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The two species of the microbiotheriid marsupial genus Dromiciops (Dromiciops bozinovici: "Panchos's monito del monte" and Dromiciops gliroides: "monito del monte") exhibit a marked latitudinal genetic differentiation. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this differentiation results from neutral processes or can be explained, to some extent, by local adaptation to different environmental conditions. Here, we used an SNP panel gathered by Rad‐seq and searched for footprints of local adaptation (putative loci under selection) by exploring genetic associations with environmental variables in the two species of Dromiciops in Chilean and Argentinean populations. We applied three methods for detecting outlier SNPs and two genotype–environment associations approaches to quantify associations between allelic frequencies and environmental variables. Both species display strong genetic structure. D. bozinovici exhibited three distinct genetic groups, marking the first report of such structuring in this species using SNPs. In contrast, D. gliroides displayed four genetic clusters, consistent with previous studies. Both species exhibited an association of their genetic structure with environmental variables. D. bozinovici exhibited significant associations of allelic frequencies with elevation, precipitation during the warmest periods, and seasonality in the thermal regime. For D. gliroides, genetic variation appeared to be associated with more variables than D. bozinovici, including precipitation and temperature‐related variables, isothermality, and elevation. All the outlier SNPs were mapped to the D. gliroides reference genome to explore if they fell within functionally known genes. These results represent a necessary first step toward identifying the genome regions that harbor genes associated with climate adaptations in Dromiciops. Notably, we identified genes involved in various functions, including carbohydrate synthesis (ALG8), muscle and neuronal regulation (MEF2D), and stress responses (PTGES3). Ultimately, this study contributes valuable insights that can inform targeted conservation strategies aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of Dromiciops in the face of environmental challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of the Antarctic coast is covered by seasonal landfast sea ice (fast ice), which serves as an important habitat for ice algae. Fast‐ice algae provide a key early season food source for pelagic and benthic food webs, and contribute to biogeochemical cycling in Antarctic coastal ecosystems. Summertime fast ice is undergoing a decline, leading to more seasonal fast ice with unknown impacts on interconnected Earth system processes. Our understanding of the spatiotemporal variability of Antarctic fast ice, and its impact on polar ecosystems is currently limited. Evaluating the overall productivity of fast‐ice algae has historically been hampered by limitations in observations and models. By linking new fast‐ice extent maps with a one‐dimensional sea‐ice biogeochemical model, we provide the first estimate of the spatio‐seasonal variability of Antarctic fast‐ice algal gross primary production (GPP) and its annual primary production on a circum‐Antarctic scale. Experiments conducted for the 2005–2006 season provide a mean fast ice‐algal production estimate of 2.8 Tg C/y. This estimate represents about 12% of overall Southern Ocean sea‐ice algae production (estimated in a previous study), with the mean fast‐ice algal production per area being 3.3 times higher than that of pack ice. Our Antarctic fast‐ice GPP estimates are probably underestimated in the Ross Sea and Weddell Sea sectors because the sub‐ice platelet layer habitats and their high biomass are not considered. Plain Language Summary: Antarctic landfast sea ice (fast ice) is sea ice fastened to the coastline of Antarctica and provides a prolific habitat for microalgae. These ice algae are ecologically important because their production takes place early in the season when water column primary production is low. By combining a new satellite data set and a biogeochemical sea‐ice algal growth model, this study provides the first estimate of circum‐Antarctic fast‐ice algal production: 2.8 million tonnes of carbon per year, which is about 12% of the total Antarctic sea‐ice algal production. The mean algal primary production per area in fast ice is 3.3 times higher than that of pack ice. Key Points: First estimate of circum‐Antarctic landfast sea‐ice annual gross primary production, with a focus on the 2005–2006 seasonMean landfast sea‐ice algal primary production is 2.8 TgC/y, representing 12% (range 5%–19%) of total Southern Ocean ice algal productivityMean modeled landfast sea‐ice algal production per area is 3.3 times higher than that of pack ice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Typical (or classic) Rett syndrome (RTT) is an X‐linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a period of regression, partial or complete loss of purposeful hand movements, and acquired speech, impaired gait, and stereotyped hand movements. In over 95% of typical RTT, a pathogenic variant is found in the methyl‐CPG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). Here, we describe a young woman with clinically diagnosed typical RTT syndrome who lacked a genetic diagnosis despite 20 years of investigation and multiple rounds of sequencing the MECP2 gene. Recently, additional genetic testing using next‐generation sequencing was completed, which revealed a partial insertion of the BCL11A gene within exon 4 of MECP2, resulting in a small deletion in MECP2, causing likely disruption of MeCP2 function due to a frameshift. This case demonstrates the ever‐changing limitations of genetic testing, as well as the importance of continual pursuit of a diagnosis as technologies improve and are more widely utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in young compared with older adults. Methods: Individuals (n = 1420) with (63%) and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D; 37%) who attended internal medicine clinics and did not have a known history of MASLD underwent laboratory evaluation and transient elastography to assess for hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Magnetic resonance elastography and liver biopsy were recommended when indicated. Results: A total of 243 participants were ages <45 years, and 1177 were ages ≥45 years. Obesity, T2D, and metabolic syndrome were highly prevalent in young adults. Frequencies of steatosis and fibrosis were high in young adults (50.2% and 7.5% vs. older adults 52.7% and 9.9%, respectively) and were significantly higher in those with both obesity and T2D (71.1% and 15.7%, respectively; p < 0.01). In young adults, T2D and obesity were the strongest risk factors for hepatic fibrosis (odds ratios 4.33 [95% CI: 1.37–13.68] and 1.16 [95% CI: 1.07–1.25], respectively; p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of clinically significant hepatic fibrosis in young adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. Up to one in seven young adults with obesity and T2D had clinically significant hepatic fibrosis on elastography. This highlights the need to screen young adults with cardiometabolic risk factors for MASLD for early detection and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hippocampus is a brain area linked to cognition. The mechanisms that maintain cognitive activity in humans are poorly understood. Centenarians display extreme longevity which is generally accompanied by better quality of life, lower cognitive impairment, and reduced incidence of pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. We performed transcriptomic studies in hippocampus samples from individuals of different ages (centenarians [≥97 years], old, and young) and identified a differential gene expression pattern in centenarians compared to the other two groups. In particular, several isoforms of metallothioneins (MTs) were highly