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Changes in the skull size of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes L.) along the eastern macroslope of the Ural Range from the forest-tundra to the steppe are analyzed. The sizes varied from minimum in the north to maximum in pre-forest-steppe pine-birch forests. Further south, the size of the skull decreased again. The average fox population density changed similarly. Based on these data, it was concluded that the sizes change in accordance with the optimum rule, and not with Bergman's rule. Probably, microevolutionary adaptations to living conditions are influenced by general factors that influence both body size and the population density of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis results for morphological variability in the Lower Amur grayling Thymallus tugarinae, one of the five species of grayling fish (Thymallinae) inhabiting the Amur River basin has been reported. Overall, 16 samples of juvenile specimens of the same size class, collected in different parts of the habitat area, are analyzed. A discriminant analysis revealed high-level morphological speciation in grayling fish from different rivers, based on the classification accuracy comprising, on average, 96%. The hiatus in a range of morphological traits was revealed, when comparing certain samples. Clustering classified the grayling fish into groups considered morphologically different because of the variable habitat conditions. The fish from the rivers of the Amur River estuary area were well differed from each other by the morphotype, despite the similarity of the rivers conformed to the same comparatively small region. The graylings inhabiting different sections of a large river were more morphologically distinct, than the fish of small rivers isolated from each other. In addition, increases or shift in the limits of variations of the values of the morphological diagnostic traits of the species were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To establish reference values for the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and 2-minute walk test (2MWT) distances, to investigate the correlation between these 2 tests, and to establish prediction equations for these distances in healthy populations of Belgium and Vietnam. Design: Cross-sectional study. Subjects and methods: The 6MWT and 2MWT were administered to a convenience sample of 239 Belgian and 303 Vietnamese participants between the ages of 18 and 80 years. Results: The mean (standard deviation; SD) 2MWT distances were 215 (32.8) m for Belgian participants and 156 (25.5) m for Vietnamese participants. The mean (SD) 6MWT distances were 625 (90.7) m for Belgian participants and 449 (70.4) m for Vietnamese participants. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the 2 tests was 0.901 (p

The reliable identification of representatives of the genus Sylvaemus is compli-cated by the huge coincidence of external and metrical characters, as well as by the fact that in most of their range, mice are in conditions of sympatry or even syntopy Moreover, identification is complicated by opposite clinal variability in size and geographic variability in fur colouration. The species are also similar in karyotypes, so their reliable identification is usually possible only based on biochemical or molecular analysis. The craniological collection of small mam-mals of O. V. Zorya and collection specimens of the Museum of Nature of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University were studied. In total, 436 speci-mens of three species of the genus Sylvaemus were analysed: Sylvaemus ura-lensis, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, and Sylvaemus tauricus. Analysed were 14 odon-tometric and 23 craniological characters. Among the metric characters, three odontometrical—width of first upper molar (WM1), length of second lower molar (LM2), length of lower molar row (LM123)—and seven craniometrical characters—length of first upper molar (LM1), length of foramen incisivum (LFI), length of upper molar row (LUM), width of choana (WCH), height of skull including bulla tympanica (HBCB), length of lower molar row (LLM), length of mandible (LM)—made the greatest contribution to the differentiation of mice of the genus Sylvaemus. Width of first upper molar (WM1), length of first lower molar (LM1), length of second lower molar (LM2), length of brain-case (LBC), least interorbital constriction (LIOC), width of braincase (WBC), distance between incisor and M3 (LIM3), length of upper molar row (LUM), condylobasal length of skull (CBL), palatal length (LPP), greatest length of skull (GLS), and length of lower molar row (LLM) are the least variable metric char-acters. Scatterplots linking LLM/CBL, LUM/CBL, and LUM/GLS appeared to be the most suitable for differentiating the specimens, with minimal overlap of species in the morphospace. In north-eastern Ukraine, the best distribution of mice of the genus Sylvaemus was obtained as a result of the analysis based on both odontometrical and craniological characters, when the correctness of the classification was 100%.

The crested porcupine Hystrix cristata is one of the most well-known members of the Family Hystricidae, yet very little is known regarding its geographic variability in Africa. Two alternative hypotheses exist; pre-1940s classical taxonomy supported the existence of a distinct Eastern African species, Hystrix galeata, whereas recent molecular data seem to support only a North-South separation inside one single species, with the geographic-ecological barrier represented by the Sahara desert. Our morphometric data support the recognition of Hystrix cristata senegalica Cuvier, 1822 as the sub-Saharan representative of the species with a clear morphological difference between the North African and sub-Saharan crested porcupines, which seem re-conductible mostly to size difference. Within H. c. senegalica, our analysis seems to support a weak separation between the West African and the East African samples. Owing to considerable qualitative skull differences and overlooked molecular data, the taxonomic status of H. galeata remains uncertain as well as the status of porcupines of North-East Africa (Nubia). Our results also highlight the role of North Africa (mainly the Maghreb) as a refuge for the nominal taxon. This suggests that intraspecific variability is presently overlooked and that further integrative studies and more samples are needed to adequately assess the geographic variability of sub-Saharan crested porcupines.

