Growth History Research Articles

The largest to the south? Assessment of the latitudinal variation in Mustelus schmitti (Chondrichthyes: Carcharhiniforms: Triakidae), an endemic coastal shark of the Southwest Atlantic Ocean

Abstract Relative growth and life history traits along latitudinal gradients have been widely examined in bony fishes, but chondrichthyans have received less attention. The present work focuses on testing whether southern distributed individuals of Mustelus schmitti sharks are larger and will mature at larger sizes than northern distributed individuals. We also show that intraspecific variation follows the latitudinal pattern and that body shape proportions are not altered by latitudinal distribution. The specimens come from two areas 1200 km apart [Puerto Quequén (PQ) and Ria Deseado (Deseado estuary) (PD)], which implies 9 degrees of latitudinal difference. For PQ, four allometric variables related to the trunk of the body showed secondary sexual dimorphism, while for PD this dimorphism was observed in a single variable. The females of PQ presented with a higher relative growth of the trunk than the females of PD. Males, by contrast, did not present a characteristic growth pattern that could differentiate specimens between the two areas. Specimens of both sexes in PD reached a larger average total length at first maturity (P < .05) than those in PQ.

Self-similar Buildup and Inside-out Growth: Tracing the Evolution of Intermediate-to-high-mass Star-forming Galaxies since z = 2

We aim to discern scenarios of structural evolution of intermediate-to-high-mass star-forming galaxies (SFGs) since cosmic noon by comparing their stellar mass profiles with present-day stellar masses of log(M*,0/M⊙)=10.3−11 . We addressed discrepancies in the size evolution rates of SFGs, which may be caused by variations in sample selection and methods for size measurements. To check these factors, we traced the evolution of individual galaxies by identifying their progenitors using stellar mass growth histories (SMGHs), integrating along the star-forming main sequence and from the IllustrisTNG simulations. Comparison between the structural parameters estimated from the mass- and light-based profiles shows that mass-weighted size evolves at a slower pace compared to light-based ones, highlighting the need to consider the mass-to-light ratio (M/L) gradients. Additionally, we observed mass-dependent growth in stellar mass profiles: massive galaxies ( log(M*,0/M⊙)≳10.8 ) formed central regions at z ≳ 1.5 and grew faster in outer regions, suggesting inside-out growth, while intermediate-mass and less massive SFGs followed a relatively self-similar mass buildup since z ∼ 2. Moreover, slopes of observed size evolution conflict with the predictions of TNG50 for samples selected using the same SMGHs across our redshift range. To explore the origin of this deviation, we examined changes in angular momentum (AM) retention fraction using the half-mass size evolution and employing a simple disk formation model. Assuming similar dark matter halo parameters, our calculations indicate that the AM inferred from observations halved in the past 10 Gyr while it remained relatively constant in TNG50. This higher AM in simulations may be due to the accretion of high-AM gases into disks.

The natural history of cerebral infundibula: A retrospective cohort study.

Debate exists regarding the true pathogenicity of cerebral infundibula (CI). Pre-aneurysmal lesions and benign anatomical variants have both been proposed. In this study, we present the largest single cohort series on the natural history of CI. Retrospective review of prospective surveillance of 420 CI was undertaken in a single tertiary cerebrovascular centre. All CI diagnosed by a neuroradiologist, diagnosed on either a Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), Computed tomography angiography (CTA) or Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were eligible for inclusion. Imaging and demographic characteristics were recorded at baseline. CI growth and aneurysm transformation were the outcomes of interest. Groupwise comparison was conducted via Fischer exact testing. Kaplan Meir curves and Cox proportional hazard ratios were used to assess variables of interest with respect to time on surveillance. 402 patients with 420 CI were surveyed over 2418 infundibula-years. Eleven CI (2.62%) grew on surveillance, and three (0.7%) transformed into aneurysms. Median time to growth was 85 months (36-263) and median time to aneurysm transformation was 112 months (96-142). Of the CI that grew, male sex and CI >2 mm at diagnosis were significant predictors of growth (all p<0.05). Of the CI that grew in surveillance, 2/11 (18.2%) transformed into aneurysms (p=0.001). Aneurysm transformation occurred at a rate of 1.27 per 1000 infundibula years. CI growth on surveillance (p= 0.00016) and size at diagnosis (p=0.038) remained significant predictors of aneurysm transformation on Kaplan Meir curves. The transformation of a CI to an aneurysm occurs at a low rate. A history of growth on surveillance imaging represents significant risk for aneurysm transformation.

