This study investigates the role of stable isotope ecology in unconsolidated sediment coastal systems, focusing on scientific production and research trends over time. Existing literature is analyzed to identify knowledge gaps and highlight the significance of stable isotope analysis in understanding coastal ecosystems. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis is employed, utilizing Scopus database to collect and categorize relevant publications on stable isotope ecology. Key indicators are focused on, including publication trends, authorship patterns, and the geographic distribution of research efforts. The temporal scale of studies is systematically analyzed, with attention given to methodological approaches used in these publications. Co-authorships networks and co-occurring keywords are examined to explore the intellectual structure of the field and identify collaborative patterns among authors. Over 140 publications are revealed, attributed to more than 400 researchers, with a significant increase in interest noted over time, particularly in trophic studies involving macrobenthos. Mudflats are identified as a focal point, receiving more attention than sandy beaches. The analysis indicates that seasonality is the predominant temporal scale, while mesoscale studies are observed to be more common in spatial investigations. A plateau in publication growth is noted, probably corresponding with the emergence of alternative methodologies for trophic ecology studies. Major contributions are attributed to France, the United States and Australia. Additionally, fragmented collaboration networks are illustrated through the co-authorship analysis, with limited international engagement among developing nations. Overall, the critical importance of stable isotope ecology in understanding coastal ecosystems is underscored, while the need for methodological diversity and increased collaboration in future research efforts is highlighted.

We measured the tree transpiration of 9-year-old, Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla clonal hybrid (GU) trees in the commercial forestry area of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Transpiration was measured using the heat ratio method over two consecutive hydrological years (2019/20 and 2020/21) and up-scaled to a stand level. Leaf area index (LAI), quadratic mean diameter, and soil water content (SWC) were measured over the same period using an LAI 2200 plant canopy analyser, manual dendrometers and CS616 sensors, respectively. The depth to groundwater was estimated to be approx. 28 m, using a borehole next to our study site. Results showed that transpiration followed a seasonal pattern, with daily mean of 2.3 mm-tree-1-day-1 (range: 0.18 to 4.55 mm-tree-1-day-1) and 3.3 mm-tree-1-day-1 (range: 0.06 to 6.6 mm-tree-1-day-1) for 2019/20 and 2020/21, respectively. Annual GU transpiration was higher than that found by international studies under similar conditions, but was within the same transpiration range as Eucalyptus genotypes in the KwaMbonambi area. Plantation water productivity, calculated as a ratio of stand volume to transpiration, was higher than for other published studies, which was attributed to a very high productive potential of the study site. Multiple regression using the random forests predictive model indicated that solar radiation, SWC and air temperature highly influence transpiration. There is a high possibility that our GU tree rooting system extracted water in the unsaturated zone during the dry season. Due to the use of short-term results in this study, the impact of GU on water resources could not be quantified; however, previous long-term paired catchment studies in South Africa concluded that Eucalyptus has a negative impact on water resources. Further research is suggested with long-term measurements of transpiration and total evaporation and an isotope study to confirm the use of water by GU trees in the unsaturated zone.

Lumbar spondylolysis is an acquired defect of the pars interarticular process ('isthmus') due to the human species' erect posture. Anatomical and load factors play a role. With lumbar extension, the superior vertebra's inferior articular process drives down dorsally on the inferior pars, causing a ventral tensile stress, bone oedema, fracture, and ultimately nonunion in some. The population incidence is around 6%, where most are inconsequential as they are asymptomatic and have a favourable natural history. In the physically highly active group, especially athletes, back and radicular pain is more common, leading to a three to four times higher incidence of lysis in this group. Although X-rays are typically the first imaging modality used, computed tomography (CT) is far more sensitive and, with staging, more predictive of fusion with comparable radiation dose. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows identification of bone oedema, a precursor of fracture, and assessment of the disc status. This has replaced previously used isotope bone scans and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Management involves cessation of physical activity and bracing to block extension for three to six months, with around 90% resolution of symptoms. Union rate is negatively related to bilaterality and terminal stage (nonunion), but not necessarily correlated to symptom/functional status. Surgical intervention in those that fail nonoperative care includes pars repair or fusion, with a high fusion and return to activity rate. The young athlete poses a particular challenge due to return to play pressure, but still does well with nonoperative care and subsequent activity modification. Counselling of the family and sports staff is extremely important when planning treatment in this high-demand group. Level of evidence: Level 5

