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Abstract We examined how resistance exercise (RE), cycling exercise and disuse atrophy affect myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein fragmentation. The 1boutRE study involved younger men (n = 8; 5 ± 2 years of RE experience) performing a lower body RE bout with vastus lateralis (VL) biopsies being obtained prior to and acutely following exercise. With the 10weekRT study, VL biopsies were obtained in 36 younger adults before and 24 h after their first/naïve RE bout. Participants also engaged in 10 weeks of resistance training and donated VL biopsies before and 24 h after their last RE bout. VL biopsies were also examined in an acute cycling study (n = 7) and a study involving 2 weeks of leg immobilization (n = 20). In the 1boutRE study, fragmentation of all MyHC isoforms (MyHCTotal) increased 3 h post‐RE (∼200%, P = 0.018) and returned to pre‐exercise levels by 6 h post‐RE. Interestingly, a greater magnitude increase in MyHC type IIa versus I isoform fragmentation occurred 3 h post‐RE (8.6 ± 6.3‐fold vs. 2.1 ± 0.7‐fold, P = 0.018). In 10weekRT participants, the first/naïve and last RE bouts increased MyHCTotal fragmentation 24 h post‐RE (+65% and +36%, P

Abstract Active gate driving (AGD) is a promising concept for achieving high‐performance power transistor switching. This is particularly crucial for Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs since their inherently fast switching characteristics give rise to severe overshoots and oscillations which translate into increased levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions. In this paper, an AGD strategy using a single‐pulse applied during the switching transient is considered for a 1200 V 400 A SiC MOSFET module. The effect of single‐pulse timing, load current, and temperature on the switching performance is analyzed in detail. The radiated EMI reduction benefits are quantified by H‐field and E‐field probes. A conceptual closed‐loop AGD approach is presented and compared to open‐loop operation. For the transistor turn‐off case under full load current of 400 A, experimental results show that it is possible to reduce voltage overshoot by 43.3%, voltage and current oscillations by 69.7% and 52.2% respectively, and EMI by 76.6%, with a trade‐off in the switching energy by a relatively minor increase of 18.2%, compared to the conventional gate driving case. For the turn‐on case, current overshoot was reduced by 32.7%, EMI by 52%, voltage and current oscillations by 54.6% and 52.8%, respectively, with a penalty of 50.9% increase in the switching loss.

ABSTRACT Wildlife abundance and movement are strongly impacted by landscape heterogeneity, especially in cities which are among the world's most heterogeneous landscapes. Nonetheless, current global land cover maps, which are used as a basis for large‐scale spatial ecological modeling, represent urban areas as a single, homogeneous, class. This often requires urban ecologists to rely on geographic resources from local governments, which are not comparable between cities and are not available in underserved countries, limiting the spatial scale at which urban conservation issues can be tackled. The recent expansion of community‐based geographic databases, for example, OpenStreetMap (OSM), represents an opportunity for ecologists to generate large‐scale maps geared toward their specific research needs. However, computational differences in language and format, and the high diversity of information within, limit the access to these data. We provide a framework, using R, to extract geographic features from the OSM database, classify, and integrate them into global land cover maps. The framework includes an exhaustive list of OSM features describing urban and peri‐urban landscapes and is validated by quantifying the completeness of the OSM features characterized, and the accuracy of its final output in 34 cities in North America. We portray its application as the basis for generating landscape variables for ecological analysis by using the OSM‐enhanced map to generate an urbanization index, and subsequently analyze the spatial occupancy of six mammals throughout Chicago, Illinois, USA. The OSM features characterized had high completeness values for impervious land cover classes (50%–100%). The final output, the OSM‐enhance map, provided an 89% accurate representation of the landscape at 30m resolution. The OSM‐derived urbanization index outperformed other global spatial data layers in the spatial occupancy analysis and concurred with previously seen local response trends, whereby lagomorphs and squirrels responded positively to urbanization, while skunks, raccoons, opossums, and deer responded negatively. This study provides a roadmap for ecologists to leverage the fine resolution of open‐source geographic databases and apply it to spatial modeling by generating research‐specific landscape variables. As our occupancy results show, using context‐specific maps can improve modeling outputs and reduce uncertainty, especially when trying to understand anthropogenic impacts on wildlife populations.

