bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating fishery‐induced evolution in chinook salmon: the role of gear, location, and genetic correlation among traits
Authors: Eldridge William H. , Hard Jeffrey J. , Naish Kerry A.
Published: September 2010

Adaptation to human‐modified ecosystems has been implicated in changing the life history of a number of wild animal populations, potentially contributing to their collapse. Fishing may be an important evolutionary force that can change the distribution of fitness‐related traits; however, the magnitude and direction of the evolutionary response may be influenced by different management strategies. Most phenotypic traits subject to human‐induced selection are simultaneously influenced by the environment and by genetic variation, and many traits are genetically correlated. Here, we evaluated the evolutionary outcomes of harvest activities on mean length and age at maturity in a fish population by coupling a multivariate quantitative genetic model with a Leslie life history matrix model. Lengths‐at‐ages were treated as genetically correlated characters parameterized from empirical data on chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations. Using simulations, we explored the outcomes of 100 years of harvest using gill nets, which impose disruptive selection, or longlines, which impose minimum size selection, that targeted immature individuals in the high seas or maturing individuals in terminal spawning areas. Response in mean length and age depended on selection differentials imposed by harvest (which depended in turn on fishing location, gear type, and proportion of the population harvested) and on the genetic correlations between traits. Mean length was strongly influenced by the selection differential of the most abundant age class. Large differences in response were observed between the high‐seas fishery, where the most abundant age was the youngest age vulnerable to harvest, compared to the terminal area fishery, where an older age class was most abundant. We observed a substantial difference in response between gill nets and longlines in the terminal fishery only. The evolution of mean age of mature individuals was less predictable, but generally increased as length decreased and decreased as length increased. The model presented here has potential for incorporating empirical data into fisheries forecasting and therefore provides a powerful means of integrating evolutionary considerations into harvest management.
Harlequin Duck population injury and recovery dynamics following the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill
Authors: Iverson Samuel A. , Esler Daniel
Published: September 2010

The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill caused significant injury to wildlife populations in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) were particularly vulnerable to the spill and have been studied extensively since, leading to one of the most thorough considerations of the consequences of a major oil spill ever undertaken. We compiled demographic and survey data collected since the spill to evaluate the timing and extent of mortality using a population model. During the immediate aftermath of the spill, we estimated a 25% decrease in Harlequin Duck numbers in oiled areas. Survival rates remained depressed in oiled areas 6–9 years after the spill and did not equal those from unoiled areas until at least 11–14 years later. Despite a high degree of site fidelity to wintering sites, immigration was important for recovery dynamics, as the relatively large number of birds from habitats outside the spill zone provided a pool of individuals to facilitate numerical increases. On the basis of these model inputs and assumptions about fecundity rates for the species, we projected a timeline to recovery of 24 years under the most‐likely combination of variables, with a range of 16 to 32 years for the best‐case and worst‐case scenarios, respectively. Our results corroborate assertions from other studies that the effects of spilled oil on wildlife can be expressed over much longer time frames than previously assumed and that the cumulative mortality associated with chronic exposure to residual oil may actually exceed acute mortality, which has been the primary concern following most oil spills.
Fire helps restore natural disturbance regime to benefit rare and endangered marsh birds endemic to the Colorado River
Authors: Conway Courtney J. , Nadeau Christopher P. , Piest Linden
Published: September 2010

Large flood events were part of the historical disturbance regime within the lower basin of most large river systems around the world. Large flood events are now rare in the lower basins of most large river systems due to flood control structures. Endemic organisms that are adapted to this historical disturbance regime have become less abundant due to these dramatic changes in the hydrology and the resultant changes in vegetation structure. The Yuma Clapper Rail is a federally endangered bird that breeds in emergent marshes within the lower Colorado River basin in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. We evaluated whether prescribed fire could be used as a surrogate disturbance event to help restore historical conditions for the benefit of Yuma Clapper Rails and four sympatric marsh‐dependent birds. We conducted call‐broadcast surveys for marsh birds within burned and unburned (control) plots both pre‐ and post‐burn. Fire increased the numbers of Yuma Clapper Rails and Virginia Rails, and did not affect the numbers of Black Rails, Soras, and Least Bitterns. We found no evidence that detection probability of any of the five species differed between burn and control plots. Our results suggest that prescribed fire can be used to set back succession of emergent marshlands and help mimic the natural disturbance regime in the lower Colorado River basin. Hence, prescribed fire can be used to help increase Yuma Clapper Rail populations without adversely affecting sympatric species. Implementing a coordinated long‐term fire management plan within marshes of the lower Colorado River may allow regulatory agencies to remove the Yuma Clapper Rail from the endangered species list.
EMDR for Childhood PTSD After Road Traffic Accidents: Attentional, Memory, and Attributional Processes
Authors: Ribchester Tracy , Yule William , Duncan Adam
Published: September 2010

