 2017 and were automatically post-processed to detect, classify, and localize calls. Localized calls were grouped into tracks and manually validated, resulting in 509 individual tracks composed of 36,033 calls within a 16 x 39 km focal study area. Tracked minke whales exhibited a strong bimodal call rate with means of one call every 6.85 min ( σ = 2.54 min) and 0.63 min ( σ = 0.36 min). We ran hidden Markov models to quantify the relationship between call rate and the distance to the nearest calling conspecific. Overall, the probability of the higher call rate occurring increased as the distance to the nearest conspecific decreased, and the probability of the lower call rate occurring increased as the distance to the nearest conspecific increased. We also examined individual track data and found that minke whales may also exhibit other responses (i.e. increased speed, changes in heading, and cessation of calling) when calling conspecifics are nearby. These findings provide new information about minke whale calling behavior in what is likely a breeding area.

Beyond Climate Isolationism: a Necessary Shift for Climate Justice - Jennie C. Stephens (Current Climate Change Reports, 2022)
Purpose of Review This review explores how more transformative climate policies are emerging arguing that such policies require decision-makers to move beyond the dominant, narrow technocratic lens that I call climate isolationism. Recent Findings Climate isolationism refers to the common framing of climate change as an isolated, discrete, scientific problem in need of technological solutions. Stemming from dominant assumptions of patriarchal white-male conceptions of privilege and power, climate isolationism has not only been ineffective in responding to the climate crisis and mobilizing transformative change but it has also resulted in climate and energy programs, policies, and priorities that exacerbate inequities and perpetuate economic and racial injustice. Summary This paper reviews the inadequacy and dangers of climate isolationism, explores why climate justice provides an alternative more effective framing, and calls for more intentional consideration of power and power dynamics in climate decision-making to shift from climate isolationism to climate justice.

Barriers to coastal planning and policy use of environmental research in Aotearoa-New Zealand - Judi E. Hewitt; Carolyn J. Lundquist; Conrad A. Pilditch; Simon F. Thrush; Stephen C. Urlich (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Identifying barriers to the effective use of science in coastal management of Aotearoa-New Zealand is easy, due to the present lack of complicated governance and management structures, coupled with an emphasis on funding science that includes pathways to implementation. This opinion piece discusses four areas that still hinder effective use of science, all of which are likely to be problematic for other countries. We initially focus on why the science may not be used related to: misunderstandings (linguistic and conceptual differences including indigenous world views); timing of information delivery; uncertainty surrounding the information (knowledge limitations and funding); and top-down constraints (legal systems, politics and institutional objectives). We use Aotearoa-New Zealand examples to demonstrate the barriers operating within each area and discuss three potential solutions. Importantly our analysis indicates that researchers alone cannot transcend these barriers; rather, we need to work as part of an ecosystem, requiring commitment from all society, extending beyond the usual suspects (management agencies). We believe that ecological and systems education from junior school levels through to universities have an important role to play in setting the context to overcome current barriers.

Lack of an Effect of Polysorbate 80 on Intestinal Drug Permeability in Humans - Melissa Metry; Samuel A. Krug; Vijaya Kumari Karra; Sean Ekins; Stephen W. Hoag; Maureen A. Kane; Jeffrey C. Fink; James E. Polli (Pharmaceutical Research, 2022)

Application of multi-species photo-ID database management systems: a user’s perspective - Stephen C. Y. Chan; Scott Y. S. Chui; Leszek Karczmarski (Mammalian Biology, 2022)

Individual identification and photographic techniques in mammalian ecological and behavioural research—Part 2: Field studies and applications - Leszek Karczmarski; Stephen C. Y. Chan; Scott Y. S. Chui; Elissa Z. Cameron (Mammalian Biology, 2022)

An unknown component of a well-known population: socio-demographic parameters of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) at the western reaches of the Pearl River Delta region - Stephen C. Y. Chan; Leszek Karczmarski; Wenzhi Lin; Ruiqiang Zheng; Yuen-Wa Ho; Lang Guo; Yaqian Mo; Andy T. L. Lee; Carmen K. M. Or; Yuping Wu (Mammalian Biology, 2022)

Estimating population parameters of African elephants: a photographic mark-recapture application in a South African protected area - Stephen C. Y. Chan; Scott Y. S. Chui; Yolanda Pretorius; Leszek Karczmarski (Mammalian Biology, 2022)

Adolescence and the development of social behaviour in giraffes - Zoe Muller; Innes C. Cuthill; Stephen Harris (Mammalian Biology, 2022)
All mammals experience different life stages as they develop, each of which is characterised by particular physical and behavioural changes. Despite the emergence of sophisticated behaviour analysis techniques, the ways in which social behaviour varies by life stage, and how this is influenced by an individual’s sex, is relatively understudied in most social mammals other than primates and elephants. Understanding the social requirements of mammals should be a central and critical component to their conservation, captive management and welfare. Here, we apply social network analysis techniques to understand how social behaviour differs with life stage in the giraffe, a gregarious fission–fusion mammal. We studied two wild populations of giraffes in Kenya and found that adolescents have significantly stronger associations with adolescents of their own sex first and foremost, then adults of their own sex. Other associations were significantly lower than would be expected, or non-significant. Our results suggest that adolescence in both male and female giraffes shares similar features to adolescence in other social mammal species. We discuss how the application of such knowledge might improve the management and welfare of captive giraffes.

A Closer Look at Non-random Patterns Within Chemistry Space for a Smaller, Earlier Amino Acid Alphabet - Christopher Mayer-Bacon; Markus Meringer; Riley Havel; José C. Aponte; Stephen Freeland (Journal of Molecular Evolution, 2022)

Hydrogeology of an urban weathered basement aquifer in Kampala, Uganda - Philip M. Nyenje; Denis Ocoromac; Stephen Tumwesige; Matt J. Ascott; James P. R. Sorensen; Andrew J. Newell; David M. J. Macdonald; Daren C. Gooddy; Callist Tindimugaya; Robinah N. Kulabako; Dan J. Lapworth; Jan Willem Foppen (Hydrogeology Journal, 2022)
Weathered basement aquifers are vital sources of drinking water in Africa. In order to better understand their role in the urban water balance, in a weathered basement aquifer in Kampala, Uganda, this study installed a transect of monitoring piezometers, carried out spring flow and high-frequency groundwater level monitoring, slug tests and hydrochemical analyses, including stable isotopes and groundwater residence time indicators. Findings showed a typical weathered basement aquifer with a 20–50-m thickness. Groundwater recharge was 3–50 mm/year, occurring during sustained rainfall. Recharge to a deep groundwater system within the saprock was slow and prolonged, while recharge to the springs on the valley slopes was quick and episodic, responding rapidly to precipitation. Springs discharged shallow groundwater, mixed with wastewater infiltrating from onsite sanitation practices and contributions from the deeper aquifer and were characterised by low flow rates (< 0.001 m 3 /s), low pH (<5), high nitrate values (61–190 mg/L as NO 3 ), and residence times of <30 years. The deeper groundwater system occurred in the saprolite/saprock, had low transmissivity (< 1 × 10 −5 m 2 /s), lower nitrate values (<20 mg/L as NO 3 ), pH 6–6.5 and longer residence times (40–60 years). Confined groundwater conditions in the valleys were created by the presence of clay-rich alluvium and gave rise to artesian conditions where groundwater had lower nitrate concentrations. The findings provide new insights into weathered basement aquifers in the urban tropics and show that small-scale abstractions are more sustainable in the deeper groundwater system in the valleys, where confined conditions are present.

Association of cerebral microvascular dysfunction and white matter injury in Alzheimer’s disease - Zsolt Bagi; Christopher D. Kroenke; Katie Anne Fopiano; Yanna Tian; Jessica A. Filosa; Larry S. Sherman; Eric B. Larson; C. Dirk Keene; Kiera Degener O’Brien; Philip A. Adeniyi; Stephen A. Back (GeroScience, 2022)

Glucose metabolism patterns: A potential index to characterize brain ageing and predict high conversion risk into cognitive impairment - Jiehui Jiang; Can Sheng; Guanqun Chen; Chunhua Liu; Shichen Jin; Lanlan Li; Xueyan Jiang; Ying Han; Michael W. Weiner; Paul Aisen; Ronald Petersen; Clifford R. Jack; et al. (GeroScience, 2022)

Race reporting and disparities regarding clinical trials in bladder cancer: a systematic review - Elliott Freudenburg; Iyla Bagheri; Sunay Srinivas; Ariza Martinez; Nagireddy Putluri; Zachary Klaassen; Ashish M. Kamat; Badrinath R. Konety; William Y. Kim; Lars Dyrskjøt; David J. McConkey; Stephen J. Freedland; et al. (Cancer Causes & Control, 2022)

Willingness to participate in various nontherapeutic cancer research activities among urban and rural African American and Latinx healthy volunteers - Isabel C. Scarinci; Barbara Hansen; B. Lee Green; Stephen O. Sodeke; Eboni G. Price-Haywood; Young-il Kim (Cancer Causes & Control, 2022)

Rapid assessments of Pacific Ocean net coral reef carbonate budgets and net calcification following the 2014–2017 global coral bleaching event - Travis A. Courtney; Hannah C. Barkley; Stephen Chan; Courtney S. Couch; Tye L. Kindinger; Thomas A. Oliver; David J. Kriegman; Andreas J. Andersson (Limnology and Oceanography, 2022)
The 2014–2017 global coral bleaching event caused widespread coral mortality; however, its impact on the capacity for coral reefs to maintain calcium carbonate structures has not been determined. Here, we quantified remotely sensed maximum heat stress during the 2014–2017 bleaching event, census‐based net carbonate budgets from benthic imagery and fish survey data, and net reef calcification from salinity normalized seawater total alkalinity anomalies collected from 2017–2019 for 56 Pacific coral reef sites (Mariana Islands, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Remote Island Areas, and American Samoa). We incorporated the census‐based and chemistry‐based metrics to determine a calcification vulnerability index for each site to maintain calcium carbonate balance to provide accessible information to managers and policy makers. Most coral reef sites likely experienced ecologically severe (79%, n = 44) or significant (9%, n = 7) heat stress during the 2014–2017 coral bleaching event. Census‐based net carbonate budgets (mean ± 95% = 2.1 ± 0.6 kg CaCO 3 m −2 yr −1 ) were positive for 77% of sites ( n = 43), neutral for 16% of sites ( n = 9), and negative for 7% of sites ( n = 4). Chemistry‐based relative net reef calcification (mean ± 95% = 22 ± 10 μ mol kg −1 ) was positive for 84% of sites ( n = 47), neutral for 11% of sites ( n = 6), and negative for 5% of sites ( n = 3). The calcification vulnerability index suggested the Pacific Ocean reef sites surveyed were of minimal (68%, n = 38) to moderate (32%, n = 18) concern for maintaining calcium carbonate balance following the bleaching event. This suggests that many reefs maintained positive calcium carbonate balance, but that a large number of reefs may be approaching a potential threshold for maintaining their calcium carbonate balance under the climate crisis.

Evaluating expert‐based habitat suitability information of terrestrial mammals with GPS‐ tracking data - Maarten J. E. Broekman; Jelle P. Hilbers; Mark A. J. Huijbregts; Thomas Mueller; Abdullahi H. Ali; Henrik Andrén; Jeanne Altmann; Malin Aronsson; Nina Attias; Hattie L. A. Bartlam‐Brooks; Floris M. van Beest; Jerrold L. Belant; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2022)
Aim Macroecological studies that require habitat suitability data for many species often derive this information from expert opinion. However, expert‐based information is inherently subjective and thus prone to errors. The increasing availability of GPS tracking data offers opportunities to evaluate and supplement expert‐based information with detailed empirical evidence. Here, we compared expert‐based habitat suitability information from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with habitat suitability information derived from GPS‐tracking data of 1,498 individuals from 49 mammal species. Location Worldwide. Time period 1998–2021. Major taxa studied Forty‐nine terrestrial mammal species. Methods Using GPS data, we estimated two measures of habitat suitability for each individual animal: proportional habitat use (proportion of GPS locations within a habitat type), and selection ratio (habitat use relative to its availability). For each individual we then evaluated whether the GPS‐based habitat suitability measures were in agreement with the IUCN data. To that end, we calculated the probability that the ranking of empirical habitat suitability measures was in agreement with IUCN's classification into suitable, marginal and unsuitable habitat types. Results IUCN habitat suitability data were in accordance with the GPS data (> 95% probability of agreement) for 33 out of 49 species based on proportional habitat use estimates and for 25 out of 49 species based on selection ratios. In addition, 37 and 34 species had a > 50% probability of agreement based on proportional habitat use and selection ratios, respectively. Main conclusions We show how GPS‐tracking data can be used to evaluate IUCN habitat suitability data. Our findings indicate that for the majority of species included in this study, it is appropriate to use IUCN habitat suitability data in macroecological studies. Furthermore, we show that GPS‐tracking data can be used to identify and prioritize species and habitat types for re‐evaluation of IUCN habitat suitability data.

A roadmap to integrating resilience into the practice of coral reef restoration - Elizabeth C. Shaver; Elizabeth McLeod; Margaux Y. Hein; Stephen R. Palumbi; Kate Quigley; Tali Vardi; Peter J. Mumby; David Smith; Phanor Montoya‐Maya; Erinn M. Muller; Anastazia T. Banaszak; Ian M. McLeod; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2022)
Recent warm temperatures driven by climate change have caused mass coral bleaching and mortality across the world, prompting managers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners to embrace restoration as a strategy to sustain coral reefs. Despite a proliferation of new coral reef restoration efforts globally and increasing scientific recognition and research on interventions aimed at supporting reef resilience to climate impacts, few restoration programs are currently incorporating climate change and resilience in project design. As climate change will continue to degrade coral reefs for decades to come, guidance is needed to support managers and restoration practitioners to conduct restoration that promotes resilience through enhanced coral reef recovery, resistance, and adaptation. Here, we address this critical implementation gap by providing recommendations that integrate resilience principles into restoration design and practice, including for project planning and design, coral selection, site selection, and broader ecosystem context. We also discuss future opportunities to improve restoration methods to support enhanced outcomes for coral reefs in response to climate change. As coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to climate change, interventions that enhance reef resilience will help to ensure restoration efforts have a greater chance of success in a warming world. They are also more likely to provide essential contributions to global targets to protect natural biodiversity and the human communities that rely on reefs.

Influence of Rising Water Temperature on the Temperate Seagrass Species Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in the Northeast USA - Holly K. Plaisted; Erin C. Shields; Alyssa B. Novak; Christopher P. Peck; Forest Schenck; Jillian Carr; Paul A. Duffy; N. Tay Evans; Sophia E. Fox; Stephen M. Heck; Robbie Hudson; Trevor Mattera; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Sea surface temperature (SST) has increased worldwide since the beginning of the 20th century, a trend which is expected to continue. Changes in SST can have significant impacts on marine biota, including population-level shifts and alterations in community structure and diversity, and changes in the timing of ecosystem events. Seagrasses are a group of foundation species that grow in shallow coastal and estuarine systems, where they provide many ecosystem services. Eelgrass, Zostera marina L., is the dominant seagrass species in the Northeast United States of America (USA). Multiple factors have been cited for losses in this region, including light reduction, eutrophication, and physical disturbance. Warming has the potential to exacerbate seagrass loss. Here, we investigate regional changes in eelgrass presence and abundance in relation to local water temperature using monitoring data from eight sites in the Northeastern USA (New Hampshire to Maryland) where a consistent monitoring protocol, SeagrassNet, has been applied. We use a hurdle model consisting of a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) with binomial and beta response distributions for modeling eelgrass presence and abundance, respectively, in relation to the local summer average water temperature. We show that summer water temperature one year prior to monitoring is a significant predictor of eelgrass presence, but not abundance, on a regional scale. Above average summer temperatures correspond to a decrease in probability of eelgrass presence (and increased probability of eelgrass absence) the following year. Cooler than average temperatures in the preceding year, down to approximately 0.5°C below the site average, are associated with the highest predicted probability of eelgrass presence. Our findings suggest vulnerability in eelgrass meadows of the Northeast USA and emphasize the value of unified approaches to seagrass monitoring, conservation and management at the seascape scale.

Unbound Brain-to-Plasma Partition Coefficient, Kp,uu,brain—a Game Changing Parameter for CNS Drug Discovery and Development - Irena Loryan; Andreas Reichel; Bo Feng; Christoffer Bundgaard; Christopher Shaffer; Cory Kalvass; Dallas Bednarczyk; Denise Morrison; Dominique Lesuisse; Edmund Hoppe; Georg C. Terstappen; Holger Fischer; et al. (Pharmaceutical Research, 2022)
Purpose More than 15 years have passed since the first description of the unbound brain-to-plasma partition coefficient (K p,uu,brain ) by Prof. Margareta Hammarlund-Udenaes, which was enabled by advancements in experimental methodologies including cerebral microdialysis. Since then, growing knowledge and data continue to support the notion that the unbound (free) concentration of a drug at the site of action, such as the brain, is the driving force for pharmacological responses. Towards this end, K p,uu,brain is the key parameter to obtain unbound brain concentrations from unbound plasma concentrations. Methods To understand the importance and impact of the K p,uu,brain concept in contemporary drug discovery and development, a survey has been conducted amongst major pharmaceutical companies based in Europe and the USA. Here, we present the results from this survey which consisted of 47 questions addressing: 1) Background information of the companies, 2) Implementation, 3) Application areas, 4) Methodology, 5) Impact and 6) Future perspectives. Results and conclusions From the responses, it is clear that the majority of the companies (93%) has established a common understanding across disciplines of the concept and utility of K p,uu,brain as compared to other parameters related to brain exposure. Adoption of the K p,uu,brain concept has been mainly driven by individual scientists advocating its application in the various companies rather than by a top-down approach. Remarkably, 79% of all responders describe the portfolio impact of K p,uu,brain implementation in their companies as ‘game-changing’. Although most companies (74%) consider the current toolbox for K p,uu,brain assessment and its validation satisfactory for drug discovery and early development, areas of improvement and future research to better understand human brain pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics translation have been identified.

