Nearby Sites Research Articles

Nucleosome fibre topology guides transcription factor binding to enhancers.

Cellular identity requires the concerted action of multiple transcription factors (TFs) bound together to enhancers of cell-type-specific genes. Despite TFs recognizing specific DNA motifs within accessible chromatin, this information is insufficient to explain how TFs select enhancers1. Here we compared four different TF combinations that induce different cell states, analysing TF genome occupancy, chromatin accessibility, nucleosome positioning and 3D genome organization at the nucleosome resolution. We show that motif recognition on mononucleosomes can decipher only the individual binding of TFs. When bound together, TFs act cooperatively or competitively to target nucleosome arrays with defined 3D organization, displaying motifs in particular patterns. In one combination, motif directionality funnels TF combinatorial binding along chromatin loops, before infiltrating laterally to adjacent enhancers. In other combinations, TFs assemble on motif-dense and highly interconnected loop junctions, and subsequently translocate to nearby lineage-specific sites. We propose a guided-search model in which motif grammar on nucleosome fibres acts as signpost elements, directing TF combinatorial binding to enhancers.

Technology and raw material analysis of Linear Pottery culture ceramics from the Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Only a few Neolithic settlements attributed to the Linear Pottery culture 5100-4850 cal. BC) are known from the Sub-Carpathian area of Eastern Romania. From the Neamţ Depression, settlements were known from Târpeşti and recently from Topoliţa. The aim of the presented analyses was to determine data regarding ceramic technology at the Topoliţa site and to compare it with LBK ceramic technology in neighbouring areas. It was found that ceramic production patterns at Topoliţa were similar to those at nearby LBK sites in Romania and even to pottery from southeastern Poland. However, the selection of raw materials varied. At Topoliţa, only one type of raw material was used, while the nearest site at Târpeşti employed several different raw materials. These differences underscore the importance of local environmental factors in understanding ceramic production practices. The technological similarities between Topoliţa and Poland suggest that knowledge and practices were transmitted through cultural interactions and long-distance exchange networks.

Replicability of paleotemperature records in the northern Okinawa Trough and its implications for paleoceanographic reconstructions

Geochemical proxies are frequently utilized in the reconstruction of past ocean temperatures. Due to resource constraints, these reconstructions typically rely on a single sediment core, raising questions about the local and regional representativeness of paleotemperature records. To address this, we analyzed four sediment cores located within a 10-km radius in the northern Okinawa Trough (OT), which share the same climatic forcing and thus should reflect similar climate variations. We compiled published data and generated new paleotemperature estimates based on three widely used geochemical proxies (foraminiferal Mg/Ca, U37K′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{U}}_{37}^{{{\ ext{K}}^{\\prime}}}$$\\end{document}, TEX86\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{TEX}}_{86}$$\\end{document}). Analysis of the mean absolute deviations for nearby records based on the same proxy revealed that U37K′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{U}}_{37}^{{{\ ext{K}}^{\\prime}}}$$\\end{document} has the highest reproducibility, followed by Mg/Ca and TEX86\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{TEX}}_{86}$$\\end{document}. However, inconsistencies in inter-proxy offsets among nearby sites suggest the presence of noise in the proxy records, likely stemming from instrumental errors and sediment heterogeneity. Furthermore, the Mg/Ca and U37K′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{U}}_{37}^{{{\ ext{K}}^{\\prime}}}$$\\end{document} paleotemperature records agree within uncertainty when accounting for inter-site variability and calibration uncertainties, challenging previous interpretations of temperature signals from different seasons. All proxies indicate similar glacial-interglacial trends, albeit with varying magnitudes of temperature change. Both Mg/Ca and U37K′\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{U}}_{37}^{{{\ ext{K}}^{\\prime}}}$$\\end{document} records suggest a glacial cooling of ~ 3 °C, whereas TEX86\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{TEX}}_{86}$$\\end{document} sea surface temperature (SST) data indicate a stronger glacial cooling of approximately ~ 6–8 °C. Modern observations indicate a subsurface TEX86\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{TEX}}_{86}$$\\end{document} recording depth of 50–100 m, coinciding with the thermocline. However, the TEX86\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{TEX}}_{86}$$\\end{document} subsurface temperature (subT) record does not resemble the Mg/Ca records of thermocline-dwelling foraminifera species. Instead, there is a better agreement with benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca records of Uvigerina spp. (~ 700 m) and the intermediate temperature record derived from radiolarian assemblages (~ 500 m), pointing to a TEX86\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{TEX}}_{86}$$\\end{document} recording depth that is deeper than the thermocline. In summary, our findings show that proxy noise can impact inter-proxy comparisons of paleotemperature records, but not the direction of glacial-interglacial shifts. Future research should prioritize constraining the recording depth of paleotemperature proxies and reducing calibration uncertainty for more precise and reliable quantitative paleotemperature reconstruction.

