Restoration Of Activity Research Articles

Self-regenerative Ni/SiO2 for dry reforming of methane (DRM): 1000 h-longevity assessment and operando insights to coke removal under N2 atmosphere

Commercializing Ni-catalyst for dry reforming of methane (DRM) has yet to be realized due to two known issues: catalyst sintering and carbon deposition. Significantly, our developed tremella-like Ni/SiO2 has previously demonstrated outstanding resilience against sintering under prolonged heat exposure. The carry-on investigation herein further showcases its interesting self-regenerative behavior, which enables carbon removal and full activity restoration under inert N2-blanket. Better still, the resultant N2-regenerated Ni/SiO2 can immediately re-apply to DRM, contrasted to the traditional oxidative-regenerated counterpart that mandated intermediate reduction process for catalyst re-activation. Characterization results indicate that an appreciable portion (32.05 %) of deposited Ni (7.3 wt%) is reducible into active metallic phase; however, only 1.233 % of them are resided on the surface of Ni/SiO2 and involved in DRM. Despite such low involvement rate, >90 % CO2 and CH4 conversion could still be attained initially, reasonably due to the morphological prominence of the catalyst. Longevity experiment confirmed the adequacy of intermittent N2-regeneration in removing deposited carbonaceous, mechanistically assisted by the labile O-atom migrated from SiO2 support. Upon 4 h N2-regeneration, thorough activity restoration of Ni/SiO2 can be facilely realized, thereafter sustaining DRM for 1000 h with CO2 conversion controlled at > 78 %. The results herein provide important insights to DRM community, where the demonstrated N2-self-regeneration process promises a reduction-free, time- and cost-saving solution to DRM catalysts beyond Ni/SiO2.

A smooth switching strategy for steady-state operation control and fault transient control of doubly fed induction generator

Abstract As the proportion of wind power generation systems in power systems continues to rise, their dynamic response during system malfunctions has gained significant importance. As the grid short-circuit ratio continues to decrease, traditional fault ride-through algorithms for wind power generators may no longer be applicable. This is evidenced by voltage oscillations under significant disturbances and overvoltage issues during low-voltage ride-through, which are further aggravated during asymmetric fault conditions. Therefore, this paper focuses on the low-voltage ride-through issues of doubly fed induction wind power generators in weak power grids. It investigates the steady-state operation and transient control schemes and proposes a smooth transition strategy for steady-state and fault transient operations of doubly fed wind power generators. This approach guarantees the synchronization of active and reactive power, mitigates steady-state reactive power imbalance, and prevents voltage fluctuations triggered by recurring low-voltage ride-through occurrences. Furthermore, during fault recovery, a ramped active power restoration approach is employed to mitigate the coupling of active and reactive power introduced by the phase-locked loop, enabling rapid and stable restoration of active and reactive power outputs. As a result, superior dynamic performance is achieved during both symmetric and asymmetric fault processes. Finally, the superiority of the proposed smooth transition strategy under different fault scenarios is validated through simulations with the RTLAB platform.

Integrating both restoration and regeneration potentials into real-world forest restoration planning: A case study of Hong Kong

Forest restoration is a vital nature-based solution for mitigating climate change and land degradation. To ensure restoration effectiveness, the costs and benefits of alternative restoration strategies (i.e., active restoration vs. natural regeneration) need to be evaluated. Existing studies generally focus on maximum restoration potential, neglecting the recovery potential achievable through natural regeneration processes, leading to incomplete understanding of the true benefits and doubts about the necessity of active restoration. In this study, we introduce a multi-stage framework incorporating both restoration and regeneration potential into prioritized planning for ecosystem restoration. We used the vegetated landscape of Hong Kong (covering 728 km2) as our study system due to its comprehensive fine-resolution data and unique history of vegetation recovery, making it an ideal candidate to demonstrate the importance of this concept and inspire further research. We analyzed vegetation recovery status (i.e., recovering, degrading, and stable) over the past decade based on the canopy height data derived from multi-temporal airborne LiDAR. We assessed natural regeneration potential and maximum restoration potential separately, producing spatially-explicit predictions. Our results show that 44.9% of Hong Kong's vegetated area has showed evidence of recovery, but remaining gains through natural regeneration are limited, constituting around 4% of what could be attained through active restoration. We further estimated restoration priority by maximizing the restoration gain. When prioritizing 5% of degraded areas, the increment in canopy height could be up to 10.9%. Collectively, our findings highlight the importance of integrating both restoration and regeneration potential into restoration planning. The proposed framework can aid policymakers and land managers in optimizing forest restoration options and promoting the protection and recovery of fragile ecosystems.