Gene arrangement, phylogeny and divergence time estimation of mitogenomes in Thrips - Avas Pakrashi; Vikas Kumar; David A. C. Stanford-Beale; Stephen L. Cameron; Kaomud Tyagi (Molecular Biology Reports, 2022)

Effects of the neo‐X chromosome on genomic signatures of hybridization in Rumex hastatulus - Felix E. G. Beaudry; Joanna L. Rifkin; Amanda L. Peake; Deanna Kim; Madeline Jarvis‐Cross; Spencer C. H. Barrett; Stephen I. Wright (Molecular Ecology, 2022)
Natural hybrid zones provide opportunities for studies of the evolution of reproductive isolation in wild populations. Although recent investigations have found that the formation of neo‐sex chromosomes is associated with reproductive isolation, the mechanisms remain unclear in most cases. Here, we assess the contemporary structure of gene flow in the contact zone between largely allopatric cytotypes of the dioecious plant Rumex hastatulus, a species with evidence of sex chromosome turn‐over. Males to the west of the Mississippi river, USA, have an X and a single Y chromosome, whereas populations to the east of the river have undergone a chromosomal rearrangement giving rise to a larger X and two Y chromosomes. Using reduced‐representation sequencing, we provide evidence that hybrids form readily and survive multiple backcross generations in the field, demonstrating the potential for ongoing gene flow between the cytotypes. Cline analysis of each chromosome separately captured no signals of difference in cline shape between chromosomes. However, principal component regression revealed a significant increase in the contribution of individual SNPs to inter‐cytotype differentiation on the neo‐X chromosome, but no correlation with recombination rate. Cline analysis revealed that the only SNPs with significantly steeper clines than the genome average were located on the neo‐X. Our data are consistent with a role for neo‐sex chromosomes in reproductive isolation between R. hastatulus cytotypes. Our investigation highlights the importance of studying plant hybrid zones for understanding the evolution of sex chromosomes.

Individual identification and photographic techniques in mammalian ecological and behavioural research—Part 1: Methods and concepts - Leszek Karczmarski; Stephen C. Y. Chan; Daniel I. Rubenstein; Scott Y. S. Chui; Elissa Z. Cameron (Mammalian Biology, 2022)

Once-daily feeding is associated with better health in companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project - Emily E. Bray; Zihan Zheng; M. Katherine Tolbert; Brianah M. McCoy; Joshua M. Akey; Brooke Benton; Elhanan Borenstein; Marta G. Castelhano; Amanda E. Coleman; Kate E. Creevy; Kyle Crowder; Matthew D. Dunbar; et al. (GeroScience, 2022)

Comprehensive analysis of epigenetic clocks reveals associations between disproportionate biological ageing and hippocampal volume - Lidija Milicic; Michael Vacher; Tenielle Porter; Vincent Doré; Samantha C. Burnham; Pierrick Bourgeat; Rosita Shishegar; James Doecke; Nicola J. Armstrong; Rick Tankard; Paul Maruff; Colin L. Masters; et al. (GeroScience, 2022)
The concept of age acceleration, the difference between biological age and chronological age, is of growing interest, particularly with respect to age-related disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Whilst studies have reported associations with AD risk and related phenotypes, there remains a lack of consensus on these associations. Here we aimed to comprehensively investigate the relationship between five recognised measures of age acceleration, based on DNA methylation patterns (DNAm age), and cross-sectional and longitudinal cognition and AD-related neuroimaging phenotypes (volumetric MRI and Amyloid-β PET) in the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). Significant associations were observed between age acceleration using the Hannum epigenetic clock and cross-sectional hippocampal volume in AIBL and replicated in ADNI. In AIBL, several other findings were observed cross-sectionally, including a significant association between hippocampal volume and the Hannum and Phenoage epigenetic clocks. Further, significant associations were also observed between hippocampal volume and the Zhang and Phenoage epigenetic clocks within Amyloid-β positive individuals. However, these were not validated within the ADNI cohort. No associations between age acceleration and other Alzheimer’s disease-related phenotypes, including measures of cognition or brain Amyloid-β burden, were observed, and there was no association with longitudinal change in any phenotype. This study presents a link between age acceleration, as determined using DNA methylation, and hippocampal volume that was statistically significant across two highly characterised cohorts. The results presented in this study contribute to a growing literature that supports the role of epigenetic modifications in ageing and AD-related phenotypes.

Prediction of disability-free survival in healthy older people - Johannes Tobias Neumann; Le T. P. Thao; Anne M. Murray; Emily Callander; Prudence R. Carr; Mark R. Nelson; Rory Wolfe; Robyn L. Woods; Christopher M. Reid; Raj C. Shah; Anne B. Newman; Jeff D. Williamson; et al. (GeroScience, 2022)
Prolonging survival in good health is a fundamental societal goal. However, the leading determinants of disability-free survival in healthy older people have not been well established. Data from ASPREE, a bi-national placebo-controlled trial of aspirin with 4.7 years median follow-up, was analysed. At enrolment, participants were healthy and without prior cardiovascular events, dementia or persistent physical disability. Disability-free survival outcome was defined as absence of dementia, persistent disability or death. Selection of potential predictors from amongst 25 biomedical, psychosocial and lifestyle variables including recognized geriatric risk factors, utilizing a machine-learning approach. Separate models were developed for men and women. The selected predictors were evaluated in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and validated internally by bootstrapping. We included 19,114 Australian and US participants aged ≥65 years (median 74 years, IQR 71.6–77.7). Common predictors of a worse prognosis in both sexes included higher age, lower Modified Mini-Mental State Examination score, lower gait speed, lower grip strength and abnormal (low or elevated) body mass index. Additional risk factors for men included current smoking, and abnormal eGFR. In women, diabetes and depression were additional predictors. The biased-corrected areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the final prognostic models at 5 years were 0.72 for men and 0.75 for women. Final models showed good calibration between the observed and predicted risks. We developed a prediction model in which age, cognitive function and gait speed were the strongest predictors of disability-free survival in healthy older people. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01038583)

Investigating the contribution of white matter hyperintensities and cortical thickness to empathy in neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases - Miracle Ozzoude; Brenda Varriano; Derek Beaton; Joel Ramirez; Melissa F. Holmes; Christopher J. M. Scott; Fuqiang Gao; Kelly M. Sunderland; Paula McLaughlin; Jennifer Rabin; Maged Goubran; Donna Kwan; et al. (GeroScience, 2022)

Correction to: Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) - Shannon E. Keating; Jane C. Fenelon; Michael Pyne; Brendan J. Pinto; Irán Andira Guzmán-Méndez; Stephen D. Johnston; Marilyn B. Renfree; Tony Gamble (Conservation Genetics Resources, 2022)

Data Quality Influences the Predicted Distribution and Habitat of Four Southern-Hemisphere Albatross Species - Kimberly T. Goetz; Fabrice Stephenson; Andrew Hoskins; Aidan D. Bindoff; Rachael A. Orben; Paul M. Sagar; Leigh G. Torres; Caitlin E. Kroeger; Lisa A. Sztukowski; Richard A. Phillips; Stephen C. Votier; Stuart Bearhop; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Few studies have assessed the influence of data quality on the predicted probability of occurrence and preferred habitat of marine predators. We compared results from four species distribution models (SDMs) for four southern-hemisphere albatross species, Buller’s ( Thalassarche bulleri ), Campbell ( T. impavida ), grey-headed ( T. chrysostoma ), and white-capped ( T. steadi ), based on datasets of differing quality, ranging from no location data to twice-daily locations of individual birds collected by geolocation devices. Two relative environmental suitability (RES) models were fit using minimum and maximum preferred and absolute values for each environmental variable based on (1) monthly 50% kernel density contours and background environmental data, and (2) primary literature or expert opinion. Additionally, two boosted regression tree (BRT) models were fit using (1) opportunistic sightings data, and (2) geolocation data from bird-borne electronic tags. Using model-specific threshold values, habitat was quantified for each species and model. Model variables included distance from land, bathymetry, sea surface temperature, and chlorophyll- a concentration. Results from both RES models and the BRT model fit with opportunistic sightings were compared to those from the BRT model fit using geolocation data to assess the influence of data quality on predicted occupancy and habitat. For all species, BRT models outperformed RES models. BRT models offer a predictive advantage over RES models by being able to identify relevant variables, incorporate environmental interactions, and provide spatially explicit estimates of model uncertainty. RES models resulted in larger, less refined areas of predicted habitat for all species. Our study highlights the importance of data quality in predicting the distribution and habitat of albatrosses and emphasises the need to consider the pros and cons associated with different levels of data quality when using SDMs to inform management decisions. Furthermore, we examine the overlap in preferred habitat predicted by each SDM with fishing effort. We discuss the influence of data quality on predicting the wide-scale distributions of pelagic seabirds and how these impacts could result in different protection measures.

A Scientific Synthesis of Marine Protected Areas in the United States: Status and Recommendations - Jenna Sullivan-Stack; Octavio Aburto-Oropeza; Cassandra M. Brooks; Reniel B. Cabral; Jennifer E. Caselle; Francis Chan; J. Emmett Duffy; Daniel C. Dunn; Alan M. Friedlander; Heather K. Fulton-Bennett; Steven D. Gaines; Leah R. Gerber; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a key tool for achieving goals for biodiversity conservation and human well-being, including improving climate resilience and equitable access to nature. At a national level, they are central components in the U.S. commitment to conserve at least 30% of U.S. waters by 2030. By definition, the primary goal of an MPA is the long-term conservation of nature; however, not all MPAs provide the same ecological and social benefits. A U.S. system of MPAs that is equitable, well-managed, representative and connected, and includes areas at a level of protection that can deliver desired outcomes is best positioned to support national goals. We used a new MPA framework, The MPA Guide, to assess the level of protection and stage of establishment of the 50 largest U.S. MPAs, which make up 99.7% of the total U.S. MPA area (3.19 million km 2 ). Over 96% of this area, including 99% of that which is fully or highly protected against extractive or destructive human activities, is in the central Pacific ocean. Total MPA area in other regions is sparse – only 1.9% of the U.S. ocean excluding the central Pacific is protected in any kind of MPA (120,976 km 2 ). Over three quarters of the non-central Pacific MPA area is lightly or minimally protected against extractive or destructive human activities. These results highlight an urgent need to improve the quality, quantity, and representativeness of MPA protection in U.S. waters to bring benefits to human and marine communities. We identify and review the state of the science, including focal areas for achieving desired MPA outcomes and lessons learned from places where sound ecological and social design principles come together in MPAs that are set up to achieve national goals for equity, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. We recommend key opportunities for action specific to the U.S. context, including increasing funding, research, equity, and protection level for new and existing U.S. MPAs.

Socioeconomic and environmental factors of poverty in China using geographically weighted random forest regression model - Yaowen Luo; Jianguo Yan; Stephen C. McClure; Fei Li (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022)

Cancer and cardiovascular-related perceived risk in a diverse cancer center catchment area - Laura C. Pinheiro; Orysya Soroka; Dominic Razon; Rosio Ramos; Francesse Antoine; Andrew J. Dannenberg; Monika Safford; Stephen J. Peterson; Rulla M. Tamimi; David M. Nanus; Erica Phillips (Cancer Causes & Control, 2022)
Purpose Despite cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) sharing several modifiable risk factors, few unified prevention efforts exist. We sought to determine the association between risk perception for cancer and CVD and engagement in healthy behaviors. Methods Between May 2019 and August 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of adults ≥ 40 years residing in Brooklyn neighborhoods with high cancer mortality. We considered one’s perceived risk of cancer and CVD compared to age counterparts as the primary exposures. The primary study outcome was a weighted health behavior score (wHBS) composed of 5 domains: physical activity, no obesity, no smoking, low alcohol intake, and healthy diet. Modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to assess associations between perceived risk for cancer and CVD and the wHBS, separately. Results We surveyed 2448 adults (mean [SD] age, 61.4 [12.9] years); 61% female, 30% Non-Hispanic White, and 70% racial/ethnic minorities. Compared to their age counterparts nearly one-third of participants perceived themselves to be at higher CVD or cancer risk. Perceiving higher CVD risk was associated with an 8% lower likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors (RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.99). Perceiving greater cancer risk was associated with a 14% lower likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79–0.95). The association between cancer risk and wHBS attenuated but remained significant (aRR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82–0.98) after adjustment. Conclusion Identifying high-risk subgroups and intervening on shared risk behaviors could have the greatest long-term impact on reducing CVD and cancer morbidity and mortality.

Applying Mendelian randomization to appraise causality in relationships between nutrition and cancer - Kaitlin H. Wade; James Yarmolinsky; Edward Giovannucci; Sarah J. Lewis; Iona Y. Millwood; Marcus R. Munafò; Fleur Meddens; Kimberley Burrows; Joshua A. Bell; Neil M. Davies; Daniela Mariosa; Noora Kanerva; et al. (Cancer Causes & Control, 2022)
Dietary factors are assumed to play an important role in cancer risk, apparent in consensus recommendations for cancer prevention that promote nutritional changes. However, the evidence in this field has been generated predominantly through observational studies, which may result in biased effect estimates because of confounding, exposure misclassification, and reverse causality. With major geographical differences and rapid changes in cancer incidence over time, it is crucial to establish which of the observational associations reflect causality and to identify novel risk factors as these may be modified to prevent the onset of cancer and reduce its progression. Mendelian randomization (MR) uses the special properties of germline genetic variation to strengthen causal inference regarding potentially modifiable exposures and disease risk. MR can be implemented through instrumental variable (IV) analysis and, when robustly performed, is generally less prone to confounding, reverse causation and measurement error than conventional observational methods and has different sources of bias (discussed in detail below). It is increasingly used to facilitate causal inference in epidemiology and provides an opportunity to explore the effects of nutritional exposures on cancer incidence and progression in a cost-effective and timely manner. Here, we introduce the concept of MR and discuss its current application in understanding the impact of nutritional factors (e.g., any measure of diet and nutritional intake, circulating biomarkers, patterns, preference or behaviour) on cancer aetiology and, thus, opportunities for MR to contribute to the development of nutritional recommendations and policies for cancer prevention. We provide applied examples of MR studies examining the role of nutritional factors in cancer to illustrate how this method can be used to help prioritise or deprioritise the evaluation of specific nutritional factors as intervention targets in randomised controlled trials. We describe possible biases when using MR, and methodological developments aimed at investigating and potentially overcoming these biases when present. Lastly, we consider the use of MR in identifying causally relevant nutritional risk factors for various cancers in different regions across the world, given notable geographical differences in some cancers. We also discuss how MR results could be translated into further research and policy. We conclude that findings from MR studies, which corroborate those from other well-conducted studies with different and orthogonal biases, are poised to substantially improve our understanding of nutritional influences on cancer. For such corroboration, there is a requirement for an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to investigate risk factors for cancer incidence and progression.

Wild pig removal reduces pathogenic bacteria in low-order streams - Sara A. Bolds; B. Graeme Lockaby; Latif Kalin; Stephen S. Ditchkoff; Mark D. Smith; Kurt C. VerCauteren (Biological Invasions, 2022)

Swimming kinematics of the Caribbean reef shark, Carcharhinus perezi - Stephen M. Kajiura; John C. Loyer; Cassandra Ruddy; Marianne E. Porter (Journal of Fish Biology, 2022)
The Caribbean reef shark, Carcharhinus perezi , is known to rest on the substrate, a behaviour not documented in any of its congeners. We quantified the swimming kinematics of C. perezi in the wild and found that the head yawed at a frequency 15% greater than the tail beat, but that the amplitude of the tail exceeded the head yaw by approximately 80% across the range of velocities measured. We found that C. perezi velocity, head yaw frequency, and tailbeat frequency were all less than its obligate ram ventilating congener C. limbatus .

Expert range maps of global mammal distributions harmonised to three taxonomic authorities - Charles J. Marsh; Yanina V. Sica; Connor J. Burgin; Wendy A. Dorman; Robert C. Anderson; Isabel del Toro Mijares; Jessica G. Vigneron; Vijay Barve; Victoria L. Dombrowik; Michelle Duong; Robert Guralnick; Julie A. Hart; et al. (Journal of Biogeography, 2022)
Aim Comprehensive, global information on species' occurrences is an essential biodiversity variable and central to a range of applications in ecology, evolution, biogeography and conservation. Expert range maps often represent a species' only available distributional information and play an increasing role in conservation assessments and macroecology. We provide global range maps for the native ranges of all extant mammal species harmonised to the taxonomy of the Mammal Diversity Database (MDD) mobilised from two sources, the Handbook of the Mammals of the World (HMW) and the Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World (CMW). Location Global. Taxon All extant mammal species. Methods Range maps were digitally interpreted, georeferenced, error‐checked and subsequently taxonomically aligned between the HMW (6253 species), the CMW (6431 species) and the MDD taxonomies (6362 species). Results Range maps can be evaluated and visualised in an online map browser at Map of Life ( mol.org ) and accessed for individual or batch download for non‐commercial use. Main conclusion Expert maps of species' global distributions are limited in their spatial detail and temporal specificity, but form a useful basis for broad‐scale characterizations and model‐based integration with other data. We provide georeferenced range maps for the native ranges of all extant mammal species as shapefiles, with species‐level metadata and source information packaged together in geodatabase format. Across the three taxonomic sources our maps entail, there are 1784 taxonomic name differences compared to the maps currently available on the IUCN Red List website. The expert maps provided here are harmonised to the MDD taxonomic authority and linked to a community of online tools that will enable transparent future updates and version control.

