Cryptic Disc Structures Resembling Ediacaran Discoidal Fossils from the Lower Silurian Hellefjord Schist, Arctic Norway

The Hellefjord Schist, a volcaniclastic psammite-pelite formation in the Caledonides of Arctic Norway contains discoidal impressions and apparent tube casts that share morphological and taphonomic similarities to Neoproterozoic stem-holdfast forms. U-Pb zircon geochronology on the host metasediment indicates it was deposited between 437 ± 2 and 439 ± 3 Ma, but also indicates that an inferred basal conglomerate to this formation must be part of an older stratigraphic element, as it is cross-cut by a 546 ± 4 Ma pegmatite. These results confirm that the Hellefjord Schist is separated from underlying older Proterozoic rocks by a thrust. It has previously been argued that the Cambrian Substrate Revolution destroyed the ecological niches that the Neoproterozoic frond-holdfasts organisms occupied. However, the discovery of these fossils in Silurian rocks demonstrates that the environment and substrate must have been similar enough to Neoproterozoic settings that frond-holdfast bodyplans were still ecologically viable some hundred million years later

A Review of Harm Reduction Approaches in Ireland and Evidence from the International Literature

This report examines international literature on harm reduction and also presents primary research in health services in Ireland on approaches to harm reduction. The aim of harm reduction efforts is to minimise the risks stemming from shared use of drug-use paraphernalia, such as needle exchange programmes. One of the criticisms of Irish drug services is that the restricted opening hours and limited number of exchange services may contribute to continued sharing of needles among drug users. The report points out that other non-injecting paraphernalia such as spoons are also associated with the risk of contracting diseases, yet services do not as yet focus on them. The report notes that specific risk factors that contribute to risky drug practices include youth, a shorter injecting history, confinement to prison, homelessness and being involved in a sexual relationship with another intravenous drug user. The report suggests that harm reduction practices can be introduced into a prison population without a subsequent increase in drug consumption rates. The provision of consumption rooms and the prescription of heroin are also discussed, with the report noting that legislation would have to altered to implement these new strategies.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use

Inverse concordia diagrams for zircon grains analysed by SIMS.

<p>CK011 and CK004 are detrital material. The age of the youngest analysis is shown. CK231 is interpreted to reflect both inheritance and a magmatic population. U—Pb data are plotted as 2 σ error crosses.</p

Boss area versus disc area with linear regression fits to all data and by geographic location.

<p>The adjusted R² value is shown as a percentage for each fit and indicates the degree of scatter accounted for by the regression. Upper plot shows 0–2000 and 0–200 mm² region only. Lower plot is enlargement of dashed region (Newfoundland data from [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref108" target="_blank">108</a>]). − = negative epirelief; + = positive epirelief.</p

Examples of preservation styles found in Ediacaran (and one early Cambrian) sites compared to fossils from Sørøy, northern Norway.

<p>A: Cluster of flat-convex discs from Newfoundland [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref084" target="_blank">84</a>]; note similarity in contact between discs and those in B. B: Southern Sørøy discs of varying size [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref055" target="_blank">55</a>]. C: <i>Primocandelabrum</i> from Newfoundland showing holdfast and branching stem which may have shared some similar morphological elements to the Hellefjord Schist forms. D: Disc feature from Digermul Peninsula, Norway [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref019" target="_blank">19</a>]. Note similarity of central boss to E. E. Discs and tube cast (stem) from Hellefjord Schist Sørøy—see <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.g002" target="_blank">Fig 2</a>. F: Small discs (Type morph of <i>Aspidella</i>) showing central invagination with recessed bosses [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref084" target="_blank">84</a>] note similarity to areas on B. G: Early Cambrian fossil from California, previously compared to discs of Ediacaran age, highlighted region with “burrow” abutting disc [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref020" target="_blank">20</a>] note similarity to E. H: Positive rimmed disc impressions associated with <i>Aspidella</i>, Newfoundland [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref083" target="_blank">83</a>], note similar edge morphology to E. Scale bars are 1 cm.</p

A qualitative study exploring experiences of discrimination associated with mental-health problems in Ireland

Aims. Stigma and discrimination related to mental-health problems impacts negatively on people\u27s quality of life, help seeking behaviour and recovery trajectories. To date, the experience of discrimination by people with mental-health problems has not been systematically explored in the Republic of Ireland. This study aimed to explore the experience impact of discrimination as a consequence of being identified with a mental-health problem. Methods. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews with 30 people about their experience of discrimination were subject to thematic analysis and presented in summary form. Results. People volunteered accounts of discrimination which clustered around employment, personal relationships, business and finance, and health care. Common experiences included being discounted or discredited, being mocked or shunned and being inhibited or constrained by oneself and others. Conclusions. Qualitative research of this type may serve to illustrate the complexity of discrimination and the processes whereby stigma is internalised and may shape behaviour. Such an understanding may assist health practitioners reduce stigma, and identify and remediate the impact of discrimination

Locality and stratigraphy of the fossils.

<p>Geological map of the Langstrand—Hellefjord area, Sørøy (modified after [<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0164071#pone.0164071.ref021" target="_blank">21</a>]). Fossil locality indicated by star. Inset left: main tectonic units of Finnmark with overview map of Norway. Inset right: simplified tectonostratigraphy of KNC and overlying Hellefjord Schist.</p

Images of the Hellefjord fossils.

<p>Left: photograph of discoidal fossils and sinusoidal tube casts, Hellefjord Schist. Right: sketch of salient features of fossils. Inset: photogrammetric surface reconstruction with radiance scaling shader. Planes A-A’ and B-B’ reflect eastward looking tilted section through discoids.</p