Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infections in infants and older adults, with epidemiological patterns shaped by viral evolution and diversity. To investigate the molecular epidemiology of RSV before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted genomic surveillance and phylodynamic analyses of RSV-A and RSV-B circulating in Maryland from 2018 to 2024. Whole-genome sequencing of RSV-positive samples (n = 451) was performed, and genomes were analyzed with phylogenetic and Bayesian methods to estimate evolutionary rates, population dynamics, selection pressures, and genetic diversity. RSV-A predominated in most seasons, while RSV-B showed episodic surges in 2018 and 2023. All RSV-A genomes belonged to the ON1 genotype, and RSV-B belonged to BA9, with sequential clade dominances including A.D.1, A.D.5.2, A.D.1.6, and B.D.E.1 across different epidemic seasons in Maryland. Bayesian analyses estimated evolutionary rates of 7.07 × 10−4 substitutions/site/year for RSV-A and 1.02 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year for RSV-B and temporal fluctuations in effective population size linked to pandemic-related disruptions. RSV-A displayed greater overall entropy, yet RSV-B evolved slightly faster. Genetic variability was concentrated in the G glycoprotein, with positively selected sites at codon 273 (RSV-A) and codon 217 (RSV-B). These findings demonstrate temporal fluctuations in RSV-A and RSV-B predominance, clade replacement, and ongoing viral adaptation throughout the COVID-19 era, underscoring the importance of integrated genomic and phylodynamic studies.

The planar Ricker map, ( x , y ) ↦ ( x e r − x − αy , y e s − y − βx ) , is a non-injective map on the first quadrant arising in the study of population dynamics. It has been conjectured that if a positive fixed point of the planar Ricker map is locally asymptotically stable, then it must also be globally asymptotically stable. In a significant development, Baigent et al. [A global picture for the planar Ricker map: Convergence to fixed points and identification of the stable/unstable manifolds, J. Differ. Equ. Appl. 29(5) (2023), pp. 575–591] introduced a new Lyapunov function and demonstrated that when the parameters satisfy 0 ≤ r , s ≤ 2 , every orbit of the Ricker map converges to a fixed point. However, that same Lyapunov function fails globally for any parameter set beyond this parameter range. In this paper, we develop a theory that couples the use of certain forward-invariant sets with the same Lyapunov function for the purpose of proving global asymptotic stability of the planar Ricker map for a range of positive parameters outside of [ 0 , 2 ] 2 .

Gene networks that control gene expression play a primary role in determining the epigenetic and biochemical properties of cells. At the same time, the interconnectedness of gene networks with networks of other types and levels requires approaches that consider this complexity. The article addresses this problem by examining the nesting of gene networks within cells, which themselves are nodes of a higher-level network, namely, a cell ensemble. Information models (object, relational, and object-relational) of the control gene network over genetic blocks are created, as well as a model of the cell ensemble as a network over cell control gene networks. The combined two-level model describes the gene network structures within cell ensembles with the dynamic characteristics of the main molecular genetic processes. Based on these models, the SETIES platform was developed for in silico studies of molecular genetic systems controlling gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The platform includes software components for the design and visualization of cell and intercell gene networks, the automatic construction of their mathematical models, and the simulation of network dynamics in cell-free systems, cell lines, and clonal cell populations, as well as in cell ensembles with constant and dynamic structure. The computational modules implement the formalism of generalized threshold models, combining the advantages of discrete and continuous methods for modeling these systems. Among the tasks addressed are the construction of gene activity diagrams over time, the calculation of kinetic curves for mRNA and protein concentrations, the identification of gene expression patterns as functional states of the gene network, the assessment of parametric stability of regimes, and the simulation of mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance, phenotypic heterogeneity, and morphogenetic positioning. Overall, the platform implements the "network of networks" paradigm, which serves as the basis for advanced research in systems and synthetic biology.

ABSTRACT This article elaborates on the concept of the front line in the context of border studies and consider the societal peculiarities of Ukrainian frontline cities compared to other Ukrainian cities at war, employing the methodology of a phenomenological analysis and systematizing the statistical data. Using the concept of a military “borderscape”, the paper examines the structural and daily aspects of living near the front line. Specifically, it discusses how distance from the front line influences the population’s decision to migrate or remain in frontline cities during the Russian-Ukrainian War. Desktop research employing qualitative comparative analysis reveals the peculiarities of Ukrainian frontline cities’ functioning in terms of population dynamics, higher education, culture, and the economy. The research reveals that frontline cities become logistical deadlocks under the influence of the front line, experiencing economic marginalization, population fluctuation (a temporary decrease in population when the front line approaches, followed by stabilization when it retreats), and stagnation of cultural life and education (with schoolchildren and students mainly learning online).

