Search

Agricultural lime is an important natural resource for changing soil pH values. Annual lime applications in the UK have fallen for decades. Estimating soil factors that contribute to the retention and losses of lime would be useful for farmers making resource decisions. The aim of this research was to analyse the soil factors contributing to leaching loss and retention of agricultural lime in Scottish grassland soils. This research also tested the applicability of a large centrifuge method for measuring leached solutions from soil, suggested as an alternative to leaching columns. The soils studied in this research were highly variable in their response to lime. Measures of soil exchange capacity (cation exchange capacity, lime buffering capacity and organic matter) and clay content were highly associated factors to calcium loss and retention within a soil. Suggestions to farmers include consideration of soil clay content, organic matter content (as expressed through C) and cation exchange capacity as factors in lime decision making. Higher exchange capacity soils lost more calcium, likely due to the greater liming requirement of these soils and potential increased excess calcium applied. It is suggested that methods for improving calcium exchange and soil uptake be explored for improving lime retention after liming events.

Ecological intensification (EI) could help return agriculture into a ‘safe operating space’ for humanity. Using a novel application of meta-analysis to data from 30 long-term experiments from Europe and Africa (comprising 25,565 yield records), we investigated how field-scale EI practices interact with each other, and with N fertilizer and tillage, in their effects on long-term crop yields. Here we confirmed that EI practices (specifically, increasing crop diversity and adding fertility crops and organic matter) have generally positive effects on the yield of staple crops. However, we show that EI practices have a largely substitutive interaction with N fertilizer, so that EI practices substantially increase yield at low N fertilizer doses but have minimal or no effect on yield at high N fertilizer doses. EI practices had comparable effects across different tillage intensities, and reducing tillage did not strongly affect yields.

Publication from the Healthy Soils project outlining soils research through the Scottish Government Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services (RESAS) funded Strategic Research Programme. The Soil Sentinel will be published very 4 months throughout the project duration, 2022-2027.

Summary A 7-year-old male neutered Labrador Retriever dog presented with acute-onset fever, shifting limb lameness and anorexia, with development of acute respiratory distress. At necropsy, there was vegetative endocarditis, which effaced the aortic valve. Gram staining of impression smears from the aortic valve and kidney revealed numerous gram-positive rods with some coryneform bacteria. Similar coryneform bacteria were isolated on aerobic culture of the aortic valve. Identification was attempted by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and 16S sequencing, the latter of which indicated Corynebacterium mustelae. This is the second reported case of endocarditis in a dog involving C. mustelae and the first with a description of post-mortem pathology. This case is an example of the utility of various modalities to identify facultative anaerobic bacterial pathogens that may be difficult to culture and may be more widespread than previously diagnosed.

On the basis of material consisting of Russian news translations from 1669 and 1670 (the so-called Vesti-Kuranty), along with the German and Dutch news reports from which the translations were made ...

The design, optimization, and evaluation of a series of novel imidazopyridazine-based subtype-selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for the GABA

There is widespread evidence that multiple drivers of global change, such as habitat degradation, invasive species, and climate change, are influencing wildlife. Understanding how these drivers interact with and affect species may be difficult because outcomes depend on the magnitude and duration of environmental change and the life history of the organism. In addition, various environmental drivers may be evaluated and managed at different spatial scales. We used a historical dataset from 1991 to 1994 and current information from 2010 to 2012 to examine whether occupancy patterns of wintering raptors were consistent with regional changes in distribution or habitat conditions within a local management unit, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA). We predicted that if local populations reflected regional shifts, then rates of raptor occupancy within the NCA would be higher compared to historical estimates and birds would use different habitats compared to historical use. Alternatively, if local populations were determined by habitat conditions, then we predicted that occupancy rate of raptors within the NCA would be lower compared to historical estimates and current habitat use would be consistent with historical use. Results support the hypothesis that northward distributional shifts influenced wintering raptor populations in southwest Idaho to a greater extent than local habitat conditions. Wintering raptors had higher occupancy rates in 2010–2012 compared to 1991–1994, whereas invasive grasses have increased and native shrubs have decreased suggesting that habitat suitability for raptors has declined over time. On the species level, changes in habitat use were associated with greater increases in occupancy rates in 2010–2012 compared to 1991–1994. Organisms flexible in their habitat use may be better able to respond to continental forces driving distribution shifts. Conversely, habitat or prey specialists may be poorly equipped to handle such rapid, large-scale global change. Further, Grinnellian niche models predicting species response to change by mapping current habitat use to forecasted vegetation maps should consider plasticity in habitat use and changes in the cost-benefits of life-history strategies. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.