Background Although current guidelines recommend implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) placement in survivors of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest, contemporary data on secondary‐prevention ICDs in survivors of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest remain limited. Methods and Results Using 2013 to 2019 CARES (Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival) linked to Medicare, we identified 3226 patients aged ≥65 years with an initial shockable rhythm who survived to discharge without severe neurological disability. Multivariable hierarchical regression models were used to examine the association between patient variables and ICD placement and quantify hospital variation in ICD implantation. The mean age was 72.2 years, 23.5% were women, 10% were Black individuals, and 4% were Hispanic individuals. Overall, 997 (30.9%) patients received an ICD before discharge, 1266 (39.2%) at 90 days, and 1287 (39.9%) within 6 months. Older age (≥85 years), female sex, history of diabetes, calendar year, and presentation with acute myocardial infarction were associated with lower odds of ICD implantation, but race or ethnicity was not associated with ICD implantation. Among 297 hospitals, the median proportion of survivors receiving ICD at discharge was 28.6% (interquartile range, 20%–50%). The relative odds of ICD implantation varied by 62% across hospitals (median odds ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.38–1.82]) after adjusting for case mix. Conclusions Fewer than 1 in 3 survivors of out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest due to a shockable rhythm received a secondary‐prevention ICD before discharge. Although patient variables were associated with ICD implantation, there was no difference by race or ethnicity. Even after adjusting for patient case mix, ICD implantation varied markedly across hospitals.

Abstract Resource distribution, habitat structure, and predators greatly influence spatial and temporal landscape use by prey species. The “risky places” hypothesis establishes prey will proactively respond to predators' presence based on habitat cues, whereas the “risky times” hypothesis predicts prey will reactively respond by increasing vigilance in the presence of predators regardless of habitat cues. We fit a multiscale, Bayesian species interaction occupancy model with detection/non‐detection data to evaluate black‐tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) and eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) habitat use in the presence and absence of coyotes (Canis latrans), American badgers (Taxidea taxus), and swift foxes (Vulpes velox). We also evaluated how species‐specific predator presence modified temporal activity patterns of prey. Jackrabbits decreased habitat use in areas with greater forage and opted to use areas with greater visibility when coyotes or swift foxes were present. However, cottontails used habitat in open areas with greater visibility when American badgers were present and all other predators absent, suggesting dissimilar habitat‐use patterns dictated by predator‐specific risks. Both lagomorph species are nocturnal with segregated peaks of activity compared with predators, suggesting fine‐scale temporal use partitioning. Our results provide insights into predator–prey dynamics across heterogenous landscapes in a multi‐predator system.

Abstract Small populations of imperiled species are susceptible to the negative consequences of skewed sex‐ratios. In imperiled species with environmental sex determination such as sea turtles, examining sex ratios across a range of environments and population abundance levels can provide insight into factors that influence population resilience, which can then be the foci of management plans for these species. Breeding sex ratios (the ratio of actively breeding males to females during a reproductive season; BSRs) extrapolated from genetic parentage analyses are a common approach for enumerating sex ratios in sea turtles. Such analyses also allow for the characterization of multiple paternity within sea turtle clutches, which should reflect BSRs and breeding behaviors. We characterized the first BSR for a breeding assemblage of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) belonging to the temperate, low‐abundance Northern Gulf of Mexico Recovery Unit using genotypes of 16 microsatellite loci from nesting females and hatchlings. Unlike prior studies at both more‐tropical and more‐temperate, and higher‐abundance, Recovery Units in this region, we found a balanced BSR of 1.3:1 males:female and a low incidence (~17%) of multiple paternity. This suggests that there are relatively few males breeding at this assemblage and within this Recovery Unit. Beaches in this region are expected to produce substantial numbers of male hatchlings based on sand temperature data. The relative dearth of mature males may then be due to hydrologic disturbances that disproportionately affect the fitness and survival of male hatchlings, or due to demographic stochasticity. More work is needed to study the factors that might influence male hatchling production and fitness in this region, particularly as climate change is predicted to lead to feminization in global sea turtle populations. Our work demonstrates the broad utility of characterizing BSRs and other sex ratios across a range of populations in imperiled, environmentally sensitive species.

