bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of topography and canopy cover on argos satellite telemetry performance
Authors: Sauder Joel D. , Rachlow Janet L. , Wiest Michelle M.
Published: November 2012

Environmental variables can affect performance of global positioning system (GPS) telemetry; however, similar assessments have not been reported for Argos satellite telemetry. We used a stratified random design and linear mixed‐effects models to evaluate the influence of 2 environmental variables (canopy cover and topographic obstruction) on 2 metrics of Argos satellite telemetry performance, observation rate and mean location error. Our results indicated that an Argos transmitter moving from minimal (i.e., 20%) to maximal (i.e., 95%) topographic obstruction and canopy cover would experience, on average, only a 12.4% decrease in observation rate (approx. 1.3 fixes/24 hr of operation), and mean location error would decrease by 3.4% (7.8 m). We concluded that these environmental variables have little practical effect on Argos telemetry performance, a finding that markedly contrasts similar evaluations of GPS telemetry. We documented a substantial increase in the number of high‐quality locations compared with values reported previously in the literature; this is likely due to recent improvements in satellite and transmitter technology. Although Argos telemetry location errors continue to exceed those reported for GPS telemetry, the system should be considered as a telemetry tool when avoiding data bias associated with missed fixes is more important than location accuracy. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Using fecal progestagens and logistic regression to enhance pregnancy detection in wild ungulates: A bison case study
Authors: Cain Steven L. , Higgs Megan D. , Roffe Thomas J. , Monfort Steven L. , Berger Joel
Published: November 2012

Ungulate ecological studies often include components of reproduction because of its demographic importance and the ecological factors affecting it. Pregnancy status, in particular, is key because it represents a starting point for succeeding measurements of vital rates. Here, we present a case study using wild bison (Bison bison), in which we developed a non‐invasive method for assessing pregnancy in unmarked, non‐handled animals that improves upon existing approaches for wild ungulates. Specifically, we employed a model‐based binary logistic‐regression approach to estimate the probability of pregnancy predicted by fecal progestagen concentrations quantified from a single, late‐gestation scat sample. For 155 observations of 42 marked bison from the Jackson herd in northwest Wyoming, USA during 1997–2005, we used combinations of transrectal uterine palpation and calf status as independent measures of pregnancy to reduce the potential for error inherent in using either measure alone. We evaluated predictive success by calculating mis‐prediction rates from leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, and by calculating the percentage of 95% confidence intervals that crossed a pregnant–not‐pregnant threshold. Correct predictions, with high confidence, were obtained from a model using year‐centered, natural‐log‐transformed progestagen concentrations, resulting in an overall successful cross‐validation pregnancy prediction rate of 93.5%. Our approach will allow practitioners to consider the uncertainty associated with each prediction, thereby improving prediction interpretations. The approach should appeal to practitioners because fecal samples are easily collected and preserved, laboratory procedures are well‐documented, and logistic‐regression statistical software is readily available. Furthermore, samples can be obtained non‐invasively, which reduces cost and potential bias and increases animal safety, human safety, and social acceptability. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Assessing persistence of the American pika at historic localities in California's Northern Sierra Nevada
Authors: Stewart Joseph A. E. , Wright David H.
Published: November 2012

The American pika (Ochotona princeps) appears to have experienced a substantial upslope range contraction in the Great Basin in response to climate warming. In California, models predict range contraction, but whether the species' lower elevational limit has already shifted remains unclear. We located and determined current occupancy at 19 historic pika localities in the northern Sierra Nevada of California, USA, in 2009–2012. We found that 17 localities were currently occupied by pikas at or near the original record location, while at 2 localities pikas appeared extirpated. No strong climate signal was detected in our data; however, the distribution of historic points does not allow us to rule out upslope range contraction in our region. Talus area was closely correlated with pika persistence, consistent with the application of metapopulation theory to pikas. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Small mammal use of field borders planted as beneficial insect habitat
Authors: Moorman Christopher E. , Plush Charles J. , Orr David B. , Reberg‐Horton Chris , Gardner Beth
Published: November 2012

Field borders established for wildlife conservation have been recognized as a possible venue for also promoting beneficial insect populations, such as parasitic wasps and pollinators, on agricultural lands. However, traditional fallow field borders lack nectar sources required to sustain beneficial insect communities, and their value to small mammals is not well‐understood. In October–November 2009, we trapped small mammals in four field‐border treatments (planted native, warm‐season grasses and prairie flowers, planted prairie flowers only, fallow vegetation, and frequently mowed vegetation) replicated around nine organic crop fields, and developed closed‐population models in Program MARK to estimate abundance in each border. We also measured vegetation cover within each border treatment from June to August 2009. We captured 491 individuals of two species, the hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) and house mouse (Mus musculus). Cotton rat abundance was ≥2 times greater in grass and flower borders and flowers‐only borders than in fallow borders, likely because of greater vegetation density and availability of preferred foods in planted borders. No cotton rats were captured in mowed borders, and house mouse abundance was ≥5 times lower in mowed borders than in other border types. Lower abundance of cotton rats and house mice in mowed borders emphasizes the importance of structurally complex non‐crop vegetation for supporting small‐mammal communities in agricultural landscapes. Field borders planted to promote beneficial insects may be a useful tool for maximizing the ecological services provided by non‐crop vegetation. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Plant diversity patterns in subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests of Yunnan and Taiwan
Authors: Tang Cindy Q. , Chiou Chyi‐Rong , Lin Cheng‐Tao , Lin Jian‐Rong , Hsieh Chang‐Fu , Tang Jian‐Wei , Su Wen‐Hua , Hou Xiuli
Published: November 2012

The subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests of Yunnan and Taiwan were compared along environmental and successional gradients with the aim of identifying important taxon and species diversity as well as the drivers of mountain biodiversity patterns. A detrended correspondence analysis of an exhaustive set of data collected from 105 and 223 plots for Yunnan and Taiwan, respectively, was applied to classify natural mature forest types. Additional data from 72 and 68 plots for Yunnan and Taiwan, respectively, were used for analyses of secondary succession. The floristic richness and diversity index were calculated for each type of forest. In Yunnan, the monsoon forests in mesic‐humid sites had more taxa and tended to show higher species diversity than the other two forest types. In Taiwan, species diversity values were significantly higher in the Machilus–Castanopsis zone in the middle altitudes (500–1500 m) than for the other three forest zones. For both Yunnan and Taiwan, the forests at the middle successional stage showed significantly higher species diversity than those at the early successional stage. Differences in diversity between the middle and late stages were not significant. These findings highlight the high species diversity of the natural mature evergreen broad‐leaved forests of both Yunnan and Taiwan. In the secondary forests, as succession proceeds, species diversity comes to resemble that of the natural mature forests. In both ecosystems, the drivers of species diversity patterns are moisture, altitude, and succession/disturbance.
The Risk of Overweight and Obesity among Latter-Day Saints
Authors: Mason Philip B. , Xu Xiaohe , Bartkowski John P.
Published: November 2012

Despite evidence of the salutary effects of religion on physical health, relatively little attention has been paid to the influence of religiosity on the risk of overweight and obesity. Our study examines this relationship with specific attention to the influence of Latter-day Saint (LDS, Mormon) affiliation and attendance on bodyweight status. Latter-day Saints make an excellent test case because LDS proscriptions against the consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco could lead to either a reduced risk of overweight and obesity by reinforcing a broader constellation of healthy habits or a greater risk of overweight and obesity by contributing to unhealthy behaviors (e.g., overeating) that are substituted for religiously proscribed substance use. Given the salience of gender in the LDS context and gender-specific differences in bodyweight status, our analyses are run separately for men and women. While LDS men exhibit a somewhat greater obesity risk, LDS women are especially likely to face overweight and obesity risks. These findings demonstrate that religiosity can, in some circumstances, undermine physical health and that conservative religions can compromise bodyweight in gender-specific ways.
The factorial invariance of the CES‐D during adolescence: Are symptom profiles for depression stable across gender and time?
Authors: Verhoeven Marjolein , Sawyer Michael G. , Spence Susan H.
Published: November 2012

This study examined the factorial invariance of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies of Depression Scale (CES‐D) across gender and time during adolescence. The factor structure of the CES‐D was compared at four annual measurement waves in a community sample of 2650 Australian adolescents. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the factor structure of the CES‐D was generally invariant across gender and time. However, gender differences were found on three items: for all waves the item ‘I had crying spells’ was a stronger indicator for depressive affect in females than males. On the final three waves the item ‘people were unfriendly’ loaded significantly higher on the factor ‘Interpersonal Relations’ for males than females. On Wave 2 and 3 males interpreted the item ‘everything I did was an effort’ with a positive connotation, whereas females interpret it with a negative association. These gender‐differences are discussed from both a theoretical and a methodological perspective.
The Russian Economy Twenty Years after the End of the Socialist Economic System
Authors: Cooper Julian
Published: November 2012

It is now more than twenty years since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the beginning of transition to a market economy. The non-market, ‘planned’ economic system of the old order had its own specific mode of functioning, which over time had a profound impact on the structure of the economy. The article explores the extent to which the far-reaching economic transformation undertaken in post-communist Russia since the end of 1991 has overcome the legacies of the Soviet system. Has the socialist economic order that existed for over sixty years disappeared entirely, or are there still survivals and legacies that shape and influence, at least in part, the present-day Russian economy? These issues are examined by focussing on one particular sector that played a dominant role in the USSR, namely the defence industry and the military economy more generally. It is concluded that there are indeed significant survivals and legacies of the socialist past: market transformation is still incomplete.
Nature–Society Linkages in the Aral Sea Region
Authors: White Kristopher D.
Published: November 2012

