Ecological implications of a flower size/number trade-off in tropical forest trees

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Working group on ecosystem assessment of Western European shelf seas (WGEAWESS)

The ICES Working Group on Ecosystem Assessment of Western European Shelf Seas (WGEA-WESS) aims to provide high quality science in support to holistic, adaptive, evidence-based man-agement in the Celtic seas, Bay of Biscay and Iberian coast regions. The group works towards developing integrated ecosystem assessments for both the (i) Celtic Seas and (ii) Bay of Biscay and Iberian Coast which are summarized in the Ecosystem Overviews (EOs) advice products that were recently updated. Integrated Trend Analysis (ITA) were performed for multiple sub-ecoregions and used to develop an understanding of ecosystem responses to pressures at varying spatial scales. Ecosystem models (primarily Ecopath with Ecosim; EwE) were developed and identified for fisheries and spatial management advice. The updated Celtic Seas EO represents a large step forward for EOs, with the inclusion of novel sections on climate change, foodweb and productivity, the first application of the new guidelines for building the conceptual diagram, inclusion of socio-economic indicators, and progress made toward complying with the Transparent Assessment Framework (TAF). We highlight ongoing issues relevant to the development and communication of EO conceptual diagrams. A common methodology using dynamic factor analysis (DFA) was used to perform ITA in a comparable way for seven subregions. This was supported by the design and compilation of the first standardized cross-regional dataset. A comparison of the main trends evidenced among subregions over the period 1993–2020 was conducted and will be published soon. A list of available and developing EWE models for the region was also generated. Here, we re-port on the advances in temporal and spatial ecosystem modelling, such as their capacity to model the impacts of sector activities (e.g. renewables and fisheries) and quantify foodweb indi-cators. We also reflect on model quality assessment with the key run of the Irish sea EwE model. The group highlighted the hurdles and gaps in current models in support of EBM, such as the choice of a relevant functional, spatial, and temporal scales and the impacts of model structure on our capacity to draw comparisons from models of different regions. The group aims to ad-dress these issues in coming years and identify routes for ecosystem model derived information into ICES advice.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Testing the importance of a common ectomycorrhizal network for dipterocarp seedling growth and survival in tropical forests of Borneo

Background: Connections between mature trees and seedlings via ectomycorrhizal (EcM) hyphal networks existing in dipterocarp-dominated tropical rain forests of South-east Asia could have strong implications for seedling growth and survival and the maintenance of high diversity in such forests. Aim: To test whether EcM hyphal network connections are important for the growth and survival of dipterocarp seedlings. Methods: We conducted four independent experiments that prevented contact of experimental seedlings with an EcM network by using a series of fine meshes and/or plastic barriers. We measured the growth and survival (and foliar δ13C in one experiment) of seedlings of six dipterocarp species over intervals ranging from 11 to 29 months. Results: Seedling growth (diameter, height or leaf number) was unaffected by exclusion from the EcM network in three experiments and there were no differences in foliar δ13C values in the fourth. Seedling survival was reduced following exclusion from the EcM network in one experiment. Our results give little support to the hypothesis that dipterocarp seedlings growing in the shaded forest understorey benefit from being connected, through a common EcM network, to surrounding trees. Conclusions: We suggest that our negative results, in contrast to studies conducted in low diversity boreo-temperate or tropical forests, are due to these high diversity forests lacking host species-specific EcM fungi and therefore providing little opportunity for adaptive support of seedlings via hyphal networks

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec

Built On No Other Man\u27s Foundation: The 14 Year Journey Of Daniel Sylvester Tuttle, The First Episcopal Bishop Of Montana, 1867-1880