With an ever-expanding field of illicit drugs available, doctors working in the acute specialties will inevitably be involved in the management of the serious and life-threatening side effects of drug misuse, as outlined in this article.

A 7-year-old, neutered male Labrador Retriever presented for a persistent, productive cough and regurgitation. Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography confirmed a large, smoothly marginated intrathoracic mass causing tracheal compression. The mass was removed via a thoracotomy, and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, most likely originating from the ventral spinal nerve roots, was confirmed using immunohistochemistry.

Naturstoffsynthesen sind wichtige Ausgangspunkte fur die Entwicklung neuer Synthesemethoden. Wenn die Moglichkeiten der kombinatorischen Chemie voll ausgereizt werden sollen, mussen die Methoden der Festphasensynthese besonders gefordert werden. Die neuen Festphasensynthesen verschiedener Naturstoffe haben den Weg fur die Entwicklung komplexerer Reaktionen und den Aufbau komplizierter Strukturen an festen Tragern geebnet.

Many career-related decisions involve outcomes that are delayed, but the reduction of the value of outcomes with time is seldom studied. After reviewing literature on time-based value discounting and highlighting its relevance to career choice, three studies using the Raineri and Rachlin (1993) methodology are reported. Study 1 (N= 35) established that value discounting in relation to job choice follows the hyperbolic discount function, with discounting at short delays correlating with anxiety. Study 2 (N= 68) examined age differences in discounting and revealed that older respondents discounted less than younger respondents at shorter delays, but more at very long delays. Study 3 (N= 33) provided evidence that discounting is less with filled than unfilled intervals. Implications for career decision-making and career counseling are discussed and future research possibilities outlined.

This article compares some aspects of editorial principles in Latin and Slavic (Cyrillic) philology. The emphasis is on matters of graphic variation and orthography. In Latin philology, the main determining factor when choosing editorial principles is whether the text is classical or medieval. Slavic tradition, on the other hand, takes into consideration not only the age of the manuscript but also the intended readership of the edition: editions aimed at linguists follow other principles than those aimed at e.g. scholars of literature or history. Two aspects that are rarely discussed in connection with Latin texts, but that are important in Slavic editorial tradition, are the choice of font and the question of which letters or letter variants are to be rendered in editions. The different principles are illustrated, and some possible reasons for the differences between the Latin and the Slavic traditions are suggested.

Objective: To explore the modification of traditional psychotherapy to provide a more relevant service for non-dominant groups including women, Maori and the poor. Method: The philosophy and practice of a psychotherapy service that made overt sociopolitical issues for women, Maori and the poor was analysed and linked with literature on psychotherapy for non-dominant groups. Results: Traditional psychotherapy, with its focus on the intrapsychic, has not addressed the condition of marginalised groups such as the poor, ethnic minorities including Maori, and some women, whose mental health difficulties have major contributions from external sources. The service analysed, and much of the literature, used social analysis as a therapeutic tool to break the cycle of self-blame and doubt and to contextualise intrapsychic experience. As non-dominant groups lack power, power differences in the therapy relationship should be lessened to avoid retrauma-tising the patient. Conclusion: It is possible for psychotherapy to broaden its traditional base to include a sociopolitical viewpoint. This would make it more available and meaningful to a wider range of people, especially those with the double disadvantage of adverse intrapsychic and sociopolitical factors.

