bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine‐scale spatial patterns of wildlife disease are common and understudied
Authors: Albery Gregory F. , Sweeny Amy R. , Becker Daniel J. , Bansal Shweta 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

All parasites are heterogeneous in space, yet little is known about the prevalence and scale of this spatial variation, particularly in wild animal systems. To address this question, we sought to identify and examine spatial dependence of wildlife disease across a wide range of systems.

Conducting a broad literature search, we collated 31 datasets featuring 89 replicates and 71 unique host–parasite combinations, only 51% of which had previously been used to test spatial hypotheses. We analysed these datasets for spatial dependence within a standardised modelling framework using Bayesian linear models, and we then meta‐analysed the results to identify generalised determinants of the scale and magnitude of spatial autocorrelation.

We detected spatial autocorrelation in 48/89 model replicates (54%) across 21/31 datasets (68%), spread across parasites of all groups. Even some very small study areas (under 0.01 km2) exhibited substantial spatial variation.

Despite the common manifestation of spatial variation, our meta‐analysis was unable to identify host‐, parasite‐, or sampling‐level determinants of this heterogeneity across systems. Parasites of all transmission modes had easily detectable spatial patterns, implying that structured contact networks and susceptibility effects are potentially as important in spatially structuring disease as are environmental drivers of transmission efficiency.

Our findings demonstrate that fine‐scale spatial patterns of infection manifest frequently and across a range of wild animal systems, and many studies are able to investigate them—whether or not the original aim of the study was to examine spatially varying processes. Given the widespread nature of these findings, studies should more frequently record and analyse spatial data, facilitating development and testing of spatial hypotheses in disease ecology. Ultimately, this may pave the way for an a priori predictive framework for spatial variation in novel host–parasite systems.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Drivers of zooplankton community composition in a novel ecosystem: Hawai'i mangroves as a case study
Authors: Lewis Casey L. , Granek Elise F. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Management of established non‐native plants is challenging because removal is expensive and can produce negative consequences, yet establishment can create novel ecosystems. Red mangrove propagules were introduced to Moloka'i, Hawai'i, in 1902 to mitigate the effects of soil erosion and have since spread along the coast and to adjacent islands creating novel habitat.

We compared zooplankton communities between novel mangrove and historical non‐mangrove habitat both within fishponds and along open coastline to examine environmental factors, including mangrove presence, affecting zooplankton community composition.

Community composition patterns were driven by lunar cycle and site characteristics, including fishpond structure, mangrove and open‐coast shoreline length, percent of mangrove shoreline length, total percent mangrove leaf carbon and upstream watershed disturbance.

Our findings indicate that during the tropical summer reproductive season, non‐native mangroves support diversity, richness and community composition similar to non‐mangrove areas, though some widespread taxa have lower abundance, and some rare taxa are more abundant in mangroves.

Additionally, fishpond zooplankton community structure is significantly different from open‐coast areas, indicating fishponds, themselves, create novel habitat.

Synthesis and application. In the face of declining fisheries, threatened reef habitat and changing climatic conditions, non‐native mangroves may provide, rather than impede, zooplankton habitat availability in novel locations.
Differences in bee community composition between restored and remnant prairies are more strongly linked to forb community differences than landscape differences
Authors: Lane Ian G. , Portman Zachary M. , Herron‐Sweet Christina H. , Pardee Gabriella L. , Cariveau Daniel P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Grassland restoration is an important tool for conserving bee biodiversity within agricultural landscapes. Restorations foster increases in local bee abundance and α‐diversity; however, these measures are insufficient for understanding whether remnant communities are being conserved. We compared native bee α‐diversity, β‐diversity and community composition between restored and remnant prairies in Minnesota, USA. We then investigated two potential drivers of bee community dissimilarity between restored and remnant prairies: proportion of agricultural land surrounding a restoration and differences in floral community between restored and remnant prairies.

We selected 10 restored prairies that lie along a gradient of increasing agricultural land cover, ranging from 20% to 85% of surrounding land in agricultural production. We paired each restoration with a nearby prairie remnant and sampled bee and floral communities concurrently in each restoration–remnant pair. We quantified bee and forb α‐diversity, community composition, β‐diversity and levels of dissimilarity between restoration–remnant pairs along the gradient of agricultural development. Additionally, we quantified differences in the community‐weighted mean between restored and remnant prairies for two bee traits, oligolecty and tongue length, to investigate how differences in floral community between restored and remnant prairies may influence bee community composition.

While bee α‐diversity between restored and remnant prairies was similar, bee composition between restorations and remnants was significantly different with restorations being more homogeneous than remnants. Differences in bee community composition and β‐diversity were not significantly related to agricultural landscapes or floral community dissimilarity; however, we found a significantly higher proportion of oligolectic bees in remnant prairies. This difference in oligolectic bees was likely related to the absence of important host plants in restorations.