Central Asia's Aral Sea crisis represents a disaster of monumental proportions, a tragedy for both the region's ecology and its human inhabitants. While the human and natural environments had operated in a sustainable co-joined system for millennia, Tsarist Russian expansion into Central Asia, followed by Soviet expansion of both the cotton industry and unsustainable irrigation practices to anchor it spelled doom for the Aral Sea. Today, many of the political and economic stimuli for such misguided practices continue, as do the continued retreat of the Sea and the proliferation of poor human health. The Aral Sea crisis has received ample scholarly attention, though somewhat surprising is a relative dearth of research explicitly investigating the nature, variety, and directionality of nature–society linkages today within the region. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the contemporary nature–society linkages operating within the Aral Sea region of Central Asia. Historical nexuses will provide necessary background, and the linkages operating currently within the spheres of regional economy, human health, and political considerations will be detailed. Couching the current crisis within the framework of coupled human–environment system contexts reveals a region in which these linkages are largely inextricable. This paper concludes with a call for a reconsideration of the nature-society linkages and a greater emphasis placed on the local region's ecological and social sustainability.
Singular measures for classP-circle homeomorphisms with several break points
Authors: ADOUANI ABDELHAMID , MARZOUGUI HABIB
Published: November 2012

Letfbe a classP-homeomorphism of the circle with break point singularities, that is, differentiable except at some singular points where the derivative has a jump. Letfhave irrational rotation number andDfbe absolutely continuous on every continuity interval ofDf. We prove that if the product of thef-jumps along any subset of break points is distinct from 1 then the invariant measureμfis singular with respect to the Haar measure. This result generalizes previous results obtained by Dzhalilov and Khanin, Dzhalilov, Akhadkulov, Dzhalilov–Liousse and Mayer. Moreover, we prove that if the rotation numberρ(f) is irrational of bounded type then (a) if the product of thef-jumps on some orbit is distinct from 1 then the invariant measureμfis singular with respect to the Haar measurem, and (b) if the product of thef-jumps on each orbit is equal to 1 andD2f∈Lp(S1) for somep>1 thenμfis equivalent to the Haar measure.
On the conjectural Leibniz cohomology for groups
Authors: Covez Simon
Published: November 2012

This article presents results which are consistent with conjectures about Leibniz (co)homology for discrete groups, due to J. L. Loday in 2003. We prove that rack cohomology has properties very close to the properties expected for the conjectural Leibniz cohomology. In particular, we prove the existence of a graded dendriform algebra structure on rack cohomology, and we construct a graded associative algebra morphism H•(−) → HR•(−) from group cohomology to rack cohomology which is injective for ● = 1.
Intake of specific nutrients and foods and hearing level measured 13 years later
Authors: Péneau Sandrine , Jeandel Claude , Déjardin Philippe , Andreeva Valentina A. , Hercberg Serge , Galan Pilar , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle ,   the SU.VI.MAX 2 Research Group
Published: November 2012

Only a few studies have investigated the impact of nutrients and food groups on hearing level (HL) with a population-based approach. We examined the 13-year association between intake of specific nutrients and food groups and HL in a sample of French adults. A total of 1823 subjects, aged 45–60 years at baseline, participating in the Supplementation with Antioxidant Vitamins and Minerals 2 cohort were selected. Nutrient and food intake was estimated at baseline among participants who had completed at least six 24 h dietary records. HL was assessed 13 years after baseline and was defined as the pure-tone air conduction of the worse ear at the following thresholds: 0·5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz. The relationship between quartiles of energy-adjusted nutrient and food intake and HL was assessed by multivariate linear regression analyses, in men and women separately. Intakes of retinol (P-trend = 0·058) and vitamin B12 (P-trend = 0·068) tended to be associated with better HL in women. Intakes of meat as a whole (P-trend = 0·030), red meat (P-trend = 0·014) and organ meat (P-trend = 0·017) were associated with better HL in women. Higher intake of seafood as a whole (P-trend = 0·07) and of shellfish (P-trend = 0·097) tended to be associated with better HL in men. Consumption of meat is therefore associated with a better HL in women. Further research is required to better elucidate the mechanisms behind the associations between diet and hearing.
Diet adherence dynamics and physiological responses to a tomato product whole-food intervention in African–American men
Authors: Park Eunyoung , Stacewicz-Sapuntzakis Maria , Sharifi Roohollah , Wu Zhigang , Freeman Vincent L. , Bowen Phyllis E.
Published: November 2012