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was used with 11 children who developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after road traffic accidents. All improved such that none met criteria for PTSD on standardized assessments after an average of only 2.4 sessions. Significant improvements in PTSD, anxiety, and depression were found both immediately after treatment and at follow-up. Attentional, memory, and attributional processes associated with PTSD were assessed and their relationship to therapeutic change examined. Treatment was associated with a significant trauma-specific reduction in attentional bias on the modified Stroop task, with results apparent both immediately after therapy and at follow-up.
The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol: Application With Adults During Ongoing Geopolitical Crisis
Authors: Jarero Ignacio , Artigas Lucina
Published: September 2010

The eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) has been used in its original format or with adaptations to meet the circumstances in numerous settings around the world for thousands of disaster survivors after natural or man-made incidents. In this study, the EMDR-IGTP was applied during three consecutive days to a group of 20 adults during ongoing geopolitical crisis in a Central American country in 2009. Results in this uncontrolled study showed significant decreases in scores on the Subjective Unit of Disturbance Scale and the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Changes on the IES were maintained at 14 weeks follow-up even though participants were still exposed to ongoing crisis. Controlled research is recommended to further evaluate the efficacy of this intervention.
What Is EMDR?: Commentary by Greenwald and Invited Response by Shapiro
Authors: Greenwald Ricky , Shapiro Francine
Published: September 2010

Greenwald: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has already been defined by at least one EMDR-focused professional association as inextricably based on Shapiro’s (2001) eight-phase protocol and adaptive information processing (AIP) model. This commentary argues that given the lack of data supporting an exclusive preference for Shapiro’s constructs, EMDR’s definition should not preclude legitimate alternative conceptualizations. Since definitions may be used for many inclusive and exclusive purposes with impact on EMDR’s development, dissemination, practice, and reputation, EMDR’s definition should be reconsidered. Shapiro: Greenwald’s arguments and suggested redefinition are examined in relation to EMDR research, theory and practice. As evaluated in numerous studies, EMDR is a distinct, eight-phase integrative psychotherapy approach that consists of numerous procedures and protocols, which were formulated and are conducted in accordance with the principles of the AIP model. Research and published clinical case reports have validated both its utility and predictions of positive treatment outcomes with a variety of populations. Professional implications are explored.
Indications préliminaires de l’efficacité de l’EMDR dans le traitement du trouble anxieux généralisé
Authors: Gauvreau Philippe , Bouchard Stéphane
Published: September 2010

Cette étude préliminaire a tenté d’évaluer l’efficacité potentielle de l’EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) en tant que modalité de traitement du trouble anxieux généralisé (TAG). L’efficacité de 15 séances EMDR a été évaluée à travers un protocole de cas unique avec des lignes de base multiples en fonction des participants. Les résultats indiquent qu’à la suite du ciblage de facteurs expérientiels favorisant le TAG et de situations actuelles et anticipées provoquant une inquiétude excessive, les scores d’anxiété et d’inquiétude excessive ont baissé sous le seuil diagnostique et, dans deux cas, jusqu’à la rémission totale des symptômes du TAG. A la fin du traitement et lors du suivi après deux mois, aucun des quatre participants ne relevait du diagnostic de TAG. De plus, les analyses de séries temporelles (ARMA) indiquent une amélioration statistiquement significative sur les deux mesures quotidiennes de l’inquiétude et de l’anxiété au cours du traitement EMDR.
L’EMDR et l’autodysosmophobie Une étude de cas
Authors: McGoldrick Therese , Begum Millia , Brown Keith W.
Published: September 2010

L’autodysosmophobie est une maladie actuellement considérée comme un trouble délirant selon les critères DSM-IV. Les patients sont convaincus de produire une mauvaise odeur, ce qui provoque une détresse émotionnelle importante et des conséquences sociales négatives. Son étiologie n’est pas entièrement comprise ; les interventions pharmacologiques et psychothérapeutiques obtiennent généralement peu de résultats. Cet article décrit le traitement de quatre cas consécutifs d’autodysosmophobie dont les symptômes pathologiques avaient persisté depuis 8 à 48 ans. L’administration de l’EMDR se traduisait par le traitement de diverses expériences de vie qui semblaient causer ou déclencher la pathologie. Les séances EMDR ont entraîné la résolution complète des symptômes dans les quatre cas et ce résultat était maintenu lors du suivi. En considération des résultats rapides et durables, nous proposons une hypothèse basée sur le modèle du Traitement Adaptatif de l’Information (TAI) afin d’expliquer l’étiopathologie et la rémission.
Cultural Translation of Interventions: Diabetes Care in American Samoa
Authors: DePue Judith D. , Rosen Rochelle K. , Batts-Turner Marian , Bereolos Nicole , House Meaghan , Held Rachel Forster , Nu'usolia Ofeira , Tuitele John , Goldstein Michael G. , McGarvey Stephen T.
Published: September 2010

