Environmental heterogeneity affects input, storage, and transformation of coarse particulate organic matter in a floodplain mosaic

Quantifying spatial and temporal dynamics of organic matter (OM) is critical both for understanding ecosystem functioning and for predicting impacts of landscape change. To determine the influence of different habitats and coarse particulate OM (CPOM) types upon floodplain OM dynamics, we quantified aerial input, lateral surface transfer, and surface storage of CPOM over an annual cycle on the near-natural floodplain of the River Tagliamento in NE-Italy. Using these data, we modelled floodplain leaf dynamics, taking account of the spatial distribution and hydrologic connectivity of habitats, and using leaf storage as a response variable. Mean aerial CPOM input to the floodplain was similar from riparian forest and islands, but surface transfer was greater from islands, supporting the suggestion that these habitats act as "islands of fertility” along braided rivers. Leaves were the lateral conveyor of energy to more open parts of the floodplain, whereas CPOM was mainly stored as small wood in vegetated islands and riparian forest. Simulating the loss of habitat diversity (islands, ponds) decreased leaf storage on the whole floodplain, on exposed gravel and in large wood accumulations. In contrast, damming (loss of islands, ponds and floods plus floodplain overgrowth) greatly increased storage on exposed gravel. A random shuffle of habitats led to a storage increase on exposed gravel, while that in large wood accumulations and ponds declined. These results disentangle some of the complexities of CPOM dynamics in floodplain ecosystems, illustrate the value of models in understanding ecosystem functioning at a landscape level, and directly inform river management practic

Jahn-Teller versus quantum effects in the spin-orbital material LuVO3

We report on combined neutron and resonant x-ray scattering results, identifying the nature of the spin-orbital ground state and magnetic excitations in LuVO3 as driven by the orbital parameter. In particular, we distinguish between models based on orbital Peierls dimerization, taken as a signature of quantum effects in orbitals, and Jahn-Teller distortions, in favor of the latter. In order to solve this long-standing puzzle, polarized neutron beams were employed as a prerequisite in order to solve details of the magnetic structure, which allowed quantitative intensity-analysis of extended magnetic excitation data sets. The results of this detailed study enabled us to draw definite conclusions about classical vs quantum behavior of orbitals in this system and to discard the previous claims about quantum effects dominating the orbital physics of LuVO3 and similar systems.Comment: Phys. Rev. B 91, 161104(R) (2015

Employment Situation of Parents of Long-Term Childhood Cancer Survivors

BACKGROUND: Taking care of children diagnosed with cancer affects parents' professional life. The impact in the long-term however, is not clear. We aimed to compare the employment situation of parents of long-term childhood cancer survivors with control parents of the general population, and to identify clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with parental employment. METHODS: As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a questionnaire to parents of survivors aged 5-15 years, who survived ≥5 years after diagnosis. Information on control parents of the general population came from the Swiss Health Survey (restricted to men and women with ≥1 child aged 5-15 years). Employment was categorized as not employed, part-time, and full-time employed. We used generalized ordered logistic regression to determine associations with clinical and socio-demographic factors. Clinical data was available from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. RESULTS: We included 394 parent-couples of survivors and 3'341 control parents (1'731 mothers; 1'610 fathers). Mothers of survivors were more often not employed (29% versus 22%; ptrend = 0.007). However, no differences between mothers were found in multivariable analysis. Fathers of survivors were more often employed full-time (93% versus 87%; ptrend = 0.002), which remained significant in multivariable analysis. Among parents of survivors, mothers with tertiary education (OR = 2.40, CI:1.14-5.07) were more likely to be employed. Having a migration background (OR = 3.63, CI: 1.71-7.71) increased the likelihood of being full-time employed in mothers of survivors. Less likely to be employed were mothers of survivors diagnosed with lymphoma (OR = 0.31, CI:0.13-0.73) and >2 children (OR = 0.48, CI:0.30-0.75); and fathers of survivors who had had a relapse (OR = 0.13, CI:0.04-0.36). CONCLUSION: Employment situation of parents of long-term survivors reflected the more traditional parenting roles. Specific support for parents with low education, additional children, and whose child had a more severe cancer disease could improve their long-term employment situation

Physicians’ experience with follow-up care of childhood cancer survivors – Challenges and needs

