bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Behaviors and Condom Use at Last Vaginal Intercourse: A National Sample of Adolescents Ages 14 to 17 Years
Authors: Fortenberry J. Dennis , Schick Vanessa , Herbenick Debby , Sanders Stephanie A. , Dodge Brian , Reece Michael
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Data on adolescents’ sexual and condom use behaviors provides an empirical basis for a range of social, educational, clinical, and public health endeavors.

Aims

This study has two purposes: to describe the recent and lifetime prevalence of a variety of sexual behaviors; and, to describe factors associated with condom use at last penile–vaginal intercourse.

Methods

Data included those from male (N=414) and female (N=406) adolescents (ages 14–17 years) from a nationally representative probability sample. Survey items addressed occurrence (past 90 days, past year, lifetime) of solo masturbation, partnered masturbation, oral sex given to a partner, oral sex received from a partner, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse. Participants reporting partnered sexual behaviors in the past year completed additional items about condom use, location of sex, partner characteristics, other sexual behaviors, and alcohol or marijuana use at the most recent sexual event.

Main Outcome Measures

Adjusted rates (by gender) of sexual behaviors, and characteristics of most recent vaginal sex event as a function of condom use/non-use.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of solo masturbation was common for males (80%) and females (48%). Lifetime prevalence of penile–vaginal sex increased with each year of age for both adolescent men and women; however, penile–vaginal sex within the previous 90 days was much less frequently reported. Rates of condom use for penile–vaginal sex were 80% for males and 69% for females. Lifetime anal sex rates were 4.7% for males and 5.5% for females.

Conclusion

Sexual behavior among adolescents was more prevalent and diverse in older adolescent cohorts. Condom use for penile–vaginal intercourse was reported for a majority of events.
Male Homosexuality: Nature or Culture?
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Blanchard Ray , Camperio-Ciani Andrea , Bancroft John
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Debate continues on whether or not male homosexuality (MH) is a result of biological or cultural factors. The debate persists despite the fact that these two sides have different abilities to create a scientific environment to support their cause. Biological theorists produced evidence, however, that these are not always robust. On the other hand, social theorists, without direct evidence confirming their positions, criticize, with good argument, methods and results of the other side. The aim of this Controversy is to understand the reasons of both perspectives.

Methods

Two scientists (R.B. and A.C.C.) with expertise in the area of biology of MH were asked to contribute their opinions. The nurture position is discussed by a third expert in sexology (J.B.).

Main Outcome Measure

Expert opinion supported by the critical review of the currently available literature.

Result

The role of the Controversy’s editor (E.A.J.) is to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The two experts of the biological issue answer with their data to the questions: “Is male homosexuality partly explainable by immunology?” and “How is male homosexuality a Darwinian paradox?”, respectively. Genetic and immunological factors, birth order, and fertility of relatives are largely discussed. Finally, the expert sustaining the idea that culture and experiences are important determining factors in sexual orientation used a psychosocial and holistic perspective to explain his position.

Conclusions

The JSM’s readers should recognize that there are several biological factors in MH. However, these findings do not seem to be able to explain all cases of homosexuality. Some others may be due to particular environmental factors. The issue is complicated and multifactorial, suggesting that further research should be undertaken to produce the final answer to the question raised in this Controversy section.
Effects of Behçet's Disease on Sexual Function and Psychological Status of Male Patients
Authors: Hiz Ozcan , Ediz Levent , Gülcü Elif , Tekeoglu İbrahim
Published: October 2010

Introduction

There are no studies on the sexual function of male patients with Behçet's disease (BD), but it is probable that male sexual dysfunction may be seen in this chronic condition.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of BD on male sexual function and psychiatric status, and to examine the relationship between sexual function and depression in this population.

Methods

Patients with a diagnosis of BD for at least one year were included in the study. The patients' age, educational level, and duration of disease were recorded. A healthy control group was selected with highly similar characteristics to the patient group. The sexual functions of the patient and the control groups were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Functions (IIEF), and their emotional status was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Main Outcome Measures

The results of the questionnaires in patient and control groups were compared. The relationship between the clinical findings and questionnaire scores was assessed in the patient group.

Results

Forty-two patients with BD and 42 healthy individuals were included in the study. The mean subscale scores of the IIEF for erectile function were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group (P  < 0.001). The IIEF score was not related to active skin findings, active oral ulcers, active genital ulcers, eye involvement, or medication for BD, but it was related with history of arthritis. The BDI and IIEF scores were negatively correlated in the patient group.

Conclusion

BD has a negative impact on men's psychological state and sexual function. We recommend that depression and sexual dysfunction be investigated and treated while assessing patients with BD.
Vascular Modifications of the Clitoris Induced by Topic Nitric Oxide Donor Gel—Preliminary Study
Authors: Souto Sophia , Palma Paulo , Seabra Amedea Barozzi , Fregonesi Adriano , Palma Thais , Reis Leonardo Oliveira
Published: October 2010

Introduction

The clitoral blood flow increase is dependent of nitric oxide (NO) and it occurs due to sexual arousal. Female sexual disorder mechanisms are poorly understood and NO therapeutic role in this scenario is to be determined.

