Northern North American Research Articles

The Culture of Interest: A Proposed Addition and Revision of the Three‐Culture Model

Negotiation and conflict resolution theorists have classified world cultures according to three types for the purpose of describing and predicting some of the ways in which individuals and groups within broad, geographically based cultural groups behave in conflict and negotiation‐related situations. These three broad categories, called “cultural syndromes,” have described these cultures according to the relative value they place on these three concerns: honor, face, and dignity.Based on our examination of the literature on the cultural dimensions of negotiation and conflict management, our own practice, and an analysis of literature and practice pertaining to the place and utility of the honor, face, interest, and dignity attributes within and between cultural groups, we propose a reformulation of this typology. Our reformulation would replace the broad “dignity” category with a new category that we call “interest,” which we believe better characterizes Northern European and North American cultures. We also argue that a cultural orientation toward dignity is universal and not geographically unique and is thus shared by all three cultures. This new formulation, we believe, more accurately characterizes the global range of orientations toward negotiation and conflict resolution and would, if adopted, help scholars and practitioners better understand culturally divergent conflict orientations and behaviors as well as the ramifications of such differences for negotiation and conflict resolution practice.

Ecosystem responses to exotic earthworm invasion in northern North American forests.

Earth is experiencing a substantial loss of biodiversity at the global scale, while both species gains and losses are occurring at local and regional scales. The influence of these nonrandom changes in species distributions could profoundly affect the functioning of ecosystems and the essential services that they provide. However, few experimental tests have been conducted examining the influence of species invasions on ecosystem functioning. Even fewer have been conducted using invasive ecosystem engineers, which can have disproportionately strong influence on native ecosystems relative to their own biomass. The invasion of exotic earthworms is a prime example of an ecosystem engineer that is influencing many ecosystems around the world. In particular, European earthworm invasions of northern North American forests cause simultaneous species gains and losses with significant consequences for essential ecosystem processes like nutrient cycling and crucial services to humanity like soil erosion control and carbon sequestration. Exotic earthworms are expected to select for specific traits in communities of soil microorganisms (fast-growing bacteria species), soil fauna (promoting the bacterial energy channel), and plants (graminoids) through direct and indirect effects. This will accelerate some ecosystem processes and decelerate others, fundamentally altering how invaded forests function. This project aims to investigate ecosystem responses of northern North American forests to earthworm invasion. Using a novel, synthetic combination of field observations, field experiments, lab experiments, and meta-analyses, the proposed work will be the first systematic examination of earthworm effects on (1) plant communities and (2) soil food webs and processes. Further, (3) effects of a changing climate (warming and reduced summer precipitation) on earthworm performance will be investigated in a unique field experiment designed to predict the future spread and consequences of earthworm invasion in North America. By assessing the soil chemical and physical properties as well as the taxonomic (e.g., by the latest next-generation sequencing techniques) and functional composition of plant, soil microbial and animal communities and the processes they drive in four forests, work packages I-III take complementary approaches to derive a comprehensive and generalizable picture of how ecosystems change in response to earthworm invasion. Finally, in work package IV meta-analyses will be used to integrate the information from work packages I-III and existing literature to investigate if earthworms cause invasion waves, invasion meltdowns, habitat homogenization, and ecosystem state shifts. Global data will be synthesized to test if the relative magnitude of effects differs from place to place depending on the functional dissimilarity between native soil fauna and exotic earthworms. Moving from local to global scale, the present proposal examines the influence of earthworm invasions on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships from an aboveground-belowground perspective in natural settings. This approach is highly innovative as it utilizes the invasion by exotic earthworms as an exciting model system that links invasion biology with trait-based community ecology, global change research, and ecosystem ecology, pioneering a new generation of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research.

Tiger talk

Tiger talk

Assessment of Variability in Yearlong Relative Loose Mineral Intake and Range Cow Productivity in North American Northern Great Plains