First-Principles Study of 3R-MoS2 for High-Capacity and Stable Aluminum Ion Batteries Cathode Material.

Currently, exploring high-capacity, stable cathode materials remains a major challenge for rechargeable Aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs). As an intercalator for rechargeable AIBs, Al3+ produces three times the capacity of AlCl4- when the same number of anions is inserted. However, the cathode material capable of producing Al3+ intercalation is not a graphite material with AlCl4- intercalation but a transition metal sulfide material with polar bonding. In this paper, the insertion mechanism of Al3+ in 3R-MoS2 is investigated using first-principles calculations. It is found that Al3+ tends to insert into different interlayer positions at the same time rather than occupying one layer before inserting into another, which is different from the insertion mechanism of AlCl4- in graphite. Ab initio, molecular dynamics calculations revealed that Al3+ was able to stabilize the insertion of 3R-MoS2. Diffusion barriers indicate that Al3+ preferentially migrates to nearby stabilization sites in diffusion pathway studies. According to the calculation, the theoretical maximum specific capacity of Al3+ intercalated 3R-MoS2 reached 502.30 mAg h-1, and the average voltage of the intercalation was in the range of 0.75-0.96 V. Therefore, 3R-MoS2 is a very promising cathode material for AIBs.

Greek, Roman, and Byzantine Weights from the Ephesus Museum

This article, part of the Corpus Ponderum Antiquorum et Islamicorum (= CPAI ) project, introduces 302 balance weights from the collection of the Ephesus Museum, located in Selçuk (Efes), İzmir. The majority of the weights are made of lead, with a smaller number made of bronze. Among these, 115 weights follow the Greek system, while 187 belong to the Roman system, of which some are classified as Byzantine weights. The find spots of these weights are primarily in and around Selçuk and nearby archaeological sites, providing important data for their provenance or attribution. Although some weights bear ethnics, most only feature unit marks; however, their find spots enable accurate attribution. The Roman system weights, especially the librae, range from the theoretical 12 unciae to as much as 25 unciae, indicating adjustments over time due to inflation and devaluation. Among the Byzantine weights, the glass ones, dating from the 5th to 7th centuries AD, are also notable for the monograms they bear. Additionally, a weight made from a coin dates to the 10th-11th centuries AD.

On Perry O. Simons' 1899 collecting locality "Porvenir" in Ecuador.

The locality of Porvenir, sensu the collecting locality of Perry O. Simons (1869-1901), is geolocated, and approximate coordinates are provided, along with a map showing a number of other important nearby sites also visited by Simons and referenced in the historical zoological literature. Discussion on the incongruent coordinates for this locality mentioned in a number of previous works is provided.

Disturbance by jet boating increases corticosterone concentrations in the black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus)

ABSTRACT Recreational activities such as jet boating have the potential to disturb native birds that rely on braided river habitats. To examine whether jet boating affects levels of glucocorticoid hormones, which can increase in animals under stress, we compared concentrations of corticosterone in the faeces of nesting black-backed gulls (Larus dominicanus) between days with differing levels of jet boat activity and to a nearby braided river site with no jet boating. The corticosterone titers of gull faeces sampled on the weekends (when jet boating activity was high) were almost twice that collected in the same area during the week (when jet boating activity was low). Corticosterone titers were also lower in the site without jet boating. Corticosterone levels were not significantly related to whether faeces were sampled in the centre or margin of the colony, nor did they vary significantly with number of birds in the colony. It is not known if increased concentrations of corticosterone have any negative effects on the survival or reproductive success of black-backed gulls, but our results suggest that the disturbance created by jet boating has the potential to alter hormone levels in this and perhaps other species that occur in braided river habitats.