Genetic sex test for the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) - Shannon E. Keating; Jane C. Fenelon; Michael Pyne; Brendan J. Pinto; Irán Andira Guzmán-Méndez; Stephen D. Johnston; Marilyn B. Renfree; Tony Gamble (Conservation Genetics Resources, 2022)

Lessons From the Western Atlantic Lionfish Invasion to Inform Management in the Mediterranean - Aylin Ulman; Fadilah Z. Ali; Holden E. Harris; Mohammad Adel; Sara A. A. Al Mabruk; Michel Bariche; Allison C. Candelmo; Jennifer K. Chapman; Burak Ali Çiçek; Kaylin R. Clements; Alexander Q. Fogg; Stacy Frank; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Major invasions of Indo-Pacific lionfish ( Pterois volitans and P. miles ) are underway in the Western Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. While the establishment of lionfish in the Western Atlantic is perhaps the most well-studied marine fish invasion to date, the rapidly expanding invasion in the Mediterranean is more recent and has received less attention. Here we review and synthesize successes and failures from two decades of lionfish management in the Western Atlantic to give policy recommendations for their management in the Mediterranean. Two failed approaches that were attempted multiple times in the Western Atlantic and that we advise against are (1) feeding lionfish to native fish to promote predation and (2) implementing bounty programs to incentivize lionfish harvest. Broadly, the most important management lessons that we recommend include (1) conducting routine removals by spearfishing with scuba, which can effectively suppress local abundances of lionfish; (2) encouraging the development of recreational and commercial lionfish fisheries, which can promote long-term, sustainable lionfish population control; and, (3) engaging local communities and resource users (e.g., with lionfish removal tournaments), which can concurrently achieve multiple objectives of promoting lionfish removals, market-development, research, and public education. Managers in the Western Atlantic often needed to adapt current conservation policies to enable lionfish removals in areas where spearfishing with scuba was otherwise prohibited for conservation purposes. The risk of abusing these policies was mitigated through the use of gear restrictions, diver trainings, and through participatory approaches that integrated scuba divers and stakeholder organizations in lionfish research and management. Our review of policies and practices in the Mediterranean Sea found that many of our recommended lionfish management approaches are not being done and indicate potential opportunities to implement these. We expect and fully recommend that work continues towards multinational cooperation to facilitate regional coordination of research, control, and management efforts with respect to the Mediterranean lionfish invasion. As with other major biological invasions, lionfish are unconstrained by political borders and their control will require rapid and strategic management approaches with broad cooperation among and between governments and stakeholders.

Landowner Willingness to Accept Monetary Compensation for Managing Forests for Ecosystem Services in the Southern United States - Ram K Adhikari; Robert K Grala; Daniel R Petrolia; Stephen C Grado; Donald L Grebner; Anusha Shrestha (Forest Science, 2022)
Distributional specifications of the willingness-to-accept function affect the accuracy of welfare estimates when the contingent valuation model includes unsure responses. By exponentiating the bid variable, we implemented an improved methodological approach to estimate four discrete choice models reflecting treatment of unsure responses. Landowners required an average compensation of $93 acre−1 year−1 to participate in a 10-year conservation program. The probability of participation was positively influenced by payment amount, concern about wildlife habitat loss, contact frequency with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and education level. Findings will help determine regional-level budgets for various conservation scenarios facilitating an increased production of ecosystem services. Study Implications Conservation agencies can decrease landowner uncertainty that arises from limited information about conservation programs and motivate landowners to enroll in a conservation program facilitating an increased production of ecosystem services by offering adequate monetary incentives. Conservation agencies can provide similar financial compensation for conservation of bottomland hardwoods and pine stands but will most likely need to offer greater compensation for the protection of forests prone from impacts by wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Available funding should be prioritized for conservation of critical habitats and freshwater sources vulnerable to land disturbances.

The Role of Satellite Telemetry Data in 21st Century Conservation of Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) - Kristin L. Laidre; George M. Durner; Nicholas J. Lunn; Eric V. Regehr; Todd C. Atwood; Karyn D. Rode; Jon Aars; Heli Routti; Øystein Wiig; Markus Dyck; Evan S. Richardson; Stephen Atkinson; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
Satellite telemetry (ST) has played a critical role in the management and conservation of polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) over the last 50 years. ST data provide biological information relevant to subpopulation delineation, movements, habitat use, maternal denning, health, human-bear interactions, and accurate estimates of vital rates and abundance. Given that polar bears are distributed at low densities over vast and remote habitats, much of the information provided by ST data cannot be collected by other means. Obtaining ST data for polar bears requires chemical immobilization and application of a tracking device. Although immobilization has not been found to have negative effects beyond a several-day reduction in activity, over the last few decades opposition to immobilization and deployment of satellite-linked radio collars has resulted in a lack of current ST data in many of the 19 recognized polar bear subpopulations. Here, we review the uses of ST data for polar bears and evaluate its role in addressing 21 st century conservation and management challenges, which include estimation of sustainable harvest rates, understanding the impacts of climate warming, delineating critical habitat, and assessing potential anthropogenic impacts from tourism, resource development and extraction. We found that in subpopulations where ST data have been consistently collected, information was available to estimate vital rates and subpopulation density, document the effects of sea-ice loss, and inform management related to subsistence harvest and regulatory requirements. In contrast, a lack of ST data in some subpopulations resulted in increased bias and uncertainty in ecological and demographic parameters, which has a range of negative consequences. As sea-ice loss due to climate warming continues, there is a greater need to monitor polar bear distribution, habitat use, abundance, and subpopulation connectivity. We conclude that continued collection of ST data will be critically important for polar bear management and conservation in the 21 st century and that the benefits of immobilizing small numbers of individual polar bears in order to deploy ST devices significantly outweigh the risks.

Estimating peanut and soybean photosynthetic traits using leaf spectral reflectance and advance regression models - Ma. Luisa Buchaillot; David Soba; Tianchu Shu; Juan Liu; Iker Aranjuelo; José Luis Araus; G. Brett Runion; Stephen A. Prior; Shawn C. Kefauver; Alvaro Sanz-Saez (Planta, 2022)
Main conclusion By combining hyperspectral signatures of peanut and soybean, we predicted V cmax and J max with 70 and 50% accuracy. The PLS was the model that better predicted these photosynthetic parameters. Abstract One proposed key strategy for increasing potential crop stability and yield centers on exploitation of genotypic variability in photosynthetic capacity through precise high-throughput phenotyping techniques. Photosynthetic parameters, such as the maximum rate of Rubisco catalyzed carboxylation ( V c ,max ) and maximum electron transport rate supporting RuBP regeneration ( J max ), have been identified as key targets for improvement. The primary techniques for measuring these physiological parameters are very time-consuming. However, these parameters could be estimated using rapid and non-destructive leaf spectroscopy techniques. This study compared four different advanced regression models (PLS, BR, ARDR, and LASSO) to estimate V c ,max and J max based on leaf reflectance spectra measured with an ASD FieldSpec4. Two leguminous species were tested under different controlled environmental conditions: (1) peanut under different water regimes at normal atmospheric conditions and (2) soybean under high [CO 2 ] and high night temperature. Model sensitivities were assessed for each crop and treatment separately and in combination to identify strengths and weaknesses of each modeling approach. Regardless of regression model, robust predictions were achieved for V c ,max ( R 2 = 0.70) and J max ( R 2 = 0.50). Field spectroscopy shows promising results for estimating spatial and temporal variations in photosynthetic capacity based on leaf and canopy spectral properties.

A review of the impacts of invasive wild pigs on native vertebrates - Matthew T. McDonough; Stephen S. Ditchkoff; Mark D. Smith; Kurt C. Vercauteren (Mammalian Biology, 2022)

Correction to: Extreme longevity variants at the FOXO3 locus may moderate FOXO3 isoform levels - Ryan Frankum; Tom S. O. Jameson; Bridget A. Knight; Francis B. Stephens; Benjamin T. Wall; Timothy A. Donlon; Trevor Torigoe; Bradley J. Willcox; D. Craig Willcox; Richard C. Allsopp; Lorna W. Harries (GeroScience, 2022)

Extreme longevity variants at the FOXO3 locus may moderate FOXO3 isoform levels - Ryan Frankum; Tom S. O. Jameson; Bridget A. Knight; Francis B. Stephens; Benjamin T. Wall; Timothy A. Donlon; Trevor Torigoe; Bradley J. Willcox; D. Craig Willcox; Richard C. Allsopp; Lorna W. Harries (GeroScience, 2022)
The rs2802292, rs2764264 and rs13217795 variants of FOXO3 have been associated with extreme longevity in multiple human populations, but the mechanisms underpinning this remain unclear. We aimed to characterise potential effects of longevity-associated variation on the expression and mRNA processing of the FOXO3 gene. We performed a comprehensive assessment of FOXO3 isoform usage across a wide variety of human tissues and carried out a bioinformatic analysis of the potential for longevity-associated variants to disrupt regulatory regions involved in isoform choice. We then related the expression of full length and 5′ truncated FOXO3 isoforms to rs13217795 genotype in peripheral blood and skeletal muscle from individuals of different rs13217795 genotypes. FOXO3 isoforms displayed considerable tissue specificity. We determined that rs13231195 and its tightly aligned proxy variant rs9400239 may lie in regulatory regions involved in isoform choice. The longevity allele at rs13217795 was associated with increased levels of full length FOXO3 isoforms in peripheral blood and a decrease in truncated FOXO3 isoforms in skeletal muscle RNA. We suggest that the longevity effect of FOXO3 SNPs may in part derive from a shift in isoform usage in skeletal muscle away from the production of 5′ truncated FOXO3 isoforms lacking a complete forkhead DNA binding domain, which may have compromised functionality.

Overexploitation and decline in kelp forests inflate the bioenergetic costs of fisheries - Stephen R. Wing; Leonardo M. Durante; Alex J. Connolly; Amandine J. M. Sabadel; Lucy C. Wing (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2022)
Aim Fisheries ecosystems are subject to long‐term shifts in food web structure as a result of exploitation and environmental change. These shifts can be gradual and unresolved by decadal‐scale time series. The aim of our study was to determine long‐term legacy effects of overexploitation and changes to the composition of basal organic matter sources on the trophic structure of marine food webs. Location New Zealand. Time period Approximately 1250 AD to the present; the complete history of human occupation in New Zealand. Major taxa studied Mesopredatory fishes. Methods We used whole tissue (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) and amino acid‐specific (δ 15 N AA ) stable isotope analyses of bone collagen and muscle tissue from five fishes spanning the period of human occupation of New Zealand to resolve the bioenergetic consequences of long‐term shifts in food web structure. Stable isotope analysis of amino acids provided the basis for resolution of changes in trophic level in the absence of information on δ 15 N at the base of the food web during pre‐industrial times. Results Our analyses indicate likely declines in the contribution of organic matter derived from kelps in four species, and intraspecific increases in trophic levels in three species of the five fishes studied between European colonization (AD 1650–1800) and the present‐day regime of industrialized fishing and environmental change (AD 1953–2018), but little change during the prehistoric time period spanning early Māori occupation (AD 1250–1450) to European colonization. Analysis of the bioenergetic costs of the observed shifts in food web structure indicate a 179% increase in basal organic matter requirements to support mesopredatory fish. Main conclusions These data provide a rare case study on the consequences of legacy effects of exploitation and environmental change for bioenergetics of fish communities relevant to ongoing changes in global marine ecosystems. Overexploitation and decline in kelp forests have inflated the bioenergetic costs of these fisheries.

Compensatory dynamics of lotic algae break down nonlinearly with increasing nutrient enrichment - Stephen C. Cook; Jeffrey A. Back; Ryan S. King (Ecology, 2022)
One important mechanism governing the temporal maintenance of biodiversity is asynchrony in co‐occurring competitors due to fluctuating environments (i.e., compensatory dynamics). Temporal niche partitioning has evolved in response to predictable oscillations in environmental conditions so that species may offset competition, but we do not yet have a clear understanding of how novel anthropogenic stressors alter seasonal patterns of succession. Many primary producers are nutrient limited, and enrichment may decrease the importance of environmental fluctuations that govern which species are effective competitors under naturally low nutrient regimes. Consequently, elevated nutrient concentrations may synchronize species responses to seasonality. By studying benthic algal assemblages over 2 years from 35 streams that spanned a wide gradient of nutrient enrichment, we found that compensatory dynamics characterizing seasonal succession under natural nutrient regimes broke down at relatively low levels of total phosphorus (P) enrichment (~ 25 μg/L). With increasing P more species were able to coexist at any given time, and seasonal variation in assemblage composition was characterized by synchronous swings in species biovolumes. We also observed much higher instability in assemblage biovolumes with declines in compensatory dynamics, which indicates that anthropogenic alteration of nutrient regimes can affect community stability by changing the dominant mode of seasonal succession. Our findings indicate that compensatory fluctuations of stream algae are driven by seasonality and provide insight about how nutrient enrichment alters evolved drivers of species coexistence.

Effects of human footprint and biophysical factors on the body‐size structure of fished marine species - Nestor E. Bosch; Jacquomo Monk; Jordan Goetze; Shaun Wilson; Russell C. Babcock; Neville Barrett; Jock Clough; Leanne M. Currey‐Randall; David V. Fairclough; Rebecca Fisher; Brooke A. Gibbons; David Harasti; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2022)
Marine fisheries in coastal ecosystems in many areas of the world have historically removed large‐bodied individuals, potentially impairing ecosystem functioning and the long‐term sustainability of fish populations. Reporting on size‐based indicators that link to food‐web structure can contribute to ecosystem‐based management, but the application of these indicators over large (cross‐ecosystem) geographical scales has been limited to either fisheries‐dependent catch data or diver‐based methods restricted to shallow waters (

Saturation Approach to Determine Grazing Mortality in Picoeukaryote and Synechococcus Populations - Stephen D. Archer; Laura C. Lubelczyk; Moriah Kunes; Kathryn McPhee; Walter Dawydiak; Michael Staiger; Kevin M. Posman; Nicole J. Poulton (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022)
A substantial component of phytoplankton production in the oceans is channeled through protistan grazers but understanding what dictates the magnitude of this process on a regional and temporal basis is limited, in part, by a shortage of experimental options. A novel saturation approach based on the functional response of planktonic grazers to increasing prey abundance was developed using laboratory cultures of the predator-prey combination of Ochromonas danica and Micromonas pusilla and tested in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine. In incubation series, 2 μm polystyrene microspheres were used as surrogate prey to generate increasing levels of saturation of predator ingestion rates of natural prey, resulting in increased rates of apparent growth of the picophytoplankton populations. The relationship between level of addition of surrogate prey to apparent growth, consistently provided significant estimates of maximal growth in the absence of grazing and grazing mortality for populations of picoeukaryotes and Synechococcus . Estimates of gross growth and grazing mortality were comparable to results from dilution experiments carried out in the same waters. The saturation approach represents an additional tool to investigate predator-prey interactions in planktonic communities. Further investigations may show that it can be used to quantify group-specific grazing mortality and growth rates beyond coastal waters and in multiple size classes of prey.

Mapping the Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) Microbiome: A Multi-Tissue Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Diversity - Siming Li; Tim Young; Stephen Archer; Kevin Lee; Shaneel Sharma; Andrea C. Alfaro (Current Microbiology, 2022)
Poor health and mortality events of the commercially important and endemic New Zealand green-lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus ) pose a threat to its industry. Despite the known importance of microbiomes to animal health and environmental resilience, the host-associated microbiome is unexplored in this species. We conducted the first baseline characterization of bacteria and fungi within key host tissues (gills, haemolymph, digestive gland, and stomach) using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS1 region for bacteria and fungi, respectively. Tissue types displayed distinctive bacterial profiles, consistent among individuals, that were dominated by phyla which reflect (1) a fluid exchange between the circulatory system (gills and haemolymph) and surrounding aqueous environment and (2) a highly diverse digestive system (digestive gland and stomach) microbiota. Gammaproteobacteria and Campylobacterota were mostly identified in the gill tissue and haemolymph, and were also found in high abundance in seawater. Digestive gland and stomach tissues were dominated by common gut bacterial phyla, such as Firmicutes , Cyanobacteria , Proteobacteria , and Bacteroidota , which reflects the selectivity of the digestive system and food-based influences. Other major notable taxa included the family Spirochaetaceae , and genera Endozoicomonas , Psychrilyobacter , Moritella and Poseidonibacter , which were highly variable among tissue types and samples. More than 50% of fungal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were unclassified beyond the phylum level, which reflects the lack of studies with marine fungi. However, the majority of those identified were assigned to the phylum Ascomycota . The findings from this work provide the first insight into healthy tissue microbiomes of P. canaliculus and is of central importance to understanding the effect of environmental changes on farmed mussels at the microbial level.

Examining the Potential Formation of Ternary Chromium-Histidine-DNA Complexes and Implications for Their Carcinogenicity - Emma Lankford; C. Sumner Thomas; Sydney Marchi; Silas Brown; Stephen A. Woski; John B. Vincent (Biological Trace Element Research, 2022)

The Influence of Fall Direction and Hip Protector on Fracture Risk: FE Model Predictions Driven by Experimental Data - Ellie S. Galliker; Andrew C. Laing; Stephen J. Ferguson; Benedikt Helgason; Ingmar Fleps (Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 2022)
Hip fractures in older adults, which often lead to lasting impairments and an increased risk of mortality, are a major public health concern. Hip fracture risk is multi-factorial, affected by the risk of falling, the load acting on the femur, and the load the femur can withstand. This study investigates the influence of impact direction on hip fracture risk and hip protector efficacy. We simulated falls for 4 subjects, in 7 different impact directions (15° and 30° anterior, lateral, and 15°, 30°, 60°, and 90° posterior) at two different impact velocities (2.1 and 3.1 m/s), all with and without hip protector, using previously validated biofidelic finite element models. We found the highest number of fractures and highest fragility ratios in lateral and 15° posterior impacts. The hip protector attenuated femur forces by 23–49 % for slim subjects under impact directions that resulted in fractures (30° anterior to 30° posterior). The hip protector prevented all fractures (6/6) for 2.1 m/s impacts, but only 10% of fractures for 3.1 m/s impacts. Our results provide evidence that, regarding hip fracture risk, posterior-lateral impacts are as dangerous as lateral impacts, and they support the efficacy of soft-shell hip protectors for anterior- and posterior-lateral impacts.