expressed in centenarians. Moreover, we identified that MTs were mainly expressed in astrocytes. Functional studies in human primary astrocytes revealed that MT1 and MT3 are necessary for their homeostasis maintenance. Overall, these results indicate that the expression of MTs specifically in astrocytes is a mechanism for protection during aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrochelys temminckii (alligator snapping turtle) is an aquatic turtle endemic to the southeastern United States that was proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act in 2021. In the present study we analyzed total mercury (THg) concentrations in skeletal muscle, tail clips, and nail tissue of 93 M. temminckii sampled from 14 waterbodies in eastern Texas (USA). Our objectives were to assess (1) the degree of correlation between internal tissue (skeletal muscle and tail clip samples) and keratin (nail samples), (2) the influence of ecological factors (turtle size and waterbody/sampling site) on THg concentrations, and (3) whether THg concentrations were high enough to pose a risk to human consumers. The mean (±SE) THg concentrations of muscle and nail were 1.16 ± 0.08 μg/g dry weight and 4.21 ± 0.24 μg/g dry weight, respectively, and THg concentrations were highly dependent on the sampling site. The THg concentrations of nails were correlated with muscle concentrations (R2 = 0.56, p < 0.001). The effect of body size on THg concentrations varied by sampling site, indicating that size is not a good predictor of Hg concentration across sites. Finally, THg concentrations in M. temminckii of eastern Texas were high enough to pose a potential risk to human health based on US Environmental Protection Agency dietary guidelines. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1903–1913. © 2024 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reestablishing appropriate tree species is an important step in converting off‐site monocultures into woodlands. Species conversion is often necessary, as off‐site exotic species rarely function like woodland species. However, when off‐site tree species are native, and functionally redundant to woodland species, conversion may be unnecessary. To explore this possibility in the southeastern United States, we reviewed the literature on trait differences among the primary southern pines and qualitatively assessed the effect of their identity at the species and stand‐levels. In this region, woodland restoration focuses on removing loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (P. elliottii) to reestablish longleaf (P. palustris) or shortleaf pine (P. echinata). Our review found minimal variation among species in understory flammability, fire resistance at maturity, and Red‐cockaded Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis) habitat at the stand‐level. Longleaf and shortleaf pine were generally more resistant to abiotic and pest disturbance at the tree‐level; however, stand‐level differences in wind, drought, and boring insect resistance among southern pines growing in open forests were considered minimal. Retaining loblolly and slash pine will improve stand‐level productivity in the short term, but creates regeneration problems due to low juvenile fire resistance and resilience. Ice resistance and long‐term carbon sequestration will also likely be reduced by retaining loblolly and slash pine. Collectively, these results suggest that southern pine species are generally interchangeable at the stand‐level in woodlands; although woodlands featuring loblolly and slash pine may be less stable in the face of disturbance than those dominated by shortleaf and longleaf pine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCLs) are a heterogeneous group of haematological cancers with generally poor clinical outcomes. However, a subset of patients experience durable disease control, and little is known regarding long‐term outcomes. The International T‐cell Lymphoma Project (ITCLP) is the largest prospectively collected cohort of patients with PTCLs, providing insight into clinical outcomes at academic medical centres globally. We performed a long‐term outcome analysis on patients from the ITCLP with available 10‐year follow‐up data (n = 735). The overall response rate to first‐line therapy was 68%, while 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival estimates were 49% and 40% respectively. Most deaths occurred prior to 5 years, and for patients alive at 5 years, the chance of surviving to 10 years was 84%. However, lymphoma remained the leading cause of death in the 5‐ to 10‐year period (67%). Low‐risk International Prognostic Index and Prognostic Index for T‐cell lymphoma scores both identified patients with improved survival, while in multivariate analysis, age >60 years and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 2–4 were associated with inferior outcomes. The favourable survival seen in patients achieving durable initial disease control emphasizes the unmet need for optimal front‐line therapeutic approaches in PTCLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a common condition with frequently not tolerated beta‐blockers or ivabradine and a high rate of complication in ablation strategy; we describe an alternative anatomical approach of sinus node (SN) modulation. Methods: This retrospective study describes a case series of 6 patients from two centers diagnosed with symptomatic IST undergoing SN ablation. Results: The mean age was 40.6 ± 13.9 years; five of the six patients were female, 100% of patients reported heart palpitations, and 66% reported dizziness, the average heart rate (HR) on a 24‐h Holter was 93.2 ± 7.9 bpm. HR during the first stage of a stress test using a standard Bruce protocol was 150 ± 70 bpm, The average HR on 24‐h Holter postablation was 75 ± 5.6 bpm, the sinus rate HR during stage 1 of a Bruce protocol exercise stress test was 120 ± 10 bpm. Conclusion: This is the first case series reporting the acute and long‐term results of a novel anatomical approach for SN modulation to treat IST targeting the arcuate ridge (AR) under intracardiac echography (ICE) guidance. The novel anatomic ICE‐guided catheter ablation approach aimed to identify the earliest activation at the AR with an extension of RF lesions toward its septal region seems effective and safe to modulate the SN in symptomatic patients with IST refractory to medical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Punica granatum peel is a significant source of polyphenolic compounds that have potential uses as drugs. This study aimed to obtain and purify polyphenolic compounds derived from pomegranate peel and to evaluate their potential anticancer activity in cell lines. Polyphenols from the pomegranate peel were extracted using hybrid ultrasound‐microwave technology. Different mass:volume ratios and water:ethanol ratios were used during extraction. Purification was performed on a chromatographic column with Amberlite XAD‐16, and unfractionated extracts and fractions extracts were obtained. The main compounds identified by HPLC belong to the ellagitannins family. The unfractionated extract from the 1:12 (m/v) and 30% ethanol condition was used to evaluate its cytotoxic effect against HeLa, HepG2, and 3T3 cell lines. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the pomegranate polyphenolic extracts (PPEs). Viability in HeLa and HepG2 cells was affected in a dose‐dependent manner by a concentration of 25 ppm of polyphenol powders. Additionally, a genotoxicity test was carried out, which showed DNA damage, indicating that the cytotoxic effect is possibly due in part to DNA damage. The use of the pomegranate peel could be a viable option for obtaining bioactive compounds that can be used as adjuvants or in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) is proposed to prevent hypoplastic left heart syndrome due to fetal critical aortic stenosis. Objective: to report our experience on FAV as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy. Method: Series of patients with FAV over an 18‐year period. Results: 27 FAVs were performed in 26 fetuses, with technical success in 82% (22/27) and periprocedural fetal demise in 22% (6/27), decreasing to 15% in the second half‐cohort. Loss to follow‐up was due to birth or postnatal therapy in other centers (5) and termination of pregnancy (1), A normal‐sized LV at birth was observed in 46% (6/13), 4 neonates underwent aortic valvuloplasty and 2 cardiac surgeries, with 5/6 achieving biventricular circulation at 28 days, and 3 transplant‐free survival at mid‐term follow‐up. The 7/13 born with a borderline LV underwent LV rehabilitation strategy, with survival at 28 days in 4/7 and at mid‐term in 3: one with biventricular circulation, one with a ventricle‐and‐a‐half repair, and one lost to follow‐up. Conclusion: FAV was feasible in most cases, with no maternal complications, and biventricular circulation at 28 days in ∼40% of survivors. After FAV, a diverse range of postnatal cardiac interventions are performed, reflecting the challenging innovation in current cardiovascular therapy. Key points: What is already known about this topic? Fetal aortic valvuloplasty is performed to prevent the progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome in selected fetuses with critical aortic stenosis in a limited number of centers worldwide. What does this study add? This study reports outcomes from fetal aortic valvuloplasty as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy in a single center in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper highlights the benefits of multiaxially reinforced profiles manufactured by out of die ultraviolet (UV) cured pultrusion. Thanks to the low pulling forces inherent to this technology, we could manufacture a quasi‐isotropic laminate with high fiber content (62% in volume). Even if just one fifth of the reinforcement was arranged longitudinally, the fiber orientation at the ±45° and 90° layers was not distorted. The in‐plane properties of this new balanced reinforcement configuration improved the impact and notched resistance compared to a reference configuration typical of conventional pultrusion, consisting of roving and continuous strand mats. Additionally, the tensile strength achieved in the transversal direction for the new configuration was an order of magnitude higher. Therefore, this novel technology has the potential to broaden the applications targeted by pultrusion to those where multiaxial load cases could be encountered. Highlights: Multiaxially reinforced profiles were made by out of die UV cured pultrusion.These profiles presented enhanced in‐plane properties.Impact resistance was better than that of a typical reinforcement configuration.Notched tensile strength was also improved in both principal directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystems that are coupled by reciprocal flows of energy and nutrient subsidies can be viewed as a single "meta‐ecosystem." Despite these connections, the reciprocal flow of subsidies is greatly asymmetrical and seasonally pulsed. Here, we synthesize existing literature on stream–riparian meta‐ecosystems to quantify global patterns of the amount of subsidy consumption by organisms, known as "allochthony." These resource flows are important since they can comprise a large portion of consumer diets, but can be disrupted by human modification of streams and riparian zones. Despite asymmetrical subsidy flows, we found stream and riparian consumer allochthony to be equivalent. Although both fish and stream invertebrates rely on seasonally pulsed allochthonous resources, we find allochthony varies seasonally only for fish, being nearly three times greater during the summer and fall than during the winter and spring. We also find that consumer allochthony varies with feeding traits for aquatic invertebrates, fish, and terrestrial arthropods, but not for terrestrial vertebrates. Finally, we find that allochthony varies by climate for aquatic invertebrates, being nearly twice as great in arid climates than in tropical climates, but not for fish. These findings are critical to understanding the consequences of global change, as ecosystem connections are being increasingly disrupted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, transfusion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to help patients severely afflicted by COVID‐19. The efficacy of CCP has been controversial as it depends on many variables pertaining to the plasma donor and the patient with COVID‐19, for example, time of convalescence or symptoms onset. This feasibility and descriptive study aimed to assess the safety of multiple doses of CCP in mechanically ventilated, intubated patients with respiratory failure due to COVID‐19. Methods: A cohort of 30 patients all experiencing severe respiratory failure and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit, received up to five doses of 300–600 mL of CCP on alternate days (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) until extubation, futility, or death. Results: Nineteen patients received five doses, seven received four, and four received two or three doses. At 28‐day follow‐up mark, 57% of patients recovered and were sent home, and the long‐term mortality rate was 27%. Ten severe adverse events reported in the study were unrelated to CCP transfusion. Independent of the number of transfused doses, most patients had detectable levels of total and neutralizing antibodies in plasma. Conclusion: This study suggests that transfusion of multiple doses of CCP is safe. This strategy may represent a viable option for future studies, given the potential benefit of CCP transfusions during the early stages of infection in unvaccinated populations and in settings where monoclonal antibodies or antivirals are contraindicated or unavailable. Highlights: Transfusion of multiple doses (up to 5) of 300–600 mL of convalescent plasma from COVID‐19‐recovered patients is deemed safe, as it does not induce more severe effects than a single dose.Regardless of the number of transfused doses and the titer of neutralizing antibodies, most transfused patients had detectable levels of total and neutralizing antibodies in their plasma.Future studies are needed to determine if multiple transfusion doses are more efficient in preventing disease severity than a single dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperate mesophotic reef ecosystems (TMREs) are among the least known marine habitats. Information on their diversity and ecology is geographically and temporally scarce, especially in highly productive large upwelling ecosystems. Lack of information remains an obstacle to understanding the importance of TMREs as habitats, biodiversity reservoirs and their connections with better‐studied shallow reefs. Here, we use environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples to characterize the community composition of TMREs on the central Chilean coast, generating the first baseline for monitoring the biodiversity of these habitats. We analyzed samples from two depths (30 and 60 m) over four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) and at two locations approximately 16 km apart. We used a panel of three metabarcodes, two that target all eukaryotes (18S rRNA and mitochondrial COI) and one specifically targeting fishes (16S rRNA). All panels combined encompassed eDNA assigned to 42 phyla, 90 classes, 237 orders, and 402 families. The highest family richness was found for the phyla Arthropoda, Bacillariophyta, and Chordata. Overall, family richness was similar between depths but decreased during summer, a pattern consistent at both locations. Our results indicate that the structure (composition) of the mesophotic communities varied predominantly with seasons. We analyzed further the better‐resolved fish assemblage and compared eDNA with other visual methods at the same locations and depths. We recovered eDNA from 19 genera of fish, six of these have also been observed on towed underwater videos, while 13 were unique to eDNA. We discuss the potential drivers of seasonal differences