Nearby Sites Research Articles

A Geochemical Mechanism for >10 m Apparent Downward Offsets of Magnetic Reversals Inferred From Comparison of Two Scotia Sea Drill Sites

AbstractWe document an apparent downward displacement of the Matuyama‐Brunhes magnetic reversal by ∼20 m at Scotia Sea International Ocean Discovery Program Site U1538 (Pirie Basin) by comparison with the well‐defined paleomagnetic record at nearby Site U1537 (Dove Basin). Detailed stratigraphic correlation between the two sites is possible due to similar lithologic variations. However, the two sites have distinctly different porewater geochemistry. Notably, Site U1538 indicates a greater demand for electron acceptors to oxidize organic carbon and Fe2+ enrichment below the depth of SO42− depletion. Magnetic parameters indicate enrichment of an authigenic magnetic mineral with strong remanence properties around the depth of SO42− depletion (∼46 m at Site U1538) relative to magnetic parameters at correlative depths at Site U1537. Fe2+ enrichment below the depth of SO42− depletion is not predicted based on the energetically favorable order of electron acceptors for microbial respiration but is documented here and in other depositional settings. This indicates Fe2+ production exceeds the production of H2S by SO42− reduction, providing a geochemical environment that favors the production and preservation of ferrimagnetic remanence‐bearing iron sulfides over paramagnetic pyrite and, thus, a mechanism for deep chemical remanent magnetization acquisition at depths of tens of meters. The influence of authigenic ferrimagnetic iron sulfides on paleomagnetic signals can be difficult to demonstrate with magnetic properties alone; therefore, this finding has implications for evaluating the fidelity of magnetostratigraphic records with complementary geochemical data. Such situations should be considered in other depositional environments with similar porewater Fe2+ accumulation below the SO42− reduction depth.

Internal Waves Force Elevated Turbulent Mixing at Barkley Canyon

AbstractSubmarine canyons are hot spots for topography‐internal wave interactions, with elevated mixing contributing to regional water mass transport and productivity. Two velocity time series compare and contrast internal waves deep inside Barkley Canyon to a nearby site on the shelf‐break slope of the Vancouver Island Continental Shelf. Elevation of internal wave energy occurs near topography, up to a factor of 10 above the slope and 100 in the canyon. All frequency bands display strong seasonal variability but weak interannual variability. Diurnal (K1) energy is sub‐inertial, trapped along topography, and forced locally through barotropic motions. Both sites have high near‐inertial (NI) energy linked to wind events, though fewer events are observed deep inside the canyon. At the slope site, near‐inertial energy is attenuated with depth, while in the canyon it is amplified near the bottom. Freely propagating semidiurnal (M2) energy appears focused near critical shelf‐break and canyon floor topography, due to local and remote baroclinic forcing. The high‐frequency internal wave continuum has enhanced near‐bottom energy at both sites (up to 7 × the Garrett‐Munk spectrum), and inferred dissipation rates, ɛ, reaching 10−7 W kg−1 near topography. Dissipation is most strongly correlated with semidiurnal energy variability at both sites, with secondary contributors that are site dependent. Forcing power law fits are on the slope, and NI0.2 in the canyon. There is also a build‐up of “shoulder” energy (PSh) near the buoyancy frequency, with a power law fit to dissipation of PSh ∼ ɛ0.3 at both sites.