Background: Appraisal of the effectiveness of supplementary mineral nutrition in grazing range cattle to promote growth and reproduction is lacking due to an inability of methods to measure cause and effect relationships, record variability of grazed diet mineral concentrations, evaluation of cattle presence at mineral feeder, measurement of shifting requirements due to changes in physiological stage and a lack of accurate mineral supplement intake quantification. Methods and findings: This study evaluated cattle presence at mineral feeder, relative mineral intake and its association with calf Body Weight (BW) at birth and weaning, cow BW change and calving interval (d). Cross-bred cows grazed native range with access to mineral feeders containing 34% salt, 57% macro/microminerals, 9% distillers’ grains and 1% titanium (Ti) as titanium dioxide for sixteen months from August 2010 to November 2011. Motion activated cameras were used to record ear tags of 106 cross-bred cows as their heads approached the open range mineral tub. Mineral feeder tubs were placed near water sources to promote contact of cattle with mineral supply. Rectal fecal samples were collected at 1 or 2-months interval and were analyzed for Ti content. Filtered samples were transferred to 15 ml falcon tubes for Ti analysis using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry analytical technique (USFS Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Bozeman, Montana, USA). It was assumed that fecal Ti was positively related to mineral consumption. Cows were assigned to one of four fecal Ti concentration clusters based on their mean Ti concentration: (1) low (3 to 5 ppm, n=23), (2) mid-low (5 to 6 ppm, n=36), (3) mid-high (6 to 7 ppm, n=26) and (4) high (7 to 11 ppm, n=21). Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed SAS (SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC) and a model including Ti cluster and cow age (2 to 11 years) as a covariate. The percent of cows at mineral tub each day differed (p<0.01) by season. In late growing season (July-October), 48 ± 3.9% of herd visited the tub daily compared to 31 ± 3.4% in fall and winter dormancy (November-March) and 27 ± 4.1% during spring growth (April-June). Average consumption based on amount of mineral fed was greatest (p<0.01) during forage dormancy and spring growth (53 ± 3.8 g hd-1 d-1) and lowest during late growing season (38 ± 3.5 g hd-1 d-1). Regardless of fecal Ti concentration, all groups had similar 2011 calf BW at birth (p<0.22) and weaning (p=0.89), cow BW change (2010-2011) p=0.71 and 2010 to 2011 and 2011 to 2012 calving interval (p=0.85). In addition, mean fecal Ti in 18 non-pregnant and 88 pregnant cows were 6.22 ppm and 5.95 ppm (p=0.68), indicating no differences in mineral consumption between non-pregnant and pregnant cows. Conclusion: During the late growing season, cow activity at a mineral tub was highest but mineral disappearance from the tub was the lowest. Range in mean fecal Ti of individual cows represented a 3-fold divergence in Ti dilution indicating a magnitude difference in mineral consumption. If mineral consumption was a primary production limitation in the year of this study, then differences would be expected for the production traits evaluated influenced by predicted mineral intake.

Outdoor Air Emissions, Land Use, and Land Cover around Schools on Tribal Lands.

Children from tribes are more burdened with adverse respiratory well-being outcomes versus other U.S. children. The objectives of this study were to identify stressors from the built and natural environments for tribal school-aged children. Outdoor air concentrations around U.S. tribal schools were linked to National Emission Inventories; ecoregions and National Land Cover Database; and American Community Survey and school map layers. Nine school sites (seven tribes, five U.S. states) were in three ecoregions: North American Deserts, Northern Forests, and Mediterranean California. Closest emission sources were oil, gas, airport, and manufacturing facilities. Maximum annual outdoor air concentrations were measured for toluene at two schools (29 ppb and 15 ppb, 2011), located four miles from a solid waste landfill and eight miles from paperboard/saw mills. Maximum annual concentrations of metals in particulate matter 10 micrometers and smaller were highest for manganese (68 ng/m3, 2011). Schools were in mainly arid and heavily forested lands. Closest emission sources were predominantly off tribal lands. Measurements were limited (<30/year). Compared to schools off tribal lands, schools on tribal lands were further away from roadway sources. Future research may examine outdoor air quality around schools with more developed land and indoor air for tribal children’s total exposure.

Climate, ocean circulation, and sea level changes under stabilization and overshoot pathways to 1.5 K warming