Aim

To assess topic NO donor S-nitrosoglutationa (GSNO) gel—100 µM effect on clitoral blood flow in healthy women.

Methods

Forty healthy women were double-blinded randomized for Group 1, GSNO gel, n = 20 and Group 2, placebo gel, n = 20. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound test in the clitoral artery. Hemodynamic analysis consisted of: systolic peak speed, diastolic speed, and vase resistance rate. Ten random patients were analyzed regarding sexual function after two double-blinded placebo and NO donor gel periods of 30 days.

Main Outcome Measures

To consider female sexual dysfunction treatment through local NO-dependent pathway.

Results

Mean age was 31 years (20–39) and mean female sexual function index score 31.5 (26–34). Group 1: The mean and standard deviation baseline and 15 minutes after the application of the GSNO gel systolic (11.7 ± 2.1 cm/second to 15.9 ± 2.4 cm/second) and diastolic speeds (2.7 ± 0.3 cm/second to 4.2 ± 0.4 cm/second) and resistance (0.71 ± 0.04 to 1.38 ± 0.06) were significantly increased (P = 0.002) (P = 0.043), and (P = 0.005), respectively. No local or systemic adverse effect was observed in women or in their sexual partners and the sexual function presented a slightly insignificant improvement (P = 0.065), although eight of 10 women could subjectively identify the GSNO gel as the preferred and most pleasant between both tried. Group 2 presented no significant differences at baseline and 15 minutes after the application of the placebo gel, P > 0.05.

Conclusion

The topic GSNO gel increased significantly the clitoral blood flow and could be considered therapeutically in selected cases of female sexual dysfunction warranting further investigation.
Effect of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Antagonist on Psychologically Suppressed Masculine Sexual Behavior in Rats
Authors: Miwa Yoshiji , Nagase Keiko , Oyama Nobuyuki , Akino Hironobu , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: October 2010

Introduction

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) coordinates various responses of the body to stress, and CRF receptors are important targets of treatment for stress-related disorders.

Aim

To investigate the effect of a nonselective CRF receptor antagonist, astressin, on suppression of masculine sexual behavior by psychological stress in rats.

Methods

First, we investigated the influence of psychological stress, induced 2 hours per day for three consecutive days, on sexual behavior. Then, rats were divided into 4 groups: a control group, an astressin administration group (A), a psychological stress loading group (PS), and a psychological stress loading and astressin administration group (PS + A). The rats were exposed to sham or psychological stress for three consecutive days. After the last stress loading, the rats were injected with vehicle or astressin, and their sexual behavior was observed. We also measured serum levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Main Outcome Measure

The effects of astressin on sexual behavior and serum levels of ACTH in rats affected by psychological stress were determined.

Results

Sexual behavior was reduced after psychological stress loading. The PS rats had significantly longer mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies and lower ejaculation frequency than did the control, A, and PS + A rats. The intromission latency and ejaculation frequency in the PS + A rats did not achieve the level observed in the controls. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the control and A rats. Serum ACTH levels were significantly lower in PS + A rats than in PS rats.

Conclusions

Psychologically suppressed masculine sexual behavior could be partially recovered with astressin administration in rats. These data provide a rationale for the further study of CRF receptor antagonists as novel agents for treating psychological sexual disorders.
Chemosensory function of amphibian skin: integrating epithelial transport, capillary blood flow and behaviour
Authors: Hillyard S. D. , Willumsen N. J.
Published: October 2010

Terrestrial anuran amphibians absorb water across specialized regions of skin on the posterioventral region of their bodies. Rapid water absorption is mediated by the insertion of aquaporins into the apical membrane of the outermost cell layer. Water moves out of the epithelium via aquaglyceroporins in the basolateral membrane and into the circulation in conjunction with increased capillary blood flow to the skin and aquaporins in the capillary endothelial cells. These physiological responses are activated by intrinsic stimuli relating to the animals’ hydration status and extrinsic stimuli relating to the detection of osmotically available water. The integration of these processes has been studied using behavioural observations in conjunction with neurophysiological recordings and studies of epithelial transport. These studies have identified plasma volume and urinary bladder stores as intrinsic stimuli that activate the formation of angiotensin II (AII) to stimulate water absorption behaviour. The coordinated increase in water permeability and capillary blood flow appears to be mediated primarily by sympathetic stimulation of beta adrenergic receptors, although the neurohypopyseal hormone arginine vasotocin (AVT) may also play a role. Extrinsic stimuli relate primarily to the ionic and osmotic properties of hydration sources. Toads avoid NaCl solutions that have been shown to be harmful in acute exposure, approx. 200–250 mm. The avoidance is partially attenuated by amiloride raising the hypothesis that the mechanism for salt detection by toads resembles that for salt taste in mammals that take in water by mouth. In this model, depolarization of the basolateral membrane of taste cells is coupled to afferent neural stimulation. In toad skin we have identified innervation of skin epithelial cells by branches of spinal nerves and measured neural responses to NaCl solutions that elicit behavioural avoidance. These same concentrations produce depolarization of the basolateral membrane in isolated epithelial preparations. As with salt taste in mammals, the neural responses and depolarization of basolateral membrane potential are partially inhibited by amiloride. In addition, toads are more tolerant of sodium gluconate solution which is consistent with the phenomenon in mammalian taste physiology termed the anion paradox in which sodium salts with larger molecular weight anions produce a reduced intensity of salt taste. Finally, toads also avoid concentrated solutions of a non‐electrolyte, mannitol, which differs from NaCl solutions in not affecting transepithelial conductance and requires a longer time to depolarize the basolateral membrane. Osmotic stimuli may mediate sensory processes for longer term detection of conditions with low water potential while ionic stimuli are more important for shorter term analysis of rehydration sources.
Syntactic Priming Effects in Comprehension: A Critical Review
Authors: Tooley Kristen M. , Traxler Matthew J.
Published: October 2010