CropPol : A dynamic, open and global database on crop pollination - Alfonso Allen‐Perkins; Ainhoa Magrach; Matteo Dainese; Lucas A. Garibaldi; David Kleijn; Romina Rader; James R. Reilly; Rachael Winfree; Ola Lundin; Carley M. McGrady; Claire Brittain; David J. Biddinger; et al. (Ecology, 2022)
Seventy five percent of the world's food crops benefit from insect pollination. Hence, there has been increased interest in how global change drivers impact this critical ecosystem service. Because standardized data on crop pollination are rarely available, we are limited in our capacity to understand the variation in pollination benefits to crop yield, as well as to anticipate changes in this service, develop predictions, and inform management actions. Here, we present CropPol, a dynamic, open, and global database on crop pollination. It contains measurements recorded from 202 crop studies, covering 3,394 field observations, 2,552 yield measurements (i.e., berry mass, number of fruits, and fruit density [kg/ha], among others), and 47,752 insect records from 48 commercial crops distributed around the globe. CropPol comprises 32 of the 87 leading global crops and commodities that are pollinator dependent. Malus domestica is the most represented crop (32 studies), followed by Brassica napus (22 studies), Vaccinium corymbosum (13 studies), and Citrullus lanatus (12 studies). The most abundant pollinator guilds recorded are honey bees (34.22% counts), bumblebees (19.19%), flies other than Syrphidae and Bombyliidae (13.18%), other wild bees (13.13%), beetles (10.97%), Syrphidae (4.87%), and Bombyliidae (0.05%). Locations comprise 34 countries distributed among Europe (76 studies), North America (60), Latin America and the Caribbean (29), Asia (20), Oceania (10), and Africa (7). Sampling spans three decades and is concentrated on 2001–2005 (21 studies), 2006–2010 (40), 2011–2015 (88), and 2016–2020 (50). This is the most comprehensive open global data set on measurements of crop flower visitors, crop pollinators and pollination to date, and we encourage researchers to add more datasets to this database in the future. This data set is released for non‐commercial use only. Credits should be given to this paper (i.e., proper citation), and the products generated with this database should be shared under the same license terms (CC BY‐NC‐SA).

Correction to: Profiling Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Reveals a Molecular Basis for Vulnerability Within the Ts65Dn Model of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease - Melissa J. Alldred; Sai C. Penikalapati; Sang Han Lee; Adriana Heguy; Panos Roussos; Stephen D. Ginsberg (Molecular Neurobiology, 2022)

Climate policy conflict in the U.S. states: a critical review and way forward - Joshua A. Basseches; Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo; Maxwell T. Boykoff; Trevor Culhane; Galen Hall; Noel Healy; David J. Hess; David Hsu; Rachel M. Krause; Harland Prechel; J. Timmons Roberts; Jennie C. Stephens (Climatic Change, 2022)
Many U.S. states have taken significant action on climate change in recent years, demonstrating their commitment despite federal policy gridlock and rollbacks. Yet, there is still much we do not know about the agents, discourses, and strategies of those seeking to delay or obstruct state-level climate action. We first ask, what are the obstacles to strong and effective climate policy within U.S. states? We review the political structures and interest groups that slow action, and we examine emerging tensions between climate justice and the technocratic and/or market-oriented approaches traditionally taken by many mainstream environmental groups. Second, what are potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles? We suggest strategies for overcoming opposition to climate action that may advance more effective and inclusive state policy, focusing on political strategies, media framing, collaboration, and leveraging the efforts of ambitious local governments.

Biogeochemical consequences of a changing Arctic shelf seafloor ecosystem - Christian März; Felipe S. Freitas; Johan C. Faust; Jasmin A. Godbold; Sian F. Henley; Allyson C. Tessin; Geoffrey D. Abbott; Ruth Airs; Sandra Arndt; David K. A. Barnes; Laura J. Grange; Neil D. Gray; et al. (Ambio, 2022)
Unprecedented and dramatic transformations are occurring in the Arctic in response to climate change, but academic, public, and political discourse has disproportionately focussed on the most visible and direct aspects of change, including sea ice melt, permafrost thaw, the fate of charismatic megafauna, and the expansion of fisheries. Such narratives disregard the importance of less visible and indirect processes and, in particular, miss the substantive contribution of the shelf seafloor in regulating nutrients and sequestering carbon. Here, we summarise the biogeochemical functioning of the Arctic shelf seafloor before considering how climate change and regional adjustments to human activities may alter its biogeochemical and ecological dynamics, including ecosystem function, carbon burial, or nutrient recycling. We highlight the importance of the Arctic benthic system in mitigating climatic and anthropogenic change and, with a focus on the Barents Sea, offer some observations and our perspectives on future management and policy.

Next‐generation phylogeography resolves post‐glacial colonization patterns in a widespread carnivore, the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), in Europe - Allan D. McDevitt; Ilaria Coscia; Samuel S. Browett; Aritz Ruiz‐González; Mark J. Statham; Iwona Ruczyńska; Liam Roberts; Joanna Stojak; Alain C. Frantz; Karin Norén; Erik O. Ågren; Jane Learmount; et al. (Molecular Ecology, 2022)
Carnivores tend to exhibit a lack of (or less pronounced) genetic structure at continental scales in both a geographic and temporal sense and this can confound the identification of post‐glacial colonization patterns in this group. In this study we used genome‐wide data (using genotyping by sequencing [GBS]) to reconstruct the phylogeographic history of a widespread carnivore, the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), by investigating broad‐scale patterns of genomic variation, differentiation and admixture amongst contemporary populations in Europe. Using 15,003 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 524 individuals allowed us to identify the importance of refugial regions for the red fox in terms of endemism (e.g., Iberia). In addition, we tested multiple post‐glacial recolonization scenarios of previously glaciated regions during the Last Glacial Maximum using an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) approach that were unresolved from previous studies. This allowed us to identify the role of admixture from multiple source population post‐Younger Dryas in the case of Scandinavia and ancient land‐bridges in the colonization of the British Isles. A natural colonization of Ireland was deemed more likely than an ancient human‐mediated introduction as has previously been proposed and potentially points to a larger mammalian community on the island in the early post‐glacial period. Using genome‐wide data has allowed us to tease apart broad‐scale patterns of structure and diversity in a widespread carnivore in Europe that was not evident from using more limited marker sets and provides a foundation for next‐generation phylogeographic studies in other non‐model species.

Shifting baselines and cross‐scale drivers of lake water clarity: Applications for lake assessment - Jeremy Deeds; Aria Amirbahman; Stephen A. Norton; Linda C. Bacon; Rachel A. Hovel (Limnology and Oceanography, 2022)
Temporal Secchi depth trends are used in lake assessment to evaluate lake condition and possible shifts in trophic state. For accurate lake assessments, it is important to differentiate regional trends from lake‐specific trends, but this can be confounded by interacting factors. We present a divergent trend analysis which uses temporal patterns of Secchi depth water clarity from 1999 to 2018 for five different types of reference lakes from minimally disturbed watersheds to create dynamic baselines against which we evaluate Secchi depth trends from nonreference lakes in Maine, USA. We used mixed‐effect generalized additive models to generate smoothed curves of the expected baseline Secchi depth for each reference lake type to account for the nonlinear dynamics of lake condition through time. The majority of nonreference lakes (74%) showed no difference between measured trend (actual Secchi depth data) and divergent trend (residual Secchi depth from baseline trends). The most common difference in lakes with inconsistent trend test results showed stability in measured trends but apparent declining trends in divergent Secchi depth clarity. We used a Dynamic Factor Analysis (DFA) model to help interpret the variation and shifts observed in baseline reference lake trends. The best DFA model identified two common trends in water clarity among lake types and precipitation during the primary stratification season as the most informative covariable. Because precipitation amount and intensity are expected to increase according to predictive climate models for the Northeast US, our results suggest that baseline lake clarity in Maine will decrease with climate change.

Cerebello-cerebral Functional Connectivity Networks in Major Depressive Disorder: a CAN-BIND-1 Study Report - Sheeba Arnold Anteraper; Xavier Guell; Yoon Ji Lee; Jovicarole Raya; Ilya Demchenko; Nathan W. Churchill; Benicio N. Frey; Stefanie Hassel; Raymond W. Lam; Glenda M. MacQueen; Roumen Milev; Tom A. Schweizer; et al. (The Cerebellum, 2022)

Correction to: A Standards Organization for Open and FAIR Neuroscience: the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility - Mathew Birdsall Abrams; Jan G. Bjaalie; Samir Das; Gary F. Egan; Satrajit S. Ghosh; Wojtek J. Goscinski; Jeffrey S. Grethe; Jeanette Hellgren Kotaleski; Eric Tatt Wei Ho; David N. Kennedy; Linda J. Lanyon; Trygve B. Leergaard; et al. (Neuroinformatics, 2022)

A Standards Organization for Open and FAIR Neuroscience: the International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility - Mathew Birdsall Abrams; Jan G. Bjaalie; Samir Das; Gary F. Egan; Satrajit S. Ghosh; Wojtek J. Goscinski; Jeffrey S. Grethe; Jeanette Hellgren Kotaleski; Eric Tatt Wei Ho; David N. Kennedy; Linda J. Lanyon; Trygve B. Leergaard; et al. (Neuroinformatics, 2022)
There is great need for coordination around standards and best practices in neuroscience to support efforts to make neuroscience a data-centric discipline. Major brain initiatives launched around the world are poised to generate huge stores of neuroscience data. At the same time, neuroscience, like many domains in biomedicine, is confronting the issues of transparency, rigor, and reproducibility. Widely used, validated standards and best practices are key to addressing the challenges in both big and small data science, as they are essential for integrating diverse data and for developing a robust, effective, and sustainable infrastructure to support open and reproducible neuroscience. However, developing community standards and gaining their adoption is difficult. The current landscape is characterized both by a lack of robust, validated standards and a plethora of overlapping, underdeveloped, untested and underutilized standards and best practices. The International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility (INCF), an independent organization dedicated to promoting data sharing through the coordination of infrastructure and standards, has recently implemented a formal procedure for evaluating and endorsing community standards and best practices in support of the FAIR principles. By formally serving as a standards organization dedicated to open and FAIR neuroscience, INCF helps evaluate, promulgate, and coordinate standards and best practices across neuroscience. Here, we provide an overview of the process and discuss how neuroscience can benefit from having a dedicated standards body.

Targeting Tau Mitigates Mitochondrial Fragmentation and Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - Tiziana Petrozziello; Evan A. Bordt; Alexandra N. Mills; Spencer E. Kim; Ellen Sapp; Benjamin A. Devlin; Abigail A. Obeng-Marnu; Sali M. K. Farhan; Ana C. Amaral; Simon Dujardin; Patrick M. Dooley; Christopher Henstridge; et al. (Molecular Neurobiology, 2022)

Distribution of ETBE-degrading microorganisms and functional capability in groundwater, and implications for characterising aquifer ETBE biodegradation potential - Henry C. G. Nicholls; Stephen A. Rolfe; Helen E. H. Mallinson; Markus Hjort; Michael J. Spence; Matthijs Bonte; Steven F. Thornton (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022)
Microbes in aquifers are present suspended in groundwater or attached to the aquifer sediment. Groundwater is often sampled at gasoline ether oxygenate (GEO)-impacted sites to assess the potential biodegradation of organic constituents. However, the distribution of GEO-degrading microorganisms between the groundwater and aquifer sediment must be understood to interpret this potential. In this study, the distribution of ethyl tert -butyl ether (ETBE)-degrading organisms and ETBE biodegradation potential was investigated in laboratory microcosm studies and mixed groundwater-aquifer sediment samples obtained from pumped monitoring wells at ETBE-impacted sites. ETBE biodegradation potential (as determined by quantification of the ethB gene) was detected predominantly in the attached microbial communities and was below detection limit in the groundwater communities. The copy number of ethB genes varied with borehole purge volume at the field sites. Members of the Comamonadaceae and Gammaproteobacteria families were identified as responders for ETBE biodegradation. However, the detection of the ethB gene is a more appropriate function-based indicator of ETBE biodegradation potential than taxonomic analysis of the microbial community. The study shows that a mixed groundwater-aquifer sediment (slurry) sample collected from monitoring wells after minimal purging can be used to assess the aquifer ETBE biodegradation potential at ETBE-release sites using this function-based concept.

Foliar Stoichiometry is Marginally Sensitive to Soil Phosphorus Across a Lowland Tropical Rainforest - Audrey Massmann; Molly A. Cavaleri; Steven F. Oberbauer; Paulo C. Olivas; Stephen Porder (Ecosystems, 2022)

Agricultural breadbaskets shift poleward given adaptive farmer behavior under climate change - James A. Franke; Christoph Müller; Sara Minoli; Joshua Elliott; Christian Folberth; Charles Gardner; Tobias Hank; Roberto Cesar Izaurralde; Jonas Jägermeyr; Curtis D. Jones; Wenfeng Liu; Stefan Olin; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2022)
Modern food production is spatially concentrated in global “breadbaskets.” A major unresolved question is whether these peak production regions will shift poleward as the climate warms, allowing some recovery of potential climate‐related losses. While agricultural impacts studies to date have focused on currently cultivated land, the Global Gridded Crop Model Intercomparison Project (GGCMI) Phase 2 experiment allows us to assess changes in both yields and the location of peak productivity regions under warming. We examine crop responses under projected end of century warming using seven process‐based models simulating five major crops (maize, rice, soybeans, and spring and winter wheat) with a variety of adaptation strategies. We find that in no‐adaptation cases, when planting date and cultivar choices are held fixed, regions of peak production remain stationary and yield losses can be severe, since growing seasons contract strongly with warming. When adaptations in management practices are allowed (cultivars that retain growing season length under warming and modified planting dates), peak productivity zones shift poleward and yield losses are largely recovered. While most growing‐zone shifts are ultimately limited by geography, breadbaskets studied here move poleward over 600 km on average by end of the century under RCP 8.5. These results suggest that agricultural impacts assessments can be strongly biased if restricted in spatial area or in the scope of adaptive behavior considered. Accurate evaluation of food security under climate change requires global modeling and careful treatment of adaptation strategies.

Editorial: Pathologic Findings in Stranded Marine Mammals: A Global Perspective - Debra L. Miller; Alvin C. Camus; Stephen A. Raverty (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)

Decomposition of Reaching Movements Enables Detection and Measurement of Ataxia - Brandon Oubre; Jean-Francois Daneault; Kallie Whritenour; Nergis C. Khan; Christopher D. Stephen; Jeremy D. Schmahmann; Sunghoon Ivan Lee; Anoopum S. Gupta (The Cerebellum, 2021)
Technologies that enable frequent, objective, and precise measurement of ataxia severity would benefit clinical trials by lowering participation barriers and improving the ability to measure disease state and change. We hypothesized that analyzing characteristics of sub-second movement profiles obtained during a reaching task would be useful for objectively quantifying motor characteristics of ataxia. Participants with ataxia ( N =88), participants with parkinsonism ( N =44), and healthy controls ( N =34) performed a computer tablet version of the finger-to-nose test while wearing inertial sensors on their wrists. Data features designed to capture signs of ataxia were extracted from participants’ decomposed wrist velocity time-series. A machine learning regression model was trained to estimate overall ataxia severity, as measured by the Brief Ataxia Rating Scale (BARS). Classification models were trained to distinguish between ataxia participants and controls and between ataxia and parkinsonism phenotypes. Movement decomposition revealed expected and novel characteristics of the ataxia phenotype. The distance, speed, duration, morphology, and temporal relationships of decomposed movements exhibited strong relationships with disease severity. The regression model estimated BARS with a root mean square error of 3.6 points, r 2 = 0.69, and moderate-to-excellent reliability. Classification models distinguished between ataxia participants and controls and ataxia and parkinsonism phenotypes with areas under the receiver-operating curve of 0.96 and 0.89, respectively. Movement decomposition captures core features of ataxia and may be useful for objective, precise, and frequent assessment of ataxia in home and clinic environments.