Abstract. The Paris Agreement has initiated a scientific debate on the role that carbon removal – or net negative emissions – might play in achieving less than 1.5 K of global mean surface warming by 2100. Here, we probe the sensitivity of a comprehensive Earth system model (GFDL-ESM2M) to three different atmospheric CO2 concentration pathways, two of which arrive at 1.5 K of warming in 2100 by very different pathways. We run five ensemble members of each of these simulations: (1) a standard Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP4.5) scenario, which produces 2 K of surface warming by 2100 in our model; (2) a “stabilization” pathway in which atmospheric CO2 concentration never exceeds 440 ppm and the global mean temperature rise is approximately 1.5 K by 2100; and (3) an “overshoot” pathway that passes through 2 K of warming at mid-century, before ramping down atmospheric CO2 concentrations, as if using carbon removal, to end at 1.5 K of warming at 2100. Although the global mean surface temperature change in response to the overshoot pathway is similar to the stabilization pathway in 2100, this similarity belies several important differences in other climate metrics, such as warming over land masses, the strength of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), ocean acidification, sea ice coverage, and the global mean sea level change and its regional expressions. In 2100, the overshoot ensemble shows a greater global steric sea level rise and weaker AMOC mass transport than in the stabilization scenario, with both of these metrics close to the ensemble mean of RCP4.5. There is strong ocean surface cooling in the North Atlantic Ocean and Southern Ocean in response to overshoot forcing due to perturbations in the ocean circulation. Thus, overshoot forcing in this model reduces the rate of sea ice loss in the Labrador, Nordic, Ross, and Weddell seas relative to the stabilized pathway, suggesting a negative radiative feedback in response to the early rapid warming. Finally, the ocean perturbation in response to warming leads to strong pathway dependence of sea level rise in northern North American cities, with overshoot forcing producing up to 10 cm of additional sea level rise by 2100 relative to stabilization forcing.

S130. INCIDENCE OF FIRST EPISODE OF PSYCHOSIS IN AN AUSTRALIAN COHORT AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARACTERISTICS

BackgroundThe incidence of psychotic disorders varies between geographical areas and is associated with neighbourhood characteristics. However, the research to date has been mainly confined to Northern European and North American populations. This study will determine whether the incidence of first episode psychosis (FEP) is associated with neighbourhood characteristics, specifically social deprivation, unemployment, social fragmentation and social capital.MethodsThis study was conducted at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC) which provides specialist treatment to all young people aged 15–24 diagnosed with a FEP residing in a defined geographical catchment area within western and northwestern Melbourne. Census data was used to code postcodes for neighbourhood characteristics and determine the at-risk population of people aged 15–24 living within the catchment area. Incidence rate ratios were calculated.Results527 young people treated for a FEP over a three-year period met inclusion criteria. This represents an annual incidence rate of 105.34 per 100,000 persons aged 15–24 per year. There was an increased incidence of FEP in neighbourhoods of greatest social deprivation (IRR=1.60, p=0.003), highest unemployment (IRR=1.67, p=0.001), least social capital (IRR=1.32, p=0.06) and above average social fragmentation (IRR=1.57, p=0.005). All these associations were stronger for non-affective psychoses and absent for affective psychoses. There was variation between sexes, with association only present for social fragmentation in women and social deprivation in men.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that the incidence of psychotic disorders varies according to neighbourhood characteristics, with higher rates in neighbourhoods with higher inequality. Services in each area should be resourced appropriately to ensure that the expected incidence can be effectively managed.

Surface Moistening Trends in the Northern North American Great Plains Increase the Likelihood of Convective Initiation

Abstract Land management impacts atmospheric boundary layer processes, and recent trends reducing the practice of summer fallow have led to increases in precipitation and decreases in temperature in the Canadian Prairie provinces during summer. It is unclear if such trends also impact the hydrometeorology of the adjacent U.S. northern Great Plains, parts of which have seen similar changes in land management. Here, MERRA-2 reanalysis data, eddy covariance observations, and a mixed-layer (ML) atmospheric modeling framework are combined to demonstrate that the likelihood of convectively preconditioned conditions has increased by approximately 10% since the mid-1980s and is now more sensitive to further decreases in the Bowen ratio (Bo) and maximum daily net radiation in northeastern Montana. Convective season Bo in the study area has decreased from approximately 2 to 1 from the 1980s until the present, largely due to simultaneous increases in latent heat flux and decreases in sensible heat flux, consistent with observed decreases of summer fallow and increases in cropping. Daily net radiation has not changed despite a significant decrease in May and June humidity lapse rates from the 1980s to present. Future research should determine the area of the U.S. Great Plains that has seen changes in the dynamics of the atmospheric boundary layer height and lifted condensation level and their crossings as a necessary condition for convective precipitation to occur and ascertain if ongoing changes in land management will lead to future changes in convective outcomes.

Synconvergent exhumation of metamorphic core complexes in the northern North American Cordillera: COMMENT

Synconvergent exhumation of metamorphic core complexes in the northern North American Cordillera: COMMENT

Stability of continental relic methane hydrates for the holocene climatic optimum and for contemporary conditions

Modelling of the thermal regime of permafrost soils has made it possible to estimate the stability of methane hydrates in the continental permafrost in the Northern Eurasian and North American regions with the risk of gas emissions into the atmosphere as a result of possible dissociation of gas hydrates in the Holocene Optimum and under contemporary climatic conditions [1, 2].