Cooperative adsorbate binding catalyzes high-temperature hydrogen oxidation on palladium.

Atomic-scale structures that account for the acceleration of reactivity by heterogeneous catalysts often form only under reaction conditions of high temperatures and pressures, making them impossible to observe with low-temperature, ultra-high-vacuum methods. We present velocity-resolved kinetics measurements for catalytic hydrogen oxidation on palladium over a wide range of surface concentrations and at high temperatures. The rates exhibit a complex dependence on oxygen coverage and step density, which can be quantitatively explained by a density functional and transition-state theory-based kinetic model involving a cooperatively stabilized configuration of at least three oxygen atoms at steps. Here, two oxygen atoms recruit a third oxygen atom to a nearby binding site to produce an active configuration that is far more reactive than isolated oxygen atoms. Thus, hydrogen oxidation on palladium provides a clear example of how reactivity can be enhanced on a working catalyst.

Geometric tortuosity at invaginating rod synapses slows glutamate diffusion and shapes synaptic responses: insights from anatomically realistic Monte Carlo simulations.

At the first synapse in the vertebrate retina, rod photoreceptor terminals form deep invaginations occupied by multiple second-order rod bipolar and horizontal cell (RBP and HC) dendrites. Synaptic vesicles are released into this invagination at multiple sites beneath an elongated presynaptic ribbon. We investigated the impact of this complex architecture on the diffusion of synaptic glutamate and activity of postsynaptic receptors. We obtained serial electron micrographs of mouse retina and reconstructed four rod terminals along with their postsynaptic RBP and HC dendrites. We incorporated these structures into an anatomically realistic Monte Carlo simulation of neurotransmitter diffusion and receptor activation. We compared passive diffusion of glutamate in these realistic structures to existing, geometrically simplified models of the synapse and found that glutamate exits anatomically realistic synapses ten times more slowly than previously predicted. By comparing simulations with electrophysiological recordings, we modeled synaptic activation of EAAT5 glutamate transporters in rods, AMPA receptors on HC dendrites, and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR6) on RRBP dendrites. Our simulations suggested that ~3,000 EAAT5 transporters populate the rod presynaptic membrane and that, while uptake by surrounding glial Müller cells retrieves much of the glutamate released by rods, binding and uptake by EAAT5 influences RBP response kinetics. The relatively long lifetime of glutamate within the cleft allows mGluR6 on RBP dendrites to temporally integrate the steady stream of vesicles released at this synapse in darkness. Glutamate's tortuous diffusional path through realistic synaptic geometry confers quantal variability, as release from nearby ribbon sites exerts larger effects on RBP and HC receptors than release from more distant sites. While greater integration may allow slower sustained release rates, added quantal variability complicates the challenging task of detecting brief decreases in release produced by rod light responses at scotopic threshold.

Effect of soiling loss in solar photovoltaic modules and relation with particulate matter concentration in nearby mining and industrial sites

Effect of soiling loss in solar photovoltaic modules and relation with particulate matter concentration in nearby mining and industrial sites

Carbon stocks in Norwegian eelgrass meadows across environmental gradients

Seagrass meadows are well-known for their capacity to capture and store blue carbon in sediments. However carbon stocks vary significantly between meadows, spanning more than three orders of magnitude on both local and global scales. Understanding the drivers of seagrass carbon stocks could help improve strategies for incorporating blue carbon into management plans. Here, we measured sediment carbon stocks in eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows and unvegetated areas along the Norwegian coast, spanning wide gradients in temperature, wave exposure, water depth, salinity, and eelgrass biomass. Carbon stocks were generally higher in eelgrass meadows than in adjacent unvegetated areas, yet they displayed considerable variation (400 − 30 000 g C m−2 at 50 cm sediment depth) even among nearby sites. Overall, the highest carbon stocks were found in deeper, muddier, sheltered meadows near river mouths. These sites likely have the highest input and retention of carbon from different sources. Consequently, they should be prioritized as conservation targets for preserving coastal blue carbon stocks. Despite ever-increasing efforts to quantify seagrass blue carbon globally, high uncertainties still persist, partly due to differing methodologies, processes, and environmental context. Blue carbon stock estimates could be improved through the coordination of standardised mapping and sampling methods.