Abstract Introduction Controlled ankle motion (CAM) boots are a below‐knee orthotic device prescribed for the management of foot and ankle injuries to reduce ankle range of motion (RoM) and offload the foot and ankle whilst allowing continued ambulation during recovery. There is a lack of clarity within the current literature surrounding the biomechanical understanding and effectiveness of CAM boots. Aims To summarise the biomechanical effects of CAM boot wear as an orthotic for restricting ankle RoM and offloading the foot. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. All papers were independently screened by two authors for inclusion. Methodological quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal checklists. A narrative synthesis of all eligible papers was produced. Results Thirteen studies involving 197 participants (113 male and 84 female) were included. All studies were quasi‐randomised and employed a within‐study design, of which 12 studies included a control group and a range of CAM boots were investigated. CAM boots can be seen to restrict ankle RoM, however, neighboring joints such as the knee and hip do have kinetic and kinematic compensatory alterations. Plantar pressure of the forefoot is effectively redistributed to the hindfoot by CAM boots. Conclusion The compensatory mechanisms at the hip and knee joint during CAM boot wear could explain the secondary site pain often reported in patients, specifically at the ipsilateral knee and contralateral hip. Although CAM boots can be used to restrict ankle motion, this review has highlighted a lack of in‐boot kinematic analyses during CAM boot use, where tracking markers are placed on the anatomical structure rather than on the boot, or through video fluoroscopy, urging the need for a more robust methodological approach to achieve this. There is a need for studies to assess the biomechanical alterations caused by CAM boots in populations living with foot and ankle pathologies. Future research, adopting a longitudinal study design, is required to fully understand the effectiveness of CAM boots for rehabilitation.

Abstract UK water resources face a number of challenges when planning for an uncertain future. Climate change impacts and what future droughts might look like can be a significant contributor to this uncertainty. Recent and potential future developments (e.g. ever‐finer resolutions) in climate modelling offer the potential for running bias‐corrected transient future scenarios through hydrological, hydrogeological and water supply models, providing users with droughts of differing severity, frequency, spatial extent and duration to those experienced historically, incorporating changes over time and an understanding of climate model uncertainty. The recent enhanced Future Flows and Groundwater (eFLaG) project sought to demonstrate a climate service using these transient scenarios, with the aim of enhancing the resilience of the water industry to drought events and complementing existing approaches. The project demonstrated the use of this transient climate change information within a water resource setting, using a variety of hydrological and water resource models to help illuminate potential gaps and issues with such an approach. If we are to realise the potential of transient scenarios, a number of barriers – both scientific and organisational – need to be overcome. We present a road map for the future based on outcomes from the eFLaG project, as well as ways the eFLaG projections could be used to improve system resilience in the present.

Abstract We recently reported that vastus lateralis (VL) cross‐sectional area (CSA) increases after 7 weeks of resistance training (RT, 2 days/week), with declines occurring following 7 weeks of subsequent treadmill high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) (3 days/week). Herein, we examined the effects of this training paradigm on skeletal muscle proteolytic markers. VL biopsies were obtained from 11 untrained college‐aged males at baseline (PRE), after 7 weeks of RT (MID), and after 7 weeks of HIIT (POST). Tissues were analysed for proteolysis markers, and in vitro experiments were performed to provide additional insights. Atrogene mRNAs (TRIM63, FBXO32, FOXO3A) were upregulated at POST versus both PRE and MID (P 0.05). in vitro experiments recapitulated the training phenotype when stimulated with a hypertrophic stimulus (insulin‐like growth factor 1; IGF1) followed by a subsequent AMP‐activated protein kinase activator (5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide; AICAR), as demonstrated by larger myotube diameter in IGF1‐treated cells versus IGF1 followed by AICAR treatments (I+A; P = 0.017). Muscle protein synthesis (MPS) levels were also greater in IGF1‐treated versus I+A myotubes (P

Abstract Background Cisplatin is a primary chemotherapy choice for various solid tumors. DNA damage caused by cisplatin results in apoptosis of tumor cells. Cisplatin‐induced DNA damage, however, may also result in mutations in normal cells and the initiation of secondary malignancies. In the current study, we have used the erythrocyte PIG‐A assay to evaluate mutagenesis in non‐tumor hematopoietic tissue of cancer patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy. Methods Twenty‐one head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment with cisplatin were monitored for the presence of PIG‐A mutant total erythrocytes and the young erythrocytes, reticulocytes (RETs), in peripheral blood for up to five and a half months from the initiation of the anti‐neoplastic chemotherapy. Results PIG‐A mutant frequency (MF) in RETs increased at least two‐fold in 15 patients at some point of the monitoring, while the frequency of total mutant RBCs increased at least two‐fold in 6 patients. A general trend for an increase in the frequency of mutant RETs and total mutant RBCs was observed in 19 and 18 patients, respectively. Only in one patient did both RET and total RBC PIG‐A MFs did not increase at any time‐point over the monitoring period. Conclusion Cisplatin chemotherapy induces moderate increases in the frequency of PIG‐A mutant erythrocytes in head and neck cancer patients. Mutagenicity measured with the flow cytometric PIG‐A assay may serve as a tool for predicting adverse outcomes of genotoxic antineoplastic therapy.