Cell wall composition and nutritional quality through seasons of the saltgrass Distichlis laxiflora growing in halophytic and mesophytic meadows

The genus Distichlis comprises halophytic perennial C4 grasses which grow in very extreme conditions. It is distributed throughout almost the entire American continent. Despite these interesting characteristics, studies on these plants are relatively scarce, and their ecological and productive value deserves to be further explored. In this work, nutritional aspects, and composition of the cell walls of the aerial part (leaves and shoots) of D. laxiflora Hack were studied. Their changes over four samplings in different seasons, in two nearby sites: a halophytic meadow (H), and a mesophytic meadow (M), were analyzed. Photosynthetic efficiency and K/Na ratio were determined as stress indicators. Plants of sites H and M have similar cell wall content except for spring when plants from site H show lower values. Also, the spring samples present a markedly higher in vitro digestibility for site H. In agreement, samples from site H contain lower amounts of glucuronoarabinoxylans and β-glucans. The protein content is lower in site H, except for spring, and with a maximum in summer for site M. This work shows some changes in the cell walls of D. laxiflora in response to salinity, and these changes influence the digestibility of this material. Spring, coinciding with the regrowth cycle of this plant and with the worst stress indicators, is the season when plants of the halophytic site show the highest nutritional quality for grazing cattle.

Blood flows from the SCN toward the OVLT within a new brain vascular portal pathway.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) sets the phase of oscillation throughout the brain and body. Anatomical evidence reveals a portal system linking the SCN and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), begging the question of the direction of blood flow and the nature of diffusible signals that flow in this specialized vasculature. Using a combination of anatomical and in vivo two-photon imaging approaches, we unequivocally show that blood flows unidirectionally from the SCN to the OVLT, that blood flow rate displays daily oscillations with a higher rate at night than in the day, and that circulating vasopressin can access portal vessels. These findings highlight a previously unknown central nervous system communication pathway, which, like that of the pituitary portal system, could allow neurosecretions to reach nearby target sites in OVLT, avoiding dilution in the systemic blood. In both of these brain portal pathways, the target sites relay signals broadly to both the brain and the rest of the body.

Study around the Barroso mine (Portugal): Baseline levels of lithium for assessing future exposure and risks from Li mining activity

The energetic green transition is increasing the demand for lithium (Li) exploitation. However, the Li supply faces challenges like limited reserves and environmental concerns. This pioneer study aims to characterize the Li concentrations in the region around the Barroso mine, in Portugal, by collecting and analyzing samples of cabbage, potato, drinking and irrigation water and soil from two nearby sites, and performing a preliminary exposure and risk assessment of local populations. Li levels ranged between 20 and 589 μg/kg in cabbages (n = 23), 2.3–21 μg/kg in potatoes (n = 21), 1.1–5.9 μg/L in drinking water (n = 10), 1.1–15 μg/L in irrigation water (n = 23) and 35–121 mg/kg in soils (n = 23). Significant differences in Li content between sampling sites were observed only for cabbage samples. The risk assessment revealed that none of the participants exceeded the provisional reference dose (p-RfD) (2 μg/kg bw/day), with a hazard quotient (HQ) < 1, suggesting no health concerns for the population. It is expected that the studied area will be affected by the future expansion of the mine concession, thus this pioneer study is crucial for future research as it establishes a initial database for evaluating the potential impact of mining activity on the environment and the population's exposure to Li.

Aerosol interference with open-path eddy covariance measurement in a lake environment

Open-path eddy covariance (OPEC) is widely used for measuring trace gas fluxes between the surface and the atmosphere. At a lake in Eastern China (Lake Taihu), the CO2 flux measured with OPEC was often negative at night (with values as low as −22.1 μmol m−2 s−1) and was coherent across the whole lake, as if the lake were a large sink of atmospheric CO2. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cause of this negative flux phenomenon. In addition to OPEC, we also used closed-path eddy covariance (CPEC) and the transfer coefficient (TC) method to measure the flux. The results show that the persistent negative CO2 flux phenomenon was observed with OPEC but not with CPEC or TC. Because air drawn into the CPEC analyzer was filtered but the OPEC analyzer was influenced by aerosol contamination, the most logical explanation was that particles deposited on the optical lens of the OPEC analyzer changed its cross-sensitivity to water vapor. The direct evidence of this interference was a strong positive correlation between the OPEC analyzer's signal strength and the CO2 mixing ratio observed at 10 Hz. We suggest that it is possible to perform post-field correction to this negative flux bias using the 10 Hz signal strength data. In comparison, an OPEC system at a nearby land site did not experience aerosol interference due to low water vapor flux at night and lack of hygroscopic growth of particles on the optical lens in low humidity conditions. The type of aerosol interference reported here may also occur in high humidity and high pollution conditions elsewhere.