Syntactic priming occurs when processing of a target sentence is facilitated following processing of a prime sentence that has the same syntactic structure (Bock, 1986Cognitive Psychology, 18. 355–387). Syntactic priming has been widely investigated in production (Bock, 1986Cognitive Psychology, 18. 355–387; Bock and Griffin, 2000General.129(2). 177–192; Cleland and Pickering, 2003.Journal of Memory and Language, 49. 214–230; Cleland and Pickering 2006.Journal of Memory and Language, 54. 185–198; Pickering and Branigan, 1998.Journal of Memory and Language, 39. 633–651; and others), but only relatively recently in comprehension (Arai et al. 2007.Cognitive Psychology, 54(3). 218–250; Ledoux et al., 2007.Psychological Science. 18(2). 135–143; and others). This article reviews the current literature on syntactic priming in comprehension and contrasts these findings to those in production. Critically, syntactic priming effects in comprehension are observed more often when prime and target sentences share a content word, whereas in production, these effects are often observed when there are no shared content words between the primes and targets. Possible explanations for the differing degrees of lexical dependency between syntactic priming effects in production and in comprehension are posed and include differences in task paradigms and stimuli, differences in time course and syntactic processing between the two modalities, and mechanistic differences. Implications from the reviewed literature are then considered in attempts at determining the most likely mechanistic explanation for syntactic priming effects in both comprehension and production. A residual activation account (Pickering and Branigan, 1998.Journal of Memory and Language, 39. 633–651), an implicit learning account (Bock and Griffin, 2000General.129(2). 177–192; Chang et al. 2006.Psychological Review, 113(2). 234–272), and a dual mechanism account (Tooley, 2009. Is Syntactic Priming in Sentence Comprehension Really Just Implicit Learning? Paper presented to the22nd Annual CUNY Conference on Human Sentence Processing, Davis, March 26–28) are outlined. The dual mechanism account may prove more consistent with a wider range of the reviewed research findings.
From ‘Evolutionary Turn’ to ‘Territorial Resources’: The New Trajectories of Innovation in Provence, France
Authors: Daviet Sylvie , Monge Romain
Published: October 2010

This article provides a comparative insight of two theoretical frameworks: the ‘Evolutionary Turn’ of Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG) developed notably by Ron Boschma, Ron Martin and Peter Sunley, and the new works of the GREMI1 group, developed notably by Roberto Camagni, Denis Maillat and Andrée Matteaccioli. EEG assets that the economic landscape is influenced by ‘path dependence’ and witnesses a strong capacity of evolution and adaptation. The GREMI, on the other hand, has recently been focusing on natural and cultural resources that are able to generate new forms of local development in the long term. These ‘territorial resources’ are exploited by an innovative ‘milieu’ that plays a key role in coordinating this process. By studying the competitive cluster of perfumes, aromas, flavors and fragrances in Provence (France) that develops a relatively new industry built on historical and territorial specificities of place and landscape, we will argue that these two approaches are complementary. After highlighting the main contributions of both theories, we will then present the historical framework of old industries like soap of Marseilles. Next, we will focus on the ideological turn that occurred in the 1970s with the emergent notion of authenticity and the capacity of the local milieu to convert latent resources into active resources. The concluding section will emphasize the role played by regional actors in setting these new trajectories in motion, without underestimating the persistent or new deadlocks, and it will also draw lessons and perspectives from this research.
Information Privacy: Networks of Regulation at the Subglobal Level
Authors: Raab Charles D.
Published: October 2010

Regulating personal information processing to protect privacy in the face of strong threats occurs at many jurisdictional levels. Recent efforts among data protection authorities (DPAs) have emphasised the need for transborder collaboration in enforcement and other tasks, and they have organised themselves to undertake this work. Network and group formation and activity among DPAs has increased at global and subglobal levels, aimed at concerting regulatory practices and principles as well as at developing institutionalised infrastructures for greater continuity and effectiveness. This article identifies and describes the many cross‐cutting associations through which this activity takes place at the subglobal level as they interact with wider global efforts in this field, and briefly assesses the prospects for further development.