Early Growth and Physiological Acclimation to Shade and Water Restriction of Seven Sclerophyllous Species of the Mediterranean Forests of Central Chile.

The success of using active restoration in Mediterranean-type climate zones mostly depends on an appropriate matching of plant species and specific management prescriptions upon establishment. In this study, we assessed the early growth and short-term physiological acclimation of seven common species found in the sclerophyllous forests in central Chile to water restriction and shading. We established a nursery experiment that included three treatments (T0: sun-exposed and water-restricted, T1: sun-exposed and fully irrigated, and T2: shaded and fully irrigated) and seven tree species differing in their shade and drought tolerance (Quillaja saponaria Molina, Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, Peumus boldus Molina, Lithraea caustica (Mol.) Hook. and Arn, Luma apiculata (DC.) Burret, Colliguaja odorifera Molina, and Escallonia pulverulenta (Ruiz and Prav.) Pers). We measured the increment in seedling height and different leaf morpho-physiological traits during two months in the dry season. Based on the measured traits, none of the species took advantage of the higher water availability in T1 relative to T0, but most of the species responded to the shade in T2, regardless of their shade or drought tolerance. Height increments due to shade varied from 0% in P. boldus to 203% in L. apiculata. Overall, all the species responded similarly to the treatments in specific leaf area, chlorophyll content index, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and intrinsic water use efficiency. This suggests that the species exhibited similar acclimation patterns of these parameters to shade and drought, even regarding the variation in midday xylem water potential found in the water-restricted treatment T0 (from -1.5 MPa in P. boldus to -3.1 MPa in E. pulverulenta). In this study, shading had a higher positive effect on the seedling performance of sclerophyllous species than watering, which at operational level highlights the need for investing in tree shelters when using these species in restoration programs.

Seas the opportunity: multi-criteria decision analysis to identify and prioritise blue carbon wetland restoration sites

IntroductionThe emergence of voluntary carbon markets is creating new opportunities to sustainably finance Natural Climate Solution (NCS) projects. In Australia, the federal government recently enacted the Tidal Restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems Methodology Determination 2022 (Tidal Reconnection Method), whereby restoration activities that reintroduce tidal flows to allow the re-establishment of coastal wetland (blue carbon) ecosystems, through the removal or modification of a tidal restriction, can be used to gain and sell Australian carbon credit units. Australia has the highest net blue carbon wealth in the world, with 5%–11% of global carbon stocks, yet there is currently a lack of large-scale feasibility assessments and supporting methodologies to identify and prioritise sites with the greatest potential for NCS project implementation to help inform investment decisions.MethodsIn this study, we applied a spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to identify, map, and prioritise potential sites for blue carbon coastal wetland restoration in South Australia that meet criteria outlined in the Tidal Reconnection Method. This study compared information on 1) predicted flooding extent following tidal reconnection and under sea level rise (SLR; present-day, 2050 and 2,100); 2) project implementation complexity (e.g. who possesses land tenure); and 3) carbon sequestration potential through predicted area of vegetation change under the above SLR scenarios. ResultsOur results identified 64 sites of interest, of which 32 received an overall “high” prioritisation score of 3 or more out of 5. This equates to approximately 21,114 ha of high priority potential blue carbon restoration sites.DiscussionThe MCDA enables development of a portfolio of viable restoration projects through a rapid “desktop” prioritisation of sites of interest, which can then guide investment in further detailed cost/benefit feasibility assessments. This study demonstrates an adaptable MCDA approach to map potential NCS projects at meaningful spatial scales and in-line with carbon market-based opportunities.