Temporal variability and predictability predict alpine plant community composition and distribution patterns.

One of the most reliable features of natural systems is that they change through time. Theory predicts that temporally fluctuating conditions shape community composition, species distribution patterns, and life history variation, yet features of temporal variability are rarely incorporated into studies of species-environment associations. In this study, we evaluated how two components of temporal environmental variation-variability and predictability-impact plant community composition and species distribution patterns in the alpine tundra of the Southern Rocky Mountains in Colorado (USA). Using the Sensor Network Array at the Niwot Ridge Long-Term Ecological Research site, we used in situ, high-resolution temporal measurements of soil moisture and temperature from 13 locations ("nodes") distributed throughout an alpine catchment to characterize the annual mean, variability, and predictability in these variables in each of four consecutive years. We combined these data with annual vegetation surveys at each node to evaluate whether variability over short (within-day) and seasonal (2- to 4-month) timescales could predict patterns in plant community composition, species distributions, and species abundances better than models that considered average annual conditions alone. We found that metrics for variability and predictability in soil moisture and soil temperature, at both daily and seasonal timescales, improved our ability to explain spatial variation in alpine plant community composition. Daily variability in soil moisture and temperature, along with seasonal predictability in soil moisture, was particularly important in predicting community composition and species occurrences. These results indicate that the magnitude and patterns of fluctuations in soil moisture and temperature are important predictors of community composition and plant distribution patterns in alpine plant communities. More broadly, these results highlight that components of temporal change provide important niche axes that can partition species with different growth and life history strategies along environmental gradients in heterogeneous landscapes.

Building innovation ecosystems for circularity: Start-up business models in the food and construction sectors in the Netherlands

The circular economy is a resource-efficient production model that is believed by many policymakers, business leaders, and academics to promote sustainability. Academic literature suggests that circularity is achievable across business scales and types, from multinational corporations to start-ups. One condition for circular transition is the presence of a thriving market and a policy context that supports development and uptake of circular innovations. This study is among the first to analyze the business models of circular-focused start-ups from a systems-based perspective on technological innovation. Examining the Dutch food and construction sectors, the study compares business activities that foster innovation ecosystems. Based on 53 interviews with start-up founders and actors, we examine how firms respond to financial, cultural, and market drivers based on their respective industries' market structures, cultural norms, and growth histories. The results also indicate variability in the practical impacts of circular strategies. While there is some evidence of strategic impact among food start-ups, impacts among construction start-ups are potentially undermined by power imbalances between start-ups and incumbents and by the sector's relatively conservative culture. This comparison is used to develop recommendations for start-ups and policymakers to accelerate circular transition through the development of innovation ecosystems.

Mapping stem volume in fast-growing eucalypt plantations: integrating spectral, textural, and temporal remote sensing information with forest inventories and spatial models

Key messageAccurate volume estimation in Eucalyptus plantation stands was achieved by a linear model using SPOT and Landsat multispectral imagery, specifically texture indices and pixel-scale NDVI time integrals, which reflect the local plantation growth history. Spatial modelling techniques such as Kriging with External Drift and Generalized Additive Model slightly improved predictions by accounting for spatial correlation of volume between sample points.ContextForest inventories are widely used to estimate stand production. To capture the inherent spatial variability within stands, spatial modelling techniques such as Kriging with External Drift (KED) and the generalized additive model (GAM) have emerged. These models incorporate information on spatial correlation and auxiliary variables that can be obtained from satellite imagery.AimsOur study explored the use of reflectance data from SPOT and Landsat multispectral imagery. We focused on texture indices and temporal integration of vegetation indices as auxiliary variables in KED and GAM to predict stem volume of fast-growing Eucalyptus sp. plantations in Brazil.MethodsThe components extracted from the high-resolution SPOT-6 image included spectral band values, band ratio metrics, key vegetation indices (NDVI, SAVI, and ARVI), texture measurements, and indices derived from texture analysis. Additionally, we included the accumulated NDVI time series acquired from Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellites between the planting date and the forest inventory measurement date.ResultsThe best linear model of stem volume using remotely sensed predictors gave an R-squared value of 0.95 and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 12.44 m3/ha. The R-squared increased to 0.96 and the RMSE decreased to 10.6 m3/ha when the same predictors were included as auxiliary variables in the KED and GAM spatial models.ConclusionThe linear model using remotely sensed predictors contributed most to volume prediction, but the addition of spatial coordinates in the KED and GAM spatial models improved local volume predictions.