Despite political partisanship, growing segments of the American public are concerned and even alarmed about climate change. Yet a common finding in the research literature is that climate change beliefs are filtered through an ideological lens. In this study, we examine whether politics remain a reliable indicator of climate change belief by comparing the percent margin of victory for both parties in the last four Presidential elections with the estimated percentage who think global warming is mostly caused by human activities in each county. There were increasing positive trends between the Democratic margin of victory and the acceptance of human-caused climate change. However, this effect was different for counties with different types of climate change beliefs. Election results were less reliable indicators of the acceptance of human-caused climate change in Republican-voting counties until the two most recent general elections in 2016 and 2020. The results underscore the partisanship of climate politics at the national level. Using the southeastern US as an example, this study highlights the need to understand the regional variability of climate change beliefs as an important step in finding less polarizing climate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of 12 cranial and seven dental characters of adult steppe lemmings from six populations in the northeastern part of the species range was investigated using multivariate statistical analysis. The level of interpopulation differences in the size and shape of the skull significantly exceeds the level of sex differences. Isolated populations of the steppe lemming from the Chulym–Yenisei depression are larger in skull size compared to animals from Western Siberia and Kazakhstan, and they have a relatively shorter facial and nasal length, relatively shorter maxillary and mandibular tooth rows, and shorter occipital bone height. The animals from the Karasuk population are characterized by the smallest skull size. Comparison of the geographic differences between the samples to subspecies taxonomy let us assign the steppe lemmings from the Chulym–Yenisei depression to the subspecies abacanicus, and all others to the subspecies lagurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeLiver disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Geographic variations in the burden of chronic liver disease may have significant impact on public health policies but have not been explored at the national level. The objective of this study is to examine interstate variability in liver disease mortality in the United States.MethodsWe compared liver disease mortality from the 2010 National Vital Statistics Report on a state level. States in each quartile of liver disease mortality were compared with regard to viral hepatitis death rates, alcohol consumption, obesity, ethnic and racial composition, and household income. Race, ethnicity, and median household income data were derived from the 2010 US Census. Alcohol consumption and obesity data were obtained from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey.Results and conclusionWe found significant interstate variability in liver disease mortality, ranging from 6.4 to 17.0 per 100,000. The South and the West carry some of the highest rates of liver disease mortality. In addition to viral hepatitis death rates, there is a strong correlation between higher percentage of Hispanic population and a state's liver disease mortality rate (r = 0.538, P

The consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has increased in recent decades, worldwide. Evidence on the negative impacts of food processing on health outcomes has also been steadily increasing. The aim of this study is to describe changes in consumption patterns of ultra-processed foods in the Spanish population over time and their geographical variability. Data from four representative cohorts of the Spanish population were used (1991–1996–2004–2008). Dietary information was collected using a validated frequency questionnaire and categorized using the NOVA classification. A total increase of 10.8% in UPF consumption between 1991 and 2008 was found in Spain (p-value < 0.001). The products contributing most to UPF consumption were sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meats, dairy products, and sweets. Those who consumed more ultra-processed foods were younger (p-value < 0.001) and female (p-value = 0.01). Significant differences between the different geographical areas of Spain were found. The eastern part of Spain was the area with the lowest UPF consumption, whereas the north-western part was the area with the highest increase in UPF consumption. Given the negative effect that the consumption of ultra-processed foods has on health, it is necessary to implement public health policies to curb this increase in UPF consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Prioritizing groupings of organisms or ‘units’ below the species level is a critical issue for conservation purposes. Several techniques encompassing different time-frames, from genetics to ecological markers, have been considered to evaluate existing biological diversity at a sufficient temporal resolution to define conservation units. Given that acoustic signals are expressions of phenotypic diversity, their analysis may provide crucial information on current differentiation patterns within species. Here, we tested whether differences previously delineated within dolphin species based on i) geographic isolation, ii) genetics regardless isolation, and iii) habitat, regardless isolation and genetics, can be detected through acoustic monitoring. Recordings collected from 104 acoustic encounters of Stenella coeruleoalba, Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus in the Azores, Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea and the Western Mediterranean basin between 1996 and 2012 were analyzed. The acoustic structure of communication signals was evaluated by analyzing parameters of whistles in relation to the known genetic and habitat-driven population structure. Results Recordings from the Atlantic and Mediterranean were accurately assigned to their respective basins of origin through Discriminant Function Analysis, with a minimum 83.8% and a maximum 93.8% classification rate. A parallel pattern between divergence in acoustic features and in the genetic and ecological traits within the basins was highlighted through Random Forest analysis. Although it is not yet possible to establish a causal link between each driver and acoustic differences between basins, we showed that signal variation reflects fine-scale diversity and may be used as a proxy for recognizing discrete units. Conclusion We recommend that acoustic analysis be included in assessments of delphinid population structure, together with genetics and ecological tracer analysis. This cost-efficient non-invasive method can be applied to uncover distinctiveness and local adaptation in other wide-ranging marine species.

