Testing the generality of above-ground biomass allometry across plant functional types at the continent scale

Accurate ground-based estimation of the carbon stored in terrestrial ecosystems is critical to quantifying the global carbon budget. Allometric models provide cost-effective methods for biomass prediction. But do such models vary with ecoregion or plant functional type? We compiled 15,054 measurements of individual tree or shrub biomass from across Australia to examine the generality of allometric models for prediction above-ground biomass. This provided a robust case study because Australia includes ecoregions ranging from arid shrublands to tropical rainforests, and has a rich history of biomass research, particularly in planted forests. Regardless of ecoregion, for five broad categories of plant functional type (shrubs; multi-stemmed trees; trees of the genus Eucalyptus and closely related genera; other trees of high wood density; and other trees of low wood density), relationships between biomass and stem diameter were generic. Simple power-law models explained 84-95% of the variation in biomass, with little improvement in model performance when other plant variables (height, bole wood density), or site characteristics (climate, age, management) were included. Predictions of stand-based biomass from allometric models of varying levels of generalisation (species-specific, plant functional type) were validated using whole-plot harvest data from 17 contrasting stands (range: 9 to 356 Mg ha(-1) ). Losses in efficiency of prediction were < 1% if generalised models were used in place of species-specific models. Furthermore, application of generalised multi-species models did not introduce significant bias in biomass prediction in 92% of the 53 species tested. Further, overall efficiency of stand-level biomass prediction was 99%, with a mean absolute prediction error of only 13%. Hence, for cost-effective prediction of biomass across a wide range of stands, we recommend use of generic allometric models based on plant functional types. Development of new species-specific models is only warranted when gains in accuracy of stand-based predictions are relatively high (e.g. high-value monocultures). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Grounded in culture: a participatory empowerment evaluation of the oskâyak (youth) power program for oskinîkiwak (young men) and napêsisak (boys) at pakitahaw sākahikan iýiniwak (sturgeon lake first nation)

The Oskâyak (Youth) Power Program (YPP) at Pakitahaw Sākahikan Iýiniwak (Sturgeon Lake First Nation) was co-created by and with youth to strengthen miyo-ayāwin (wellness) among oskinîkiwak (young men) and napêsisak (boys). Using a participatory empowerment evaluation grounded in a braided framework of community-based participatory research (CBPR), transformative learning, and ethical space, guided conversations were held with 14 youth supported by Kēhtēyak (Elders) and Kayāsi Kistēyihtamow Kanawēyihcikēw (Traditional Knowledge Keepers). Oskâyak (Youth) described how cultural teachings, land-based activities, and mentorship nurtured confidence, identity, and connection, cultivating hope, belonging, purpose, and meaning. The findings show how Nation-led, strength-based programs grounded in Indigenous knowledge can foster holistic miyo-ayāwin, agency, and community connectedness. The YPP illustrates the power of Indigenous youth-led, culturally grounded approaches to address health inequities while honoring self-determination and Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®) principles

Additional file 1 of Enhancing health and wellness by, for and with Indigenous youth in Canada: a scoping review

Additional file 1: Supplementary Material File 1. PRISMA-ScR Checklist

Additional file 2 of Enhancing health and wellness by, for and with Indigenous youth in Canada: a scoping review

Additional file 2: Supplementary Material File 2. Summary of critical appraisals of individual sources of evidence

Intrapartum Monitoring and Management of the Postdate Fetus

Postdate pregnancy presents a difficult problem in both the antepartum and intrapartum periods. Because of the various complications associated with prolonged gestation, the following precautions should be taken during intrapartum monitoring and delivery: 1. Strict criteria must be established for elective induction should it be needed. Elective induction should be limited to those postdate patients with inducible cervices. 2. Extensive intrapartum fetal heart rate and uterine activity monitoring should be done on all patients. Physicians should be alert and ready for intervention and for any possible abnormal finding. Fetal biochemical assessment should be done liberally, especially when meconium is passed. 3. For patients with thick meconium passage, close intrapartum surveillance should be done by both biophysical and biochemical means. During delivery, attention should be given to minimizing the possibility of meconium aspiration. Good neonatal resuscitation is essential. 4. When the estimated fetal weight is 4500 gm or greater, the possibility of shoulder dystocia should be considered. Unless the patient\u27s previous obstetric history or the progress of labor suggests a possible successful vaginal delivery, cesarean section should be considered

Additional file 3 of Enhancing health and wellness by, for and with Indigenous youth in Canada: a scoping review

Additional file 3: Supplementary Material File 3. List of Terminology

Dalman, G. Conrad

Also available as a printed booklet and from the Dean of Faculty website https://theuniversityfaculty.cornell.edu/Memorial Statement for G Conrad Dalman, who died in 2011. The memorial statements contained herein were prepared by the Office of the Dean of the University Faculty of Cornell University to honor its faculty for their service to the university

Efficient Recombination of a Switch Substrate Retrovector in CD40-Activated B Lymphocytes: Implications for the Control of CH Gene Switch Recombination

AbstractMaturing B lymphocytes possess a recombination activity that switches the class of heavy chain Ig. The nature of the recombination activity, its molecular requirements and regulation remain elusive questions about B lymphocyte biology and development. Class switch recombination is controlled by cytokine response elements that are required to differentially activate CH gene transcription before their subsequent recombination. Here, we show that cultures of purified murine and human B cells, stimulated only by CD40 receptor engagement, possess a potent switch recombination activity. CD40 ligand-stimulated murine and human B lymphocytes were infected with recombinant retroviruses containing Sμ and Sγ2b sequences. Chromosomally integrated switch substrate retrovectors (SSRs), harboring constitutively transcribed S sequences, underwent extensive recombinations restricted to their S sequences with structural features akin to endogenous switching. SSR recombination commenced 4 days postinfection (5 days poststimulation) with extensive switch sequence recombination over the next 2 to 3 days. In contrast, endogenous Sγ2b and Sγ1 sequences did not undergo appreciable switch recombination upon CD40 signaling alone. As expected, IL-4 induced endogenous Sμ to Sγ1 switching, while endogenous Sμ to Sγ2b fusions remained undetectable. Surprisingly, IL-4 enhanced the onset of SSR recombination in CD40-stimulated murine B cells, with S-S products appearing only 2 days postinfection and reaching a maximum within 2 to 3 days. The efficiency of switch recombination with SSRs ressembles that seen for endogenous CH class switching.</jats:p