The defining life history strategy of spring ephemeral wildflowers is their avoidance of shading by trees during the brief, high-light period before canopy leaf out. Studies suggest that spring ephemerals will experience increased light competition because canopy leaf out is more sensitive to warming than is the phenology of spring ephemerals. However, it remains unclear how longer durations of shade will alter the population dynamics of spring ephemerals and whether all populations are at risk. We experimentally shaded Erythronium umbilicatum for one to six additional weeks before canopy leaf out to test for immediate and lagged effects of early shading on the timing of senescence and the probability of survival and flowering. To predict the potential for earlier shading, we combined long-term time series of spring air temperature, remotely sensed tree leaf out, and E. umbilicatum flowering phenology in North Carolina, United States. Early shading did not alter E. umbilicatum until the following year, when more-shaded plants senesced later. Year-to-year survival did not change, and the probability of flowering was reduced only when plants experienced extremely early shading. Moreover, E. umbilicatum phenology was more sensitive than tree leaf out to warming temperatures. We project that, under climate warming, E. umbilicatum is unlikely to experience shortened periods of high light. Our findings show that a plant species' defining life history strategy does not necessarily predict their sensitivity to phenological mismatches. This incongruity complicates, but also underscores the importance of identifying the most vulnerable species and directing our research efforts accordingly.

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is an important pest in soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill. To investigate the adaptability of various A. glycines generations to high temperatures, this study assessed various life parameters of A. glycines exposed to a diurnal temperature of 33 °C and a nocturnal temperature of 20 °C (33 °C/20 °C) over three generations, compared to a diurnal temperature of 25 °C and a nocturnal temperature of 20 °C (25 °C/20 °C), by life table approach. The adult survival rates of A. glycines in the first (G1), second (G2), and third generations (G3) at 33 °C/20 °C were found to be lower than those at 25 °C/20 °C. Additionally, exposure to 33 °C/20 °C reduced aphid total longevity, oviposition day, and fecundity for G1, G2, and G3 compared to 25 °C/20 °C. These findings indicate that A. glycines can develop and reproduce at a diurnal temperature of 33 °C across the three tested generations, albeit with variations in certain life parameters compared to 25 °C. The results are important for understanding the adaptability of A. glycines to temperature fluctuations and for predicting the population dynamics of this pest in soybeans in Heilongjiang, China, which is currently experiencing rising environmental temperatures.

Diversification and hybridization in Andinocleome (Cleomaceae).

Polystyrene microplastic exposure reduces fecundity and delays development of the nematode Litoditis marina despite unaltered food absorption.

Thermal stress responses on developmental time, survival, and wing morphometrics in desert and coastal strains of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from India.

Extinction and persistence of Peregrinus maidis: Stochastic modeling under thermal, density-dependent, and maize off-season constraints.

Natural birth and death are fundamental mechanisms of population dynamics in ecosystems and have played pivotal roles in shaping population dynamics. Nevertheless, in studies of cyclic competition systems governed by the rock-paper-scissors (RPS) game, these mechanisms have often been ignored in analyses of biodiversity. On the other hand, given the prevalence and profound impact on biodiversity, understanding how higher-order interactions (HOIs) can affect biodiversity is one of the most challenging issues, and thus, HOIs have been continuously studied for their effects on biodiversity in systems of cyclic competing populations, with a focus on neutral species. However, in real ecosystems, species can evolve and die naturally or be preyed upon by predators, whereas previous studies have considered only classic reaction rules among three species with a neutral, nonparticipant species. To identify how neutral species can affect the biodiversity of the RPS system when species' natural birth and death are assumed, we consider a model of neutral species in higher-order interactions within the spatial RPS system, assuming birth and death processes. Extensive simulations show that when neutral species interfere positively, they dominate the available space, thereby reducing the proportion of other species. Conversely, when the interference is harmful, the density of competing species increases. In addition, unlike traditional RPS dynamics, biodiversity can be effectively maintained even in high-mobility regimes. Our study reaffirms the critical role of neutral species in preserving biodiversity.

New insights into the anaerobic digestion of high carbon wastewater with ciprofloxacin: Methane production and ARGs inhibition.