Exploring the Relationship between Key Perceptual Elements of Urban Secondary Wilderness and Its Restorative Benefits

Urban secondary wilderness (USWs) is a near-natural place in cities and is an important link to reconnect humans with the natural world. Assessing the perceptual elements of USWs not only provides insight into public perceptions and preferences, but also helps to further explore its relevance to experiential values such as environmental restoration benefits. In this study, we selected three USWs cases located in Fuzhou, the capital city of Fujian Province, China, and constructed an evaluation system containing two types of dimensions and seventeen perceptual elements. Based on the public’s evaluation of the importance of and satisfaction with the perceived elements, we extracted the key perceived elements and analyzed their relationship with environmental restoration benefits. The results indicated that all three USWs cases scored over 4.9 on the Perceived Restoration Scale (PRS). Plants, Landscape color, Water, Landform, Climate, Freedom, and Naturalness are the key perceptual elements of the USWs, and the correlation coefficients between the satisfaction with the above seven perceptual elements and the scores of the PRS were all positive. In summary, USWs is an ideal place for residents to carry out restoration activities, and its key perceptual elements play a driving role.

Leveraging local habitat suitability models to enhance restoration benefits for species of conservation concern

AbstractEfforts to restore habitats and conserve wildlife species face many challenges that are exacerbated by limited funding and resources. Habitat restoration actions are often conducted across a range of habitat conditions, with limited information available to predict potential outcomes among local sites and identify those that may lead to the greatest returns on investment. Using the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) as a case study, we leveraged existing resource selection function models to identify areas of high restoration potential across landscapes with variable habitat conditions and habitat-use responses. We also tested how this information could be used to improve restoration planning. We simulated change in model covariates across crucial habitats for a suite of restoration actions to generate heatmaps of relative habitat suitability improvement potential, then assessed the degree to which use of these heatmaps to guide placement of restoration actions could improve suitability outcomes. We also simulated new or worsening plant invasions and projected the resulting loss or degradation of habitats across space. We found substantial spatial variation in projected changes to habitat suitability and new habitat created, both across and among crucial habitats. Use of our heatmaps to target placement of restoration actions improved habitat suitability nearly fourfold and increased new habitat created more than 15-fold, compared to placements unguided by heatmaps. Our decision-support products identified areas of high restoration potential across landscapes with variable habitat conditions and habitat-use responses. We demonstrate their utility for strategic targeting of habitat restoration actions, facilitating optimal allocation of limited management resources to benefit species of conservation concern.

Observations of Live Individuals and Predicted Suitable Habitat for Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) in Guangdong, China

Due to overexploitation and habitat loss, the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) is in such extreme decline that it is so rare in the wild as to be considered functionally extinct, even in Guangdong, which was historically a major distribution area for the species. This study sought to verify whether functional extinction has occurred using observation records from field surveys, infrared wildlife cameras, rescue and enforcement cases and the published literature. The results indicated that suitable habitat occurred within 63.4% of the forested land in Guangdong, but only 17.6% of this area was deemed highly suitable, and 82.3% of all suitable habitat occurred outside of protected areas. Thus, the Chinese pangolin is not yet functionally extinct in Guangdong, but urgent conservation and restoration actions must be taken to ensure its persistence. Chinese pangolins in Guangdong Province are primarily distributed in the Lianhua Mountain and Nanling Mountains, with 91.6% belonging to a single population. From 1980 to 2020, the urban area increased by 776 km2, largely via conversion from agricultural land (48.6%). Suitable habitat for Chinese pangolins was reduced and became more fragmented over this time period, highlighting the urgent need for the establishment of protected areas, habitat restoration and cooperation with local residents.

Grassland restoration on linear landscape elements – comparing the effects of topsoil removal and topsoil transfer

