An Integrative Salt Marsh Conceptual Framework for Global Comparisons

Salt marshes occur globally across climatic and coastal settings, providing key linkages between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. However, salt marsh science lacks a unifying conceptual framework; consequently, historically well-studied locations have been used as normative benchmarks. To allow for more effective comparisons across the diversity of salt marshes, we developed an integrative salt marsh conceptual framework. We review ecosystem-relevant drivers from global to local spatial scales, integrate these multi-scale settings into a framework, and provide guidance on applying the framework using specific variables on 11 global examples. Overall, this framework allows for appropriate comparison of study sites by accounting for global, coastal, inter-, and intra-system spatial settings unique to each salt marsh. We anticipate that incorporating this framework into salt marsh science will provide a mechanism to critically evaluate research questions and a foundation for effective quantitative studies that deepen our understanding of salt marsh function across spatial scales

An integrative salt marsh conceptual framework for global comparisons

Salt marshes occur globally across climatic and coastal settings, providing key linkages between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. However, salt marsh science lacks a unifying conceptual framework; consequently, historically well-studied locations have been used as normative benchmarks. To allow for more effective comparisons across the diversity of salt marshes, we developed an integrative salt marsh conceptual framework. We review ecosystem-relevant drivers from global to local spatial scales, integrate these multi-scale settings into a framework, and provide guidance on applying the framework using specific variables on 11 global examples. Overall, this framework allows for appropriate comparison of study sites by accounting for global, coastal, inter-, and intra-system spatial settings unique to each salt marsh. We anticipate that incorporating this framework into salt marsh science will provide a mechanism to critically evaluate research questions and a foundation for effective quantitative studies that deepen our understanding of salt marsh function across spatial scales

Radiographers supporting radiologists in the interpretation of screening mammography: a viable strategy to meet the shortage in the number of radiologists.

BackgroundAn alternative approach to the traditional model of radiologists interpreting screening mammography is necessary due to the shortage of radiologists to interpret screening mammograms in many countries.MethodsWe evaluated the performance of 15 Mexican radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, in the interpretation of screening mammography after a 6 months training period in a screening setting. Fifteen radiographers received 6 months standardized training with radiologists in the interpretation of screening mammography using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) system. A challenging test set of 110 cases developed by the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium was used to evaluate their performance. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, false positive rates, likelihood ratio of a positive test (LR+) and the area under the subject-specific Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for diagnostic accuracy. A mathematical model simulating the consequences in costs and performance of two hypothetical scenarios compared to the status quo in which a radiologist reads all screening mammograms was also performed.ResultsRadiographer's sensitivity was comparable to the sensitivity scores achieved by U.S. radiologists who took the test but their false-positive rate was higher. Median sensitivity was 73.3 % (Interquartile range, IQR: 46.7-86.7 %) and the median false positive rate was 49.5 % (IQR: 34.7-57.9 %). The median LR+ was 1.4 (IQR: 1.3-1.7 %) and the median AUC was 0.6 (IQR: 0.6-0.7). A scenario in which a radiographer reads all mammograms first, and a radiologist reads only those that were difficult for the radiographer, was more cost-effective than a scenario in which either the radiographer or radiologist reads all mammograms.ConclusionsGiven the comparable sensitivity achieved by Mexican radiographers and U.S. radiologists on a test set, screening mammography interpretation by radiographers appears to be a possible adjunct to radiologists in countries with shortages of radiologists. Further studies are required to assess the effectiveness of different training programs in order to obtain acceptable screening accuracy, as well as the best approaches for the use of non-physician readers to interpret screening mammography

Aboveground biomass patterns of dominant Spartinas species and their relationship with selected abiotic variables in Argentinean SW Atlantic marshes

Salt marsh zonation patterns generate different abiotic and biotic conditions that can accentuate species inherent differences in primary production and biomass. In South West Atlantic marshes, there are two Spartina species: Spartina alterniflora in the low intertidal and Spartina densiflora in the high intertidal. These two species are generally found in all marshes but with different dominance: In some marshes, the S. densiflora zone occupies higher extents, and in others, the S. alterniflora zone is the one that prevails. We found through field sampling that, in six studied marshes, there is greater S. densiflora live and total (i.e., dead+live) aboveground biomass (g m−2) in the marshes dominated by S. densiflora than in the ones dominated by S. alterniflora. Spartina alterniflora had similar aboveground biomass in the six marshes, regardless of the dominance of each species. When comparing the two Spartina species within each marsh, S. densiflora had greater live and total biomass in the marshes it dominates. In the marshes dominated by S. alterniflora, both species had similar live and total biomass. In all marshes, there was greater dead S. densiflora biomass. A multivariate analysis using selected abiotic factors (i.e., salinity, latitude, and tidal amplitude) showed that S. alterniflora aboveground biomass patterns are mainly correlated with salinity, while S. densiflora live biomass is mainly correlated with salinity and latitude, dead biomass with salinity and tidal amplitude, and total biomass with salinity alone. We conclude that in S. densiflora dominated marshes, the main processes of that species zone (i.e., nutrient accumulation) will be accentuated because of its higher biomass. We also conclude that climatic conditions, in combination with specific Spartina biotic and ambient abiotic parameters, can affect marsh ecological functions.Fil: Montemayor, Diana I.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Canepuccia, Alejandro Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Pascual, Jesus Maria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Iribarne, Oscar Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Biotic and environmental factors affect Southwest Atlantic saltmarsh use by juvenile fishes

