Body Size, Growth, and Feather Mass of the Endangered Hawaiian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis).

v. ill. 23 cm.QuarterlyBody and feather mass data are important in avian studies and are required for determining things such as body condition and energetic carrying capacity. There are 12 subspecies of Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus), six continental and six island subspecies, of which two are endangered. Body mass data for multiple individuals are available for only three subspecies, and feather mass data have been reported for only one individual. Body mass (n ¼ 82) and feather mass (n ¼ 2) for adults and body mass for three subadult age classes (n ¼ 27) are provided for the Hawaiian subspecies of Common Moorhen (G. c. sandvicensis). Other body size measurements, including tarsus length, shield-bill length, shield width, and wing cord length also are presented. Adult Hawaiian Moorhen body mass averaged 350.7 g (G50.0 SD; range, 232–522; 95% CI, 339.8–361.6), and young birds appear to develop like young of G. c. chloropus and other Rallidae. Based on published data, G. c. sandvicensis is heavier than G. c. guami, female G. c. chloropus, and G. c. meridionalis; lighter than G. c. garmani and males of G. c. cachinnans; and similar in mass to G. c. cachinnans females, males of G. c. chloropus, and G. c. orientalis. There do not appear to be systematic differences in body mass between mainland (data for four subspecies) and island subspecies (data for three subspecies). Total mass of all feathers for two males was 16.2 and 12.1 g, which made up 3.1% and 3.8%, respectively, of their total body mass

Promoting less complex and more honest price negotiations in the online used car market with authenticated data

Online peer-to-peer (P2P) sales of used and or high-value goods are gaining more and more relevance today. However, since potential buyers cannot physically examine product quality during online sales, information asymmetries and consequently uncertainty and mistrust that already exist in offline sales are exacerbated in online markets. Authenticated data platforms have been proposed to solve these problems by providing authenticated data about the negotiation object, integrating it into text-based channels secured by IT. Yet, we know little about the dynamics of online negotiations today and the impact of the introduction of authenticated data on online negotiation behaviors. We address this research gap based on two experimental studies along with the example of online used-car trade. We analyze users’ communicative and strategic actions in current P2P chat-based negotiations and examine how the introduction of authenticated data affects these behaviors using a conceptional model derived from literature. Our results show that authenticated data can promote less complex negotiation processes and more honest communication behavior between buyers and sellers. Further, the results indicate that chats with the availability of authenticated data can positively impact markets with information asymmetries. These insights provide valuable contributions for academics interested in the dynamics of online negotiations and the effects of authenticated data in text-based online negotiations. In addition, providers of trade platforms who aim to advance their P2P sales platforms benefit by achieving a competitive advantage and a higher number of customers

Transformations of the polycyclic Alumosiloxane Al2(OSiPh2OSiPh2O)3 into new Polycycles and Co(II) and In(III) derivatives of (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4

In the presence of water and amines the etherate of bicyclic Al2(OSiPh2OSiPh2O)3 (II a) can be used to generate novel alumosiloxane polycycles like [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2O[O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O] ⋅ 2 H2N+Et2 (1), [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2[O(Ph2Si)O]2 ⋅ 2 HN+Et3 (2), [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2[O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O]2 ⋅ 2 HN+Et3 (3 a, 3 b), which crystallizes in two different phases, and [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2[O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O]2 ⋅ 2 HN+(CH2CH2)3N (4). As a common structural feature of these compounds two aluminum atoms which are incorporated in six-membered Al[O(SiPh2OSiPh2)O−] rings are connected as spiro cyclic centers through oxygen and/or siloxane bridges [(OSiPh2)nO] (n=1, 2) to form an assembly of three fused rings at the aluminum corners. The central ring is either eight- (1, 2) or twelve-membered (3, 4). Alkyl ammonium cations balance the charges and form hydrogen bridges to oxygen atoms of the six membered rings. The pentacyclic (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4 (I) can be used indirectly (addition of water) and directly as chelating ligand versus Co(II)Cl and In-CH3 fragments as shown with the isolated and structurally characterized compounds (HN+Et3)2{[(Ph2Si)2O3][Al4(OH)4O2](CoCl)2}2− (5 a, 5 b) and (Ph2SiO)8[AlO(OH)]2[AlO2]2(InCH3) ⋅ 2 O(CH2)4 (6)