Influence of Ti-incorporated Zeolite Topology and Pore Condensation on Vapor Phase Propylene Epoxidation Kinetics with Gaseous H2O2.

Vapor-phase propylene (C3H6) epoxidation kinetics with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) strongly reflects the physical properties of Ti-incorporated zeolite catalysts and the presence of spectating molecules ("solvent") near active sites even without a bulk liquid phase. Steady-state turnover rates of C3H6 epoxidation and product selectivities vary by orders of magnitudes, depending on the zeolite silanol ((SiOH)x) density, pore topology (MFI, *BEA, FAU), and the quantity of condensed acetonitrile (CH3CN) molecules nearby active sites, under identical reaction mechanisms sharing activated H2O2 intermediates on Ti surfaces. Individual kinetic analyses for propylene oxide (PO) ring-opening, homogeneous diol oxidative cleavage, and homogeneous aldehyde oxidation reveal that secondary reaction kinetics following C3H6 epoxidation responds more sensitively to the changes in zeolite physical properties and pore condensation with CH3CN. Thus, higher PO selectivities achieved in hydrophilic Ti-MFI at steady-state reflect the preferential stabilization of transition states for C3H6 epoxidation (a primary reaction) relative to PO ring-opening and oxidative cleavage (secondary reactions) that solvation effects that reflect interactions among condensed CH3CN within pores and the extended pore structure.

Influence of Ti‐incorporated Zeolite Topology and Pore Condensation on Vapor Phase Propylene Epoxidation Kinetics with Gaseous H2O2

AbstractVapor‐phase propylene (C3H6) epoxidation kinetics with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) strongly reflects the physical properties of Ti‐incorporated zeolite catalysts and the presence of spectating molecules (“solvent”) near active sites even without a bulk liquid phase. Steady‐state turnover rates of C3H6 epoxidation and product selectivities vary by orders of magnitudes, depending on the zeolite silanol ((SiOH)x) density, pore topology (MFI, *BEA, FAU), and the quantity of condensed acetonitrile (CH3CN) molecules nearby active sites, under identical reaction mechanisms sharing activated H2O2 intermediates on Ti surfaces. Individual kinetic analyses for propylene oxide (PO) ring‐opening, homogeneous diol oxidative cleavage, and homogeneous aldehyde oxidation reveal that secondary reaction kinetics following C3H6 epoxidation responds more sensitively to the changes in zeolite physical properties and pore condensation with CH3CN. Thus, higher PO selectivities achieved in hydrophilic Ti‐MFI at steady‐state reflect the preferential stabilization of transition states for C3H6 epoxidation (a primary reaction) relative to PO ring‐opening and oxidative cleavage (secondary reactions) that solvation effects that reflect interactions among condensed CH3CN within pores and the extended pore structure.

SpliceAPP: an interactive web server to predict splicing errors arising from human mutations

BackgroundSplicing variants are a major class of pathogenic mutations, with their severity equivalent to nonsense mutations. However, redundant and degenerate splicing signals hinder functional assessments of sequence variations within introns, particularly at branch sites. We have established a massively parallel splicing assay to assess the impact on splicing of 11,191 disease-relevant variants. Based on the experimental results, we then applied regression-based methods to identify factors determining splicing decisions and their respective weights.ResultsOur statistical modeling is highly sensitive, accurately annotating the splicing defects of near-exon intronic variants, outperforming state-of-the-art predictive tools. We have incorporated the algorithm and branchpoint information into a web-based tool, SpliceAPP, to provide an interactive application. This user-friendly website allows users to upload any genetic variants with genome coordinates (e.g., chr15 74,687,208 A G), and the tool will output predictions for splicing error scores and evaluate the impact on nearby splice sites. Additionally, users can query branch site information within the region of interest.ConclusionsIn summary, SpliceAPP represents a pioneering approach to screening pathogenic intronic variants, contributing to the development of precision medicine. It also facilitates the annotation of splicing motifs. SpliceAPP is freely accessible using the link https://bc.imb.sinica.edu.tw/SpliceAPP. Source code can be downloaded at https://github.com/hsinnan75/SpliceAPP.

