Muscling mussels: Understanding the invasive potential of the South American bivalve Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843) in the Northern Indian Ocean.

In past decades, non-native species invasion has emerged as one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems globally. In aquatic ecosystems, invasion by bivalve species has increased substantially due to their evolutionary resilience and adaptability. This study aimed to determine the habitat suitability of the South American bivalve Mytella strigata in the northern Indian Ocean using Species distribution modelling. The species occurrence and environmental data for model building were extracted from GBIF, Bio-ORACLE, The World Bank Data Catalogue and GMED. Pearson's correlation (<0.7) and Variance inflation factor (<10) analyses were used to select the environmental covariates. Individual models were built by combining the native range occurrence data of Mytella strigata with the bioclimatic data under the current climatic setting. Ten individual models were built and ensembled to create the final model using the biomod2 package. The variable importance score and the response curve plot were used to identify the most crucial variable and its influence on the models. Distance to port had the highest influence on predicting the distribution of Mytella strigata. The results indicated that the western coast of India as more susceptible to invasion. Our predictions indicate that the species has the potential to become highly invasive in the region, given the vast habitat suitability and documented introduction and presence of the species in the region. This research generated baseline information on the habitat suitability of M. strigata that will aid in managing and restricting its spread in the region. Considering the substantial impact of the species in other introduced ranges worldwide, immediate action should be initiated for the swift management of M. strigata from the Indian coast.

Climate change and carnivores: shifts in the distribution and effectiveness of protected areas in the Amazon.

Background: Carnivore mammals are animals vulnerable to human interference, such as climate change and deforestation. Their distribution and persistence are affected by such impacts, mainly in tropical regions such as the Amazon. Due to the importance of carnivores in the maintenance and functioning of the ecosystem, they are extremely important animals for conservation. We evaluated the impact of climate change on the geographic distribution of carnivores in the Amazon using Species Distribution Models (SDMs). Do we seek to answer the following questions: (1) What is the effect of climate change on the distribution of carnivores in the Amazon? (2) Will carnivore species lose or gain representation within the Protected Areas (PAs) of the Amazon in the future? Methods: We evaluated the distribution area of 16 species of carnivores mammals in the Amazon, based on two future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for the year 2070. For the construction of the SDMs we used bioclimatic and vegetation cover variables (land type). Based on these models, we calculated the area loss and climate suitability of the species, as well as the effectiveness of the protected areas inserted in the Amazon. We estimated the effectiveness of PAs on the individual persistence of carnivores in the future, for this, we used the SDMs to perform the gap analysis. Finally, we analyze the effectiveness of PAs in protecting taxonomic richness in future scenarios. Results: The SDMs showed satisfactory predictive performance, with Jaccard values above 0.85 and AUC above 0.91 for all species. In the present and for the future climate scenarios, we observe a reduction of potencial distribution in both future scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), where five species will be negatively affected by climate change in the RCP 4.5 future scenario and eight in the RCP 8.5 scenario. The remaining species stay stable in terms of total area. All species in the study showed a loss of climatic suitability. Some species lost almost all climatic suitability in the RCP 8.5 scenario. According to the GAP analysis, all species are protected within the PAs both in the current scenario and in both future climate scenarios. From the null models, we found that in all climate scenarios, the PAs are not efficient in protecting species richness.

Expanded distribution and predicted suitable habitat for the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda) in Perú.

The Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot holds a remarkable number of species at risk of extinction due to anthropogenic habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. One of these species, the critically endangered yellow-tailed woolly monkey (Lagothrix flavicauda), was recently observed in the region Junín, 206 km south of its previously known distribution. This range extension, combined with continued habitat loss, calls for a reevaluation of the species distribution, and available suitable habitat. Here, we present novel data from surveys at 53 sites in the regions of Junín, Cerro de Pasco, Ayacucho, and Cusco. We encountered L. flavicauda at 9 sites, all in Junín, and the congeneric Lagothrix lagotricha tschudii at 20 sites, but never in sympatry. Using these new localities along with all previous geographic localities for the species, we made predictive species distribution models based on ecological niche modeling using a generalized linear model and maximum entropy. Each model incorporated bioclimatic variables, forest cover, vegetation measurements, and elevation as predictor variables. The model evaluation showed >80% accuracy for all measures. Precipitation was the strongest predictor of species presence. Habitat suitability maps illustrate potential corridors for gene flow between the southern and northern populations, although much of this area is inhabited by L. l. tschudii whereas L. flavicauda has yet to be officially confirmed in these areas, by these or any other scientific surveys. An analysis of the current protected area (PA) network showed that ~75% of remaining suitable habitat is unprotected. With this, we suggest priority areas for new PAs or expansions to existing reserves that would conserve potential corridors between L. flavicauda populations. Further surveys and characterization of the distribution in intermediate areas, combined with studies on gene flow through these areas, are still needed to protect this species.

Modeling geographic distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from molecular evidence in soils of Argentinean Puna using a maximum entropy approach.

The biogeographic region of Argentinean Puna mainly extends at elevations higher than 3,000 m within the Andean Plateau and hosts diverse ecological communities highly adapted to extreme aridity and low temperatures. Soils of Puna are typically poorly evolved and geomorphology is shaped by drainage networks, resulting in highly vegetated endorheic basins and hypersaline basins known as salar or salt flats. Local communities rely on soil fertility for agricultural practices and on pastures for livestock rearing. From this perspective, investigating the scarcely explored microbiological diversity of these soils as indicators of ecosystems functioning might help to predict the fragility of these harsh environments. In this study we collected soil samples from 28 points, following a nested design within three different macro-habitats, i.e., Puna grassland, hypersaline salar and family-run crop fields. Total fungi and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) occurrence were analyzed using eDNA sequencing. In addition, the significance of soil salinity and organic matter content as significant predictors of AMF occurrence, was assessed through Generalized Linear Mixed Modeling. We also investigated whether intensive grazing by cattle and lama in Puna grasslands may reduce the presence of AMF in these highly disturbed soils, driving or not major ecological changes, but no consistent results were found, suggesting that more specific experiments and further investigations may address the question more specifically. Finally, to predict the suitability for AMF in the different macro-habitats, Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) was performed within an environmental coherent area comprising both the phytogeographic regions of Puna and Altoandino. We modeled AMF distribution with a maximum entropy approach, including bioclimatic and edaphic predictors and obtaining maps of environmental suitability for AMF within the predicted areas. To assess the impact of farming on AMF occurrence, we set a new series of models excluding the cultivated Chaupi Rodeo samples. Overall, SDM predicted a lower suitability for AMF in hypersaline salar areas, while grassland habitats and a wider temperature seasonality range appear to be factors significantly related to AMF enrichment, suggesting a main role of seasonal dynamics in shaping AMF communities. The highest abundance of AMF was observed in Vicia faba crop fields, while potato fields yielded a very low AMF occurrence. The models excluding the cultivated Chaupi Rodeo samples highlighted that if these cultivated areas had theoretically remained unmanaged habitats of Puna and Altoandino, then large-scale soil features and local bioclimatic constraints would likely support a lower suitability for AMF. Using SDM we evidenced the influence of bioclimatic, edaphic and anthropic predictors in shaping AMF occurrence and highlighted the relevance of considering human activities to accurately predict AMF distribution.

Potential Current and Future Distribution of the Long-Whiskered Owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi) in Amazonas and San Martin, NW Peru.