Abstract Food products suitable for Muslim consumers should be halal certified, particularly when their origins or production processes are doubtful. However, there is a multiplicity of halal standards. This situation may generate confusion, particularly for producers in Western countries who would like to certify their products in order to export them to Islamic countries. This study analyzed the reasons underlying the multiplicity of standards and reviewed the attempts of harmonization over time. Then, the case study of application to slaughterhouses was considered, by comparing four different halal standards (namely GSO 993:2015, OIC/SMIIC 1:2019, HAS 23103:2012, and MS 1500:2019) representative of different geographic areas. Animal stunning was critically examined, comparing tradition with modernity. The study evidenced that the basic requirements related to slaughtering are common to all the halal standards considered, but several differences occur in more specific details. Only a close collaboration between the authorities of all the countries involved in issuing halal certifications will lead to a homogeneous regulatory framework with unified certification and accreditation procedures, increasingly required in a globalized market.

Bodily pain plagues populations across the globe. Past studies have discovered some links between synoptic weather types and different kinds of pain. These relationships are essential as they can aide in treatment and potentially prevention of pain. In this study, the role of geographical characteristics on the relationships between synoptic weather type and pain were looked at. North Carolina was separated into three geographic sections: Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont Plateau, and Coastal Plain. Over a 7-year period, synoptic weather types and emergency department (ED) visits for various kinds of pain (migraine, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and general back pain) were collected. Bootstrapped confidence intervals of the mean number of population-adjusted ED visit rates (per 100,000 persons), for the different synoptic weather types, were compared across the different geographic regions. In the plateau region, Moist Tropical and Moist Moderate weather types were often linked to the highest rates of ED visits, while Polar weather types were frequently associated with the fewest visits. The mountainous portion of the state displayed similar patterns between synoptic weather types and the different forms of pain, with migraine and fibromyalgia being the exceptions. Few statistically significant relationships were noted for the coastal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric and lower‐stratospheric motions at mesoscales and larger are a mixture of waves and two‐dimensional (2‐D) turbulence. Determining their relative importance is necessary, since waves are capable of coordinated systematic momentum transport accompanying the wave propagation, and associated wind forcing, in ways that 2‐D turbulence is not. This can impact weather forecasting. Using a network of ten windprofiler radars in eastern Ontario and western Quebec in Canada, plus an additional one in the Arctic, the relative roles of internal gravity (buoyancy) waves and two‐dimensional turbulence are examined at temporal scales from about 3–4 hrs to several tens of hours (horizontal spatial scales of typically one or two hundred kilometres to a few thousand kilometres), with the purpose of investigating the respective roles of these two distinct characteristic fluid motions as functions of location, season and year. The emphasis is on studies of spectral slope variability, rather than absolute spectral magnitudes, giving a perspective not previously substantially presented. In particular, we have found a frequency band in which gravity‐wave Doppler shifting produces distinctly different spectral slopes than those predicted for 2‐D turbulence, and these differences are employed to distinguish the flow fields. The network used (excluding the Arctic site) covers an area of ∼106 km2 and includes a variety of different terrains. Radial velocities have been recorded on time scales of minutes for data lengths covering durations of up to 12 years. Altitude coverage is from 1 km to typically 14 km, at 500 m resolution. Results suggest a region from ∼2 to ∼5 km altitude (deeper for some radars) where waves are weaker and 2‐D turbulence appears to be generally more significant, but where occasional bursts of gravity‐wave activity can occur, while above typically 6–8 km, gravity waves increase in significance. There are distinct site‐to‐site variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Threespine stickleback exhibit a row of superficial neuromasts that project through the bony plates on each side of the trunk and which constitute an important sensory modality for detection of near-field water motion. Previously, we have shown that numbers of neuromasts on each structural plate are highly variable among populations. In the current paper, we expand this study to evaluate the extent of deviation from bilateral symmetry of 4344 fish in 57 natural and three transplant populations of threespine stickleback from lakes, streams and oceanic habitats of coastal British Columbia, predicting that neuromasts would be largely bilaterally symmetrical for optimal detection of external stimuli. In contrast, we found asymmetry in all populations, the greatest amount occurring on the anterior buttressing lateral plates and on populations with the fewest neuromasts. We found no consistent trends of signed (directional) asymmetry (SA) among the populations while relative absolute asymmetry (RAA) is lower in dystrophic (stained) habitats than in clearwater habitats (p < 0.001), except for fish with few neuromasts. Sexual dimorphism in RAA is also greater in dystrophic habitats (p < 0.001). Transplants from stained lakes to unstained ponds resulted in a 0.1% to 14% difference in RAA from the source population in less than 12 generations but varied in direction among experiments. Our data suggest a widespread tendency for populations exposed to reduced photic information to exhibit reduced asymmetry in their lateral line system, which can change rapidly in response to a new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prioritizing groupings of organisms or 'units' below the species level is a critical issue for conservation purposes. Several techniques encompassing different time-frames, from genetics to ecological markers, have been considered to evaluate existing biological diversity at a sufficient temporal resolution to define conservation units. Given that acoustic signals are expressions of phenotypic diversity, their analysis may provide crucial information on current differentiation patterns within species. Here, we tested whether differences previously delineated within dolphin species based on i) geographic isolation, ii) genetics regardless isolation, and iii) habitat, regardless isolation and genetics, can be detected through acoustic monitoring. Recordings collected from 104 acoustic encounters of Stenella coeruleoalba, Delphinus delphis and Tursiops truncatus in the Azores, Canary Islands, the Alboran Sea and the Western Mediterranean basin between 1996 and 2012 were analyzed. The acoustic structure of communication signals was evaluated by analyzing parameters of whistles in relation to the known genetic and habitat-driven population structure. Results: Recordings from the Atlantic and Mediterranean were accurately assigned to their respective basins of origin through