Policy Implications

 Global threats to information privacy should be mitigated by the further development of institutions and instruments for data protection at the global level.

 Subglobal developments in data protection will remain important to this, in providing arenas for practical cooperation among data protection authorities, and should be encouraged.

 Organisational development beyond current networks and groups at both global and subglobal levels will require permanent institutional machinery and resources.

 The value of regulation beyond individual jurisdictional boundaries will depend on achievements more than on the further promulgation of resolutions and declarations, although the latter can be instrumental for the former.
Poloxamer 407 as a general lipase inhibitor: its implications in lipid metabolism and atheroma formation in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Johnston Thomas P
Published: October 2010

Objectives

The aims of this investigation were to determine if the activity of endothelial lipase was inhibited in vitro by the polymeric surfactant, poloxamer 407 (P-407), and to review the action of P-407 on the biological activity of several other critical lipases involved in lipid metabolism. The overall goal was to suggest a possible explanation for the observed dyslipidaemia and formation of aortic atherosclerotic lesions when present and previous findings, along with key findings proposed by others, were combined and reviewed in the context of the P-407-induced mouse model of atherogenesis.

Key findings

Endothelial lipase was expressed using a recombinant adenovirus; subconfluent COS cells were exposed to recombinant adenoviruses and triglyceride lipase activity was determined using standard assay methods. It was demonstrated that P-407 inactivates endothelial lipase in vitro. Endothelial lipase was inhibited in vitro by P-407, with an IC50 of approximately 11.3 µm. It is suggested that one possible explanation for the eventual formation of aortic atherosclerotic lesions in the P-407-induced mouse model of atherogenesis may be related to the capacity of P-407 to inhibit the activity of several critical lipases involved in lipid metabolism.

Conclusions

The following physiological and biochemical processes are all observed in the P-407-induced mouse model of dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis: inactivation of endo-thelial lipase (both in vitro and in vivo), hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase by P-407; reduced plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; no activation of either human or mouse peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ) in vitro or in vivo; increased plasma concentrations of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and soluble E-selectin; and aortic atherosclerotic lesion formation following 12–16 weeks of P-407 administration (0.5 g/kg administered every 3 days by intraperitoneal injection). This biochemical-based pathway, or series of events, may contribute, in part, to the dyslipidaemia and eventual formation of aortic atherosclerotic lesions observed in the P-407-induced mouse model of atherogenesis.
Hypoxic preconditioning facilitates acclimatization to hypobaric hypoxia in rat heart
Authors: Singh Mrinalini , Shukla Dhananjay , Thomas Pauline , Saxena Saurabh , Bansal Anju
Published: October 2010

Objectives

Acute systemic hypoxia induces delayed cardioprotection against ischaemia-reperfusion injury in the heart. As cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is known to elicit hypoxia-like –responses, it was hypothesized that this chemical would mimic the preconditioning effect and facilitate acclimatization to hypobaric hypoxia in rat heart.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with distilled water or cobalt chloride (12.5 mg Co/kg for 7 days) were exposed to simulated altitude at 7622 m for different time periods (1, 2, 3 and 5 days).

Key findings

Hypoxic preconditioning with cobalt appreciably attenuated hypobaric hypoxia-induced oxidative damage as observed by a decrease in free radical (reactive oxygen species) generation, oxidation of lipids and proteins. Interestingly, the observed effect was due to increased expression of the antioxidant proteins hemeoxygenase and metallothionein, as no significant change was observed in antioxidant enzyme activity. Hypoxic preconditioning with cobalt increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) expression as well as HIF-1 DNA binding activity, which further resulted in increased expression of HIF-1 regulated genes such as erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor and glucose transporter. A significant decrease was observed in lactate dehydrogenase activity and lactate levels in the heart of preconditioned animals compared with non-preconditioned animals exposed to hypoxia.

Conclusions

The results showed that hypoxic preconditioning with cobalt induces acclimatization by up-regulation of hemeoxygenase 1 and metallothionein 1 via HIF-1 stabilization.
Muscarinic M1, M3 receptor modulation in the corpus striatum of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats as a function of age
Authors: Savitha Balakrishnan , Kumar Peeyush , Pretty Mary A , Naijil George , Paulose Chiramadathikudiyil S
Published: October 2010

Objectives

In this study we have investigated muscarinic M1, M3 receptor kinetics and the functional role of IP3 and cGMP in the corpus striatum of both young and old diabetic and insulin-treated diabetic rats.

Methods

Radioreceptor binding assays was done in the corpus striatum using specific antagonists QNB and DAMP. IP3 and cGMP assay using [3H]IP3 and [3H]cGMP Biotrak assay system kits.