in community composition and richness. Our results suggest that eDNA can provide valuable insights for monitoring TMRE communities but highlight the necessity of completing reference DNA databases available for this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose is to reduce normal tissue radiation toxicity for electron therapy through the creation of a surface‐conforming electron multileaf collimator (SCEM). The SCEM combines the benefits of skin collimation, electron conformal radiotherapy, and modulated electron radiotherapy. An early concept for the SCEM was constructed. It consists of leaves that protrude towards the patient, allowing the leaves to conform closely to irregular patient surfaces. The leaves are made of acrylic to decrease bremsstrahlung, thereby decreasing the out‐of‐field dose. Water tank scans were performed with the SCEM in place for various field sizes for all available electron energies (6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV) with a 0.5 cm air gap to the water surface at 100 cm source‐to‐surface distance (SSD). These measurements were compared with Cerrobend cutouts with the field size‐matched at 100 and 110 cm SSD. Output factor measurements were taken in solid water for each energy at dmax for both the cerrobend cutouts and SCEM at 100 cm SSD. Percent depth dose (PDD) curves for the SCEM shifted shallower for all energies and field sizes. The SCEM also produced a higher surface dose relative to Cerrobend cutouts, with the maximum being a 9.8% increase for the 3 cm × 9 cm field at 9 MeV. When compared to the Cerrobend cutouts at 110 cm SSD, the SCEM showed a significant decrease in the penumbra, particularly for lower energies (i.e., 6 and 9 MeV). The SCEM also showed reduced out‐of‐field dose and lower bremsstrahlung production than the Cerrobend cutouts. The SCEM provides significant improvement in the penumbra and out‐of‐field dose by allowing collimation close to the skin surface compared to Cerrobend cutouts. However, the added scatter from the SCEM increases shallow PDD values. Future work will focus on reducing this scatter while maintaining the penumbra and out‐of‐field benefits the SCEM has over conventional collimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatments for organ‐confined prostate cancer include external beam radiation therapy, radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy/brachytherapy, cryoablation and high‐intensity focused ultrasound. None of these are cancer‐specific and are commonly accompanied by side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Moreover, subsequent surgical treatments following biochemical recurrence after these interventions are either limited or affected by the scarring present in the surrounding tissue. Carnosine (β‐alanyl‐L‐histidine) is a histidine‐containing naturally occurring dipeptide which has been shown to have an anti‐tumorigenic role without any detrimental effect on healthy cells; however, its effect on prostate cancer cells has never been investigated. In this study, we investigated the effect of carnosine on cell proliferation and metabolism in both a primary cultured androgen‐resistant human prostate cancer cell line, PC346Flu1 and murine TRAMP‐C1 cells. Our results show that carnosine has a significant dose‐dependent inhibitory effect in vitro on the proliferation of both human (PC346Flu1) and murine (TRAMP‐C1) prostate cancer cells, which was confirmed in 3D‐models of the same cells. Carnosine was also shown to decrease adenosine triphosphate content and reactive species which might have been caused in part by the increase in SIRT3 also shown after carnosine treatment. These encouraging results support the need for further human in vivo work to determine the potential use of carnosine, either alone or, most likely, as an adjunct therapy to surgical or other conventional treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that companies manage their stakeholders and their social and environmental impacts to achieve a good relationship with the community. Therefore, this research aims to know the strategies used by mining companies when different levels of stakeholder management and social and environmental impact management variables are involved. For this purpose, qualitative research with case study methodology is carried out, collecting information from various sources such as interviews, document analysis, and audio‐visual material. The result shows a framework based on the literature review and where different scenarios are shown according to the degree of the variables studied and the strategies used. Four main corporate strategies were found: sustainable, legalistic, business‐oriented, and compensating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to determine the type of strategy used by mining companies according to the degree of community development management and social and environmental impact management. For this purpose, a qualitative study has been carried out using the methodology of case studies of mining companies in Peru, for which written and virtual reports and audiovisual material have been analyzed. The results show a framework whose main axes are community development management and social and environmental impact management. In addition, it is shown four types of community relations strategies: shared value strategy, compensatory strategy, business‐oriented strategy, and compliance strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are over 150 proteins involved in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored protein biosynthesis, a class within the larger category of congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Pathogenic variants identified in phosphatidylinositol glycan class A protein (PIGA) are associated with X‐linked PIGA‐CDG, a GPI‐anchor defect. The disease has primarily been characterized by hypotonia, epilepsy, and global developmental delay; however, only 89 known cases are reported, so the phenotypic spectrum has likely not yet been fully delineated. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has been reported in patients with various GPI‐anchor related defects but has only been described in one prior individual with PIGA‐CDG. Here, we describe the second and third reported cases of CDH in two brothers with PIGA‐CDG caused by a pathogenic missense variant in PIGA: c.355C > T, p.R119W. Chromosomal microarray and whole exome sequencing did not reveal another plausible explanation for the CDH. We relate our patients' clinical features to the single previously reported individual with CDH and PIGA‐CDG. We then compare this case series with the subset of individuals with CDH and other GPI‐anchor defects. These findings suggest that CDH should be considered in the phenotypic disease spectrum of PIGA‐CDG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant species richness is an important property of ecosystems that is altered by grazing. In a semiarid environment, we tested the hypotheses that (1) small‐scale herbaceous plant species richness declines linearly with increasing grazing intensity by large ungulates, (2) precipitation and percent sand interact with grazing intensity, and (3) response of herbaceous plant species richness to increasing intensity of ungulate grazing varies with patch productivity. During January–March 2012, we randomly allocated 50, 1.5‐m × 1.5‐m grazing exclosures within each of six 2500 ha study sites across South Texas, USA. We counted the number of herbaceous plant species and harvested vegetation in 0.25‐m2 plots within exclosures (ungrazed control plots) and in the grazed area outside the exclosures (grazed treatment plots) during October–November 2012–2019. We estimated percent use (grazing intensity) based on the difference in herbaceous plant standing crop between control plots and treatment plots. We selected the negative binomial regression model that best explained the relationship between grazing intensity and herbaceous plant species richness using the Schwarz‐Bayesian information criterion. After accounting