Science Museums
archiveAarhus, Denmark
Research output, citation impact, and the most-cited recent papers from Science Museums (Denmark). Aggregated across the NobleBlocks index of 300M+ scholarly works.
Top-cited papers from Science Museums
When taxa go extinct, unique evolutionary history is lost. If extinction is selective, and the intrinsic vulnerabilities of taxa show phylogenetic signal, more evolutionary history may be lost than expected under random extinction. Under what conditions this occurs is insufficiently known. We show that late Cenozoic climate change induced phylogenetically selective regional extinction of northern temperate trees because of phylogenetic signal in cold tolerance, leading to significantly and substantially larger than random losses of phylogenetic diversity (PD). The surviving floras in regions that experienced stronger extinction are phylogenetically more clustered, indicating that non-random losses of PD are of increasing concern with increasing extinction severity. Using simulations, we show that a simple threshold model of survival given a physiological trait with phylogenetic signal reproduces our findings. Our results send a strong warning that we may expect future assemblages to be phylogenetically and possibly functionally depauperate if anthropogenic climate change affects taxa similarly.
Developmental studies of necrophagous insects are strongly needed to support medico-legal investigations, because minimum postmortem intervals (min PMI) can be estimated from development data for species collected from a forensic scene together with accurate temperature information from that scene. The life cycle of cyclorrhaphous flies, which include some of the most used forensic indicators, shows an unusual feature as the pupal stage and the subsequent development of the pharate adult take place inside an opaque, barrel-like puparium, formed from the cuticle of the third-instar larva (Fraenkel and Bhaskaran 1973). Although unusual this feature is not unique among insects, or even among Diptera, despite the statement of Proença et al. (2014) . The period from pupariation (i.e., puparium formation) until the emergence of the adult is of special importance for forensic studies, as this period lasts for >50% of the total immature development. However, unlike the larval stage where a quantitative measure of age (e.g., body length) can be modeled in relation to time, the puparium shows virtually no external age-related changes (Amendt et al. 2011). Nevertheless, the puparium can be removed in order to determine morphological markers related to age on the insect inside, which can then be used for simple age estimation. Accordingly, a number of recently published studies (e.g., Pujol-Luz and Barros-Cordeiro 2012 , Defilippo et al. 2013 , Proença et al. 2014 , Ma et al. 2015) have described age-related morphological landmarks in the intrapuparial development of several forensically important Diptera, chiefly blow flies (Calliphoridae). Our concern has to do with confusion regarding concepts and terminology frequently occurring in these kinds of intrapuparial development studies. It is very likely that much of the existing confusion is related to the wide use of the terms “pupa,” referring to any fly individual during its intrapuparial development (regardless of which developmental stage lies inside the puparium), and “pupal stage” or “pupal period,” referring to the period from pupariation to adult emergence in forensic entomology (e.g., Amendt et al. 2011). This terminology might be practical but it is incorrect, as it includes within the “pupal period or stage” not only the actual pupal stage but also the prepupal stage and the final development of the pharate adult, even when the latter is significantly the longest intrapuparial stage in cyclorrhaphous flies (Hinton 1971).
spp.) in Europe and discuss the potential associated health impact. We built species distribution models based on presence-only data for three ragweed species, using MAXENT software. Future climatic habitat suitability was modeled under two IPCC climate change scenarios (RCP 6.0 and RCP 8.5). We quantify the extent of the increase in 'high allergy risk' (HAR) areas, i.e., parts of Europe with climatic conditions corresponding to the highest quartile (25%) of present day habitat suitability for each of the three species. We estimate that by year 2100, the distribution range of all three ragweed species increases towards Northern and Eastern Europe under all climate scenarios. HAR areas will expand in Europe by 27-100%, depending on species and climate scenario. Novel HAR areas will occur mostly in Denmark, France, Germany, Russia and the Baltic countries, and overlap with densely populated cities such as Paris and St. Petersburg. We conclude that areas in Europe affected by severe ragweed associated allergy problems are likely to increase substantially by year 2100, affecting millions of people. To avoid this, management strategies must be developed that restrict ragweed dispersal and establishment of new populations. Precautionary efforts should limit the spread of ragweed seeds and reduce existing populations. Only by applying cross-countries management plans can managers mitigate future health risks and economical consequences of a ragweed expansion in Europe.