Tomatoes may have beneficial effects on prostate health. Efficacy trials would require long-term adherence to high levels of tomato product (TP) consumption. Therefore, factors that affect adherence in men most at risk and whether increased consumption of TP negatively affects diet and health are important concerns. Cancer-free African–American (AA) men (n36) with mean serum prostate-specific antigen of 7·4sd5·6) ng/ml were randomised to consume one serving of TP/d or a control diet for 3 months. Mean intervention group lycopene intake rose to 464 %, with negligible control group increase. Plasma lycopene levels rose by 53 and 40 % in the intervention group in months 1 and 3, respectively (P< 0·0001), with no control group change. The intervention group's barriers to adherence score was inversely associated with both dietary (r− 0·49,P= 0·02) and plasma lycopene concentration (r− 0·37,P= 0·02). Their TP disadvantage score negatively correlated with the 3-month plasma lycopene concentrations (r− 0·37,P= 0·008) and their weekly incentives and impediments were remarkably stable, ‘concern for prostate health’ being the most consistent over time. ‘Liking tomatoes’ and ‘study participation’ decreased in citation frequency at weeks 6 and 9, respectively. No major shifts occurred in dietary cholesterol or saturated fat, with no adverse effects on gastrointestinal complaints, serum total cholesterol, body weight or blood pressure. Lower socio-economic status AA men at higher prostate cancer risk can successfully achieve a whole food intervention goal with a corresponding rise in plasma lycopene concentrations, with no adverse effects on self-selected diet quality or health parameters.
Effects of EPA, γ-linolenic acid or coenzyme Q10 on serum prostate-specific antigen levels: a randomised, double-blind trial
Authors: Safarinejad Mohammad Reza , Shafiei Nayyer , Safarinejad Shiva
Published: November 2012

The main objective of the present study was to determine the potential ofn-3 andn-6 fatty acids or coenzyme Q10(CoQ10) to alter serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in normal healthy men. A total of 504 healthy men with serum PSA level ≤ 2·5 ng/ml were recruited into the study. Serum PSA values were not segregated by decade of age. Participants were randomly assigned to a daily dietary supplement containingn-3 fatty acids (1·12 g of EPA and 0·72 g of DHA per capsule) (group 1,n126),n-6 fatty acid (600 mg γ-linolenic acid (GLA) each capsule) (group 2,n126), CoQ10(100 mg per capsule) (group 3,n126) or a similar regimen of placebo (group 4,n126) for 12 weeks. Study medication was administered as two capsules to be taken twice daily. Serum levels of PSA, EPA, DHA, GLA, lipid profile and reproductive hormones were also measured. EPA treatment significantly reduced serum PSA level by 30·0 (95 % CI 25, 36) % (P= 0·004) from baseline. In contrast, GLA therapy significantly increased serum PSA concentration by 15·0 (95 % CI 11, 20) % (P= 0·02). CoQ10therapy also significantly reduced serum PSA level by 33·0 (95 % CI 27, 40) % (P= 0·002). In multivariable analysis, serum values of PSA were strongly correlated with duration of EPA (r− 0·62; 95 % CI − 0·42, − 0·77;P= 0·003),n-6 (r0·42; 95 % CI 0·31, 0·58;P= 0·02) and CoQ10use (r− 0·77; 95 % CI − 0·56, − 0·87;P= 0·001). There were also significant correlations between serum values of DHA, EPA, GLA and CoQ10and serum PSA levels. The present study demonstrates that dietary supplements containing EPA, GLA or CoQ10may significantly affect serum PSA levels.
The American Beverage Industry and the Development of Curbside Recycling Programs, 1950–2000
Authors: Elmore Bartow J.
Published: November 2012

Many people today consider curbside recycling the quintessential model of eco-stewardship, yet this waste-management system in the United States was in many ways a pollutersponsored initiative that allowed corporations to expand their productive capacity without fixing fundamental flaws in their packaging technology. For the soft-drink, brewing, and canning industries, the promise of recycling became a powerful weapon for combating mandatory deposit bills and other source-reduction measures in the 1970s and 1980s. In examining the nexus of business, envirotech, and political history, this article explores how American corporations enrolled government agencies to construct resource reclamation systems in the United States that became models for waste management programs in municipalities around the world.
THE PREVALENCE OF CONDOM USE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ZIMBABWE: IMPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING AND POLICY
Authors: NKOMAZANA NJABULO , MAHARAJ PRANITHA
Published: November 2012

Young people, especially university students, are at high risk of HIV infections because of little or no parental or administrative prohibitions in campus environments. The aim of this study was to ascertain the level of condom use among university students in Zimbabwe; that is, condom use at last sex and consistent condom use among both regular and casual partners. The study draws on self-completed questionnaires administered to university students. The results reveal that, while 78.3% of sexually active respondents had used condoms in penetrative sexual encounters before, only 56.2% had used condoms at their last sexual encounter. As expected, consistent condom use was lower in regular sexual partnerships than it was in casual partnerships (30.6% versus 54.6%). Condom use at first sex and high personal HIV risk perception were found to be the most important factors in explaining condom use at last sex and consistent condom use with casual partners. Condom use intentions were high, as 75% of respondents indicated that they would use condoms at their next sexual encounters. Whilst this is commendable, use rates should ideally be higher still. Campus HIV/AIDS programmers should endeavour to ensure that condoms are available at all times in order to help translate these intentions into actual condom use. In addition, promotional programmes should encourage those who have not yet initiated sexual intercourse to use condoms at their first sex and also to improve personal HIV risk perceptions in order to trigger initiation of protective sexual behaviours.
Characterization of Oesophagostomum asperum and O. columbianum by internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA
Authors: Zhao G.H. , Hu B. , Song J.K. , Jia Y.Q. , Li H.M. , Wang C.R. , Lin Q. , Xu Q.X. , Yu S.K. , Deng Y.
Published: November 2012