The IUCN has listed the long-whiskered owlet (Xenoglaux loweryi) as vulnerable due to the presence of few geographic records, its restricted range, and anthropogenic threats. Its natural history and ecology are largely unknown, and its distribution is widely debated; therefore, there is an urgent need for the real-time conservation of X. loweryi. In this study, 66 geo-referenced records of X. loweryi, 18 environmental variables, and the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) have been used to predict the current and future (2050 and 2070) potential distribution of X. loweryi in the Amazonas and San Martin regions of northwestern Peru. In fact, under current conditions, areas of "high", "moderate", and "low" potential habitat suitability cover 0.16% (140.85 km2), 0.46% (416.88 km2), and 1.16% (1048.79 km2) of the study area, respectively. Moreover, under future conditions, the "high", "moderate", and "low" probability areas present profits and losses in terms of habitat suitability. Based on the environmental variables, this species mostly inhabits areas with a forest fraction with presence of trees with an emergent tree canopy of ~10-30 metres and depends on Yunga montane forest habitats with high humidity but it is not dependent on bare cover area, crops, or grasslands. Nevertheless, most of the current and future distribution areas are not part of the protected natural areas of Amazonas and San Martin. Additionally, the combination of climate change and anthropogenic activities contribute to further losses of this species habitat. Therefore, from the management point of view, corrective and preventive actions will help to preserve this species over time.

An overview on the promotion on patient-centered care and shared decision-making in Mexico.

Mexico is a mid-income North American country. It strives to materialize the right to health in accordance with its laws. But the health system faces various problems: fragmentation, segmentation, limited funding, insufficient coverage, and low quality of health care. Mexico's population is aging, which has led to an increasing prevalence of chronic conditions. To overcome this issue, the goals have shifted towards free universal health coverage under equality, effectivity, and quality criteria focused on primary health care. Consequently, the health system has moved towards Patient-Centered Care (PCC), and an opportunity to promote Shared Decision-Making (SDM) during the clinical encounter to enhance patient and family involvement in their own health care. PCC and SDM are relatively new ideas in Mexico. The research agenda has focused on initiatives attempting to bring these concepts to clinical practice. This paper seeks to describe the local headway and the state of the art of PCC- and SDM-related strategies in the Mexican health system.

Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) as extreme distribution indicator of two Neotropical fruit fly parasitoids in irrigated drylands of Argentina.

The figitid Ganaspis pelleranoi and the braconid Doryctobracon areolatus (Hym: Braconidae, Opiinae) are wide-ranging (from Florida, USA to Argentina) fruit fly parasitoids with tropical and subtropical distribution with a wet and temperate climate. In Argentina, both parasitoid species are thought to be restricted to the subtropical rainforests of the northwest and northeast, locally known as 'Yungas' and 'Paranaense' forests, respectively. However, these species recently have been recorded at the Monte and Thistle of the Prepuna eco-region, an arid region of central-western Argentina. Despite the extreme environmental conditions, anthropic artificial irrigation seems to be playing a fundamental role in fostering the presence and persistence of these species. Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models were developed to assess the suitability of these areas to harbor both species. The present work is a first approach to identify suitable areas for the distribution of these two fruit fly biological control agents in the American continent; based on 19 bioclimatic variables. Furthermore, the models resulting from including the new records in the 'Monte' eco-region suggest that local populations may become adapted to particular micro-environmental conditions generated by artificial irrigation. Models revealed that these artificial oases are suitable for G. pelleranoi but seem to be unsuitable for D. areolatus. This first and new approach to the area suitability of these species invites to produce models that reflect actual distribution including more records of presence in oases with similar conditions, thus decreasing the bias of the model generated by over reliance on areas with higher humidity (forest), which correspond to the distribution known before the inclusion of the new records.