Population dynamics and infestation intensity of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.): Adult monitoring as a decision-support tool in pest management

Spatiotemporal dynamics of migratory shorebird populations in Korean coastal wetlands within the East Asian–Australasian Flyway

A new era of coccidiosis control: Eimeria and Clostridium perfringens dynamics in vaccinated broiler flocks after the ionophore phase-out in Norway.

Effects of agricultural land use and climate change on abundance and demography differ between two common small mammal species.

Dingoes (Canis familiaris) are an iconic Australian species and the top land predator. Much interest exists in their radiation process and evolutionary history in Australia. Recent research indicated that two evolutionarily independent units exist and that detected effective population size changes are due to the active control of this species. However, these conclusions have been critiqued because they were not explicitly tested or because the model assumptions may not be met in dingoes. We set out to statistically test these hypotheses by comparing alternative migration models and carrying out demographic analyses. We conclude that there is strong statistical support for the existence of the two evolutionary units. However, the analysis carried out to estimate the time of the effective population size changes does not have the required power to conclusively demonstrate whether the current management is having an impact on dingo populations. Future studies and different approaches will be needed to test this hypothesis.

Baer's Pochard (Aythya baeri), a diving duck endemic to eastern Asia, has once experienced a significant population decline and was classified as "Critically Endangered" in 2012. However, the factors contributing to this decline remain poorly understood. Nest survival is a crucial demographic parameter that significantly influences avian population dynamics and is often correlated with various environmental factors and the breeding period. We conducted research on its breeding biology from 2019 to 2022, documenting a total of 108 nests with laying dates ranging from 25 April to 15 July. The nest success rate was 24.97%. Predation was the primary cause of nest failure, accounting for 44.66% of nest failures, followed by desertion (17.48%), flooding (7.77%), and egg collecting by local people (6.80%). The analysis of the factors affecting daily nest survival indicated that daily nest survival was positively correlated with the height above water and the distance to shore of mound where they nested, but negatively correlated with the laying date. We suggest that controlling nest predation, providing suitable nesting sites, and maintaining suitable water levels are crucial for ensuring the nesting success of Baer's Pochard.

Diet composition is a crucial yet understudied, dimension of animal ecology, with seasonal dietary shifts being a key factor in the population dynamics of large herbivores. However, characterizing these variations and their drivers in free-ranging animals has been challenging due to their high mobility and the diverse plant species in their diet. According to optimal foraging theory, animals select their diet to maximize energy intake, a decision process that involves evaluating the abundance and quality of potential food sources. We determined the seasonal dietary shifts and food network in high-altitude grazing yaks using DNA metabarcoding targeting the trnL region of fecal samples. Seasonal shifts in yak diet composition were structured by resource heterogeneity and influenced by plant community diversity and aboveground biomass. Dietary diversity and richness were greater in winter than summer, while plant community diversity and species richness exhibited opposite trends. This pattern indicated that yaks exhibited the strongest dietary selection during the summer with high resource abundance. Less selection in winter led to more diet dissimilarities, possibly reflecting a compensatory strategy to mitigate energetic deficits by broadening dietary niche breadth and maximizing resource availability under food limitation conditions. The proportion of forbs consumed by yaks was highest in both summer and winter, while the intake of sedges and grasses increased significantly in winter, suggesting that yaks selected high-protein forbs over grasses or sedges. Our results support the predictions from optimal foraging theory, demonstrating that the energetic basis of dietary selection governs niche width in seasonal environments. Consistent with predictions from optimal foraging theory, our study shows that the energetic drivers of diet selection determine niche breadth in seasonal environments.

Mollusca, the second-largest invertebrate phylum, encompasses Gastropoda (snails/slugs), Bivalvia, and Cephalopoda. Gastropods—soft-bodied organisms with calcified shells—dominate Maharashtra's malacofauna. This comprehensive literature review synthesizes 40+ studies documenting terrestrial and aquatic gastropod diversity across Maharashtra's districts, cataloging 142 species (48 genera, 23 families), new records, seasonal variations, species richness, relative abundance, and population dynamics. Raigad exhibits highest diversity (63 species), followed by Pune (49), Nashik (42), and Amravati (30+). Urbanization, pollution, and invasives (Achatina fulica) threaten native fauna. Traditional morphological identification limits cryptic species detection; DNA barcoding is recommended for comprehensive documentation. Findings establish baseline malacofauna knowledge, identify research hotspots / gaps, and inform conservation strategies. The review underscores ecological roles (bioindicators, nutrient cycling) and highlights urgent need for systematic molecular surveys to preserve Maharashtra's gastropod heritage amid anthropogenic pressures.