bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root trait shifts towards an avoidance strategy promote productivity and recovery in C3 and C4 pasture grasses under drought
Authors: Chandregowda Manjunatha H. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Pendall Elise , Zhang Haiyang , Churchill Amber C. , Power Sally A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Plant species show a broad spectrum of plasticity in their covarying root traits in response to soil water limitation ranging from no change to shifts towards traits that enhance water and nutrient acquisition. Knowledge of root trait correlations and associated trait plasticity under drought is crucial to sustaining grassland production, including rangelands and pastures, under future, drier climates.

Here, we investigated below‐ground responses to drought in four C3 and three C4 grasses and whether these explain above‐ground responses during extreme cool‐season drought and post‐drought recovery in a well‐replicated field experiment. We hypothesised that (a) C3 and C4 functional groups differ in their below‐ground trait responses to drought: C3 species shift their traits in line with a drought avoidance strategy and C4 species shift towards drought tolerance strategies; (b) post‐drought recovery is associated with below‐ground carbon reserves in both functional groups.

Root traits in the C3 functional group differed from C4 by having higher values for specific root length, nitrogen and soluble sugar concentrations, while C4 root traits were associated with higher mean diameter, tissue density and starch concentrations. Drought‐induced plasticity in root traits in both functional groups was evidenced by increased values for specific root length, soluble sugars and nitrogen concentrations, and reduced values for tissue density, which we interpret as a drought avoidance strategy. Increasing root soluble sugars in C3 and C4 grasses and lower root tissue density in C4 species under drought were associated with greater above‐ground productivity. Above‐ground biomass recovery post‐drought was predicted by root and crown soluble sugar concentrations and root longevity across both plant functional groups.

These findings highlight the importance of understanding links between root trait plasticity and plant productivity during and following drought for predicting plant species' responses to changes in a future climate.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Augmenting and eliminating the use of sonic logs using artificial intelligence: A comparative evaluation
Authors: Roy Vishnu , Gupta Ankur , Agrawal Romy , Kumar Nitesh , Saxena Amit 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTIn oil and gas exploration, it is vital to acquire information about the bottom hole conditions. This is done in the field using wireline logging. The sonic log is one of the most prolific logs as it assists in porosity determination, cement evaluation and identification of lithology and gas‐bearing intervals. However, sonic logging tools are not always a part of the wireline logging arrangement. Still, there are sections where the logging data are missing, and in some cases, these are dependent upon old tools. The tool is incapable of recording shear wave transit times. This study explores the possibility of substituting the sonic log using machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques. These techniques can also predict the sonic log data in sections where these are missing or unreliable. Artificial neural networks, decision tree regression, random forest regression, support vector regression and extreme gradient boosting are the most popular tools available at our disposal for making these estimations. This study has compared these different techniques for their effectiveness and accuracy in making sonic transit time predictions based on other available well logs. The obtained results suggest that despite all the attention on artificial neural networks, eXtreme gradient boosting and the random forest regression outperform it for the given purpose. In the case of missing shear transit time data, random forest regression made predictions with a root mean squared error of 1.03 × 10–4 and a root mean squared error of 0.97 while eXtreme gradient boosting regression did so with a root mean squared error of 1.36 × 10–4 and the same regression coefficient (0.97). When no sonic data were available, random forest regression estimated shear transit time with a root mean squared error of 6.41×10–4 and a regression coefficient of 0.95, and compressional transit time with a root mean squared error of 9.06×10–5 and a root mean squared error of 0.94. The root mean squared error of shear transit time and compressional transit time predictions made using eXtreme gradient boosting were found to be the same as those of random forest regression. The root mean squared error, however, was observed to be slightly less for the compressional transit time predictions and somewhat more for the shear transit time predictions. As data analysis, in general, is a better method for estimation than the use of empirical correlations, these machine learning‐based predictions can serve as powerful tools in the oil and gas exploration industry.
Simple metrics to characterize inter‐individual and temporal variation in habitat selection behaviour
Authors: Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Wittemyer George 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Individual variation in habitat selection and movement behaviour is receiving growing attention, but primarily with respect to characterizing behaviours in different contexts as opposed to decomposing structure in behaviour within populations. This focus may be limiting advances in understanding the diversity of individual behaviour and its influence on population organization. We propose a framework for characterizing variation in space‐use behaviour with the aim of advancing interpretation of its form and function.