Discriminant Function Analysis, with a minimum 83.8% and a maximum 93.8% classification rate. A parallel pattern between divergence in acoustic features and in the genetic and ecological traits within the basins was highlighted through Random Forest analysis. Although it is not yet possible to establish a causal link between each driver and acoustic differences between basins, we showed that signal variation reflects fine-scale diversity and may be used as a proxy for recognizing discrete units. Conclusion: We recommend that acoustic analysis be included in assessments of delphinid population structure, together with genetics and ecological tracer analysis. This cost-efficient non-invasive method can be applied to uncover distinctiveness and local adaptation in other wide-ranging marine species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the projects aimed at solving the problem of the decline of silver fi r in the Czech Republic in the 1970s was the establishment of a 20-member series of provenance plots with 153 provenances representing almost the entire distribution area of the species. The work presents results of the evaluation of 36 provenances of silver fir originating from 10 European countries, which are verified in the research plot No. 62 – Nýrsko (western Bohemia). The age of evaluated stands is 36 years. Heights, d.b.h., stem shape and health status of all living trees were determined. Calculated volumes of large wood were compared with the yield tables. Results are interpreted in connection with the assessment of geographical variability within the provenance zones, climatypes and European forest zoning. Based on the obtained data, Czech provenances CZ 185 – Bruntál, CZ 198 – Vítkov and CZ 37 – Rychnov nad Kněžnou belonging to climate type 6c – Lusatian, and also French F 118 – SaintÉvroult II (climatype 3 – Normandy) were evaluated as the best growing. The Italian provenance I 227 – Popi e Bibbiena and the French F 162 – Les Fanges IV proved to be the least successful. Only average values were reached by the provenances belonging to the local climatype 6b – Šumava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food products suitable for Muslim consumers should be halal certified, particularly when their origins or production processes are doubtful. However, there is a multiplicity of halal standards. This situation may generate confusion, particularly for producers in Western countries who would like to certify their products in order to export them to Islamic countries. This study analyzed the reasons underlying the multiplicity of standards and reviewed the attempts of harmonization over time. Then, the case study of application to slaughterhouses was considered, by comparing four different halal standards (namely GSO 993:2015, OIC/SMIIC 1:2019, HAS 23103:2012, and MS 1500:2019) representative of different geographic areas. Animal stunning was critically examined, comparing tradition with modernity. The study evidenced that the basic requirements related to slaughtering are common to all the halal standards considered, but several differences occur in more specific details. Only a close collaboration between the authorities of all the countries involved in issuing halal certifications will lead to a homogeneous regulatory framework with unified certification and accreditation procedures, increasingly required in a globalized market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated differences in the geographic distribution of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over time in central North Carolina with data from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. Using generalized additive models and geographic information systems we produced maps of ASD risk in 2002–2004 and 2006–2008. Overall the risk of ASD increased 52.9 % from 2002–2004 to 2006–2008. However, the magnitude of change in risk was not uniform across the study area; while some areas experienced dramatic increases in ASD risk(>400 %), others experienced slight decreases. Generally,areas with the lowest risk in 2002–2004 experienced the greatest increases over time. Education and outreach efforts in North Carolina expanded during this period, possibly contributing to the observed leveling of risk over time.

Miconia rufa is considered an endemic species complex from the eastern Cuban mountains, which includes M. plumieriifolia, a taxonomic decision based on the review of only a few herbarium specimens. Recent collections of this taxa allowed the verification of the foliar shape and size differences between populations of Sierra Maestra and Toa ranges, which indicated the need for a more detailed study regarding this subject. In the current paper, we characterized and morphometrically compared leaves among northeast and southwest groups of eastern Cuba, to provide elements that clarify their delimitation. We analyzed 361 leaves from 45 individuals from different herbaria, the length, maximum width and leaf area were measured, and the shape was described by internal angles, shape indexes, landmarks and Fourier contour descriptors. To characterize environmental conditions of source localities, we extracted bioclimatic models and remote sensing data, a set of variables including mean and annual maximum temperatures, precipitations, altitude, slope, tree cover, NDVI, aridity index and evapotranspiration potential from maps. Populations from northeast and southwest parts were statistically different in length and shape of leaves. Except for the type locality of each name, the rest were not markedly different in environmental conditions, but morphometric differences in leaves were associated with environmental differences. Individuals from the Gran Piedra mountain range show extremes properties. Morphometric characteristics from the type collection of M. rufa and M. plumieriifolia were not representative of all population spatial variability, therefore other studies are required to clarify the origin of these spatial morphometric patterns in the leaves differences of this species complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates 27 provenances of three subspecies of lodgepole pine on the Kovářská research plot (Krušné hory Mts.). The plot is part of a series of three established plots in various stand conditions. Two plots were already evaluated and the findings were published. At 34 years of age, we evaluated height, DBH, trunk shape, trunk forking, branch thickness, bark type, mortality, and defoliation. A total of 1,147 trees were measured. Above-average growth was achieved predominantly by the provenances of Pinus contorta subsp. latifolia (Engelmann ex S. Watson) Critchfield from middle elevations. In the Pinus contorta subsp. contorta Douglas ex Loudon, only the 2099 Port Orford provenance from Oregon demonstrated favourable results, and in the Pinus contorta subsp. murrayana (Balfour) Engelmann it was 2098 Chemult. High mortality was demonstrated mainly in the P. c. subsp. murrayana provenance from high mountainous elevations in California and P. c. subsp. contorta from coastal regions of Oregon. Provenances from middle elevations had relatively lower mortality, especially P. c. subsp. latifolia. The pines usually were of good quality although this was not the case for defoliation and branch thickness. In comparing all plots of the series, growth was fastest at the Sofronka location in western Bohemia and slowest at the south Bohemian Mláka location. Only the best provenances of lodgepole pine can equal the domestic Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris Linnaeus).

The coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic started in Italy by the end of January 2020 and, after 1 month, it affected 1049 persons. Based on the Italian Ministry of Health data, we reconstructed the daily course of virus‐positive cases and deaths over March 2020 for the whole of Italy, 19 regions and 2 provinces. From 29 February to 31 March, there was a 100.9‐fold increase in the cumulative number of cases and a 428.6‐fold increase in the number of deaths in Italy. When plotted on a semilogarithmic scale, the curves tended to diverge from linearity with 23%, 16%, and 7% average daily increases during the three decades of March. Similarly, the number of deaths decreased from an average daily growth of 19% over the second decade to 10% over the third decade. The correlation coefficients relating the days to cases or deaths over each one of the three decades approached unity. As inferred from the equations of the regression lines relative to the three decades, the doubling times of cases were 3.4, 5.1, and 9.6 days, respectively. The doubling times of deaths over the second and third decades were 4.9 and 7.0 days, respectively. There was a broad geographic variability, with a striking gradient from the North, where 40.8% of cases and 57.9% of deaths occurred in Lombardy, to the South. On the whole, over March there was a trend to epidemic growth decline but the time for the end of the epidemic will depend on a variety of factors and, at present, it is unpredictable. Highlights: Italy was the first western country to experience the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic.A 100,000‐fold increase in cumulative cases and a 429‐fold increase in the cumulative number of deaths were recorded in Italy over the month of March 2020.Even on a semilogarithmic scale, the curves showing the cumulative numbers of both cases and deaths tended to diverge from linearity.The average daily increases of cumulative cases during the 3 decades of March were 23%, 16%, and 7%, whereas those of deaths during the 2nd and 3rd decades were 19% and 10%, respectively.As inferred from the equations of the regression lines relative to the 3 decades, the doubling times of cases were 3.4, 5.1 and 9.6 days, respectively, whereas the number of deaths doubled every 4.9 days during the 2nd decade and every 7.0 days during the 3rd decade.Drawing morbidity and mortality data individually in 19 Italian regions and 2 provinces showed a broad geographic variability, with a striking gradient from North to South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sequence variability of the Epstein–Barr virus has been extensively studied throughout previous years in isolates from various geographic regions and consequent variations at both genetic and genomic levels have been described. However, isolates from South America were underrepresented in these studies. Here, we sequenced 15 complete EBV genomes that we analyzed together with publicly available raw NGS data for 199 EBV isolates from other parts of the globe by means of a custom-built bioinformatic pipeline. The phylogenetic relations of the genomes, the geographic structure and variability of the data set, and the evolution rates for the whole genome and each gene were assessed. The present work contributes to overcoming the scarcity of complete EBV genomes from South America and is the most comprehensive geography-related variability study, which involved determining the actual contribution of each EBV gene to the geographic segregation of the entire genome. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, we established for the first time the evolution rate for the entire EBV genome based on a host–virus codivergence-independent assumption and assessed their evolution rates on a gene-by-gene basis, which were related to the encoded protein function. Considering the evolution of dsDNA viruses with a codivergence-independent approach may lay the basis for future research on EBV evolution. The exhaustive bioinformatic analysis performed on this new dataset allowed us to draw a novel set of conclusions regarding the genome evolution of EBV.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to analyze the geographic variability and the relationship between social determinants of health and COVID-19 lethality in Bariloche., Methods: A database from the National Epidemiological Surveillance System was used to analyze COVID-19 positive cases from January 2020 to December 2021. The data were geocoded and incorporated into a geographic information system (GIS). A three-step analytical framework was applied to measure health inequity, using socioeconomic indicators and access to services. A multivariate analysis was conducted to predict fatality., Results: A total of 25 020 COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Bariloche during the study period. The fatality rate was 2.1%. Significant variability in socioeconomic indicators was observed among different territorial delegations of the city., Discussion: The results showed health inequities and an association between social determinants and COVID-19 lethality in Bariloche. Individuals living in areas with higher socioeconomic vulnerability had a higher risk of mortality. These findings highlight the importance of addressing health inequities in a pandemic response.