BACKGROUND: Regular follow-up care is essential for childhood cancer survivors, but we know little about physicians’ experience with it. We aimed to describe: (1) involvement of Swiss physicians in follow-up care; (2) content of follow-up care provided; (3) problems encountered; and (4) additional resources needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within this cross-sectional survey we sent adapted questionnaires via professional associations to a sample of medical oncologists (MOs), paediatric oncologists (POs), general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians (P) in Switzerland. Only oncologists involved in follow-up care were asked to report problems. GPs and Ps not involved in follow-up could indicate why. All physicians were asked about the content of follow-up care provided and additional resources needed. RESULTS: A total of 183 physicians responded (27 MO, 13 PO, 122 GP, 21 P). Involved in follow-up were 81% of MOs, 85% of POs, 39% of GPs and 81% of Ps. Follow-up content differed between oncologists (MO and PO) and generalists (GP and P), with generalists examining or informing less in regard to the former cancer. POs reported more problems than MOs: many POs reported problems with transition of survivors to adult care (91%), and because of financial resources (73%) and time restraints (73%). MOs reported most problems during transition (23%). Not being aware of a survivor was the most common reason for GPs and Ps not participating in followup (74%). All groups reported a need for standardised protocols (85–91%) and specialised training (55–73%). GPs (94%) and Ps (100%) additionally desired more support from oncologists. CONCLUSIONS: To improve quality and efficiency of follow-up care a national follow-up care model including standardised protocols and guidelines needs to be developed

Parents' preferences for the organisation of long-term follow-up of childhood cancer survivors

Parents take an important role in follow-up of young cancer survivors. We aimed to investigate (1) parents' preferences for organisation of follow-up (including content, specialists involved and models of care), and (2) parents' and children's characteristics predicting preference for generalist vs. specialist-led follow-up. We sent a questionnaire to parents of childhood cancer survivors aged 11-17 years. We assessed on a 4-point Likert scale (1-4), parents' preferences for organisation of long-term follow-up. Proposed models were: telephone/questionnaire, general practitioner (GP) (both categorised as generalist for regression analysis); and paediatric oncologist, medical oncologist or multidisciplinary team (MDT) (categorised as specialists). Of 284 contacted parents, 189 responded (67%). Parents welcomed if visits included checking for cancer recurrence (mean = 3.89), late effects screening (mean = 3.79), taking patients seriously (mean = 3.86) and competent staff (mean = 3.85). The preferred specialists were paediatric oncologists (mean = 3.73). Parents valued the paediatric oncologist model of care (mean = 3.49) and the MDT model (mean = 3.14) highest. Parents of children not attending clinic-based follow-up (OR = 2.97, p = .009) and those visiting a generalist (OR = 4.23, p = .007) favoured the generalist-led model. Many parents preferred a clinic-based model of follow-up by paediatric oncologists or a MDT. However, parents also valued the follow-up care model according to which their child is followed up

Early season weed control in maize, new insights for a known phenomenon

The studies demonstrate the effect of early weed control on maize yields compared to late weed control with corresponding herbicide control strategies. Maize yield with a late weed control strategy was 10 % lower compared to a strategy controlling weeds early based on ten field trials. Interestingly the thousand-grainweight (TGW) seems not to be affected significantly but the number of grains per cob were identified as major responsible factor for yield decrease. To explain these field effects, glasshouse test were undertaken to simulate the competitive weed effects. Specific methods allowed to grow maize plants to the yield stage even in the glasshouse under representative conditions. The field observations were confirmed clearly. The early yield parameters like number of grains per cob were mainly affected by the timing of weed control treatments (early vs. late), while the parameter grain rows per cob was more sensible than the number of grains per row. The TGW remained basically consistent. As a follow-up experiment, maize plants were grown under glasshouse conditions and as well grown to the yield stage. This time, subsamples were taken and the cob formation at very early stages was investigated destructively to follow the development of the cob formation. Ovules and rows were counted on 'mini cobs' (cobs with a size of 4 mm were harvested) under the binocular. Clearly, weed competition had an impact on the induction of the number of ovules early on and at the end impacted on the yield in ripe cobs. Keywords: Herbicide, yield, yield parameter, Zea mays L.Frühe Unkrautkontrolle in Mais, neue Erkenntnisse zu einem bekannten PhänomenDie vorliegenden Studien belegen die Wirkung der frühen Unkrautbekämpfung in Mais auf den Ertrag im Vergleich zu später Unkrautbekämpfung mit entsprechenden Herbizid-Bekämpfungs-strategien. Der Maisertrag mit einer späten Unkrautbekämpfungsstrategie war 10 % niedriger im Vergleich zu einer frühen Unkrautbekämpfungsstrategie. Diese Angaben basieren auf zehn Feldversuchen. Interessanterweise scheint das Tausendkorngewicht (TKG) nicht erheblich betroffen zu sein, aber die Anzahl der Körner pro Kolben wurde als Faktor für die Ertragsminderung identifiziert. Um diese Effekte zu klären, wurden Gewächshaustests durchgeführt, welche kompetitiven Bedingungen simulierten. Dank spezifischer Methoden konnten Maispflanzen selbst im Gewächshaus unter repräsentativen Bedingungen bis zur Kornreife gehalten werden. Die Feldbeobachtungen wurden eindeutig bestätigt: Die frühen Ertragsparameter - wie Anzahl der Körner pro Kolben - wurden vor allem durch den Zeitpunkt der Unkrautbekämpfung (früh oder spät) betroffen, wovon die Parameter Reihen pro Kolben stärker reagierten als die Anzahl Körner pro Reihe. Das TKG blieb im Wesentlichen konstant. Als Nachfolge-Experiment wurden wiederum Pflanzen unter Gewächshausbedingungen angezogen und bis zur Ertragsreife angezogen Diesmal wurden destruktiv Stichproben entnommen und die Kolbenbildung in sehr frühen Stadien untersucht. 'Mini-Maiskolben‘ (4 mm Kolbengröße) wurden geerntet und Kornanlagen unter dem Binokular gezählt. Ganz klar konnte auch hier der Einfluss von früher oder später Unkrautkonkurrenz auf die Induktion der Zahl der Samenanlagen festgestellt werden. Stichwörter: Ertrag, Ertragsparameter, Herbizid, Zea mays L

