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Patients sustaining maxillofacial fractures are at risk for associated injuries (AIs) to other body regions. The incidence of AIs is reported to be from 20 to 35%. AIs may be life-threatening and play a key role in considering first-line management at the emergency department, as well as planning the definitive treatment of maxillofacial fractures. The study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors for AIs in patients with maxillofacial fractures. The investigators designed and implemented a retrospective cohort study of patients with facial fractures treated at Central Hospital (Lahti, Finland) from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2019. All adult patients with verified maxillofacial fractures were included. Patients under 18 years of age were excluded from the study. The predictor variable was the location of the maxillofacial fractures grouped into three categories: mandible alone, midface alone, and both midface and mandible. The primary outcome variable was associated body region injuries coded as present or absent. The secondary outcome variable was the location of the AI categorized as skull, neck, thorax, pelvis, or extremity injuries. Other study variables included demographic data (age, sex, alcohol use), Glasgow Coma Scale, and etiology (fall, traffic- and bicycle accident, assault, pedestrian hit by motor vehicle, work-related, or sports/free-time injuries). Continuous variables were analyzed for normal distribution using the Shapiro-Wilks test and compared with categorical variables using the Mann-Whitney test. The univariate analyses of categorical variables were analyzed by the χ2 test (P ≤.05 was considered statistically significant). During the study period, 443 adult (≥18) patients had maxillofacial fractures. AIs were present in 88 subjects (20%). The mean age was 47.6 years (range 18-91); 52 years with AIs (range 19-91), and 47 years (range 18-92) without AIs (P =.03). Subjects with midface and mandible + midface fractures had greater risk to AIs compared to mandibular fractures (relative risk 2.0, P =.002, relative risk 2.8, P =.009). Every fifth maxillofacial trauma patient had an associated injury. Trauma patients should be evaluated in institutions with trauma protocols and imaging modalities before determining and executing the treatment plan for maxillofacial fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoonotic nematodes of the genus Trichinella are foodborne parasites that have a global distribution in wild carnivores and omnivores, with spillover and spillback into domestic livestock and people, with concomitant trade and health consequences. Historically, most human cases were linked to domestic pigs infected with Trichinella spiralis, but under current high biosecurity swine production in many countries, wildlife have become a more important source of human trichinellosis. The aim of this review is to update the global distribution of Trichinella species and genotypes reported in wildlife, as well as reported human outbreaks from the consumption of wildlife. Using several online databases and by "snowballing" references, hundreds of reports of Trichinella spp. in wildlife published between January 1991 and December 2023 provide an important update to the host and geographic range for each of the recognized 13 species/genotypes, grouped by continent. Surveillance effort was highest in Europe and North America, while Africa, Asia, Oceania, Central and South America have had limited surveillance, in some instances with human cases serving as sentinels of transmission in a region. Dozens of human outbreaks are described, with wild boars (Sus scrofa) being the most frequently implicated wildlife species in human outbreaks globally. Bears are an important source of infection in North America, for wildlife tourism, and importation of bear meat has also been implicated in multicountry outbreaks. The largest study limitation was the dearth of molecular identification of larvae in both wildlife surveillance studies and human outbreaks, particulary in under-studied regions. We highlight the need for enhanced molecular epidemiological approaches to outbreaks of this important foodborne parasite, and emphasize the need for a One Health approach to manage Trichinella spp. which transmit among terrestrial and marine wildlife (including migratory birds), pigs, horses, and people, often across large geographic scales and borders. [Display omitted] • Trichinella spp. are globally distributed in terrestrial wild predators and scavengers. • Lack of molecular identification causes gaps in the literature. • Wildlife are implicated in a growing proportion of human cases of trichinellosis. • A One Health approach is needed for the management of infection in wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between physical function and knee-related symptoms and 8-month physical activity (PA) level in older adults undergone total knee replacement (TKR). The 8-month follow-up after the randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing exergaming with standard post-TKR exercise (NCT03717727). N/A. Originally 52 random sample of individuals undergoing TKR surgery participated in a 4-month post-operative exergaming trial (RCT), after which 40 (mean age 67 years) completed the 8-month follow-up. Nonexercised, post-intervention follow-up. Self-reported PA including a leisure time PA and PA related to daily errands and commuting was collected during the follow-up period using structured diaries from which metabolic equivalent of task hours (METh) per month were calculated. For analysis, participants were divided into METh tertiles: I, < 13.0 (n=13), II, 13.0-20.9 (n=13), and III, > 21.0 (n=14). Physical function and knee related symptoms were measured after RCT's intervention period using the Oxford Knee Score questionnaire, Timed Up and Go test, visual analog scale, 10-meter walking test, Short Physical Performance Battery, isometric knee extension and flexion force test, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire. There was a significant linear relationship between higher post-intervention knee flexion muscle force of the operated lower-limb and higher PA level during 8-month follow-up (P for linearity = 0.002). There was no linear relationship between other variables measuring physical function or knee-related symptoms and PA level. Results suggest that a higher knee flexion muscle force of operated lower limb after rehabilitative intervention period has positive impact on the long-term PA during leisure time, daily errands and commuting in the older adults recovering from TKR surgery. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Since the introduction of rental electric scooters (ESs), clinicians have increasingly encountered facial trauma patients whose injuries were caused by ES use. Despite this fact, few studies have analyzed these patients, particularly in Nordic countries, where the climate may cause additional challenges. We hypothesized that ESs have caused several facial trauma cases in Turku, Finland, that might be related to the timing of ES use, that is, month, day, and hour.Patients and Methods: The medical records of all patients in whom craniofacial fractures or dental injuries caused by ES use were diagnosed at Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland, in 2019 were reviewed. The occurrence and characteristics of injuries, with special reference to time of the accident, intoxication, hospital stay, and additional injuries sustained were analyzed.Results: A total of 23 patients were identified for this analysis. The mean age was 30 years, and most patients (n = 16) were men. Four patients had not used helmets, whereas for 19, there was no mention whatsoever about helmet use. Of the patients, 21 were intoxicated and 18 had a blood alcohol content greater than 0.1%. A great majority of the accidents occurred in the nighttime (n = 17) and during weekends (n = 19). Most injuries (n = 15) occurred between September and November. We observed craniofacial fractures in 15 patients and dental injuries in 14; brain injuries occurred in 5 patients, and multiple chest injuries occurred in 1. All patients with dental injuries and 9 of the 15 patients with craniofacial fractures required interventions. An average of 3 days of hospitalization was required for 14 patients.Conclusions: Injuries associated with ESs result from driving under the heavy influence of alcohol and occur mostly during weekend nights without helmet use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenomenological implications of the Mimetic Tensor–Vector–Scalar theory (MiTeVeS) are studied. The theory is an extension of the vector field model of mimetic dark matter, where a scalar field is also incorporated, and it is known to be free from ghost instability. In the absence of interactions between the scalar field and the vector field, the obtained cosmological solution corresponds to the General theory of Relativity (GR) with a minimally-coupled scalar field. However, including an interaction term between the scalar field and the vector field yields interesting dynamics. There is a shift symmetry for the scalar field with a flat potential, and the conserved Noether current, which is associated with the symmetry, behaves as a dark matter component. Consequently, the solution contains a cosmological constant, dark matter and a stiff matter fluid. Breaking the shift symmetry with a non-flat potential gives a natural interaction between dark energy and dark matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Biodiversity of the understorey vegetation of boreal forests was studied. • Increasing stand density weakened the positive effect of broadleaved trees on plant species number. • Increase of broadleaved correlated positively with nutrient level of the soil organic layer. • Response of bilberry cover to broadleaved depended on the site type and zone. Understorey vegetation constitutes a remarkable part of the total biodiversity of boreal forests. Mixing broadleaved trees in coniferous forests has been shown to enhance vascular plant abundance and species richness, while high stand density has a counteracting effect. However, more information is needed on how environmental factors modify these biodiversity responses. We investigated how the proportion of broadleaved trees of total basal area, tree species richness, stand density, and shrub cover were reflected in the number of vascular plant species and percentage cover of herbs and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). We also studied the response of site fertility indicators, i.e. C:N ratio and extractable calcium concentration in the soil organic layer, to broadleaved species in mixed-forests. The study was based on the data of understorey vegetation, soil, and stand properties in forests on mineral soil, inventoried on a systematic sample plot network in Finland in 2006. We used a subset of 307 plots in the hemi-southern and middle boreal zones and divided the plots either to xeric or mesic types. We used generalized additive models in analysing the data. Birches (Betula sp.) were the main broadleaved species. Vascular species richness and herb cover generally increased with increasing proportions of broadleaved trees and tree species number both on mesic and xeric sites but decreased with increasing stand density on mesic sites. An increase in proportion of broadleaved trees and stand density resulted in decreased bilberry cover in the southern boreal zone, probably due to stand shading, but in increased cover in the middle boreal zone. Vegetation responses to increasing shrub cover often showed unimodal shape. As increase of proportion of broadleaved trees correlated positively with calcium and negatively with C:N of the organic layer, we suggest that nutrient input from easily decomposable birch leaf litter promotes species richness and herb cover via improved nutrient availability in the soil. Our results indicate that many stand characteristics determining understorey biodiversity can be directed by forest management regimes. Generally, slight increase of broadleaved trees benefitted the understory plant richness, given that stand density is not too high. Because site type and zone controlled many responses, we suggest that it would be beneficial to have habitat and zone-specific instructions in forest management practices that conserve understorey vegetation and its multi-purpose ecosystem services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Common species and mid-successional forests can tolerate moderate timber harvesting. • There is time delay in responses of understorey vegetation communities. • Forest logging has legacy effects on understorey communities and accumulation of coarse woody debris. Abstract We followed how forest thinning, repeated twice during a period of 93 years, altered understorey plant community composition, affected the succession of forest understorey vegetation and the accumulation of logs in the long-term. The study was carried out in northern Finland by resampling 20 permanent experimental plots, established after a wildfire in 1920. Understorey vegetation was inventoried in 1961, 1986 and 2013 with forest thinning treatments done in 1953 and 1987, using four and three different harvesting intensities, respectively. We found succession to override the effects of forest logging until the latest study period (2013). We observed negligible long-term effects of logging on understorey communities during the two mid-successional stages (1961, 1986), when the forest was 41 and 66 years old respectively. The impacts of logging on understorey vegetation were strongest in the latest successional stage (2013), the forest being at the age of 93 years. In the latest successional stage (2013) logged plots had less coarse woody debris than unlogged plots. Forest management thus influenced the key feature for forest biodiversity and potential habitats for endangered species. These findings are of major interest since the studies of long-term impacts of less intensive forest management practices are scarce. Our results suggest that in addition to possible immediate impacts, harvesting treatments have legacy effects (subtle or delayed inherited effects of forestry in the past) that influence the forest understorey vegetation community composition and the amount of coarse woody debris. This finding deserves special attention when planning of species conservation, multiple use of forests and sustainable forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two studies investigating attitudes toward AI based on the self-determination theory (SDT) and basic psychological needs. • Study 1 included data from Finland (N = 1541), France (N = 1561), Germany (N = 1529), Ireland (N = 1112), Italy (N = 1530), and Poland (N = 1533). • Study 2 was a longitudinal two-wave study from Finland (N = 827), examining change in AI attitudes over time. • Competence and relatedness were positively associated with AI positivity and all SDT dimensions were related to AI negativity in all countries. • Autonomy and relatedness increased AI positivity and decreased AI negativity over time. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important in all domains of life. Therefore, it is crucial to understand individuals' attitudes towards AI. This article investigated attitudes toward AI through two studies that are based on the self-determination theory and basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). Study 1 used cross-sectional samples of adult populations aged 18–75 from Finland (N = 1,541), France (N = 1,561), Germany (N = 1,529), Ireland (N = 1,112), Italy (N = 1,530), and Poland (N = 1,533). Study 2 was based on a longitudinal two-wave sample of adults aged 18–80 from Finland (N = 828). Based on the robust regression analyses, Study 1 found that fulfillment of basic psychological needs was associated with higher AI positivity and lower AI negativity across Europe. According to the Study 2 results, based on hybrid multilevel regression models, autonomy and relatedness increased AI positivity and decreased AI negativity over time. The results provide robust evidence on the role of self-determination in attitudes towards AI. Self-determination is an important factor in AI acceptance and is becoming increasingly important considering the rapid development and adoption of AI solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A double mutation (KM670/671NL) in amyloid precursor protein gene (APP) is causative for familial Alzheimer's disease and has been shown to increase the total Aβ burden. Here we report the generation and characterization of an iPSC line from a fAD patient carrying APP KM670/671NL. The generated iPSCs retained the mutation, expressed pluripotency markers, showed a normal karyotype and differentiated into all three germ layers. This iPSC line can be used, for example, in disease modeling and mechanistic studies. Resource table. Unlabelled Table Unique stem cell line identifier UEFi002-A Alternative name(s) of stem cell line LL008 1.4 Institution A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland Contact information of distributor Prof. Jari Koistinaho (jari.koistinaho@uef.fi ; jari.koistinaho@helsinki.fi) Type of cell line iPSC Origin Human Additional origin info Age: 58 Sex: Female Ethnicity: Scandinavian Cell Source Skin fibroblasts Clonality Clonal Method of reprogramming Sendai virus carrying OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC (CytoTune 1.0) Genetic Modification No Type of Modification N/A Associated disease Familial Alzheimer's disease Gene/locus APP (MIM # 104760) located on the long arm of chromosome 21 at position 21q21.3; 27,269,939 G > T, 27269938 A > C (rs63751263, rs63750445) Method of modification N/A Name of transgene or resistance N/A Inducible/constitutive system N/A Date archived/stock date March 2016 Cell line repository/bank N/A Ethical approval Ethical license number 2017/834–31/1 (The ethical review board of Karolinska Institutet/Karolinska University Hospital) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amyloid precursor protein (APP) A673T mutation was found to be protective against Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive decline in the Icelandic population and to associate with decreased levels of plasma β-amyloid in a Finnish population-based cohort. Human fibroblasts from a Finnish male individual carrying the protective mutation were used to generate integration-free induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) line by Sendai virus technology. The iPSC line retained the mutation and expressed pluripotency markers, had a normal karyotype and differentiated into all three germ layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setaria tundra is a mosquito-borne filarial nematode of cervids in Europe. It has recently been associated with an emerging epidemic disease causing severe morbidity and mortality in reindeer and moose in Finland. Here, we present the first report of S. tundra in six roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ) collected between October 2010 and March 2014 in Denmark. The deer originated from various localities across the country: the eastern part of the Jutland peninsular and four locations on the island Zealand. With the exception of one deer, with parasites residing in a transparent cyst just under the liver capsule, worms (ranging from 2 to >20/deer) were found free in the peritoneal cavity. The worms were identified as S. tundra by morphological examination and/or molecular typing of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and cox1 genes, which showed 99.1–99.8% identity to previously published S. tundra isolates from Europe. Roe deer are generally considered as asymptomatic carriers and their numbers in Denmark have increased significantly in recent decades. In light of climatic changes which result in warmer, more humid weather in Scandinavia greater numbers of mosquitoes and, especially, improved conditions for development of parasite larvae in the mosquito vectors are expected, which may lead to increasing prevalence of S. tundra . Monitoring of this vector-borne parasite may thus be needed in order to enhance the knowledge of factors promoting its expansion and prevalence as well as predicting disease outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative spatial decision support tools can contribute with setups for including stakeholders into marine spatial planning (MSP) processes with the purpose of increasing trust in planning outcomes, facilitate knowledge co-creation and shared planning goals, and provide transparent, scientific, inclusive, and technical foundations for planning. A new collaborative spatial decision support setup based on the combination of functionalities from two spatial decision support tools called SEANERGY and Baltic Explorer was designed for and tested in a workshop in 2020 targeted local authorities, NGOs, and citizens in Denmark with an interest in MSP. While the setup needs further testing among a wider span of stakeholders to support a pluralistic approach, the findings illustrate promising potentials from ranking conflicts and synergies in collaborative settings to make marine activity interests spatially visible in MSP and gain an overview of opportunities for sea use multi-functionality in context-based, interactive, goal-oriented stakeholder processes. The use of a visual platform such as Baltic Explorer to systematically explore locations of marine