Are chromosome number and genome size associated with habit and environmental niche variables? Insights from the Neotropical orchids.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The entangled relationship of chromosome number and genome size with species distribution has been the subject of study for almost a century, but remains an open question due to previous ecological and phylogenetic knowledge constraints. To better address this subject, we used the clade Maxillariinae, a widely distributed and karyotypically known orchid group, as a model system to infer such relationships in a robust methodological framework. METHODS: Based on the literature and new data, we gathered the chromosome number and genome size for 93 and 64 species, respectively. We built a phylogenetic hypothesis and assessed the best macroevolutionary model for both genomic traits. Additionally, we collected together ecological data (preferences for bioclimatic variables, elevation and habit) used as explanatory variables in multivariate phylogenetic models explaining genomic traits. Finally, the impact of polyploidy was estimated by running the analyses with and without polyploids in the sample. KEY RESULTS: The association between genomic and ecological data varied depending on whether polyploids were considered or not. Without polyploids, chromosome number failed to present consistent associations with ecological variables. With polyploids, there was a tendency to waive epiphytism and colonize new habitats outside humid forests. The genome size showed association with ecological variables: without polyploids, genome increase was associated with flexible habits, with higher elevation and with drier summers; with polyploids, genome size increase was associated with colonizing drier environments. CONCLUSIONS: The chromosome number and genome size variations, essential but neglected traits in the ecological niche, are shaped in the Maxillariinae by both neutral and adaptive evolution. Both genomic traits are partially correlated to bioclimatic variables and elevation, even when controlling for phylogenetic constraints. While polyploidy was associated with shifts in the environmental niche, the genome size emerges as a central trait in orchid evolution by the association between small genome size and epiphytism, a key innovation to Neotropical orchid diversification.

Land use as an effective factor on the occurrence of chromosomal diseases in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of chromosomal diseases is a worldwide health problem. The use of agrochemicals, urbanization processes, and solar radiation can be predictive factors of the elevated risk of congenital malformations. In this sense, predicting the geographical potential of the distribution of chromosomal diseases has high relevance for public health. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe chromosomal prevalence in Brazil regions, from 2005 to 2015, to model a potential distribution of chromosomal disease occurrence probability associated with land use. METHODS: We used chromosomal prevalence to model a potential distribution of chromosomal diseases using machine learning algorithms. As the predictors of the models, we used the variables global forest canopy height, distance from the built-up area, and solar radiation. We characterized the predictive areas as potential occurrence of chromosomal diseases by land use and occupation. RESULTS: Georeferenced data of 43,672 karyotypes detected 7,237 cases of chromosomal diseases and used 5,362 to build the models. The models generated were accurate (TSS>0.5). DISCUSSION: The areas with greater occurrence of chromosomal diseases present a significant association with pasture areas, crops and agroforestry systems, and urbanized areas. This research is the first Brazilian study with this approach that seems promising in predicting the potential distribution of chromosomal diseases. Therefore, it can be an excellent management tool in public health.

Silicon application induces changes C:N:P stoichiometry and enhances stoichiometric homeostasis of sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress.

Beneficial effects of silicon (Si) on growth have been observed in some plant species, reportedly due to stoichiometric changes of C, N, and P. However, little is known about the effects on the stoichiometric relationships between C, N, and P when silicon is supplied via different modes in sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress conditions. Therefore, the current study was performed to investigate the impact of differing modes of Si supply on shoot biomass production and C:N:P stoichiometry in sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress. Two experiments were performed in a glass greenhouse using the strong Si-accumulator plant sorghum, as well as the intermediate type Si-accumulator sunflower, both of which were grown in pots filled with washed sand. Plant species were cultivated for 30 days in the absence or presence of salt stress (0 or 100 mM) and supplemented with one of four Si treatments: control plants (without Si), 28.6 mmol Si L-1 via foliar application, 2.0 mmol Si L-1 via nutrient solution, and combined application of foliar and nutrient solution, each group with five replications. The results revealed that supplied Si modified the C, N, and P concentrations, thereby enhancing the C:N:P stoichiometry and shoot dry matter of sorghum and sunflower plants under salt stress. Both application of Si via nutrient solution, as well as combined application via foliar and nutrient solution, increased the C:N ratio in both plant species under salt stress, but in sorghum plants decreased the C:P and N:P ratios and increased the shoot biomass production by 39%, while in sunflower plants increased the C:P and N:P ratios and increased the shoot biomass production by 24%. Our findings suggest that salt stress alleviation by Si impacts C:N:P stoichiometric relationships in a variable manner depending on the ability of the species to accumulate Si, as well as the route of Si administration.