&lt;em&gt;Procerberus&lt;/em&gt; (Cimolestidae, Mammalia) from the Latest Cretaceous and Earliest Paleocene of the Northern Western Interior, USA

Three species of the cimolestid Procerberus are currently recognized in the northern North American Western Interior in latest Cretaceous and earliest Paleocene (Puercan North American Land Mammal Age) faunas: P. formicarum, P. andesiticus, and P. grandis. Analysis of a new topotypic sample of P. formicarum from the Bug Creek Anthills locality provides an estimate of the range of variation of its postcanine dentition. The three currently recognized species occur in Puercan 1 (Pu1) interval zone faunas, but two other occurrences indicate that the genus originated and initially diversified prior to the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary. Rare occurrences at several localities and entries in faunal lists suggest even greater taxonomic diversity. Limited evidence suggests continued diversification in the later Puercan and possible survival of the genus into the Torrejonian. Procerberus grandis or a closely related species may be a sister group of primitive taeniodonts.

Synconvergent exhumation of metamorphic core complexes in the northern North American Cordillera

Continental metamorphic core complexes of the northern North American Cordillera were exhumed during the early Paleogene while the Farallon–North American plate convergence rate remained high. Such convergent boundary conditions can excite localized mid-crustal exhumation in numerical simulations of collisions of softer accreted terranes with a rigid, irregular craton margin. Resulting simulated temperature-time ( T - t ) paths match T - t paths interpreted from observed footwall exposures in several core complexes of the northern North American Cordillera, including variability of maximum temperatures, duration of exhumation, and exhumation velocities among individual complexes.

Devotion, Theology and the Sensus Fidelium

AbstractThe potential unwieldiness of popular religiosity and devotional spirituality and their ambiguous relationship with the liturgy have made them objects of perennial ecclesiastical concern. More recently, magisterial discussion of popular religiosity has come to value more positively its cultural and anthropological value and its spiritual content. The reforms of Vatican II were followed by a significant demise in devotionalism amongst Northern European and North American Catholics, yet demographic change and other factors have resulted in the resurgence of popular religious devotions. Manifestations of grassroots faith may express valuable convictions and important insights, including the value of the collective and the non‐verbal. However, these values may be easily dismissed by social elites for aesthetic reasons, or by academic theologians for reasons of the cultural milieu and preferences of academia. Given the preference of the theological tradition for lexical intelligibility, and the symbolic and the physical nature of many kinds of popular religiosity, how the sub‐disciplines of theology may now responsibly and respectfully treat these perduring phenomena is not clear. A healthy relationship between the fides qua and the fides quae demands taking seriously the sensus fidelium, understood as a broad experience that embraces the daily lives and local circumstances of Christians as well as their worship. The contemporary construal of the discipline of Christian Spirituality, understood as the study of Christian experience, promises to provide a multidisciplinary approach that can address the topic of popular religiosity and devotional practice.

Development of a single-dose recombinant CAMP factor entrapping poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres-based vaccine against Streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae is an important contagious bovine mastitis pathogen. Although it is well controlled and even eradicated in most Northern European and North American dairy herds, the prevalence of this pathogen remains very high in China. However, research on development of a vaccine against S. agalactiae mastitis is scarce. The aims of the present study were to: (1) develop a single-dose vaccine against S. agalactiae based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres (MS) encapsulated CAMP factor, a conserved virulent protein encoded by S. agalactiae’s cfb gene; and (2) evaluate its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. The cfb gene was cloned and expressed in a recombinant Escherichia coli strain Trans1-T1. The CAMP factor was tested to determine a safe dose range and then encapsulated in MS of PLGA (50:50) to assess its release pattern in vitro and immune reaction in vivo. Furthermore, a mouse model and a histopathological assay were developed to evaluate bacterial burden and vaccine efficacy. In the low dosage range (<100μg), CAMP factor had no obvious toxicity in mice. The release pattern in vitro was characterized by an initial burst release (44%), followed by a sustained and slower release over 7wk. In mice immunized with either pure CAMP factor protein or PLGA-CAMP, increased antibody titers were detected in the first 2wk, whereas only PLGA-CAMP immunization induced a sustained increase of antibody titers. In mice vaccinated with PLGA-CAMP, mortality and bacteria counts were lower (compared to a control group) after S. agalactiae challenge. Additionally, no pathological lesions were detected in the vaccinated group. Therefore, PLGA-CAMP conferred protective efficacy against S. agalactiae in our mouse model, indicating its potential as a vaccine against S. agalactiae mastitis. Furthermore, the slow-release kinetics of PLGA MS warranted optimism for development of a single-dose vaccine.