Daniel Sylvester Tuttle’s head bounced, jolted by the peculiar rhythm ofthe stagecoach as it rolled over the Idaho prairie in July 1867. Nearly half way from Salt Lake City to Montana, the Right Reverend Daniel Tuttle, newly named Episcopal Bishop ofMontana, Idaho, and Utah, was growing accustomed to the rattle and clunk that came with riding long distances via stagecoach. Now, as his head flopped to one side in the light sleep ofprofound boredom, a gust of wind snatched his Morris hat and carried it into a passing bunch ofsagebrush. He awoke immediately. “Driver, hold up!” he shouted. The stage came to a halt. Tuttle unfolded himself and lurched stiffly through the coach door to retrieve his hat. Tuttle re-entered the coach and, as it continued the journey north, he thought about the wife and child he had left behind in New York. Later in the day, as the stage continued itsjourney through the sun-bleached landscape, the bishop fell asleep again. The wind returned and stole his fine hat, but Tuttle’s sleep was more profound this time, and he did not stir. When he did wake, it was to a cool breeze teasing his hair. “Whoa driver, where’s my hat?” When the coach had stopped, the driver turned in his seat and looked at Tuttle. “Bother take ya,” he slurred, sucking dust from his teeth, “why don’t ya keep a hold a yer hat?” Tuttle exited the stagecoach and walked back down the stage trail nearly half a mile, but could not see his hat. He made his way back to the stage and he chuckled at what he imagined was the possible fate of his hat. Some Indian would happen upon his Morris hat, Tuttle supposed, and would ride across the plains with the hat at a jaunty angle on his head, feathers stuck into the band. The bishop got back aboard the stage, pulled out his handkerchief, and tied it around his head to keep the sun off of his skull. 1 Daniel Tuttle had been bishop for barely two months when he lost his hat somewhere between Salt Lake City and Virginia City, Montana. He had never been east ofNiagara Falls. Tuttle had been bom in New York in 1837. He was educated in New York, attending Columbia University to attain his bachelors degree. Tuttle then attended General Theological Seminary in New York City in order to become a priest. Tuttle graduated from the seminary and replaced a classmate’s father as priest in Otsego County, New York. He was married and enjoyed his life in Morris. Nothing within his history or his career indicated any inclination to travel almost 3,000 miles to minister to people with whom he had nothing in common. Daniel Tuttle, a life-long New Yorker, was elected to be the Bishop of Montana, with jurisdiction over Idaho and Utah, in October of 1866? He weakly fought to avoid the nomination, but mentors convinced him that he should accept the position. Tuttle was consecrated bishop in May of 1867. Tuttle would have to learn quickly, adjusting the views of church that had formed him to the alien land to which he had been assigned. Tuttle would be shaped by his experience in Montana. He would learn how to be a caring minister to people who did not care whether he was from the High Church or the Low Church. Tuttle would also shape Montana, bringing civility to the rambunctious territory under his care

The Oxford handbook of the history of physics

The Oxford Handbook of the History of Physics brings together cutting-edge writing by more than twenty leading authorities on the history of physics from the seventeenth century to the present day. By presenting a wide diversity of studies in a single volume, it provides authoritative introductions to scholarly contributions that have tended to be dispersed in journals and books not easily accessible to the general reader. While the core thread remains the theories and experimental practices of physics, the Handbook contains chapters on other dimensions that have their place in any rounded history. These include the role of lecturing and textbooks in the communication of knowledge, the contribution of instrument-makers and instrument-making companies in providing for the needs of both research and lecture demonstrations, and the growing importance of the many interfaces between academic physics, industry, and the military

Australian nursing students’ experiences of workplace violence during clinical placement: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To identify the nature, degree and contributing factors of workplace violence (WPV) incidents experienced by Australian nursing students during clinical placement. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: Data were collected from 13 September to 25 November 2022. Eligible participants included all nursing students enrolled in nursing degrees at any Australian university who had completed at least one clinical placement. An adapted version of the WPV in the Health Sector Country Case Study survey was used. Results: A total of 381 nursing students across eight states of Australia completed the survey. More than half of the students had experienced an episode of WPV; patients were the most frequent perpetrators. Personal factors of patients, staff and students, organizational factors and cultural norms within the workplace supported acts of WPV. Conclusion: Student nurses (SNs) most often experience violence from patients during direct care. Patient encounters are the core component of clinical placement. Education providers have a responsibility to effectively prepare students to be able to identify escalating situations and manage potentially violent situations. Registered nurses who supervise students during clinical placement require support to balance their clinical role with student supervision. Implications for The Profession: Experiencing WPV can negatively impact relationships between students, healthcare professionals and care recipients. This results in personal distress, decreased job satisfaction and potentially the decision to leave the nursing profession. Impact: What already is known: SNs are exposed to WPV during clinical placement. What this paper adds: More than half the SNs in this study experienced violence inclusive of physical, verbal, racial and sexual harassment. Patients were the predominant perpetrators. Implications for practice/policy: Interventions at individual and systemic levels are required to mitigate WPV. Reporting Method: This study is reported using the STROBE guidelines