Transformations of the polycyclic Alumosiloxane Al2(OSiPh2OSiPh2O)3 into new Polycycles and Co(II) and In(III) derivatives of (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4

In the presence of water and amines the etherate of bicyclic Al2(OSiPh2OSiPh2O)3 (II a) can be used to generate novel alumosiloxane polycycles like [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2O[O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O] ⋅ 2 H2N+Et2 (1), [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2[O(Ph2Si)O]2 ⋅ 2 HN+Et3 (2), [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2[O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O]2 ⋅ 2 HN+Et3 (3 a, 3 b), which crystallizes in two different phases, and [O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O−]2Al2[O(Ph2SiOSiPh2)O]2 ⋅ 2 HN+(CH2CH2)3N (4). As a common structural feature of these compounds two aluminum atoms which are incorporated in six-membered Al[O(SiPh2OSiPh2)O−] rings are connected as spiro cyclic centers through oxygen and/or siloxane bridges [(OSiPh2)nO] (n=1, 2) to form an assembly of three fused rings at the aluminum corners. The central ring is either eight- (1, 2) or twelve-membered (3, 4). Alkyl ammonium cations balance the charges and form hydrogen bridges to oxygen atoms of the six membered rings. The pentacyclic (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4 (I) can be used indirectly (addition of water) and directly as chelating ligand versus Co(II)Cl and In-CH3 fragments as shown with the isolated and structurally characterized compounds (HN+Et3)2{[(Ph2Si)2O3][Al4(OH)4O2](CoCl)2}2− (5 a, 5 b) and (Ph2SiO)8[AlO(OH)]2[AlO2]2(InCH3) ⋅ 2 O(CH2)4 (6)

A prospective, randomized trial of complete avoidance of steroids in liver transplantation with follow‐up of over 7 years

Objectives Steroids are a mainstay of treatment in orthotopic liver transplantation ( OLT ) and are associated with significant morbidity. This trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of steroids avoidance. Methods Patients undergoing OLT between June 2002 and April 2005 were entered into a prospective, randomized trial of complete steroids avoidance and followed until November 2011. Recipients received either standard therapy ( n = 50) or complete steroids avoidance ( n = 50). Analyses were performed on an intention‐to‐treat basis. The mean follow‐up of all recipients was 2095 ± 117 days. Sixteen (32%) recipients randomized to the steroids avoidance group ultimately received steroids for clinical indications. Results Incidences of diabetes and hypertension prior to or after OLT were similar in both groups, as was the incidence of rejection. Patient and graft survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years were lower in the steroids avoidance group than in the standard therapy group (patient survival: 1‐year, 80% versus 86%; 3‐year, 68% versus 76%; 5‐year, 60% versus 72%; graft survival: 1‐year, 76% versus 76%; 3‐year, 64% versus 74%; 5‐year, 56% versus 72%), but the differences were not statistically different. Conclusions Complete steroids avoidance provides liver transplant recipients with minimal benefit and appears to result in a concerning trend towards decreased graft and recipient survival. The present data support the use of at least a short course of steroids after liver transplantation.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/97180/1/hpb576.pd

Is voice a marker for autism spectrum disorder? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to show distinctive, atypical acoustic patterns of speech. These behaviours affect social interactions and social development and could represent a non-invasive marker for ASD. We systematically reviewed the literature quantifying acoustic patterns in ASD. Search terms were: (prosody OR intonation OR inflection OR intensity OR pitch OR fundamental frequency OR speech rate OR voice quality OR acoustic) AND (autis* OR Asperger). Results were filtered to include only: empirical studies quantifying acoustic features of vocal production in ASD, with a sample size > 2, and the inclusion of a neurotypical comparison group and/or correlations between acoustic measures and severity of clinical features. We identified 34 articles, including 30 univariate studies and 15 multivariate machine-learning studies. We performed metaanalyses of the univariate studies, identifying significant differences in mean pitch and pitch range between individuals with ASD and comparison participants (Cohen’s d of 0.4-0.5 and discriminatory accuracy of about 61-64%). The multivariate studies reported higher accuracies than the univariate studies (63-96%). However, the methods used and the acoustic features investigated were too diverse for performing meta-analysis. We conclude that multivariate studies of acoustic patterns are a promising but yet unsystematic avenue for establishing ASD markers. We outline three recommendations for future studies: open data, open methods, and theory-driven research