We quantified the δ13C and δ15N values in the lower beaks of Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas, collected from international waters off Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Chile by Chinese squid jigging vessels during 2009, 2010 and 2013. There was a significant difference in the isotopic values among regions with the lowest value off Ecuador and the highest off Chile, which were interpreted as a function of trophic effects as well as baseline values. However, constant trophic level of D. gigas across its geographic range showed that spatial variation in the baseline of primary production is the main driver responsible for the observed geographic isotope variability. Inter-regional difference and intra-regional convergence of isotope values indicated squid off Costa Rica, Ecuador and Chile belong to different geographically segregated populations, which were previously proved by integrated population identifying method. In contrast, the higher variations in δ13C and δ15N values in a given size group suggest the squid off Peru move and forage in different places. Moreover, potential population exchange could be responsible for the overlap of the isotope values between the squid off Peru and off Chile. On the whole, the spatial difference in isotopic values of Humboldt squid beaks improves our understanding of potential geographic population connectivity and movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under an emission scenario where atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are stabilized, previous work suggests that on centennial time scales the rate of global temperature increases would steady at significantly lower rates than those of the 21st century. As climate change is not globally uniform, regional differences in achieving this steady rate of warming can be expected. Here, we define a "Time of Steady Change" (TSC) as the time of reaching this steady rate of warming, and we present a method for estimating TSC with the use of General Circulation Model experiments run under greenhouse gas stabilization scenarios. We find that TSC occurs latest in low latitudes and in the Arctic, despite these areas steadying at very different absolute warming rates. These broad patterns are robust across multiple General Circulation Model ensembles and alternative definitions of TSC. These results indicate large regional differences in the trajectory of climate change in coming centuries. Plain Language Summary: In a future where greenhouse gas concentrations have been stabilized, it is expected that the rate of global warming will decrease to a steady and slower rate than that observed in the 21st century. We also expect that the time of arriving at this steady, slow state of warming will have regional differences with some locations steadying sooner than others. Here we examine the time it takes to arrive at this steady state of warming and probe the regional differences in this arrival time. To do so, we make use of a collection of climate models all run under identical emission scenario where the concentrations of greenhouse gases increase throughout the 21st century and are then held constant for the following two centuries. We observe regional differences in the time it takes to arrive at a slower, steady state of warming. In particular, the Arctic and tropics are the last to arrive at a steady warming rate. Because the climate signal has been found to first emerge in the tropics, this work suggests that low latitudes will experience the longest duration of rapid warming. Key Points: The stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations would lead to regional differences in the time of achieving steady temperature increasesThe use of General Circulation Model ensembles allows evaluation of the relative timing of arriving at a state of steady climate changeThe Time of Steady Change occurs latest in low latitudes and the Arctic despite these areas steadying at very different warming rates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Douglas-fir is one of the most promising introduced tree species in Czech forests. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the two oldest experiments established in the Moravia region in 1959 on two localities: (i) Horní Lhota and (ii) Studená Loučka wiTh11 and 9 provenances, respectively. On the trials, basic quantitative characteristics were evaluated, obtained results from boThtrial were then compared. Also, an ocular assessment of basic qualitative traits was performed. On the trial Horní Lhota, there were found differences especially among growing stocks of individual provenances. Provenances from Oregon were found to be slightly above average in (i), while provenances from Washington were slightly above average in (ii). However, the Studená Loučka trial showed slightly worse evaluated characteristics compared wiThthe Horní Lhota trial. The universal optimal provenance for boThtrials was not found, the growing stock was influenced by the different number of trees in boThtrials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern data on the origin and biological significance of B chromosomes in plants and animals, their structure and evolution, and dynamics and polymorphism are considered. Some examples of various animal and plant species show a possible role of population variability in the number and morphological types of B chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Habitat fragmentation has a diverse impact on songbird populations, affecting their spatial structure and demographic parameters. The influence of fragmentation on the song differentiation processes has not been studied sufficiently. In 2014 and 2015, we studied the variability and spatial distribution of chaffinch songs in city parks of Moscow, which is one of the largest megacities in the world, covering an area of 870 km2. Recordings were made at 22 points located almost throughout the city; 763 male songs were recorded (≥26 males at each point). The complete catalogue of vocalizations recorded in the studied territory contains 42 song variants, including a total of 70 different types of low-level vocal components. No distinct patterns in the spatial distribution of Moscow song types were revealed. The Moscow city population of chaffinches proved to be bioacoustically homogeneous despite its occupying a considerable territory and having significant size