The documentation of Aboriginal women's sand-drawing practice in Central Australia has to date been based largely on Munn's research amongst the Warlpiri at Yuendumu. Data from Kutjungka women from the Balgo area of Western Australia show that there are marked geographic differences in the styles of public sand drawing used by women from the two areas, as well as differences in gender coding between the two systems. The account of Balgo women's public sand drawing presented here uses methodologies grounded in recent developments in phenomenology, practice theory and embodiment theory, to examine layers of meaning encoded in this everyday practice. It suggests that women's public sand drawing in this area is linked to Kutjungka thought about the Dreaming, through webs of thought about the significance of penetrating the surface of the land, in some ways foreshadowing aspects of the women's ceremonial practices. This account suggests that the relationship between male and female ‘graphic’ systems may be more accurately described as dialogical than dichotomous.

The British Heart Foundation is funding a two-year pilot programme at 12 UK sites to assess safe, effective ways for specialist nursing teams to administer intravenous diuretics at home or in day care. Initial findings suggest the service is effective, safe and preferred by patients and carers. It has the potential to reduce inpatient bed days, making significant savings.

The compound (Ia) shows excellent selectivity as CB2 agonist (EC50 2.7 nM) over the CB1 receptor and demonstrates a good central nervous system (CNS) penetration in rat.

Background Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are required to test relationships between physical activity and cognition in children, but these must be informed by exploratory studies. This study aimed to inform future RCT by: conducting practical utility and reliability studies to identify appropriate cognitive outcome measures; piloting an RCT of a 10 week physical education (PE) intervention which involved 2 hours per week of aerobically intense PE compared to 2 hours of standard PE (control). Methods 64 healthy children (mean age 6.2 yrs SD 0.3; 33 boys) recruited from 6 primary schools. Outcome measures were the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB), the Attention Network Test (ANT), the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) and the short form of the Connor's Parent Rating Scale (CPRS:S). Physical activity was measured habitually and during PE sessions using the Actigraph accelerometer. Results Test- retest intraclass correlations from CANTAB Spatial Span (r 0.51) and Spatial Working Memory Errors (0.59) and ANT Reaction Time (0.37) and ANT Accuracy (0.60) were significant, but low. Physical activity was significantly higher during intervention vs. control PE sessions (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between intervention and control group changes in CAS scores. Differences between intervention and control groups favoring the intervention were observed for CANTAB Spatial Span, CANTAB Spatial Working Memory Errors, and ANT Accuracy. Conclusions The present study has identified practical and age-appropriate cognitive and behavioral outcome measures for future RCT, and identified that schools are willing to increase PE time. Trial registration number ISRCTN70853932 (http://www.controlled-trials.com)

Certification is the criterion standard of professional practice, distinguishing excellence in nursing care, mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities beyond the scope of professional licensure. It is the validation of an individual nurse’s qualifications for practice in a defined area. Becoming certified is a personal and professional commitment that demonstrates the value that the individual nurse places on higher standards of practice and lifelong learning. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award for Excellence, Magnet Recognition Program, and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award all recognize certification as a key component of nursing excellence in specialty practice. Both the general public and nurse professionals increasingly recognize the need for practice on the basis of evidence to provide safe, quality patient care. In today’s rapidly changing and complex health care delivery system, certification is becoming the standard by which bedside practice and the impact of nursing care on patient outcomes are measured. This article will provide a review of current best practices in creating a culture of certification, including the journey of 3 hospitals selected as the 2010 Best Practice Roundtable presentations at the AACN National Teaching Institute.

Obstetric cases are normally well managed on the labour suite. However, emergencies are not uncommon, and when they occur, they can be major. It is vital that rapid assessment and management are put in place. Critical care doctors are often called upon to do so.

The importance of natural product synthesis to the development of new synthetic methodology is well established. If the power of combinatorial chemistry is to be fully developed, solid-phase synthesis technology must be advanced. The recent polymer-supported synthesis of a series of natural products has paved the way for more complex reactions and the construction of molecules on the solid phase.