Retroperitoneal ancient schwannoma presenting as left flank pain and moderate unilateral hydronephrosis: A case report and literature review.

Benign ancient retroperitoneal schwannomas (BARS) exhibit abdominal masses and flank pain to incidental findings at more advanced stages. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis is essential for confirmation of benign nature. Our patient was misdiagnosed as ureteric colic, highlighting the need to consider BARS in differential diagnosis to prevent complications like hydronephrosis. Ancient schwannomas are usually benign neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. We present a novel case of a 24-year-old young male with left flank pain and nausea which was initially thought to be left ureteric colic. However, in-depth imaging and biopsy revealed a retroperitoneal mass. The definitive diagnosis was narrowed down to Benign Retroperitoneal Ancient Schwannoma (BARS) via immunohistochemistry and histopathological analysis. This often marble-shaped S100 protein-positive tumor is an under-recognized and potential cause of hydronephrosis if localized near the renal structures. In addition, the retroperitoneal location with infrarenal abdominal aortic adherence is another rare peculiarity in the present case that demands prompt diagnosis and surgical excision to avoid any cardiovascular sequelae such as hypotension and abdominal pain, as indicated by the natural history of growth of this benign tumor. Therefore, timely excision of this benign tumor prior to its further proliferation is paramount. We initially planned laparoscopic removal but adopted excision via laparotomy because of the proximity of the vital structures. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful and subsequently the patient's presenting complaint of left abdominal flank pain greatly improved. The patient was advised to undergo follow-up computed tomography scan of kidney ureter bladder and RFT evaluation 6 months postsurgery which indicated no evidence of recurrence or iatrogenic complications. The diagnosis and management of the present case share valuable experiences for similar future cases worldwide.

A Lagrangian Model‐Based Analysis of Protist Plankton Variability and Its Impact on Organic Matter Dynamics Along Transit Pathways Through the Fram Strait

AbstractThe Arctic Ocean is characterized by substantial seasonal and inter‐annual variability, of which the sources and impacts are not yet fully understood. Here, we analyze how much of the variability found in in situ observations of biogeochemical and ecological variables collected at the Long‐Term Ecological Research Observatory HAUSGARTEN can be explained by differences in the physical conditions in the water masses passing through the Fram Strait (FS). Employing a size‐based plankton ecosystem model with nine distinct size classes of protist phyto‐ and zooplankton, we simulate standing stocks and fluxes within the nutrient, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus pools in water parcels that follow trajectories tracing the opposing East‐Greenland and West‐Spitsbergen currents through the FS. Our model results agree with in situ observations of biogeochemical tracers, plankton size measurements, climatological data, and remote sensing observations. They show distinct temporal developments in plankton size composition, growth, and export in trajectory ensembles, highlighting how variable physical conditions affect the communities' specific growth histories. Our study indicates that 10%–72% of the variability in upper water column tracer concentrations observed in the FS can be attributed to differences in water parcel trajectories. The maxima of net primary production and vertical export along the trajectories occurred in some (spatial and temporal) distance upstream of the sites of in situ sampling. This study shows that Lagrangian modeling helps clarify complex biogeochemical‐ecological relationships in highly dynamic systems such as the FS, which is urgently needed to understand the role of climate change in the Arctic carbon cycle.

