bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological performance underlying ecosystem multifunctionality is promoted by organic farming and hedgerows at the local scale but not at the landscape scale
Authors: Couthouis Eloïse , Aviron Stéphanie , Pétillon Julien , Alignier Audrey 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The relative contributions of agricultural intensity and semi‐natural habitats to the multifunctionality and sustainability of ecosystems at different spatial scales remain largely under‐investigated.

In this study, we assessed the multifunctionality of 40 winter cereal fields and 40 hedgerows based on ecological, agronomic and socio‐economic performance using data from field surveys and interviews with farmers. We specifically focused on the effects of local farming systems (organic vs. conventional) and management (cereals intercropped with legumes vs. monocrops), the effects of landscape heterogeneity related to hedgerow density, and the spatial extent of semi‐natural habitat and organic farming.

Multifunctionality indices associated with increased values of proxies for biodiversity conservation and pest control functions were higher for hedgerows than crop fields.

Agroecosystem multifunctionality was similar between organic and conventional farming as a consequence of antagonistic responses of individual function proxies. While organic farming promoted the ecological performance of crops, conventional farming resulted in higher agronomic performance (i.e. yield). Interestingly, lower yields of organic crops were not systematically associated with reductions in socio‐economic performance in terms of farmer income and labour.

At the landscape scale, hedgerow density and the extent of semi‐natural habitats and organic farming had little influence on agroecosystem multifunctionality or individual function proxies.

Synthesis and applications. Our results confirm the high value of hedgerows and organic farming at the local scale for the ecological performance of ecosystems. Our study suggests that, among existing agri‐environment schemes in Europe, hedgerow planting and organic farming are appropriate tools to optimise the ecological performance of ecosystems at the local scale even if antagonistic effects with agronomic performance should not be neglected.
Resprouting ability differs among plant functional groups along a soil acidification gradient in a meadow: A rhizosphere perspective
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Ruzhen , Sardans Jordi , Wang Bin , Gu Baitao , Li Yanyan , Liu Heyong , Peñuelas Josep , Jiang Yong 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSoil acidification as a global change factor can devastatingly affect plant growth and productivity. In frequently disturbed ecosystems, plant resprouting ability strongly determines biomass reconstruction and resilience after above‐ground damage. However, how plant regrowth responds to soil acidification remains largely unknown for, especially regarding the role of rhizosphere in mediating this response.We manipulated a soil‐acidification gradient via adding purified elemental sulphur powder at various rates (0–50 g S m−2 year−1) in a frequently mown meadow. Shoot regrowth of functional groups were measured after clipping and supporting roles of rhizosphere versus bulk soils were disentangled using isotope labelling along the acidification gradient.Regrowth of grasses and sedges increased while forbs decreased along the acidification gradient. The results suggest that grasses were competitors capable of taking up nutrients from both rhizosphere and bulk soils, while sedges were acid‐tolerators with lower sensitivity to decreased nitrogen‐mineralization rates. Forbs, as typical ruderals, were vulnerable to N competition with microbes, particularly in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, biomass regrowth of forbs was explained more by physicochemical and biological parameters from the rhizosphere than bulk soil.Synthesis. Divergent interplay between plant functional groups and rhizosphere soils was the prominent driver for biomass regrowth responding to soil acidification.
Seasonal patterns of sugar components and their functions in branches of Fagus crenata in association with three reproduction events
Authors: Kabeya Daisuke , Han Qingmin 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSoluble sugars have multiple functions in plants and both their absolute and relative abundances may vary in association with diverse physiological processes and life‐history events. Some also have specific functions in different organs that vary seasonally. Therefore, studying the dynamics of sugar compositions in woody species would further our understanding of their functions, which has been mainly analyzed en bloc. In order to elucidate the functions of specific soluble sugars and the effects of reproduction on their profile, we monitored the soluble sugar composition in “new” (current‐year) and “old” (1–3 years old) branches of Fagus crenata for 7 years, which included three reproduction (“masting”) events. As well as the generally predominant sugar species (sucrose, glucose, and fructose), substantial amounts of raffinose (accounting for up to 42% of the total sugars) were found in both new and old branches during winter hardening. In addition, myo‐inositol (which plays important roles in cell growth and development) was detected mainly during the early growing season and fluctuated interannually in both new and old branches. Furthermore, the only clear change in soluble sugar contents associated with reproduction events was in myo‐inositol concentrations in the new branches, which were lower in fruiting trees than in non‐fruiting trees, possibly due to the growth reduction in fruiting tree branches identified in previous studies. The results show the importance of considering the dynamics of each sugar component, rather than en bloc, in attempts to elucidate their roles in physiological processes and responses to environmental changes.
Estimate of the degradation potentials of cellulose, xylan, and chitin across global prokaryotic communities
Authors: Li Dan‐dan , Zhang Zheng , Wang Jia‐ning , Zhang Peng , Liu Ya , Li Yue‐zhong 
Published: November 2022