Translation of research advances into clinical practice for at-risk communities is important to eliminate disease disparities. Adult type 2 diabetes prevalence in the US territory of American Samoa is 21.5%, but little intervention research has been carried out there. We discuss our experience with cultural translation, drawing on an emerging implementation science, which aims to build a knowledge base on adapting interventions to real-world settings. We offer examples from our behavioral intervention study, Diabetes Care in American Samoa, which was adapted from Project Sugar 2, a nurse and community health worker intervention to support diabetes self-management among urban African Americans. The challenges we experienced and solutions we used may inform adaptations of interventions in other settings.
Increased Black–White Disparities in Mortality After the Introduction of Lifesaving Innovations: A Possible Consequence of US Federal Laws
Authors: Levine Robert S. , Rust George S. , Pisu Maria , Agboto Vincent , Baltrus Peter A. , Briggs Nathaniel C. , Zoorob Roger , Juarez Paul , Hull Pamela C. , Goldzweig Irwin , Hennekens Charles H.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We explored whether the introduction of 3 lifesaving innovations introduced between 1989 and 1996 increased, decreased, or had no effect on disparities in Black–White mortality in the United States through 2006.

Methods. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data were used to assess disease-, age-, gender-, and race-specific changes in mortality after the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for treatment of HIV, surfactants for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, and Medicare reimbursement of mammography screening for breast cancer.

Results. Disparities in Black–White mortality from HIV significantly increased after the introduction of HAART, surfactant therapy, and reimbursement for screening mammography. Between 1989 and 2006, these circumstances may have accounted for an estimated 22 441 potentially avoidable deaths among Blacks.

Conclusions. These descriptive data contribute to the formulation of the hypothesis that federal laws promote increased disparities in Black–White mortality by inadvertently favoring Whites with respect to access to lifesaving innovations. Failure of legislation to address known social factors is a plausible explanation, at least in part, for the observed findings. Further research is necessary to test this hypothesis, including analytic epidemiological studies designed a priori to do so.
Variations in Health and Health Behaviors by Nativity Among Pregnant Black Women in Philadelphia
Authors: Elo Irma T. , Culhane Jennifer F.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We compared health behaviors and health outcomes among US-born, African-born, and Caribbean-born pregnant Black women and examined whether sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics explained differences among these population subgroups.

Methods. We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a series of nested logistic regression models predicting tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use and measures of physical and mental health.

Results. Foreign-born Black women were significantly less likely to engage in substance use and had better self-rated physical and mental health than did native-born Black women. These findings were largely unchanged by adjustment for sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics. The foreign-born advantage varied by place of birth: it was somewhat stronger for African-born women than for Caribbean-born women.

Conclusions. Further studies are needed to gain a better understanding of the role of immigrant selectivity and other characteristics that contribute to more favorable health behaviors and health outcomes among foreign-born Blacks than among native-born Blacks in the United States.
Disparities in Health-Related Quality of Life: A Comparison of Lesbians and Bisexual Women
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I. , Kim Hyun-Jun , Barkan Susan E. , Balsam Kimberly F. , Mincer Shawn L.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We investigated the association of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) with sexual orientation among lesbians and bisexual women and compared the predictors of HRQOL between the 2 groups.

Methods. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyze Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System population-based data (2003 to 2007) in a sample of 1496 lesbians and bisexual women and examined determinants of HRQOL among lesbians and bisexual women.

Results. For lesbians and bisexual women, frequent mental distress and poor general health were associated with poverty and lack of exercise; poor general health was associated with obesity and mental distress. Bisexual women showed a higher likelihood of frequent mental distress and poor general health than did lesbians. The odds of mental distress were higher for bisexual women living in urban areas as compared with nonurban areas. Lesbians had an elevated risk of poor general health and mental distress during midlife.

Conclusions. Despite the standard practice of collapsing sexual minority women into a single group, lesbian and bisexual women in this study emerge as distinct groups that merit specific attention. Bisexual women are at elevated risk for poor HRQOL.
Unhealthy Competition: Consequences of Health Plan Choice in California Medicaid
Authors: Millett Christopher , Chattopadhyay Arpita , Bindman Andrew B.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We compared the quality of care received by managed care Medicaid beneficiaries in counties with a choice of health plans and counties with no choice.

Methods. This cross-sectional study among California Medicaid beneficiaries was conducted during 2002. We used a multivariate Poisson model to calculate adjusted rates of hospital admissions for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions by duration of plan enrollment.