Predictive Modelling of Current and Future Potential Distribution of the Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) in Amazonas, Northeast Peru.

The spectacled, or Andean, bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to climate change and human-induced habitat fragmentation. There is an urgent need for the conservation of spectacled bear at real time. However, the lack of knowledge about the distribution of this species is considered as one of the major limitations for decision-making and sustainable conservation. In this study, 92 geo-referenced records of the spectacled bear, 12 environmental variables and the MaxEnt entropy modelling have been used for predictive modelling for the current and future (2050 and 2070) potential distribution of the spectacled bear in Amazonas, northeastern Peru. The areas of "high", "moderate" and "low" potential habitat under current conditions cover 1.99% (836.22 km2), 14.46% (6081.88 km2) and 20.73% (8718.98 km2) of the Amazon, respectively. "High" potential habitat will increase under all climate change scenarios, while "moderate" and "low" potential habitat, as well as total habitat, will decrease over the time. The "moderate", "low" and total potential habitat are distributed mainly in Yunga montane forest, combined grasslands/rangelands and secondary vegetation and Yunga altimontane (rain) forest, while "high" potential habitat is also concentrated in the Jalca. The overall outcome showed that the most of the important habitats of the spectacled bear are not part of the protected natural areas of Amazonas, under current as well as under future scenarios.

Potential Distribution of Nysius simulans (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) in Soybean Crops in South America Under Current and Future Climate.

Nysius simulans (Stål) is a suctorial, fluid feeding herbivore that can transmit toxins and spread pathogens via saliva and is an economically important pest for soybean in South America. Currently, N. simulans in soybean is predominantly found in Argentina, but future changes in the distribution from both dispersal and range shifts due to climate change may affect soybean cultivation in southern South America. We developed a species distribution model to examine the distribution range of N. simulans. We compared the potential distribution of N. simulans under current and future projected climatic conditions in order to identify future areas of natural occurrence with ecological niche models using Maxent. Current records of N. simulans show that while the species is present in Argentina, and some areas of Brazil, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, our models suggest that many new suitable areas will be available for N. simulans under climate change including other regions of Argentina, and southern Chile. Our results also predict potential future range shifts and distributions into Bolivia, but not Peru nor Brazil. In our model, seasonal trends in temperature were shown to have the greatest contribution to the potential distribution, whereas isothermality (i.e., temperature variability) was correlated to potential future distribution ranges. We conclude that current populations of N. simulans may be expanding its distribution range by diffusion (i.e., range expansion over generations at the margins of populations), and regions with potential future N. simulans distribution should be closely monitored.

Rattlesnake (Crotalus spp.) distribution and diversity in Zacatecas, Mexico.

Mexico is home to a large number of reptile species and has one of the greatest diversities of venomous snakes, among which the rattlesnakes pertaining to the Crotalus genus stand out. Out of more than 40 species in the country, nine are found in Zacatecas: C. aquilus, C. atrox, C. basiliscus, C. lepidus, C. molossus, C. polystictus, C. pricei, C. scutulatus and C. willardi. Although these reptiles are important, due to their relevance in terms of ecology, cultural use and public health, their conservation is impacted by multiple factors, such as habitat fragmentation and indiscriminate killing. Thus, most species within this genus are found in some type of risk category at both the national and international level. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential distribution and diversity of rattlesnakes at the municipal level in the understudied state of Zacatecas. To do this, we analyzed and described the global distribution of nine rattlesnake species by building species distribution models, which determined their potential distribution based on a set of ecological variables and presence records. The resulting models were used to assess the diversity of rattlesnake species potentially present in each municipality within the state. Thirty-nine (67.24 %) out of fifty-eight municipalities registered at least one rattlesnake species. Fresnillo, Sombrerete and Valparaíso were some of the municipalities showing greatest diversity. Moreover, C. atrox, C. lepidus, C. molossus and C. scutulatus were the most widely found species in the state. On the other hand, C. basiliscus, C. polystictus, C. pricei and C. willardi were rarely spotted and so, information on their distribution patterns within Zacatecas is limited. Finally, the areas having the largest potential for the distribution of these species were defined. These findings should make field work much more time- and cost-effective, facilitating the collection of in situ data that are useful for management and conservation plans of these species in Zacatecas.