A Field Guide to Pandemic, Epidemic and Sporadic Clones of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a truly global challenge. In addition to the long-known healthcare-associated clones, novel strains have also emerged outside of the hospital settings, in the community as well as in livestock. The emergence and spread of virulent clones expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an additional cause for concern. In order to provide an overview of pandemic, epidemic and sporadic strains, more than 3,000 clinical and veterinary isolates of MRSA mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Malta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago as well as some reference strains from the United States have been genotyped by DNA microarray analysis. This technique allowed the assignment of the MRSA isolates to 34 distinct lineages which can be clearly defined based on non-mobile genes. The results were in accordance with data from multilocus sequence typing. More than 100 different strains were distinguished based on affiliation to these lineages, SCCmec type and the presence or absence of PVL. These strains are described here mainly with regard to clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance- and virulence-associated markers, but also in relation to epidemiology and geographic distribution. The findings of the study show a high level of biodiversity among MRSA, especially among strains harbouring SCCmec IV and V elements. The data also indicate a high rate of genetic recombination in MRSA involving SCC elements, bacteriophages or other mobile genetic elements and large-scale chromosomal replacements

A Field Guide to Pandemic, Epidemic and Sporadic Clones of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

In recent years, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a truly global challenge. In addition to the long-known healthcare-associated clones, novel strains have also emerged outside of the hospital settings, in the community as well as in livestock. The emergence and spread of virulent clones expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is an additional cause for concern. In order to provide an overview of pandemic, epidemic and sporadic strains, more than 3,000 clinical and veterinary isolates of MRSA mainly from Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Malta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Australia, Trinidad & Tobago as well as some reference strains from the United States have been genotyped by DNA microarray analysis. This technique allowed the assignment of the MRSA isolates to 34 distinct lineages which can be clearly defined based on non-mobile genes. The results were in accordance with data from multilocus sequence typing. More than 100 different strains were distinguished based on affiliation to these lineages, SCCmec type and the presence or absence of PVL. These strains are described here mainly with regard to clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance- and virulence-associated markers, but also in relation to epidemiology and geographic distribution. The findings of the study show a high level of biodiversity among MRSA, especially among strains harbouring SCCmec IV and V elements. The data also indicate a high rate of genetic recombination in MRSA involving SCC elements, bacteriophages or other mobile genetic elements and large-scale chromosomal replacements

Grundlagen der Mediävistik digital vermitteln: "Ad fontes" aber wie?

The digital teaching of medieval, and especially auxiliary, scientific skills has been going on for more than a decade. Nevertheless, the breadth and depth of the auxiliary sciences is making them difficult to present in their entirety. With ‘Ad fontes’, basic knowledge of skills needed to study the Middle Ages is imparted through interactive exercises. The e-learning platform was completely revised in 2018, allowing new technical possibilities to be realised while maintaining the strengths of its intuitive exercises. Additionally, crowdsourcing enterprises prove extremely valuable in the application of knowledge. After all, it is only possible to bring together knowledge of a particular field if collaborations are established across individual institutions and researchers

Grundlagen der Mediävistik digital vermitteln – Ad fontes aber wie

The digital teaching of medieval, and especially auxiliary, scientific skills has been going on for more than a decade. Nevertheless, the breadth and depth of the auxiliary sciences is making them difficult to present in their entirety. With ‘Ad fontes’, basic knowledge of skills needed to study the Middle Ages is imparted through interactive exercises. The e-learning platform was completely revised in 2018, allowing new technical possibilities to be realised while maintai- ning the strengths of its intuitive exercises. Additionally, crowdsourcing enterpri- ses prove extremely valuable in the application of knowledge. After all, it is only possible to bring together knowledge of a particular field if collaborations are established across individual institutions and researchers