X-Ray Bright Active Galactic Nuclei in Local Dwarf Galaxies: Insights from eROSITA

Although supermassive black holes (SMBHs) reside in the heart of virtually every massive galaxy, it remains debated whether dwarf galaxies commonly host SMBHs. Because low-mass galaxies may retain memory of the assembly history of their black holes (BHs), probing the BH occupation fraction of local dwarf galaxies might offer insights into the growth and seeding mechanisms of the first BHs. In this work, we exploit the Western half of the eROSITA all-sky survey (covering 20,000 deg2) and compile a catalog of accreting SMBHs in local (D < 200 Mpc) dwarf galaxies. Cleaning our sample from X-ray background sources, X-ray binaries, and ultraluminous X-ray sources, we identify 74 active galactic nucleus (AGN)–dwarf galaxy pairs. Using this large and uniform sample, we derive the luminosity function of the dwarf galaxy AGN, fitting it with a power-law function and obtaining dN/dLX=(15.9±2.2)×LX−1.63±0.05 . Measuring the offset between the dwarf galaxies' centroids and the X-ray sources, we find that ≈50% of the AGN are likely off-nuclear, in agreement with theoretical predictions. We compare the BH-to-stellar mass relation of our sample with the local and high-redshift relations, finding that our sources better adhere to the former, which suggests that local AGN across different mass scales undergo similar growth histories. Finally, we compare our sources with semianalytical models: while our sample’s shallowness prevents distinguishing between different seeding models, we find that the data favor models that keep SMBHs in dwarf galaxies active at a moderate rate, motivating model improvement by comparison to AGN in the dwarf galaxy regime.

Towards the 10-Year Milestone of Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells.

The perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell represents one of the most promising avenues for exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction solar cells at a reasonable cost. Remarkably, its efficiency has rapidly increased from 13.7% in 2015 to 34.6% in 2024. Despite the significant research efforts dedicated to this topic, the "secret" to achieving high-performance perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells seems to be confined to a few research groups. Additionally, the discrepancies in preparation and characterization between single-junction and tandem solar cells continue to impede the transition from efficient single-junction to efficient tandem solar cells. This review first revisits the key milestones in the development of monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells over the past decade. Then, a comprehensive analysis of the background, advancements, and challenges in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is provided, following the sequence of the tandem fabrication process. The progress and limitations of the prevalent stability measurements for tandem devices are also discussed. Finally, a roadmap for designing efficient, scalable, and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is outlined. This review takes the growth history into consideration while charting the future course of perovskite/silicon tandem research.

Unravelling tectonic and lithological effects on transient landscapes in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece

AbstractLandscapes are the integrated product of external forcings (e.g. tectonics and climate) and intrinsic characteristics (e.g. bedrock erodibility). In principle, hard bedrock with low erodibility can steepen rivers in a similar way to tectonic uplift. A key challenge in geomorphic analysis is thus separating the tectonic and lithological effects on landscapes. To address this, we focus on multiple rivers that are transiently incising through contrasting lithologies in the Gulf of Corinth, Greece, where tectonic history is broadly well constrained. We first exploit topographic metrics and river long profiles to demonstrate that landscapes are responding to both tectonics and lithology. In particular, the long profiles are divided into knickpoint‐bounded segments, and at this scale, channel steepness is shown to be more sensitive to lithology than the entire catchment, possibly due to relatively uniform erosion rate at the segment scale. We then use segment‐scale steepness variations between different lithologies to constrain their relative erodibilities (Klime:Kcong.:Ksand‐silt:Kp‐con sed. = 1:2:3:4), which are further converted into actual lithology‐dependent erodibilities by modelling a well‐constrained, ca. 700 ka knickpoint in the Vouraikos catchment. The effectiveness of lithology‐dependent erodibilities is supported by the observation that if lithology‐dependent erodibilities are used to calibrate studied river long profiles in χ distance, we obtain long profile concavities that fall within the theoretical range. Finally, we use lithology‐calibrated metrics to provide new geomorphic constraints on the timing and magnitude of tectonic perturbations in these catchments. These geomorphic results are interpreted in conjunction with previous onshore and offshore studies to shed new light on fault growth and linkage history in the Gulf of Corinth. Our study therefore provides a topographic analysis‐based approach to quantify lithological effects on transient catchments, with important implications for tectonic interpretations of topographic metrics in lithologically heterogenous landscapes.