This study was conducted to determine the characteristics of cedar honey, which is an important honeydew honey produced on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The geographical classification of the honey was determined by applying carbon isotope, honey colour, aromatic compound, antioxidant activity, antibacterial minimum inhibitory concentration values, and physicochemical analyses to 16 samples collected from four regions. The investigation encompassed measurements of õ13C values for both protein and raw honey, obtaining the respective isotopic compositions of -25.48% and -26.67%. Diastase activity (17.9 DN), electrical conductivity (1.52 mS/cm), hydroxymethylfurfural (2.54 mg/kg), moisture (17.5%), pH (4.96), proline (347 mg/kg), free acidity (35 meq/kg), fructose (35.5 g/100 g), glucose (29.7 g/100 g), and sucrose (0.58 g/100 g) were determined. The L*, a*, and b* values were measured as 43.76 ± 4.52, 3.48 ± 1.82, and 49.31± 8.39, respectively. The total phenolic content (TP), DPPH, and FRAP were determined as 68.43 mg/100g GAE, 30.529 mg/ml, and 0.00422 ppm AAE, respectively. Antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae displayed minimum inhibitory effects of 70%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. All samples exhibited cedar honey (honeydew) properties and all physicochemical parameters met the criteria set by regulatory standards for honeydew.

Abstract On the southern edge of the Amazonian Craton, the Mirassol d’Oeste and Guia formations constitute the cap carbonate of the Araras Group. Petrography, X-ray diffraction, and quantification of terrigenous material allowed the identification of detrital grains (e.g., mica, quartz, and feldspar) in different proportions and diagenetic features. The sequential leaching of carbonates along a section of the upper portion of the Guia Formation yielded 87Sr/86Sr ratios increasing from 0.7070 to 0.7077, which is considered the primary Sr isotopic signature of seawater. The increasing continental influx of dissolved Sr from freshwater accounts for the increase in 87Sr/86Sr along the section. Such abrupt change toward more radiogenic values is also observed in carbonate layers soon after the Marinoan glaciation, elsewhere in the world. The same samples provided Nd-TDM model ages (1.84–2.54 Ga) comparable with those of the continental crust of the Paleoproterozoic provinces of the Amazonian Craton, which forms the basement of the Araras Group. The ԐNd(635Ma) values between -4.7 and -11.1, probably indicate the presence of Nd from the suspended material transported by continental waters to the ocean where the carbonates precipitated. The random variations of Nd-TDM ages and ԐNd values suggest important and rapid variations in the continental contribution to the post-Marinoan oceans.

The structure of food webs is a fundamental attribute of ecosystems, and their characterization provides an intrinsic knowledge of the trophic interactions among organisms and of nutrient and energy transfer within ecosystems. Over the last few decades, several chemical and biogeochemical approaches have been proposed to explore different aspects of food webs. In this sense, this study reviews the application of stable isotopes and mercury as main auxiliary tools to the characterization and modeling of aquatic food webs, including analytical and modeling advances, strengths and limitations. The metanalysis performed showed that the most used tools for trophic ecology studies are stable isotopes, and that they can provide better results when combined with mercury and specific chemical molecules such as amino and fatty acids. In addition, the statistical methods applied in the interpretation of results, such as isotope mixing models, have witnessed significant advances in the last two decades. All approaches have premises and limitations when applied to aquatic ecosystems, which must be well understood prior to results interpretation. The use of multiple tracers in trophic studies provides complementary information and in many cases is an appropriate alternative to overcome some limitations, allowing to expand the knowledge of the food webs.