Key findings

M1 receptor increased and M3 receptor decreased in control old rats when compared with young control rats. In young diabetic groups M1 receptor increased and M3 receptor decreased. Old diabetic groups showed reversed M1 and M3 receptors compared with their controls. IP3 and cGMP content increased in old control rats compared with young control rats. IP3 content increased in young diabetic rats and decreased in old diabetic rats. cGMP content was increased significantly in both young and old diabetic groups. Insulin treatment reversed these altered parameters near to control.

Conclusions

Our studies showed that M1 and M3 receptors, IP3 and cGMP were functionally regulated during diabetes as function of age, which will have immense clinical significance.
Resveratrol improves cardiovascular function and reduces oxidative organ damage in the renal, cardiovascular and cerebral tissues of two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats
Authors: Toklu Hale Z , Şehirli Özer , Erşahin Mehmet , Süleymanoğlu Selami , Yiğiner Ömer , Emekli-Alturfan Ebru , Yarat Ayşen , Yeğen Berrak Ç , Şener Göksel
Published: October 2010

Objectives

The putative protective effects of resveratrol against oxidative injury in the heart, kidney and brain tissues of rats induced with the two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertension model were investigated.

Methods

Wistar albino rats were divided into sham-operated (n = 8) or 2K1C groups, in which rats received either resveratrol (10 mg/kg per day, i.p., n = 8), or saline (n = 8) starting at Week 3 after the surgery and continuing for the following 6 weeks. Indirect blood pressure recordings and echocardiographic images were made to evaluate cardiac function. At the end of Week 9 the animals were decapitated and plasma, heart, kidney and brain were taken for biochemical assays, while aortic rings were prepared for vascular reactivity studies.

Key findings

2K1C hypertension resulted in increased blood pressure, aortic hypercontractility and reduced left ventricular function, leading to increased lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity, concomitant with significant reductions in tissue glutathione, superoxide dismutase, Na+/K+-ATPase and catalase activities in the cardiac, renal and brain tissues, indicating the presence of oxidative tissue damage in peripheral target organs. Elevated plasma levels of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, as well as reduced plasma levels of antioxidant capacity and nitric oxide further verified the severity of oxidative injury. A 6-week treatment with resveratrol reversed all the measured parameters, ameliorated hypertension-induced oxidative injury in the target organs and improved cardiovascular function.

Conclusions

Resveratrol improved cardiovascular function through the augmentation of endogenous antioxidants and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation by maintaining a balance in oxidant/antioxidant status, which also ameliorated hypertension-induced oxidative injury in the cardiac, renal and cerebral tissues.
Synthesis, crystal structures and electrochemistry of ferrocenyl-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles
Authors: Tauchman Jiří , Trnka Jakub , Císařová Ivana , Štěpnička Petr
Published: October 2010

Two ferrocenyl-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, 2-ferrocenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (1) and 2,5-diferrocenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (2), have been prepared from the corresponding hydrazides, (ferrocenecarbonyl)hydrazine (3) and 1,2-bis(ferrocenecarbonyl)hydrazine (4), and characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR, MS) and elemental analyses. The solid-state structures of 1, 2 and 4 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The redox behavior of 1 and 2 was studied by electrochemical methods. Compound 1 underwent a reversible one-electron oxidation attributed to the ferrocene/ ferrocenium couple (Eo′ = +0.28 V vs ferrocene/ferrocenium). On the other hand, compound 2 showed two closely separated anodic waves corresponding to two consecutive redox changes, indicating some degree of electronic communication between the ferrocenyl moieties in positions 2 and 5 at the 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring.
Cultural translation: acceptability and efficacy of a US-based injury prevention intervention in China
Authors: Erkoboni Danielle , Ozanne-Smith Joan , Rouxiang Cao , Winston Flaura K
Published: October 2010

Background

Increased belt-positioning booster seat (BPB) awareness and access have led to increased use in the USA. Although transportation in Beijing is rapidly becoming ‘motorised’, Beijing's population has limited awareness of or access to BPBs.

Objective

To explore the efficacy and acceptability of using a US-developed BPB use promotion intervention in Beijing.

Design

Methods were adapted from a previously executed US-based study involving parents of 3–8-year old children. Focus groups (five groups, 71 participants) elicited behavioural antecedents to BPB use and reactions to video interventions promoting BPB use: a Chinese-produced instructional video and an English-language (dubbed into Mandarin) video that delivered concrete, theoretically driven messages through a personal story. Immediately after the focus groups, participants were provided with education and a free BPB. Participants were contacted 6 weeks later via telephone about use, knowledge and attitudes.

Results

Chinese parents saw safety as the most important benefit of BPB use; lack of accurate knowledge about and access to BPBs were parents' most prevalent barriers. Chinese participants described the videos as persuasive and instructional. At 6 weeks, participants remembered the messages of the English-language video, and reported BPB use increased from a baseline of 15.5% to 85.5%.