Using outputs from integrated step‐selection analyses of 20 years of telemetry data from African elephants Loxodonta Africana, we developed four metrics characterizing differentiation in resource selection behaviour within a population (specialization [magnitude of the response independent of direction], heterogeneity [inter‐individual variation], consistency [temporal shift in response] and reversal [frequency of directional changes in the response]).

We contrasted insight from the developed metrics relative to the mean population response using an example focused on two covariates. We then expanded this contrast by evaluating if the metrics identify structurally important information on seasonal shifts in resource selection behaviours in addition to that provided by mean selection coefficients through principal component analyses (PCAs) and a random forest classification.

The simplified example highlighted that for some covariates focusing on the population average failed to capture complex individual variation in behaviours. The PCAs revealed that the developed metrics provided additional information in explaining the patterns in elephant selection beyond that offered by population average covariate values. For elephants, specialization and heterogeneity were informative, with specialization often being a better descriptor of differences in seasonal resource selection behaviour than population average responses. Summarizing these metrics spatially and temporally, we illustrate how these metrics can provide insights on overlooked aspects of animal behaviour.

Our work offers a new approach in how we conceptualize variation in space‐use behaviour (i.e. habitat selection and movement) by providing ways of encapsulating variation that enables diagnoses of the drivers of individual‐level variability in a population. The developed metrics explicitly distil how variation in a behaviour is structured among individuals and over time which could facilitate comparative work across time, populations or strata within populations.
Dancing with Douglas‐fir: Determinism dominates fungal community assembly processes
Authors: Birch Joseph D. , Lutz James A. , Karst Justine 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Fungal communities can influence the productivity, composition and survival of trees through cycling nutrients, providing resources and altering pathogens. Thus, shifts in fungal communities could impact forests by altering interactions between trees and their environments. Fungal community composition may be shaped by stochastic and deterministic processes such as dispersal limitation, environmental filtering and partner specificity between trees and fungi. For tree species with large geographical ranges, we expect fungal assembly processes to change with environmental variation across the range of the tree partner. Due to specificity between trees and symbiotic fungi, we expect deterministic to outweigh stochastic processes in root compared with soil fungi. As some tree species have exceptional longevity, we also expected tree age to influence fungal community assembly.

We surveyed fungi in four stands of Pseudotsuga menziesii with tree ages up to 800 years along an 1,800 km transect. We sampled roots and soil around 12 P. menziesii in each stand, aged the trees, and sequenced fungal rDNA to determine composition and richness from which we calculated the relative role of deterministic and stochastic assembly processes. We used null models to evaluate the relative importance of deterministic variable and homogenizing selection, and stochastic dispersal limitation, drift and homogenizing dispersal in fungal community assembly.

We detected 7,280 amplicon sequence variants with 5,270 associated with soil, 3,887 with roots and 1,877 found across both roots and soils. Deterministic processes dominated root and soil fungal communities at all sites except one where stochastic processes (i.e. dispersal limitation and drift) controlled root fungi. Despite the dominance of determinism in fungal community assembly, the proportion of processes differed by site. Assembly processes did not vary with tree age.