Synthesis and application. Prairie restorations should seek to provide diverse floral resources that are of similar composition to remnant prairies. Specifically, providing important floral host plants for pollen specialist bees could improve restorations' ability to conserve prairie remnant bee communities.
Influence of habitat quality and resource density on breeding‐season female monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus movement and space use in north‐central USA agroecosystem landscapes
Authors: Fisher Kelsey E. , Bradbury Steven P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The eastern North American monarch butterfly is at risk of quasi‐extinction due, in part, to the loss of breeding habitat in agricultural landscapes of the USA Midwest. Because adult females are not patch residents, egg abundance and distribution across the landscape are a function of their perceptual range, flight directionality and flight step lengths. Conservation actions that account for habitat use in agricultural landscapes can enhance functional connectivity.

Field‐captured females (n = 114) were released in a 64‐ha area containing restored prairies, grass‐dominated fields and crop fields in Floyd County, Iowa, USA, and two 1,000 m linear north–south sections of grass‐dominated roadside along secondary roads (~35 ha) with different proximity to prairie habitat in rural Story County, Iowa. Radio‐tagged or untagged monarchs were released in areas with high density, low density and zero density of forage and oviposition resources, as well as on habitat edges between high‐ and zero‐density habitats. Monarchs were observed for 1 hr. Radio‐tagged individuals that flew beyond visual detection were relocated using handheld radiotelemetry.

Monarchs moved within and between habitat classes and typically performed upwind search behaviour. Monarchs successfully located resources, with some flying over 500 m to find high‐density areas, providing evidence that the monarch's perceptual distance is >100 m. Regardless of habitat class or field site, most step lengths were <50 m, and turn angles were directional. Large steps (≥50 m) crossing habitat boundaries occurred with approximately half of the monarchs, which may indicate initiation of long‐range searches for suitable habitat, consistent with their vagile behaviour. Establishing habitat patches 50 m apart in agricultural landscapes would facilitate efficient movement.

Synthesis and applications. This study provides an extensive dataset of directly observed breeding‐season monarch butterflies to assess the utilization of agricultural landscapes. Documentation of step lengths >50 m in complex, agricultural landscapes would not have been possible without the aid of radiotelemetry. Results provide improved estimates of perceptual range and flight patterns within and between habitat patches that support models that simulate natural population dynamics to enable conservation planning at a landscape scale.
Technical efficiency and farmland expansion: Evidence from oil palm smallholders in Indonesia
Authors: Dalheimer Bernhard , Kubitza Christoph , Brümmer Bernhard 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study asks whether innovation in smallholder production reduces or accelerates land expansion. Even though innovation in agriculture has reduced land expansion globally, rebound effects can occur locally and often at the expense of vital ecosystem functions. In contrast to other studies that investigate rebound effects in response to technological innovation, our study focuses on technical efficiency, the remaining component of total factor productivity. We use a short panel dataset from smallholder oil palm farmers in Sumatra, Indonesia, and develop a two‐stage approach in which we estimate technical efficiency and determine its land expansion effect. Our findings suggest that technical efficiency and in particular land efficiency are low, indicating that 50% of the currently cultivated land could be spared. However, the land‐sparing effect of increasing technical efficiency is at risk of being offset by about half due to a rebound effect. To maximize the conservation potential from increasing smallholder efficiency, policies need to simultaneously incentivize well‐functioning land markets and stricter protection measures for land with high ecological value to mitigate local rebound effects.
An invasive grass and litter impact tree encroachment into a native grassland
Authors: Dettlaff Margarete A. , Erbilgin Nadir , Cahill James F. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractQuestionsWoody plant encroachment and invasive plants are two critical factors that negatively impact grass‐dominated ecosystems. While studies have extensively investigated these factors individually, research on how invasive species impact the susceptibility of grasslands to encroachment is less common. Using the aspen parkland, an endangered savannah‐type ecosystem, we asked how the presence of a widespread invasive grass in North America, smooth brome (Bromus inermis), impacted the growth and survival of one‐year old trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) seedlings. We also asked if plant litter was a potential mechanism of inhibition (as has been proposed for brome litter) or coexistence (as has been hypothesized for aspen litter) in this system.LocationAlberta, Canada.MethodsWe used a manipulative experimental approach to determine if the survival and subsequent growth of planted aspen seedlings was impacted by the presence of smooth brome and manipulation of litter amount and type.ResultsWe found that the presence of smooth brome reduced aspen survival by 57% compared to uninvaded habitats, likely mediated by reduced soil moisture, while litter manipulation had no effect on survival. For surviving seedlings, local context had complex impacts on growth; the addition of aspen litter to brome‐invaded communities increased seedling growth while aspen litter additions to native communities resulted in decreased growth.ConclusionThese results suggest that invasion by smooth brome will alter the dynamics of aspen establishment in this system, potentially leading to significant changes to this already endangered landscape. Though smooth brome may serve as a barrier to aspen establishment, accumulation of aspen litter from nearby stands to brome patches could lead to faster growth of seedlings in invaded areas at the edge of existing aspen stands. Our results also suggest more generally that the impact of invasive plants on the establishment of native woody plants can be dependent on litter inputs.
COVID‐19 infection in chronic myeloid leukaemia after one year of the pandemic in Italy. A Campus CML report
Authors: Breccia Massimo , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Accurso Vincenzo , Attolico Immacolata , Barulli Sara , Bergamaschi Micaela , Binotto Gianni , Bocchia Monica , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Caocci Giovanni , Capodanno Isabella , Castagnetti Fausto , Cavazzini Francesco , Crisà Elena , Crugnola Monica , Stella De Candia Maria , Elena Chiara , Fava Carmen , Galimberti Sara , Gozzini Antonella , Gugliotta Gabriele , Intermesoli Tamara , Iurlo Alessandra , La Barba Gaetano , Latagliata Roberto , Leonetti Crescenzi Sabrina , Levato Luciano , Loglisci Giuseppina , Lucchesi Alessandro , Luciano Luigiana , Lunghi Francesca , Luzi Debora , Malato Alessandra , Cristina Miggiano Maria , Pizzuti Michele , Pregno Patrizia , Rapezzi Davide , Rege‐Cambrin Giovanna , Rosti Gianantonio , Russo Sabina , Sancetta Rosaria , Rita Scortechini Anna , Sorà Federica , Sportoletti Paolo , Stagno Fabio , Tafuri Agostino , Tiribelli Mario , Foà Robin , Saglio Giuseppe 
Published: October 2021