In the present study, the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of Oesophagostomum asperum and O. columbianum were amplified and sequenced. The ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2 rDNA sequences of O. asperum were 374 bp, 153 bp and 259 bp in length, respectively, and the corresponding sequences of O. columbianum were 259, 153 and 218 bp in length, respectively. Sequence differences in the ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA between the two Oesophagostomum species were 9.5–10.2% and 12.7–13.9%, respectively. Sequence differences in the ITS-1 and ITS-2 rDNA among members of the genus Oesophagostomum were 2.5–11.6% and 6.8–22.3%, respectively. Based on genetic markers in the ITS rDNA, an effective polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was developed to differentiate O. columbianum from O. asperum with a sensitivity of 0.2 ng/μl DNA. Since accurate characterization of parasites at different taxonomic levels is essential for population genetic studies and control of parasitosis, the present findings have important implications for studying epidemiology, taxonomy and population biology, as well as for the control of oesophagostomiasis.
Illegal Police Protection and the Market for Stolen Vehicles in Buenos Aires
Authors: DEWEY MATÍAS
Published: November 2012

In comparison to some illegal enterprises whose operations generate decisive moral rejection on the part of the public, vehicle theft remains an illicit underground activity that citizens largely tolerate or even exploit. In the province of Buenos Aires, the persistence, depth and breadth of transactions related to this black market cannot be explained without referring to the role of the state police. This article uses a theoretical approach to illegal police protection in order to understand the complicity between the police and criminals as fundamental to the market for stolen cars in the province. Using data from in-depth interviews and official documents, the article examines how exactly the police protect thieves, dismantlers and distributors of cars and/or auto parts. It analyses three elements that condition the sale of illegal protection to criminals by the police: threats and selective implementation of penalties; control of consequences; and bureaucratic falsification.
High-speed imaging of dust particles in plasma
Authors: TICOŞ C. M. , TOADER D. , MUNTEANU M. L. , BANU N. , SCURTU A.
Published: November 2012

High-speed imaging is a powerful tool for studying dusty plasmas. The recorded trajectories of dust particles can provide direct information about the physical processes involved in dust-plasma and dust–dust interactions. A review of some experiments and their imaging techniques employed for tracking dust particles immersed in low-ionized gases and in high-density plasma jets is presented. Digital cameras are used to record the motion of slow or hypervelocity dust particles dragged by plasma jets, or to evidence single or collective dust particle oscillations and vibrations in the plasma sheath.
Notions of fantasy and reality in the adjustment to retirement
Authors: GOODWIN JOHN , O'CONNOR HENRIETTA
Published: November 2012

During the early 1960s, Norbert Elias led a research project on the adjustment of young workers to work situations and adult roles. The data from this project, which consisted of 851 interviews with young people, were recently rediscovered and the participants, now approaching retirement, were re-interviewed as part of a restudy. In this paper we argue, that, in the context of the dramatic changes to the transition to retirement that have taken place in the United Kingdom, it is possible to use Elias's unpublished work on the transition to work as a theoretical framework for understanding of the transition from work and to retirement. In particular, we focus on the themes of fantasy and reality in the perception of retirement; changing interdependencies in the transition to retirement and the extent and impact of retirement preparation on the perception of the change in status from full-time worker to retiree. We conclude by suggesting that the implied advantages of being the ‘baby-boomer’ generation are far from the reality, with the experiences of this group being similar to those who have gone before and face an adjustment to retirement marked by uncertainty and anxiety.
The influence of input on connective acquisition: a growth curve analysis of Englishbecauseand Germanweil
Authors: VAN VEEN ROSIE , EVERS-VERMEUL JACQUELINE , SANDERS TED , VAN DEN BERGH HUUB
Published: November 2012

The current study used growth curve analysis to study the role of input during the acquisition of the English causal connectivebecauseand its German counterpartweil. The corpora of five German and five English children and their adult caretakers (age range 0;10–4;3) were analyzed for the amount as well as for the type of connective use – imitated, elicited, and independent. The growth curves showed that children's elicited use developed faster than their independent use; imitations were rare. Adult connective input was not found to function as a scaffold of children's connective use. Rather, the adultwhy/warum-questions played an important role in the acquisition ofbecauseandweil. In turn, children also usedwhy/warum-questions to elicit causal responses from their caretakers, which shows that children were responsible for a great part of their own input.
Lead adsorption in the clay fraction of two soil profiles from Fildes Peninsula, King George Island
Authors: Mendonça Thiago , Melo Vander F. , Alleoni Luís R.F. , Schaefer Carlos E.G.R. , Michel Roberto F.M.
Published: November 2012