for the positive effect of precipitation and percent sand on herbaceous plant species richness, species richness/0.25 m2 increased slightly from 0% to 30% grazing intensity and then declined with increasing grazing intensity. Linear and quadratic responses of herbaceous plant species richness to increasing grazing intensity were greater for the least productive patches (<15.7 g/0.25 m2) than for productive patches (≥15.7 g/0.25 m2). Our results followed the pattern predicted by the intermediate disturbance hypothesis model for the effect of grazing intensity on small‐scale herbaceous plant species richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of carbon fiber (CF) and thermoplastic resin in wind turbine rotor‐blade represents a challenge for lightning events because CF conducts electricity and the behavior of thermoplastic resins is not well known. A comparative study with laminates with epoxy or thermoplastic resins was performed, using lightning and dielectric strength tests. Lightning tests revealed that resins behaved similarly; the current preferentially flowed in fiber direction and in zones with high contact between fibers (e.g., criss‐crossed fibers at panel edges); the level of through‐thickness damage was inversely related to panel thickness; current flow did not affect the tensile properties in fiber direction, but produced a drop in bending strength; the adequate integration of earth terminals in CF laminates was critical for a proper lightning discharge. In dielectric tests, it was concluded that panels with glass fiber covering CF laminates behaved as through‐thickness insulators; the thermoplastic reduced the laminate's dielectric strength, while the incorporation of CF, or laminate aging in a salt spray chamber showed no difference. Electrical resistance tests showed that the results were not dependent on the type of resin, but on the level of fiber‐to‐fiber and fiber‐to‐terminal contact. The lowest linear resistance was obtained in the longitudinal fiber direction, followed by the transverse and through‐thickness ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skeletal dysplasias broadly include disorders of cartilage or bone. Omodysplasia‐1 is a type of skeletal dysplasia caused by biallelic loss of function variants in the GPC6 gene. GPC6 codes for the protein glypican 6 (GPC6) (OMIM *604404), which stimulates bone growth. We report a family in which five out of nine children were presented with a skeletal dysplasia characterized phenotypically by mild short stature and rhizomelia. All affected individuals were found to have homozygous missense variants in GPC6: c.511 C>T (p.Arg171Trp). Radiograph findings included rhizomelic foreshortening of all four extremities, coxa breva, and ulna minus deformity. Using a Hedgehog (Hh) reporter assay, we demonstrate that the variant found in this family results in significantly reduced stimulation of Hh activity when compared to the wild‐type GPC6 protein, however protein function is still present. Thus, the milder phenotype seen in the family presented is hypothesized due to decreased GPC6 protein activity versus complete loss of function as seen in omodysplasia‐1. Given the unique phenotype and molecular mechanism, we propose that this family's findings widen the phenotypic spectrum of GPC6‐related skeletal dysplasias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is shifting the phenological timing, duration, and temporal overlap of interacting species in natural communities, reshaping temporal interaction networks worldwide. Despite much recent progress in documenting these phenological shifts, little is known about how the phenologies of species interactions are tracked across different life history stages. Here we analyze four key phenological traits and the pairwise interaction potential of nine amphibian species for the adult (calling/breeding) and subsequent larval (tadpole) stage at eight different sites over six years. We found few strong correlations among phenological traits within species, but the strength of these correlations varied across species. As a consequence, phenological trait combinations of both stages varied substantially across species without clear signs of multidimensional clustering, indicating a distinct and diverse range of species‐specific phenological strategies. Despite this considerable variation in the phenologies across species, the temporal overlap between species was largely preserved through the two life history stages. Further, we also detected significant correlations among the duration and temporal overlap of interactions with other species across stages in five species, demonstrating that temporal patterns of species interactions are mirrored across life history stages. For these species, these results indicate a strong tracking of phenologies and species interactions across life history stages even in species with complex life cycles where stages occupy completely different environments. This suggests that phenological shifts in one stage can impact the temporal dynamics and structure of interaction networks across developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of genetic diversity is often heterogeneous in space, and it usually correlates with environmental transitions or historical processes that affect demography. The coast of Chile encompasses two biogeographic provinces and spans a broad environmental gradient together with oceanographic processes linked to coastal topography that can affect species' genetic diversity. Here, we evaluated the genetic connectivity and historical demography of four Scurria limpets, S. scurra, S. variabilis, S. ceciliana and S. araucana, between ca. 19° S and 53° S in the Chilean coast using genome‐wide SNPs markers. Genetic structure varied among species which was evidenced by species‐specific breaks together with two shared breaks. One of the shared breaks was located at 22–25° S and was observed in S. araucana and S. variabilis, while the second break around 31–34° S was shared by three Scurria species. Interestingly, the identified genetic breaks are also shared with other low‐disperser invertebrates. Demographic histories show bottlenecks in S. scurra and S. araucana populations and recent population expansion in all species. The shared genetic breaks can be linked to oceanographic features acting as soft barriers to dispersal and also to historical climate, evidencing the utility of comparing multiple and sympatric species to understand the influence of a particular seascape on genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a long‐lived species that is widely distributed across the southeastern United States. Both these characteristics make monitoring its occupancy and abundance particularly challenging. In 2020 and 2021, we conducted hoop trap surveys at 51 permanent water bodies across the Texas, USA, range of the species to estimate occupancy and average abundance with site occupancy models and multinomial N‐mixture models, respectively. We confirmed the species to be present at 61% of surveyed locations. Mean detection probability was 0.77, and was influenced methodologically by the spacing of traps, and environmentally by lunar phase and water flow velocity. Mean occupancy probability was 0.82, and mean estimated abundance was 7.57 turtles/site. Our data provided evidence that the species has a higher occurrence probability in waters of highly forested catchments, and is most probable to occur in highest abundances at median latitudes within its Texas range. Despite known microhabitat preferences of the species, instream habitat characteristics (e.g., canopy coverage, depth, sinuosity) did not strongly influence its occupancy or abundance. Spatial dynamics of the occupancy and abundance of the species in Texas are influenced by landscape features more than local habitat. These results further corroborate the importance of watershed land cover to aquatic organisms, and our methods provide a standardized template for monitoring and quantifying important demographic parameters of