AbstractComplex polysaccharides (e.g. cellulose, xylan, and chitin), the most abundant renewable biomass resources available on Earth, are mainly degraded by microorganisms in nature. However, little is known about the global distribution of the enzymes and microorganisms responsible for the degradation of cellulose, xylan, and chitin in natural environments. Through large‐scale alignments between the sequences released by the Earth Microbiome Project and sequenced prokaryotic genomes, we determined that almost all prokaryotic communities have the functional potentials to degrade cellulose, xylan, and chitin. The median abundances of genes encoding putative cellulases, xylanases, and chitinases in global prokaryotic communities are 0.51 (0.17–1.01), 0.24 (0.05–0.57), and 0.33 (0.11–0.71) genes/cell, respectively, and the composition and abundance of these enzyme systems are environmentally varied. The taxonomic sources of the three enzymes are highly diverse within prokaryotic communities, and the main factor influencing the diversity is the community's alpha diversity index rather than gene abundance. Moreover, there are obvious differences in taxonomic sources among different communities, and most genera with degradation potentials are narrowly distributed. In conclusion, our analysis preliminarily depicts a panorama of cellulose‐, xylan‐, and chitin‐degrading enzymatic systems across global prokaryotic communities.
Phenolic, flavonoid, and β‐carotene contents of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate with free and encapsulatedLactobacillus rhamnosus GGimproves antioxidant biomarkers in kidney, heart and liver of Wistar rats
Authors: Oguntoye Modupeola A. , Oridupa Olayinka A. , Ezekiel Olufunke O. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn vitro antioxidant activity and possible in vivo antioxidative effects of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate inoculated with free or encapsulatedLactobacillus rhamnosus GG(LGG), a ready‐to‐drink probiotic beverage containing natural β‐carotene and other phytochemicals, were evaluated. Provitamin A cassava was orally administered to male Wistar rats (n = 40, 120‒150 g) for 30 days. Regression analysis showed the phenolic and total flavonoid contents of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate contributed 68% and 95%, respectively, to the antioxidant activity (by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl assay) (83.3 ± 1.8–87 ± 1.8%). in vivo study showed that malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase activities were lowered or unchanged with a significant increase in antioxidant biomarkers (reduced glutathione, glutathione‐S‐transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) in the kidney, heart, and liver of all rats administered provitamin A cassava hydrolysate withLGG, especially at doses 2 × 1010CFU, compared to control. Provitamin A cassava hydrolysate withLGGshowed significant antioxidant activity In vitro and in vivo, thus indicating its potential usefulness in the food industry as an antioxidant beverage.Practical ApplicationThis study reports the antioxidant properties of provitamin A cassava hydrolysate, which can be consumed as a refreshing beverage while also delivering antioxidant benefits. In the food and beverage industry, provitamin A cassava hydrolysate could be applied as a nutraceutical beverage with therapeutic functions. This product innovation increases the value‐addition of cassava and expands the nondairy food matrix options used as probiotic carriers.
RNA m6A methyltransferase METTL14 promotes the procession of non‐small cell lung cancer by targeted CSF1R
Authors: Ren Siying , Xiao Ying , Yang Lulu , Hu Yan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most malignant cancer types, characterized by a poor prognosis. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a prevalent internal modification of mRNA. METTL14, an RNA methyltransferase that mediates m6A modification, is implicated in mRNA biogenesis. However, the biomechanism of METTL14 in NSCLC is not very clear.MethodsHere, immunohistochemical (IHC) assay was employed to detect METTL14 in NSCLC tissues. The biological functions of METTL14 were demonstrated using cell transfection, cell proliferation assay, cell clone formation assay, cell cycle analysis, cell death analysis, transwell and wound healing assays. Transcriptome and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MERIP)‐sequencing were used to explore the pathways and potential mechanism of METTL14 in NSCLC. RNA sequencing, METTL14 rip‐sequencing, and METTL14 merip‐sequencing were conducted to identify the potential targets of METTL14.ResultsMETTL14 was significantly correlated with clinical pathological parameters of differentiation and M stage. Additionally, METTL14 promotes cell proliferation, induces cell death, and enhances cell migration and invasion in vitro. Transcriptome and MeRIP‐sequencing reveal oncogenic mechanism of METTL14. RIP‐sequencing highlights CSF1R and AKR1C1 as targets of METTL14. After validation with TCGA dataset, colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) showed significant positive coefficient with METTL14, and was presumed to be one target of METTl14 in lung cancer and verified by the cellular experiments.ConclusionIn conclusion, our results revealed the clinical significance of m6A RNA modification atlas, the function, and molecular targets CSF1R of METTL14 in NSCLC cell lines. The RNA m6A methyltransferase METTL14 promotes the progression of NSCLC by targeted CSF1R.
The use of dexmedetomidine in the emergency department: A systematic review
Authors: Baumgartner Kevin , Groff Veronica , Yaeger Lauren H. , Fuller Brian M. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundDexmedetomidine (DEX), a centrally acting alpha‐2 agonist, is increasingly used for sedation in multiple clinical settings. Evidence from the intensive care unit and operative settings suggests DEX may have significant advantages over traditional GABAergic sedatives such as benzodiazepines. There has been limited research on the use of DEX in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the medical literature to identify all published evidence regarding the use of DEX in the ED. We included randomized and nonrandomized studies and studies reporting any use of DEX in the ED, even when it was not the primary focus of the study. Two authors reviewed studies for inclusion, and a single author assessed studies for quality and risk of bias and abstracted data.ResultsWe identified 35 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including 11 randomized controlled trials, 13 cohort and other nonrandomized studies, and 11 case reports and case series. Significant heterogeneity in interventions, comparators, indications, and outcomes precluded data pooling and meta‐analysis. We found modest evidence that DEX was efficacious in facilitating medical imaging and mixed and limited evidence regarding its efficacy for procedural sedation and sedation of nonintubated medical and psychiatric patients. Our results suggested that DEX is associated with bradycardia and hypotension, which are generally transient and infrequently require medical intervention.ConclusionsA limited body of generally poor‐ to moderate‐quality evidence suggests that the use of DEX may be efficacious in certain clinical scenarios in the ED and that DEX use in the ED is likely safe. Further high‐quality research into DEX use in the ED setting is needed, with a particular focus on clear and consistent selection of indications, identification of clear and clinically relevant primary outcomes, and careful assessment of the clinical implications of the hemodynamic effects of DEX therapy.