Results. Among beneficiaries with continuous Medicaid coverage, the percentage with 12 months of continuous enrollment in a health plan was significantly lower in counties with a choice of plans than in counties with no choice (79.2% vs 95.2%; P < .001). Annual ambulatory care–sensitive admission rates adjusted for age, gender, and race/ethnicity were significantly higher among beneficiaries living in counties with a choice of plans (6.58 admissions per 1000 beneficiaries; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.57, 6.58) than among those in counties with no choice (6.27 per 1000; 95% CI = 6.27, 6.28).

Conclusions. Potential benefits of health plan choice may be undermined by transaction costs of delayed enrollment, which may increase the probability of hospitalization for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions.
Association of Perceived Neighborhood Safety on Body Mass Index
Authors: Fish Jason S. , Ettner Susan , Ang Alfonso , Brown Arleen F.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We sought to determine whether there is an association between perceived neighborhood safety and body mass index (BMI), accounting for endogeneity.

Methods. A random sample of 2255 adults from the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey 2000–2001 was analyzed using instrumental variables. The main outcome was BMI using self-reported height and weight, and the main independent variable was residents’ report of their neighborhood safety.

Results. In adjusted analyses, individuals who perceived their neighborhoods as unsafe had a BMI that was 2.81 kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.11, 5.52) higher than did those who perceived their neighborhoods as safe.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that clinical and public health interventions aimed at reducing rates of obesity may be enhanced by strategies to modify the physical and social environment that incorporate residents’ perceptions of their communities.
Effects of Alcohol Tax and Price Policies on Morbidity and Mortality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wagenaar Alexander C. , Tobler Amy L. , Komro Kelli A.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We systematically reviewed the effects of alcohol taxes and prices on alcohol-related morbidity and mortality to assess their public health impact.

Methods. We searched 12 databases, along with articles’ reference lists, for studies providing estimates of the relationship between alcohol taxes and prices and measures of risky behavior or morbidity and mortality, then coded for effect sizes and numerous population and study characteristics. We combined independent estimates in random-effects models to obtain aggregate effect estimates.

Results. We identified 50 articles, containing 340 estimates. Meta-estimates were r = −0.347 for alcohol-related disease and injury outcomes, −0.022 for violence, −0.048 for suicide, −0.112 for traffic crash outcomes, −0.055 for sexually transmitted diseases, −0.022 for other drug use, and −0.014 for crime and other misbehavior measures. All except suicide were statistically significant.

Conclusions. Public policies affecting the price of alcoholic beverages have significant effects on alcohol-related disease and injury rates. Our results suggest that doubling the alcohol tax would reduce alcohol-related mortality by an average of 35%, traffic crash deaths by 11%, sexually transmitted disease by 6%, violence by 2%, and crime by 1.4%.
Impact of the Penalty Points System on Road Traffic Injuries in Spain: A Time–Series Study
Authors: Novoa Ana M. , Pérez Katherine , Santamariña-Rubio Elena , Marí-Dell'Olmo Marc , Ferrando Josep , Peiró Rosana , Tobías Aurelio , Zori Pilar , Borrell Carme
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of the penalty points system (PPS) introduced in Spain in July 2006 in reducing traffic injuries.

Methods. We performed an evaluation study with an interrupted time–series design. We stratified dependent variables—numbers of drivers involved in injury collisions and people injured in traffic collisions in Spain from 2000 to 2007 (police data)—by age, injury severity, type of road user, road type, and time of collision, and analyzed variables separately by gender. The explanatory variable (the PPS) compared the postintervention period (July 2006 to December 2007) with the preintervention period (January 2000 to June 2006). We used quasi-Poisson regression, controlling for time trend and seasonality.

Results. Among men, we observed a significant risk reduction in the postintervention period for seriously injured drivers (relative risk [RR] = 0.89) and seriously injured people (RR = 0.89). The RRs among women were 0.91 (P = .095) and 0.88 (P < .05), respectively. Risk reduction was greater among male drivers, moped riders, and on urban roads.

Conclusions. The PPS was associated with reduced numbers of drivers involved in injury collisions and people injured by traffic collisions in Spain.
Using Geographic Information Systems and Local Food Store Data in California's Low-Income Neighborhoods to Inform Community Initiatives and Resources
Authors: Ghirardelli Alyssa , Quinn Valerie , Foerster Susan B.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We examined conditions in California low-income neighborhoods that affect obesity to inform program planning, nutrition education, community participation, investment of resources, and involvement of stakeholders.

Methods. Staff members in 18 local health departments were trained to use an online geographic information system (GIS) and conduct field surveys. GIS data were aggregated from 68 low-income neighborhoods of 1 or more census tracts. Data were collected in 2007 to 2009 from 473 grocery stores in 62 neighborhoods.