Analysis of PM2.5, black carbon, and trace metals measurements from the Kansas City Transportation and Local-Scale Air Quality Study (KC-TRAQS)

ABSTRACT Communities near transportation sources can be impacted by higher concentrations of particulate matter (PM) and other air pollutants. Few studies have reported on air quality in complex urban environments with multiple transportation sources. To better understand these environments, the Kansas City Transportation and Local-Scale Air Quality Study (KC-TRAQS) was conducted in three neighborhoods in Southeast Kansas City, Kansas. This area has several emissions sources including transportation (railyards, vehicles, diesel trucks), light industry, commercial facilities, and residential areas. Stationary samples were collected for 1-year (October 24, 2017, to October 31, 2018) at six sites using traditional sampling methods and lower-cost air sensor packages. This work examines PM less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and trace metals data collected during KC-TRAQS. PM2.5 filter samples showed the highest 24-h mean concentrations (9.34 μg/m3) at the sites located within 20–50 m of the railyard. Mean 24-h PM2.5 concentrations, ranging from 7.96 to 9.34 μg/m3, at all sites were lower than that of the nearby regulatory site (9.83 μg/m3). Daily maximum PM2.5 concentrations were higher at the KC-TRAQS sites (ranging from 25.31 to 43.76 μg/m3) compared to the regulatory site (20.50 μg/m3), suggesting short-duration impacts of localized emissions sources. Across the KC-TRAQS sites, 24-h averaged PM2.5 concentrations from the sensor package (P-POD) ranged from 3.24 to 5.69 µg/m3 showing that, out-of-the-box, the PM sensor underestimated the reference concentrations. KC-TRAQS was supplemented by elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC) and trace metal analysis of filter samples. The EC/OC data suggested the presence of secondary organic aerosol formation, with the highest mean concentrations observed at the site within 20 m of the railyard. Trace metals data showed daily, monthly, and seasonal variations for iron, copper, zinc, chromium, and nickel, with elevated concentrations occurring during the summer at most of the sites. Implications: This work reports on findings from a year-long air quality study in Southeast Kansas City, Kansas to understand micro-scale air quality in neighborhoods impacted by multiple emissions sources such as transportation sources (including a large railyard operation), light industry, commercial facilities, and residential areas. While dozens of studies have reported on air quality near roadways, this work will provide more information on PM2.5, black carbon, and trace metals concentrations near other transportation sources in particular railyards. This work can also inform additional field studies near railyards.

Pivotal role of water vapor–mediated defect engineering on SrTiO3 nanofiber toward efficient photocatalytic water splitting

The oxygen vacancies (OVs) have played key roles as either charge carrier traps for inhibiting recombination or directly as active sites for photocatalytic redox reactions. In this study, the population and types of oxygen vacancies within the electrospun SrTiO3 nanofibers were modulated through water vapor and air atmosphere annealing respectively. Combining the distinctive 1D nanofibrous structure with optimized OVs, the water vapor–mediated OVs-rich SrTiO3 nanofibers achieved a significant enhancement in specific surface area and porosity, effectively suppressing the recombination of photogenerated carriers. The OVs can effectively promote the conversion of photon excitons into charge carriers, accelerate the carrier separation, and facilitate surface redox reaction. The optimized water vapor–mediated STO-W-700 exhibited abundant active sites and rapid surface charge separation/migration across the nanofibers, leading to an exceptional hydrogen production performance of 296.82 μmolg/h. During the photocatalytic process, the OVs act synergistically with nearby metal sites to optimize the adsorption energy of reactants. This work not only provides an effective pathway for manipulating oxygen vacancies through water vapor–mediated defect engineering strategy, but also reveals a new water splitting mechanism, laying the foundation for further research and development of efficient solar energy conversion technologies.

