Changes in the Butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Winneshiek County, Iowa After 90 Years

In 1908, Bert Porter reported the presence of 73 species of butterflies in the Decorah, Iowa area. Since then, no systematic surveys of the butterflies in the Decorah area have been completed despite extensive habitat changes and degradation of native prairie and timber that have occurred over the past 90 years. In 1998, an extensive survey of the butterflies of Winneshiek County confirmed the presence of 55 species of butterflies. Our findings generated a checklist of the butterflies currently found in Winneshiek County, and were compared to Porter\u27s original list. Unfortunately, the regal fritillary, Speyeria idalia, and several other butterfly species found in 1908 apparently no longer occur in the Decorah area

Identifying best practices and collaboration opportunities within a nonprofit supporting trafficked and prostituted women

Human trafficking and prostitution for commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) happens every day, in every country. Women and female children are the predominate targets of this type of exploitation. This research looked at CSE women and how the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), a Seattle nonprofit, approaches their work with victims. The action research study question was: What creates successful collaboration and best practices sharing within a Seattle social services nonprofit organization serving the domestically prostituted and trafficked survivor community? Data were collected through an online research survey, consisting of 11 questions in total. Survey demographics included nine OPS board of directors and staff participants. The completed findings were shared with OPS in a feedback session during the spring of 2014, indicating a need for more robust organizational development practices and strategy beyond OPS\u27s current framework, including standardization of communication and self-care practices, financial development, fundraising, and clearly defined roles

INVESTIGATING OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGIST PERCEPTIONS AND SCREENING PRACTICES FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Literature shows that Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a very common complication of childbirth (Evans, Phillippi, & Gee, 2015). Although it is extremely common, it remains largely undetected by healthcare providers (Evans, Phillippi, & Gee, 2015). A recent study conducted by Behimehr, Curtis, Curtis, and Hart (2014) found that the public perceives OB/GYNs to carry the most responsibility in screening for Postpartum Depression. The current study was inspired by Behimehr, Curtis, Curtis, and Hart (2014) findings, and participants were assessed to obtain information about their perceptions pertaining to OB/GYNs being most responsible to screen for PPD, and whether knowledge given that the public views them as most responsible would change their perceptions of their responsibility. Screening methods employed by participants were also assessed. The current study found that OB/GYNs do not view themselves as most responsible to screen for PPD. Results also showed that OB/GYNs do view PPD screening as important and a high priority. These results have implications for not only the patients diagnosed and struggling with PPD, but also the social relationships within the family unit where a mother is suffering from PPD

Evaluation of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium content in commercially available foods formulated for healthy cats.

BackgroundHigh dietary phosphorus (P) and low calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (Ca:P) are associated with kidney damage in cats. There are no established guidelines for dietary P maximum for cats.ObjectivesTo quantify crude protein, P, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in cat foods and compare among food formats (dry, canned, raw), primary protein ingredients, protein concentrations (low, moderate, high), grain-free versus grain-containing foods, foods intended for adult maintenance versus all life stages, and cost.SamplesEighty-two commercial nonprescription cat foods.MethodsDescriptive study. Mineral concentrations were measured using inductively coupled argon plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Crude protein was measured using the Dumas nitrogen combustion method. Mineral and crude protein concentrations were compared among food categories.ResultsTwenty-seven foods contained ≥3.6 g P/1000 kcal metabolizable energy (ME), of which 7 exceeded 4.8 g/1000 kcal ME. Thirteen foods had low Ca:P ratio (≤1.0). The low-protein diet group had no products ≥3.6 g P/1000 kcal ME, which was significantly different compared to the high-protein diet group (52% of products had ≥3.6 g P/1000 kcal ME; P = .01). No significant differences in P content and Ca:P ratio were found among other diet categories. Canned foods had significantly lower Mg compared to dry (P < .001) and raw (P = .007) foods. Declared minimum P and Ca were significantly lower than analyzed concentrations (P = .0005 and P = .003, respectively).Conclusions and clinical importanceThe high number of foods with high P and low Ca suggest that pet food regulatory reform should be considered

Management of the hospitalized transplant patient.

Significant hyperglycemia is commonly observed immediately after solid organ and bone marrow transplant as well as with subsequent hospitalizations. Surgery and procedures are well known to cause pain and stress leading to secretion of cytokines and other hormones known to aggravate insulin action. Immunosuppression required for transplant and preexisting risk are also major factors. Glucose control improves outcomes for all hospitalized patients, including transplant patients, but is often more challenging to achieve because of frequent and sometimes unpredictable changes in immunosuppression doses, renal function, and nutrition. As a result, risk of hypoglycemia can be greater in this patient group when trying to achieve glucose control goals for hospitalized patients. Key to successful management of hyperglycemia is regular communication between the members of the care team as well as anticipating and rapidly implementing a new treatment paradigm in response to changes in immunosuppression, nutrition, renal function, or evidence of changing insulin resistance

Influence of Ionizing Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of a Wood-Plastic Composite

AbstractThe focus of this study was to examine the potential benefits of irradiating polyethylene (PE)-based wood-plastic composites (WPCs) in order to enhance the mechanical properties of the WPC. The PE-based WPCs were irradiated, post extrusion, at dose levels of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kGy with an electron beam (EB). The irradiated WPCs were then evaluated using a third point bending test (ASTM D4761) along with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that ultimate strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased with increasing dose level. Examination of the fracture surfaces of polyethylene revealed a distinct difference in failure between irradiated and non-irradiated surfaces