Antarctica is considered the most isolated continent, but it is not free of pollution, which arrives at specific localities mainly as a result of tourism and research activities. Among environmentally harmful substances, heavy metals are especially important because of their high toxicity to organisms. The aim of this study was to estimate the maximum adsorption of lead (Pb) onto the clay fraction of samples from two soil profiles from the Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands. Experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm, and the adsorption parameters were correlated to mineralogical attributes of this soil fraction characterized by chemical extractions and X-ray diffraction. Values of maximum adsorption of Pb in the clay fraction were extremely high (maximum value: 322 581 mg kg-1) when compared to those of soil samples from other regions of the world. Adsorption occurred in two stages: first stage in which a high percentage of Pb was adsorbed, and second stage in which adsorption was lower. From an environmental point of view, soils with high contents of clay and amorphous minerals, ones usually associated with ornithogenic activity in Antarctica, should have greater efficiency in filtering Pb, thus reducing risks of leaching and groundwater contamination.
Waveless subcritical flow past symmetric bottom topography
Authors: HOLMES R. J. , HOCKING G. C. , FORBES L. K. , BAILLARD N. Y.
Published: November 2012

The subcritical flow of a stream over a bottom obstruction or depression is considered with particular interest in obtaining solutions with no downstream waves. In the linearised problem this can always be achieved by superposition of multiple obstructions, but it is not clear whether this is possible in a full nonlinear problem. Solutions computed here indicate that there is an effective nonlinear superposition principle at work as no special shape modifications were required to obtain wave-cancelling solutions. Waveless solutions corresponding to one or more trapped waves are computed at a range of different Froude numbers and are shown to provide a rather elaborate mosaic of solution curves in parameter space when both negative and positive obstruction heights are included.
Sense of community in long-term care: the views of family caregivers of elderly military veterans
Authors: Petrovic-Poljak Ana , Konnert Candace
Published: November 2012

Background:Family involvement in long-term care (LTC) is important but it can prove challenging and result in conflict with staff if families do not feel connected to the LTC facility or if they believe that their contributions are undervalued. According to McMillan & Chavis (1986), sense of community (SOC) refers to a feeling of belonging, having influence, having needs met, and having an emotional connection to individuals in a community, and may be particularly essential for family caregivers of military veterans in LTC. This is the first study that evaluates SOC among family caregivers in LTC.

Methods:Semi-structured interviews and self-report questionnaires assessing caregiver demographics, caregiving variables, and SOC were administered to 46 family caregivers.

Results:Caregivers endorsed a SOC that was positively related to key caregiving variables, such as family adjustment and satisfaction with care, and was negatively related to conflict with staff. Notably, caregivers’ connections to the military community were positively related to SOC in LTC. Multiple regression analyses indicated that satisfaction with care accounted for the most variance in SOC (32.7%).

Conclusions:This is the first study that examines SOC among family caregivers of military veterans in LTC, a subgroup of family caregivers with unique histories and needs. Although there are measures designed to assess family members’ level of satisfaction with different facets of LTC, SOC provides unique information about whether family members feel part of the LTC community as valued partners in care. SOC is an important yet understudied construct that could contribute substantially to our understanding of family-focused care.
The effectiveness of control strategies for dementia-driven wandering, preventing escape attempts: a case report
Authors: Padilla Daniel Valle , González María Teresa Daza , Agis Inmaculada Fernández , Strizzi Jenna , Rodríguez Raquel Alarcón
Published: November 2012

One of the most complicated aspects of caring for patients with dementia is dementia-driven wandering due to its adverse ramifications. We report a case of an 80-year-old man who had been previously diagnosed with dementia (with a score of 6 on the Reisberg Global Deterioration Scale – GDS). The patient went to an Adult Day Care Center on a daily basis where he demonstrated wandering behavior with a high rate of escape attempts (the number of times the Center's glass exit door was approached). The objective of this study is to present effective non-pharmacological intervention strategies for dementia-driven wandering; assessed strategies included: environmental (subjective barriers), cognitive/behavioral (cognitive training with differential reinforcement), and combined (subjective barriers + cognitive/behavioral). The results showed that all of these three strategies significantly decreased the number of escape attempts.
Expression of α1-adrenergic receptors in rat prefrontal cortex: cellular co-localization with 5-HT2A receptors
Authors: Santana Noemí , Mengod Guadalupe , Artigas Francesc
Published: November 2012