Paleodiet reconstructions and human utilization of middle Holocene Equus ferus in northwest Europe

This study uses tooth meso- and microwear together with bone collagen stable isotope ratios (carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and sulphur (δ34S)) to investigate diet and human utilization of two middle Holocene (∼5 ka cal B.P.) populations of wild horses, Equus ferus from northwest Europe. The results of the mesowear analysis places one population (Ginnerup, Denmark) amongst extreme grazers and the other (Hüde I, NW Germany) amongst less-abrasion dominated grazers. These are contrasted by microwear, which suggest that both populations were killed, when browsing. The low microwear scratch variation in the Ginnerup population suggests that the duration of the mortality event(s) was short and confined to the same season. The mesowear analysis further suggests that the horses at Hüde I included more browse in their diet than at Ginnerup. This is supported by depleted δ13C values in the Hüde I population. The δ34S values also differ between the two sites. The higher values at Ginnerup (a coastal site) compared to Hüde I (an inland site) is interpreted as an effect of marine-influenced sulphur-enriched rainfall. Furthermore, the rather consistent δ34S values at the two sites respectively suggest that the horses killed were from locally available herds. In general, δ13C and δ15N isotope values of horses and other animals from Ginnerup and contemporary nearby sites show tendencies towards more depleted values in the horses and other wild herbivores than in livestock. We suggest that this is a result of niche partitioning and hunting pressure. The results presented here further our understanding of some of the youngest known never-domesticated populations of wild horses Equus ferus in northwest Europe.

Adsorption of dihalogen molecules X2 (X = F, Cl, Br and I) on the Fe/W(110) substrate

We report on spin-polarized density-functional theory study of adsorption of dihalogen molecules X2 (X = F, Cl, Br and I) on the Fe/W(110) substrate, i.e., X2/Fe/W(110) systems. We considered different molecular orientations and adsorption sites of the halogens and obtained their corresponding ground-state structures. We obtained initial molecular orientation (IMO) and initial adsorption site (IAS), i.e., IMO-IAS combinations that give the minimum energy configurations for each of the X2/Fe/W(110) systems. Our results shows that all the molecules studied in this work are chemisorbed on the Fe surface. Also, the halogen atoms may be adsorbed dissociatively on the hollow sites in such a way that an X2 separates into two X atoms with each of the atoms located at two nearby hollow sites. Similarly, we found IMO-IAS combinations which resulted in a non-dissociative adsorption. In the latter, the pre-relaxed IMO-IAS is maintained even after the structural relaxation. The most stable configuration for the X2 dihalogen molecule in this case is either the top or bridge site while the halogen is in perpendicular orientation to the Fe surface. We conclude therefore that, the final relaxed configurations of the X2 halogen depends on the IMO through which is deposited on the Fe/W(110) substrate. The trend in the adsorption energy EA for the most stable configurations for the dissociative adsorption is EA (F) > EA (Cl) > EA (Br) > EA (I). The trend of EA for non-dissociative adsorption is similar to that of dissociative adsorption, however, the latter is the more energetically favorable. Electronic structure calculations show hybridization between the p and d orbitals of X and Fe atoms respectively. Furthermore, we have found antiferromagnetic coupling between the interfacial W atoms and the Fe overlayer atoms while ferromagnetic coupling is found between the halogens and the Fe atoms. Our work represents a detailed study of adsorption properties of highly reactive halogens in contact with the Fe/W(100) surface.

