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Research was conducted to examine the global economic implications of the Kyoto agreement on carbon emissions control using a multi-sector, multi-region trade model which was designed with emphasis on the climate change policy's international trade aspects such as the impacts on economic welfare, investments and international trade. Results show that the welfare of industrial and some developing countries are negatively affected by emission control policies.

Objective: Stewardship efforts within institutions are commonplace, but fewer programs exist in community health care settings. Existing efforts focus on improving appropriate prescribing; however, clinicians must consider the use of antibiotics without a prescription as a contributor to antibiotic resistance. The objective of this article is to report observed methods of antibiotic self-prescription within the United States.Data Sources: A Medline search was conducted to identify stewardship efforts within the community health care setting. The authors visited nonpharmacy locations and performed Internet searches to assess the feasibility of acquiring antibiotics without a prescription. Nonpharmacy locations within Nashville, TN, were visited in 2016.Summary: Published literature, patient interactions, experiences at markets and pet stores, and Internet searches confirmed the availability of antibiotics without a prescription. Thirteen antimicrobial agents were found locally, and 31 additional agents were available via Internet sources. Literature searches revealed a lack of any completed research specific to self-prescribing and acquisition of antibiotics in the community setting or its effect on antibiotic resistance.Conclusion: Combating antibiotic resistance in the community setting presents unique challenges. Further research is necessary to determine the impact of self-prescription on patients' outcomes. When designing a community stewardship program, patients' ability to self-prescribe antibiotics should be taken into account and addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orb-web spider males were studied with emphasis on guarding males during the reproductive season. The smallest spiders were kept out of the web but the male guard was starved in this process of guarding.

Biotic interactions can have large effects on species distributions yet their role in shaping species ranges is seldom explored due to historical difficulties in incorporating biotic factors into models without a priori knowledge on interspecific interactions. Improved SDMs, which account for biotic factors and do not require a priori knowledge on species interactions, are needed to fully understand species distributions. Here, we model the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on species distribution patterns and explore the robustness of distributions under future climate change. We fit hierarchical spatial models using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) for lagomorph species throughout Europe and test the predictive ability of models containing only abiotic factors against models containing abiotic and biotic factors. We account for residual spatial autocorrelation using a conditional autoregressive (CAR) model. Model outputs are used to estimate areas in which abiotic and biotic factors determine species’ ranges. INLA models containing both abiotic and biotic factors had substantially better predictive ability than models containing abiotic factors only, for all but one of the four species. In models containing abiotic and biotic factors, both appeared equally important as determinants of lagomorph ranges, but the influences were spatially heterogeneous. Parts of widespread lagomorph ranges highly influenced by biotic factors will be less robust to future changes in climate, whereas parts of more localised species ranges highly influenced by the environment may be less robust to future climate. SDMs that do not explicitly include biotic factors are potentially misleading and omit a very important source of variation. For the field of species distribution modelling to advance, biotic factors must be taken into account in order to improve the reliability of predicting species distribution patterns both presently and under future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments on orb-web spider Metellina segmentata show that males wait for a prey item to be captured in the web of a female before initiating courtship to avoid sexual cannibalism. The male waits till the female bites her prey before entering her web. The male thus uses the window of opportunity as a mating strategy to reduce the risk of cannibalism during courtship.

Global climate changes during the Quaternary reveal much about broader evolutionary effects of environmental change. Detailed regional studies reveal how evolutionary lineages and novel communities and ecosystems, emerge through glacial bottlenecks or from refugia. There have been significant advances in benthic imaging and dating, particularly with respect to the movements of the British (Scottish) and Irish ice sheets and associated changes in sea level during and after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Ireland has been isolated as an island for approximately twice as long as Britain with no evidence of any substantial, enduring land bridge between these islands after ca 15 kya. Recent biogeographical studies show that Britain's mammal community is akin to those of southern parts of Scandinavia, The Netherlands and Belgium, but the much lower mammal species richness of Ireland is unique and needs explanation. Here, we consider physiographic, archaeological, phylogeographical i.e. molecular genetic, and biological evidence comprising ecological, behavioural and morphological data, to review how mammal species recolonized western Europe after the LGM with emphasis on Britain and, in particular, Ireland. We focus on why these close neighbours had such different mammal fauna in the early Holocene, the stability of ecosystems after LGM subject to climate change and later species introductions. There is general concordance of archaeological and molecular genetic evidence where data allow some insight into history after the LGM. Phylogeography reveals the process of recolonization, e.g. with respect to source of colonizers and anthropogenic influence, whilst archaeological data reveal timing more precisely through carbon dating and stratigraphy. More representative samples and improved calibration of the 'molecular clock' will lead to further insights with regards to the influence of successive glaciations. Species showing greatest morphological, behavioural and ecological divergence in Ireland in comparison to Britain and continental Europe, were also those which arrived in Ireland very early in