Epiphyte Distributions Vary with Structural Heterogeneity in Acer Macrophyllum

As a foundation species, epiphytes play an essential role in augmenting biodiversity within an ecosystem. In the Hoh temperate rainforest, Acer macrophyllum (bigleaf maple) trees host more epiphytic biomass than any other tree in the Pacific Northwest. Previous studies in tropical rainforests, as well as in the Woods lab have used broad-scale zonation techniques to examine how resource partitioning creates epiphytic specialization, but the variation in epiphyte species around the circumference of the trunk and branches suggests that the true heterogeneity of the tree is left uncaptured by this method. Using dot-intercept method, fine-scale epiphyte distribution data was taken from around the entire circumference of one bigleaf maple tree every meter up the trunk and for three meters along a branch. Factors zone, structure, and orientation all had significant effects on species richness. Trunk zones with more than one structural characteristic have higher species richness. Analysis of species distribution patterns show that many species appear to be specialized to certain trunk zones or substrates, suggesting that the unique structural characteristics of a given bigleaf maple tree allow for a greater diversity of non-vascular epiphytes on the irregular structures

Toward a Better Understanding of The Virtual Economy Platforms

Understanding the virtual world (VW) platforms, the virtual currency (v-currency) exchange rate, and the marketplace is critical to the success of the virtual economy (v-economy). However, the current knowledge on VW platforms, marketplace, and currency exchange rate is incomplete. Drawing on the v-economy dimensions, this study proposes a diagram that produces a suitable integration of dimensions, which provides high chances of improving the v-economy activities in the VW. The finding indicates that there are three dimensions that could integrate together to improve a v-economy platform, and these are a dynamic platform, a free currency exchange rate, and a free marketplace

Invisible Spread and Perceived Stress Amidst COVID-19

Introduction. There are limited reports on the mental health toll associated with the fear of spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the associated stay-at-home orders. The goal of the present study was to characterize the self-reported stress of participants from the Kansas City Metropolitan Area (KCMA) and to examine the relation between potential for asymptomatic spread and perceived stress.  Methods. Enrollment of 461 participants occurred from May 4-May 22, 2020. The sample participants were predominantly women (69.6%). On average, participants were 44.9 years of age (SD = 14.6). Measures employed included the perceived stress scale-10 and a comprehensive COVID-19 questionnaire. Results. Worry about asymptomatic spread was significantly associated with greater perceived stress (p<0.001). Higher stress was reported among individuals who were women (p<0.001), Hispanic/Latinx (p=0.001), and non-Black/African American individuals (p<0.001), and those reporting the presence of COVID-19 symptoms (p=0.001).  Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant economic, social, health, and other disruptions around the world. Distress is significantly related to concern over unintentionally contributing to the spread of SARS-CoV-2 through asymptomatic transmission. Future research should characterize the modifiable psychotherapeutic processes that might be targeted through intervention

Introduction - environment

Introduction to Feminist Review, themed issue on Environmen

Early United States Political Thought

Openly licensed anthology focused on the theme of the Early United States Political Thought. Contains: The Federalist Papers, The Anti-Federalist Papers, Constitutional Convention Debates Vol. I and II, A Report of the Debates and Proceedings in the Secret Sessions of the Conference Convention

Accuracy of physician-estimated probability of brain injury in children with minor head trauma

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of physician estimates of the probability of intracranial injury in children with minor head trauma. Methods: This is a subanalysis of a large prospective multicentre cohort study performed from July 2001 to November2005. During data collection for the derivation of a clinical prediction rule for children with minor head trauma, physicians indicated their estimate of the probability of brain injury visible on computed tomography (P-Injury) and the probability of injury requiring intervention (P-Intervention) by choosing one of the following options: 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75%, 90%, and 100%. We compared observed frequencies to expected frequencies of injury using Pearson’s χ2-test in analyses stratified by the level of each type of predicted probability and by year of age. Results: In 3771 eligible subjects, the mean predicted risk was 4.6% (P-Injury) and 1.4% (P-Intervention). The observed frequency of injury was 4.1% (any injury) and 0.6% (intervention). For all levels of P-Injury from 1% to 40%, the observed frequency of injury was consistent with the expected frequency. The observed frequencies for the 50%, 75%, and 90% levels were lower than expected (p\u3c0.05). For estimates of P-Intervention, the observed frequency was consistently higher than the expected frequency. Physicians underestimated risk for infants (mean P-Intervention 6.2%, actual risk 12.3%, p\u3c0.001). Conclusions: Physician estimates of probability of any brain injury in children were collectively accurate for children with low and moderate degrees of predicted risk. Risk was underestimated in infants

Nasal Airway Obstruction Study (NAIROS): a phase III, open-label, mixed-methods, multicentre randomised controlled trial of septoplasty versus medical management of a septal deviation with nasal obstruction

Background Septoplasty (surgery to straighten a deviation in the nasal septum) is a frequently performed operation worldwide, with approximately 250,000 performed annually in the US and 22,000 in the UK. Most septoplasties aim to improve diurnal and nocturnal nasal obstruction. The evidence base for septoplasty clinical effectiveness is hitherto very limited. Aims To establish, and inform guidance for, the best management strategy for individuals with nasal obstruction associated with a deviated septum. Methods/design A multicentre, mixed-methods, open label, randomised controlled trial of septoplasty versus medical management for adults with a deviated septum and a reduced nasal airway. Eligible patients will have septal deflection visible at nasendoscopy and a nasal symptom score ≥ 30 on the NOSE questionnaire. Surgical treatment comprises septoplasty with or without reduction of the inferior nasal turbinate on the anatomically wider side of the nose. Medical management comprises a nasal saline spray followed by a fluorinated steroid spray daily for six months. The recruitment target is 378 patients, recruited from up to 17 sites across Scotland, England and Wales. Randomisation will be on a 1:1 basis, stratified by gender and severity (NOSE score). Participants will be followed up for 12 months post randomisation. The primary outcome measure is the total SNOT-22 score at 6 months. Clinical and economic outcomes will be modelled against baseline severity (NOSE scale) to inform clinical decision-making. The study includes a recruitment enhancement process, and an economic evaluation. Discussion The NAIROS trial will evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of septoplasty versus medical management for adults with a deviated septum and symptoms of nasal blockage. Identifying those individuals most likely to benefit from surgery should enable more efficient and effective clinical decision-making, and avoid unnecessary operations where there is low likelihood of patient benefit