Abstract Premise Low‐cost, repairable lab equipment is rare within the biological sciences. By lowering the costs of entry using 3D printing and open‐source hardware, our goal is to empower both amateur and professional scientists to conduct research. Methods We developed a modular system of 3D‐printable designs called COBLE (Collection of Bespoke Laboratory Equipment), including novel and remixed 3D‐printable lab equipment that can be inexpensively printed, assembled, and repaired for a fraction of the cost of retail equivalents. Results Here we present novel tools that utilize 3D printing to enable a wide range of scientific experiments. We include additional resources for scientists and labs that are interested in utilizing 3D printing for their research. Discussion By describing the broad potential that 3D‐printed designs can have in the biological sciences, we hope to inspire others to implement and improve upon these designs, improving accessibility and enabling science for all.

Abstract Host‐associated bacterial microbiomes can facilitate host acclimation to seasonal environmental change and are hypothesized to help hosts cope with recent anthropogenic environmental perturbations (e.g., landscape modification). However, it is unclear how recurrent and recent forms of environmental change interact to shape variation in the microbiome. The majority of wildlife microbiome research occurs within a single seasonal context. Meanwhile, the few studies of seasonal variation in the microbiome often restrict focus to a single environmental context. By sampling urban and exurban eastern grey squirrel populations in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter, we explored whether seasonal rhythms in the grey squirrel gut microbiome differed across environments using a 16S amplicon sequencing approach. Differences in the microbiome between urban and exurban squirrels persisted across most of the year, which we hypothesize is linked to anthropogenic food consumption, but we also observed similarities in the urban and exurban grey squirrel microbiome during the autumn, which we attribute to engrained seed caching instincts in preparation for the winter. Host behaviour and diet selection may therefore be capable of maintaining similarities in microbiome structure between disparate environments. However, the depletion of an obligate host mucin glycan specialist (Akkermansia) during the winter in both urban and exurban squirrels was among the strongest differential abundance patterns we observed. In summary, urban grey squirrels showed different seasonal patterns in their microbiome than squirrels from exurban forests; however, in some instances, host behaviour and physiological responses might be capable of maintaining similar microbiome responses across seasons.

Abstract Using new continuous geodetic time series, we identify five shallow slow slip events (SSEs) offshore and beneath the Osa peninsula in southern Costa Rica. An early event was detected by one station in 2013, and two events occurring in close succession in both 2018 and 2022 were detected by multiple stations, indicating a preliminary recurrence interval of ∼4–5 years. While SSEs have been observed to the northwest at Nicoya, this is their first documentation in southern Costa Rica. Modeled slip distributions of the 2018 and 2022 events indicate they likely ruptured the same or overlapping patches of the plate interface, near the trench, updip of the 1983 Mw 7.4 Osa event. Immediately offshore, estimated cumulative slip from the 2018 and 2022 events is sufficient to close the slip deficit from tectonic loading over the recurrence interval, potentially limiting the magnitude and spatial slip distribution of future large ruptures.

Abstract Conventional robotic systems are built with rigid materials to deal with large forces and predetermined processes. Soft robotics, however, is an emerging field seeking to develop adaptable robots that can perform tasks in unpredictable environments and biocompatible devices that close the gap between humans and machines. Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have emerged as a soft actuation technology that imitates the properties and performance of natural muscles, making them an attractive material choice for soft robotics. However, conventional DE materials suffer from electromechanical instability (EMI), which reduces their performance and limits their applications in soft robotics. This review discusses key innovations in DE artificial muscles from a material standpoint, followed by a survey on their representative demonstrations of soft robotics. Specifically, we introduce modifications of DE materials that enable large strains, fast responses, and high energy densities by suppressing EMI. Additionally, we examine materials that allow variable stiffness and self‐healing abilities in DE actuators. Finally, we review dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) applications in soft robotics in four categories, including automation, manipulation, locomotion, and human interaction.