Background Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) on the left side of the colon is a minimally invasive endoscopic technique, increasingly used to treat lower-GI conditions. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a PEC tube insertion at a single unit. Design Retrospective data collection. Setting District general and teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Patients Data collected from patients with lower-GI disorders who had a PEC tube inserted. Interventions Data collection. Main Outcome Measurements Incidence of complications and patient outcome. Results Between 2001 and 2005, 31 patients presented for a PEC. Insertion was possible in 27 patients. Indications included functional constipation (n = 8), recurrent sigmoid volvulus (n = 8), colonic pseudo-obstruction (n = 5), and neurologic constipation (n = 6). In 22 patients (81%), symptoms were markedly improved after insertion. Sigmoid volvulus did not recur with a PEC tube in place. The mean (standard error of the mean) duration with tubes in situ was 9.5 ± 1.6 months. Only 2 patients still had a PEC tube in situ. A total of 77% of patients had episodes of infection. Infective episodes led to tube removal in 44% of the total group. Other complications included buried internal bolster, fecal leakage, and pain. Mortality was high (26%), with 7 deaths: 5 from unrelated causes and 2 deaths from fecal peritonitis. Limitations This was a retrospective study. A prospective study in our unit is unlikely because of these results. Conclusions Symptoms were effectively controlled by a PEC tube insertion, and recurrent sigmoid volvulus was prevented. Recurrent complications caused significant morbidity. Infection necessitated tube removal in the majority of patients. Fatal fecal peritonitis occurred in 2 patients. Indiscriminate use of a PEC in the left side of the colon is not recommended. A PEC should only be considered in carefully selected cases.

This paper examines the sustainability of nutrient cycling on organic farms. After a brief consideration of the principles of nutrient cycling in organic agriculture, data on soil P and K indices and farm nutrient budgets is used to assess the integrity of nutrient cycling, including some consideration of losses to the environment. An attempt is made to assess the wider sustainability of organic farming in the context of the limited amount of recycling possible.

Furnace facilities for materials processing on the International Space Station (ISS) will include the Space Product Development Experiment Module (SPDEM) which includes a transparent Furnace module and an opaque Furnace Module. The SPDEM is scheduled currently for UF-3 aboard the Materials Science Research Rack(MSRR). Various commercial interests can be satisfied sequentially by scheduled employment of the SPDEM. The CMDS will be the facility manager through whom arrangements can be made for SPDEM access. The ISS should provide long growth periods which are needed to grow large single crystals in microgravity. A typical area of commercial interest is acousto-optic filters (AOTF) based on mercurous halide research which would continue on the ISS, research begun on the STS-77 mission. Another area of commercial interest planned for implementation on ISS is liquid metal sintering of composites to further improve techniques for making better quality materials.

Furnace facilities for materials processing on the International Space Station (ISS) may include the Space Experiment Facility (SEF) which consists of two transparent furnace modules. When SEF is put into operation on ISS, various commercial interests can be satisfied sequentially by scheduled employment of SEF. The CMDS will be the facility manager through whom arrangements can be made for SEF access. Utilizing the transparency of the SEF furnace, real-time observation and control of the crystal growth can be accomplished as demonstrated on the Space Transportation System (STS)-77 mission. The ISS should provide long growth periods which are needed to grow large single crystals in microgravity. One area of particular commercial interest is the acousto-optic filters (AOTF) based on mercurous halide research which would continue on the ISS, research begun on the STS-77 mission. The stability of the thermocouple control has a standard deviation of less than 0.1 °C at temperatures of 573/593 °K. The SEF has ...

This paper focuses on the nurses' role in ethical decision-making in intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals in the UK. There is a paucity of research on the topic, studies published are generally North American or Canadian in origin. The available literature suggests that although nurses are constantly at the intensive care patient's bedside, often making complex decisions about treatment and care, their involvement in ethical decision-making is limited. This paper provides a review of the literature on how ethical decisions are made and the influences on nurses' participation in this process.