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in behavioural control and cognitive processes that are altered in schizophrenia. The brainstem monoaminergic systems control PFC function, yet the cells/networks involved are not fully known. Serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) increase PFC neuronal activity through the activation of α1-adrenergic receptors (α1ARs) and 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2ARs), respectively. Neurochemical and behavioural interactions between these receptors have been reported. Further, classical and atypical antipsychotic drugs share nmin vitro affinity for α1ARs while having preferential affinity for D2 and 5-HT2ARs, respectively. Using double in situ hybridization we examined the cellular expression of α1ARs in pyramidal (vGluT1-positive) and GABAergic (GAD65/67-positive) neurons in rat PFC and their co-localization with 5-HT2ARs. α1ARs are expressed by a high proportion of pyramidal (59–85%) and GABAergic (52–79%) neurons. The expression in pyramidal neurons exhibited a dorsoventral gradient, with a lower percentage of α1AR-positive neurons in infralimbic cortex compared to anterior cingulate and prelimbic cortex. The expression of α1A, α1B and α1D adrenergic receptors was segregated in different layers and subdivisions. In all them there is a high co-expression with 5-HT2ARs (∼80%). These observations indicate that NE controls the activity of most PFC pyramidal neurons via α1ARs, either directly or indirectly, via GABAergic interneurons. Antipsychotic drugs can thus modulate the activity of PFC via α1AR blockade. The high co-expression with 5-HT2ARs indicates a convergence of excitatory serotonergic and noradrenergic inputs onto the same neuronal populations. Moreover, atypical antipsychotics may exert a more powerful control of PFC function through the simultaneous blockade of α1ARs and 5-HT2ARs.
Role of convergent activation of glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems in the nucleus accumbens in the development of methamphetamine psychosis and dependence
Authors: Miyazaki Masayuki , Noda Yukihiro , Mouri Akihiro , Kobayashi Kazuto , Mishina Masayoshi , Nabeshima Toshitaka , Yamada Kiyofumi
Published: November 2012

Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse can result in long-lasting psychosis and dependence. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), which controls psychomotor and reward behaviours, is an important interface between the limbic system and receives convergent projections from dopaminergic and glutamatergic terminals. This study investigated the involvements of dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmission in the development of Meth psychosis and dependence by using tyrosine hydroxylase heterozygous mutant (TH+/−) mice and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor knockout (NR2A−/−) mice. Repeated treatment with Meth (1 mg/kg s.c.) for 7 d in wild-type mice led to the development of behavioural abnormalities such as hyperactivity, sensory motor gating deficits and place preference. Associated with the behavioural changes, repeated treatment with Meth led to protein kinase A activation and phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II and cyclic AMP response element binding protein in the NAc. In contrast, TH+/− and NR2A−/− mice displayed neither behavioural abnormalities nor activation of intracellular signalling pathways in the NAc. These results suggest that both dopaminergic and glutamatergic transmission play a crucial role in the development of Meth psychosis and dependence, which are associated with convergent activation of intracellular signalling pathways in the NAc.
The South Korean Twin Registry: An Update
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi , Jeong Hoe-Uk , Chung Kee Wha , Shin Joong Sik , Song Tae-Bok
Published: November 2012

The South Korean Twin Registry (SKTR) is an ongoing nation-wide volunteer registry of South Korean twins and their families, which was established in the year 2001 to understand genetic and environmental etiologies of psychological and physical traits among South Koreans. Recently, the SKTR sampling has been extended in two important ways. First, we began to recruit twins from lower socio-economic families to study interaction effects of gene by environmental context. Second, as a parallel study of the SKTR, the Nigerian Twin and Sibling Registry was developed to understand the origin of the population group differences/similarities in psychological traits between South Koreans and Nigerians. This article summarizes the main findings (based on the SKTR sample to date), recruitment procedures, zygosity assessment, measures, and future plans for the SKTR.
Longitudinal Changes in Individual BrainAGE in Healthy Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Franke Katja , Gaser Christian
Published: November 2012

We recently proposed a novel method that aggregates the multidimensional aging pattern across the brain to a single value. This method proved to provide stable and reliable estimates of brain aging – even across different scanners. While investigating longitudinal changes in BrainAGE in about 400 elderly subjects, we discovered that patients with Alzheimer’s disease and subjects who had converted to AD within 3 years showed accelerated brain atrophy by +6 years at baseline. An additional increase in BrainAGE accumulated to a score of about +9 years during follow-up. Accelerated brain aging was related to prospective cognitive decline and disease severity. In conclusion, the BrainAGE framework indicates discrepancies in brain aging and could thus serve as an indicator for cognitive functioning in the future.
The dependence of magnetic reconnection on plasma β and magnetic shear: Evidence from magnetopause observations
Authors: Phan T. D. , Paschmann G. , Gosling J. T. , Oieroset M , Fujimoto M. , Drake J. F. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: November 2012