Conclusions

This study shows the possibility of exporting US-designed prevention interventions dubbed into Mandarin without the need to alter their original context (in this case, an African American family in a US setting) into a Chinese context. Successful cultural translation involved ensuring that the behavioural antecedents targeted in the intervention (eg, barriers and benefits) were of relevance to the Chinese population.
Lichens from the Hudson Bay Lowlands: northwestern interior treeline peatlands of Wapusk National Park in Manitoba
Authors: Piercey-Normore Michele D.
Published: October 2010

Peatlands, including plateaus, palsas, or polygons, contain a diversity of lichens and bryophytes that dominate northern ecosystems. Studies on the lichen diversity of peatlands in Wapusk National Park on the Hudson Bay Lowlands in Manitoba are rare. The goal of this study was to examine the species diversity of lichen-forming fungi in the northwestern peatlands of Wapusk National Park. Seven locations were sampled in the northwestern portion of the park, including one burned peat polygon, three unburned peat polygons, two peat plateaus, and a peat-covered beach ridge. Eleven species are reported new for the national park. A large number of species had a boreal element, reflecting the presence of the treeline. As expected, the burned peat polygon showed the lowest levels of species similarity with that of other sites. A peat-covered beach ridge also showed low levels of similarity with the other peatlands. The most similar sites were the two peat plateaus. This study also shows species similarity among peatland types. Revegetation of the burned peat polygon was slow and is discussed with reference to park management practices and climate change.
Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of recruitment parameters and reference points for Pacific rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) under alternative assumptions about the stock–recruit function
Authors: Forrest Robyn E. , McAllister Murdoch K. , Dorn Martin W. , Martell Steven J.D. , Stanley Richard D.
Published: October 2010

Hierarchical Bayesian meta-analysis can be a useful method for improving estimation of key parameters for harvested fish populations. In hierarchical models, data from multiple populations are used simultaneously to obtain estimates of parameters for individual populations and characterize the variability among populations. Many populations of Pacific rockfishes ( Sebastes spp.) have declined off the US West Coast since the 1980s, and there is also concern for their conservation in Canada. We develop a hierarchical Bayesian meta-analysis to improve estimates of stock–recruit parameters, characterize management-related parameters (e.g., optimal harvest rate), and address uncertainties in the structural form of the stock–recruit function for Pacific rockfishes. We estimate steepness and optimal harvest rates for 14 populations of Pacific rockfishes under alternative assumptions about the underlying stock–recruit function (Beverton–Holt and Ricker). We provide a posterior predictive distribution of steepness for rockfishes that can be used as a prior in future assessments for similar populations. We also evaluate whether F40% is an appropriate proxy for FMSY for Pacific rockfishes and show that uncertainty in the natural mortality rate can have a significant effect on management advice derived from meta-analyses of stock–recruit data.
Integrated stock mixture analysis for continous and categorical data, with application to genetic–otolith combinations
Authors: Smith Stephen J. , Campana Steven E.
Published: October 2010

Fish populations or stocks often intermix on fishing grounds, thus posing problems for stock assessors or managers attempting to optimize yields and minimize overexploitation of individual stocks. A Bayesian framework is developed here to simultaneously analyse many of the different data types (e.g., otolith elemental composition, nuclear and mitochondrial DNA) that have been used to identify stock origins of fish in mixed groups and thus take maximal advantage of the available information. Elements of this framework include the capability to analyse each data type either separately or in combination for any number of mixed-group samples, Bayesian credible intervals to evaluate the uncertainty associated with the estimated proportion of the original stocks in the mixed groups, and posterior predictive diagnostics to evaluate the assumptions of the underlying models. The framework was used to re-analyse a subset of otolith elemental composition and microsatellite allele frequency data obtained from the same fish from Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua ) stocks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada.
Catastrophic disturbances in headwater streams: the long-term ecological effects of debris flows and debris floods in the Klamath Mountains, northern California
Authors: Cover Matthew R. , de la Fuente Juan A. , Resh Vincent H.
Published: October 2010

Debris flows and debris floods are catastrophic disturbances in steep, mountainous landscapes throughout the world, but little is known about the long-term ecological effects of these events on headwater streams. In 10 basins (10–20 km2) in the Klamath Mountains, northern California, USA, we used a space-for-time substitution to infer the long-term (10–100 years) effects of debris flows on stream ecosystem structure. Debris flows mobilized sediment and wood and removed riparian vegetation from large portions of channel networks. Stream temperatures were significantly warmer in streams that had recent debris flows (<10 years ago). Large wood, benthic organic matter, and detritivorous stoneflies were all very sparse in recent debris flow streams, suggesting that allochthonous energy pathways took decades to recover. Rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) were abundant in recent debris flow streams, but populations of other vertebrates such as coastal giant salamander ( Dicamptodon tenebrosus ) and coastal tailed frog ( Ascaphus truei ) were virtually absent. Increased frequencies of catastrophic debris flows associated with forest management practices can have significant negative impacts on aquatic biodiversity in forested, mountainous landscapes.
Assessing habitat utilization and rockfish (Sebastes spp.) biomass on an isolated rocky ridge using acoustics and stereo image analysis
Authors: Rooper Christopher N. , Hoff Gerald R. , De Robertis Alex
Published: October 2010