Abstract Aquatic macrophytes are the main autochthonous component of primary production in the Amazon Basin. Floating meadows of these plants support habitats with highly diverse animal communities. Fishes inhabiting these habitats have been assumed to use a broad range of food items and compose a particular food web. We employed carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope analysis to draw the trophic structure of these habitats and to trace the energy flow by its trophic levels. Fishes and other animals from 18 independent macrophyte meadows of a floodplain lake of the Solimões River (Amazonia, Brazil) were analyzed. The food web of macrophyte meadows consists of four trophic levels above autotrophic sources. In general, primary consumers exhibited a broader range of food sources than the upper trophic levels. Some fish species depended on a large number of food sources and at the same time are consumed by several predators. The energy transfer from one trophic level to the next was then mainly accomplished by these species concentrating a high-energy flux and acting as hubs in the food web. The broad range of δ13C values observed indicates that the organisms living in the macrophyte meadows utilize a great diversity of autotrophic sources.

Firearms and ammunition identification produces important information for the elucidation of the crime and also in cases of confirmation of the offender. In a crime scene, when a suspect weapon and its ammunition are found, it is possible to clarify and conclude an investigation using qualitative analysis and standards. However, in some cases only the fragments of ammunition are found, which makes difficult to identify the weapon using traditional techniques. Therefore, alternative methods are needed such as the determination of elemental composition of the lead alloy and the verification of the lead isotopic ratios. The present work includes a review of the basic concepts of ballistics and conventional techniques of ballistic confrontation, the existing studies related to the chemical analysis of ballistic fragments and its application in criminalistics and, finally, the articles involving the lead isotopic analysis as a tool for ballistic identification.

Abstract Piaractus mesopotamicus, is a fish usually farmed in semi-intensive systems with access to natural food and supplementary feed. This study evaluates effects of feed allowance on the productive performance, carbon turnover and proportions of nutrient (carbon) contribution of feed and natural food for the growth of pacu. Juvenile fish were stocked in fiberglass tanks and fed to 100, 75, 50, 25, 0% apparent satiety (ApS), with a practical, extruded (C4 photosynthetic pathway) feed in a randomized design trial (n=3); plankton production for simulated semi-intensive farming system condition was induced by chemical fertilization. A control treatment was set up in tanks devoid of natural food. Data on muscle stable carbon isotope ratios were used to study carbon turnover using a relative growth-based model. Low variation of the δ13C impaired fitting a turnover model curve for the 0 and 25 % ApS treatments. Fish of the 100% and 75% ApS treatments reached circa 95% and 82.85% of the carbon turnover, respectively. Extruded feed was the main nutrient source for the growth of pacu in the semi-intensive, simulated farming condition. The current study contributes to the knowledge of the relationship between feeding rates and carbon turnover rates in the pacu muscle.

Abstract Introduction: Costa Rica has hundreds of lakes, many of which have never been scientifically studied. Objective: To carry out a first, basic limnological study of Laguna Pozo Verde in Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Costa Rica (~1935m elevation), to provide baseline data for studying future changes. Methods: We measured water depths and temperatures, and Secchi depth; analyzed surface sediments; and examined maps and satellite imagery. Results: Though described by some as formed by volcanic processes, Laguna Pozo Verde likely formed in a landslide, which occur frequently in this rainy area on the steep south slope of the inactive Porvenir Volcano. Our soundings showed a maximum depth of 9,25m near the center of the lake. The water was moderately transparent (Secchi depth 2,6m), with circumneutral pH, and temperatures from 15,9-18,1°C, with weak stratification at 0,5m. Surface sediments contained 27% organic matter, and had C/N ratios and stable carbon isotope values consistent with lacustrine algae and C3 plants; Surirella angusta composed over 90% of the diatoms. Conclusion: The lake is significantly shallower than reported, and surface sediments have a diatom assemblage unique among 88 lakes examined in Costs Rica.