Artificial linear landscape elements, including roads, pipelines, and drainage channels, are main sources of global habitat fragmentation. Restoration of natural habitats on unused linear landscape elements can increase habitat quality and connectivity without interfering with agricultural or industrial development. Despite that topsoil removal and transfer are widely applied methods in restoration projects, up to our knowledge these were previously not compared in the same study system. To address this knowledge gap, we compared spontaneous vegetation recovery after the elimination of positive (embankments) and negative landscape scars (drainage channels) in lowland alkaline landscapes in South Hungary. The novelty of our study is that we compared the fine-scale and landscape-scale results of both methods. At the fine scale, we monitored the spontaneous vegetation development on the created open surfaces in the first, second and fourth year after restoration in 160 permanent plots per year. For characterizing the habitat changes on the landscape scale, we prepared habitat maps and assigned naturalness scores to each patch before and after the restoration activities. Both restoration methods resulted in a rapid vegetation recovery at the fine scale, progressing toward the reference state. In the topsoil removal treatment, a large part of the soil seed bank was removed; therefore, the colonization of the bare surface was a slower process. Seeds of halophytes, including the endemic and protected Suaeda pannonica, were probably present in the deeper soil layers, and these species became established in the restored surfaces, despite being absent in the surrounding vegetation. For restoring vegetation cover, topsoil transfer was a more rapid option; however, vegetation closure and competition by generalist species and weeds hampered the establishment of target species. The removal of the landscape scars by both methods made the sites accessible for grazing. At the landscape scale, the two methods had different effects: there was a slight increase in the habitat naturalness in the topsoil removal site, and a slight decrease in the topsoil transfer site because of weed encroachment. Spreading an upper layer of nutrient-poor soil with low amounts of weed seeds, direct propagule transfer, and targeted grazing regimes could enhance restoration success.

Influences of meteorological conditions, runoff, and bathymetry on summer thermal regime of a Great Lakes estuary

To better understand the primary drivers of the thermal regime in a Great Lakes estuary, and their implications for local biota, water temperature variations in the Milwaukee Estuary of Lake Michigan were studied between July and October of 2019 using a network of 25 sensors at 18 locations. Like Lake Michigan, the estuary was thermally stratified July to October, and historically dredged channels with water depths greater than 6 m allowed for the free movement of cold lake water into the estuary. However, temperatures in the estuary fluctuated rapidly both spatially and temporally, reflecting lake temperature fluctuations driven by changing meteorological conditions. Lake-driven upwelling and downwelling events influenced water temperature more than tributary contributions. Periodic upwelling and downwelling events caused temperature changes by up to 15 °C in less than 24 h. Nearshore upwelling events occasionally allowed cold, hypolimnetic lake water to reach tributary portions of the estuary beyond dredged areas, while downwelling events disrupted thermal stratification and caused the deep, dredged portions of the estuary to exceed 20 °C. Thermal impacts from these events were especially noticeable in transition zones between dredged and not dredged channels less than 2 m deep. The warming effects from downwelling persisted longer inside the estuary – up to two weeks – than cooling effects from upwelling, which typically lasted a few days. The predominantly lake-driven, rapid summer water temperature fluctuations observed in the Milwaukee Estuary serve as an important consideration in habitat restoration activities happening in Great Lakes estuaries.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Large-Scale Ecological Restoration Measures in the Liaohe Estuary Using a Landscape Pattern Perspective

In recent years, the Chinese government implemented many policies and actions to restore coastal wetlands. This study focused on assessing how these projects have influenced the landscape patterns of the Liaohe Estuary, an area of critical importance. By analyzing remote sensing images from 2009 to 2022, we determined the spatiotemporal changes in landscape pattern, fragmentation, and conversion. Results showed that (1) Reed (Phragmites australis) fields were the dominant landscape feature and covered 46.3–48.2% of the area; however, road was the serious factor in fragmenting these wetlands. Seepweed (Suaeda salsa) marshes, an iconic and characteristic wetland of the region, gradually expanded towards the estuary and coast over the study years. (2) Landscape fragmentation increased and seasonally changed during the study period and restoration measures actually resulted in more fragmentation of the landscape. (3) Ponds replaced 14.28 km2 natural landscape in the development stage and 40.93 km2 were restored to natural landscape during restoration and maintenance. (4) Active restoration projects caused landscape fragmentation to sharply increase initially, but then fragmentation declined as passive restoration continued in the maintenance stage. This study suggests that road construction should be carefully deliberated in ecologically sensitive areas and that ecological restoration (a combination of active and passive restoration) in the Liaohe Estuary region showed evidence of temporal lag and hysteresis that may be important for research in the future.