Bmi1 Regulates Wnt Signaling in Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells - Hao Yu; Rui Gao; Sisi Chen; Xicheng Liu; Qiang Wang; Wenjie Cai; Sasidhar Vemula; Aidan C. Fahey; Danielle Henley; Michihiro Kobayashi; Stephen Z. Liu; Zhijian Qian; et al. (Stem Cell Reviews and Reports, 2021)

Quantifying fishing activity targeting subsea pipelines by commercial trap fishers - Todd Bond; Dianne L. McLean; Corey B. Wakefield; Julian C. Partridge; Jane Prince; David White; Dion K. Boddington; Stephen J. Newman (Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 2021)

Additive effects of mGluR2 positive allosteric modulation, mGluR2 orthosteric stimulation and 5-HT2AR antagonism on dyskinesia and psychosis-like behaviours in the MPTP-lesioned marmoset - Stephen G Nuara; Jim C Gourdon; Shawn Maddaford; Philippe Huot (Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 2021)

Petrosal Anatomy of the Paleocene Eutherian Mammal Deltatherium fundaminis (Cope, 1881) - Sarah L. Shelley; Ornella C. Bertrand; Stephen L. Brusatte; Thomas E. Williamson (Journal of Mammalian Evolution, 2021)
We describe the tympanic anatomy of the petrosal of Deltatherium fundaminis, an enigmatic Paleocene mammal based on cranial specimens recovered from New Mexico, U.S.A. Although the ear region of Deltatherium has previously been described, there has not been a comprehensive, well-illustrated contribution using current anatomical terminology. The dental and cranial anatomy of Deltatherium is a chimera, with morphological similarities to both ‘condylarth’ and ‘cimolestan’ taxa. As such, the phylogenetic relationships of this taxon have remained elusive since its discovery, and it has variably been associated with Arctocyonidae, Pantodonta and Tillodontia. The petrosal of Deltatherium is anteriorly bordered by an open space comprising a contiguous carotid opening and pyriform fenestra. The promontorium features both a small rostral tympanic process and small epitympanic wing but lacks well-marked sulci. A large ventral facing external aperture of the canaliculus cochleae is present and bordered posteriorly by a well-developed caudal tympanic process. The hiatus Fallopii opens on the ventral surface of the petrosal. The tegmen tympani is mediolaterally broad and anteriorly expanded, and its anterior margin is perforated by a foramen for the ramus superior of the stapedial artery. The tympanohyal is small but approximates the caudal tympanic process to nearly enclose the stylomastoid notch. The mastoid is widely exposed on the basicranium and bears an enlarged mastoid process, separate from the paraoccipital process. These new observations provide novel anatomical data corroborating previous hypotheses regarding the plesiomorphic eutherian condition but also reveal subtle differences among Paleocene eutherians that have the potential to help inform the phylogeny of Deltatherium.

Effects of Estuary-Wide Seagrass Loss on Fish Populations - Jennifer K. O’Leary; Maurice C. Goodman; Ryan K. Walter; Karissa Willits; Daniel J. Pondella; John Stephens (Estuaries and Coasts, 2021)

Natural Intertidal Oyster Reef Growth Across Two Landscape Settings and Tidal Ranges - Molly C. Bost; Antonio B. Rodriguez; Justin T. Ridge; Carson B. Miller; Stephen R. Fegley (Estuaries and Coasts, 2021)

Stream Water Chemistry in Mixed-Conifer Headwater Basins: Role of Water Sources, Seasonality, Watershed Characteristics, and Disturbances - Yang Yang; Stephen C. Hart; Emma P. McCorkle; Erin M. Stacy; Morgan E. Barnes; Carolyn T. Hunsaker; Dale W. Johnson; Asmeret Asefaw Berhe (Ecosystems, 2021)

Surface roughness characterization of the 2014–2015 Holuhraun lava flow-field in Iceland: implications for facies mapping and remote sensing - Joana R. C. Voigt; Christopher W. Hamilton; Gregor Steinbrügge; Stephen P. Scheidt (Bulletin of Volcanology, 2021)

Demographic history and patterns of molecular evolution from whole genome sequencing in the radiation of Galapagos giant tortoises - Evelyn L. Jensen; Stephen J. Gaughran; Ryan C. Garrick; Michael A. Russello; Adalgisa Caccone (Molecular Ecology, 2021)
Whole genome sequencing provides deep insights into the evolutionary history of a species, including patterns of diversity, signals of selection, and historical demography. When applied to closely related taxa with a wealth of background knowledge, population genomics provides a comparative context for interpreting population genetic summary statistics and comparing empirical results with the expectations of population genetic theory. The Galapagos giant tortoises ( Chelonoidis spp.), an iconic rapid and recent radiation, offer such an opportunity. Here, we sequenced whole genomes from three individuals of the 12 extant lineages of Galapagos giant tortoise and estimate diversity measures and reconstruct changes in coalescent rate over time. We also compare the number of derived alleles in each lineage to infer how synonymous and nonsynonymous mutation accumulation rates correlate with population size and life history traits. Remarkably, we find that patterns of molecular evolution are similar within individuals of the same lineage, but can differ significantly among lineages, reinforcing the evolutionary distinctiveness of the Galapagos giant tortoise species. Notably, differences in mutation accumulation among lineages do not align with simple population genetic predictions, suggesting that the drivers of purifying selection are more complex than is currently appreciated. By integrating results from earlier population genetic and phylogeographic studies with new findings from the analysis of whole genomes, we provide the most in‐depth insights to date on the evolution of Galapagos giant tortoises, and identify discrepancies between expectation from population genetic theory and empirical data that warrant further scrutiny.

From tides to nucleotides: Genomic signatures of adaptation to environmental heterogeneity in barnacles - Joaquin C. B. Nunez; Stephen Rong; David A. Ferranti; Alejandro Damian‐Serrano; Kimberly B. Neil; Henrik Glenner; Rebecca G. Elyanow; Bianca R. P. Brown; Magnus Alm Rosenblad; Anders Blomberg; Kerstin Johannesson; David M. Rand (Molecular Ecology, 2021)
The northern acorn barnacle ( Semibalanus balanoides ) is a robust system to study the genetic basis of adaptations to highly heterogeneous environments. Adult barnacles may be exposed to highly dissimilar levels of thermal stress depending on where they settle in the intertidal (i.e., closer to the upper or lower tidal boundary). For instance, barnacles near the upper tidal limit experience episodic summer temperatures above recorded heat coma levels. This differential stress at the microhabitat level is also dependent on the aspect of sun exposure. In the present study, we used pool‐seq approaches to conduct a genome wide screen for loci responding to intertidal zonation across the North Atlantic basin (Maine, Rhode Island, and Norway). Our analysis discovered 382 genomic regions containing SNPs which are consistently zonated (i.e., SNPs whose frequencies vary depending on their position in the rocky intertidal) across all surveyed habitats. Notably, most zonated SNPs are young and private to the North Atlantic. These regions show high levels of genetic differentiation across ecologically extreme microhabitats concomitant with elevated levels of genetic variation and Tajima's D , suggesting the action of non‐neutral processes. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that spatially heterogeneous selection is a general and repeatable feature for this species, and that natural selection can maintain functional genetic variation in heterogeneous environments.

Large‐scale genome sampling reveals unique immunity and metabolic adaptations in bats - Diana D. Moreno Santillán; Tanya M. Lama; Yocelyn T. Gutierrez Guerrero; Alexis M. Brown; Paul Donat; Huabin Zhao; Stephen J. Rossiter; Laurel R. Yohe; Joshua H. Potter; Emma C. Teeling; Sonja C. Vernes; Kalina T. J. Davies; et al. (Molecular Ecology, 2021)
Comprising more than 1,400 species, bats possess adaptations unique among mammals including powered flight, unexpected longevity, and extraordinary immunity. Some of the molecular mechanisms underlying these unique adaptations includes DNA repair, metabolism and immunity. However, analyses have been limited to a few divergent lineages, reducing the scope of inferences on gene family evolution across the Order Chiroptera. We conducted an exhaustive comparative genomic study of 37 bat species, one generated in this study, encompassing a large number of lineages, with a particular emphasis on multi‐gene family evolution across immune and metabolic genes. In agreement with previous analyses, we found lineage‐specific expansions of the APOBEC3 and MHC‐I gene families, and loss of the proinflammatory PYHIN gene family. We inferred more than 1,000 gene losses unique to bats, including genes involved in the regulation of inflammasome pathways such as epithelial defence receptors, the natural killer gene complex and the interferon‐gamma induced pathway. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed genes lost in bats are involved in defence response against pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and damage‐associated molecular patterns. Gene family evolution and selection analyses indicate bats have evolved fundamental functional differences compared to other mammals in both innate and adaptive immune system, with the potential to enhance antiviral immune response while dampening inflammatory signalling. In addition, metabolic genes have experienced repeated expansions related to convergent shifts to plant‐based diets. Our analyses support the hypothesis that, in tandem with flight, ancestral bats had evolved a unique set of immune adaptations whose functional implications remain to be explored.

Bacterial communities in cascade reservoirs along a large river - Qiuwen Chen; Yuchen Chen; Jun Yang; Stephen C. Maberly; Jianyun Zhang; Jinren Ni; Gangsheng Wang; Daniele Tonina; Lin Xiao; Honghai Ma (Limnology and Oceanography, 2021)
Dam construction is widespread, changing the hydrological and biogeochemical conditions and thereby the bacterial communities in the rivers of the earth. To date, knowledge is lacking about bacterial communities in cascade reservoirs. Here, we investigated the bacterial communities and potential functions of nine cascade hydropower reservoirs in 1290 km of the upper Mekong River (Lancang River in China). Along the reservoir cascade, the water temperature, rather than the presence of dams, was the main cause for the geographical patterns of bacterial community composition. Within a reservoir, significant spatial differences in sediment bacterial communities were observed between the tail, middle, and head of a reservoir. The differences in sediment properties resulted by flow velocity‐sieved sedimentation from the tail to head of a reservoir caused the spatial variation in sediment bacteria communities, forming potential hotspots for biogeochemical cycling in the middle of the reservoir. In contrast, unlike in deep lakes and deep single reservoirs, the bacterioplankton community composition had no distinctly layered features in the deep cascade reservoirs, because density‐induced underwater currents and convection resulting from hydropower production reduced the vertical hydro‐environmental gradients. This study provides a novel perspective on the processes affecting the distribution and function of bacterial communities in river‐reservoir cascades, and is a first step toward forecasting the consequences of microbially mediated biogeochemical cycling in existing and future reservoirs worldwide.

Net design for selective control of the “plague minnow” Gambusia holbrooki that minimises impact on native Australian fishes - David L. Morgan; Karissa O. Lear; Brendan C. Ebner; Stephen J. Beatty (Journal of Fish Biology, 2021)
Gambusia holbrooki is one of the world's most environmentally damaging introduced species, being notoriously difficult to control once established. A composite double‐winged fyke net comprising four vertically stacked compartments was developed to determine the potential to control G. holbrooki , while reducing negative interactions of this aggressive species with small threatened fishes. The stacked fyke net captured three times as many G. holbrooki as a conventional fyke net while maintaining consistent catches of native fishes relative to that from a conventional fyke net, and detected species‐specific vertical distributions. This stratified net design represents a valuable management option for controlling this agonistic species or for limiting antagonistic interactions between G. holbrooki and native species during typical fyke sampling of native ecosystems.

The contributions of lightning to biomass turnover, gap formation and plant mortality in a tropical forest - Evan M. Gora; Phillip M. Bitzer; Jeffrey C. Burchfield; Cesar Gutierrez; Stephen P. Yanoviak (Ecology, 2021)
Lightning is a common source of disturbance, but its ecological effects in tropical forests are largely undescribed. Here we quantify the contributions of lightning strikes to forest turnover and plant mortality in a lowland Panamanian forest using a real‐time lightning monitoring system. We examined 2,195 lightning‐damaged trees distributed among 93 different strikes. None exhibited scars or fires. On average, each strike disturbed 451 m 2 (95% CI: 365–545 m 2 ), created a canopy gap of 304 m 2 (95% CI 198–454 m 2 ), and caused 7.36 Mg of woody biomass turnover (CI: 5.36–9.65 Mg). Cumulatively, we estimate that lightning strikes in this forest create canopy gaps equaling 0.39% of forest canopy area, representing 20.1% of annual gap area formation, and are responsible for 16.1% of total woody biomass turnover. Trees, lianas, herbaceous climbers and epiphytes were killed by lightning at rates 8–29 times greater than their baseline mortality rates in undamaged control sites. The likelihood of lightning‐caused death was higher for trees, lianas, and herbaceous climbers than for epiphytes, and high liana mortality suggests that lightning is an important driver of liana turnover. These results indicate that lightning influences gap dynamics, plant community composition and carbon storage capacity in some tropical forests.

Testing a global standard for quantifying species recovery and assessing conservation impact - Molly K. Grace; H. Resit Akçakaya; Elizabeth L. Bennett; Thomas M. Brooks; Anna Heath; Simon Hedges; Craig Hilton‐Taylor; Michael Hoffmann; Axel Hochkirch; Richard Jenkins; David A. Keith; Barney Long; et al. (Conservation Biology, 2021)
Recognizing the imperative to evaluate species recovery and conservation impact, in 2012 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) called for development of a “Green List of Species” (now the IUCN Green Status of Species). A draft Green Status framework for assessing species’ progress toward recovery, published in 2018, proposed 2 separate but interlinked components: a standardized method (i.e., measurement against benchmarks of species’ viability, functionality, and preimpact distribution) to determine current species recovery status (herein species recovery score ) and application of that method to estimate past and potential future impacts of conservation based on 4 metrics ( conservation legacy, conservation dependence , conservation gain , and recovery potential ). We tested the framework with 181 species representing diverse taxa, life histories, biomes, and IUCN Red List categories (extinction risk). Based on the observed distribution of species’ recovery scores, we propose the following species recovery categories : fully recovered, slightly depleted, moderately depleted, largely depleted, critically depleted, extinct in the wild, and indeterminate. Fifty‐nine percent of tested species were considered largely or critically depleted. Although there was a negative relationship between extinction risk and species recovery score, variation was considerable. Some species in lower risk categories were assessed as farther from recovery than those at higher risk. This emphasizes that species recovery is conceptually different from extinction risk and reinforces the utility of the IUCN Green Status of Species to more fully understand species conservation status. Although extinction risk did not predict conservation legacy, conservation dependence, or conservation gain, it was positively correlated with recovery potential. Only 1.7% of tested species were categorized as zero across all 4 of these conservation impact metrics , indicating that conservation has, or will, play a role in improving or maintaining species status for the vast majority of these species. Based on our results, we devised an updated assessment framework that introduces the option of using a dynamic baseline to assess future impacts of conservation over the short term to avoid misleading results which were generated in a small number of cases, and redefines short term as 10 years to better align with conservation planning. These changes are reflected in the IUCN Green Status of Species Standard.

Effects of Seagrass Wasting Disease on Eelgrass Growth and Belowground Sugar in Natural Meadows - Olivia J. Graham; Lillian R. Aoki; Tiffany Stephens; Joshua Stokes; Sukanya Dayal; Brendan Rappazzo; Carla P. Gomes; C. Drew Harvell (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Seagrass meadows provide valuable ecosystem benefits but are at risk from disease. Eelgrass ( Zostera marina ) is a temperate species threatened by seagrass wasting disease (SWD), caused by the protist Labyrinthula zosterae . The pathogen is sensitive to warming ocean temperatures, prompting a need for greater understanding of the impacts on host health under climate change. Previous work demonstrates pathogen cultures grow faster under warmer laboratory conditions and documents positive correlations between warmer ocean temperatures and disease levels in nature. However, the consequences of disease outbreaks on eelgrass growth remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the effect of disease on eelgrass productivity in the field. We coupled in situ shoot marking with high-resolution imagery of eelgrass blades and used an artificial intelligence application to determine disease prevalence and severity from digital images. Comparisons of eelgrass growth and disease metrics showed that SWD impaired eelgrass growth and accumulation of non-structural carbon in the field. Blades with more severe disease had reduced growth rates, indicating that disease severity can limit plant growth. Disease severity and rhizome sugar content were also inversely related, suggesting that disease reduced belowground carbon accumulation. Finally, repeated measurements of diseased blades indicated that lesions can grow faster than healthy tissue in situ . This is the first study to demonstrate the negative impact of wasting disease on eelgrass health in a natural meadow. These results emphasize the importance of considering disease alongside other stressors to better predict the health and functioning of seagrass meadows in the Anthropocene.

Animal Borne Ocean Sensors – AniBOS – An Essential Component of the Global Ocean Observing System - Clive R. McMahon; Fabien Roquet; Sophie Baudel; Mathieu Belbeoch; Sophie Bestley; Clint Blight; Lars Boehme; Fiona Carse; Daniel P. Costa; Michael A. Fedak; Christophe Guinet; Robert Harcourt; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Marine animals equipped with biological and physical electronic sensors have produced long-term data streams on key marine environmental variables, hydrography, animal behavior and ecology. These data are an essential component of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). The Animal Borne Ocean Sensors (AniBOS) network aims to coordinate the long-term collection and delivery of marine data streams, providing a complementary capability to other GOOS networks that monitor Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), essential climate variables (ECVs) and essential biodiversity variables (EBVs). AniBOS augments observations of temperature and salinity within the upper ocean, in areas that are under-sampled, providing information that is urgently needed for an improved understanding of climate and ocean variability and for forecasting. Additionally, measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence and dissolved oxygen concentrations are emerging. The observations AniBOS provides are used widely across the research, modeling and operational oceanographic communities. High latitude, shallow coastal shelves and tropical seas have historically been sampled poorly with traditional observing platforms for many reasons including sea ice presence, limited satellite coverage and logistical costs. Animal-borne sensors are helping to fill that gap by collecting and transmitting in near real time an average of 500 temperature-salinity-depth profiles per animal annually and, when instruments are recovered (∼30% of instruments deployed annually, n = 103 ± 34), up to 1,000 profiles per month in these regions. Increased observations from under-sampled regions greatly improve the accuracy and confidence in estimates of ocean state and improve studies of climate variability by delivering data that refine climate prediction estimates at regional and global scales. The GOOS Observations Coordination Group (OCG) reviews, advises on and coordinates activities across the global ocean observing networks to strengthen the effective implementation of the system. AniBOS was formally recognized in 2020 as a GOOS network. This improves our ability to observe the ocean’s structure and animals that live in them more comprehensively, concomitantly improving our understanding of global ocean and climate processes for societal benefit consistent with the UN Sustainability Goals 13 and 14: Climate and Life below Water. Working within the GOOS OCG framework ensures that AniBOS is an essential component of an integrated Global Ocean Observing System.