Confining Pt Nanoparticles in Layered Double Hydroxide Derived Hollow Mesoporous MgAl‐Oxide Nanospheres for Boosting Selective Transfer Hydrogenation

AbstractCatalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) is a safe and effective strategy for producing unsaturated alcohols (UOLs) from biomass‐derived α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes/ketones. Accordingly, the design of CTH catalysts that possess both extreme activity and superior selectivity is highly desirable. Herein, we develop a highly efficient Pt@hMgAl catalyst with Pt nanoparticles (NPs) confined in the layered double hydroxide derived hollow MgAl‐oxide nanospheres (hMgAl), which shows an enhanced catalytic performance in CTH of furfural (FFR) to furfuryl alcohol (FOL) compared to the hMgAl catalyst without Pt NPs inside. It is found that the reaction rate over the Pt@hMgAl (12.8 mmol gcat−1 h−1) is ~26 times higher than that over the hMgAl (0.5 mmol gcat−1 h−1). The excellent catalytic performance of Pt@hMgAl originates from the synergy between Pt‐(Mg−O−Al) interfacial sites, where the acid‐base site of Mg−O−Al activates the C=O bond of FFR, while the nearby Pt site facilitates the dehydrogenation of 2‐propanol. Moreover, the reaction rate over the Pt@hMgAl can further increase to 21.8 mmol gcat−1 h−1 after introducing H2 into the reaction system, where the FOL selectivity is still higher than 99 % due to the synergy of Pt‐(Mg−O−Al) interfacial sites. This work provides a straightforward approach to construct a hollow‐structured catalyst with abundant metal/oxide interfaces, which could significantly enhance the CTH efficiency for α,β‐unsaturated alcohols production.

Accurate bacterial outbreak tracing with Oxford Nanopore sequencing and reduction of methylation-induced errors.

Our study investigates the effectiveness of Oxford Nanopore Technologies for accurate outbreak tracing by resequencing 33 isolates of a 3-year-long Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak with Illumina short-read sequencing data as the point of reference. We detect considerable base errors through cgMLST and phylogenetic analysis of genomes sequenced with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, leading to the false exclusion of some outbreak-related strains from the outbreak cluster. Nearby methylation sites cause these errors and can also be found in other species besides K. pneumoniae Based on these data, we explore PCR-based sequencing and a masking strategy, which both successfully address these inaccuracies and ensure accurate outbreak tracing. We offer our masking strategy as a bioinformatic workflow (MPOA) to identify and mask problematic genome positions in a reference-free manner. Our research highlights limitations in using Oxford Nanopore Technologies for sequencing prokaryotic organisms, especially for investigating outbreaks. For time-critical projects that cannot wait for further technological developments by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, our study recommends either using PCR-based sequencing or using our provided bioinformatic workflow. We advise that read mapping-based quality control of genomes should be provided when publishing results.

RADIOCARBON CHRONOLOGY OF THE OCCUPATION OF THE SOUTHERN COAST OF NAYARIT, MEXICO

ABSTRACT Despite chronicles from the 16th century describing fertile alluvial plains and densely populated wetlands, archaeology in western Mexico has been little studied. The Directorate of Archaeological Salvage (DSA) of National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) has initiated a study of two sites in Costa Canuva, at the southern part of Nayarit state: Becerros and Naranjos. Thirty charcoal and shell samples were radiocarbon (14C) dated to determine occupation history. A Bayesian approach was used to build a chronological modeling from charcoal samples. Charcoal and shell samples found in the same context allowed us to calculate the ΔR values of marine offset for this period. In general, the archaeological sites of this area are divided into three major periods: Formative, Classic, and Postclassic. The 14C dating of Becerros recovered materials provided a chronological framework for the site’s occupation, from cal AD 169–1025, corroborating the ceramic studies in the sense that human settlement activities date from the Formative (300 BC–AD 600) to the Early Postclassic (AD 900–1200). Naranjos started in the Classic period and reached its occupancy peak in the Late Classic. The site’s occupation may have persisted for at least two centuries after the conquest of the Altiplano in 1521. The comparison of charcoal dates and associated shell samples from the Naranjos Unit gave a probability distribution for ΔR, that ranged from 118.5 to 199.5 with a mean value of 159 ± 4, slightly higher than other values obtained at nearby sites.