Abstract Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is associated with persistent functional impairment due to a lack of de novo muscle regeneration. As mechanisms driving the lack of regeneration continue to be established, adjunctive pharmaceuticals to address the pathophysiology of the remaining muscle may offer partial remediation. Studies were designed to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of two FDA‐approved pharmaceutical modalities to address the pathophysiology of the remaining muscle tissue after VML injury: (1) nintedanib (an anti‐fibrotic) and (2) combined formoterol and leucine (myogenic promoters). Tolerance was first established by testing low‐ and high‐dosage effects on uninjured skeletal muscle mass and myofiber cross‐sectional area in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Next, tolerated doses of the two pharmaceutical modalities were tested in VML‐injured adult male C57BL/6J mice after an 8‐week treatment period for their ability to modulate muscle strength and whole‐body metabolism. The most salient findings indicate that formoterol plus leucine mitigated the loss in muscle mass, myofiber number, whole‐body lipid oxidation, and muscle strength, and resulted in a higher whole‐body metabolic rate (p ≤ 0.016); nintedanib did not exacerbate or correct aspects of the muscle pathophysiology after VML. This supports ongoing optimization efforts, including scale‐up evaluations of formoterol treatment in large animal models of VML.

Abstract Plant biotechnology is rife with new advances in transformation and genome engineering techniques. A common requirement for delivery and coordinated expression in plant cells, however, places the design and assembly of transformation constructs at a crucial juncture as desired reagent suites grow more complex. Modular cloning principles have simplified some aspects of vector design, yet many important components remain unavailable or poorly adapted for rapid implementation in biotechnology research. Here, we describe a universal Golden Gate cloning toolkit for vector construction. The toolkit chassis is compatible with the widely accepted Phytobrick standard for genetic parts, and supports assembly of arbitrarily complex T‐DNAs through improved capacity, positional flexibility, and extensibility in comparison to extant kits. We also provision a substantial library of newly adapted Phytobricks, including regulatory elements for monocot and dicot gene expression, and coding sequences for genes of interest such as reporters, developmental regulators, and site‐specific recombinases. Finally, we use a series of dual‐luciferase assays to measure contributions to expression from promoters, terminators, and from cross‐cassette interactions attributable to enhancer elements in certain promoters. Taken together, these publicly available cloning resources can greatly accelerate the testing and deployment of new tools for plant engineering.

Abstract Background The spatial ventricular gradient (SVG) is a vectorcardiographic measurement that reflects cardiac loading conditions via electromechanical coupling. Objectives We hypothesized that the SVG is correlated with right ventricular (RV) strain and is prognostic of adverse events in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods Retrospective, single‐center study of patients with acute PE. Electrocardiogram (ECG), imaging, and outcome data were obtained. SVG components were regressed on tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), qualitative RV dysfunction, and RV/left ventricular (LV) ratio. Odds of adverse outcomes (30‐day mortality, vasopressor requirement, or advanced therapy) after PE were regressed on demographics, RV/LV ratios, traditional ECG signs of RV dysfunction, and SVG components using a logit model. Results ECGs from 317 patients (48% male, age 63.1 ± 16.6 years) with acute PE were analyzed; 36 patients (11.4%) experienced an adverse event. Worse RV hypokinesis, larger RV/LV ratio, and smaller TAPSE were associated with smaller SVG X and Y components, larger SVG Z components, and smaller SVG vector magnitude (p

Abstract Limited research exists examining how resistance training to failure affects applied outcomes and single motor unit characteristics in previously trained individuals. Herein, resistance‐trained adults (24 ± 3 years old, self‐reported resistance training experience was 6 ± 4 years, 11 men and 8 women) were randomly assigned to either a low‐repetitions‐in‐reserve (RIR; i.e., training near failure, n = 10) or high‐RIR (i.e., not training near failure, n = 9) group. All participants implemented progressive overload during 5 weeks where low‐RIR performed squat, bench press, and deadlift twice weekly and were instructed to end each training set with 0–1 RIR. high‐RIR performed identical training except for being instructed to maintain 4–6 RIR after each set. During week 6, participants performed a reduced volume‐load. The following were assessed prior to and following the intervention: (i) vastus lateralis (VL) muscle cross‐sectional area (mCSA) at multiple sites; (ii) squat, bench press, and deadlift one‐repetition maximums (1RMs); and (iii) maximal isometric knee extensor torque and VL motor unit firing rates during an 80% maximal voluntary contraction. Although RIR was lower in the low‐ versus high‐RIR group during the intervention (p

