Inflorescence branching in maize: A quantitative genetics approach to identifying key players in the inflorescence development pathway

Inflorescence branch number in maize and other cereal crops has long been recognized as an important factor impacting grain yield. In maize, inflorescence architecture is determined by the collective actions of many genes. Among these, the ramosa mutants play an important role in regulating branch number by imposing short-branch identity on lateral meristems of the inflorescence. In addition, a number of QTL have been identified which alter the branching of male inflorescences, however few of these QTL co-localize with known inflorescence branching genes, indicating that some components of this pathway have yet to be discovered. We conducted a suppressor/enhancer screen to identify modifiers of the ramosa phenotype and discovered twenty two putative mutants that enhance or suppress the phenotypes of ramosa mutants. Mapping of a portion of these mutants revealed that a subset map to regions of the genome not known to harbor inflorescence genes. As an extension of this method, we performed a screen for natural suppressors and enhancers of the ra1-63.3359 and ra2-R ear branching phenotypes using the intermated B73 Ã? Mo17 (IBM) population of maize. Through this approach we discovered eight QTL that significantly alter the inflorescence branching phenotype of ra1-63.3359 or ra2-R mutants. One of these QTL was present in both the ramosa1 and ramosa2 experiments indicating that it might function directly or in close association with the ramosa pathway. We fine-mapped this region using recombinants derived from a near-isogenic line and narrowed the interval to a region containing nine candidate genes. Ongoing efforts to map the induced mutations or natural variation underlying these ramosa modifiers will help elucidate the processes governing inflorescence architecture

Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of conservation planning at different scales: the Coral Triangle as a case study

Each year, hundreds of conservation plans are developed to direct limited resources toward conservation in priority areas. Conservation plans are developed at different levels, defined here as points on a range of spatial extent varying from global to local. However, approaches to integrate plans effectively across levels remain elusive. To plan across multiple levels most effectively, the relative strengths and weaknesses of planning at different levels must be understood. Taking the Coral Triangle region of the western Pacific Ocean as a case study, we apply an adapted social-ecological system (SES) framework to assess the scalar coverage of conservation plans, i.e., the extent to which plans developed at one level adequately consider the social and ecological levels and components (i.e., resource units, resource systems, governance systems, actors) of an SES. No conservation plans we assessed had complete cross-level coverage. Plans most adequately addressed social and ecological components at the same level of planning and, to a lesser extent, lower levels. In line with previous literature suggesting that social factors are most relevant at local levels, we found that local-level plans engaged with the greatest number of stakeholder groups, whereas higher level plans more adequately addressed ecological components. Given that it appears more practicable for higher level plans to consider components at lower levels, the onus should fall on higher level planning to link to lower levels. Achieving complete cross-level coverage will require vertical interactions between planning processes at different levels, and conceiving of planning processes across all levels as connected planning systems. We demonstrate how an adapted SES framework can be used by conservation planners to assess the cross-level coverage of their own plans and to formulate appropriate conservation objectives to address social and ecological components at different levels

Advances in conservation science and practice in Oceania: delivering on research priorities for the region

[Extract] Oceania is a diverse region both biologically and culturally. Yet the region is also marked by high rates of biodiversity loss due to major threats such as habitat destruction, climate change and invasive species (Kingsford et al., 2009). Evidence-based strategies are needed for successful conservation in the region, and targeted research delivering on urgent practical questions can support this. In 2015, we set out to identify research questions that, if answered, would increase the effectiveness of conservation and natural resource management practice and policy within Oceania in the next 10 years (Weeks & Adams, 2017). The priority questions that we identified emphasized the need for research that addresses distinctive management challenges prevalent in Oceania, and which fits the sociocultural contexts of the region. Five years on, we reflect on some of the progress made in answering these priority questions, with the eight papers featured in this Special Section addressing 12 of the 38 priority questions (Table 1)

Scalar capital as ingredient of success in conservation governance: evidence from Melanesia

Problems of scale abound in the governance of complex social-ecological systems. Conservation governance, for example, typically occurs at a single scale, but needs to inform governance and action at other scales to be truly effective at achieving social and ecological outcomes. This process is conventionally conceived as unidirectional - either scaling down or scaling up - in the way it both exploits and creates the natural, social, human, institutional, and financial resources and benefits that are collectively known as conservation 'capital'. Here we analyse multiscale conservation governance and the different types of capital that impede or facilitate its effectiveness. Comparative analysis of conservation planning in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, through in-depth document review, key informant interview, and participant observation, reveals limited evidence of unidirectional processes. Instead, we observe multidirectional scaling pathways, cultivated by the following six scale-explicit characteristics of effective conservation governance: 1) multiscale understanding, 2) scale jumping, 3) scaled leadership characteristics, 4) scaled stakeholder engagement, 5) scaled policy frameworks, and 6) scaled institutional settings. While the latter four are familiar concepts, though not always recognised as explicitly scalar, we know little about the first two attributes of conservation governance. Based on this novelty and relevance, we propose a new form of capital - 'scalar capital' - to complement natural, social, human, institutional, and financial capitals as both input and outcome of effective conservation governance. We find that scalar capital facilitates flows of different resources (data, conservation objectives, practitioner experience, institutional support, and funding) in multiple directions. Critically, we present empirical evidence that conservation governance can foster scalar capital to improve outcomes across multiple scales