the species across multiple locations while accounting for imperfect detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopy has been long used as the screening method for airway allergy. Nevertheless, aeroallergens can trigger respiratory symptoms not only in atopic patients (atopic respiratory allergy, ARA), but also in non‐atopic subjects (local respiratory allergy, LRA). Moreover, ARA and LRA can coexist in the same patient, and this clinical scenario has been called dual respiratory allergy (DRA). When the clinical history cannot determine the relevance of sensitizations in ARA patients, nasal, conjunctival or bronchial allergen challenges (NAC, CAC, and BAC, respectively) should be conducted. Moreover, these tests are required to identify patients with LRA and DRA. The clarification of the allergic triggers of airway diseases has a profound impact on the management strategies the patients can be offered. Importantly, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) remains as the only disease‐modifying intervention for ARA. Recent data indicate that AIT might have a similar effect on LRA patients. Nevertheless, AIT success relies largely on the correct phenotyping of allergic individuals, and NAC, CAC, and BAC are very helpful tools in this regard. In this review, we will summarize the main indications and methodology of CAC, NAC, and BAC. Importantly, the clinical implementation of these tests might translate into precision medicine approaches and better health outcomes for patients with airway allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We used cultural neuropsychology‐informed procedures to derive and validate harmonized scores representing memory and language across population‐based studies in the United States and Mexico. METHODS: Data were from the Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HRS‐HCAP) and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) Ancillary Study on Cognitive Aging (Mex‐Cog). We statistically co‐calibrated memory and language domains and performed differential item functioning (DIF) analysis using a cultural neuropsychological approach. We examined relationships among harmonized scores, age, and education. RESULTS: We included 3170 participants from the HRS‐HCAP (Mage = 76.6 [standard deviation (SD): 7.5], 60% female) and 2042 participants from the Mex‐Cog (Mage = 68.1 [SD: 9.0], 59% female). Five of seven memory items and one of twelve language items demonstrated DIF by study. Harmonized memory and language scores showed expected associations with age and education. DISCUSSION: A cultural neuropsychological approach to harmonization facilitates the generation of harmonized measures of memory and language function in cross‐national studies. HIGHLIGHTS: We harmonized memory and language scores across studies in the United States and Mexico.A cultural neuropsychological approach to data harmonization was used.Harmonized scores showed minimal measurement differences between cohorts.Future work can use these harmonized scores for cross‐national studies of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Misalignment to the incorrect vertebral body remains a rare but serious patient safety risk in image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Purpose: Our group has proposed that an automated image‐review algorithm be inserted into the IGRT process as an interlock to detect off‐by‐one vertebral body errors. This study presents the development and multi‐institutional validation of a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based approach for such an algorithm using patient image data from a planar stereoscopic x‐ray IGRT system. Methods: X‐rays and digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) were collected from 429 spine radiotherapy patients (1592 treatment fractions) treated at six institutions using a stereoscopic x‐ray image guidance system. Clinically‐applied, physician approved, alignments were used for true‐negative, "no‐error" cases. "Off‐by‐one vertebral body" errors were simulated by translating DRRs along the spinal column using a semi‐automated method. A leave‐one‐institution‐out approach was used to estimate model accuracy on data from unseen institutions as follows: All of the images from five of the institutions were used to train a CNN model from scratch using a fixed network architecture and hyper‐parameters. The size of this training set ranged from 5700 to 9372 images, depending on exactly which five institutions were contributing data. The training set was randomized and split using a 75/25 split into the final training/ validation sets. X‐ray/ DRR image pairs and the associated binary labels of "no‐error" or "shift" were used as the model input. Model accuracy was evaluated using images from the sixth institution, which were left out of the training phase entirely. This test set ranged from 180 to 3852 images, again depending on which institution had been left out of the training phase. The trained model was used to classify the images from the test set as either "no‐error" or "shifted", and the model predictions were compared to the ground truth labels to assess the model accuracy. This process was repeated until each institution's images had been used as the testing dataset. Results: When the six models were used to classify unseen image pairs from the institution left out during training, the resulting receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values ranged from 0.976 to 0.998. With the specificity fixed at 99%, the corresponding sensitivities ranged from 61.9% to 99.2% (mean: 77.6%). With the specificity fixed at 95%, sensitivities ranged from 85.5% to 99.8% (mean: 92.9%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the CNN‐based vertebral body misalignment model is robust when applied to previously unseen test data from an outside institution, indicating that this proposed additional safeguard against misalignment is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lachesillidae is one of the largest families of bark lice and includes more than 420 described species, in 26 genera and three subfamilies. This family belongs in the suborder Psocomorpha, infraorder Homilopsocidea. The classification of Lachesillidae is based on male and female genital morphologies, but questions remain regarding the monophyly of the family and some of its genera. Here, we used whole genome and transcriptome data to generate a 2060 orthologous gene data matrix of 2,438,763 aligned bp and used these data to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of species of Lachesillidae and relatives. Taxon sampling included 24 species from Lachesillidae and 23 additional species belonging to related families from the infraorders Homilopsocidea and Caeciliusetae. Phylogenetic relationships reconstructed with maximum likelihood and coalescent‐based analyses indicated paraphyly of Lachesillidae, and monophyly of the tribe Graphocaeciliini and the genus Lachesilla were also never recovered. Instability was observed in the position of Eolachesilla chilensis, which was recovered either as sister to Elipsocidae or to Mesopsocidae species, so we cannot conclusively determine the position of this genus within the Homilopsocidea. Given our results, a reclassification is necessary, but more taxon sampling of other species in Mesopsocidae and Peripsocidae would be useful to add to a tree in future before proposing a new classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latent variable models can create a latent dementia index (LDI) using cognitive and functional ability to approximate dementia likelihood. The LDI approach has been applied across diverse cohorts. It is unclear whether sex affects its measurement properties. We use Wave A (2001–2003) of the Aging, Demographics, and Memory Study (n = 856). Multiple group confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test measurement invariance (MI) using informant‐reported functional ability and cognitive performance tasks, which we group into verbal, nonverbal, and memory. Partial scalar