Resumen Introducción: Costa Rica tiene cientos de lagos, muchos nunca estudiados científicamente. Objetivo: Conocer la limnología de Laguna Pozo Verde en el Parque Nacional Juan Castro Blanco, Costa Rica (~1935m de elevación), como referencia para estudiar futuros cambios. Métodos: Medimos la profundidad y temperatura del agua y la profundidad de Secchi; analizamos sedimentos superficiales; y examinamos mapas e imágenes satelitales. Resultados: Aunque algunos la describen como formado por procesos volcánicos, es probable que Laguna Pozo Verde se haya formado en un deslizamiento de tierra, algo común en esta zona lluviosa de la empinada ladera sur del Volcán Porvenir (inactivo). Hallamos una profundidad máxima de 9,25m cerca del centro. El agua era moderadamente transparente (profundidad de Secchi 2,6m), con un pH cercano a neutral y temperaturas de 15,9-18,1°C, y una débil estratificación a 0,5m. Los sedimentos superficiales contenían un 27% de materia orgánica y tenían cocientes C/N y valores de isótopos de carbono estables, coherentes con algas lacustres y plantas C3; más del 90% de las diatomeas eran Surirella angusta. Conclusión: La laguna es significativamente más somera de lo informado y los sedimentos superficiales albergan una combinación de diatomeas única entre los 88 lagos examinados en Costa Rica.

Resumen La línea de goteo de neutrones presenta estructuras nucleares exóticas. En este trabajo estudiamos al 22C, un isótopo borromeano del carbono. El modelo utilizado para comprender sus propiedades es el modelo de capas con energía compleja. Condicionando los parámetros de los potenciales de uno y dos cuerpos a los datos experimentales, se calculó la raiz cuadrática media del radio.

Abstrac The neutron drip line presents exotic nuclear structures. In this work, we study 22C, a Borromean isotope of carbon. The Gamow Shell model was used to understand its properties. A Woods-Saxon plus Gaussian mean field defined the single-particle basis. The root means square of the radius was calculated.

Oxygen- and hydrogen-isotope ratios in rainfall provide important hydroclimatic information, yet despite a global network of rainfall isotope measurements, significant geographical gaps exist in data coverage, with only three long-term stations spanning the southern African region. Project-based, ad hoc collections of rainfall for isotope analysis can improve this coverage. However, all rainfall samples that are destined for stable isotope analysis must be collected in such a way to avoid evaporation and resultant isotope fractionation. While such rainwater collectors are available commercially, both the product and shipping are prohibitively costly. We describe the construction of a simple rainfall collector using a design from the literature and materials that are readily available in South African hardware stores. Our rainwater collector can be constructed for the much lower cost of just under ZAR820 in comparison with the cost of ZAR9300 inclusive of shipping from commercial outlets (2022 prices). Our design modifications have the added advantage of portability, with the rainwater collector housed in a bucket with a handle. The device was tested by comparing its performance, in terms of evaporative water loss and isotopic fractionation, with that of an open bottle, using tap water in both cases. Testing confirmed that the collector prevented evaporation over a one-week period, indicating that it is suitable for weekly or more frequent sampling of rainfall. Although the design described was based on materials procured in South Africa, it could easily be adapted for construction elsewhere. SIGNIFICANCE: • Hydrogen and oxygen isotope composition of rainfall provides valuable climatic information. • Rainwater collectors for stable isotope samples must prevent evaporation, as evaporation will alter the isotopic signature. • We describe the construction and testing of a bespoke, low-cost and portable device that can be used to collect rainfall samples destined for oxygen- and hydrogen-isotope analysis without significant evaporation.