Bright spots as climate‐smart marine spatial planning tools for conservation and blue growth - Ana M. Queirós; Elizabeth Talbot; Nicola J. Beaumont; Paul J. Somerfield; Susan Kay; Christine Pascoe; Simon Dedman; Jose A. Fernandes; Alexander Jueterbock; Peter I. Miller; Sevrine F. Sailley; Gianluca Sará; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Marine spatial planning that addresses ocean climate‐driven change (‘climate‐smart MSP’) is a global aspiration to support economic growth, food security and ecosystem sustainability. Ocean climate change (‘CC’) modelling may become a key decision‐support tool for MSP, but traditional modelling analysis and communication challenges prevent their broad uptake. We employed MSP‐specific ocean climate modelling analyses to inform a real‐life MSP process; addressing how nature conservation and fisheries could be adapted to CC. We found that the currently planned distribution of these activities may become unsustainable during the policy's implementation due to CC, leading to a shortfall in its sustainability and blue growth targets. Significant, climate‐driven ecosystem‐level shifts in ocean components underpinning designated sites and fishing activity were estimated, reflecting different magnitudes of shifts in benthic versus pelagic, and inshore versus offshore habitats. Supporting adaptation, we then identified: CC refugia (areas where the ecosystem remains within the boundaries of its present state); CC hotspots (where climate drives the ecosystem towards a new state, inconsistent with each sectors’ present use distribution); and for the first time, identified bright spots (areas where oceanographic processes drive range expansion opportunities that may support sustainable growth in the medium term). We thus create the means to: identify where sector‐relevant ecosystem change is attributable to CC; incorporate resilient delivery of conservation and sustainable ecosystem management aims into MSP; and to harness opportunities for blue growth where they exist. Capturing CC bright spots alongside refugia within protected areas may present important opportunities to meet sustainability targets while helping support the fishing sector in a changing climate. By capitalizing on the natural distribution of climate resilience within ocean ecosystems, such climate‐adaptive spatial management strategies could be seen as nature‐based solutions to limit the impact of CC on ocean ecosystems and dependent blue economy sectors, paving the way for climate‐smart MSP.

A new indole alkaloid and other constituents from Monodora minor and Uvaria tanzaniae : their antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial evaluation - Robert Christopher; Quintino A. Mgani; Stephen S. Nyandoro; Amanda L. Rousseau; Michelle Isaacs; Heinrich C. Hoppe (Natural Product Research, 2021)

Applying Popperian falsifiability to geodynamic hypotheses: empirical testing of the episodic crustal/zircon production hypothesis and selective preservation hypothesis - Stephen J. Puetz; Kent C. Condie (International Geology Review, 2021)

Quantification of permitted synthetic colours in food by liquid chromatographic methods: A review on analytical methods and theirperformance - Stephen W. C. Chung (Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 2021)

Sexual segregation in juvenile Antarctic fur seals - Kayleigh A. Jones; Norman Ratcliffe; Stephen C. Votier; Simeon Lisovski; Anne-Sophie Bonnet-Lebrun; Iain J. Staniland (Oecologia, 2021)

Profiling Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Reveals a Molecular Basis for Vulnerability Within the Ts65Dn Model of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease - Melissa J. Alldred; Sai C. Penikalapati; Sang Han Lee; Adriana Heguy; Panos Roussos; Stephen D. Ginsberg (Molecular Neurobiology, 2021)

Correction to: Temporal emergence of age-associated changes in cognitive and physical function in vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) - Brett M. Frye; Payton M. Valure; Suzanne Craft; Mark G. Baxter; Christie Scott; Shanna Wise-Walden; David W. Bissinger; Hannah M. Register; Carson Copeland; Matthew J. Jorgensen; Jamie N. Justice; Stephen B. Kritchevsky; et al. (GeroScience, 2021)

Divergent climate change effects on widespread dryland plant communities driven by climatic and ecohydrological gradients - Kyle A. Palmquist; Daniel R. Schlaepfer; Rachel R. Renne; Stephen C. Torbit; Kevin E. Doherty; Thomas E. Remington; Greg Watson; John B. Bradford; William K. Lauenroth (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Plant community response to climate change will be influenced by individual plant responses that emerge from competition for limiting resources that fluctuate through time and vary across space. Projecting these responses requires an approach that integrates environmental conditions and species interactions that result from future climatic variability. Dryland plant communities are being substantially affected by climate change because their structure and function are closely tied to precipitation and temperature, yet impacts vary substantially due to environmental heterogeneity, especially in topographically complex regions. Here, we quantified the effects of climate change on big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata Nutt.) plant communities that span 76 million ha in the western United States. We used an individual‐based plant simulation model that represents intra‐ and inter‐specific competition for water availability, which is represented by a process‐based soil water balance model. For dominant plant functional types, we quantified changes in biomass and characterized agreement among 52 future climate scenarios. We then used a multivariate matching algorithm to generate fine‐scale interpolated surfaces of functional type biomass for our study area. Results suggest geographically divergent responses of big sagebrush to climate change (changes in biomass of −20% to +27%), declines in perennial C 3 grass and perennial forb biomass in most sites, and widespread, consistent, and sometimes large increases in perennial C 4 grasses. The largest declines in big sagebrush, perennial C 3 grass and perennial forb biomass were simulated in warm, dry sites. In contrast, we simulated no change or increases in functional type biomass in cold, moist sites. There was high agreement among climate scenarios on climate change impacts to functional type biomass, except for big sagebrush. Collectively, these results suggest divergent responses to warming in moisture‐limited versus temperature‐limited sites and potential shifts in the relative importance of some of the dominant functional types that result from competition for limiting resources.

Singing Fin Whale Swimming Behavior in the Central North Pacific - Regina A. Guazzo; Ian N. Durbach; Tyler A. Helble; Gabriela C. Alongi; Cameron R. Martin; Stephen W. Martin; E. Elizabeth Henderson (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Male fin whales sing using 20 Hz pulses produced in regular patterns of inter-note intervals, but little is known about fin whale swimming behavior while they are singing. Even less is known about fin whales in Hawaiian waters because they have rarely been sighted during surveys and passive acoustic monitoring has been limited to sparse hydrophone systems that do not have localization capabilities. We hypothesized that fin whale kinematics may be related to their singing behavior, or external variables such as time and sea state. To investigate this hypothesis, we analyzed 115 tracks containing 50,034 unique notes generated from passive acoustic recordings on an array of 14 hydrophones from 2011 to 2017 at the U.S. Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility off Kauai, Hawaii. Fin whales swam at an average speed of 1.1 m/s over relatively direct paths. We incorporated the whales' speed and turning angle into hidden Markov models to identify different behavioral states based on the whales' movements. We found that fin whale kinematic behavioral state was related to the vocalization rate (also known as cue rate) and time of day. When cue rate was higher, fin whales were more likely to swim slower and turn more than when cue rate was lower. During the night, fin whales were also more likely to swim slower and turn more than during the day. In addition, we examined whether the presence of singing fin whales was related to time and sea state using generalized additive models. Fin whale track presence was affected by day of the year and song season, and possibly also wind speed and wave height. Although the track kinematics from the fin whale tracks presented here are limited to a subset of whales that are acoustically active, they provide some of the only detailed movements of fin whales in the region and can be compared against fin whale swim speeds in other regions. Understanding how fin whale swimming behavior varies based on their vocalization patterns, time, and environmental factors will help us to contextualize potential changes in whale behavior during Navy training and testing on the range.

When hazard avoidance is not an option: lessons learned from monitoring the postdisaster Oso landslide, USA - Mark E. Reid; Jonathan W. Godt; Richard G. LaHusen; Stephen L. Slaughter; Thomas C. Badger; Brian D. Collins; William H. Schulz; Rex L. Baum; Jeffrey A. Coe; Edwin L. Harp; Kevin M. Schmidt; Richard M. Iverson; et al. (Landslides, 2021)
On 22 March 2014, a massive, catastrophic landslide occurred near Oso, Washington, USA, sweeping more than 1 km across the adjacent valley flats and killing 43 people. For the following 5 weeks, hundreds of workers engaged in an exhaustive search, rescue, and recovery effort directly in the landslide runout path. These workers could not avoid the risks posed by additional large-scale slope collapses. In an effort to ensure worker safety, multiple agencies cooperated to swiftly deploy a monitoring and alerting system consisting of sensors, automated data processing and web-based display, along with defined communication protocols and clear calls to action for emergency management and search personnel. Guided by the principle that an accelerating landslide poses a greater threat than a steadily moving or stationary mass, the system was designed to detect ground motion and vibration using complementary monitoring techniques. Near real-time information was provided by continuous GPS, seismometers/geophones, and extensometers. This information was augmented by repeat-assessment techniques such as terrestrial and aerial laser scanning and time-lapse photography. Fortunately, no major additional landsliding occurred. However, we did detect small headscarp failures as well as slow movement of the remaining landslide mass with the monitoring system. This was an exceptional response situation and the lessons learned are applicable to other landslide disaster crises. They underscore the need for cogent landslide expertise and ready-to-deploy monitoring equipment, the value of using redundant monitoring techniques with distinct goals, the benefit of clearly defined communication protocols, and the importance of continued research into forecasting landslide behavior to allow timely warning.

Genetic analyses of gynecological disease identify genetic relationships between uterine fibroids and endometrial cancer, and a novel endometrial cancer genetic risk region at the WNT4 1p36.12 locus - Pik Fang Kho; Sally Mortlock; Frederic Amant; Daniela Annibali; Katie Ashton; John Attia; Paul L. Auer; Matthias W. Beckmann; Amanda Black; Louise Brinton; Daniel D. Buchanan; Stephen J. Chanock; et al. (Human Genetics, 2021)

Pyrosilviculture Needed for Landscape Resilience of Dry Western United States Forests - M P North; R A York; B M Collins; M D Hurteau; G M Jones; E E Knapp; L Kobziar; H McCann; M D Meyer; S L Stephens; R E Tompkins; C L Tubbesing (Journal of Forestry, 2021)
A significant increase in treatment pace and scale is needed to restore dry western US forest resilience owing to increasingly frequent and severe wildfire and drought. We propose a pyrosilviculture approach to directly increase large-scale fire use and modify current thinning treatments to optimize future fire incorporation. Recommendations include leveraging wildfire’s “treatment” in areas burned at low and moderate severity with subsequent pyrosilviculture management, identifying managed wildfire zones, and facilitating and financing prescribed fire with “anchor,” “ecosystem asset,” and “revenue” focused thinning treatments. Pyrosilviculture would also expand prescribed-burn and managed-wildfire objectives to include reducing stand density, increasing forest heterogeneity, and selecting for tree species and phenotypes better adapted to changing climate and disturbance regimes. The potential benefits and limitations of this approach are discussed. Fire is inevitable in dry western US forests and pyrosilviculture focuses on proactively shifting more of that fire into managed large-scale burns needed to restore ecosystem resilience.

Range restriction leads to narrower ecological niches and greater extinction risk in Australian freshwater fish - Matthew C. Le Feuvre; Tim Dempster; James J. Shelley; Aaron M. Davis; Stephen E. Swearer (Biodiversity and Conservation, 2021)

Warm winters and cool springs negatively influence recruitment of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) in a southern England chalk stream - Jessica E. Marsh; Rasmus B. Lauridsen; William D. Riley; Olivia M. Simmons; Céline Artero; Luke J. Scott; William R. C. Beaumont; William A. Beaumont; John Davy‐Bowker; Thomas Lecointre; Dylan E. Roberts; Stephen D. Gregory (Journal of Fish Biology, 2021)
Previous work suggests that juvenile salmon recruitment in rain‐fed rivers is negatively influenced by warm and wet winters and cool springs. We tested whether this is generally applicable to a southern England chalk stream characterized by comparatively stable discharges and temperatures. We found that warm spawning and cool emergence temperatures negatively influenced juvenile recruitment between 2015 and 2020. Together these findings suggest an ability to predict juvenile productivity from water temperature records around spawning and fry emergence, thereby allowing time for management interventions in years of unfavourable temperatures.

Evolution and connectivity influence the persistence and recovery of coral reefs under climate change in the Caribbean, Southwest Pacific, and Coral Triangle - Lisa C. McManus; Daniel L. Forrest; Eden Tekwa; Daniel E. Schindler; Madhavi A. Colton; Michael M. Webster; Timothy E. Essington; Stephen R. Palumbi; Peter J. Mumby; Malin L. Pinsky (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Corals are experiencing unprecedented decline from climate change‐induced mass bleaching events. Dispersal not only contributes to coral reef persistence through demographic rescue but can also hinder or facilitate evolutionary adaptation. Locations of reefs that are likely to survive future warming therefore remain largely unknown, particularly within the context of both ecological and evolutionary processes across complex seascapes that differ in temperature range, strength of connectivity, network size, and other characteristics. Here, we used eco‐evolutionary simulations to examine coral adaptation to warming across reef networks in the Caribbean, the Southwest Pacific, and the Coral Triangle. We assessed the factors associated with coral persistence in multiple reef systems to understand which results are general and which are sensitive to particular geographic contexts. We found that evolution can be critical in preventing extinction and facilitating the long‐term recovery of coral communities in all regions. Furthermore, the strength of immigration to a reef (destination strength) and current sea surface temperature robustly predicted reef persistence across all reef networks and across temperature projections. However, we found higher initial coral cover, slower recovery, and more evolutionary lag in the Coral Triangle, which has a greater number of reefs and more larval settlement than the other regions. We also found the lowest projected future coral cover in the Caribbean. These findings suggest that coral reef persistence depends on ecology, evolution, and habitat network characteristics, and that, under an emissions stabilization scenario (RCP 4.5), recovery may be possible over multiple centuries.

Predicting arctic‐alpine lake dissolved oxygen responses to future tree line advance at the Swedish forest‐tundra transition zone - Stephen F. Jane; Kevin C. Rose (Global Change Biology, 2021)

Integrating High-Resolution Coastal Acidification Monitoring Data Across Seven United States Estuaries - Nicholas A. Rosenau; Holly Galavotti; Kimberly K. Yates; Curtis C. Bohlen; Christopher W. Hunt; Matthew Liebman; Cheryl A. Brown; Stephen R. Pacella; John L. Largier; Karina J. Nielsen; Xinping Hu; Melissa R. McCutcheon; et al. (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Beginning in 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Estuary Program (NEP) started a collaboration with partners in seven estuaries along the East Coast (Barnegat Bay; Casco Bay), West Coast (Santa Monica Bay; San Francisco Bay; Tillamook Bay), and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Coast (Tampa Bay; Mission-Aransas Estuary) of the United States to expand the use of autonomous monitoring of partial pressure of carbon dioxide ( p CO 2 ) and pH. Analysis of high-frequency (hourly to sub-hourly) coastal acidification data including p CO 2 , pH, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) indicate that the sensors effectively captured key parameter measurements under challenging environmental conditions, allowing for an initial characterization of daily to seasonal trends in carbonate chemistry across a range of estuarine settings. Multi-year monitoring showed that across all water bodies temperature and p CO 2 covaried, suggesting that p CO 2 variability was governed, in part, by seasonal temperature changes with average p CO 2 being lower in cooler, winter months and higher in warmer, summer months. Furthermore, the timing of seasonal shifts towards increasing (or decreasing) p CO 2 varied by location and appears to be related to regional climate conditions. Specifically, p CO 2 increases began earlier in the year in warmer water, lower latitude water bodies in the GOM (Tampa Bay; Mission-Aransas Estuary) as compared with cooler water, higher latitude water bodies in the northeast (Barnegat Bay; Casco Bay), and upwelling-influenced West Coast water bodies (Tillamook Bay; Santa Monica Bay; San Francisco Bay). Results suggest that both thermal and non-thermal influences are important drivers of p CO 2 in Tampa Bay and Mission-Aransas Estuary. Conversely, non-thermal processes, most notably the biogeochemical structure of coastal upwelling, appear to be largely responsible for the observed p CO 2 values in West Coast water bodies. The co-occurrence of high salinity, high p CO 2 , low DO, and low temperature water in Santa Monica Bay and San Francisco Bay characterize the coastal upwelling paradigm that is also evident in Tillamook Bay when upwelling dominates freshwater runoff and local processes. These data demonstrate that high-quality carbonate chemistry observations can be recorded from estuarine environments using autonomous sensors originally designed for open-ocean settings.

Robotic Assessment of Upper Limb Function in a Nonhuman Primate Model of Chronic Stroke - Yining Chen; Meredith C. Poole; Shelby V. Olesovsky; Allen A. Champagne; Kathleen A. Harrison; Joseph Y. Nashed; Nicole S. Coverdale; Stephen H. Scott; Douglas J. Cook (Translational Stroke Research, 2021)

Further characterisation of psychosis-like behaviours induced by L-DOPA in the MPTP-lesioned marmoset - Cynthia Kwan; Stephen G. Nuara; Jim C. Gourdon; Philippe Huot (Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 2021)

Montane Meadows: A Soil Carbon Sink or Source? - Cody C. Reed; Amy G. Merrill; W. Mark Drew; Beth Christman; Rachel A. Hutchinson; Levi Keszey; Melissa Odell; Sherman Swanson; Paul S. J. Verburg; Jim Wilcox; Stephen C. Hart; Benjamin W. Sullivan (Ecosystems, 2021)

Penguins and Seals Transport Limiting Nutrients Between Offshore Pelagic and Coastal Regions of Antarctica Under Changing Sea Ice - Stephen R. Wing; Lucy C. Wing; Sorrel A. O’Connell-Milne; David Barr; Dale Stokes; Sal Genovese; James J. Leichter (Ecosystems, 2021)

Eriophyid mite Floracarus perrepae readily colonizes recovering invasive vine Lygodium microphyllum following herbicide treatment - Aaron S. David; Jonathan S. Glueckert; Stephen F. Enloe; Andrea Carmona Cortes; Anwar A. Abdel-Kader; Ellen C. Lake (BioControl, 2021)

Reproductive biology of hardhead catfish Ariopsis felis : evidence for overwintering oocytes - Lucas G. Pensinger; Nancy J. Brown‐Peterson; Christopher C. Green; Stephen R. Midway (Journal of Fish Biology, 2021)
Hardhead catfish Ariopsis felis are a common marine catfish in the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The low economic value of this species has depressed interest and research, and although the species is known for its extremely low fecundity and large oocytes, little else is known about this catfish species. A total of 1230 samples across all months of the year from 2016 to 2018 resulted in 681 females, and analysis of gonado‐somatic index ( I G ) revealed 1% to be a clear cut‐off indicating maturity. Females are considered capable of spawning from April to June when I G averaged 4–8%. Both atresia and post‐ovulatory follicles were present in July, suggesting that spawning ends in July in the northern GOM. The 1% I G cut‐off was used to designate maturity, and from that an L 50 of 253 mm was estimated. Batch fecundity from 41 females estimated a mean batch size of 36 oocytes. Perhaps the most interesting finding was the presence of secondary growth stage oocytes ( e.g ., cortical alveoli) from July through November, well outside the spawning capable period. Furthermore, 78% of females had some early vitellogenic oocytes present during the non‐spawning season, and the distribution of these relatively large (2–5 mm) oocytes did not change over time. The results here are not only important as reproductive biology information for a common and abundant species, but also present interesting and unusual patterns of non‐spawning season oocyte development that is not commonly seen in Western Hemisphere subtropical fish species.