variations in its habitats. The degree of differences between the chaffinch group repertoires in various places in Moscow does not depend on the distance between these points. A comparison of the Moscow population repertoire with that from Kursk oblast and Ukraine revealed a wide distribution of certain song types and showed that the extent of their ranges can reach 1000 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates 27 provenances of three subspecies of lodgepole pine on the Kovařska research plot (Krušne hory Mts.). The plot is part of a series of three established plots in various stand conditions. Two plots were already evaluated and the findings were published. At 34 years of age, we evaluated height, DBH, trunk shape, trunk forking, branch thickness, bark type, mortality and defoliation. A total of 1,147 trees were measured. Above-average growth was achieved predominantly by the provenances of Pinus contorta subsp. latifolia (Engelmann ex S. Watson) Critchfield from middle elevations. In the Pinus contorta subsp. contorta Douglas ex Loudon, only the 2099 Port Orford provenance from Oregon demonstrated favourable results, and in the Pinus contorta subsp. murrayana (Balfour) Engelmann it was 2098 Chemult. High mortality was demonstrated mainly in the P. c. subsp. murrayana provenance from high mountainous elevations in California and P. c. subsp. contorta from coastal regions of Oregon. Provenances from middle elevations had relatively lower mortality, especially P. c. subsp. latifolia. The pines usually were of good quality although this was not the case for defoliation and branch thickness. In comparing all plots of the series, growth was fastest at the Sofronka location in western Bohemia and slowest at the south Bohemian Mlaka location. Only the best provenances of lodgepole pine can equal the domestic Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris Linnaeus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The contents of quercetin glycosides and neochlorogenic acid in fresh berries of Cornelian cherry and Common dogwood were assessed through LC–MS/MS analysis to determine chemical differentiation between two distant populations of each species.Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical variability of Cornus mas and Cornus sanguinea on the basis of the content of six selected phenolic compounds in fruit extracts. Fruits were sampled at the time of full ripening, mid-September, from two localities that differed in terms of orographic and environmental conditions. Fresh fruit extracts were analyzed by LC–MS/MS to determine the presence and contents of neochlorogenic acid, quercitrin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, rutoside and querciturone. While all of the tested compounds were detected in both species, their content was several times higher in C. sanguinea. Locality-dependent differences were tested by appropriate statistical tests, which confirmed that the contents of all compounds significantly differed in C. mas, whereas the content of only one compound differed in C. sanguinea. Differences between populations were also revealed by PCA analyses. Both species showed clear separation of populations based on the analyzed phenolic compounds. The results showed that a specific environment can significantly affect the contents of certain secondary metabolites, as in the case of C. mas, and/or that the synthesis of these compounds can be to a lesser extent influenced by external factors, as in the case of C. sanguinea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change vulnerability assessment is a key first step for land managers attempting to address the potential impacts of future climatic conditions on important vegetation types. We compared outcomes of three vulnerability assessments focused on major vegetation types in Colorado. Assessments differed in methods and scale, but overlapped in both qualitative and quantitative techniques, and in vegetation types assessed. Agreement on vegetation type vulnerability was 47-50% between the regional scale southwestern Colorado assessment and either of two statewide assessments. Disagreements were due to regional sampling bias, qualitative vs. quantitative climate exposure analysis, or lack of information about the vegetation type in question. The two statewide-scale assessments were in agreement on 75% of vegetation types assessed in both studies; differences were due to choice and interpretation of climate projection data. Sources of variation are categorized in relation to a taxonomy of uncertainty. We compare our iterative experience of climate change vulnerability assessment using methods adapted to the needs and means of various land management agencies to the technique of triangulation used to gradually home in on the location of an object. We clarify ways in which participant choices shape the end result and mitigate the common perception that climate science is too difficult for the lay person to use or understand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has often been suggested that cardiovascular mortality and their geographical heterogeneity are associated with nutrients intake patterns and also lipid profile. The large Spanish study Dieta y Riesgo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares en España (DRECE) investigated this theory from 1991 to 2010. Out of the 4,783 Spanish individuals making up the DRECE cohort, 220 subjects (148 men and 72 women) died (4.62%) during the course of the study. The mean age of patients who died from cardiovascular causes (32 in all) was 61.08 years 95% CI (57.47-64.69) and 70.91% of them were males. The consumption of nutrients and the lipid profile by geographical area, studied by geospatial models, showed that the east and southern area of the country had the highest fat intake coupled to a high rate of unhealthy lipid profile. It was concluded that the spatial geographical analysis showed a relationship between high fat intake, unhealthy lipid profile and cardiovascular mortality in the different geographical areas, with a high variability within the country.

Current and unsolved problems in the relationship of genetic and breeding research of forest woody plants are discussed in the paper. In particular, disadvantages of isoenzymic and DNA polymorphism are analyzed. The tasks aimed at bringing together research of forest geneticists and breeders are discussed.