In this article, we argue for the need to further incorporate the study of metaphor with the newest tendencies within cognitive science. We do so by presenting an ecological view of cognition as a skull-and-body-transcending activity that is deeply entangled with the environment. Grounded in empirical examples we present and examine four claims fleshing out this ecological perspective on cognition and metaphor: (a) metaphor is a product of an organism-environment-system, rather than merely a product of an inner mental process, (b) metaphoric meaning is relational. It emerges from projections of structure between a living organism and its perceived or imagined environment, (c) underlying metaphor is the notion of metaphoricity, which is a scalar value involving a doubleness in experience, and (d) metaphoricity relies on experiential affordances that can be directly perceived or felt in the environment. Overall, we propose that metaphor should be understood and thought about in terms of affordances rather than mental ability. Studying metaphor as affordances is to focus on metaphor as part of our active doings that equally involve cognitive, social, and linguistic dimensions. Within an ecological framework, there is no contradiction between studying the details of linguistic, multimodal, and embodied behavior in situational contexts while considering the cognitive dimensions of this behavior too since cognition is re-conceptualized as constituted by actions in an environment.
The tribe Geonomateae is a widely distributed group of 103 species of Neotropical palms which contains six ecologically important understory or subcanopy genera. Although it has been the focus of many studies, our understanding of the evolutionary history of this group, and in particular of the taxonomically complex genus Geonoma, is far from complete due to a lack of molecular data. Specifically, the previous Sanger sequencing-based studies used a few informative characters and partial sampling. To overcome these limitations, we used a recently developed Arecaceae-specific target capture bait set to undertake a phylogenomic analysis of the tribe Geonomateae. We sequenced about 4,000 genes for 85% of the species of the tribe, including 84% of the species of the largest genus, Geonoma. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using both concatenation and coalescent methods. Overall, our phylogenetic tree is highly supported and congruent with taxonomic delimitations although several morphological taxa were revealed to be non-monophyletic. It is the first time that such a large genomic dataset is provided for an entire tribe within the Arecaceae. Our study lays the groundwork not only for detailed macro- and micro-evolutionary studies within the group, but also sets a workflow for understanding other species complexes across the tree of life.
Metamorphosis of cyclorrhaphous flies takes place inside a barrel-like puparium, formed by the shrinking, hardening and darkening of the third-instar larval cuticle. The opacity of this structure hampers the visualization of the morphological changes occurring inside and therefore a full understanding of the metamorphosis process. Here, we use micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to describe the internal morphological changes that occur during metamorphosis of the blow fly, Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at a greater temporal resolution than anything hitherto published. The morphological changes were documented at 10% intervals of the total intra-puparial period, and down to 2.5% intervals during the first 20% interval, when the most dramatic morphological changes occur. Moreover, the development of an internal gas bubble, which plays an essential role during early metamorphosis, was further investigated with X-ray images and micro-CT virtual sections. The origin of this gas bubble has been largely unknown, but micro-CT virtual sections show that it is connected to one of the main tracheal trunks. Micro-CT virtual sections also provided enough resolution for determining the completion of the larval-pupal and pupal-adult apolyses, thus enabling an accurate timing of the different intra-puparial life stages. The prepupal, pupal, and pharate adult stages last for 7.5%, 22.5%, and 70% of the total intra-puparial development, respectively. Furthermore, we provide for the first time quantitative data on the development of two organ systems of the blow fly: the alimentary canal and the indirect flight muscles. There is a significant and negative correlation between the volume of the indirect flight muscles and the pre-helicoidal region of the midgut during metamorphosis. The latter occupies a large portion of the thorax during the pupal stage but narrows progressively as the indirect flight muscles increase in volume during the development of the pharate adult.