Distributionally robust sequential load restoration of distribution system considering random contingencies

AbstractNatural disasters would destroy power grids and lead to blackouts. To enhance resilience of distribution systems, the sequential load restoration strategy can be adopted to restore outage portions using a sequence of control actions, such as switch on/off, load pickup, distributed energy resource dispatch etc. However, the traditional strategy may be unable to restore the distribution system in extreme weather events due to random sequential contingencies during the restoration process. To address this issue, this paper proposes a distributionally robust sequential load restoration strategy to determine restoration actions. Firstly, a novel multi‐time period and multi‐zone contingency occurrence uncertainty set is constructed to model spatial and temporal nature of sequential line contingencies caused by natural disasters. Then, a distributionally robust load restoration model considering uncertain line contingency probability distribution is formulated to maximize the expected restored load amount with respect to the worst‐case line contingency probability distribution. Case studies were carried out on the modified IEEE 123‐node system. Simulation results show that the proposed distributionally robust sequential load restoration strategy can produce a more resilient load restoration strategy against random sequential contingencies. Moreover, as compared with the conventional robust restoration strategy, the proposed strategy yields a less conservative restoration solution.

Rescue of Familial Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltranferase Deficiency Mutations with an Allosteric Activator.

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiencies represent severe disorders characterized by aberrant cholesterol esterification in plasma, leading to life-threatening conditions. This study investigates the efficacy of Compound 2, a piperidinyl pyrazolopyridine allosteric activator that binds the membrane-binding domain of LCAT, in rescuing the activity of LCAT variants associated with disease. The variants K218N, N228K, and G230R, all located in the cap and lid domains of LCAT, demonstrated notable activity restoration in response to Compound 2. Molecular dynamics simulations and structural modeling indicate that these mutations disrupt the lid and membrane binding domain, with Compound 2 potentially dampening these structural alterations. Conversely, variants such as M252K and F382V in the cap and α/β-hydrolase domain, respectively, exhibited limited or no rescue by Compound 2. Future research should prioritize in vivo investigations that would validate the therapeutic potential of Compound 2 and related activators in familial LCAT deficiency patients with mutations in the cap and lid of the enzyme. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Lecithin:cholesterol acyltranferase (LCAT) catalyzes the first step of reverse cholesterol transport, namely the esterification of cholesterol in high density lipoprotein particles. Somatic mutations in LCAT lead to excess cholesterol in blood plasma and, in severe cases, kidney failure. In this study, we show that recently discovered small molecule activators can rescue function in LCAT-deficient variants when the mutations occur in the lid and cap domains of the enzyme.

Using a trait‐based dark diversity approach to evaluate natural recovery potential in forests

Utilizing ecosystems' natural recovery potential is crucial for enhancing the scale and efficacy of restoration efforts. However, this potential is currently underutilized in restoration ecology, and barriers to natural species recruitment remain poorly understood. In this study, we develop an analytical framework that combines trait‐based and dark diversity approaches to evaluate understory plant community recovery in smelter‐impacted forests and identify factors limiting recovery for absent species. A community completeness index (CCI) was calculated in 18 naturally recovering smelter‐impacted forests and three reference forests in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. The CCI was used to identify sites that deviate the most from their target communities and was compared to traditionally used indicators of plant recovery. Community weighted means (CWM) of traits for observed and dark diversity species were compared, and principal components analysis was used to identify relationships between traits of observed and missing species among study sites. Species unable to recover passively (i.e. with high dark diversity probabilities) were generally tall and/or large seeded. Understory plant community recovery was structured along two functional gradients, plant economics and size, which both coincided with distance to the smelter. Dark diversity and trait analyses were useful for identifying barriers to natural recovery and, therefore, providing guidance on targeted restoration actions. We conclude by discussing the limitations and opportunities of the dark diversity approach in a restoration context, highlighting the importance of carefully defining habitat‐specific species pools and critically assessing the ecological significance of dark diversity probabilities.