The role of groundwater, in general, is often overlooked in freshwater ecosystem management policies and in the management of South Africa's flagship conservation area, the Kruger National Park (KNP). To address this gap, a generalised conceptual model of surface water-ground water (sw-gw) interactions in the southern and central regions of the KNP was developed. To do this, stable isotope ratios (δ18O and δ²H) of groundwater, rainfall and surface water were used to determine the extent to which the base flow of perennial, seasonal and ephemeral streams on different geologies (granite vs. basalt) is driven by rainfall or groundwater. These results show that the δ(18)0 and δ²H ratios of perennial rivers are similar to that of groundwater, while seasonal and ephemeral rivers on basalts have values closer to rainfall. On granite substrates, however, the isotope ratios of the seasonal and ephemeral rivers have values closer to groundwater than rainfall. The larger seasonal Mbyamiti River had similar isotope ratios to that of groundwater, and the highly ephemeral Nwaswitsontso had episodic interaction with groundwater (i.e. isotopic ratios overlap occasionally). These results show that decisions necessary for the sustainable management of groundwater resources are better informed when the natural interaction, movement, and exchange between groundwater and rivers are understood. This has particular relevance for large conservation areas in southern Africa that are expected to experience more variable climates in the future with both increases in drought and rainfall intensities.

ABSTRACT: Near the last millennium, an important change in cultural trajectories at Chiloé Island is marked by the appearance of horticultural and pottery traditions. Based on various lines of evidence, we can sustain that, for the Late Holocene, marine hunter-gatherers-fishermen from the northern Patagonian archipelago used and consumed wild and domesticated plants. The Tricolor archaeological site, located on the central Pacific coast of Chiloé, along with the various studies carried out regarding ceramic manufacture, organic use residues, together with a diverse set of radiocarbon dates (charcoals, organic residues, TL), are relevant to begin to fill the gaps in the archaeological record of the last centuries up to European contact. With this we contribute to the discussion about the subsistence processes, changes and cultural continuities that occurred in the area during the last centuries of pre-Hispanic human occupation.

RESUMEN: Cerca del último milenio en Chiloé se distingue un importante cambio en las trayectorias culturales con la aparición de tradiciones hortícolas y alfareras. A partir de diversas líneas de evidencia se ha descrito para el archipiélago patagónico septentrional el uso y consumo de plantas silvestres y domesticadas durante el Holoceno tardío por parte de cazadores-recolectores-pescadores marinos. El sitio arqueológico Tricolor, ubicado en la costa central pacífica de Chiloé, y los diversos análisis realizados respecto a la manufactura cerámica, los residuos orgánicos adheridos, junto a un conjunto de fechados radiocarbónicos (carbones, residuos orgánicos, TL), son relevantes para comenzar a cubrir los vacíos del registro arqueológico de los últimos siglos hasta el contacto europeo. Con ello intentamos contribuir con la discusión sobre los procesos de subsistencia, cambios y continuidades culturales que ocurrieron en el área durante los últimos siglos de ocupación humana prehispana.

ABSTRACT In recent years, paleodietary and paleoenvironmental studies have made great progress due to new techniques, such as the analysis of dental wear at micro and macro level and the analysis of stable isotopes of different elements in animal tissues. Recently, the combination of these proxies has substantially improved these types of studies, however, these analyses go hand in hand with biology and the animal behavior, so it is essential to understand the species studied previously. This paper describes the analyses commonly used in recent years in the Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) and the relationship that the biology of this species has with the correct application of these analyses. Likewise, the samples and measurements taken from these fossil individuals must be taken with care, since the peculiarities in dental ontogenesis, behavior and metabolism are key to the comprehension of the results obtained.

RESUMEN En los últimos años, los estudios paleodietéticos y paleoambientales han tenido un gran avance debido a nuevas técnicas, como el análisis del desgaste dental a nivel micro y macro y, el análisis de isotopos estables de diferentes elementos en los tejidos de los animales. Recientemente, la combinación de éstos proxies ha mejorado sustancialmente este tipo de estudios, sin embargo, estos análisis van de la mano con la biología y comportamiento animal, por lo que es fundamental primero comprender a las especies estudiadas. En el presente trabajo se describen los análisis comúnmente utilizados en los últimos años en el mamut columbino (Mammuthus columbi) y la relación que tiene la biología de esta especie con la correcta aplicación de estos análisis. Así mismo, las muestras y medidas tomadas de estos individuos fósiles deben tomarse con cuidado, ya que las peculiaridades en la ontogénesis dental, de comportamiento y metabolismo, son clave para la comprensión de los resultados obtenidos.