Increased connectivity and depth improve the effectiveness of marine reserves - Jordan S. Goetze; Shaun Wilson; Ben Radford; Rebecca Fisher; Tim J. Langlois; Jacquomo Monk; Nathan A. Knott; Hamish Malcolm; Leanne M. Currey‐Randall; Daniel Ierodiaconou; David Harasti; Neville Barrett; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Marine reserves are a key tool for the conservation of marine biodiversity, yet only ~2.5% of the world's oceans are protected. The integration of marine reserves into connected networks representing all habitats has been encouraged by international agreements, yet the benefits of this design has not been tested empirically. Australia has one of the largest systems of marine reserves, providing a rare opportunity to assess how connectivity influences conservation success. An Australia‐wide dataset was collected using baited remote underwater video systems deployed across a depth range from 0 to 100 m to assess the effectiveness of marine reserves for protecting teleosts subject to commercial and recreational fishing. A meta‐analytical comparison of 73 fished species within 91 marine reserves found that, on average, marine reserves had 28% greater abundance and 53% greater biomass of fished species compared to adjacent areas open to fishing. However, benefits of protection were not observed across all reserves (heterogeneity), so full subsets generalized additive modelling was used to consider factors that influence marine reserve effectiveness, including distance‐based and ecological metrics of connectivity among reserves. Our results suggest that increased connectivity and depth improve the aforementioned marine reserve benefits and that these factors should be considered to optimize such benefits over time. We provide important guidance on factors to consider when implementing marine reserves for the purpose of increasing the abundance and size of fished species, given the expected increase in coverage globally. We show that marine reserves that are highly protected (no‐take) and designed to optimize connectivity, size and depth range can provide an effective conservation strategy for fished species in temperate and tropical waters within an overarching marine biodiversity conservation framework.

Fine root dynamics across pantropical rainforest ecosystems - Walter Huaraca Huasco; Terhi Riutta; Cécile A. J. Girardin; Fernando Hancco Pacha; Beisit L. Puma Vilca; Sam Moore; Sami W. Rifai; Jhon del Aguila‐Pasquel; Alejandro Araujo Murakami; Renata Freitag; Alexandra C. Morel; Sheleme Demissie; et al. (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Fine roots constitute a significant component of the net primary productivity (NPP) of forest ecosystems but are much less studied than aboveground NPP. Comparisons across sites and regions are also hampered by inconsistent methodologies, especially in tropical areas. Here, we present a novel dataset of fine root biomass, productivity, residence time, and allocation in tropical old‐growth rainforest sites worldwide, measured using consistent methods, and examine how these variables are related to consistently determined soil and climatic characteristics. Our pantropical dataset spans intensive monitoring plots in lowland (wet, semi‐deciduous, and deciduous) and montane tropical forests in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia ( n = 47). Large spatial variation in fine root dynamics was observed across montane and lowland forest types. In lowland forests, we found a strong positive linear relationship between fine root productivity and sand content, this relationship was even stronger when we considered the fractional allocation of total NPP to fine roots, demonstrating that understanding allocation adds explanatory power to understanding fine root productivity and total NPP. Fine root residence time was a function of multiple factors: soil sand content, soil pH, and maximum water deficit, with longest residence times in acidic, sandy, and water‐stressed soils. In tropical montane forests, on the other hand, a different set of relationships prevailed, highlighting the very different nature of montane and lowland forest biomes. Root productivity was a strong positive linear function of mean annual temperature, root residence time was a strong positive function of soil nitrogen content in montane forests, and lastly decreasing soil P content increased allocation of productivity to fine roots. In contrast to the lowlands, environmental conditions were a better predictor for fine root productivity than for fractional allocation of total NPP to fine roots, suggesting that root productivity is a particularly strong driver of NPP allocation in tropical mountain regions.

A Novel Orthoreovirus Isolated From Dead Stranded Harbor Seals From Puget Sound, Washington State, United States - Ole Nielsen; Thaís C. S. Rodrigues; Vsevolod L. Popov; Kuttichantran Subramaniam; Thomas B. Waltzek; Dyanna M. Lambourn; Stephen Raverty (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
As part of an ongoing investigation of harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ) mortalities within Puget Sound, Washington State, United States, between October 2007 and July 2008, 25 seal cases were submitted for histopathology and ancillary diagnostic testing, including additional attempted virus isolation. In vitro granular and refractile cytopathic effects (CPE) were consistently observed in Vero.DogSLAMtag cells inoculated with tissue homogenates from three seals. Transmission electron microscopy of infected Vero.DogSLAMtag cells revealed cytoplasmic clusters of icosahedral viral particles morphologically consistent with members of the family Reoviridae . The complete genome of a novel species within the genus Orthoreovirus , tentatively named phocid orthoreovirus 1 (PhRV1), was determined by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by rt-PCR in isolates from the three harbor seals. This is the first report of an orthoreovirus infection associated with dead stranded harbor seals. Aside from the CPE and ultrastructural findings, no consistent signalment, gross pathology, histopathology, or ancillary diagnostic findings were identified with PhRV1 infection. Further research is needed to determine the prevalence, tissue tropism, transmission, pathogenicity, zoonotic potential, and host range of orthoreoviruses in pinnipeds. This study demonstrates the value of thorough necropsy investigations and a multidisciplinary team approach to advance our understanding of marine mammal health.

World Octopus Fisheries - Warwick H. H. Sauer; Ian G. Gleadall; Nicola Downey-Breedt; Zöe Doubleday; Graham Gillespie; Manuel Haimovici; Christian M. Ibáñez; Oleg N. Katugin; Stephen Leporati; Marek R. Lipinski; Unai Markaida; Jorge E. Ramos; et al. (Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 2021)

In silico analysis revealing CsrA roles in motility-sessility switching and tuning VBNC cells in Vibrio parahaemolyticus - Dan Wang; Steve H. Flint; Dragana Gagic; Jon S. Palmer; Graham C. Fletcher; Stephen L. W. On (Biofouling, 2021)

Occurrence of environmental contaminants (pesticides, herbicides, PAHs) in Australian/Queensland Apis mellifera honey - Natasha L. Hungerford; Mary T. Fletcher; Heng Hang Tsai; Darina Hnatko; Lorinda J. Swann; Cassandra L. Kelly; Shalona R. Anuj; Ujang Tinggi; Dennis C. Webber; Stephen T. Were; Benjamin L. L. Tan (Food Additives & Contaminants Part B-Surveillance, 2021)

Correction to: Updates to the Regional Seismic Travel Time (RSTT) Model: 2. Path-dependent Travel-time Uncertainty - Michael L. Begnaud; Dale N. Anderson; Stephen C. Myers; Brian Young; James R. Hipp; W. Scott Phillips (Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2021)

Updates to the Regional Seismic Travel Time (RSTT) Model: 1. Tomography - Michael L. Begnaud; Stephen C. Myers; Brian Young; James R. Hipp; Doug Dodge; W. Scott Phillips (Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2021)
A function of global monitoring of nuclear explosions is the development of Earth models for predicting seismic travel times for more accurate calculation of event locations. Most monitoring agencies rely on fast, distance-dependent one-dimensional (1D) Earth models to calculate seismic event locations quickly and in near real-time. RSTT (Regional Seismic Travel Time) is a seismic velocity model and computer software package that captures the major effects of three-dimensional crust and upper mantle structure on regional seismic travel times, while still allowing for fast prediction speed (milliseconds). We describe updates to the RSTT model using a refined data set of regional phases (i.e., Pn, Pg, Sn, Lg) using the Bayesloc relative relocation algorithm. The tomographic inversion shown here acts to refine the previous RSTT public model ( rstt201404um ) and displays significant features related to areas of global tectonic complexity as well as further reduction in arrival residual values. Validation of the updated RSTT model demonstrates significant reduction in median epicenter mislocation (15.3 km) using all regional phases compared to the iasp91 1D model (22.1 km) as well as to the current station correction approach used at the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization International Data Centre (18.9 km).

Organic matter amendments improve soil fertility in almond orchards of contrasting soil texture - Yocelyn B. Villa; Sat Darshan S. Khalsa; Rebecca Ryals; Roger A. Duncan; Patrick H. Brown; Stephen C. Hart (Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 2021)
The effects of organic matter amendments (OMA) on soil fertility in permanent cropping systems like orchards is under-studied compared to annual cropping systems. We evaluated experimentally the impact of OMAs on soil fertility in almond ( Prunus dulcis ) orchards over a two-year period with annual applications. Two OMAs, derived from composted green waste (GWC) or composted manure wood chips (MWC), were applied as surface mulch and compared to a control at two sites with different soil textures (sandy loam and loamy sand). OMAs increased soil moisture content (0–0.1 m depth) at both sites by 27–37%. Both amendments increased soil inorganic N at the sandy loam (GWC: 194%; MWC: 114%) and loamy sand (GWC: 277%; MWC: 114%) sites the month following application, but soil inorganic N concentrations quickly decreased to values similar to those of control plots. After two-years, the GWC and the MWC amendments increased the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) by 112% and 29%, respectively, in the sandy loam site, but no change was observed in the loamy sand site. The greatest increase in soil extractable K occurred in the GWC-amended plots at the sandy loam site even though the initial K concentration of MWC was higher. Both OMAs increased soil organic carbon (SOC) after two years, but the SOC increase in the GWC-amended plots was greater. Our results suggest that OMAs can significantly improve soil fertility after one or two annual applications, and that fertility gains appear to be dependent on soil texture than the nutrient concentrations of the OMA.

A Co-Crystallised Cobalt(II) Cluster of Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid (PDC) as a Luminescent Material for Selective Sensing of Methanol - Victoria T. Olayemi; Adedibu C. Tella; Folahan A. Adekola; Hadley S. Clayton; Adetola C. Oladipo; Gift Mehlana; Adeniyi S. Ogunlaja; Oluwatobi S. Oluwafemi; Joseph O. Ogar; Stephen P. Argent; Robert Mokaya (Journal of Fluorescence, 2021)

Wearing compression tights post-exercise enhances recovery hemodynamics and subsequent cycling performance - Daniel C. W. Lee; Sinead Sheridan; Ajmol Ali; Damien Sutanto; Stephen H. S. Wong (European Journal of Applied Physiology, 2021)

Exploring controls of the early and stepped deglaciation on the western margin of the British Irish Ice Sheet - Sara Benetti; Richard C. Chiverrell; Colm Ó Cofaigh; Matt Burke; Alicia Medialdea; David Small; Colin Ballantyne; Mark D. Bateman; S. Louise Callard; Peter Wilson; Derek Fabel; Chris D. Clark; et al. (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2021)
New optically stimulated luminescence dating and Bayesian models integrating all legacy and BRITICE‐CHRONO geochronology facilitated exploration of the controls on the deglaciation of two former sectors of the British–Irish Ice Sheet, the Donegal Bay (DBIS) and Malin Sea ice‐streams (MSIS). Shelf‐edge glaciation occurred ~27 ka, before the global Last Glacial Maximum, and shelf‐wide retreat began 26–26.5 ka at a rate of ~18.7–20.7 m a –1 . MSIS grounding zone wedges and DBIS recessional moraines show episodic retreat punctuated by prolonged still‐stands. By ~23–22 ka the outer shelf (~25 000 km 2 ) was free of grounded ice. After this time, MSIS retreat was faster (~20 m a –1 vs. ~2–6 m a –1 of DBIS). Separation of Irish and Scottish ice sources occurred ~20–19.5 ka, leaving an autonomous Donegal ice dome. Inner Malin shelf deglaciation followed the submarine troughs reaching the Hebridean coast ~19 ka. DBIS retreat formed the extensive complex of moraines in outer Donegal Bay at 20.5–19 ka. DBIS retreated on land by ~17–16 ka. Isolated ice caps in Scotland and Ireland persisted until ~14.5 ka. Early retreat of this marine‐terminating margin is best explained by local ice loading increasing water depths and promoting calving ice losses rather than by changes in global temperatures. Topographical controls governed the differences between the ice‐stream retreat from mid‐shelf to the coast.

Timing and pace of ice‐sheet withdrawal across the marine–terrestrial transition west of Ireland during the last glaciation - Colm Ó Cofaigh; S. Louise Callard; David H. Roberts; Richard C. Chiverrell; C. K. Ballantyne; David J. A. Evans; Margot Saher; Katrien J. J. Van Landeghem; Rachel Smedley; Sara Benetti; Matthew Burke; Chris D. Clark; et al. (Journal of Quaternary Science, 2021)
Understanding the pace and drivers of marine‐based ice‐sheet retreat relies upon the integration of numerical ice‐sheet models with observations from contemporary polar ice sheets and well‐constrained palaeo‐glaciological reconstructions. This paper provides a reconstruction of the retreat of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) from the Atlantic shelf west of Ireland during and following the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). It uses marine‐geophysical data and sediment cores dated by radiocarbon, combined with terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide and optically stimulated luminescence dating of onshore ice‐marginal landforms, to reconstruct the timing and rate of ice‐sheet retreat from the continental shelf and across the adjoining coastline of Ireland, thus including the switch from a marine‐ to a terrestrially‐based ice‐sheet margin. Seafloor bathymetric data in the form of moraines and grounding‐zone wedges on the continental shelf record an extensive ice sheet west of Ireland during the LGM which advanced to the outer shelf. This interpretation is supported by the presence of dated subglacial tills and overridden glacimarine sediments from across the Porcupine Bank, a westwards extension of the Irish continental shelf. The ice sheet was grounded on the outer shelf at ~26.8 ka cal bp with initial retreat underway by 25.9 ka cal bp. Retreat was not a continuous process but was punctuated by marginal oscillations until ~24.3 ka cal bp. The ice sheet thereafter retreated to the mid‐shelf where it formed a large grounding‐zone complex at ~23.7 ka cal bp. This retreat occurred in a glacimarine environment. The Aran Islands on the inner continental shelf were ice‐free by ~19.5 ka bp and the ice sheet had become largely terrestrially based by 17.3 ka bp. This suggests that the Aran Islands acted to stabilize and slow overall ice‐sheet retreat once the BIIS margin had reached the inner shelf. Our results constrain the timing of initial retreat of the BIIS from the outer shelf west of Ireland to the period of minimum global eustatic sea level. Initial retreat was driven, at least in part, by glacio‐isostatically induced, high relative sea level. Net rates of ice‐sheet retreat across the shelf were slow (62–19 m a −1 ) and reduced (8 m a −1 ) as the ice sheet vacated the inner shelf and moved onshore. A picture therefore emerges of an extensive BIIS on the Atlantic shelf west of Ireland, in which early, oscillatory retreat was followed by slow episodic retreat which decelerated further as the ice margin became terrestrially based. More broadly, this demonstrates the importance of localized controls, in particular bed topography, on modulating the retreat of marine‐based sectors of ice sheets.

Evolution reverses the effect of network structure on metapopulation persistence - Lisa C. McManus; Eden Tekwa; Daniel E. Schindler; Timothy E. Walsworth; Madhavi A. Colton; Michael M. Webster; Timothy E. Essington; Daniel L. Forrest; Stephen R. Palumbi; Peter J. Mumby; Malin L. Pinsky (Ecology, 2021)
Global environmental change is challenging species with novel conditions, such that demographic and evolutionary trajectories of populations are often shaped by the exchange of organisms and alleles across landscapes. Current ecological theory predicts that random networks with dispersal shortcuts connecting distant sites can promote persistence when there is no capacity for evolution. Here, we show with an eco‐evolutionary model that dispersal shortcuts across environmental gradients instead hinder persistence for populations that can evolve because long‐distance migrants bring extreme trait values that are often maladaptive, short‐circuiting the adaptive response of populations to directional change. Our results demonstrate that incorporating evolution and environmental heterogeneity fundamentally alters theoretical predictions regarding persistence in ecological networks.

Controls on Nutrient Cycling in Estuarine Mangrove Lake Sediments - Michael S. Owens; Stephen P. Kelly; Thomas A. Frankovich; David T. Rudnick; James W. Fourqurean; Jeffrey C. Cornwell (Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2021)
We estimated the net exchange of nitrogen and phosphorus species using core incubations under light and dark conditions in estuarine lakes that are the aquatic interface between the freshwater Everglades and marine Florida Bay. These lakes and adjacent shallow water Florida Bay environments are sites where the restoration of hydrological flows will likely have the largest impact on salinity. Sediment respiration, measured by oxygen uptake, averaged (±S.D.) −2400 ± 1300, −300 ± 1000, and 1900 ± 1400 μmol m−2 h−1 for dark incubations, light incubations, and gross photosynthesis estimates, respectively, with dark incubations consistent with oxygen uptake measured by microelectrode profiles. Although most fluxes of soluble reactive phosphorus, nitrate, and N2–N were low under both light and dark incubation conditions, we observed a number of very high efflux events of NH4+ during dark incubations. A significant decrease in NH4+flux was observed in the light. The largest differences between light and dark effluxes of NH4+ occurred in lakes during periods of low coverage of the aquatic macrophyte Chara hornemannii Wallman, with NH4+ effluxes > 200 μmol m−2 h−1. Increasing freshwater flow from the Everglades is expected to expand lower salinity environments suitable for Chara, and therefore, diminish the sediment NH4+ effluxes that may fuel algal blooms.