uses was positively evaluated to facilitate the workshop conflict-synergy discussions. Challenges relate to how to deal with disagreements on conflict-synergy scores and the subjectivity of opinions, but the demonstrated flexible, quick, transparent way to test the sensitivity of spatial patterns to differences in input conflict-synergy scores is found to provide a promising setup for including stakeholder opinions through collaborative settings, a setup adjustable to supplementary large-scale, individual, more representative surveys as well. [Display omitted] • A collaborative spatial decision support setup is designed for marine spatial planning. • SEANERGY and Baltic Explorer are combined to rank marine synergies and conflicts. • Testing the setup in a workshop with local Danish stakeholders showed promising results. • Systematic and interactive visualisations facilitate inclusion of stakeholder interests. • Challenges relate to how to deal with conflict-synergy score disagreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To derive O 3 dose–response relationships (DRR) for five European forest trees species and broadleaf deciduous and needleleaf tree plant functional types (PFTs), phytotoxic O 3 doses (POD y ) were related to biomass reductions. POD y was calculated using a stomatal flux model with a range of cut-off thresholds ( y ) indicative of varying detoxification capacities. Linear regression analysis showed that DRR for PFT and individual tree species differed in their robustness. A simplified parameterisation of the flux model was tested and showed that for most non-Mediterranean tree species, this simplified model led to similarly robust DRR as compared to a species- and climate region-specific parameterisation. Experimentally induced soil water stress was not found to substantially reduce POD y , mainly due to the short duration of soil water stress periods. This study validates the stomatal O 3 flux concept and represents a step forward in predicting O 3 damage to forests in a spatially and temporally varying climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertain and stressful global situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to cause anxiety and impact people's mental health. Simultaneously, social distancing policies have isolated people from their normal social interactions. These societal changes have inevitably influenced gambling and gaming practices, and many people may have turned to betting or gaming as a means of social exchange. This study examined the influence of COVID-19 anxiety on increased mental health problems and their relationship to gambling and gaming problems. The mediating role of social motives for gambling and gaming was also investigated. Finnish adults (N = 1530; M age = 46.67; 50.33% male) were recruited from a volunteer participant panel to participate in a survey study. COVID-19 anxiety was assessed using a scale adapted from the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mental health problems were evaluated with the five-item Mental Health Inventory. Gambling problems were measured using the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and gaming problems were measured with the Internet Gaming Disorder Test. Social motives for gaming were evaluated using a single-item measure. Analyses used generalised structural equation modelling. COVID-19 anxiety predicted increased mental health problems, which were associated with heightened gambling and gaming problems. Social motives for gambling and gaming were a significant mediator, suggesting that gambling and gaming problems are emphasized markedly among those who are socially motivated by and involved in such games. Mental health problems experienced during the pandemic and the social properties of games might accentuate gambling and gaming problems. • A nationwide survey study on COVID-19 anxiety, mental health, and gambling and gaming problems. • COVID-19 anxiety predicts increased mental health problems. • Increased pandemic-time mental health issues predict gambling problems and gaming problems. • 27% gambled or played online games for social reasons during social isolation. • Social motives for gambling and online gaming are a risk factor for gambling and gaming problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a process for supporting strategic decision-making and policy planning in systemic transitions related to grand challenges such as climate change. The process uses the multi-level perspective (MLP) 1 1 MLP, multi-level perspective (Geels, 2004). as an underlying theoretical framework and combines various methods and tools from the fields of foresight, impact assessment, simulation modelling and societal embedding. Decision-makers such as public sector authorities and politicians are the main target group, accompanied by other stakeholders and interest groups whose involvement throughout the process is stressed. The process is presented as a stepwise methodological working process and demonstrated by a theoretical case study. The demonstration explores the vision of ‘emission-free transport in cities by 2050’ in the context of motorised passenger transport in the Helsinki metropolitan area in Finland. The case study serves as an example of how to implement the process and how to make case-specific selections from the methods and tools from suggested fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in the response to adverse environmental conditions among genotypes within local populations are important in determining the ability of local populations to cope with such conditions, especially for long-lived organisms like trees. Nevertheless, such differences and their relevance for acclimation have not been addressed to date, representing a gap in our understanding of tree growth and acclimation. Focussing on temperature and soil moisture we address this issue, evaluating 13 relevant physiological (i.e. gas exchange, leaf pigments) and leaf morphological traits (e.g. specific leaf area) and three traits related to growth partitioning for two growing seasons in 10 genotypes of the ecologically and economically important tree species silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth). Complex trait syndromes – a consistent association of plant traits characterising differences among genotypes – including physiological, leaf morphological and growth partitioning traits were identified. The relative investment in leaf mass, shoot-to-root ratio and net assimilation rate were most important for good growth. With regard to acclimation to adverse environmental conditions genotypes mostly acclimated in a similar way, but changes in allocation patterns may depend on genotype, even within a local population. Trees with a high net assimilation rate and a low leaf mass fraction and shoot-to-root ratio produced most biomass after two years of growth. Information on these traits could, in addition to growth, be useful in identifying material for forest regeneration that is robust with regards to expected climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines a YouTube school shooting fan network. We analyze the network dynamics, potential efficacy and influence of this