Fish habitat use is affected by biotic and environmental factors. These factors do not act in isolation; they commonly operate together, and can be modified by the presence of habitat structure, like vegetation. We studied at the Bahia Blanca estuary (38° 52′ S, 62 0°6′ W), the seasonal patterns of fish habitat use in a Spartina alterniflora saltmarsh and a contiguous tidal flat, and related them with biotic and environmental factors. The results showed that all fish species contributed to differences in the structure of fish assemblages between areas. The silverside Odontesthes argentinensis and the menhaden Brevoortia aurea were more abundant and smaller in size in the saltmarsh. In this area, the structure of fish assemblage was positively correlated with the structure of benthic community. The latter, was probably related to the high abundance of the polychaete Laeonereis acuta, the main benthic prey for fishes. Environmental factors that correlated with the structure of fish assemblages were particulate organic matter and sediment penetrability, both in the saltmarsh and in the tidal flat. This evidenced that in terms of physical and chemical factors studied, both areas present similar characteristics for fishes. This work highlights that saltmarshes in southern hemisphere provide both protection and food resources for fishes, and give support to the notion of saltmarshes as important fish habitat worldwide.Fil: Valiñas, Macarena Soledad. Fundación Playa Unión. Estación de Fotobiología Playa Unión; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Molina, Lucas Matías. Universidad Nacional de Río Negro; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Addino, Mariana del Sol. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Montemayor, Diana I.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Acha, Eduardo Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones y Desarrollo Pesquero; ArgentinaFil: Iribarne, Oscar Osvaldo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Argentin

Tea Bag Index S and k data of tidal wetland sites, means overview

Coverage: EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 40.800000 * LONGITUDE: 0.730000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 53.400000 * LONGITUDE: 5.800000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 38.100000 * LONGITUDE: -122.480000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 38.200000 * LONGITUDE: -122.470000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 54.000000 * LONGITUDE: 8.890000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 45.100000 * LONGITUDE: -66.430000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 31.500000 * LONGITUDE: 121.960000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 40.800000 * LONGITUDE: 0.850000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 9.400000 * LONGITUDE: -82.240000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 9.400000 * LONGITUDE: -82.120000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 9.400000 * LONGITUDE: -82.200000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 42.700000 * LONGITUDE: -70.840000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 43.800000 * LONGITUDE: -69.920000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: -37.700000 * LONGITUDE: -57.430000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 54.600000 * LONGITUDE: 18.510000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 53.400000 * LONGITUDE: 5.770000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 38.700000 * LONGITUDE: -76.710000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 38.900000 * LONGITUDE: -76.550000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 48.100000 * LONGITUDE: -69.790000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 38.200000 * LONGITUDE: -122.030000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 53.500000 * LONGITUDE: 6.240000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 54.600000 * LONGITUDE: 8.840000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 53.800000 * LONGITUDE: 7.720000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 42.700000 * LONGITUDE: -70.830000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 16.833300 * LONGITUDE: -88.100000 * LOCATION: Caribbean Sea * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 45.450000 * LONGITUDE: 12.310000 * LOCATION: Venice, Italy * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 40.800000 * LONGITUDE: 0.620000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: * LATITUDE: 37.580000 * LONGITUDE: -75.650000 * LOCATION: North Atlantic Ocea

Tea Bag Index S and k data of tidal wetland sites, within-site high vs. low

Coverage: EVENT LABEL: Ameland * LATITUDE: 53.400000 * LONGITUDE: 5.800000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Coon_Island * LATITUDE: 38.200000 * LONGITUDE: -122.470000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Dieksanderkoog * LATITUDE: 54.000000 * LONGITUDE: 8.890000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Dipper_Harbour * LATITUDE: 45.100000 * LONGITUDE: -66.430000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Dongtan * LATITUDE: 31.500000 * LONGITUDE: 121.960000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Isla_Cristobal * LATITUDE: 9.400000 * LONGITUDE: -82.240000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Isla_Popa * LATITUDE: 9.400000 * LONGITUDE: -82.120000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Isla_Solarte * LATITUDE: 9.400000 * LONGITUDE: -82.200000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Laws_Point * LATITUDE: 42.700000 * LONGITUDE: -70.840000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Noord-Friesland_Buitendijks * LATITUDE: 53.400000 * LONGITUDE: 5.770000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Patuxent_River * LATITUDE: 38.700000 * LONGITUDE: -76.710000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Rhode_River * LATITUDE: 38.900000 * LONGITUDE: -76.550000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Rimouski * LATITUDE: 48.100000 * LONGITUDE: -69.790000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Rush_Ranch * LATITUDE: 38.200000 * LONGITUDE: -122.030000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Sonke-Nissen-Koog * LATITUDE: 54.600000 * LONGITUDE: 8.840000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Spiekeroog * LATITUDE: 53.800000 * LONGITUDE: 7.720000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: TIDE_project * LATITUDE: 42.700000 * LONGITUDE: -70.830000 * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Twin_Cays * LATITUDE: 16.833300 * LONGITUDE: -88.100000 * LOCATION: Caribbean Sea * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Venice_Lagoon * LATITUDE: 45.450000 * LONGITUDE: 12.310000 * LOCATION: Venice, Italy * METHOD/DEVICE: Multiple investigations EVENT LABEL: Wachapreague * LATITUDE: 37.580000 * LONGITUDE: -75.650000 * LOCATION: North Atlantic Ocea