Effects of forest gap formation and deadwood enrichment on oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) vary between regions

Most forests in Central Europe are subject to human management, especially timber harvesting, which alters soil conditions by creating gaps in the forest canopy and reduces the availability of deadwood. However, consequences of these management practices, in particular the combined effect of gap formation and deadwood removal, have been largely neglected. Here, we investigated the abundance, diversity and community composition of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in forests where deadwood availability and gap formation were manipulated in a full factorial design (Control, Gap, Deadwood, Gap + Deadwood). Forest gaps of about 30 m in diameter were established by felling trees, which were subsequently removed (Gap) or left on site as deadwood (Gap + Deadwood). Nearby forest sites without gaps were enriched with the equal amount of felled trees (Deadwood) or left untreated (Control). Experimental treatments were established at 29 forest sites including deciduous and coniferous stands in three regions of Germany, i.e. the Swabian Alb, Hanich-Dün and Schorfheide-Chorin in the south, center and north, respectively. One year after establishment of the treatments, we sampled 10,777 individuals and 104 species of oribatid mites. Deadwood addition significantly increased the density of oribatid mites in the Hainich-Dün from 24,036 to 46,658 ind. m-². Specifically, species of Oppiidae with relatively short life cycles and high reproductive output benefited from the additional deadwood supply, resulting in shifts in community compositions between treatments with and without deadwood. By contrast, mean oribatid mite density decreased from an average of 64,083 in controls to 36,621 ind. m-² in forest gaps of the Schorfheide-Chorin and the Swabian Alb. Presumably, adverse abiotic conditions, mainly amplified drought, induced higher mortality rates in these regions. Overall, deadwood addition and forest gap formation had strong effects on oribatid mite communities, although the magnitude of each effect was similar between forest types and largely determined by regional context. This emphasizes that the effects of forest management practices on oribatid mite communities cannot be generalized across regional scales, suggesting that management plans should carefully consider regional differences.

The Influence of Fresh Submarine Groundwater Discharge on Seawater Acidification Along the Northern Mediterranean Coast of Israel

AbstractIn the oligotrophic Southeastern Mediterranean Sea (SEMS), it has been shown that dissolved inorganic nutrient (DIN) from fresh submarine groundwater discharge (FSGD) enhance primary production in coastal waters. In this study pH, Total Alkalinity (TA) and DIN of seawater and fresh water in a sea‐cave in the northern part of the Israeli Mediterranean coast and a nearby contact spring, respectively, were measured during October 2018–March 2020. The results show gradients of measured salinity, TA, pH and DIN along the cave axis year‐round, suggesting that they are influenced by FSGD. The seawater near the back of the cave was supersaturated with respect to atmospheric CO2 nearly year‐round and there is a strong positive divergence from its regional open‐water thermal dependence, which suggests that FSGD is also a source of atmospheric CO2 in this region. Comparison of TA, salinity and pCO2 from the back of the sea cave to their corresponding values from an abrasion platform monitoring site, ca. 3 km south of the cave, suggests that FSGD is occurring along the entire shoreline in this region. Thus, despite the increased productivity due to FSGD mediated nutrient enrichment of adjacent coastal waters of the oligotrophic SEMS, they are still a source of atmospheric CO2 nearly year‐round. Finally, the apparent trends of seawater acidification (ΔpH/Δt = −0.006 yrs−1) and pCO2 increase (+8 ppmV yr−1) observed at the nearby monitoring site since 2013 are explained by increased groundwater recharge and resulting FSGD total alkalinity compared to dissolved inorganic carbon inputs (ΔTA/ΔDIC = 1:1.2).

