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The behaviour and natural history of Megaloastia mainae, a longlegged salticid spider that appears to be endemic to northwest Australia, was investigated under natural conditions in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Megaloastia mainae is commonly found on rock escarpments, where it spends most of its time on downward-facing horizontal surfaces of large rocks. The diet of M. mainae comprises a variety of insects and spiders, including other salticids and web-building spiders. Megaloastia mainae builds large nests on the surface of the rock escarpment, which are generally occupied for at least several weeks. Contrary to previous reports, we found no evidence that M. mainae builds a prey-capture web or uses its nest as a predatory device. Megaloastia mainae is active during the day, and usually remains within 2 m of its nest. Megaloastia mainae orients to face prey from up to 1.2 m, and can move very quickly across the rock escarpment. Hunting is generally by slow stalking approaches, followed by rapid attacks. The elongated legs of M. mainae may be the result of selection for rapid locomotion in inverted environments. We also found that M. mainae that built nests close to conspecifics were more likely to be missing legs, suggesting that agonistic interactions might be an important source of injury for these spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines employers' views on the importance of health benefits and their perspective on policies aimed at expanding health coverage, reducing administrative expenses, and improving the quality of care. Employers of all sizes hold a positive view of the value of health benefits in attracting and retaining workers and in improving workers' health and productivity. Small employers support strategies that would make coverage more affordable; large employers support policies that reduce administrative costs and improve quality. Both support policies that would require additional administrative action as opposed to greater financial commitment on the part of firms in expanding coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With health insurance moving toward greater patient cost sharing, this study finds a sharp increase in the number of underinsured people. Based on indicators of cost exposure relative to income, as of 2007 an estimated twenty-five million insured people ages 19-64 were underinsured -- a 60 percent increase since 2003. The rate of increase was steepest among those with incomes above 200 percent of poverty, where underinsurance rates nearly tripled. In total, 42 percent of U.S. adults were underinsured or uninsured. The underinsured report high levels of access problems and financial stress. The findings underscore the need for policy attention to benefit design, to assure care and affordability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]