Abstract Cities are seen as quintessentially human; however, because they can offer viable habitat to many plants, animals and other forms of life, cities are also dynamic ecosystems. As urban areas expand to house more of the global human population and reduce natural habitat for wildlife, the need for wildlife‐inclusive urban planning and design becomes increasingly pressing. The 2019 Urban Wildlife Information Network Summit responded to this need by connecting a group of 80 scientists, urban planners and designers to examine the role of cities in combating the global biodiversity crisis. The Summit focused on identifying and addressing barriers to transdisciplinary work between these communities, such as disciplinary silos, varying incentive structures, funding, differences in spatio‐temporal scale, existing infrastructure and values and bias. We explore the challenges to network building for wildlife‐inclusive design and planning revealed by the Summit and offer potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles for more effective collaboration around wildlife‐inclusive cities. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Abstract Background Cancer cachexia is a metabolic disorder characterized by the progressive loss of fat and lean mass that results in significant wasting, ultimately leading to reduced quality of life and increased mortality. Effective therapies for cachexia are lacking, potentially owing to the mismatch in clinically relevant models of cachexia. Specifically, cachexia observed in a clinical setting is commonly associated with advanced or late‐stage cancers that are metastatic, yet pre‐clinical metastatic models of cachexia are limited. Furthermore, the prevalence of cachexia in head and neck cancer patients is high, yet few pre‐clinical models of head and neck cancer cachexia exist. In addition to these shortcomings, cachexia is also heterogeneous among any given cancer, whereas patients with similar disease burden may experience significantly different degrees of cachexia symptoms. In order to address these issues, we characterize a metastatic model of human papilloma virus (HPV) positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that recapitulates the cardinal clinical and molecular features of cancer cachexia. Methods Male and female C57BL/6 mice were implanted subcutaneously with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells stably transformed with HPV16 E6 and E7 together with hRas and luciferase (mEERL) that metastasizes to the lungs (MLM). We then robustly characterize the physiologic, behavioural, and molecular signatures during tumour development in two MLM subclones. Results Mice injected with MLM tumour cells rapidly developed primary tumours and eventual metastatic lesions to the lungs. MLM3, but not MLM5, engrafted mice progressively lost fat and lean mass during tumour development despite the absence of anorexia (P

Abstract Animal movement is a key process that connects and maintains populations on the landscape, yet for most species, we do not understand how intrinsic and extrinsic factors interact to influence individual movement behavior. Land‐use/land‐cover changes highlight that connectivity among populations will depend upon an individual's ability to traverse habitats, which may vary as a result of habitat permeability, individual condition, or a combination of these factors. We examined the effects of intrinsic (body size) and extrinsic (habitat type) factors on desiccation tolerance, movement, and orientation in three anuran species (American toads, Anaxyrus americanus; northern leopard frogs, Lithobates pipiens; and Blanchard's cricket frogs, Acris blanchardi) using laboratory and field studies to connect the effects of susceptibility to desiccation, size, and movement behavior in single‐habitat types and at habitat edges. Smaller anurans were more vulnerable to desiccation, particularly for species that metamorphose at relatively small sizes. Habitat type had the strongest effect on movement, while body size had more situational and species‐specific effects on movement. We found that individuals moved the farthest in habitat types that, when given the choice, they oriented away from, suggesting that these habitats are less favorable and could represent barriers to movement. Overall, our work demonstrated that differences in habitat type had strong impacts on individual movement behavior and influenced choices at habitat edges. By integrating intrinsic and extrinsic factors into our study, we provided evidence that population connectivity may be influenced not only by the habitat matrix but also by the condition of the individuals leaving the habitat patch.