Spatial interactions impact on Ca-driven synaptic plasticity: An ionic cable theory perspective

We extend our previous paper on deriving an approximate analytical solution of a nonlinear cable equation by including other ion channels in neurons and calcium dynamics based on reaction-diffusion dynamics that lead to a system of nonlinear cable equations. Here, excitable dendrite possesses clusters of voltage-activated ion channels that are discretely distributed as point sources or hotspots of transmembrane current along a continuous cable structure of fixed length. Single and/or trains of action potentials and spatially distributed synaptic inputs drive the depolarisation and activate sparsely distributed voltage-dependent calcium channels. This leads to calcium influx and diffusion in the cable. Here, time-dependent analytical solutions were obtained by applying a perturbation expansion of the non-dimensional voltage (Φ) and non-dimensional calcium (ΦCa) and then solving the resulting set of integral equations. We use this framework to gain insights into calcium-driven synaptic plasticity in dendrites. Many previous studies have traditionally focused on the local impact of calcium on whether the synapse's strength is increased (potentiated) or decreased (depressed). Only recently have studies focusing on heterosynaptic plasticity been gaining popularity, and here we ask the question of how a local plasticity rule is influenced by the spatially and temporally distributed synaptic inputs. Specifically, we focus on how synaptic inputs and calcium influx impact a calcium-derived temporal learning window for spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) at nearby sites to assess the nature of the resulting distance-dependent interaction on the associated learning window at the synapse of interest.

Altered Genome-Wide DNA Methylation in the Duodenum of Common Variable Immunodeficiency Patients

PurposeA large proportion of Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients has duodenal inflammation with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) of unknown aetiology. The histologic similarities to celiac disease, lead to confusion regarding treatment (gluten-free diet) of these patients. We aimed to elucidate the role of epigenetic DNA methylation in the aetiology of duodenal inflammation in CVID and differentiate it from true celiac disease.MethodsDNA was isolated from snap-frozen pieces of duodenal biopsies and analysed for differences in genome-wide epigenetic DNA methylation between CVID patients with increased IEL (CVID_IEL; n = 5) without IEL (CVID_N; n = 3), celiac disease (n = 3) and healthy controls (n = 3).ResultsThe DNA methylation data of 5-methylcytosine in CpG sites separated CVID and celiac diseases from healthy controls. Differential methylation in promoters of genes were identified as potential novel mediators in CVID and celiac disease. There was limited overlap of methylation associated genes between CVID_IEL and Celiac disease. High frequency of differentially methylated CpG sites was detected in over 100 genes nearby transcription start site (TSS) in both CVID_IEL and celiac disease, compared to healthy controls. Differential methylation of genes involved in regulation of TNF/cytokine production were enriched in CVID_IEL, compared to healthy controls.ConclusionThis is the first study to reveal a role of epigenetic DNA methylation in the etiology of duodenal inflammation of CVID patients, distinguishing CVID_IEL from celiac disease. We identified potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets within gene promotors and in high-frequency differentially methylated CpG regions proximal to TSS in both CVID_IEL and celiac disease.

Chronology and social significance of the "princely" barrow cemetery in Łęki Małe and the Central European Early Bronze Age.

The "princely" barrows of Łęki Małe, Greater Poland are the oldest such monuments within the distribution area of Únětice societies in Central Europe. While in the Circum-Harz group and in Silesia similar rich furnished graves under mounds have appeared as single monuments as early as 1950 BC, Łęki Małe represents a chain of barrows constructed between 2150 BC and 1800 BC. Of the original 14 mounds, only four were preserved well enough that their complex biographies can now be reconstructed. They included ritual activities (before, during, and after the funeral), and also subsequent incursions, including robberies. The long lasting barrow cemetery at Łęki Małe can be linked to a nearby fortified site, Bruszczewo. Together, Łęki Małe and Bruszczewo represent a stable, socially differentiated society that existed for no less than 350-400 years. Therefore, it can be argued that the Early Bronze Age societies of Greater Poland were extremely sustainable in comparison to those of other Únětice regions.