network. Our main task is to discover if school shooting fans form a small-world network and to study the social psychological characteristics of the group's formation and cohesion. Our theoretical approach draws from social network theory, group theory and subcultural theory. The data were collected from YouTube during April 2012. The network still existed in 2014, which shows that it continues to be potentially influential since it is easy to detect and hard to eliminate. Initially, profiles with references to school shootings were searched for by using various keywords related to school shootings. Only those profiles that included positive or sympathizing comments on school shootings were selected for further analysis. A total of 113 pro-school shooting profiles were identified, and 100 out these profiles belonged to the same social network, which resembles a small-world network. Our thematic analysis reveals that Columbine-shooting fans form the core group of the network, with the Columbine murders being a uniting factor among the fans. The results indicate that social networking sites provide a powerful arena for users interested in morally dubious material to find other similarly minded people globally. School shooting fans share a common language and they express similar ideological points of view and justifications for the mass violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing anthropogenic and biogenic emissions of precursor compounds have led to high tropospheric ozone concentrations in India particularly in Indo-Gangetic Plains, which is the most fertile and cultivated area of this rapidly developing country. Current ozone risk models, based on European and North American data, provide inaccurate estimations for crop losses in India. During the past decade, several ozone experiments have been conducted with the most important Indian crop species (e.g. wheat, rice, mustard, mung bean). Experimental work started in natural field conditions around Varanasi area in early 2000''s, and the use of open top chambers and EDU (ethylene diurea) applications has now facilitated more advanced studies e.g. for intra-species sensitivity screening and mechanisms of tolerance. In this review, we identify and discuss the most important gaps of knowledge and future needs of action, e.g. more systematic nationwide monitoring for precursor and ozone formation over Indian region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Inter-industry utilization of solid residues for soil amendment was investigated by combining desulphurization slag, fly ash, paper mill sludge and lime waste arising within the steel, pulp and paper industries. Manufactured sample analysis included relevant physicochemical properties, easily available plant nutrient concentrations and trace element availability (CH3COOH, NH2OH·HCl, H2O2 +CH3COONH4, HCl+HNO3) with respective pseudo-total concentrations according to USEPA 3051A (HCl+HNO3). Additionally, the relevant regulatory framework is discussed with respect to inter-industry residue utilization as opposed to disposal. Based on the acquired data, the attained soil amendment shows promise in the replacement of commercial liming materials (neutralizing value 38.3% Ca equivalents, d.w.). Additionally, as attested by the sequential extraction procedure and respective pseudo-total concentration determination, the pseudo-total concentrations of regulated trace elements were lower than the Finnish statutory limit values for fertilizers () and the European limit values for awarding the Community eco-label for soil improvers (). Only Ba and V showed potential availability (Ba, 85.4mgkg−1, d.w., by CH3COOH; and V, 54.4mgkg−1, d.w., by NH2OH·HCl) under natural conditions. However, the industrial residues used in the proposed soil amendment are defined as waste in accordance with the . The feasibility of utilizing the material is also influenced by the prerequisites for losing this waste status and for applying product based legislation to the potential product instead. European Union''s waste policy is built on the waste hierarchy which strongly supports recycling and re-use of waste materials, but innovative material and product solutions, such as the proposed soil amendment, may face a challenge under the waste-stream based regulatory regime. Enabling such residue utilization would, from a life-cycle perspective, improve the material efficiency of industrial processes and contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For northern Europe’s climate, models predict an increase in periods of drought and waterlogging. Knowledge of variation between genotypes of Betula pendula (birch) and Populus tremula (aspen) to drought and excess soil moisture are unavailable but relevant for future development of forest ecosystems. We studied variation between genotypes to soil moisture in birch and aspen with plant material representing naturally regenerated populations and showed differences in acclimation to soil moisture conditions. Genotypes showing most growth and biomass accumulation across treatments maintained most leaf area, high gas exchange and water-use efficiency and grew most root mass but had the lowest root length per unit root dry mass compared to other genotypes. This indicates that these genotypes are more efficient in harvesting water from the soil under adverse conditions. We also showed that birch and aspen employ different strategies to cope with soil moisture conditions, with aspen investing more in perennial parts, while birch efficiently maintains foliar processes. When the expression of some known drought responsive genes was measured, only ACC oxidase was induced by the drought treatment at the beginning of the experiment, while surprisingly LEA5, RD22 and ADH1 did not respond to drought, but were up-regulated in prolonged wet conditions indicating oxidative stress and hypoxia and that these genes are responding to multiple stress factors. We conclude that in plants micro-propagated from naturally regenerated birch and aspen populations, there is variation between genotypes in acclimation efficiency to soil moisture conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The aim of the study is to examine the risk of sickness absence in public sector employees with allergic rhinitis or asthma or both conditions combined. This is a prospective cohort study of 48 296 Finnish public sector employees. Data from self-reported rhinitis and asthma were obtained from survey responses given during either the 2000–2002 or 2004 periods. Follow-up data on sickness absences for the public sector employees surveyed were acquired from records kept by the employers. During the follow-up, mean sick leave days per year for respondents were 17.6 days for rhinitis alone, 23.8 days for asthma alone and 24.2 days for both conditions combined. Respondents with neither condition were absent for a mean of 14.5 days annually. The impact of asthma and rhinitis combined on the risk of sick leave days was marginal compared to asthma alone (RR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0–1.3). In the subgroup analysis (those with current asthma or allergy medication), the risk ratio for medically certified sickness