SummaryLimited information is available on the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the management of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The Campus CML network collected retrospective information on 8 665 CML patients followed at 46 centres throughout Italy during the pandemic between February 2020 and January 2021. Within this cohort, we recorded 217 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients (2·5%). Most patients (57%) were diagnosed as having SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the second peak of the pandemic (September 2020 to January 2021). The majority (35%) was aged between 50 and 65 years with a male prevalence (73%). Fifty‐six percent of patients presented concomitant comorbidities. The median time from CML diagnosis to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was six years (three months to 18 years). Twenty‐one patients (9·6%) required hospitalization without the need of respiratory assistance, 18 (8·2%) were hospitalized for respiratory assistance, 8 (3·6%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, while 170 (78%) were only quarantined. Twenty‐three percent of patients discontinued tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy during the infection. Twelve patients died due to COVID‐19 with a mortality rate of 5·5% in the positive cohort and of 0·13% in the whole cohort. We could also document sequelae caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and an impact of the pandemic on the overall management of CML patients.
Challenges with buprenorphine inductions in the context of the fentanyl overdose crisis: A case series
Authors: Shearer Daniel , Young Samantha , Fairbairn Nadia , Brar Rupinder 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction and AimsNorth America is currently experiencing an epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, driven by the proliferation of fentanyl in the street drug market. Although buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NX) is an evidence‐based, first‐line opioid agonist for the management of opioid use disorder, a key challenge in its prescribing lies in the fact that it can precipitate opioid withdrawal during its initial induction process. At this time, there is minimal literature on the BUP/NX induction process in individuals who use illicit fentanyl regularly.Design, Methods and ResultsA case series from a Vancouver, Canada addiction medicine clinic of three fentanyl‐exposed patients who experienced unexpected, precipitated withdrawal when initiating BUP/NX.Discussion and ConclusionThese cases describe incidents of precipitated opioid withdrawal occurring after unusually long periods of fentanyl abstention. Although fentanyl is experienced as a short‐acting opioid, the drug persists much longer in the body's peripheral tissues. Here, we highlight the new challenges fentanyl may pose to current BUP/NX induction strategies, and explore the possibility of a long‐acting pharmacokinetic effect of fentanyl in the setting of repeated illicit use.
Uncoordinated urbanization and economic growth—The moderating role of natural resources
Authors: Lu Shuo , Zhou Yong , Song Wei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMalthusian population theory states that, when population growth exceeds the growth of the means of production, socioeconomic development will be hindered. This paper analyzes this issue from the perspective of uncoordinated urbanization. We used the data available for 262 cities at the prefecture level and above in China, for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. We empirically investigated the relationship between uncoordinated urbanization and urban economic growth. We also examined how this relationship is affected by natural resource constraints. The research results show that there are temporal and spatial differences in the distribution of uncoordinated urbanization in China. From a temporal perspective, from 2000 to 2015, 45.61% of China’s 262 cities show under‐urbanization, while 36.45% of cities show over‐urbanization. However, the number of cities with over‐urbanization is growing. From a spatial perspective, the number of cities in the northeastern region with over‐urbanization is declining. Conversely, the number of cities with over‐urbanization in Beijing in the central and southeastern coastal areas is increasing. Empirical research shows that uncoordinated urbanization and urban economic growth have an inverted U‐shaped relationship. Abundant natural resources can make the inverted U‐shaped curve of uncoordinated urbanization and economic growth flatter. The “resource curse” seems to occur only under high levels of uncoordinated urbanization (over‐urbanization). For some cities where there is under‐urbanization, abundant natural resources are conducive to urban economic growth.
Spatial‐temporal evolution and influence factors of China’s agricultural non‐point source pollution discharge intensity in recent 40 years