the Holocene either with or without the assistance of people. Cold tolerant mammal species recolonized quickly after LGM but disappeared, potentially as a result of a short period of rapid warming. Other early arrivals were less cold tolerant and succumbed to the colder conditions during the Younger Dryas or shortly after the start of the Holocene (11.5 kya), or the area of suitable habitat was insufficient to sustain a viable population especially in larger species. Late Pleistocene mammals in Ireland were restricted to those able to colonize up to ca 15 kya, probably originating from adjacent areas of unglaciated Britain and land now below sea level, to the south and west (of Ireland). These few, early colonizers retain genetic diversity which dates from before the LGM. Late Pleistocene Ireland, therefore, had a much depleted complement of mammal species in comparison to Britain. Mammal species, colonising predominantly from southeast and east Europe occupied west Europe only as far as Britain between ca 15 and 8 kya, were excluded from Ireland by the Irish and Celtic Seas. Smaller species in particular failed to colonise Ireland. Britain being isolated as an island from ca. 8 kya has similar species richness and composition to adjacent lowland areas of northwest continental Europe and its mammals almost all show strongest genetic affinity to populations in neighbouring continental Europe with a few retaining genotypes associated with earlier, western lineages. The role of people in the deliberate introduction of mammal species and distinct genotypes is much more significant with regards to Ireland than Britain reflecting the larger species richness of the latter and its more enduring land link with continental Europe. The prime motivation of early people in moving mammals was likely to be resource driven but also potentially cultural; as elsewhere, people exploring uninhabited places introduced species for food and the materials they required to survive. It is possible that the process of introduction of mammals to Ireland commenced during the Mesolithic and accelerated with Neolithic people. Irish populations of these long established, introduced species show some unique genetic variation whilst retaining traces of their origins principally from Britain but in some cases, Scandinavia and Iberia. It is of particular interest that they may retain genetic forms now absent from their source populations. Further species introductions, during the Bronze and late Iron Ages, and Viking and Norman invasions, follow the same pattern but lack the time for genetic divergence from their source populations. Accidental introductions of commensal species show considerable genetic diversity based on numerous translocations along the eastern Atlantic coastline. More recent accidental and deliberate introductions are characterised by a lack of genetic diversity other than that explicable by more than one introduction. The substantial advances in understanding the postglacial origins and genetic diversity of British and Irish mammals, the role of early people in species translocations, and determination of species that are more recently introduced, should inform policy decisions with regards to species and genetic conservation. Conservation should prioritise early, naturally recolonizing species and those brought in by early people reflecting their long association with these islands. These early arrivals in Britain and Ireland and associated islands show genetic diversity that may be of value in mitigating anthropogenic climate change across Europe. In contrast, more recent introductions are likely to disturb ecosystems greatly, lead to loss of diversity and should be controlled. This challenge is more severe in Ireland where the number and proportion of invasive species from the 19th century to the present has been greater than in Britain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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• Plant growth limiting properties were not consistently related to topography. • Loss of NO 3 − and S (0–30 cm) over time continued despite use of cool-season annuals. • Overall, SOM increased 6% (0–15 cm) with cool-season annuals and rotational grazing. • Stable total C and N (0–30 cm) over time indicated system equilibrium was attained. Over-seeding cool-season annual forages in pastures in the southeastern US provides increased grazing opportunities for livestock and reduces the amount of hay needed during winter. The constant presence of vegetation can benefit soil health, the biological aspect of which has only received cursory investigation to date. Since 2009, a commercial cattle grazing operation located in south Mississippi has been over-seeding a diverse mixture of oats (Avena sativa L.), triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), turnips (Brassica rapa L. subsp. rapa), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), ball clover (Trifolium nigrescens Viv.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) into pastures dominated by bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé). Soil health properties were assessed across a heterogeneous landscape from soils collected immediately prior to seeding and following increased spring productivity of cool-season annuals from 2015 to 2017. Samples were collected across a topographic sequence to a depth of 15 and 30 cm. Three samples per site were collected from summit, backslope, and footslope locations. Soil chemical assessments included macronutrients, pH, soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon (TC), and total nitrogen (TN). Fatty acid methyl ester analysis and enzyme assays were used to determine soil microbial community structure and activity. While TC and TN did not change with time (20.5 and 2.4 g kg−1, respectively), SOM increased by 6% from 2015 to 2017. Nitrate-N decreased by 82% from 2015 to 2017. N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activity increased by 32%, while β-glucosidase remained constant. Total microbial abundance did not change with time; however, Gram positive bacteria and actinomycetes decreased by 51% and 43%, respectively, from fall to spring. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased from fall to spring by an average of 45%. This pasture management technique of over-seeding a diverse mix of winter annuals may have resulted in a steady state of TC and TN, while SOM increased and inorganic nitrogen decreased with time, and enhanced the total soil microbial community particularly fungi and their potential enzyme activity. Despite some biological indications of system stability, soil properties potentially limiting to plant growth were identified for some sites, but these limitations were not closely related to topographic position as expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In common with other farmland species, hares (Lepus spp.) are in widespread decline in agricultural landscapes due to agricultural intensification and habitat loss. We examined the importance of habitat heterogeneity to the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) in a pastoral landscape. We used radio-tracking during nocturnal active and diurnal inactive periods throughout one year. In autumn, winter and spring, hares occupied a heterogeneous combination of improved grassland, providing food, and Juncus-dominated rough pasture, providing refuge. In summer, hares significantly increased their use of improved grassland. This homogeneous habitat can fulfil the discrete and varied resource requirements of hares for feeding and shelter at certain times of year. However, improved grassland may be a risky habitat for hares as silage harvesting occurs during their peak birthing period of late spring and early summer. We therefore posit the existence of a putative ecological trap inherent to a homogeneous habitat of perceived high value that satisfies the hares’ habitat requirements but which presents risks at a critical time of year. To test this hypothesis in relation to hare populations, work is required to provide data on differential leveret mortality between habitat types. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Throughout the European Union, the EC Habitats Directive requires that member states undertake national surveillance of designated species. Despite biological connections between-populations across-borders, national assessments need not be co-ordinated in any way. We conducted a trans-boundary assessment of the status of Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) aimed at providing consistency across a single biogeographical unit, i.e. the island of Ireland, comprising two states, i.e. the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland). Our aim was to ensure consistency with previous assessments conducted separately in each state, and permit each Government to fulfil their separate statutory reporting commitments. The species range increased by 23% from 1996-2006 and 2007-11. The population estimate of 9400 [95%CI 8700-12,200] breeding females during 2010/11 was not significantly different from 8300 [95%CI 7600-9800] breeding females established as a baseline during 1981-82. Modelling of species-habitat associations suggested that available habitat was not limiting and no putative pressures recorded at sites surveyed negatively affected species occurrence. Thus, under the statutory parameters for assessing a species' conservation status, i.e. range, population, habitat and future prospects, the otter was judged to be in 'Favourable' status throughout Ireland and in both discrete political jurisdictions. Thus, we provide a trans-boundary test case for EU member states that share habitats and species across ecoregions, ensuring conservation assessment data are standardised, synchronised, spatially consistent and, therefore, biologically relevant without compromising legal and administrative autonomy within separate jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.) is a top predator in aquatic systems and plays an important role in ecosystem functioning. However, it has undergone dramatic declines throughout Europe as a result of environmental degradation. We examine the putative role of the otter as a bioindicator in Ireland which remains a stronghold for the species and affords a unique opportunity to examine variation in its ecological niche. We describe diet, using spraint contents, along rivers during 2010 and conduct a review and quantitative meta-analysis of the results of a further 21 studies. We aimed to assess variation in otter diet in relation to river productivity, a proxy for natural nutrification and anthropogenic eutrophication, and availability of salmonid prey (Salmo trutta and Salmo salar), to test the hypothesis that otter diet is related to environmental quality. Otter diet did not vary with levels of productivity or availability of salmonids whilst Compositional Analysis suggested there was no selection of salmonid over non-salmonid fish. There was a distinct niche separation between riverine and lacustrine systems, the latter being dominated by Atlantic eel (Anguilla anguilla). Otters are opportunistic and may take insects, freshwater mussels, birds, mammals and even fruit. Otters living along coasts have a greatest niche breath than those in freshwater systems which encompasses a wide variety of intertidal prey though pelagic fish are rarely taken. It is concluded that the ability of the otter to feed on a wide diversity of prey taxa and the strong influence of habitat type, renders it a poor bioindicator of environmental water quality. It seems likely that the plasticity of the habitat and dietary niche of otters, and the extent of suitable habitat, may have sustained populations in Ireland despite intensification of agriculture during the 20th century. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: There are obstacles to early identification of bipolar disorder. Identifying and treating illness early in its time course may be associated with a better prognosis. Methods: A questionnaire was administered at interview, when the participant was euthymic, to participants (n =240) enrolled in the Bipolar Comprehensive Outcomes Study (BCOS). Information was collected about the sequential timeline of specific symptoms of mental illness up to when they first received a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or Schizoaffective Disorder. Results: Any symptoms of mental illness were first experienced at 17.5 years (median; Inter Quartile Range (IQR) 13.8–24.3; n =216) and mood swings at 18.0 years (IQR 14–25; n =197). Symptoms of depression were experienced at 18.0 years (IQR 14–25; n =197), a full episode of depression at 21.2 years (IQR 17–28.5; n =200), symptoms of mania at 21.0 years (IQR 16.8–29.5; n =212) and a full episode of mania at 24.1 years (IQR 19–30.5; n =205). Medical treatment was sought at 24.0 years (IQR 19–31.5; n =217). Participants received a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or Schizoaffective Disorder at 30.0 years (IQR 23–37.3; n =215). Having had a previous diagnosis other than Bipolar Disorder or Schizoaffective Disorder was reported by 120 of 216 participants who answered this question, most commonly unipolar depression (26.6%). Diagnostic delay was greater in individuals with early onset disorder. Conclusions: Participants typically experience a long sequential course of symptoms, episodes, treatments and diagnosis. The polarity of onset is most commonly depressive, and subthreshold symptoms tend to precede threshold symptoms of both polarities. Limitations: Data were collected retrospectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]