Results. Thirty-one percent of neighborhoods mapped had no supermarket within any of their census tract boundaries, but health department staff members estimated that 74.2% of residents had access to a large grocery store within 1 mile. Eighty-one percent of small markets sold produce, and 67.6% offered 4 or more types of fresh vegetables.

Conclusions. Small markets and corner stores in California's low-income neighborhoods often have fresh produce available for sale. Stores providing healthy options in typically underserved areas can be part of community efforts to promote healthy eating behaviors.
Emerging Issues in Improving Food and Physical Activity Environments: Strategies for Addressing Land Use, Transportation, and Safety in 3 California-Wide Initiatives
Authors: Aboelata Manal J. , Navarro Amanda M.
Published: September 2010

Mounting research has suggested linkages between neighborhood safety, community design, and transportation patterns and eating and activity behaviors and health outcomes. On the basis of a review of evaluation findings from 3 multisite healthy eating and activity initiatives in California, we provide an overview of 3 community process strategies—engaging local advocates, linking safety to health, and collaborating with local government officials—that may be associated with the successful development and implementation of long-term community-improvement efforts and should be explored further.
Lessons Learned From Evaluations of California's Statewide School Nutrition Standards
Authors: Woodward-Lopez Gail , Gosliner Wendi , Samuels Sarah E. , Craypo Lisa , Kao Janice , Crawford Patricia B.
Published: September 2010

Objectives. We assessed the impact of legislation that established nutrition standards for foods and beverages that compete with reimbursable school meals in California.

Methods. We used documentation of available foods and beverages, sales accounts, and surveys of and interviews with students and food service workers to conduct 3 studies measuring pre- and postlegislation food and beverage availability, sales, and student consumption at 99 schools.

Results. Availability of nutrition standard–compliant foods and beverages increased. Availability of noncompliant items decreased, with the biggest reductions in sodas and other sweetened beverages, regular chips, and candy. At-school consumption of some noncompliant foods dropped; at-home consumption of selected noncompliant foods did not increase. Food and beverage sales decreased at most venues, and food service à la carte revenue losses were usually offset by increased meal program participation. Increased food service expenditures outpaced revenue increases.

Conclusions. Regulation of competitive foods improved school food environments and student nutritional intake. Improvements were modest, partly because many compliant items are fat- and sugar-modified products of low nutritional value. Additional policies and actions are needed to achieve more substantive improvements in school nutrition environments and student nutrition and health.
Setting Population Targets for Measuring Successful Obesity Prevention
Authors: Backholer Kathryn , Walls Helen L. , Magliano Dianna J. , Peeters Anna
Published: September 2010

In 2008, The Council of Australian Governments set a target to increase by 5% the proportion of Australian adults at a healthy body weight by 2017, over a 2009 baseline. Target setting is a critical component of public health policy for obesity prevention; however, there is currently no context within which to choose such targets.

We analyzed the changes in current weight gain that would be required to meet Australian targets. By using transition-based multistate life tables to project obesity prevalence, we found that meeting national healthy weight targets by 2017 will require a 75% reduction in current 5-year weight gain.

A reliable model of future body weight prevalence is critical to set, evaluate, and monitor national obesity targets.
Hydro-ecological effects of changing Arctic river and lake ice covers: a review
Authors: Prowse Terry D. , Brown Kirsten
Published: September 2010

Freshwater ice is an integral part of the hydrologic regimes of cold environments. It controls the ecology of related aquatic systems and is important economically, through the facilitation of winter transport and via generation of extreme hydrologic events. Given projected changes in future climate, concern has been raised about related changes in freshwater ice. This paper reviews the status and trends in records of lake and river ice around the circumpolar North from traditional observations, remote sensing and paleo-sources. The temporal and spatial variability in trends are evaluated with relation to climatic conditions. Rapid changes experienced in freeze-up and break-up timing for high-latitude lakes, compared to those at more southerly locations, are particularly notable. Also considered are the nature and implications of changes in future freshwater-ice regimes that will have cascading effects on cold-region hydrology and a suite of hydro-ecological conditions including UV radiation receipts, habitat quality and availability, fisheries productivity and contaminant pathways. Overall, the duration and event timing of river and lake ice are proving to be useful indicators of climate change. Considering the scope and significance of ice-cover changes on northern hydro-ecology, a recommendation is made to place more emphasis on long-term and spatially diverse monitoring of freshwater ice.
Seasonal streamflow forecast: a GCM multi-model downscaling approach
Authors: Foster Kean L. , Uvo Cintia B.
Published: September 2010