Physical performance limitations in adolescent and adult survivors of childhood cancer and their siblings.

PURPOSE: This study investigates physical performance limitations for sports and daily activities in recently diagnosed childhood cancer survivors and siblings. METHODS: The Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study sent a questionnaire to all survivors (≥ 16 years) registered in the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry, who survived >5 years and were diagnosed 1976-2003 aged <16 years. Siblings received similar questionnaires. We assessed two types of physical performance limitations: 1) limitations in sports; 2) limitations in daily activities (using SF-36 physical function score). We compared results between survivors diagnosed before and after 1990 and determined predictors for both types of limitations by multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The sample included 1038 survivors and 534 siblings. Overall, 96 survivors (9.5%) and 7 siblings (1.1%) reported a limitation in sports (Odds ratio 5.5, 95%CI 2.9-10.4, p<0.001), mainly caused by musculoskeletal and neurological problems. Findings were even more pronounced for children diagnosed more recently (OR 4.8, CI 2.4-9.6 and 8.3, CI 3.7-18.8 for those diagnosed <1990 and ≥ 1990, respectively; p=0.025). Mean physical function score for limitations in daily activities was 49.6 (CI 48.9-50.4) in survivors and 53.1 (CI 52.5-53.7) in siblings (p<0.001). Again, differences tended to be larger in children diagnosed more recently. Survivors of bone tumors, CNS tumors and retinoblastoma and children treated with radiotherapy were most strongly affected. CONCLUSION: Survivors of childhood cancer, even those diagnosed recently and treated with modern protocols, remain at high risk for physical performance limitations. Treatment and follow-up care should include tailored interventions to mitigate these late effects in high-risk patients

No evidence of response bias in a populationbased childhood cancer survivor questionnaire survey-Results from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Purpose This is the first study to quantify potential nonresponse bias in a childhood cancer survivor questionnaire survey. We describe early and late responders and nonresponders, and estimate nonresponse bias in a nationwide questionnaire survey of survivors. Methods In the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we compared characteristics of early responders (who answered an initial questionnaire), late responders (who answered after ≥1 reminder) and nonresponders. Sociodemographic and cancer-related information was available for the whole population from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry. We compared observed prevalence of typical outcomes in responders to the expected prevalence in a complete (100% response) representative population we constructed in order to estimate the effect of nonresponse bias. We constructed the complete population using inverse probability of participation weights. Results Of 2328 survivors, 930 returned the initial questionnaire (40%); 671 returned the questionnaire after ≥1reminder (29%). Compared to early and late responders, we found that the 727 nonresponders (31%) were more likely male, aged <20 years, French or Italian speaking, of foreign nationality, diagnosed with lymphoma or a CNS or germ cell tumor, and treated only with surgery. But observed prevalence of typical estimates (somatic health, medical care, mental health, health behaviors) was similar among the sample of early responders (40%), all responders (69%), and the complete representative population (100%). In this survey, nonresponse bias did not seem to influence observed prevalence estimates. Conclusion Nonresponse bias may play only a minor role in childhood cancer survivor studies, suggesting that results can be generalized to the whole population of such cancer survivors and applied in clinical practice