Using reef fish movement to inform marine reserve design

A central tenet of protected area design is that conservation areas must be adequate to ensure the persistence of the features that they aim to conserve. These features might include species, populations, communities and/or environmental processes. Protected area adequacy entails both good design (e.g. size, configuration, replication) and management effectiveness (e.g. level of protection, compliance with regulations). With respect to design, guidelines recommend that protected area size be informed by species’ home ranges, as individuals that move beyond protected area boundaries are exposed to threats and are thus only partially protected (Kramer & Chapman 1999). This is especially important for species that are directly exploited, as are many coral reef-associated fishe

Improved determination of particulate absorption from combined filter pad and PSICAM measurements

Filter pad light absorption measurements are subject to two major sources of experimental uncertainty: the so-called pathlength amplification factor, β, and scattering offsets, o, for which previous null-correction approaches are limited by recent observations of non-zero absorption in the near infrared (NIR). A new filter pad absorption correction method is presented here which uses linear regression against point-source integrating cavity absorption meter (PSICAM) absorption data to simultaneously resolve both β and the scattering offset. The PSICAM has previously been shown to provide accurate absorption data, even in highly scattering waters. Comparisons of PSICAM and filter pad particulate absorption data reveal linear relationships that vary on a sample by sample basis. This regression approach provides significantly improved agreement with PSICAM data (3.2% RMS%E) than previously published filter pad absorption corrections. Results show that direct transmittance (T-method) filter pad absorption measurements perform effectively at the same level as more complex geometrical configurations based on integrating cavity measurements (IS-method and QFT-ICAM) because the linear regression correction compensates for the sensitivity to scattering errors in the T-method. This approach produces accurate filter pad particulate absorption data for wavelengths in the blue/UV and in the NIR where sensitivity issues with PSICAM measurements limit performance. The combination of the filter pad absorption and PSICAM is therefore recommended for generating full spectral, best quality particulate absorption data as it enables correction of multiple errors sources across both measurements

“Counseling the Unemployed”: Reflections on a Pilot Clinical Program

•Unemployment and economic hardships are issues in the lives of clients serviced by marriage and family therapists (MFTs). • “Counseling the Unemployed” program was created within a university-based clinical setting to help meet such needs. •Student MFTs were educated on effects of unemployment, coping strategies, and then shared what was helpful in addressing such issues via an online qualitative survey. •Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and relational problems were reported to be common symptoms of clients who presented with unemployment issues. •A degree of hopelessness and helplessness in the clients when compared to clients who did not present with issues related to unemployment was noted. •Certain techniques were also found to be most helpful in working with clients who are unemployed

Polyhedral colloidal `rocks': low-dimensional networks

We introduce a model system of anisotropic colloidal `rocks'. Due to their shape, the bonding introduced via non-absorbing polymers is profoundly different from spherical particles: bonds between rocks are rigid against rotation, leading to strong frustration. We develop a geometric model which captures the essence of the rocks. Experiments and simulations show that the colloid geometry leads to structures of low fractal dimension. This is in stark contrast to gels of spheres, whose rigidity results from locally dense regions. At high density the rocks form a quasi one-component glass

Social dynamics shaping the diffusion of sustainable aquaculture innovations in the Solomon Islands

Sustainably feeding the world's growing population represents one of our most significant challenges. Aquaculture is well positioned to make contributions towards this challenge. Yet, the translation of aquaculture production innovations into benefits for rural communities is constrained by a limited understanding of the social dynamics that influence the adoption of new agricultural practices. In this paper, we investigate the factors that shape the spread of small-scale tilapia aquaculture through rural Solomon Islands. Based on diffusion of innovation theory, we focus on three potentially influential factors: (i) socio-economic characteristics of adopters; (ii) the role of opinion leaders; and (iii) characteristics of the innovation. We find that farmers who were wealthier, older, and had more diverse livelihoods were most likely to be adopters. Opinion leaders facilitated the adoption of tilapia aquaculture, but lacked the capacity to provide fundamental knowledge necessary to realize its potential benefits to food security. The paper argues for more explicit attention to the poorest households and makes the case for a deeper engagement with the broader social and institutional contexts that shape the adoption process. Aquaculture interventions that account for these social dynamics are critical for translating production innovations into sustainable benefits to rural communities

Developing Conceptual and Methodological Foundations in Community Engagement

We describe the efforts of two related undergraduate projects to promote lasting social change in marginalized communities in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The projects represent a test of the premise that undergraduate projects can engage academically based strategies and transcend good intentions to achieve effective community partnerships to improve health and health care. The projects proceed from a perspective and theory of marginalization and its consequences. Specifically, marginalization undermines individual and collective capacity to meet basic needs and efforts to thrive. Through strengthening social infrastructure, communities can overcome the effects of marginalization. Project work begins with annual medical clinics and, with the permission of community residents, team members conduct ethnographic descriptions of the communities and their health and health care concerns and resources. We use social network analysis (SNA) and geographic information system (GIS) techniques to describe social infrastructure. Working from those foundations, both projects have enabled increased social infrastructure. To date, we have observed increased communication among community residents, facilitated the development of community-endorsed five-year plans, and established partnerships with regional and international groups