This work investigates the predictability of seasonal to inter-annual streamflow over several river basins in Norway through the use of multi-model ensembles. As general circulation models (GCMs) do not explicitly simulate streamflow, a statistical link is made between GCM-forecast fields generated in December and average streamflow in the melting season May–June. By using the Climate Predictability Tool (CPT) three models were constructed and from these a multi-model was built. The multi-model forecast is tested against climatology to determine the quality of the forecast. Results from the forecasts show that the multi-model performs better than the individual models and that this method shows improved forecast skills if compared to previous studies conducted in the same basins. The highest forecast skills are found for basins located in the southwest of Norway. The physical interpretation for this is that stations on the windward side of the Scandinavian mountains are exposed to the prevailing winds from the Atlantic Ocean, a principal source of predictive information from the atmosphere on this timescale.
Observed trends in the river ice regimes of northwest Canada
Authors: Janowicz J. Richard
Published: September 2010

Yukon air temperature trends have been observed to change over the last several decades with an increase in annual, summer and winter air temperatures, while changes in precipitation have not been consistent. An assessment of freeze-up and break-up dates indicates that the ice cover season is becoming shorter with delays in freeze-up and advances in break-up timing. Mid-winter break-up events and associated flooding have been observed for the first time. Break-up water level trends suggest that break-up severity is increasing. These changes cannot be definitely attributed to climate change as there is some evidence suggesting that teleconnections may be a factor. The observed changes have significant implications pertaining to public safety, and economic impacts on property and infrastructure, transportation networks and hydroelectric operations. Ice jams and associated backwater and surges also affect aquatic ecosystems through impacts on biological and chemical processes.
The legal regime of the Mekong River: a look back and some proposals for the way ahead
Authors: Bearden Bennett L.
Published: September 2010

In 1957, the four lower Mekong River states jointly organized the development of the basin and established a legal regime that has spanned five decades of cooperation. In 1995, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam concluded the Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin and formed the Mekong River Commission, which has been lauded as the most progressive of river institutions and a model for the world. At the core of the 1995 Mekong Agreement is the concept of sustainable development. Guided by this sustainable development paradigm, the Lower Mekong River Basin states attempt to balance the maintenance of water quantity with protection of water quality, and agree to cooperate and use the Mekong's water resources in a manner in which the river system's environmental conditions and ecological balance are conserved and maintained. However, development of the Mekong and its tributaries has rendered the efficacy of the Mekong legal regime to support holistic water resources management questionable. More than ten years of experience has shown that there are aspects of the 1995 Mekong Agreement that should be strengthened in order to secure the environmental, economic and social benefits that it promises.
Promoting irrigation demand management in India: options, linkages and strategy
Authors: Saleth Rathinasamy Maria , Amarasinghe Upali A.
Published: September 2010

Against the backdrop of a discussion on the rationale, logic and scope of irrigation demand management in India, this paper provides a brief overview of the status, effectiveness and technical and institutional requirements of six demand management options, that is, water pricing, water markets, water rights, energy regulations, water saving technologies and user organizations. The paper then develops a framework that captures the analytics of irrigation demand management in terms of both the impact pathways of and the operational linkages between the options and their underlying institutions. Using this framework, the paper also outlines a strategy for irrigation demand management that can exploit the inherent synergies between the options and align them well with the underlying institutional structure and its environment. After discussing how such a strategy can be effectively promoted within the institutional and political constraints facing countries such as India, the paper concludes with the policy implications of irrigation demand management.
Age, Socioeconomic Status and Human Abilities
Authors: Nuttall Ronald L. , Fozard James L.
Published: September 2010

The effects of age and socioeconomic status (SES) on the twelve ability tests of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) were examined with a population of 1146 healthy men between 25 and 83 years of age. The main effects of Age and SES were highly significant and of about equal size. The interaction effect was not significant, indicating that Age and SES do not interact in this ability domain. All twelve tests had highly significant declines with Age but the magnitudes of the declines differed greatly. Most affected by Age was the psychomotor test, Disassemble, while least affected were Arithmetic Reason and Vocabulary. Nine tests showed highly significant SES differences with Computation most differentiating followed by Mark Making, 3D—Space, Vocabulary and Arithmetic Reason. Unrelated to SES were the manual dexterity tests of Place, Turn, and Disassemble. Only 3D-Space was highly related to both Age and SES.
Body Image and Staff-to-Resident Deportment in a Home for the Aged
Authors: Watson Wilbur H.
Published: September 2010

This report is based on a series of exploratory observations of staff-to-resident conduct in a home for the aged. A synthesis of the data from the observational records resulted in a distinction between three styles of staff-to-resident deportment in situations of face-to-face interaction. In addition to distinguishing between three styles of deportment, a description is given of observed differences in styles of deportment against the background of variations in staff status and degrees of resident disability. Finally, an interpretation of the observed differences in styles is developed through an analysis of the implications in the observed conduct for staff images and valuations of residents' bodies as objects of orientation in face-to-face interaction.
Cooling Optimization and Discrete Time Event Simulation
Authors: Schruben Dale L , Bires Terry , Schruben Lee W
Published: September 2010