Grazing season regulates plant community structure and production by altering plant litter mass in a typical steppe
Authors: Shi Chunjun , Li Yanlong , Bai Zheng , Wu Lin , Wang Hao , Zhang Tongrui , Chang Qiu , Li Frank Yonghong 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimsGrazing different grasslands with seasonal changes is the tradition in pastoral systems in natural grassland regions worldwide. The effects and mechanisms of different grazing seasons on semi‐arid steppe vegetation are less explored on the Mongolian Plateau. Therefore, we assessed the impact and underlying mechanisms of grazing seasons on grassland community structure and production.LocationXilingol, Inner Mongolia, China.MethodsWe conducted a three‐year experiment to investigate the effects of grazing in four different seasons under the same grazing intensities on plant community structure and production in a typical steppe rangeland. The experiment was a random‐block design, with 20 grassland paddocks of 50 m × 50 m, representing five treatments (i.e., early spring, summer, autumn, mid‐winter, and no grazing), replicated by four blocks. We monitored the changes in soil properties, plant litter mass (i.e., standing dead biomass and dead plant material on the soil surface) and plant species composition and production across grazing treatments.ResultsPlant community height and above‐ground biomass were higher under early spring and winter grazing than autumn and summer grazing and no grazing. This divergence in plant community structure was mainly mediated by the seasonal patterns of plant litter mass across the grazing regimes. A high plant litter mass enhanced soil moisture by accumulating snow in winter and reducing soil evaporation during the growing season, which benefit plant growth. The removal of plant litter before the growing season increased the reception of solar radiation, thus improving soil temperature and plant production. The changes in community microenvironment and selective grazing led to the changes in plant species composition especially under summer and autumn grazing.ConclusionsOur results imply that grazing in winter or in early spring before plants start to turn green is more efficient than the complete animal exclusion for the natural recovery of degraded grassland in Inner Mongolia. It is suitable to incorporate cold‐season grazing in the development of sustainable grassland management systems.
The balancing of virtues—Muslim perspectives on palliative and end of life care: Empirical research analysing the perspectives of service users and providers
Authors: Suleman Mehrunisha 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, I will share findings from a qualitative study that offers a thematic analysis of 76 interviews with Muslim patients and families as well as doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, chaplains and community faith leaders across the United Kingdom. The data show that for many Muslims, Islam—its texts and lived practice—is of central importance when they are deliberating about death and dying . Central to these deliberations are virtues rooted within Islamic theology and ethics, the traditions of adab (virtue) and aqhlaq (proper conduct). Themes analysed include theological and moral understandings around the virtues of hope and acceptance. The study provides an analysis of these themes in relation to the experiences of Muslim patients and families arriving at meaning making around death and dying and how this interfaces with their interaction with biomedicine and healthcare. The study shows that the juxtaposition of different values and moral frameworks require careful negotiation when Muslim patients and families encounter the healthcare system. The study also describes how healthcare professionals and staff of other faiths and no faith encounter Muslim beliefs and practices, and the challenges they face in interpreting virtues and values rooted in faith, especially when these are perceived to be mutually opposed or inconsistent.
Discussion on “Instrumented Difference-in-Differences” by Ye, Ertefaie, Flory, Hennessy, Small
Authors: Tan Zhiqiang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Ye, Ertefaie, Flory, Hennessy, and Small (YEFHS) proposed a new method, instrumented difference-in-differences, for dealing with unmeasured confounding. In this note, I connect and compare assumptions and identifications in instrumental variable (IV) and difference-in-differences (DID) methods with those in YEFHS, derive new identification results, and discuss different choices when extending such results to adjust for covariates.
Evolutionary history and precipitation seasonality shape niche overlap in Neotropical bat–plant pollination networks
Authors: Liévano‐Latorre Luisa Fernanda , Varassin Isabela G. , Zanata Thais B. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractSpecies interactions are one dimension of a niche. Niche overlap arises when two species share an interaction partner. In pollination systems, environmental and biotic factors affect niche overlap. Here, we explored the effects of climate seasonality, plant and bat richness, morphological traits, and phylogenetic distance in shaping the niche overlap of Neotropical bat–plant pollination networks. We examined a dataset of 22 bat–plant pollination networks in the Neotropical region. We measured niche overlap in bats and plants with the Morisita‐Horn index (ĈH) and used a SAR model to test the relationships between niche overlap and both abiotic and biotic factors. We found a lower niche overlap among bats in communities composed of phylogenetically distant bat species. Moreover, plant and bat overlap was lower in regions with higher precipitation seasonality. Our results indicate that climate seasonality and bat evolutionary history drive niche overlap in Neotropical bat–plant pollination interactions. These findings suggest that a higher precipitation seasonality promotes the emergence of temporal modules, which reduces niche overlap, likely due to seasonal species phenologies. Furthermore, the method used to record the interactions affects the degree of niche overlap. Interactions recorded with pollen samples tend to have higher niche overlap than direct observations. The responses of morphological traits and phylogenetic distances in bat niche overlap were uncoupled, suggesting an effect of historical processes independent of morphological traits. Our findings reinforce the importance of evolutionary history and ecological processes in imprinting patterns of interaction niche overlap.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material
Coastal resident perceptions of nature‐based adaptation options in Nova Scotia
Authors: Sutton Krysta , Tonge Charlotte , Berglund Lisa , Kerr Gillian , Sherren Kate 
Published: November 2022