Abstract Research has been published regarding the effects of sublethal dicamba rates applied at different growth stages in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]; however, there is limited research on the effect of dicamba on reproductive growth in corn (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.). Experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 to determine the potential consequences of dicamba exposure to reproductive stages of corn and rice. Dicamba was applied at 0.56, 5.6, 56, and 560 g ae ha–1, with a 1X rate being 560 g ae ha–1. Each rate was applied at three reproductive growth stages (corn: pretassel, tassel, and green silk; rice: late boot, panicle exertion, and anthesis). Visible injury to corn was negligible; however, rice treated with dicamba at 56 and 560 g ae ha–1 had noticeably greater injury (3 and 12%, respectively) relative to the nontreated. For rice, visible injury associated with dicamba at 56 and 560 g ae ha–1 appeared in the form of upright panicles, which reduced panicle weight and seeds per panicle, ultimately decreasing yields by 2,120 (22%) and 4,140 kg ha–1 (43%). A yield loss in corn could be detected only when dicamba was applied at 560 g ae ha–1 at the pretassel growth stage despite dicamba at 560 g ae ha–1 reducing seeds per row and total seeds per ear. With severe consequences being observed only at high dicamba rates, the threat of off‐target movement to corn and rice is far less severe than in soybean.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which express a repertoire of cargo molecules (cf. proteins, microRNA, lipids, etc.), have been garnering a prominent role in the modulation of several cellular processes. Here, using both non‐human primate and rodent model systems, we provide evidence that brain‐derived EV (BDE) miRNA, miR‐29a‐3p (mir‐29a), is significantly increased during chronic methamphetamine (MA) exposure. Further, miR‐29a levels show significant increase both with drug‐seeking and reinstatement in a rat MA self‐administration model. We also show that EV‐associated miR‐29a is enriched in EV pool comprising of small EVs and exomeres and further plays a critical role in MA‐induced inflammation and synaptodendritic damage. Furthermore, treatment with the anti‐inflammatory drug ibudilast (AV411), which is known to reduce MA relapse, decreased the expression of miR‐29a and subsequently attenuated inflammation and rescued synaptodendritic injury. Finally, using plasma from MUD subjects, we provide translational evidence that EV‐miR29a could potentially serve as a biomarker to detect neuronal damage in humans diagnosed with MA use disorder (MUD). In summary, our work suggests that EV‐associated miR‐29a‐3p plays a crucial role in MUD and might be used as a potential blood‐based biomarker for detecting chronic inflammation and synaptic damage.

Abstract Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted more and more attention in the scientific community due to their high performance and simple fabrication process. In the past few years, emerging technologies have made manufacturing large‐scale PSC modules possible. However, stability and fabrication issues still limit the modularization and commercialization of PSCs. Carbon materials have been widely used in PSCs to overcome these challenges due to their excellent optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. In addition, the hydrophobic properties of certain carbon materials are highly effective at protecting the perovskite film from moisture and improving the stability of PSCs. All these superior properties have made carbon one of the most promising materials to fabricate future high‐performance PSC modules with long service lifetimes. In this review, recent developments of carbon‐based materials in different layers of single‐junction PSCs will first be discussed, with an emphasis on functionalities related to PSCs’ stability and modularization. Then, current improvements and future discussions in the manufacturing of monolithic PSC modules will be reviewed in detail.

Abstract Urban ecosystems are rapidly expanding throughout the world, but how urban growth affects the evolutionary ecology of species living in urban areas remains largely unknown. Urban ecology has advanced our understanding of how the development of cities and towns change environmental conditions and alter ecological processes and patterns. However, despite decades of research in urban ecology, the extent to which urbanization influences evolutionary and eco‐evolutionary change has received little attention. The nascent field of urban evolutionary ecology seeks to understand how urbanization affects the evolution of populations, and how those evolutionary changes in turn influence the ecological dynamics of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Following a brief history of this emerging field, this Perspective article provides a research agenda and roadmap for future research aimed at advancing our understanding of the interplay between ecology and evolution of urban‐dwelling organisms. We identify six key questions that, if addressed, would significantly increase our understanding of how urbanization influences evolutionary processes. These questions consider how urbanization affects nonadaptive evolution, natural selection, and convergent evolution, in addition to the role of urban environmental heterogeneity on species evolution, and the roles of phenotypic plasticity versus adaptation on species’ abundance in cities. Our final question examines the impact of urbanization on evolutionary diversification. For each of these six questions, we suggest avenues for future research that will help advance the field of urban evolutionary ecology. Lastly, we highlight the importance of integrating urban evolutionary ecology into urban planning, conservation practice, pest management, and public engagement.

Abstract During the worldwide shutdown in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, many reports emerged of urban wildlife sightings. While these images garnered public interest and declarations of wildlife reclaiming cities, it is unclear whether wildlife truly reoccupied urban areas or whether there were simply increased detections of urban wildlife during this time. Here, we detail key questions and needs for monitoring wildlife during the COVID‐19 shutdown and then link these with future needs and actions with the intent of improving conservation within urban ecosystems. We discuss the tools ecologists and conservation scientists can use to safely and effectively study urban wildlife during the shutdown. With a coordinated, multicity effort, researchers and community scientists can rigorously investigate the responses of wildlife to changes in human activities, which can help us address long‐standing questions in urban ecology, inspire conservation of wildlife, and inform the design of sustainable cities.