Ten golden rules for restoration to secure resilient and just seagrass social‐ecological systems

Societal Impact StatementSeagrass meadows are a globally important habitat subject to significant loss. As efforts to restore these sensitive habitats are hampered by their high cost and low levels of reliability, rigorous guidance is required to improve effectiveness and ensure they are cost‐effective. Here, we define 10 golden rules for how we can undertake seagrass restoration. We do this by considering that for seagrass restoration to be successful, it needs to take place with people and not against people. The framework we present aims to direct efforts for seagrass restoration that are holistic and achieve broad goals for people, biodiversity and the planet.SummaryThe world has lost a significant proportion of its seagrass, and although glimmers of hope for its recovery exist, losses and degradations continue. First and foremost, evidence highlights the need to put the world on a global pathway to seagrass net gain. Achieving this outcome requires that conservation of what remains is a priority, but reaching net gain requires seagrass coverage to increase at rates unlikely to be achieved naturally; large‐scale active restoration is required to fill this gap. Novel finance mechanisms aligned to the climate emergency and biodiversity crises are increasingly leading to larger scale restoration projects. However, no clear framework exists for developing or prioritising approaches. With seagrass restoration expensive and unreliable, rigorous guidance is required to improve effectiveness and ensure it is cost‐effective. Building on evidence from terrestrial and marine sources, here, we apply the ‘10 golden rules’ concept, first outlined for reforestation and later applied to coral reefs, to seagrass restoration. In doing so, we follow international standards for ecological restoration and view seagrass restoration in a broad context, whereby regeneration can be achieved either by planting or by enhancing and facilitating natural recovery. These rules somewhat differ from those on reforestation and coral reef restoration, principally due to the relative immaturity of seagrass restoration science. These 10 golden rules for seagrass restoration are placed within a coupled social‐ecological systems context, and we present a framework for conservation more broadly, to achieve multiple goals pertaining to people, biodiversity and the planet.

14 Natural killer cells have impaired cytotoxicity in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Abstract Background Natural killer (NK) cells are key mediators of anti-tumor activity in multiple cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the phenotype and function of NK cells across different disease stages of ccRCC is incompletely characterized. Methods Single-cell RNA (scRNA)-sequencing (10x Genomics) data from tumor and adjacent normal kidney from ccRCC was analyzed at multiple clinical stages (localized – stage I/II/III; and advanced – stage IV). Graph-based clustering and lineage markers were used to identify distinct NK cell populations. Differential gene expression analysis was performed to further investigate NK cell phenotype and to derive a gene expression signature (GES). Gene signatures from NK cell subclusters of interest were used to interrogate bulk transcriptomic datasets and expression with clinical outcomes. Tumor-infiltrating NK cell function (cytokine production and cytotoxicity) was assessed by isolation of live NK cells from ccRCC tissue, co-culture with K562 target cells, and measurement of cytokine (IFNgamma) and cytotoxicity (CD107a) markers by flow cytometry. Results Single-cell transcriptomic data were analyzed from 13 patients with ccRCC (tumor and normal kidney), resulting in 21,139 high-quality NK cells. Patients with advanced/metastatic RCC had a lower proportion of NK cells versus total immune cells in the tumor microenvironment compared to normal kidney (p=0.036) and localized ccRCC (p=0.088). Clustering analysis revealed 6 distinct NK cell subsets. The C0.Bright-like NK cell cluster was significantly enriched in advanced ccRCC compared to localized ccRCC (p=0.048) and normal kidney (p=0.0059), expressed markers of tissue residency (ZNF683, ITGA1, CD9, ITGAE), and had decreased expression of cytotoxicity genes (GZMB, PRF1). A GES signature composed of genes upregulated in the dysfunctional C0.Bright-like NK cell cluster was used to interrogate bulk RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas clear cell cohort, providing validation in a large, independent cohort, of an increase in this dysfunctional NK subset in advanced ccRCC compared to localized ccRCC (p=0.00039) and normal tissue (p=5.3e-05). To functionally confirm the decreased cytotoxicity of this dysfunctional NK population, CD45+CD56+CD3- NK cells were isolated from advanced ccRCC, and co-cultured with K562 target cells. Consistent with the transcriptomic phenotype, tumor-resident CD49a+CD9+ NK cells had cytokine production (IFNgamma) but decreased markers of cytotoxicity (CD107a) compared to CD49a-CD9- NK cells. By contrast, CD49a+CD9+ NK cells isolated from peripheral blood or normal kidney tissue maintained cytotoxic activity. Conclusions Among patients with ccRCC, a single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed heterogeneous NK cell populations. A dysfunctional tumor resident NK cell phenotype was enriched among patients with advanced disease in ccRCC, and functionally confirmed to have diminished cytotoxicity. This study therefore provides insight into a new axis of immune dysfunction – decreased NK-mediated cytotoxicity – in advanced ccRCC. An improved understanding of NK cell dysfunction within ccRCC may provide a foundation for therapeutic restoration of NK-mediated anti-tumor activity in ccRCC. DOD CDMRP Funding: yes