invariance was found, allowing for testing sex differences in LDI means (MDiff = 0.38). The LDI correlated with consensus panel dementia diagnosis, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), and dementia risk factors (low education, advanced age, and apolipoprotein ε4 [APOE‐ε4] status) for men and women. The LDI validly captures dementia likelihood to permit estimation of sex differences. LDI sex differences indicate higher dementia likelihood in women, potentially due to social, environmental, and biological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Overhauser Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (O‐DNP) of 1H nuclei usually involves a dipolar coupling with the polarizing agent, whereas scalar coupling via hyperfine interactions are more common with 13C nuclei. Here, we show a scalar‐coupling dominated 1H O‐DNP, using polyaniline as a heterogeneous polarizing agent in an aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Several marine biogeographical provinces meet at the Arabian Peninsula. Where and how these junctions affect species is poorly understood. We herein aimed to identify the barriers to dispersal and how these shape fish populations, leading to differing biogeographies despite shared habitat and co‐ancestry. Taxon: Dascyllus marginatus (endemic) and Dascyllus abudafur (widespread). Location: Coral reefs from the Red Sea (RS), Djibouti, Yemen, Oman, and Madagascar. Methods: We tested potential barriers to gene flow using RADseq‐derived SNPs and identified whether population genetic differences on each side of these barriers were neutral or selective to relate this to the biogeography of the species. Seven locations (ranging over 5100 km) were sampled for the endemic and six (ranging over 7400 km) for the widespread species, taking 20 individuals per location, with two exceptions. Results: Dascyllus marginatus populations (comprising 5648 SNPs) had an order of magnitude higher genetic differentiation compared to D. abudafur (comprising 10,667 SNPs), as well as several outlier loci that were absent in D. abudafur despite equal sampling locations. In both species, the RS and Djibouti specimens formed one genetic cluster separated from all other locations. Although ranging from the RS to Madagascar, D. abudafur was absent in Yemen and Oman. Main Conclusions: Stronger genetic structure at smaller geographical scales and outlier loci in the endemic species seem associated with faster adaptation to environmental differences and selective pressure. Genetic differentiation in the widespread species is neutral and only occurs at large geographical distances. Restrictive transitions (between the Gulf of Aqaba and the RS or the RS and the Gulf of Aden) do not hinder gene flow in either species, and the environmental shift within the RS (at 22°N/20°N) only affected the endemic species. The genetic break in the Gulf of Aden likely reflects historical colonization processes and not contemporary environmental regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative physiological strategies can increase protein concentration in soybean: (i) more‐than‐proportional increases in seed protein content (mg seed−1) relative to increases in carbohydrate and oil content in large‐seeded genotypes or (ii) more‐than‐proportional reductions in carbohydrate and/or oil content relative to protein content reductions in small‐seeded genotypes. Because these strategies differentially affect crop growth and development, we hypothesized that populations developed from high‐protein (HP) parents with contrasting seed sizes will present differences in how seed yield and protein concentration correlate. To test this, three breeding strategies were developed by mating high‐yielding cultivars and HP ones that differ in seed sizes, reflecting the alternative strategies mentioned above. Neither tested crossing strategies showed differences in their correlation values between seed yield and protein concentration, as initially expected. Nevertheless, populations developed from crossing a HP‐small‐seeded parent to a HP‐large‐seeded one showed the highest number of transgressive segregants for protein yield. Our results showed that parent selection based on seed size has no beneficial effects on the development of high‐yielding, HP soybean populations, but it might affect the number of transgressive segregants for protein yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parents impact their offspring's brain development, neurocognitive function, risk, and resilience for alcohol use disorder (AUD) via both genetic and socio‐environmental factors. Individuals with AUD and their unaffected children manifest low parietal P3 amplitude and low frontal theta (FT) power, reflecting heritable neurocognitive deficits associated with AUD. Likewise, children who experience poor parenting tend to have atypical brain development and greater rates of alcohol problems. Conversely, positive parenting can be protective and critical for normative development of self‐regulation, neurocognitive functioning and the neurobiological systems subserving them. Yet, the role of positive parenting in resiliency toward AUD is understudied and its association with neurocognitive functioning and behavioral vulnerability to AUD among high‐risk offspring is less known. Using data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism prospective cohort (N = 1256, mean age [SD] = 19.25 [1.88]), we investigated the associations of closeness with mother and father during adolescence with offspring P3 amplitude, FT power, and binge drinking among high‐risk offspring. Methods: Self‐reported closeness with mother and father between ages 12 and 17 and binge drinking were assessed using the Semi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. P3 amplitude and FT power were assessed in response to target stimuli using a Visual Oddball Task. Results: Multivariate multiple regression analyses showed that closeness with father was associated with larger P3 amplitude (p = 0.002) and higher FT power (p = 0.01). Closeness with mother was associated with less binge drinking (p = 0.003). Among male offspring, closeness with father was associated with larger P3 amplitude, but among female offspring, closeness with mother was associated with less binge drinking. These associations remained statistically significant with father's and mothers' AUD symptoms, socioeconomic status, and offspring impulsivity in the model. Conclusions: Among high‐risk offspring, closeness with parents during adolescence may promote resilience for developing AUD and related neurocognitive deficits albeit with important sex differences. High‐risk offspring of individuals with AUD manifest low P3 and frontal theta (FT) reflecting heritable neurocognitive deficits. Conversely, positive‐parenting can be protective and critical for normative development of self‐regulation and neurocognitive functioning. In high‐risk offspring, we examined associations of closeness with parents during adolescence, with offspring P3, FT, and binge‐drinking. Closeness with father was associated with larger P3 and higher FT and closeness with mother was associated with less binge‐drinking. Positive‐parenting may buffer against AUD‐risk and related neurocognitive deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, examines the types of anastomoses (connections between blood vessels) in placentas with various complications in monochorionic pregnancies. The study was conducted at a hospital in Lima, Peru, and evaluated 22 placentas over a two-year period. The results showed that the most severe complication, feto-fetal transfusion syndrome, had an average of 8.2 anastomoses per placenta, with AV and VA anastomoses being the most common. The study suggests that understanding these anastomoses is important for managing complications in monochorionic pregnancies. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a critical staffing problem at the North Pleasant Valley Desalter Plant in Camarillo, California. The plant experiences issues with entrained air in its hypochlorite feed lines, which leads to irregular dosing and incorrect chlorine to ammonia ratios in the water. To alleviate this problem, a device called Pressure Eyes has been developed, which allows a lone operator to relieve trapped pressure in the feed lines without risking line integrity. The device consists of a stand, an optic brace, and optional mount attachments, and it is used in conjunction with two smartphones to monitor the discharge pressure gauge. By using Pressure Eyes, operators can consistently deliver high-quality potable water. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: To examine agreement between intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements made using the rebound tonometer Icare ic200 (RT200) and the Perkins handheld applanation tonometer (PAT) in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG). The impacts of several covariables on measurements using the two devices were also assessed. Materials and Methods: Intraocular pressure measurements were made in a single session in 86 eyes of 86 patients with PCG (46 under anaesthesia, 40 in the office). The order was RT200 then PAT. The variables age, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal state and anaesthesia were recorded in each patient. Data were compared by determining interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for each tonometer and representing the differences detected as Bland–Altman plots. Effects of covariables were assessed through univariate and multivariate regression. Results: Mean IOP difference between tonometers (RT200 minus PAT) was 1.26 mmHg (95%: 0.22–2.31). Absolute agreement (ICC) was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.62–0.82). Lower and upper limits of agreement (95%) were −8.06 mmHg (95% CI: −9.87 to −6.25) and 10.59 mmHg (95% CI: 8.77–12.40), respectively. The tonometers showed systematic differences (a = −4.63 mmHg; 95% CI: −9.11 to −1.44) and proportional differences; for each mmHg increase in PAT‐IOP, the RT200 reading increased by 1.28 mmHg (b = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.12–1.53). None of the variables tested as predictors were able to explain differences between the tonometers. Conclusions: Despite the good overall agreement between both tonometers, caution should be taken in high values of IOP, considering the interchangeability of its readings as systematic and proportional differences appear to exist between both methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gracilaria chilensis is the main cultivated seaweed in Chile. The low genetic diversity observed in the Chilean populations has been associated with the over‐exploitation of natural beds and/or the founder effect that occurred during post‐glacial colonization from New Zealand. How these processes have affected its evolutionary trajectory before farming and incipient domestication is poorly understood. In this study, we used 2232 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess how the species' evolutionary history in New Zealand (its region of origin), the founder effect linked to transoceanic dispersion and colonization of South America, and the recent over‐exploitation of natural populations have influenced the genetic architecture of G. chilensis in Chile. The contrasting patterns of genetic diversity and structure observed between the two main islands in New Zealand attest to the important effects of Quaternary glacial cycles on G. chilensis. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) analyses indicated that Chatham Island and South America were colonized independently near the end of the Last Glacial Maximum and emphasized the importance of coastal and oceanic currents during that period. Furthermore, ABC analyses inferred the existence of a recent and strong genetic bottleneck in Chile, matching the period of over‐exploitation of the natural beds during the 1970s, followed by rapid demographic expansion linked to active clonal propagation used in farming. Recurrent genetic bottlenecks strongly eroded the genetic diversity of G. chilensis prior to its cultivation, raising important challenges for the management of genetic resources in this incipiently domesticated species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand for electrical energy storage requires the exploration of alternative battery chemistries that overcome the limitations of the current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. In this scenario, lithium‐sulfur batteries stand out for their high theoretical energy density. However, several inherent limitations still hinder their commercialization. In this work, we report the synthesis and study of two high‐performance activated carbon‐based materials that allow to overcome the most challenging limitations of sulfur electrodes, i. e., low electronic conductivity and the polysulfide shuttle effect. The two tailored nanomaterials are based on porous carbon structures mixed with conductive reduced graphene oxide, one derived from an organic waste and the other from an organic synthetic route. These structures not only feature excellent individual properties, but also present excellent performance when implemented in batteries, related to their superior conductivity and polysulfide trapping ability, allowing to obtain improved rate capacity and high sulfur loading cycling. Additionally, we demonstrate the scalability of the best performing material by the assembly of high‐performance pouch cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host species that can independently maintain a pathogen in a host community and contribute to infection in other species are important targets for disease management. However, the potential of host species to maintain a pathogen is not fixed over time, and an important challenge is understanding how within‐ and across‐season variability in host maintenance potential affects pathogen persistence over longer time scales relevant for disease management (e.g., years). Here, we sought to understand the causes and consequences of seasonal infection dynamics in leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala and Rana pipiens) infected with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). We addressed three questions broadly applicable to seasonal host–parasite systems. First, to what degree are observed seasonal patterns in infection driven by temperature‐dependent infection processes compared to seasonal host demographic processes? Second, how does seasonal variation in maintenance potential affect long‐term pathogen persistence in multi‐host communities? Third, does high deterministic maintenance potential relate to the long‐term stochastic persistence of pathogens in host populations with seasonal infection dynamics? To answer these questions, we used field data collected over 3 years on >1400 amphibians across four geographic locations, laboratory and mesocosm experiments, and a novel mathematical model. We found that the mechanisms that drive seasonal prevalence were different from those driving seasonal infection intensity. Seasonal variation in Bd prevalence was driven primarily by changes in host contact rates associated with breeding migrations to and from aquatic habitat. In contrast, seasonal changes in infection intensity were driven by temperature‐induced changes in Bd growth rate. Using our model, we found that the maintenance potential of leopard frogs varied significantly throughout the year and that seasonal troughs in infection prevalence made it unlikely that leopard frogs were responsible for long‐term Bd persistence in these seasonal amphibian communities, highlighting the importance of alternative pathogen reservoirs for Bd persistence. Our results have broad implications for management in seasonal host–pathogen systems, showing that seasonal changes in host and pathogen vital rates, rather than the depletion of susceptible hosts, can lead to troughs in pathogen prevalence and stochastic pathogen extirpation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]