Like most universities, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has a public service mission to the constituents it serves. Here in South Texas, there is seafood, beef and vegetable processing. These can involve, to a lesser or greater extent, the freezing of products because major markets are not in the immediate region. We relate here a problem classical to chemical engineering, optimal heat transfer, which led to ramifications impacting other aspects of the overall enterprise. The heat transfer unit, a freezer, was optimized. However, it does not stand alone. It operates in a system in which upstream of the freezer there is variable input. The discrete time event simulation that evolved is a tool that chemical engineers should find useful, and the code SIGMA was especially helpful in constructing such simulations. What started as a classical chemical and food engineering problem in heat transfer evolved to also require techniques of operations research. As engineers in the food industry grow in their responsibility, they will increasingly encounter a need for more multidisciplinary expertise. We herein take the bold step of advancing this process.
Physico-Chemical Characterisation of Opuntia dillenii Fruit
Authors: Touil Amira , Chemkhi Saber , Zagrouba Fethi
Published: September 2010

The chemical composition (moisture, Brix, protein, acidity, saccharose, fructose, glucose and minerals), the physical properties (Linear dimensions, mass, density, shrinkage and porosity) and equilibrium properties (sorption isotherms, enthalpy and entropy) of Opuntia dillenii fruit were determined. This fruit is characterized by an important value of water content, minerals and acidity. It has also a considerable porosity. Concerning the sorption isotherms, G.A.B. model is the best to examine the phenomenon of fixation and liberation of water molecules.
Desorption of Vitamin E from Silica-Packed Fixed-Bed Column by Isopropanol
Authors: Chu Boon-Seang , Quek Siew-Young , Baharin Badlishah Sham , Che Man Yaakob Bin
Published: September 2010

Desorption of vitamin E from silica-packed fixed-bed column was studied as functions of column bed height, column temperature and flow rate of isopropanol. Isopropanol was the desorbing solvent and it was eluted through the columns saturated with vitamin E. The desorption profiles of all systems showed that vitamin E might desorb at two distinct rates simultaneously. The slow desorbing step was the rate-controlling process for recovery of vitamin E. The desorption rate increased with the decrease of column bed height and flow rate, but increased with increasing column temperature. This indicated that the desorption process was an endothermic process. The percentage recovery of vitamin E upon completion of desorption was considered high for all systems, ranging from 94.8 to 98.8%, with vitamin E concentration in the extract of 18.5-21.5%. Although the bed height, column temperature and flow rate were functions of desorption rate, it appeared that percentage recovery and vitamin E concentration in the extract were rather unaffected by the operating conditions tested if the column was eluted by isopropanol for a sufficient time to desorb vitamin E. Nevertheless, the use of isopropanol would be more efficient if desorption was carried out at lower flow rate and higher column temperature.
How Many Sonograms Are Needed to Reliably Predict the Absence of Fetal Overgrowth in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Pregnancies?
Authors: Schaefer-Graf Ute M. , Wendt Luise , Sacks David A. , Kilavuz Öemer , Gaber Bettina , Metzner Sabine , Vetter Klaus , Abou-Dakn Michael
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Serial measurements of the fetal abdominal circumference have been used to guide metabolic management of pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A reduction in the number of repeat ultrasound examinations would save resources. Our purpose was to determine the number of serial abdominal circumference measurements per patient necessary to reliably predict the absence of fetal overgrowth.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Women who had GDM were asked to return for repeat ultrasound at 3- to 4-week intervals starting at initiation of care (mean 26.9 ± 5.7 weeks). Maternal risk factors associated with fetal overgrowth were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 4,478 ultrasound examinations were performed on 1,914 subjects (2.3 ± 1.2 per pregnancy). Of the 518 women with fetal abdominal circumference >90th percentile, it was diagnosed in 73.9% with the first ultrasound examination at entry and in 13.1% with the second ultrasound examination. Of the fetuses, 85.9 and 86.9% of the fetuses were born non-large for gestational age (LGA) when abdominal circumference was <90th percentile at 24–27 weeks and 28–32 weeks, respectively, and 88.0% were born non-LGA when both scans showed normal growth. For those women who had no risk factors for fetal overgrowth (risk factors: BMI >30 kg/m2, history of macrosomia, and fasting glucose > 100 mg/dl), the accuracy of prediction of a non-LGA neonate was 90.0, 89.5, and 95.2%. The predictive ability did not increase with more than two normal scans.