Redistribution of songbirds within a migratory stopover site as a response to sylviid warbler song playback

Assessing habitat quality is critical for migrating birds, with implications for fuel loading, predation risk and timing of departure. To efficiently distribute within stopover sites, migrants rely on various cues that facilitate habitat quality assessment. In this study, we conducted a playback experiment at a mid‐route stopover site to test the effects of vocal cues, specifically bird songs, on habitat redistribution during spring migration. To estimate the effect of bird songs on bird abundance we mist‐netted and ringed birds for 60 days on alternating playback treatment (playing songs of three sylviid warbler species) and no playback (control) days. A nearby site was used to control for fluctuations caused by migration waves. Overall, total bird abundance was significantly increased by the playback treatment. This increase resulted from the attraction of conspecifics (species whose songs were played) rather than of other species – sylviids or others. Correspondingly, species richness was seemingly unaffected. To investigate the relationship between internal‐state factors and the attraction to playback in the most abundantly attracted species, Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, we tested associations with age, sex and body condition index but found no significant effects, possibly because of the limited sample size. Our findings challenge established ideas regarding heterospecific attraction and contradict previous studies. Attraction to bird song is discussed in the context of geographical location, timing and internal drivers. Vocal cues, specifically bird songs, may affect micro‐habitat selection by migrating songbirds during stopovers. Consequently, we call for consideration of the influence of the acoustic environment on birds during migratory stopover in future studies, habitat management and conservation efforts.

Monitoring the impact of forest changes on carbon uptake with solar-induced fluorescence measurements from GOME-2A and TROPOMI for an Australian and Chinese case study

Abstract. Reliable and robust monitoring tools are crucial to assess the effectiveness of land mitigation techniques (LMTs) in enhancing carbon uptake, enabling informed decision making by policymakers. This study, addressing one of the scientific goals of the EU Horizon 2020 Land Use Based Mitigation for Resilient Climate Pathways (LANDMARC) project, examines the feasibility of using satellite solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) in combination with other satellite data as a monitoring proxy to evaluate the effects of LMTs on carbon uptake. Two distinct cases are explored: (1) instantaneous vegetation destruction caused by a 2019 eucalyptus wildfire in southeast Australia and (2) gradual forest gain resulting from reforestation efforts in northern China in 2007–2012. The cases are monitored using SIF from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2A (GOME-2A), respectively. Comparing the temporal variability in SIF across the affected areas and nearby reference areas reveals that vegetation dynamics changed as a consequence of the land-use changes in both cases. Specifically, in the Australia case, TROPOMI demonstrated an immediate reduction in the SIF signal of 0.6 mW m−2 sr−1 nm−1 (−72 %) over the eucalypt forest right after the fire. Exploiting the strong correspondence between TROPOMI SIF and gross primary productivity (GPP) at the nearby representative eddy covariance Tumbarumba site and through the FluxSat product, we estimate that the Australian fire led to a loss in GPP of 130–200 GgC in the first 8 months after the fire. Over the northern Chinese provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Shanxi, we report an increase in GOME-2A summertime SIF of 0.1–0.2 mW m−2 sr−1 nm−1, coinciding with reforestation efforts between 2007 and 2012. This increase in the SIF signal is likely driven by a combination of increasingly favourable natural conditions and by the reforestation effort itself. A multivariate model that takes into account growth factors such as water availability and maximum temperature as well as satellite-derived forest-cover data explains the observed variability in GOME-2A SIF in the Chinese case reasonably well (R2=0.72). The model suggests that increases in both forest cover and soil moisture have led, in step, to the observed increase in vegetation activity over northern China. In that region, for every 100 km2 of additional forest cover, SIF increases by 0.1 mW m−2 sr−1 nm−1 between 2007 and 2012. Our study highlights that the use of satellite-based SIF, together with supporting in situ, modelled, and satellite data, allows us to monitor the impact of LMT implementation on regional carbon uptake as long as the scale of the LMT is of sufficient spatial extent.