Spanish validation endorsement of SDM-Q-9, a new approach.

BACKGROUND: The Shared Decision Making (SDM) model allows the patient to be part of their own disease treatment and control. The translation to Spanish of a questionnaire that measures the patient perception of SDM will allow enlarging the range of its application. However, the essence of the questionnaire can be altered during its translation, which could curb the appreciation of the question and what the question originally asked for. The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of SDM-Q-9 in its psychometric properties, to a Spanish speaking population after its translation process. METHOD: The questionnaire was given to 76 outpatients who attended a medical control at the hospital. The informed consent process was developed before the patient underwent the physician's evaluation, and the SDM-Q-9 was applied when the patient finished the medical evaluation. The reliability of the questionnaire was evaluated and its structural validity was verified by the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). RESULTS: The SDM-Q-9 presented reliability and validity according to the following indicators. The internal consistency, measured by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.839 for the whole scale. The EFA showed a bi-dimensional solution, but the CFA indicated that the model with best indices of fit was the one-dimensional solution, excluding the first item. The indices used where: CFI 0.953, RMSEA (IC) 0.076 (0.000-0.134) for model 2, and CFI 0.961, RMSEA 0.071 (0.000-0.132) for model 5 are better. CONCLUSION: The questionnaire adaptation to the Latin American Spanish language has displayed reliability and validity according to the Cronbach's alpha indicators.

Using eco-physiological traits to understand the realized niche: the role of desiccation tolerance in Chagas disease vectors.

Small ectotherms, such as insects, with high surface area-to-volume ratios are usually at risk of dehydration in arid environments. We hypothesize that desiccation tolerance in insects could be reflected in their distribution, which is limited by areas with high relative values of water vapor pressure deficit (VPD) (e.g., hot and dry). The main goal of this study was to explore whether incorporation of eco-physiological traits such as desiccation tolerance in arid environments can improve our understanding of species distribution models (SDM). We use a novel eco-physiological approach to understand the distribution and the potential overlap with their fundamental niche in triatomine bugs, Chagas disease vectors. The desiccation dimension for T. infestans, T. delpontei, T. dimidiata, and T. sordida niches seems to extend to very dry areas. For T. vitticeps, xeric areas seem to limit the geographical range of their realized niche. The maximum VPD limits the western and southern distributions of T. vitticeps, T. delpontei, and T. patagonica. All species showed high tolerance to desiccation with survival times (35 °C-RH ~ 15%) ranging from 24 to 38 days, except for T. dimidiata (9 days), which can be explained by a higher water-loss rate, due to a higher cuticular permeability along with a higher critical water content. This approach indicates that most of these triatomine bugs could be exploiting the dryness dimension of their fundamental niche. Incorporating such species-specific traits in studies of distribution, range, and limits under scenarios of changing climate could enhance predictions of movement of disease-causing vectors into novel regions.

Patient-centred care and shared decision making in Chile: Rising momentum for progress and implementation in clinical practice.

The Chilean legislation establishes that patients have rights and responsibilities in regards to their healthcare. This is an important statement as it declares that people must be informed and become actively involved in their care; meanwhile, the health system needs to coordinate the provision of personalised and effective services. Although patient-centred care (PCC) and shared decision making (SDM) are relatively new concepts in Chile, the country is experiencing an interesting political momentum to create more interventions to achieve PCC and SDM and explore clinical implementation. Currently, research efforts in Chile have focused on better understanding the state of the art related to both concepts and how new clinical approaches could help to operationalize them.