We have performed a statistical study of THEMIS spacecraft crossings of the asymmetric dayside magnetopause to test the prediction that the diamagnetic drift of the X‐line due to a plasma pressure gradient across the magnetopause can suppress magnetic reconnection. The study includes crossings both when reconnection exhausts were present and when they were absent in the current sheet. When we restrict the survey to the subsolar region (10 < MLT < 14), we find that for low Δβ (the difference of plasma β on the two sides of the current sheet) the majority of reconnection events occurred over a large range of magnetic shears, whereas when Δβ was high reconnection events occurred only for high shears. Furthermore, nonreconnection events occurred primarily in the Δβ‐shear regime in which reconnection is predicted to be suppressed, in good agreement with theory. The Δβ‐shear condition should have general consequences for the occurrence of reconnection in space and laboratory plasmas.
Color pictures of sprites from non‐dedicated observation on board the International Space Station
Authors: Jehl Augustin , Farges Thomas , Blanc Elisabeth
Published: November 2012

Very recently NASA astronauts took a new set of pictures from the International Space Station during night time in the frame of the NASA Crew Earth Observations program, giving a new opportunity to observe in color sprites and their parent lightning flashes. During about 20 h of observations, nondirectly dedicated to thunderstorm studies, 15 sprites were observed from August 2011 to April 2012. Chromatic observations allow analyzing thoroughly the main components of the sprite radiation. The red and green emissions, observed in all the sprite images, are due to the radiation of the first positive band system of molecular nitrogen N2. The blue emission, present in only 2 out of 15 sprites, is produced by the radiation of bands of the second positive band system of N2 and bands of the first negative band system of N2+ ions. It indicates the possible presence of ionization in these two sprites. The sprite brightness is equivalent to the Jupiter one.
Hydrocarbons in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere observed from ACE‐FTS and comparisons with WACCM
Authors: Park Mijeong , Randel William J. , Kinnison Douglas E. , Emmons Louisa K. , Bernath Peter F. , Walker Kaley A. , Boone Chris D. , Livesey Nathaniel J.
Published: November 2012

Satellite measurements from the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE‐FTS) are used to examine the global, seasonal variations of several hydrocarbons, including carbon monoxide (CO), ethane (C2H6), acetylene (C2H2), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN). We focus on quantifying large‐scale seasonal behavior from the middle troposphere to the stratosphere, particularly in the tropics, and furthermore make detailed comparisons with the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) chemistry climate model (incorporating tropospheric photochemistry, time‐varying hydrocarbon emissions, and meteorological fields nudged from reanalysis). Comparisons with Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements of CO are also included to understand sampling limitations of the ACE‐FTS data and biases among observational data sets. Results show similar overall variability for CO, C2H6, and C2H2, with a semiannual cycle in the tropical upper troposphere related to seasonallyvarying sources and deep tropical convection, plus a maximum during Northern Hemisphere summer tied to the Asian monsoon anticyclone. These species also reveal a strong annual cycle above the tropical tropopause, tied to annual variations in the upward branch of Brewer‐Dobson circulation. HCN reveals substantial differences from the other species, due to a longer photochemical lifetime and a chemical sink associated with ocean surface contact, which produces a minimum in the tropical upper troposphere not observed in the other species. For HCN, transport to the stratosphere occurs primarily through the Asian summer monsoon anticyclone. Overall, the WACCM simulation is able to reproduce most of the large‐scale features observed in the ACE‐FTS data, suggesting a reasonable simulation of sources and large‐scale transport. The model is too low in the Southern Hemisphere subtropics during Austral spring, which indicates underestimate of biomass burning emissions and/or insufficient vertical transport in the model.
Impacts of climate change, ozone recovery, and increasing methane on surface ozone and the tropospheric oxidizing capacity
Authors: Morgenstern Olaf , Zeng Guang , Luke Abraham N. , Telford Paul J. , Braesicke Peter , Pyle John A. , Hardiman Steven C. , O'Connor Fiona M. , Johnson Colin E.
Published: November 2012

Using a stratosphere‐troposphere chemistry‐climate model, we compare the impacts of climate change, stratospheric ozone recovery, and methane increases on surface ozone and the tropospheric oxidizing capacity by 2050. Methane increases lead to a decreasing OH, particularly in the northern subtropics during summer. Stratospheric ozone recovery causes small increases of surface OH driven by increased stratosphere‐troposphere exchange, occurring during parts of the year in the southern extratropics. Tropospheric warming is also associated with increasing OH, maximizing in the Northern Hemisphere in northern summer. In combination, OH is anticipated to decrease by approximately 8% in the tropospheric average by 2050 in the scenario considered here. In conjunction with these changes to OH, we model substantial changes in surface ozone in both hemispheres. Methane increases alone will lead to increasing surface ozone by up to 2–3 ppbv in the zonal mean, maximizing around 30°N. This increase is exacerbated during austral winter when increased stratosphere‐troposphere flux of ozone causes an increase in surface ozone in the southern extratropics. Both increases are partially offset by decreases in surface ozone of up to 2 ppbv in the zonal mean, with substantial zonal asymmetries, due to global warming. We model substantial changes in the methane lifetime caused by the three factors. In the Arctic during summer, disappearing sea ice, in an ice‐albedo feedback, causes substantially reduced surface ozone. Of the three factors considered here, methane increases are found to exert the strongest influence on surface ozone.