Permeable pavement in northern North American urban areas: research review and knowledge gaps

ABSTRACTA majority of existing permeable pavement installations are related to parking lots and commercial areas with low speeds and light traffic loads. During the past two decades, a tremendous amount of progress has been made with regard to the application of permeable pavements regarding mix design, hydrologic design, water quality assessment and maintenance requirements. Review of the literature revealed, however, that there are still many important questions that must be answered before permeable pavements can be fully integrated in urban roads, especially in highways with high speeds and loads. This paper summarises the major research progress in the above listed areas and identifies research needs. Research needs are summarised under four topics: (1) structural and materials property, (2) hydrologic performance, (3) water quality and (4) maintenance. Research needs are further organised based on their immediate, short-term and long-term impact.

How Many Are There? Estimating the North American Northern Bobwhite Population Size for Conservation Planning Purposes

Three bird habitat Joint Ventures, Gulf Coast, Oaks & Prairies, and Rio Grande, developed a method to set spring population and habitat objectives for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) populations in four Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). The method requires an estimate of current population size that can be stepped down to the management unit of interest. Several methods have been designed to estimate range-wide populations over the past two decades for fall (post-breeding) and spring (pre-breeding). The 2002 Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) provided an estimate of 6,714,000 birds for the 1999 breeding population. The 2007 Partners in Flight (PIF) Population Estimates database provided a spring population estimate of 7,600,000 based on Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) densities. The NBCI 2011 revision population estimate, using BCR-specific Estimated Densities and habitat acreages, summed to greater than 26,000,000 individuals for fall population. The current PIF (2013) Population Estimates database includes 5,800,000 individuals as a global (spring) population estimate, and cites the NBCI. This estimate may result from application of the range-wide BBS trend estimate from 1982-1999 (3.8%) to the 2002 NBCI spring estimate. This produces a 2003 population estimate of ~5,800,000, which may have been substituted for the BBS-based estimate used in the 2004 PIF North American Landbird Conservation Plan. Finally, a recent unpublished estimate based upon the BBS-based PIF calculated estimate suggests a population of almost 18,000,000 in the U.S. and Canada. This value excludes birds in Mexico, estimated to comprise approximately 15.6% of the global population. We compared PIF estimates with the 2011 NBCI estimate. While there is some correlation regarding population density estimates at the BCR level, there is considerable disparity between overall population estimates between the two documents. The bird conservation community would benefit from an examination of northern bobwhite population estimates, to improve accuracy of spring population and habitat objectives.

Systematic review of rheumatic disease epidemiology in the indigenous populations of Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Past publications have highlighted an excess rheumatic disease incidence and prevalence in indigenous populations of Canada (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), and the United States of America (Alaska Native and American Indian). We have updated these reviews and expanded the scope to include New Zealand (Maori) and Australia (Aborigine) indigenous populations. We performed a broad search using medical literature databases, indigenous specific online indexes, and government websites to identify publications reporting the incidence and/or prevalence of arthritis conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, gout, osteoarthritis, systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis) in the indigenous populations of Canada, America, New Zealand, and Australia. A narrative synthesis by type of arthritis was prepared given the heterogeneity of study designs used in the primary studies. Of 5269 titles and abstracts, 88 met inclusion criteria. Osteoarthritis was found to affect up to 17% of American Indian/Alaska Native women, 22% of Canadian First Nations, 32% of Australian Aborigine, and 6% of New Zealand Maori populations. The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis was consistently significantly higher in indigenous populations. Several studies describing the prevalence of spondyloarthropathy in North American northern populations were identified, but with no comparison populations the relative frequency could not be commented on. Gout was more prevalent in Maori compared to general population New Zealanders. This comprehensive summary describes rheumatic disease burden in indigenous populations in four countries with similar disparities in social determinants of health, to inform clinical service requirements to meet population need.