absence (>3 days) was 2.0 (95% CI 1.9–2.2) for those with asthma and rhinitis combined. Rhinitis, asthma and both these conditions combined increased the risk of days off work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence from novel phytotron and free-air ozone (O3) fumigation experiments in Europe and America on forest tree species is highlighted in relation to previous chamber studies. Differences in O3 sensitivity between pioneer and climax species are examined and viewed for trees growing at the harsh alpine timberline ecotone. As O3 apparently counteracts positive effects of elevated CO2 and mitigates productivity increases, response is governed by genotype, competitors, and ontogeny rather than species per se. Complexity in O3 responsiveness increased under the influence of pathogens and herbivores. The new evidence does not conflict in principle with previous findings that, however, pointed to a low ecological significance. This new knowledge on trees'' O3 responsiveness beyond the juvenile stage in plantations and forests nevertheless implies limited predictability due to complexity in biotic and abiotic interactions. Unravelling underlying mechanisms is mandatory for assessing O3 risks as an important component of climate change scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Gene expression responses of paper birch (Betula papyrifera) leaves to elevated concentrations of CO2 and O3 were studied with microarray analyses from three time points during the summer of 2004 at Aspen FACE. Microarray data were analyzed with clustering techniques, self-organizing maps, K-means clustering and Sammon''s mappings, to detect similar gene expression patterns within sampling times and treatments. Most of the alterations in gene expression were caused by O3, alone or in combination with CO2. O3 induced defensive reactions to oxidative stress and earlier leaf senescence, seen as decreased expression of photosynthesis- and carbon fixation-related genes, and increased expression of senescence-associated genes. The effects of elevated CO2 reflected surplus of carbon that was directed to synthesis of secondary compounds. The combined CO2 +O3 treatment resulted in differential gene expression than with individual gas treatments or in changes similar to O3 treatment, indicating that CO2 cannot totally alleviate the harmful effects of O3. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), an important feed crop in many parts of the world, is exposed to elevated ozone over large areas. Plants can limit ozone-induced damages by various defence mechanisms. In this work, changes in the concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds induced by slightly elevated levels of ozone were determined in red clover leaves by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. 31 different phenolics were identified and the most abundant isoflavones and flavonoids were biochanin A glycoside malonate (G-M), formononetin-G-M and quercetin-G-M. Elevated ozone (mean 32.4 ppb) increased the total phenolic content of leaves and also had minor effects on the concentrations of individual compounds. Elevated ozone increased the net photosynthesis rate of red clover leaves before visible injuries by 21–23%. This study thus suggests that the concentrations of phenolics in red clover leaves change in response to slightly elevated ozone levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Study objectives: This study examined whether obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with increased risk of work disability during six years following the diagnosis. Design: Prospective follow-up study. Setting: Ten municipalities and six hospital districts in Finland. Participants: A total of 766 employees with OSAS (cases), and their control subjects (n =3,827) matched for age, gender, socioeconomic position, type of employment contract and type of organization. Interventions: N/A. Measurements: Data on all (>9 days) or very long-term (>90 days) sickness absences and for disability pensions were obtained from national registers. Diagnosis of OSAS was determined according to the Hospital Discharge Register, which includes data on all hospital admissions. Results: According to the Cox proportional hazards models the hazard of the first sickness absence period (all sickness absences) during the follow-up was 1.7-fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5–2.0) in male and 2.1-fold (95% CI: 1.8–2.4) in female sleep apnoea cases compared to controls after adjustments for sociodemographic factors. Both men and women with OSAS had a 2-fold increase in the risk for disability pension compared to controls. With regard to cause-specific work disability, employees with OSAS had a particularly pronounced risk of long-term work disability caused by injuries (HR 3.1 95% CI: 1.8–5.2) and mental disorders (HR: 2.8, CI 95%: 2.1–3.7). Conclusions: These results suggest that OSAS is associated with an increased risk of both sickness absence and disability pension. They emphasize the need to identify the employees with this disorder and to improve general practitioners'' knowledge about screening of sleep apnoea symptoms and indicators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Plant growth and herbivore resistance is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to examine (1) whether genotype explains variation in herbivore resistance, plant growth and tolerance of feeding within natural silver birch populations, (2) whether there is significant interaction between birch genotype and environment or the study year, and (3) whether there are defence costs in field grown juvenile silver birch saplings. The 22 genotypes studied were assigned insect exposure and insect removal treatments in two different environments. Resistance to insect herbivory was measured as the amount of undamaged leaves of the saplings and tolerance of feeding as a difference in relative height increment of the saplings between insect exposure and removal treatments in relation to the amount of damage (i.e. opposite number of resistance). Our study shows that a local silver birch population has substantial genotypic variation in resistance to insect herbivores and this variation is not affected by the environment or the study year. Genotypic variation was not observed for tolerance of feeding. We also showed that, in contrast to genotypic variation in resistance, the genotypic variation in growth among silver birch genotypes strongly depended on the environment, i.e. silver birch genotypes have a high degree of phenotypic plasticity in their growth. Therefore, defence costs in terms of lower growth rate appear to be highly dependent on the environment. To conclude, our results indicate that silver birch populations have a good potential to adapt to possibly increasing herbivory in boreal forests in warmer future climates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two silver birch clones were exposed to ambient and elevated concentrations of CO2 and O3, and their combination for 3years, using open-top chambers. We evaluated the effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on stomatal conductance (g s), density (SD) and index (SI), length