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ABSTRACT Rapid expansion (RE) of tropical cyclones (TCs) is a structural evolution that specifies the dramatic geometric synthesis increase in TC size. Its destructive potential is comparable or even more pronounced than that by the TC rapid intensification but receives limited attention. In this study, we utilise the ERA5‐derived 41‐year (1979–2019) global climatology of TC outer size data (i.e., effective azimuthal‐area‐average radius of 34‐kt gale‐force surface winds, R34EFF) to define RE and reveal the global climatology of RE for the first time, where RE is defined as the 90th percentile of global expanding samples (i.e., ΔR34EFF > 50 NM per 24 h; 1 NM = 1.852 km). Statistics show that 32% of all TCs underwent RE at least once during their lifetime. Climatologically, the proportion of RE decreased significantly in the globe (7%) and Northern Hemisphere (9%), particularly in the western North Pacific (8%). Seasonally, the RE proportion peaks in the early and late TC seasons. Spatiotemporally, distinct spatiotemporal variations and interdecadal changes of RE are found. In view of TC lifecycle, TCs likely reach their lifetime maximum intensity and lifetime maximum size after RE initiation. The duration of RE varies widely from basin to basin, while its seasonal variability is relatively smaller. Regarding the relationship between RE and TC intensity, the intensity of rapidly expanding TCs may increase or decrease with the former being more likely. The initial size and intensity of rapidly expanding TCs tend to be small (45 NM) and weak (60 kt), respectively. This study advances the understanding of RE from a global perspective, laying important groundwork for future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing biological invasions from historical sources can provide insights into how they occur but are difficult to do when invasions are poorly documented. Genetic signatures left by invaders can also offer insights into invasion routes, points of origin and general biology but often present conclusions that are contradictory to expectations. Here, we test the ability of continental‐wide microsatellite genotype data from 29 loci and 3122 samples to reconstruct the well‐documented invasion of red foxes Vulpes vulpes from the United Kingdom into Australia over 150 years ago, an invasion that has led to the extinction of many native species. Our analysis reveals several key signals of invasion evident in Australian foxes. They display lower levels of diversity than foxes sampled from the UK, exhibit clines in diversity from the point of introduction (south‐east Australia) to the edge of their range, and show strong evidence of allele surfing in westerly and north‐easterly directions. These characteristics are consistent with a single point of origin followed by rapid expansion in westerly and north‐easterly directions as suggested by historical records. We also find little genetic structure in foxes across Australia with only the vast Nullarbor Plains and Great Victoria Desert region presenting a detectable barrier to their dispersal. As such, no mainland region within the current range of foxes can be considered genetically isolated and therefore appropriate for localised eradication efforts. Overall, our analyses demonstrate the ability of comprehensive population genetic studies to reconstruct invasion histories even after more than 80 years since colonisation was stabilised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Reconstructing biological invasions from historical sources can provide insights into how they occur but are difficult to do when invasions are poorly documented. Genetic signatures left by invaders can also offer insights into invasion routes, points of origin and general biology but often present conclusions that are contradictory to expectations. Here, we test the ability of continental‐wide microsatellite genotype data from 29 loci and 3122 samples to reconstruct the well‐documented invasion of red foxes Vulpes vulpes from the United Kingdom into Australia over 150 years ago, an invasion that has led to the extinction of many native species. Our analysis reveals several key signals of invasion evident in Australian foxes. They display lower levels of diversity than foxes sampled from the UK, exhibit clines in diversity from the point of introduction (south‐east Australia) to the edge of their range, and show strong evidence of allele surfing in westerly and north‐easterly directions. These characteristics are consistent with a single point of origin followed by rapid expansion in westerly and north‐easterly directions as suggested by historical records. We also find little genetic structure in foxes across Australia with only the vast Nullarbor Plains and Great Victoria Desert region presenting a detectable barrier to their dispersal. As such, no mainland region within the current range of foxes can be considered genetically isolated and therefore appropriate for localised eradication efforts. Overall, our analyses demonstrate the ability of comprehensive population genetic studies to reconstruct invasion histories even after more than 80 years since colonisation was stabilised.

• The structure, duplication, evolution, functional enrichment of TgWOXs were analyzed. • TgWOX11 demonstrated significant expression during the rapid elongation phase. • TgMYB3 in regulating TgWOX11 by binding to its promoter. • TgWOX11 directly activated the TgXTH7 promoter, boosting its expression. WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators that oversee various cellular and biological activities, as well as signaling pathways, in plant growth and development. However, the specific role of the WOX gene family in the development of ovulate and staminate strobili remains largely unknown. To address this gap, a study was conducted using Torreya grandis. Initially, 15 WOX genes were isolated from the T. grandis genome and classified into three clades. Subsequent analyses encompassed evolutionary relationships, motif composition, conservative structural domains, and gene structure. Through co-expression analysis based on RNA-seq data and morphological assessments, it was discovered that TgWOX11 exhibited significant expression during the rapid elongation phase in both ovulate and staminate strobili. Furthermore, through dual-luciferase assays and EMSA, we revealed the crucial role of TgMYB3 in regulating TgWOX11 by binding to its promoter. The RT-qPCR and Y1H analysis revealed that TgWOX11 directly activated the promoter of TgXTH7 , leading to an increased expression of TgXTH7 in the TgWOX11 -OE group compared to the control group in the ovulate strobilus. These findings provide valuable support for the role of WOX genes in the development of strobili in gymnosperms. Additionally, they offer new perspectives for the breeding of T. grandis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]