CONCLUSIONS

The yield of sonographic diagnosis of a large fetus drops markedly after the finding of a fetal abdominal circumference <90th percentile on two sonograms, which excludes with high reliability the risk of a LGA newborn. The ability was enhanced in women who had no risk factors for neonatal macrosomia.
Percolation thresholds in temperature dependence of electric conductivity of collagen films
Authors: Gauza Marlena , Kubisz Leszek
Published: September 2010

Percolation thresholds in temperature dependence of electric conductivity of collagen films

Temperature measurement of electrical conductivity s were carried out from 395 to 543 K. The obtained dependence indicates an increase in s. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity allowed to observe the release of the free water, bound water and structural water. Studies on electric conductivity of collagen indicate the occurrence of percolation threshold, which comprises free release of water and change its properties from semiconducting to dielectric one.
Quality assurance and dosimetric analysis of intensity modulation radiotherapy using compensators for head and neck cancers
Authors: Tyagi Atul , Nangia Sapna , Chufal Kundan , Mishra Maninder , Ghosh Dhananjay , Supe Sanjay , Singh Man
Published: September 2010

Quality assurance and dosimetric analysis of intensity modulation radiotherapy using compensators for head and neck cancers

In this study we describe our experience in implementing compensator based intensity modulated radiotherapy (cIMRT) for head and neck cancer with regard to pre treatment quality assurance (QA), dosimetric parameters and other technical detail.

This study represents the analysis of initial 48 patients who underwent cIMRT for head and neck cancers. All patients were treated with pre treatment QA in terms of point dose with ion chamber and spatial dose comparison with film dosimetry.

In our study for all 48 patients, compensators revealed a deviation in central axis dose of 2% ± 1.8% in terms of cumulative calculated versus measured dose. Target coverage for high dose volume (70 Gy) was adequate in terms of volume receiving 93% and 95% of the prescription dose, which was 98.5% and 97.5% respectively. Parotid and other critical organs were spared adequately. Contralateral parotid (CLP) was spared. V30 Gy and V35 Gy was 55.9% and 36.8% for CLP and average dose was 31.7 Gy. Median variation in cumulative measured dose versus cumulative calculated dose was 1.8% (SD + 1.8) and mean variation was 2.5% (95%CI 1.5, 2.6). Range was 0 to 7%.

cIMRT is practically feasible. Our QA tests revealed high degree of concordance between cumulative measured doses versus cumulative calculated doses. All dosimetric parameters were within acceptable limits. The manufacturing of compensator is cumbersome but it is a one time job followed by easy treatment delivery and simple QA procedure, high monitor unit (MU) efficiency and less treatment time. cIMRT is easy to implement and now can be applied to larger number of patients with different type of tumor.
Influence of exposure parameters on patient dose and image noise in computed tomography
Authors: Stoyanov Desislav , Vassileva Jenia
Published: September 2010

Influence of exposure parameters on patient dose and image noise in computed tomography

This work presents the results of investigation of influence of main exposure parameters on the patient dose and image noise on five clinical computed tomography units. Patient dose was determined by means of the quantity CTDIair
free on air measured with pencil shaped ionization chamber. The image noise was estimated as a standard deviation of CT numbers in a 500 mm2 central region of interest in a water-equivalent phantom positioned in the centre of rotation. The alteration of tube voltage and tube current show the potential in patient dose reduction up to 40% but may deteriorate image quality and has to be carefully applied in order to optimize the clinical CT protocols taking into account the specific clinical task. This survey is essential for optimization of routine CT protocols especially for CT units without automatic exposure control systems, which are main part of CT units in Bulgaria.
Embodied Appraisals and Non-emotional States
Authors: Hvorecký Juraj
Published: September 2010

Embodied Appraisals and Non-emotional States

We present the embodied appraisal theory of emotions and show how it handles a variety of intuitions we hold about affective states. While appreciating its integrative potential, we point out possible difficulties that it might face from further investigation of embodied non-emotional states. Following Darwin and his work on the expression of emotions, we suggest that some obviously non-emotional mental states comply with the criteria set by Prinz's theory. Therefore it is doubtful whether his definition of emotions is correct and whether perceptual approaches are useful in explicating the nature of emotion types.
Disgust and Intimacy
Authors: Bužeková Tatiana , Išová Monika
Published: September 2010

Disgust and Intimacy

The aim of the paper is to present the results of preliminary research into the relation between disgust and intimacy. The authors apply current psychological conceptions of the emotions relating to social behaviour, primarily the theory of disgust associated with Paul Rozin, Jonathan Haidt and Clark McCauley. The research was conducted in a community of students living in student halls in Bratislava. The authors argue that social relationships may influence expressions of core disgust and the animal-nature disgust that is considered to be an earlier stage in the evolutionary development of this emotion. More specifically, people's representations of feelings of disgust towards elicitors linked to certain persons are conditioned by the social categories those persons belong to and the socio-cultural schemas distributed in the given environment.