Abstract Individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) are at greater risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular incidents; yet, cerebrovascular control remains uncharacterized. Our primary outcome was to acquire cerebrovascular control metrics in patients with OA and compare measures to healthy control adults (CTL) without OA or cardiovascular complications. Our primary covariate was a 10‐year risk factor for cardiovascular and stroke incidents, and secondary covariates were other cardiovascular disease risk factors (i.e., body mass index, carotid intima media thickness, and brachial flow‐mediated dilation). Our secondary outcomes were to assess anatomical and functional changes that may be related to cerebrovascular reactivity were also acquired such as white matter lesion volume and brief cognitive assessments. In 25 adults (n = 13 CTL, n = 12 OA), under hypercapnia, magnetic resonance imaging (3T) was used to acquire a “Global Cerebrovascular Reactivity” index across the larger intracranial cerebral arteries and white matter lesions, and transcranial Doppler was used for both middle cerebral artery hemodynamic responses to hypercapnia and to assess autoregulation via a sit‐to‐stand task. Compared to CTL, OA had lower “Global Cerebrovascular Reactivity” index responses to hypercapnia, autoregulatory responses, and greater white matter lesions (P

Abstract Selection of habitats has regularly been suggested to influence species demography at both local and broad scales. The expectation is that selection behaviors have positive benefits via greater fitness or increased survival. The current paradigm of habitat selection theory suggests a hierarchical process, where an individual first selects where they choose to live (e.g., range) and then searches and selects locations within this range meeting life history needs. Using high‐frequency GPS data collected from reproductively active Rio Grande (n = 21) and Eastern (n = 23) wild turkeys, we evaluated a long‐standing theory for ground‐nesting galliformes, in that movements during the prenesting period are behaviorally focused on sampling available habitats to optimize the selection of nesting sites. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence that reproductively active females engage in habitat sampling activities. Although most nest sites (>80% for both subspecies) fell within the prenesting range, the average minimum daily distance from nest sites for Rio Grande and Eastern wild turkey females was large [1636.04 m (SE = 1523.96) and 1937.42 m (SE = 1267.84), respectively] whereas the average absolute minimum distance from the nest site for both Rio Grande and Eastern wild turkey females was 166.46 m (SE = 299.34) and 235.01 m (SE = 337.90), respectively, and showed no clear temporal reduction as laying approached. Overall, predicted probability that any female movements before laying were initiated intersected with her nesting range (area used during incubation) was

Extreme climatic events such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation profoundly affect many plants and animals, including amphibians, which are strongly negatively affected by drought conditions. How amphibians respond to exceptionally high precipitation as observed in La Niña events, however, remains unclear. We document the correlation between the exceedingly wet 2010–2012 La Niña and community‐level changes in a leaf litter frog assemblage in Costa Rica. Relative abundances of species shifted, diversity and plot occupancy decreased, and community composition became homogenized with the onset of La Niña. These aspects remained altered for over 20 months but rebounded to pre‐La Niña levels after approximately 12 months. We hypothesize that complex ecological cascades associated with excess moisture caused short‐term declines in abundances of species and associated changes in community structure. If additional stressors such as disease or habitat loss are not co‐occurring, frog communities can rapidly recover to pre‐disturbance levels following severe climatic events.

BackgroundThere are poorer outcomes following ST elevation myocardial infarction in blacks compared to white patients despite comparable door‐to‐reperfusion time. We hypothesized that delays to hospital presentation may be contributory. Methods and ResultsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of the 1144 patients admitted for STEMI in our institution from 2008 to 2013. The door‐to‐balloon time (D2BT) and symptom‐onset‐to‐door time (SODT) were compared by race. Bivariate analysis was done comparing the median D2BT and SODT. Stratified analyses were done to evaluate the effect of race on D2BT and SODT, accounting for insurance status, age, sex and comorbidities. The mean age was 59±13 years; 56% of this population was black and 41% was white. Males accounted for 66% of this population. The median D2BT was 60 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] 42–82), and median SODT was 120 minutes (IQR 60–720). There was no significant difference in D2BT by race (P=0.86). Black patients presented to the emergency room (ER) later than whites (SODT=180 [IQR 60–1400] vs 120 [IQR 60–560] minutes, P