of the guard cells, and epidermal cell size and number, with respect to crown position and leaf type. The relationship between the infection biology of the fungus (Pyrenopeziza betulicola) causing leaf spot disease and stomatal characteristics was also studied. Leaf type was an important determinant of O3 response in silver birch, while crown position and clone played only a minor role. Elevated CO2 reduced the g s, but had otherwise no significant effect on the parameters studied. No significant interactions between elevated CO2 and O3 were found. The infection biology of P. betulicola was not correlated with SD or g s, but it did occasionally correlate positively with the length of the guard cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We studied the effects of long-term exposure (nine years) of birch (Betula papyrifera) trees to elevated CO2 and/or O3 on reproduction and seedling development at the Aspen FACE (Free-Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment) site in Rhinelander, WI. We found that elevated CO2 increased both the number of trees that flowered and the quantity of flowers (260% increase in male flower production), increased seed weight, germination rate, and seedling vigor. Elevated O3 also increased flowering but decreased seed weight and germination rate. In the combination treatment (elevated CO2 +O3) seed weight is decreased (20% reduction) while germination rate was unaffected. The evidence from this study indicates that elevated CO2 may have a largely positive impact on forest tree reproduction and regeneration while elevated O3 will likely have a negative impact. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The magnitude of flowering of many forest tree species varies intermittently and extensively from year to year. Besides its great consequences for the reproductive biology of plant species, the phenomenon has manifold implications for silviculture, ecological interactions and public health. In order to characterise the male flowering and pollen flow of birch (Betula), and to understand the proximal causes contributing to them, we studied the annual variability and spatial synchronization of male catkin numbers of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrn.) stands, and the relation of catkin numbers to airborne pollen counts during 18 years in Finland in northern Europe. Years with either low or abundant catkin production of both species tended to occur at the same time over a large geographic area. The longest distance between two stands in our study was 500km, and all correlations between annual catkin amounts were still positive at this distance. Years with abundant and low male catkin crops were correlated among stands of the same birch species as well as among stands of silver birch and downy birch. The association between annual airborne pollen sums and catkin numbers was positive, but interestingly, marked differences were also detected. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of nitrogen on biomass production, shoot elongation and relative density of the mosses Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens and Dicranum polysetum was studied in a chamber experiment. Monocultures were exposed to 10 N levels ranging from 0.02 to 7.35g Nm−2 during a 90-day period. All the growth responses were unimodal, but the species showed differences in the shape parameters of the curves. Hylocomium and Pleurozium achieved optimum biomass production at a lower N level than Dicranum. Pleurozium had the highest biomass production per tissue N concentration. Tolerance to N was the widest in Dicranum, whereas Hylocomium had the narrowest tolerance. Dicranum retained N less efficiently from precipitation than the other two species, which explained its deviating response. All species translocated some N from parent to new shoots. The results emphasize that the individual responses of bryophytes to N should be known when species are used as bioindicators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The burden of type 2 diabetes and its associated premature morbidity and mortality is rapidly growing, and the need for novel efficacious treatments is pressing. We report here that serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) agonists, typically investigated for their anorectic properties, significantly improve glucose tolerance and reduce plasma insulin in murine models of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Importantly, 5-HT2CR agonist-induced improvements in glucose homeostasis occurred at concentrations of agonist that had no effect on ingestive behavior, energy expenditure, locomotor activity, body weight, or fat mass. We determined that this primary effect on glucose homeostasis requires downstream activation of melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4Rs), but not MC3Rs. These findings suggest that pharmacological targeting of 5-HT2CRs may enhance glucose tolerance independently of alterations in body weight and that this may prove an effective and mechanistically novel strategy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A multiplicative and a semi-mechanistic, BWB-type [Ball, J. T. , Woodrow, I. E. , Berry, J. A. , 1987. A model predicting stomatal conductance and its contribution to the control of photosynthesis under different environmental conditions. In: Biggens, J. (Ed. ), Progress in Photosynthesis Research, vol. IV. Martinus Nijhoff, Dordrecht, pp. 221–224. ] algorithm for calculating stomatal conductance (g s) at the leaf level have been parameterised for two crop and two tree species to test their use in regional scale ozone deposition modelling. The algorithms were tested against measured, site-specific data for durum wheat, grapevine, beech and birch of different European provenances. A direct comparison of both algorithms showed a similar performance in predicting hourly means and daily time-courses of g s, whereas the multiplicative algorithm outperformed the BWB-type algorithm in modelling seasonal time-courses due to the inclusion of a phenology function. The re-parameterisation of the algorithms for local conditions in order to validate ozone deposition modelling on a European scale reveals the higher input requirements of the BWB-type algorithm as compared to the multiplicative algorithm because of the need of the former to model net photosynthesis (A n). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Published ozone exposure–response relationships from experimental studies with young trees performed at different sites across Europe were re-analysed in order to test the performance of ozone exposure indices based on AOTX (Accumulated exposure Over a Threshold of X nmol mol−1) and AFstY (Accumulated Stomatal Flux above a threshold of Y nmol m−2 s−1). AFst1. 6 was superior, as compared to AOT40, for explaining biomass reductions, when ozone sensitive species with differing leaf morphology were included in the analysis, while this was not the case for less sensitive species. A re-analysis of data with young black cherry trees, subject to different irrigation regimes, indicated that leaf visible injuries were more strongly related to the estimated stomatal ozone uptake, as compared to the ozone concentration in the air. Experimental data with different clones of silver birch indicated that leaf thickness was also an important factor influencing the development of ozone induced leaf visible injury. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes the impact of different open source copyright licensing arrangements on competition in microcomputer operating system markets. We compare the historical evolution of the licensing policies of Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X and GNU/Linux operating systems. We argue that open source and free software licensing has been one of the most important factors of change in the microcomputer operating system markets in the recent years. We have seen new entrants in the relatively closed markets as well as renewed business models by incumbents. However, there has been no single open source strategy; all market players have adopted open source into their operating system strategy in one form or other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Social media attracts like-minded individuals to form online cliques. • Online clique involvement is related to higher interest towards online gambling content. • Conformity to online group norm is stronger among individuals involved in online cliques. • Online cliques are important in the examination of social norms in online space. Social media tends to gather users around social cliques consisting of similar-minded individuals and shared identities. These online group processes can have significant influence on user behavior, which is alarming when considering risky behaviors such as gambling. This study examined how online clique involvement predicts young people's interest in gambling content and following observed group norms on social media. Survey respondents were 15–25-year-olds from Finland (n = 1200), the United States (n = 1212), South Korea (n = 1192) and Spain (n = 1212). A self-reported measure of online clique involvement and a gambling-related social media vignette experiment were utilized. The results show that online clique involvement was related to higher interest in gambling content. Content liked by a majority gathered more interest, indicating conformity to a group norm. This finding was especially true among participants with past involvement in online cliques, and the association was strongest in South Korea. The tendency to participate in online clique behavior creates a potentially risky setting when encountering online gambling content, because it may accentuate the effect of observed group norms. Interacting with gambling content increases the visibility of such content due to algorithmic filtering technologies, which can fuel gambling-related intentions and behaviors, and normalize gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacts of elevated atmospheric O3 and/or CO2 on three clones of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) were studied to determine, whether or not elevated CO2 ameliorates O3-induced damage to leaf cells. The plants were exposed for 3 years at the Aspen FACE exposure site in Wisconsin (USA) prior to sampling for ultrastructural investigations on 19 June 1999. In the aspen clones, elevated CO2increased chloroplast cover index, leaf and spongy mesophyll layer thickness, intercellular air space volume in mesophyll, amount of starch in chloroplasts and cytoplasmic lipids but decreased the number ofplastoglobuli in chloroplasts. In contrast, elevated O3 decreased chloroplast cover index, starch content, and the proportion of cytoplasm and intercellular space in mesophyll, and increased the proportion of vacuoles, the amount of condensed vacuolar tannins and the number of plastoglobuli. Ozone also caused structural thylakoid injuries (dilation, distortion) and stromal condensation in chloroplasts, which was ameliorated by elevated CO2 by 5/66% in aspen clones and by 2/10% in birch. Birch ultrastructure was less affected by elevated CO2 or O3 stress compared to aspen. In the most O3-sensitive aspen clone, thinner leaves and cell walls, lower proportion of cell wall volume, and higher volumefor vacuoles was found compared to more-tolerant clones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine whether elevated CO2 reduces or exacerbates the detrimental effects of O3 on aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), aspen clones 216 and 271 (O3 tolerant), and 259(O3 sensitive) were exposed to ambient levels of CO2 and O3 or elevated levels of CO2, O3, or CO2+O3 in the FACTS II (Aspen FACE)experiment, and physiological and molecular responses were measured and compared. Clone 259, the most O3-sensitive clone, showed the greatest amount of visible foliar symptoms as well as significant decreases in chlorophyll, carotenoid, starch, and ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) concentrations and transcription levels for the Rubisco small subunit. Generally, the constitutive (basic) transcript levels for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and chalcone synthase (CHS) and the average antioxidant activities were lower for the ozone sensitive clone 259 as compared to the more tolerant 216 and 271 clones. A significant decrease in chlorophyll a, band total (a+b) concentrations in CO2, O3, andCO2+O3 plants was observed for all clones. Carotenoid concentrations were also significantly lower in all clones; however, CHS transcript levels were not significantly affected, suggesting a possible degradation of carotenoid pigments in O3-stressed plants. Antioxidant activities and PAL and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-oxidase transcript levels showed a general increase in all O3 treated clones, while remaining low in CO2 and CO2+O3 plants (although not all differences were significant). Our results suggest that the ascorbate-glutathione and phenylpropanoid pathways were activated under ozone stress and suppressed during exposure to elevated CO2.Although CO2+O3 treatment resulted in a slightreduc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichen Bryoria fuscescens were treated in the field experiment with heavy metal solutions, containing a mixture of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions alone or in combination with acidity (H2SO4, pH 3), to study the effects of simulated acid rain and heavy metal deposition on the membrane integrity of lichen. Membrane responses to pollutant treatments were assessed by measurements ofthe leachate conductivity, the K+ leakage, and the ergosterol concentration. Both Cu and Ni concentrations of lichen were significantly increased by metal treatments. In addition a significant reduction of Ni with acid solution was found. The conductivity of leachate was significantly increased by the acidity but not affected by the metal treatments alone. Increased thallus metal concentrations (>400 mu g g- 1 Cu, > 100 mu g g-1 Ni) significantly increased K+ leakage and reduced ergosterol concentration. The results suggest that the differences in the membrane responsesare associated with the different sensitivity of algal and fungal partners to the acidity of heavy metal solutions. (c) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]