Tree growth history, legacy of large-scale forest management and climatic variability in North Finland

Tree growth history was investigated in North Finland to study the recently observed reduction in Scots pine growth. Tree-ring records from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) were compared to changes that have occurred in forest management activities and to variations in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), as similar comparisons have not been previously made with NFI data. A phase of increased growth was dated to the early 1970s when the forest management activities were intensified on a large scale. More recently, growth has notably declined since the early 2000s which coincides with reduced activity to clean the ditches to ensure they are draining the substrate adequately. The growth reduction appeared greater for trees from stands with higher basal area. Trees representing sites where the first cleaning of the stand (thinning) had been carried out did not show reduced growth. NAO indices correlated positively with growth, especially during the cold season. An interpretation on the value of snow conditions in a dynamic interaction with management history/stand density is put forth to explain the growth decline observed in NFI data over the past two decades.

Stochastic Modeling of Crack Growth and Maintenance Optimization for Metallic Components Subjected to Fatigue-Induced Failure

Abstract The degradation of metallic systems under cyclic loading is subject to significant uncertainty, which affects the reliability of residual lifetime predictions and subsequent decisions on optimum maintenance schedules. This paper focuses two main challenges in developing a reliable framework for the lifecycle management of fatigue-critical components: constructing a stochastic model that captures uncertainties in crack growth histories, and presenting a computationally efficient strategy for solving the stochastic optimization associated with maintenance scheduling. Polynomial chaos (PC) representation is proposed to propagate uncertainty in the fatigue-induced crack growth process, using a database from constant amplitude loading experiments. Additionally, an optimization strategy is implemented based on Gaussian process surrogate modeling to solve the stochastic optimization problem under maximum probability of failure constraints. The sensitivity of the optimum solution to different probability of failure thresholds is examined. The proposed framework offers a decision support tool for informed decision-making under uncertainty, aiming to mitigate fatigue failure.

The return of tall forests: Reconstructing the canopy resilience of an extensively harvested primary forest in Mediterranean mountains

Understanding recovery times and mechanisms of ecosystem dynamics towards the old-growth stage is crucial for forest restoration, but still poorly delineated in Mediterranean. Through tree-ring methods, we reconstructed the return of a tall canopy after severe human disturbance in a mixed beech (Fagus sylvatica) and silver fir (Abies alba) forest, located at a mountain site in the southern edge of both species' range (Gariglione, south Italy). The primary forest was extensively harvested between 1930 and 1950, removing up to 91 % of the biomass. Growth histories, climate-growth relationships and time-series of growth dominance in Gariglione were compared with a network of protected mature and old-growth beech forests distributed along a wide elevational gradient in the same region. We found that the renewed tall canopy of Gariglione is mainly composed of remnant trees, which include uncut trees and saplings, and the post-harvesting regeneration mostly represented by fir. Canopy beech trees reached maximum basal area increment (BAI) in the 1970s, 40–50 years after cutting. Then, beech BAI shifted towards negative trends in phase with drying climate (PDSI), while fir maintained a sustained growth until 2000. This growth asynchrony between the two species conferred community stability over the last decades. The network comparison highlighted the common negative impact of summer drought on high-frequency growth signals of beech in south Italy. However, analysis of long-term mean growth trends indicates decreasing BAI limited to Gariglione beech, revealing relevant differences due to site ecology and its interactions with legacy effects of past management in driving growth responses to climate change. Indeed, lowland mature beech forests showed increasing BAI in the last decades, while primary high-mountain forests displayed a remarkably stable low oscillating growth. In all the Mediterranean forests we studied, large and old trees showed a marked growth acclimation despite ongoing climate warming, demonstrating the effectiveness of landscape rewilding.