Predicting a double mutant in the twilight zone of low homology modeling for the skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel subunit beta-1 (Nav1.4 ß1).

The molecular structure modeling of the ß1 subunit of the skeletal muscle voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.4) was carried out in the twilight zone of very low homology. Structural significance can per se be confounded with random sequence similarities. Hence, we combined (i) not automated computational modeling of weakly homologous 3D templates, some with interfaces to analogous structures to the pore-bearing Nav1.4 α subunit with (ii) site-directed mutagenesis (SDM), as well as (iii) electrophysiological experiments to study the structure and function of the ß1 subunit. Despite the distant phylogenic relationships, we found a 3D-template to identify two adjacent amino acids leading to the long-awaited loss of function (inactivation) of Nav1.4 channels. This mutant type (T109A, N110A, herein called TANA) was expressed and tested on cells of hamster ovary (CHO). The present electrophysiological results showed that the double alanine substitution TANA disrupted channel inactivation as if the ß1 subunit would not be in complex with the α subunit. Exhaustive and unbiased sampling of "all ß proteins" (Ig-like, Ig) resulted in a plethora of 3D templates which were compared to the target secondary structure prediction. The location of TANA was made possible thanks to another "all ß protein" structure in complex with an irreversible bound protein as well as a reversible protein-protein interface (our "Rosetta Stone" effect). This finding coincides with our electrophysiological data (disrupted ß1-like voltage dependence) and it is safe to utter that the Nav1.4 α/ß1 interface is likely to be of reversible nature.

Identifying evaluation considerations for the recovery and restoration from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill: An initial appraisal of stakeholder concerns and values.

Understanding what can be achieved and what should be avoided by environmental management decisions requires an understanding of values, or what is cared about in a decision. Decision analysis provides tools and processes for constructing objectives that transparently reflect the values being considered in environmental management decisions. The present study demonstrates parts of the initial decision analysis steps for identifying a decision context and constructing objectives for the recovery and long-term restoration of the Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. From a review of multiple reports, including those developed by policy makers and nongovernmental organizations, a preliminary structuring of concerns and considerations into objectives was derived to highlight features of importance in the recovery from the spill and long-term restoration. The fundamental objectives constructed for the long-term restoration context reflect broader concerns regarding well-being and quality of life. When developed through stakeholder engagement processes, clarifying objectives can potentially 1) lend insight into the values that can be affected, 2) meaningfully include stakeholders in the decision-making process, 3) enhance transparency and communication, and 4) develop high-impact management strategies reflecting broad public interests. This article is a US government work and is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Implementing new northernmost records to modelling the distribution of Hypsiboas caingua (Anura: Hylidae) in South America / Uso de novos registros ao norte para a modelagem de distribuição de Hypsiboas caingua (Anura: Hylidae) na América do Sul

New northwestern records of the striped treefrog Hypsiboas caingua (Carrizo, 1991 “1990”) are presented for Brazil, extending its known geographic distribution approximately 115 km northward (linear distance) of the previous northernmost record of the species. In all new localities, individuals of H. caingua were only found in calling activity under temperatures below 18°C. The species appears to be associated with Atlantic Forest, although it had already been recorded in Cerrado. Although the scientific literature data suggests that H. caingua presents discontinuous geographical distribution, three methods of distribution modelling based on climatic data show that the species' distribution is continuous. The gap in the distribution may be related to the lack of field surveys in the regions that connect these populations, especially in colder periods. Nevertheless, factors other than climate might also be responsible for the current distribution of H. caingua, since the species was absent in well-surveyed sites situated between the areas of modeled distribution. Therefore, further studies on natural history, populations' genetic structure, and geographic distribution models implementing factors other than climate will be important to elucidate some ecological and evolutionary aspects of the distribution of H. caingua in South America.