Inspired individuals and charismatic leaders

Recent fieldwork at Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) Göbeklitepe has revealed a life-size limestone statue of a wild boar in Special Building D, which, alongside discoveries from nearby contemporaneous sites, broadens our understanding of late hunter-forager communities, including the presence of (archaeologically speaking) invisible decision-makers. Evidence points to three groups from which these charismatic leaders could have emerged: storytellers, hunters and ritual experts. An important function of these leaders was to uphold traditional values in the face of changing lifeways in the Early Holocene, a period referred to here as the ‘hunter-gatherer crisis’. This paper also includes a summary of recent excavation results from Göbeklitepe.

Identification of subsurface archaeology at Mutaredh, United Arab Emirates, using ground penetrating radar

The United Arab Emirates holds great historical importance, as evidenced by many archaeological sites, such as the Jebel Hafit Tombs and the Hili Archeological Park in Al Ain. At the western edge of Mutaredh Oasis, a major new archaeological site was discovered in 2023 during a construction project. Several important archeological features have been documented, including an earthen mosque and boundary walls, Iron Age irrigation systems, and a circular stone tomb dating to the Bronze Age. However, the eastern edge of the Mutaredh site has remained unexplored to date. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been proven to be a successful method in mapping archaeological remains. Accordingly, a high-resolution GPR survey was carried out to identify the continuity of the unearthed archeological elements and delineate new unexplored features. A comprehensive 3D model of buried archaeological features was constructed using the acquired high-resolution GPR data in the eastern part of the Mutaredh site. Several selected anomalies have been observed, similar to the uncovered features in the western part of the Mutaredh site and structures documented in other nearby archaeological sites. The geometry and extension of these anomalies have enabled the possible identification of a further two Bronze Age circular tombs, as well as the delineation of a system of water channels (falaj), and irrigation networks with tree pits from the Iron Age. Moreover, walls probably belonging to the Late Islamic Age are identified. These findings suggest that Mutaredh has been a site of intensive human activity from the Bronze Age through to the Late Islamic period. Given the density of identified anomalies, further significant features are anticipated to lie buried in the immediate surrounding areas, promising continued insights into the area’s rich archaeological heritage. The findings of this study may guide archaeologists to specific locations and assist in selecting the most appropriate excavation techniques for the verification stage.

Relay Catalysis of Isolated Rhodium-Alloyed Copper Boosts Urea Electrosynthesis from Nitrate and CO2.

Urea electrosynthesis from the coelectrolysis of NO3- and CO2 (UENC) presents a fascinating approach for simultaneously migrating NO3- pollutants and producing valuable urea. In this study, isolated Rh-alloyed copper (Rh1Cu) is explored as a highly active and selective catalyst toward the UENC. Combined in situ spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations reveal the relay catalysis of the Rh1 site and Cu site to promote the UENC energetics, in which the Rh1 site activates NO3- to form *NH2 while the Cu site activates CO2 to form *CO. The formed *CO is then migrated from the Cu substrate to the nearby Rh1 site, which promotes the C-N coupling of *NH2 and *CO toward the urea formation. Prominently, Rh1Cu achieves an exceptional UENC performance in the flow cell, exhibiting the highest urea-Faradaic efficiency of 67.10% and urea yield rate of 50.36 mmol h-1 g-1 at -0.6 V versus RHE.