Authors: Zou Lilin , Zheng Xumin , Wang Yongsheng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe excessive use of agricultural chemicals and the unreasonable use of agricultural wastes are the main problems encountered by China’s agriculture department. However, the comprehensive study on the discharge intensity of China’s agricultural non‐point source pollution (ANPSP) under the long‐term series has not been fully explored. On the basis of our previous research, the spatial‐temporal characteristics and influence factors of ANPSP discharge intensity in China from 1978 to 2017 were analyzed. The results showed that the discharge intensity from 1978 to 2017 was on a declining curve and roughly underwent four stages, including the free development stage, reform promotion stage, market regulation stage, and policy incentive stage. In this process, the discharge intensity of COD, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) was, respectively, declined to 1829.1 tons/108 yuan, 758.3 tons/108 yuan, and 100.1 tons/108 yuan. The regional discharge intensity has varied obviously in space as time goes by, showing the characteristics of spatial agglomeration, agglomeration weakening, spatial differentiation, and differentiation aggravation. The influence factor analysis indicated that under the background of implementing the traditional farming mode, increasing farmers’ incomes, adjusting the plantation structure, and remaining the stable agricultural product prices, China’s ANPSP discharge intensity could be reduced effectively.
Can you crowdsource expertise? Comparing expert and crowd‐based scoring keys for three situational judgment tests
Authors: Brown Matt I. , Grossenbacher Michael A. , Martin‐Raugh Michelle P. , Kochert Jonathan , Prewett Matthew S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt is common practice to rely on a convenience sample of subject matter experts (SMEs) when developing scoring keys for situational judgment tests (SJTs). However, the defining characteristics of what constitutes a SME are often ambiguous and inconsistent. Sampling SMEs can also impose considerable costs. Other research fields have adopted crowdsourcing methods to replace or reproduce judgments thought to require subject matter expertise. Therefore, we conducted the current study to compare crowdsourced scoring keys to SME‐based scoring keys for three SJTs designed for three different job domains: Medicine, Communication, and Military. Our results indicate that scoring keys derived from crowdsourced samples are likely to converge with keys based on SME judgment, regardless of test content (r = .88 to .94 between keys). We observed the weakest agreement among individual MTurk and SME ratings for the Medical SJT (classification consistency = 61%) relative to the Military and Communication SJTs (80% and 85%). Although general mental ability and conscientiousness were each related to greater expert similarity among MTurk raters, the average crowd rating outperformed nearly all individual MTurk raters. Using randomly‐drawn bootstrapped samples of MTurk ratings in each of the three samples, we found that as few as 30–40 raters may provide adequate estimates of SME judgments of most SJT items. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of crowdsourcing as an alternative or supplement to SME‐generated scoring keys.
Cold stress‐induced miRNA and degradome changes in four soybean varieties differing in chilling resistance
Authors: Kuczyński Jakub , Gracz‐Bernaciak Joanna , Twardowski Tomasz , Karłowski Wojciech M. , Tyczewska Agata 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChilling stress is one of the most important factors limiting soybean yield in the temperate climate. It significantly constraints the spatial distribution and agricultural productivity of plants, thereby affecting their growth and development. In this study, to determine the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes in the chilling resistance of four soybean cultivars (Augusta, Fiskeby V, Toyomusume and Glycine soja) with varying stress susceptibility, 72 small RNA libraries and 24 degradome libraries for high‐throughput sequencing were constructed. A total of 321 known miRNAs were identified, and 348 novel miRNAs were predicted in three analysed tissues. Moreover, under stress conditions, the differential expression of 162 known miRNAs, including well‐conserved, legume‐ and soybean‐specific miRNAs and 18 novel miRNAs, was found in the four tested cultivars. Degradome analysis allowed to assign the differentially expressed miRNAs to their potential target genes. They were found to be related to plant abiotic stress response mechanisms such as reactive oxygen species scavenging, flavonoid biosynthesis and regulation of osmotic potential based on GO and KEGG annotations. The findings of this study constitute a valuable insight into the function of miRNAs in the chilling resistance of soybean and may provide crucial knowledge in the development of new cultivars.