Long-term outcomes of passive and active restoration approaches following a vessel grounding in Hawaii, USA

Long-term outcomes of passive and active restoration approaches following a vessel grounding in Hawaii, USA

Postmortem communication.

The phenomenon of near death and dying experiences has been both of popular interest and of scientific speculation. However, the reality of mental perception at the point of death is currently a subjective experience and has not been formally evaluated. While postmortem gene expression, even in humans, has been evaluated, restoration of postmortem brain activity has heretofore only been attempted in animal models, at the molecular and cellular levels. Meanwhile, progress has been made to translate brain activity of living humans into speech and images. This paper proposes two inter-related thought experiments. First, assuming progress and refinement of the technology of translating human brain activity into interpretable speech and images, can an objective analysis of death experiences be obtained by utilizing these technologies on dying humans? Second, can human brain function be revived postmortem and, if so, can the relevant technologies be utilized for communication with (recently) deceased individuals? In this paper, these questions are considered and possible implications explored.

Graph-theoretic modeling reveals connectivity hotspots for herbivorous reef fishes in a restored tropical island system

ContextSeascape connectivity refers to how the spatial configuration of marine habitats facilitates or hinders the movement of organisms, nutrients, materials or energy. Predicting and ranking potential connectivity among habitat patches for coral reef fishes helps to understand how reef fishes could utilize and connect multiple habitat types through the flow of nutrients, energy and biomass across the wider seascape during foraging movements.ObjectivesTo advance a spatially explicit understanding of connectivity linkages within a tropical atoll system by modeling, mapping and quantifying potential seascape connectivity for two locally abundant herbivorous reef fish species, the parrotfish, Chlorurus spilurus (pahoro hohoni or pa’ati pa’apa’a auahi), and the surgeonfish, Acanthurus triostegus (manini).MethodsWe applied a two-step modeling approach by first mapping habitat suitability for the focal species. A graph-theoretic modeling technique was then applied to model and measure the contribution of benthic habitat patches to species-specific potential connectivity within the seascape.ResultsHabitat suitability was higher and less fragmented for C. spilurus than for A. triostegus. Potential ecological connectivity estimates for C. spilurus were higher across the entire seascape, with differences between species likely driven by local-scale benthic habitat patch configuration and species home ranges. Hotspots of ecological connectivity across the atoll were mapped for both species.ConclusionsDespite advances in the application of graph-theoretic techniques in the coastal environment, few marine conservation and restoration measures currently integrate spatial information on ecological connectivity. This two-step spatial modeling approach holds great potential for rapid application of connectivity modeling at multiple spatial scales, which may predict ecological responses to conservation actions including active habitat restoration.

Speeding up the recovery of coastal habitats through management interventions that address constraints on dispersal and recruitment.

Plans for habitat restoration will benefit from predictions of timescales for recovery. Theoretical models have been a powerful tool for informing practical guidelines in planning marine protected areas, suggesting restoration planning could also benefit from a theoretical framework. We developed a model that can predict recovery times following restoration action, under dispersal, recruitment and connectivity constraints. We apply the model to a case study of seagrass restoration and find recovery times following restoration action can vary greatly, from <1 to >20 years. The model also shows how recovery can be accelerated when restoration actions are matched to the constraints on recovery. For example, spreading of propagules can be used when connectivity is the critical restriction. The recovery constraints we articulated mathematically also apply to the restoration of coral reefs, mangroves, saltmarsh, shellfish reefs and macroalgal forests, so our model provides a general framework for choosing restoration actions that accelerate coastal habitat recovery.