AbstractClimate change risks to coastal communities may overwhelm current management strategies. The emergence of nature‐based solutions could provide alternative approaches for climate adaptation; however, studies on their public acceptability are limited. This research focuses on the human dimensions of nature‐based coastal adaptation solutions. The research sought to understand the kind of environmental changes participants were experiencing in their coastal communities of Nova Scotia and what management responses they observed being taken, if any. Online focus groups were held with coastal property owners in Nova Scotia to understand how they assess coastal risks and four approaches to nature‐based coastal adaptation: living shorelines, accommodation, retreat, and dyke realignment to make space for wetland restoration. Results revealed ongoing trust in traditional hard‐line approaches, but also interest in knowing more about nature‐based options. There was general support for living shorelines, albeit with scepticism; a concern that accommodation is just a “band‐aid” approach; resistance to retreat, despite general recognition of its future utility; and a lack of understanding of dyke realignment. The successful implementation of nature‐based coastal adaptation approaches will require more evidence of their viability, better options for financing them, and engagement with communities around the best‐fit alternatives for them.
Proceed with caution: A reply to The perilous prerogative
Authors: Lagassé Philippe 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis article provides a reply to Leah West's article The Perilous Prerogative. In this reply, I argue against West's contention that the Canadian military no longer has prerogative authority to conduct foreign signals intelligence. I demonstrate that the Communication Security Establishment Act has not entirely displaced the prerogative for foreign signals intelligence in a military context. Next, I examine West's argument that the Canadian military requires a statutory framework to conduct human intelligence. I conclude that West makes a compelling case, but that Parliament should proceed with caution before granting the military an authority to collect intelligence on Canadian foreign fighters.