Novos registros da perereca Hypsiboas caingua (Carrizo, 1991 “1990”) são apresentados para o noroeste do Brasil, ampliando sua distribuição geográfica em aproximadamente 115 km ao norte (distância linear) em relação ao registro anterior setentrional da espécie. Em todas as novas localidades, indivíduos de H. caingua foram apenas encontrados vocalizando sob temperaturas abaixo de 18 °C. A espécie aparenta estar associada com a Mata Atlântica, embora já tenha sido registrada no Cerrado. Apesar de dados da literatura científica sugerirem que H. caingua apresente distribuição geográfica descontínua, os três métodos de modelagem de distribuição, baseados em dados climáticos demonstram que a distribuição da espécie é contínua. A lacuna na distribuição pode estar relacionada à ausência de levantamentos de campo nas regiões que conectam essas populações, principalmente em períodos frios. Contudo, outros fatores além do climático também podem ser responsáveis pela atual distribuição de H. caingua, visto a ausência da espécie em locais bem amostrados situados entre as áreas de distribuição modeladas. Portanto, mais estudos sobre a história natural, genética de populações e modelos de distribuição geográfica que abordem outros fatores além do clima, serão importantes para elucidar alguns aspectos ecológicos e evolucionários da distribuição de H. caingua na América do Sul.

Implementing new northernmost records to modelling the distribution of Hypsiboas caingua (Anura: Hylidae) in South America / Uso de novos registros ao norte para a modelagem de distribuição de Hypsiboas caingua (Anura: Hylidae) na América do Sul

New northwestern records of the striped treefrog Hypsiboas caingua (Carrizo, 1991 “1990”) are presented for Brazil, extending its known geographic distribution approximately 115 km northward (linear distance) of the previous northernmost record of the species. In all new localities, individuals of H. caingua were only found in calling activity under temperatures below 18°C. The species appears to be associated with Atlantic Forest, although it had already been recorded in Cerrado. Although the scientific literature data suggests that H. caingua presents discontinuous geographical distribution, three methods of distribution modelling based on climatic data show that the species' distribution is continuous. The gap in the distribution may be related to the lack of field surveys in the regions that connect these populations, especially in colder periods. Nevertheless, factors other than climate might also be responsible for the current distribution of H. caingua, since the species was absent in well-surveyed sites situated between the areas of modeled distribution. Therefore, further studies on natural history, populations' genetic structure, and geographic distribution models implementing factors other than climate will be important to elucidate some ecological and evolutionary aspects of the distribution of H. caingua in South America.(AU)

Novos registros da perereca Hypsiboas caingua (Carrizo, 1991 “1990”) são apresentados para o noroeste do Brasil, ampliando sua distribuição geográfica em aproximadamente 115 km ao norte (distância linear) em relação ao registro anterior setentrional da espécie. Em todas as novas localidades, indivíduos de H. caingua foram apenas encontrados vocalizando sob temperaturas abaixo de 18 °C. A espécie aparenta estar associada com a Mata Atlântica, embora já tenha sido registrada no Cerrado. Apesar de dados da literatura científica sugerirem que H. caingua apresente distribuição geográfica descontínua, os três métodos de modelagem de distribuição, baseados em dados climáticos demonstram que a distribuição da espécie é contínua. A lacuna na distribuição pode estar relacionada à ausência de levantamentos de campo nas regiões que conectam essas populações, principalmente em períodos frios. Contudo, outros fatores além do climático também podem ser responsáveis pela atual distribuição de H. caingua, visto a ausência da espécie em locais bem amostrados situados entre as áreas de distribuição modeladas. Portanto, mais estudos sobre a história natural, genética de populações e modelos de distribuição geográfica que abordem outros fatores além do clima, serão importantes para elucidar alguns aspectos ecológicos e evolucionários da distribuição de H. caingua na América do Sul.(AU)