For those marine fish species with specific habitat preferences, a habitat-based assessment may provide an alternative to traditional surveys. We conducted a habitat-based acoustic and stereo image stock assessment survey for rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) on a rocky ridge habitat in the eastern Bering Sea. Video analysis suggested that juvenile and adult rockfishes were more abundant on the seafloor in the rocky ridge area than on the surrounding sandy flats. Over the ridges, the distribution of rockfishes was uniformly low in the water column during nighttime surveys and higher during daytime surveys. The opposite pattern was observed in the video on the seafloor between night (high density) and day (lower density), indicating that fish in the water column during the day moved to the seafloor at night. Mean biomass of adult rockfishes for the rocky ridges was 1.54 × 104 tonnes based on acoustic data. The biomass of juvenile fish was estimated to be 9.2 × 102 tonnes. Utilization of similar survey methodologies on a larger scale might improve assessment of rockfishes not only in Alaska, but also throughout their range where fishery-independent biomass estimates have been difficult to obtain.
Fishing-induced evolution and changing reproductive ecology of fish: the evolution of steepness
Authors: Enberg Katja , Jørgensen Christian , Mangel Marc
Published: October 2010

Fishing can induce evolutionary changes in individual life history traits, leading to fish that mature smaller and younger and with larger gonads, so that they reproduce more intensely. The steepness of a stock–recruitment relationship is commonly defined as the fraction of recruitment of an unfished population obtained when the spawning stock biomass is 20% of its unfished level. We use a model of harvest-induced evolutionary change to understand how the steepness of the stock–recruitment relationship changes due to fishing. If the true spawning stock biomass is known, the stock–recruitment relationship changes little under fishing-induced evolution and there is little concern for fisheries management. When management is based on a total biomass – recruitment relationship, recruitment may be underestimated, which is also of little concern from a sustainability perspective. However, when the number of spawners – recruitment relationship is used to forecast recruitment, management practice that ignores the evolution of steepness may overestimate recruitment and therefore recommend catches that exceed safe biological limits. Using outdated maturity ogives underestimates spawning stock biomass, which results in steeper and higher stock–recruitment relationships as life histories evolve. Although of little concern for sustainability, this may pose challenges for practical fisheries management.
Comparative genomic analysis of the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) LMBR1 locus
Authors: Kim Dae-Won , Choi Sang-Haeng , Kim Ryong Nam , Kim Sun-Hong , Paik Sang-Gi , Nam Seong-Hyeuk , Kim Dong-Wook , Kim Aeri , Kang Aram , Park Hong-Seog
Published: October 2010

The sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of LMBR1 loci in mammals or other species, including human, would be very important in understanding evolutionary genetic changes underlying the evolution of limb development. In this regard, comparative genomic annotation of the false killer whale LMBR1 locus could shed new light on the evolution of limb development. We sequenced two false killer whale BAC clones, corresponding to 156 kb and 144 kb, respectively, harboring the tightly linked RNF32, LMBR1, and NOM1 genes. Our annotation of the false killer whale LMBR1 gene showed that it consists of 17 exons (1473 bp), in contrast to 18 exons (1596 bp) in human, and it displays 93.1% and 95.6% nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarity, respectively, compared with the human gene. In particular, we discovered that exon 10, deleted in the false killer whale LMBR1 gene, is present only in primates, and this fact strongly implies that exon 10 might be crucial in determining primate-specific limb development. ZRS and TFBS sequences have been well conserved across 11 species, suggesting that these regions could be involved in an important function of limb development and limb patterning. The neighboring gene RNF32 showed several lineage-conserved exons, such as exons 2 through 9 conserved in eutherian mammals, exons 3 through 9 conserved in mammals, and exons 5 through 9 conserved in vertebrates. The other neighboring gene, NOM1, had undergone a substitution (ATG→GTA) at the start codon, giving rise to a 36 bp shorter N-terminal sequence compared with the human sequence. Our comparative analysis of the false killer whale LMBR1 genomic locus provides important clues regarding the genetic regions that may play crucial roles in limb development and patterning.
The evolution of chloroplast genome structure in ferns
Authors: Wolf Paul G. , Roper Jessie M. , Duffy Aaron M.
Published: October 2010