Temporal emergence of age-associated changes in cognitive and physical function in vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) - Brett M. Frye; Payton M. Valure; Suzanne Craft; Mark G. Baxter; Christie Scott; Shanna Wise-Walden; David W. Bissinger; Hannah M. Register; Carson Copeland; Matthew J. Jorgensen; Jamie N. Justice; Stephen B. Kritchevsky; et al. (GeroScience, 2021)

Changing climate associated with the range‐wide decline of an estuarine finfish - Kenneth A. Erickson; Joe West; Michael A. Dance; Troy M. Farmer; Joseph C. Ballenger; Stephen R. Midway (Global Change Biology, 2021)
Southern flounder ( Paralichthys lethostigma ) are a coastal flatfish species that supports recreational and commercial fisheries but are currently experiencing range‐wide declines. To quantify the range‐wide declines and investigate the role of climate in these declines, fishery‐independent sampling data of age‐0 flounder were obtained from 34 estuaries representing four states in the Gulf of Mexico (TX, LA, AL, and FL) and three states in the Southeastern United States Atlantic Ocean (FL, SC, and NC) spanning from 1976 to 2019. Generalized additive models (GAM) were used to estimate age‐0 recruitment trends. Spatial and temporal synchrony analyses were then conducted using annual GAM‐predicted values to determine if trends were similar between estuaries in close proximity, and if declines occurred at the same time. Because the species is dependent on physical transport (i.e., winds and tides) for recruitment, hourly wind speed, wind direction, water temperature, and air temperature were obtained for estuaries with non‐zero sampling totals and long‐term data sets. Only six estuaries showed significant relationships between age‐0 flounder indices and growing degree days. However, all estuaries with wind data showed significant relationships between age‐0 flounder indices and hourly summed wind speed. Southern flounder also have environmental sex determination, meaning warming estuaries could also account for population changes and declines. We document that water temperatures in the same space and time where southern flounder sexually determine are warmer now than even a decade ago, which could masculinize populations and substantially change population demographics. These results illustrate the vulnerability of estuarine finfish populations to climate change and increased climate variability. Understanding how climate acts on southern flounder biology may help managers respond to and prevent fishery collapses.

SNAPSHOT USA 2019: a coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States - Michael V. Cove; Roland Kays; Helen Bontrager; Claire Bresnan; Monica Lasky; Taylor Frerichs; Renee Klann; Thomas E. Lee; Seth C. Crockett; Anthony P. Crupi; Katherine C. B. Weiss; Helen Rowe; et al. (Ecology, 2021)
With the accelerating pace of global change, it is imperative that we obtain rapid inventories of the status and distribution of wildlife for ecological inferences and conservation planning. To address this challenge, we launched the SNAPSHOT USA project, a collaborative survey of terrestrial wildlife populations using camera traps across the United States. For our first annual survey, we compiled data across all 50 states during a 14‐week period (17 August–24 November of 2019). We sampled wildlife at 1,509 camera trap sites from 110 camera trap arrays covering 12 different ecoregions across four development zones. This effort resulted in 166,036 unique detections of 83 species of mammals and 17 species of birds. All images were processed through the Smithsonian’s eMammal camera trap data repository and included an expert review phase to ensure taxonomic accuracy of data, resulting in each picture being reviewed at least twice. The results represent a timely and standardized camera trap survey of the United States. All of the 2019 survey data are made available herein. We are currently repeating surveys in fall 2020, opening up the opportunity to other institutions and cooperators to expand coverage of all the urban–wild gradients and ecophysiographic regions of the country. Future data will be available as the database is updated at eMammal.si.edu/snapshot‐usa, as will future data paper submissions. These data will be useful for local and macroecological research including the examination of community assembly, effects of environmental and anthropogenic landscape variables, effects of fragmentation and extinction debt dynamics, as well as species‐specific population dynamics and conservation action plans. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this paper when using the data for publication.

An operational automated mapping algorithm for in-season estimation of wheat area for Punjab, Pakistan - Ahmad Khan; Matthew C. Hansen; Peter Potapov; Bernard Adusei; Stephen V. Stehman; Marc K. Steininger (International Journal of Remote Sensing, 2021)

Landowner Concern about Wildfires and Implementation of Fuel Reduction Treatments - Anusha Shrestha; Robert K Grala; Stephen C Grado; Scott D Roberts; Jason S Gordon (Journal of Forestry, 2021)
Fuel reduction treatments implemented by nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners affect wildfire hazard potential on both their tracts and surrounding lands. However, it is not clear how concerned they are about wildfire damages and what actions they are willing to take to lower wildfire hazard. This study determined the landowner concern level about wildfire damages and identified factors affecting their concern and fuel treatment implementation using seemingly unrelated and binary probit models, respectively. Approximately, 68% of landowners were concerned about property damage due to wildfires, and 45% implemented some fuel reduction treatments. The most common and least costly fuel treatment was prescribed burning ($18/acre) followed by chemical ($59/acre) and mechanical ($127/acre) treatments. Raising awareness about potential monetary losses due to wildfires, assisting landowners in preparing written forest management plans, and prioritizing areas with predominant pine cover will encourage landowner participation in hazardous fuel reduction programs and facilitate more effective wildfire mitigation.

Recognize fish as food in policy discourse and development funding - Abigail Bennett; Xavier Basurto; John Virdin; Xinyan Lin; Samantha J. Betances; Martin D. Smith; Edward H. Allison; Barbara A. Best; Kelly D. Brownell; Lisa M. Campbell; Christopher D. Golden; Elizabeth Havice; et al. (Ambio, 2021)
The international development community is off-track from meeting targets for alleviating global malnutrition. Meanwhile, there is growing consensus across scientific disciplines that fish plays a crucial role in food and nutrition security. However, this ‘fish as food’ perspective has yet to translate into policy and development funding priorities. We argue that the traditional framing of fish as a natural resource emphasizes economic development and biodiversity conservation objectives, whereas situating fish within a food systems perspective can lead to innovative policies and investments that promote nutrition-sensitive and socially equitable capture fisheries and aquaculture. This paper highlights four pillars of research needs and policy directions toward this end. Ultimately, recognizing and working to enhance the role of fish in alleviating hunger and malnutrition can provide an additional long-term development incentive, beyond revenue generation and biodiversity conservation, for governments, international development organizations, and society more broadly to invest in the sustainability of capture fisheries and aquaculture.

The extent and variability of storm‐induced temperature changes in lakes measured with long‐term and high‐frequency data - Jonathan P. Doubek; Orlane Anneville; Gaël Dur; Aleksandra M. Lewandowska; Vijay P. Patil; James A. Rusak; Nico Salmaso; Christian Torsten Seltmann; Dietmar Straile; Pablo Urrutia‐Cordero; Patrick Venail; Rita Adrian; et al. (Limnology and Oceanography, 2021)
The intensity and frequency of storms are projected to increase in many regions of the world because of climate change. Storms can alter environmental conditions in many ecosystems. In lakes and reservoirs, storms can reduce epilimnetic temperatures from wind‐induced mixing with colder hypolimnetic waters, direct precipitation to the lake's surface, and watershed runoff. We analyzed 18 long‐term and high‐frequency lake datasets from 11 countries to assess the magnitude of wind‐ vs. rainstorm‐induced changes in epilimnetic temperature. We found small day‐to‐day epilimnetic temperature decreases in response to strong wind and heavy rain during stratified conditions. Day‐to‐day epilimnetic temperature decreased, on average, by 0.28°C during the strongest windstorms (storm mean daily wind speed among lakes: 6.7 ± 2.7 m s −1 , 1 SD) and by 0.15°C after the heaviest rainstorms (storm mean daily rainfall: 21.3 ± 9.0 mm). The largest decreases in epilimnetic temperature were observed ≥2 d after sustained strong wind or heavy rain (top 5 th percentile of wind and rain events for each lake) in shallow and medium‐depth lakes. The smallest decreases occurred in deep lakes. Epilimnetic temperature change from windstorms, but not rainstorms, was negatively correlated with maximum lake depth. However, even the largest storm‐induced mean epilimnetic temperature decreases were typically

Macroecological patterns of forest structure and allometric scaling in mangrove forests - Andre S. Rovai; Robert R. Twilley; Edward Castañeda‐Moya; Stephen R. Midway; Daniel A. Friess; Carl C. Trettin; Jacob J. Bukoski; Atticus E.L. Stovall; Paulo R. Pagliosa; Alessandra L. Fonseca; Richard A. Mackenzie; Aslan Aslan; et al. (Global Ecology and Biogeography, 2021)
Aim Mangrove wetlands span broad geographical gradients, resulting in functionally diverse tree communities. We asked whether latitudinal variation, allometric scaling relationships and species composition influence mangrove forest structure and biomass allocation across biogeographical regions and distinct coastal morphologies. Location Global. Time period Present. Major taxa studied Mangrove ecosystems. Methods We built the largest field‐based dataset on mangrove forest structure and biomass to date ( c . 2,800 plots from 67 countries) to address macroecological questions pertaining to structural and functional diversity of mangroves spanning biogeographical and coastal morphology gradients. We used frequentist inference statistics and machine learning models to determine environmental drivers that control biomass allocation within and across mangrove communities globally. Results Allometric scaling relationships and forest structural complexity were consistent across biogeographical and coastal morphology gradients, suggesting that mangrove biomass is controlled by regional forcings rather than by latitude or species composition. For instance, nearly 40% of the global variation in biomass was explained by regional climate and hydroperiod, revealing nonlinear thresholds that control biomass accumulation across broad geographical gradients. Furthermore, we found that ecosystem‐level carbon stocks (average 401 ± 48 MgC/ha, covering biomass and the top 1 m of soil) varied little across diverse coastal morphologies, reflecting regional bottom‐up geomorphic controls that shape global patterns in mangrove biomass apportioning. Main conclusions Our findings reconcile views of wetland and terrestrial forest macroecology. Similarities in stand structural complexity and cross‐site size–density relationships across multiscale environmental gradients show that resource allocation in mangrove ecosystems is independent of tree size and invariant to species composition or latitude. Mangroves follow a universal fractal‐based scaling relationship that describes biomass allocation for several other terrestrial tree‐dominated communities. Understanding how mangroves adhere to these universal allometric rules can improve our ability to account for biomass apportioning and carbon stocks in response to broad geographical gradients.

Sexual Mismatch Between Vessel-Associated Foraging and Discard Consumption in a Marine Top Predator - Joan Giménez; Gavin E. Arneill; Ashley Bennison; Enrico Pirotta; Hans D. Gerritsen; Thomas W. Bodey; Stuart Bearhop; Keith C. Hamer; Stephen Votier; Mark Jessopp (Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021)
Sex differences in diet and foraging behaviour are common in sexually dimorphic species, often driven by differences in the cost of locomotion or ability to exploit different ecological niches. However, sex-specific foraging strategies also occur in monomorphic or slightly dimorphic species where the drivers are poorly understood. Here, we study sex differences in foraging of northern gannets ( Morus bassanus ), where females are only slightly heavier than males. Using concurrently tracked gannets (298 full foraging trips from 81 individuals) and fishing vessels across 5 years, we quantify individual-based vessel-associated putative foraging, and relate this to discard consumption. We found a significant positive relationship between time spent in vessel-associated foraging and discard consumption for both sexes. However, while females showed greater proportions of vessel-associated foraging than males, discarded fish contributed less to the diet of females in all years. These results contrast with previous suggestions that female gannets interact with vessels less often than males, and are consistent with competitive exclusion of females from trawler-associated discards. Our findings give insight into sexual differences in foraging behaviour in the absence of dimorphism that are necessary to predict their response to environmental and anthropogenic changes.

Impacts of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data organization and unit of analysis on land cover classification - Danielle Beaulne; Georgia Fotopoulos; Stephen C. Lougheed (International Journal of Remote Sensing, 2021)

The Cerebellum and Implicit Sequencing: Evidence from Cerebellar Ataxia - Owen P. Morgan; Mitchell B. Slapik; Katherine G. Iannuzzelli; Stephen M. LaConte; Jonathan M. Lisinski; Peg C. Nopoulos; Ashley M. Cochran; Sharif I. Kronemer; Liana S. Rosenthal; Cherie L. Marvel (The Cerebellum, 2021)

Locally abundant, endangered Mariana swiftlets impact the abundance, behavior, and body condition of an invasive predator - Page E. Klug; Amy A. Yackel Adams; Shane R. Siers; Kevin M. Brindock; Stephen M. Mosher; M. J. Mazurek; William C. Pitt; Robert N. Reed (Oecologia, 2021)

Selenium nanoparticles and metformin ameliorate streptozotocin-instigated brain oxidative-inflammatory stress and neurobehavioral alterations in rats - Azubuike P. Ebokaiwe; Stephen Okori; Joseph O. Nwankwo; Chukwunonso E. C. C. Ejike; Sharon O. Osawe (Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 2021)

Musclesense: a Trained, Artificial Neural Network for the Anatomical Segmentation of Lower Limb Magnetic Resonance Images in Neuromuscular Diseases - Baris Kanber; Jasper M Morrow; Uros Klickovic; Stephen Wastling; Sachit Shah; Pietro Fratta; Amy R McDowell; Matt G Hall; Chris A Clark; Francesco Muntoni; Mary M Reilly; Michael G Hanna; et al. (Neuroinformatics, 2021)

Increasing maximum lake surface temperature under climate change - Martin T. Dokulil; Elvira de Eyto; Stephen C. Maberly; Linda May; Gesa A. Weyhenmeyer; R. Iestyn Woolway (Climatic Change, 2021)
Annual maximum lake surface temperature influences ecosystem structure and function and, in particular, the rates of metabolic activities, species survival and biogeography. Here, we evaluated 50 years of observational data, from 1966 to 2015, for ten European lakes to quantify changes in the annual maximum surface temperature and the duration above a potentially critical temperature of 20 °C. Our results show that annual maximum lake surface temperature has increased at an average rate of +0.58 °C decade −1 (95% confidence interval 0.18), which is similar to the observed increase in annual maximum air temperature of +0.42 °C decade −1 (95% confidence interval 0.28) over the same period. Increments in lake maximum temperature among the ten lakes range from +0.1 in the west to +1.9 °C decade −1 in the east. Absolute maximum lake surface water temperatures were reached in Wörthersee, 27.5 °C, and Neusiedler See, 31.7 °C. Periods exceeding a critical temperature of 20 °C each year became two to six times longer than the respective average (6 to 93). The depth at which water temperature exceeded 20 °C increased from less than 1 to more than 6 m in Mondsee, Austria, over the 50 years studied. As a consequence, the habitable environment became increasingly restricted for many organisms that are adapted to historic conditions.

The ENIGMA sports injury working group:– an international collaboration to further our understanding of sport-related brain injury - Inga K. Koerte; Carrie Esopenko; Sidney R. Hinds; Martha E. Shenton; Elena M. Bonke; Jeffrey J. Bazarian; Kevin C. Bickart; Erin D. Bigler; Sylvain Bouix; Thomas A. Buckley; Meeryo C. Choe; Paul S. Echlin; et al. (Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2021)
Sport-related brain injury is very common, and the potential long-term effects include a wide range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, and potentially neurodegeneration. Around the globe, researchers are conducting neuroimaging studies on primarily homogenous samples of athletes. However, neuroimaging studies are expensive and time consuming, and thus current findings from studies of sport-related brain injury are often limited by small sample sizes. Further, current studies apply a variety of neuroimaging techniques and analysis tools which limit comparability among studies. The ENIGMA Sports Injury working group aims to provide a platform for data sharing and collaborative data analysis thereby leveraging existing data and expertise. By harmonizing data from a large number of studies from around the globe, we will work towards reproducibility of previously published findings and towards addressing important research questions with regard to diagnosis, prognosis, and efficacy of treatment for sport-related brain injury. Moreover, the ENIGMA Sports Injury working group is committed to providing recommendations for future prospective data acquisition to enhance data quality and scientific rigor.

Our future in the Anthropocene biosphere - Carl Folke; Stephen Polasky; Johan Rockström; Victor Galaz; Frances Westley; Michèle Lamont; Marten Scheffer; Henrik Österblom; Stephen R. Carpenter; F. Stuart Chapin; Karen C. Seto; Elke U. Weber; et al. (Ambio, 2021)
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed an interconnected and tightly coupled globalized world in rapid change. This article sets the scientific stage for understanding and responding to such change for global sustainability and resilient societies. We provide a systemic overview of the current situation where people and nature are dynamically intertwined and embedded in the biosphere, placing shocks and extreme events as part of this dynamic; humanity has become the major force in shaping the future of the Earth system as a whole; and the scale and pace of the human dimension have caused climate change, rapid loss of biodiversity, growing inequalities, and loss of resilience to deal with uncertainty and surprise. Taken together, human actions are challenging the biosphere foundation for a prosperous development of civilizations. The Anthropocene reality—of rising system-wide turbulence—calls for transformative change towards sustainable futures. Emerging technologies, social innovations, broader shifts in cultural repertoires, as well as a diverse portfolio of active stewardship of human actions in support of a resilient biosphere are highlighted as essential parts of such transformations.