Exposure to diesel-related particulate matter, cortisol stress responsivity, and depressive symptoms in adolescents

Exposure to air pollution is associated with higher risk for psychopathology; however, the mechanisms underlying this association are not clear. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress has been implicated in depression. Here, we estimated annual exposure to particulate matter (PM) from diesel emissions in 170 9- to 15-year-old adolescents (56 % female) using their residential addresses and data from nearby monitoring sites. We obtained salivary cortisol samples from participants while they completed a social stress task and calculated area under the curve with respect to ground (AUCg) and with respect to increase (AUCi) in order to assess cortisol responsivity during stress. Participants also reported on their depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances. Greater exposure to diesel PM was associated with lower cortisol output (AUCg) during stress, which was associated with higher depressive symptoms, particularly for adolescents with more sleep disturbances. Importantly, these effects were independent of household and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and exposure to early adversity. Thus, HPA-axis dysfunction may be one mechanism through which environmental pollutants affect adolescents’ mental health.

Effects of a large-scale bioretention installation on the species composition of an urban bird community as determined by passive acoustic monitoring.

As urbanization accelerates worldwide, municipalities are attempting to construct new green spaces within their borders. The perceived ecological value of these places is frequently tied to their ability to attract urban wildlife, such as birds, which can easily be observed and enjoyed. As one strategy, stormwater is now frequently managed with green infrastructure: planted areas that retain and treat stormwater rather than merely directing it to surface waters. While these practices have the potential to provide habitat for urban wildlife, the ecological effects of these systems are largely unknown. To assess whether one green infrastructure project increases habitat value, we used passive acoustic monitoring to survey urban bird communities in and near a large green infrastructure project in Columbus, Ohio (USA). Bird communities near bioretention cells (rain gardens) were compared to those at nearby lawns and remnant or restored natural areas. We found that recently installed bioretention cells tended to support more omnivores, lower-canopy foraging species, and species from a higher diversity of feeding guilds than did nearby lawn control sites. We were unable to detect effects of nearby bioretention installations on bird species richness at other sites. The observed differences in species richness were fairly small, and we urge caution when anticipating the habitat value of bioretention cells, at least for bird species. However, the results that we observed suggest that bioretention cells could have a more positive impact on bird communities in different contexts or using different design strategies. The bioretention cells surveyed in this study were small and only planted in grasses and forbs, potentially limiting their ability to offer complex habitat. They were also relatively young, and future work is needed to determine their long-term effect on avian communities and biodiversity of other taxa.

A Remote-Sensing-Based Method Using Rockfall Inventories for Hazard Mapping at the Community Scale in the Arequipa Region of Peru

Small communities in the Arequipa region of Peru are susceptible to rockfall hazards, which impact their lives and livelihoods. To mitigate rockfall hazards, it is first necessary to understand their locations and characteristics, which can be compiled into an inventory used in the creation of rockfall hazard rating maps. However, the only rockfall inventory available for Arequipa contains limited data of large, discrete events, which is insufficient for characterizing rockfall hazards at the community scale. A more comprehensive inventory would result in a more accurate rockfall hazard rating map—a significant resource for hazard mitigation and development planning. This study addresses this need through a remote method for rockfall hazard characterization at a community scale. Three communities located in geographically diverse areas of Arequipa were chosen for hazard inventory and characterization, with a fourth being used for validation of the method. Rockfall inventories of source zones and rockfall locations were developed using high-resolution aerial imagery, followed by field confirmation, and then predictions of runout distances using empirical models. These models closely matched the actual runout distance distribution, with all three sites having an R2 value of 0.98 or above. A semi-automated method using a GIS-based model was developed that characterizes the generation and transport of rockfall. The generation component criteria consisted of source zone height, slope angle, and rockmass structural condition. Transport was characterized by rockfall runout distance, estimated rockfall trajectory paths, and hazard ratings of corresponding source zones. The representative runout distance inventory model of the validation site matched that of a nearby site with an R2 of 0.98, despite inventorying less than a third of the number of rockfalls. This methodology improves upon current approaches and could be tested in other regions with similar climatic and geomorphic settings. These maps and methodology could be used by local and regional government agencies to warn residents of rockfall hazards, inform zoning regulations, and prioritize mitigation efforts.