Phosphorus release from sediments in a river-valley reservoir in the northern Great Plains of North America

Aside from a companion investigation to this study, there are currently no peer-reviewed phosphorus (P) release rate data for northern North American (i.e., Canadian) reservoirs. Using Lake Diefenbaker, Saskatchewan, Canada as a case study, we tested the effect of variation in overlying water DO conditions on the P release rates from sediment cores. Sediment cores from four down-reservoir locations in Lake Diefenbaker were incubated under high (>8 mg l−1), low (2–3 mg l−1), or anoxic (<1 mg l−1) DO concentrations. Sediment cores were then analyzed for total P (TP) and three geochemical P fractions to assess how the DO regime influenced sediment P inventory. Maximum P release rates were highest under anoxic conditions and similar among sites (15.0–20.3 mg m−2 day−1), with the low-DO rates intermediate to the high-DO and anoxic P fluxes. Predictive internal P loading models considering only hypolimnetic anoxia may therefore oversimplify and thus underestimate P mobilization in situ. Non-apatite inorganic P (54 ± 10% across sites) from the top 1 cm of the sediment profile was the main source of P released during incubations, indicating that sampling on a coarser scale of resolution could obscure the relationship between sediment geochemistry and short-term P flux.

Phylogeny of Fomitopsis pinicola: a species complex

Fungal species with a broad distribution may exhibit considerable genetic variation over their geographic ranges. Variation may develop among populations based on geographic isolation, lack of migration, and genetic drift, though this genetic variation may not always be evident when examining phenotypic characters. Fomitopsis pinicola is an abundant saprotrophic fungus found on decaying logs throughout temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Phylogenetic studies have addressed the relationship of F. pinicola to other wood-rotting fungi, but pan-continental variation within F. pinicola has not been addressed using molecular data. While forms found growing on hardwood and softwood hosts exhibit variation in habit and appearance, it is unknown if these forms are genetically distinct. In this study, we generated DNA sequences of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS), the TEF1 gene encoding translation elongation factor 1-α, and the RPB2 gene encoding the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase II for collections across all major geographic regions where this fungus occurs, with a primary focus on North America. We used Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses and evaluated the gene trees within the species tree using coalescent methods to elucidate evolutionarily independent lineages. We find that F. pinicola sensu lato encompasses four well-supported, congruent clades: a European clade, southwestern US clade, and two sympatric northern North American clades. Each clade represents distinct species according to phylogenetic and population-genetic species concepts. Morphological data currently available for F. pinicola do not delimit these species, and three of the species are not specific to either hardwood or softwood trees. Originally described from Europe, F. pinicola appears to be restricted to Eurasia. Based on DNA data obtained from an isotype, one well-defined and widespread clade found only in North America represents the recently described Fomitopsis ochracea. The remaining two North American clades represent previously undescribed species.

Higher late summer methane emission from central than northern European lakes

&lt;p&gt;Quantifying methane (CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;) emissions from lakes is important for regional and global greenhouse gas emission inventories. However, regional and global estimates suffer from methodologically inconsistent data sets and from the situation that systematic flux measurements are presently available only for some regions in the world. In particular, many temperate regions dominated by agricultural land use, like central Europe, lack regional multi-lake studies of lacustrine CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; emissions. We compare estimates of diffusive and ebullitive flux from 30 small central European and 17 small boreal lakes based on standardized measurements during a single visit per lake in late summer. Furthermore, we assess the amount of CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; accumulated in the hypoxic deep-water layers in late summer. This provides an estimate of the potential release of CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; from these lakes during autumn mixing (storage flux). The results show that emissions per unit area of lake surface from central European lakes are significantly higher than those from boreal lakes, with average estimates of diffusive and ebullitive flux being as much as six and 27 times higher, respectively. CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; concentration in the surface water was significantly related with lake area and maximum depth in the boreal lakes. However, no significant relationships between diffusive and ebullitive fluxes and lake basin morphometry were found in central European or boreal lakes, as proposed in earlier studies, although the short measurement period (6 h) may not have been adequate for reliably quantifying ebullition in our study. As expected, storage flux was related to relative depth and relative volume of the hypoxic water layer in both regions. We discuss the relevance of the higher observed diffusive and ebullitive fluxes for regional estimates in central Europe based on an example of previous emission estimates from small lakes in Switzerland. Our results suggest that diffusive and ebullitive CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; emissions from these lakes might be considerably higher than estimated based on widely applied relationships for predicting lacustrine CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; emissions developed in northern European and North American regions. The results also confirm that modifications are necessary when applying these relationships to central European lakes. Our study highlights the inter-regional variability in lacustrine CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; emissions and the need for regionally developed calibration data for validating and developing predictive models for estimating CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; emissions from lakes at the landscape scale.&lt;/p&gt;