Rejuvenating liquid crystal elastomers for self-growth

To date, only one polymer can self-grow to an extended length beyond its original size at room temperature without external stimuli or energy input. This breakthrough paves the way for significant advancements in untethered autonomous soft robotics, eliminating the need for the energy input or external stimuli required by all existing soft robotics systems. However, only freshly prepared samples in an initial state can self-grow, while non-fresh ones cannot. The necessity of synthesizing from monomers for each use imposes significant limitations on practical applications. Here, we propose a strategy to rejuvenate non-fresh samples to their initial state for on-demand self-growth through the synergistic effects of solvents and dynamic covalent bonds during swelling. The solvent used for swelling physically transforms the non-fresh LCEs from the liquid crystal phase to the isotropic phase. Simultaneously, the introduction of the transesterification catalyst through swelling facilitates topological rearrangements through exchange reactions of dynamic covalent bonds. The rejuvenation process can also erase growth history, be repeated several times, and be regulated by selective swelling. This strategy provides a post-modulation method for the rejuvenation and reuse of self-growing LCEs, promising to offer high-performance materials for cutting-edge soft growing robotics.

Investigation of simultaneous production of H2 and separable carbon from CH4 in a fluidised bed of NiO/Ca2Fe2O5/CaO particles

This work investigated the possibility of simultaneous production of hydrogen/syngas and separable solid carbon in a fluidised bed by using CH4-CO2 cycles and exploring the carbon growth over solid catalytic particles of NiO/Ca2Fe2O5/CaO. This two-stage process included i) stage I: H2-rich gas and carbon were simultaneously generated from the interaction between CH4 and NiO/Ca2Fe2O5/CaO particles; and ii) stage II: the reduced/carbon-deposited particles were regenerated in CO2. Following our previous successful demonstration of the process for stable hydrogen production over cycles, this study focused on the formation of solid carbon and aimed at understanding its growth mechanism as well as demonstrating the potential of using fluidisation as a means of automatic carbon separation. By tracking the carbon growth history and the change in phases of the reacted NiO/Ca2Fe2O5/CaO particles at temperatures from 700 to 900 °C, we discovered the formation of various forms of nano-structured carbon from CH4 conversion (e.g. partial oxidation, pyrolysis). These include carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon graphite sheets, carbon onions (CNOs), and carbon fibres. Amorphous carbon was also observed, particularly in the initial stage of CH4 conversion. Higher temperatures like 800 °C and 900 °C gave faster kinetics of CH4 conversion and more formation of solid carbon. Fe3C phase was observed on the reduced catalytic particles and could act as an intermediate phase or carbon sink for carbon growth. The results suggested that other mechanisms for carbon deposition, such as directly over Fe sites, may also exist. Fluidisation with a higher U/Umf ratio separated more carbon-rich fines from the bulk catalytic particles in the fluidised bed. Fluidising with air at 700 °C effectively removed amorphous carbon on the reacted catalytic particles, whilst structured carbon remained. Full separation and purification to obtain pure carbon require furthers optimisation of e.g. fluidisation parameters and material design.

Exploring intrusive processes through the crystal cargo of volcanic rocks: The case of lava flows from Taranaki volcano, New Zealand

The present-day edifice of Taranaki volcano, New Zealand, is largely made up of lava flows extruded over approximately the last 8 kyr. The crystal cargo of plagioclase, pyroxene and amphibole in these lavas displays varied major, minor, and trace element zoning patterns, pointing to long and complex crystal growth histories. Crystal zoning patterns do not vary systematically between stratigraphic units, and multiple patterns are seen within the same sample over very short length scales. Intracrystalline elemental variations reveal mineral-melt interactions, which result in repeated resorption and recrystallisation in varied environments. Variable degrees of undercooling are evidenced by clinopyroxenes, with most crystals displaying sector zoning (ΔT < 50 K), while others only show concentric zoning, which suggests very low ΔT. The common occurrence of resorbed cores within the crystals and the prevalence of glomerocrysts indicate antecrystic and/or xenocrystic origins and crystal aggregation processes. We hypothesise that the repeated intrusion of melts into the crustal basement of Taranaki volcano has resulted in the formation of a heterogeneous subsolidus plutonic to supersolidus mushy (∼15–55 vol% crystals) system that interacts with intruding melts from the mantle. These interactions result in disaggregation of crystal clots from the plutonic intrusives and remobilization of the crystals through various sub-environments of small ephemeral mush pockets. Eruption-triggering injections of melt then pick up these crystals with varied growth histories to be extruded.