ABSTRACT Most animal species on Earth are insects, and recent reports suggest that their abundance is in drastic decline. Although these reports come from a wide range of insect taxa and regions, the evidence to assess the extent of the phenomenon is still sparse. Insect populations are challenging to study and most monitoring methods are labour intensive and inefficient. Advances in computer vision and deep learning provide potential new solutions to this global challenge. Cameras and other sensors that can effectively, continuously, and non-invasively perform entomological observations throughout diurnal and seasonal cycles. The physical appearance of specimens can also be captured by automated imaging in the lab. When trained on these data, deep learning models can provide estimates of insect abundance, biomass, and diversity. Further, deep learning models can quantify variation in phenotypic traits, behaviour, and interactions. Here, we connect recent developments in deep learning and computer vision to the urgent demand for more cost-efficient monitoring of insects and other invertebrates. We present examples of sensor-based monitoring of insects. We show how deep learning tools can be applied to the big data outputs to derive ecological information and discuss the challenges that lie ahead for the implementation of such solutions in entomology. We identify four focal areas, which will facilitate this transformation: 1) Validation of image-based taxonomic identification, 2) generation of sufficient training data, 3) development of public, curated reference databases, and 4) solutions to integrate deep learning and molecular tools. Significance statement Insect populations are challenging to study, but computer vision and deep learning provide opportunities for continuous and non-invasive monitoring of biodiversity around the clock and over entire seasons. These tools can also facilitate the processing of samples in a laboratory setting. Automated imaging in particular can provide an effective way of identifying and counting specimens to measure abundance. We present examples of sensors and devices of relevance to entomology and show how deep learning tools can convert the big data streams into ecological information. We discuss the challenges that lie ahead and identify four focal areas to make deep learning and computer vision game changers for entomology.
This paper explores how four design principles (curiosity, challenge, narratives and participation) facilitate reflection and discussion among young visitors in the issues-based exhibition Dear, Difficult Body. The investigation is based on a mixed-method approach combining questionnaire and interview data. The implementation of design principles resulted in a variety of exhibits which variously prompted reflection and discussion on the part of visitors. Exhibits with narratives, for example, here defined as both personal and expert narratives, were found to be effective in facilitating personal reflection but also prompted discussion. Participation, defined as including both physical interaction with exhibits, and dialogic interaction between visitors, facilitated the sharing of ideas and feelings between visitors. Exhibits with elements of curiosity and challenge were found to attract pupils’ attention but also worked well with other design principles to engage the pupils in sustained reflection and discussion. While other contextual factors remain significant in determining visitor responses, this paper argues that the use of design principles can help create visitor experiences that correspond to exhibition aims.
OBJECTIVE: Examine the overall incidence of medically treated depression in Denmark among individuals 15-44 years old, and estimate the 5-year cumulative incidence of psychiatric hospital care among individuals treated first in non-hospital-based care. METHODS: We followed all individuals born in Denmark between 1969 and 1998 from age 15 or 2006 (whichever came first) until first depression treatment; death; emigration; or December 31, 2013. Incidence rates were estimated using Poisson regression. Cumulative incidence of hospital care following treatment in non-hospital care was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: In this sample of 2 014 760 individuals, incidence rates of depression in non-hospital and hospital-based care in 2012-2013 were 6.6 (95% Confidence Interval: 6.5-6.7) per 1000 person-years and 1.5 (95% CI: 1.5-1.6) per 1000 person-years, respectively. Overall, 85-90% of first medical treatment for depression took place outside of psychiatric hospitals, but a quarter (26.3%) of individuals treated for depression received hospital care initially or within 5 years. Incidence of hospital care was higher in women and younger individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Most medical treatment for depression in Denmark takes place in non-hospital settings. Women and younger individuals are more likely to receive hospital care both initially and within 5 years after first antidepressant treatment.
Summary Eutrophication alters the trophic dynamics in lakes and may result in homogenisation of biotic communities. How nutrient enrichment drives patterns of homogenisation of fish species composition at within‐lake (local) and among‐lake (regional) scales is, however, not well studied. To test for homogenisation in fish communities, we analysed number, biomass and individual mean body mass of the different fish species present in 53 Danish lakes with contrasting depths, surface area and eutrophication. A combination of uni‐ and multivariate techniques revealed that eutrophication homogenises fish community composition in the littoral zone of both shallow and deep lakes at within‐ and among‐lake scales, a notable contrast being that community composition was not homogenised in the offshore in deep lakes. In addition, fish species richness and diversity converged with progressive eutrophication and mean lake depth in all lake zones. For deep lakes, surface area was positively related to increasing differences in fish species richness and diversity. Increased homogeneity of this key assemblage may have profound implications for ecosystems and their stability (such as decreased resilience to disturbance, reduced biological complexity and increased vulnerability to large‐scale and stochastic environmental events). Thus, to fully understand the impacts of eutrophication on aquatic communities at both local and regional scales, the effects of nutrient enrichment on compositional heterogeneity should be considered.