The plastid genome (plastome) is a rich source of phylogenetic and other comparative data in plants. Most land plants possess a plastome of similar structure. However, in a major group of plants, the ferns, a unique plastome structure has evolved. The gene order in ferns has been explained by a series of genomic inversions relative to the plastome organization of seed plants. Here, we examine for the first time the structure of the plastome across fern phylogeny. We used a PCR-based strategy to map and partially sequence plastomes. We found that a pair of partially overlapping inversions in the region of the inverted repeat occurred in the common ancestor of most ferns. However, the ancestral (seed plant) structure is still found in early diverging branches leading to the osmundoid and filmy fern lineages. We found that a second pair of overlapping inversions occurred on a branch leading to the core leptosporangiates. We also found that the unique placement of the gene matK in ferns (lacking a flanking intron) is not a result of a large-scale inversion, as previously thought. This is because the intron loss maps to an earlier point on the phylogeny than the nearby inversion. We speculate on why inversions may occur in pairs and what this may mean for the dynamics of plastome evolution.
A fuzzy logic approach to predict seismic ductility and shear strength of reinforced concrete elements
Authors: Elmenshawi Abdelsamie , Brown Tom , Shrive Nigel
Published: October 2010

Structures require ductility to withstand severe earthquake-induced loads and remain standing. A new method for modelling seismic displacement ductility is proposed here, in which a fuzzy inference system is utilized to include the uncertainty in the parameters that influence this behaviour. The proposed model is also used to determine the lateral shear strength, a vital parameter in seismic design. Experimental data are presented for beams subjected to cyclic loading. Numerous input design parameters were considered including the beam width/depth ratio, the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, the bottom/top reinforcement ratio, the concrete compressive strength, the transverse reinforcement strength, and the shear span-to-depth ratio. Output parameters included the displacement ductility and lateral shear strength. The proposed model can predict the outputs successfully with an error of ±20%, but is more effective in predicting shear strength than displacement ductility.
Use of carbon dioxide stripping for struvite crystallization to save caustic dosage: performance at pilotscale operationPaper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Fattah K. P. , Zhang Y. , Mavinic D. S. , Koch F. A.
Published: October 2010

The feasibility of stripping CO2 from anaerobic digester centrate (generated in a sludge dewatering process) to raise pH, and therefore reduce the cost of caustic chemical(s) dosage for similar operation in a struvite-recovery system, was investigated. A cascade CO2 stripper was installed in a pilot-scale, struvite-recovery reactor system at the Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, as a replacement of part of (about 1/3) the reactor downpipe. Centrate was used as the process feed. Both the influent and the effluent from the struvite reactor were analyzed for pH, temperature (°C), and concentrations of Mg, NH4-N, and PO4-P. Results indicated that, by adding the CO2 stripper, caustic chemical savings was as much as 46%–65%. Moreover, because of the capability of the stripper in providing a more gradual pH increase, fewer fine solids were produced in the reactor than when caustic solution was used to raise the pH of the reactor.
Protection of reinforced concrete beams retrofitted by carbon fibre-reinforced polymer composites against elevated temperatures
Authors: Elkady H. , Hasan A.
Published: October 2010

This paper presents the outcome of the first part of a 3 year project aiming to investigate the effect of elevated temperatures on carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) retrofitted structures. Accordingly, different protecting mixes to be used as thermal insulating covers were proposed and evaluated. This experimental program addresses a series of indirect fire tests on reinforced concrete beams retrofitted with CFRP laminates exposed to a temperature of 900 °C (1652 °F) after being protected with ten types of special mortar covers. Materials known for their low coefficient of thermal conductivity were added in certain ratios to form mortars for these protective covers. Tests were carried out in a test furnace designed to produce the standard temperature–time curve specified in ASTM E119–95a. Scale effect was considered by proper adjustment of the exposure time to fire test. Temperature at the CFRP level, just below the protecting covers, was monitored to determine the efficiency of the covers in reducing heat transfer during the fire test. Furthermore, mechanical bending load tests were performed on specimens before and after fire tests to determine reduction in flexure failure load of the specimens due to indirect fire exposure. This reduction was found to vary from 10% to 48% for different tested coatings. In spite of the high damage in the protection covers expressing the lowest performance, reinforced concrete beams were still unaffected and could be restrengthened to return to their original status. Recommendations showing proper thicknesses of application and necessary precautions to be taken when using CFRP in retrofitting reinforced concrete structures to enhance their fire resistance were presented.
Projected climate conditions to 2100 for Regina, Saskatchewan
Authors: deJong Andrew , McBean Edward , Gharabaghi Bahram
Published: October 2010

Possible trends of climate (temperature, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration (PET)) for Regina, Saskatchewan are described, premised on comparisons of both projections from historical data and calculations from use of four general circulation models (GCMs). Results derived from GCMs of CGCM3.1, CCSM3, HadGEM1 and MIROC3.2, along with a series of storylines describing the relationships between the forces driving greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions during the 21st century, are employed which demonstrate increasing trends in temperature and precipitation. Unlike the identifiable and divergent projections of mean annual temperatures, there are relatively small differences in total annual precipitation projections using a number of projected scenarios of emissions. Further, although the projections indicate higher rates of precipitation are expected, there will not be increased water availability due to greater projected increases in PET, translating to there being less water available in the next century.