Synthesis. Taken together, we suggest that the local environment, water limitation and partner‐preference between trees and their associated fungi, influence fungal community composition across the range of P. menziesii. We conclude that while fungal communities occurring near P. menziesii are dominated by homogenizing selection, the role of neutral processes still has a minor influence on community assembly and may be important in spatially isolated communities and those with strong gradients of fungal diversity.
Dynamics of the politico‐administrative conflicts of resource control in Nigeria: Exploring the oil politics of who gets what, when, and how
Authors: Onah Celestine Chijioke , Asadu Ikechukwu , Amujiri Benjamin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFor their survival, humans have always depended upon natural resources that are scarce and unevenly distributed across the globe. The constantly increasing value of crude oil has provoked individuals, groups, nations, and governments to fight for ownership and control over it, leading to clashes of interests that often culminate in violent conflicts. A model of politics–value–interest–interactions and relationships was developed to analyze the conflicting political environment surrounding oil‐dependency in Nigeria. Data were gathered from secondary sources and analyzed using the contextual‐descriptive method. The findings demonstrate that conflict triggered by “oil politics” in Nigeria is a result of political class manipulations, marginalization, and lack of true federalism. The study suggests a policy change in line with the tenets of true federalism that will enable individual states to obtain greater control over their resources. This will also ensure sustainable development in the Nigeria oil sector that is currently riddled with contention and strife.
A pilot study on the effect of formulation and individual muscle mass on vitamin C absorption in randomized clinical study
Authors: Vu Kiet Tan , Kim Jeong‐Eun , Cho In‐Ho , Park Noh‐Hwan , Kim Jong‐Kyu , Chun Yoon‐Seok , Koo Young‐Tae , Lee Sang‐Hun , Paik Dong‐Hyun , Shim Soon‐Mi 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe current study investigated that the vitamin C absorption in plasma depends on the individual muscle mass and the formulation including drinks (Vita 500), capsules, and tablets by using a randomized and double‐blind clinical study. The volunteers were divided into two groups that depended on their muscle mass, including those whose muscle mass was greater than 40% (40%) and less than 40% muscle mass (<40%). Levels of vitamin C in blood plasma was analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography by ultraviolet detection (HPLC‐UV). The existing HPLC method was modified according to lab conditions but maintained a constantly low pH sample reduction procedure. The analytical method validated stability, linearity, recovery, reliability, and accuracy. The vitamin C absorption was the highest at 120 min after ingesting Vita 500 (21.47 ± 15.99 µmol/L). It was higher in the group that has more than 40% muscle mass compared to other formulations, such as tablets and capsules. The results from the current study indicate that vitamin C formulations differently affect the vitamin C absorption, and its effect depends on the muscle mass. As the results, liquid type vitamin C formulations could enhance vitamin C absorption, which resulted in an improvement of vitamin C absorption according to muscle mass.Practical ApplicationThe results of this study may recommend using vitamin C supplementation as liquid type. It may also provide evidence that people with higher muscle mass can absorb vitamin C more efficiently.
Water‐Use Data in the United States: Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Marston Landon T. , Abdallah Adel M. , Bagstad Kenneth J. , Dickson Kerim , Glynn Pierre , Larsen Sara G. , Melton Forrest S. , Onda Kyle , Painter Jaime A. , Prairie James , Ruddell Benjamin L. , Rushforth Richard R. , Senay Gabriel B. , Shaffer Kimberly 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIn the United States, greater attention has been given to developing water supplies and quantifying available waters than determining who uses water, how much they withdraw and consume, and how and where water use occurs. As water supplies are stressed due to an increasingly variable climate, changing land‐use, and growing water needs, greater consideration of the demand side of the water balance equation is essential. Data about the spatial and temporal aspects of water use for different purposes are now critical to long‐term water supply planning and resource management. We detail the current state of water‐use data, the major stakeholders involved in their collection and applications, and the challenges in obtaining high‐quality nationally consistent data applicable to a range of scales and purposes. Opportunities to improve access, use, and sharing of water‐use data are outlined. We cast a vision for a world‐class national water‐use data product that is accessible, timely, and spatially detailed. Our vision will leverage the strengths of existing local, state, and federal agencies to facilitate rapid and informed decision‐making, modeling, and science for water resources. To inform future decision‐making regarding water supplies and uses, we must coordinate efforts to substantially improve our capacity to collect, model, and disseminate water‐use data.
Laser‐based refractive surgery techniques to treat myopia in adults. An overview of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses
Authors: Peñarrocha‐Oltra Sonia , Soto‐Peñaloza Rebeca , Alonso‐Arroyo Adolfo , Vidal‐Infer Antonio , Pascual‐Segarra Javier 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSystematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses (MAs) are of great importance for basing clinical decisions. However, misleading interpretations may result when informed decisions rest on biased review papers with methodological issues. To evaluate which treatment is optimal, an overview was made of SRs and MAs to establish the quality and certainty of meta‐evidence published on the efficacy of laser‐based refractive surgery techniques for treating myopia in adults. A search was made in five databases and was updated using Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed appliances up to April 2021; SRs with or without MAs were included. Methodological quality was appraised using the AMSTAR‐2 tool. The best available reviews were summarized using the GRADE approach. The corrected covered area (CCA) was used to determine the degree of over‐representation of publications. The risk of bias of the primary studies was disclosed visually. Thirty‐six studies published between 2003 and 2021 were included. Twenty SRs (56%) were conducted in China. The most studied comparisons were SMILE versus FS‐LASIK (19%) and FS‐LASIK versus MM‐LASIK (11%). Of the 251 overlapping index publications, 165 were unique (CCA = 0.015%), representing a negligible risk of skewed reporting. The AMSTAR‐2 tool showed most SRs to have critically low or low quality. Nine reviews presented moderate quality. The GRADE approach of the 41 a priori outcomes evidenced critically low and low certainty of evidence. Only the spherical equivalent refraction changes at 12 months between LASEK and PRK showed moderate certainty of evidence, favouring PRK (mean difference 0.06, 95%CI [−0.02 to 0.14], I2 = 0%; p ≥ 0.05). Index trials among less biased reviews are prone to selection, performance and reporting bias. The appraised techniques exhibit comparable results in terms of efficacy. There is moderate certainty of evidence in favour of the use of PRK over LASEK in terms of the spherical equivalent refraction error changes at 1 year of follow‐up. Most appraised SRs presented methodological flaws in critical domains, resulting in a low to critically low certainty of evidence after GRADE appraisal. Therefore, investigators need to study and compare the different laser‐based refractive techniques to provide better evidence‐based medicine. Further well‐designed, high‐quality clinical trials and SRs are needed to reappraise the current findings.
Preterm birth rates were slightly lower in Denmark during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic compared with the previous 4 years
Authors: Mølholm Hansen Bo , Cueto Heidi , Padkaer Petersen Jesper , Zachariassen Gitte , Sønderby Christensen Pia , Breindahl Morten , Schiøler Kesmodel Ulrik , Brink Henriksen Tine 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimOur aim was to investigate the rates of preterm births, live births and stillbirths in Denmark during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a national, cross‐sectional registry‐based study that used the Danish Newborn Quality database, which covers all births in Denmark. The proportions of preterm births were compared between the COVID‐19 pandemic period of 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 and the preceding 4‐year pre‐pandemic period.ResultsWe studied 60 323 and 244 481 newborn infants from the pandemic and pre‐pandemic periods, respectively. The proportion of preterm live births and stillbirths declined slightly, from 6.29% during the pre‐pandemic period to 6.02% during the pandemic period. This corresponded to a relative risk (RR) of 0.96, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.93–0.99 during the pandemic. The RRs for extremely preterm, very preterm and moderately preterm infants were 0.88 (95% CI 0.76–1.02), 0.91 (95% CI 0.82–1.02) and 0.97 (95% CI 0.93–1.01), respectively.ConclusionThis comparative study showed a small reduction in just over 4%, from 6.29 to 6.02% in the proportion of all preterm births during the pandemic period, compared with the previous four pandemic‐free years. There were no differences between subcategories of preterm births.
Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair for recurrent obturator hernia initially treated by open mesh plug repair: A case report with video
Authors: Doden Kenta , Yoshimura Takahiro , Shibata Shiori , Kimura Karin , Iwaki Yoshitaka , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Kato Hideaki , Watanabe Toru 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAn 80‐year‐old woman presented to our emergency department with vomiting which had begun half a day prior to presentation. She had undergone open mesh plug repair for a right obturator hernia 1 year prior to presentation. Computed tomography detected recurrence of the right obturator hernia. Since intestinal viability was maintained, manual reduction of the incarcerated intestine was performed. The patient was admitted to our department to monitor delayed intestinal perforation. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair for obturator hernia was performed 5 days after admission. A self‐fixating mesh was placed over the obturator hernia defect and femoral ring without tacking. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without postoperative complications. At the 4‐month follow‐up, no signs of hernia recurrence or neuropathy were observed. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair for recurrent obturator hernia status post‐open mesh plug repair by using self‐fixating mesh is a safe and suitable procedure.
Teacher–student relationships and adolescents’ school satisfaction: Behavioural engagement as a mechanism of change
Authors: Jiang Xu , Shi Dexin , Fang Lue , Ferraz Raul Corrêa 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundTeacher–student relationships have been linked to various aspects of students’ school functioning, including social‐emotional well‐being in school, but the underlying mechanisms need more investigation.AimsIn this study, we analysed longitudinal data to test if students’ classroom behavioural engagement was a potential mechanism of change that explained how teacher–student relationships affect student school satisfaction.SampleWe used an archival dataset with a sample of seventh graders (ages 11–14, Mage = 12.7 year) in a middle school in the Southeastern United States.MethodsAdolescents completed self‐report surveys across three waves over the course of 18 months.ResultsLongitudinal structural equation modelling analyses revealed that teacher–student relationships were positively associated with positive classroom engagement behaviours and school satisfaction, respectively, at each time, and positive classroom behaviours at Time 2 fully mediated the longitudinal association between teacher–student relationships (Time 1) and school satisfaction (Time 3).ConclusionsTaken together, results suggested that fostering positive teacher‐student relationships to increase students’ positive classroom behaviours could be an effective pathway to promote students’ satisfaction with school. The applications of the results in educators’ and psychologists’ work, such as consultation and trainings with teachers, are discussed.