The tropical Andes are a biodiversity hotspot, partly due to their rich and complex floristic composition. A fundamental question regarding this outstanding biodiversity is what role the Andean orogeny has played in species diversification. Ceroxylon is a genus of endemic Andean palms that stands out in the palm family (Arecaceae) due to its adaptation to cold, mountainous environments. Here, we reconstruct the biogeography and climatic preference of this lineage to test the hypothesis that Andean uplift allowed diversification by providing suitable habitats along climatic and elevational gradients. Ancestral areas were reconstructed under a model allowing for founder-event speciation and climatic niches were inferred from climatic variables at present-day occurrences of all species. Niche evolution in a phylogenetic framework was evaluated by testing differences between the climatic niches of clades. Our analyses identified four main clades, with a general pattern of diversification through geographical colonization from south to north after the Pliocene uplift of the northern Andes. Adaptation to low temperatures was conserved at the generic level, with climatic niche differentiation among clades along elevational temperature gradients. We conclude that the Neogene Andean uplift has facilitated the diversification of this iconic plant group via opportunities for geographical migration and separation within its climatic niche.
The international ecomuseum movement first took root in 1972. This new concept on the international museum scene coincided with an ardent and growing desire to reform traditional museums at a time ...
Abstract Rove beetles of the tribe Quediini are abundant predators in humid microhabitats of forested, open, synanthropic or subterranean ecosystems, with just over 800 species distributed across the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Previous molecular phylogenies included only a limited representation of this diversity but have already indicated that Quedius , containing the majority of Quediini species, is polyphyletic. Six genera, historically associated with Quediini but now Staphylininae incertae sedis , are known only from few pinned specimens and have never been sequenced. Recent synergy between target enrichment phylogenomics, low‐input sequencing of dry, pinned insect specimens and advances in alpha taxonomic knowledge have made comprehensive sampling of Quediini tractable. Here we developed a novel probe set specialized for anchored hybrid enrichment of 1229 single‐copy orthologous loci in Staphylinidae. In one of the largest target enrichment phylogenies of insects to‐date, we sequenced 201 ingroup taxa to clearly delimit monophyletic Quediini within Staphylininae and resolve relationships within this tribe, with 46% of sampled taxa derived from pinned specimens (0–45 years old). Maximum likelihood and coalescent phylogenetic analyses produced well‐resolved, congruent topologies that will serve as a framework for further exploration of this radiation and its necessary generic revision. The inclusion of nearly all remaining Staphylininae incertae sedis genera, all known only from pinned specimens, resulted in the creation of Quelaestrygonini Brunke, trib. n. and revised concepts for Cyrtoquediini and Indoquediini. Quediini was resolved as monophyletic with the transfer of Q. elevatus and Q. nigropolitus to other tribes but Quedius and its subgenera Microsaurus , Distichalius and Raphirus were shown to be para‐ or polyphyletic. Based on the results of our analyses, Velleiopsis Fairmaire, 1882 syn. n. and Megaquedius Casey, 1915 syn. n. are synonymized with Microsaurus Dejean, 1833 resulting in: Q. ( Microsaurus ) marginiventris (Fairmaire) comb. n. , Q. ( M. ) varendorffi (Reitter) comb.n. Several species of Quedius were transferred from Microsaurus to Distichalius ( Q. aethiops Smetana, Q. biann Smetana, Q. cingulatus Smetana and Q. taruni Smetana), Distichalius to Raphirus ( Q. fagelianus Scheerpeltz) and Microsaurus to Raphirus ( Q. mixtus Eppelsheim and Q. persicus Korge).
The evolution of a mechanism for attaining reproductive isolation between two diverging populations is a key step in the speciation process. We studied phenotypic variation, genetic differentiation, spatial distribution and reproductive ecology in two sympatric forms of the understorey palm Geonoma macrostachys in lowland tropical rainforest in Amazonian Ecuador. The two forms were morphologically and genetically distinct and differed in habitat preference, with one form being confined to moist flood plain habitats and the other occurring in terra firme and flood plain. Pollen transfer between the two forms was limited, but not totally prevented, by differences in flowering time, with flowers of the small form opening 2-3 h earlier than those of the large form. Differences in floral scent probably reduce the number of shared pollinators. A crossing experiment showed that pistillate flowers of either form produced fruit with pollen from the other form. We conclude that flowering biology may be a key factor in causing reproductive isolation between these closely related sympatric taxa.
OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated associations between polygenic liabilities for bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia and episode polarity among individuals with bipolar disorder. METHODS: The sample consisted of 2,705 individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder at Danish psychiatric hospitals between January 1995 and March 2017. DNA was obtained from dried blood spots collected at birth as part of routine screening. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia were generated using a meta-PRS method combining internally and externally trained components. Associations between PRS and polarity at first episode, polarity at any episode, and number of episodes with a given polarity were evaluated for each disorder-specific PRS using logistic and negative binominal regressions adjusted for the other two PRSs, age, sex, genotype platform, and five ancestral principal components. RESULTS: PRS for bipolar disorder was positively associated with any manic episodes (odds ratio=1.23, 95% CI=1.09-1.38). PRS for depression was positively associated with any depressive (odds ratio=1.11, 95% CI=1.01-1.23) and mixed (odds ratio=1.15, 95% CI=1.03-1.28) episodes and negatively associated with any manic episodes (odds ratio=0.76, 95% CI=0.69-0.84). PRS for schizophrenia was positively associated with any manic episodes (odds ratio=1.13, 95% CI=1.01-1.27), but only when psychotic symptoms were present (odds ratio for psychotic mania: 1.27, 95% CI=1.05-1.54; odds ratio for nonpsychotic mania: 1.06, 95% CI=0.93-1.20). These patterns were similar for first-episode polarity and for the number of episodes within each pole. CONCLUSIONS: PRSs for bipolar disorder, major depression, and schizophrenia are associated with episode polarity and psychotic symptoms in a congruent manner among individuals with bipolar disorder.
A summary is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. Please use the Get access link above for information on how to access this content.
Abstract Widely known for pest species that include major modulators of temperate forests, the genus Choristoneura is part of the species‐rich tribe Archipini of leafroller moths (Tortricidae). Delimitation of the genus has remained unresolved because no phylogeny has included species endemic to Africa and studies have often omitted the type species of the genus. Further taxonomic confusion has been generated by the transfer of Archips occidentalis (Walsingham) to Choristoneura , creating a homonym with Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman, an important defoliator of North American forests. To define the limits of the genus, we reconstructed a phylogeny using DNA sequences for mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and nuclear ribosomal 28S genes. Our ingroup included 23 Choristoneura species‐level taxa, complemented by a large sample of outgroups comprising 82 species of Archipini and other Tortricidae. We generated a time‐calibrated tree using fossil and secondary calibrations and we inferred biogeographic and diversification processes in Choristoneura . Our analysis recovered the genus as polyphyletic, with Archips occidentalis , Choristoneura simonyi and Choristoneura evanidana excluded from the main clade. Based on the recovered phylogenies and a redefinition, we restrict Choristoneura primarily to species with a northern hemisphere distribution. Our analysis supports A. occidentalis as the sister group of Cacoecimorpha pronubana , C. simonyi as the sister of ‘ Xenotemna ’ pallorana , and C. evanidana as the sister of Archips purpurana . A new combination is proposed: Archips evanidana comb.n. ; the availability of ‘ Xenotemna ’ as a valid name is discussed and A. occidentalis is considered as an orphaned name within the Archipini. We found support for a Holarctic origin of Choristoneura about 23 Ma, followed by early divergence in the Palearctic region. The main divergence occurred at 16 Ma, with one clade in the Nearctic and another in the Palearctic. Subsequent cladogenetic events were synchronous and related to herbivorous specialization, with each clade divided into coniferophagous and polyphagous lineages. Their specialization as conifer feeders temporally matched the expansion of boreal forest during the Miocene.
This paper discusses the problem of the freshwater reservoir effect in the radiocarbon dating of different sample materials, in particular food crusts on pottery. Charred food residue can be used to directly date of the use of the pottery. However, this material is highly complex, which can lead to various dating errors.
-
Abstract The subfamily Huperzioideae of the Lycopodiaceae includes 41 species in Brazil. The genus Huperzia is represented by a single species, and Phlegmariurus has 40 species. They occur in most habitat types with a humid climate, from tropical lowland forest, to montane forest, and campo vegetation in the highlands. There are 25 endemics, more than half of the species. The present treatment includes nomenclature, descriptions and illustrations of all species, and a key for their identification. Reference collections are cited and summarize the distribution of the species and document their identity. Short discussions deal with problems of species delimitation and compare closely related species.