Pediatric spinal alignment and spinal development

BackgroundKnowledge of the growth spurt and remaining growth is essential for managing musculoskeletal diseases in children. Accurate prediction of curve progression and timely interventions are crucial, particularly for conditions like adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). MethodsThis study conducted a comprehensive review and synthesis of existing literature on spinal growth, skeletal maturity classifications, and the evolution of sagittal alignment parameters during childhood and adolescence. Key anatomical elements involved in spinal development, natural history of spinal growth, and skeletal maturity assessment systems were analyzed. ResultsThe analysis highlighted that key parameters such as Pelvic incidence (PI), Pelvic tilt (PT), and Lumbar lordosis (LL) increase significantly with growth, especially during the pubertal growth spurt. In contrast, Sacral slope (SS) remains relatively constant, and Thoracic kyphosis (TK) shows a slight increase. Additionally, there is a posterior shift in the center of gravity as children grow, reflecting progressive postural maturation. The study also reviewed and compared various maturity classification systems, noting the reliability and clinical implications of systems like the Sanders Maturity Stage (SMS) and Tanner-Whitehouse III. ConclusionsReliable maturity classification systems, such as the Sanders Maturity Stage (SMS) and Tanner-Whitehouse III, allow for tailored treatments to individual growth patterns. Integrating these classification systems into clinical practice enables precise prediction of curve progression and timely therapeutic interventions. This includes options from bracing to surgical techniques like growing rods or vertebral body tethering (VBT), with growth modulation being a key factor in achieving successful outcomes.

Growth characterization of mesophotic rhodoliths in the northern Gulf of Mexico using radiocarbon dating

Boxwork rhodoliths are characterized by a multitaxonomic composition and excessive void spaces, and they are distributed from intertidal to mesophotic depths. Growth rates and patterns in rhodoliths from shallower depths and simpler morphologies have been assessed using incremental and geochemical analyses, but rhodoliths from mesophotic depths have been harder to access and require more studies. Boxwork rhodoliths have proved too structurally complex for age and growth rate assessment techniques such as stable oxygen isotopes profiling or elemental mapping. We therefore utilized sequential radiocarbon analysis for growth characterization of mesophotic boxwork rhodoliths. Rhodoliths were collected from the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the northern Gulf of Mexico from one location at 48–72 m and another at 103 m. Specimens were extensively sampled for radiocarbon concentrations from predicted nucleation points and along growth axes. From depths of 48–72 m, nucleation ages ranged from 795 ± 20 to 3270 ± 25 14C yr B·P. From depths of 103 m, nucleation ages ranged from 8960 ± 110 to 13,050 ± 150 14C yr B.P., dating back to the end of the Pleistocene in some cases. Several rhodoliths contained evidence of growth hiatuses, with deeper samples displaying age reversals that complicated the apparent growth history. We define age reversals to be non-sequential ages within a sampling sequence, typically a singular age before the return to normal age sequence. The research presented here includes the oldest known living rhodoliths, with the oldest rhodoliths grown before and after Holocene sea-level stabilization. These results have implications for the use of rhodoliths as paleoenvironmental indicators, and provide better understanding of the range and volume of carbonate production in these habitats.

Foodscapes for salmon and other mobile consumers in river networks

Abstract Mobile consumers track fluctuating resources across heterogeneous landscapes to grow and survive. In river networks, the abundance and accessibility of food and the energetic consequences of foraging vary among habitats and through time, providing a shifting mosaic of growth opportunities for mobile consumers. However, a framework integrating the spatiotemporal dynamics of growth potential within riverscapes has been lacking. We present the concept of foodscapes to depict the dynamic changes in food abundance, food accessibility, and consumer physiology that contribute to spatial and temporal variation of fish growth in rivers. Drawing on case studies of salmonid fishes from Alaska to California, we illustrate how foodscapes can provide a plethora of foraging, growth, and life history opportunities that potentially contribute to population resilience. We identify knowledge gaps in understanding foodscapes and approaches for stewardship that focus on restoring diverse foraging and growth opportunities for fish and other mobile consumers in river networks.