Well-controlled experiments that directly compare seasonal algal productivities across geographically distinct locations have not been reported before. To fill this gap, six cultivation testbed facilities were chosen across the United States to evaluate different climatic zones with respect to algal biomass productivity potential. The geographical locations and climates were as follows: Southwest, desert; Western, coastal; Southeast, inland; Southeast, coastal; Pacific, tropical; and Midwest, greenhouse. The testbed facilities were equipped with identical systems for inoculum production and open pond operation and methods were standardized across all testbeds to ensure accurate measurement of physical and biological variables. The ability of the testbed sites to culture and analyze the same algal species, Nannochloropsis oceanica KA32, using identical pond operational and data collection procedures was evaluated during the same seasonal timeframe. This manuscript describes the results of a first-of-its-kind coordinated testbed validation field study while providing critical details on how geographical variations in temperature, light, and weather variables influenced algal productivity, nitrate consumption, and biomass composition. We found distinct differences in growth characteristics due to the geographic location and the resulting climatic and seasonal conditions across the sites, with the highest productivities observed at the desert Southwest and tropical Pacific regions, followed by the Western coastal region. The lowest productivities were observed at the Southeast inland and Midwest greenhouse locations. These differences in productivities among the sites correlated with the differences in pond water temperature and available solar radiation. In addition two sites, the tropical Pacific and Southeast inland experienced unusual events, spontaneous flocculation, and unusually cold and wet (rainfall) conditions respectively, that negatively affected outdoor algal growth. In addition, minor variability in productivity was observed between the different experimental treatments at each site, much smaller compared to differences due to geographic location. Finally, the successful demonstration of the coordinated and standardized operation of the testbed sites established a rigorous basis for future validation of algal strains and operational conditions and protocols across a geographically diverse testbed network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the lipophilic and phenolic fractions of the wood of Eucalyptus grandis cultivated in Portugal, Brazil and South Africa, was studied. The lipophilic fraction of the studied E. grandis wood is mainly composed of sterols, fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Three triterpenic acids were detected for the first time in the wood extracts from Brazil. E. grandis wood from Portugal presents the largest lipophilic content (1.67 g kg −1 of dry wood), followed by South Africa (1.56 g kg −1 of dry wood) and Brazil (1.05 g kg −1 of dry wood). 51 Phenolic compounds were identified in E. grandis wood MeOH:H 2 O extracts, from which 11 are reported for the first time as E. grandis constituents and 4 phenolic compounds are firstly reported as Eucalyptus genus components. E. grandis wood from Brazil shows the highest phenolic content (∼2.36 g kg −1 of dry wood), followed by South Africa (∼1.90 g kg −1 of dry wood) and Portugal (∼1.30 g kg −1 of dry wood), demonstrating the influence of the geographic origin over E. grandis wood extractives composition and abundance, as well as on the antioxidant activities of the phenolic fractions. The detailed knowledge of these E. grandis extracts can contribute on the one hand to prevent their impact in the bleaching process, and, on the other demonstrates the potential of this species as a source of bioactive phytochemicals for nutraceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological variability of four characters in 13 samples of pond smelt Hypomesus olidus is investigated using three parameters: fluctuating asymmetry, geographic variability, and variability of characters. The differences in the level of fluctuating asymmetry in H. olidus from various water bodies of the Far East and, thus, in the stability of development depend on the differences in conditions of embryonic and early postembryonic development. Only one character of four (mean number of soft rays in pectoral fins) shows presence of geographic variability in smelt: the mean value of this character increase from north to south. Estimation of variability of characters demonstrates that the maximum fluctuations of the variation coefficient are characteristic of the number of infraorbital bones and the minimal fluctuations are characteristic of the number of soft rays in pectoral fins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin that has been identified in a range of phylogenetically unrelated marine and terrestrial organisms. Tetrodotoxin was recently detected in New Zealand in Pleurobranchaea maculata (the grey side-gilled sea slug). From June 2010 to June 2011 wild specimens were collected from 10 locations around New Zealand. At one site (Narrow Neck Beach, Auckland) up to 10 individuals were collected monthly for 6 months. Attempts were also made to rear P. maculata in captivity. Tetrodotoxin was detected in samples from eight of the ten sites. The highest average (368.7 mg kg−1) and maximum (1414.0 mg kg−1) concentrations were measured in samples from Illiomama Rock (Auckland). Of the toxic populations tested there was significant variability in TTX concentrations among individuals, with the highest difference (62 fold) measured at Illiomama Rock. Tetrodotoxin concentrations in samples from Narrow Neck Beach varied temporally, ranging from an average of 184 mg kg−1 in June 2010 to 17.5 mg kg−1 by December 2010. There was no correlation between TTX levels and mass. The highest levels correspond with the egg laying season (June–August) and this, in concert with the detection of high levels of TTX in eggs and early larval stages, suggests that TTX may have a defensive function in P. maculata. Only one larva was successfully reared to full maturation and no TTX was detected.

As ice sheets gain or lose mass, and as water moves between the continents and the ocean, the solid Earth deforms and the gravitational field of the planet is perturbed. Both of these effects lead to regional patterns in sea level change that depart dramatically from the global average. Understanding these patterns will lead to better constraints on the various contributors to the observed sea level change and, ultimately, to more robust projections of future changes. In both of these applications, a key step is to apply a correction to sea level observations, based on data from tide gauges, satellite altimetry, or gravity, to remove the contaminating signal that is due to the ongoing Earth response to the last ice age. Failure to accurately account for this so-called glacial isostatic adjustment has the potential to significantly bias our understanding of the magnitude and sources of present-day global sea level rise. This paper summarizes the physics of several important sources of regional sea level change. Moreover, we discuss several promising strategies that take advantage of this regional variation to more fully use sea level data sets to monitor the impact of climate change on the Earth system.