bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired glucose homeostasis in Shb−/− mice
Authors: Åkerblom Björn , Barg Sebastian , Calounova Gabriela , Mokhtari Dariush , Jansson Leif , Welsh Michael
Published: August 2009

Src homology 2 domain-containing protein B (SHB) is an adapter protein involved in the regulation of β-cell and endothelial cell function. We have recently obtained the Shb knockout mouse, and consequently, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of Shb deletion upon β-cell function and blood glucose homeostasis. Shb−/− mice display an elevated basal blood glucose concentration, and this increase is maintained during insulin challenge in insulin sensitivity tests. To assess glucose-induced insulin secretion, pancreata were perfused, and it was observed that Shb−/− first phase insulin secretion was blunted during glucose stimulation. Gene expression of Shb−/− islets shortly after isolation was altered, with increased pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene-1 (Pdx1) gene expression and reduced expression of Vegf-A. Islet culture normalized Pdx1 gene expression. The microvascular density of the Shb−/− islets was reduced, and islet capillary endothelial cell morphology was changed suggesting an altered microvascular function as a contributing cause to the impaired secretory activity. Capacitance measurements of depolarization-induced exocytosis indicate a direct effect on the exocytotic machinery, in particular a dramatic reduction in readily releasable granules, as responsible for the insulin-secretory defect operating in Shb−/− islets. Shb−/− mice exhibited no alteration of islet volume or β-cell area. In conclusion, loss of Shb impairs insulin secretion, alters islet microvascular morphology, and increases the basal blood glucose concentration. The impaired insulin secretory response is a plausible underlying cause of the metabolic impairment observed in this mutant mouse.
Public Health and Nutrition After the SPANISH CIVIL WAR An Intervention by the Rockefeller Foundation
Authors: del Cura Isabel , Huertas Rafael
Published: August 2009

We describe a nutritional intervention by the Rockefeller Foundation's International Health Division in Spain after the Spanish Civil War, delineating the relationships between the technicians sent by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Spanish health authorities. We analyze reports of the nutritional situation in Spain in the early 1940s and the design and outcomes of a nutrition survey conducted in a district of Madrid by American and Spanish nutritionists. This nutritional survey, which was based on food intake interviews and was complemented with anthropometric measurements, clinical examinations, and blood tests, found several symptoms and signs of malnutrition. The Rockefeller Foundation's nutritional research was an important historical precedent for later studies made in emergency situations or armed conflicts. Similar surveys have been carried out in the last several decades by distinguished academic departments of public health and epidemiology and by humanitarian aid agencies.
The Health of Older Mexican Americans in the Long Run
Authors: González Hector M. , Ceballos Miguel , Tarraf Wassim , West Brady T. , Bowen Mary E. , Vega William A.
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We compared risk for several medical illnesses between immigrant and US-born older Mexican Americans to determine the relationship between functional health and years of US residency among immigrants.

Methods. Cross-sectional, multistage probability sample data for 3050 Mexican Americans aged 65 years or older from 5 US southwestern states were analyzed. Self-rated health, medical illnesses, and functional measures were examined in multivariate regression models that included nativity and years of US residency as key predictors.

Results. Self-rated health and medical illnesses of immigrant and US-born groups did not differ significantly. Immigrants with longer US residency had significantly higher cognitive functioning scores and fewer problems with functional activities after adjustment for predisposing and medical need factors.

Conclusions. Among older Mexican Americans, immigrant health advantages over their US-born counterparts were not apparent. Immigrants had better health functioning with longer US residency that may derive from greater socioeconomic resources. Our findings suggest that the negative acculturation–health relationship found among younger immigrant adults may become a positive relationship in later life.
Differential Trends in Weight-Related Health Behaviors Among American Young Adults by Gender, Race/Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status: 1984–2006
Authors: Clarke Philippa J. , O'Malley Patrick M. , Johnston Lloyd D. , Schulenberg John E. , Lantz Paula
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We investigated temporal patterns from 1984 to 2006 in 6 weight-related health behaviors by using longitudinal data for multiple cohorts of young adults (aged 19–26 years) from the nationally representative Monitoring the Future Study.

Methods. We used growth curve models to examine historical trends in 6 health behaviors: frequency of eating breakfast, eating green vegetables, eating fruit, exercising, watching television, and sleeping 7 hours each night. Variations across gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status were investigated.

Results. Frequency of exercising was consistently lower among young adult women than young adult men over this 23-year period. Compared with White women, Hispanic women, and women from other race/ethnic groups, Black women showed declines in the frequency of exercise since 1984. In general, young adult women showed a marked increase in the frequency of eating breakfast over this period, although Black women did not show any net gains.

Conclusions. Social disparities in body weight may increase because Black women, Hispanic women, and men with lower socioeconomic status show declining trends in positive weight-related health behaviors compared with White young adults with higher socioeconomic status.
Expenditures for Public Health: Assessing Historical and Prospective Trends
Authors: Kinner Kyle , Pellegrini Cindy
Published: August 2009

We integrated publicly available fiscal and budgetary data to assess historical and prospective trends in public health system funding at the federal, state, and local levels in relation to the recommended objectives outlined in the Institute of Medicine's definitive 2002 report. Although historical growth rates for public health expenditures at all levels were competitive with other major funding objects (requested or funded budget items), outlays for health care services and medical research dwarfed public health spending in absolute amounts. Competition for scarce discretionary resources, competing policy priorities, and protracted fiscal pressures will make it difficult for public health systems to achieve the recommended objectives.
Tobacco Companies’ Use of Developing Countries’ Economic Reliance on Tobacco to Lobby Against Global Tobacco Control: The Case of Malawi
Authors: Otañez Martin G. , Mamudu Hadii M. , Glantz Stanton A.
Published: August 2009

Transnational tobacco manufacturing and tobacco leaf companies engage in numerous efforts to oppose global tobacco control. One of their strategies is to stress the economic importance of tobacco to the developing countries that grow it.

We analyze tobacco industry documents and ethnographic data to show how tobacco companies used this argument in the case of Malawi, producing and disseminating reports promoting claims of losses of jobs and foreign earnings that would result from the impending passage of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). In addition, they influenced the government of Malawi to introduce resolutions or make amendments to tobacco-related resolutions in meetings of United Nations organizations, succeeding in temporarily displacing health as the focus in tobacco control policymaking. However, these efforts did not substantially weaken the FCTC.
Gender Differences in Chronic Medical, Psychiatric, and Substance-Dependence Disorders Among Jail Inmates
Authors: Binswanger Ingrid A. , Merrill Joseph O. , Krueger Patrick M. , White Mary C. , Booth Robert E. , Elmore Joann G.
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We investigated whether there were gender differences in chronic medical, psychiatric, and substance-dependence disorders among jail inmates and whether substance dependence mediated any gender differences found.

Methods. We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey of 6982 US jail inmates. Weighted estimates of disease prevalence were calculated by gender for chronic medical disorders (cancer, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, asthma, hepatitis, and cirrhosis), psychiatric disorders (depressive, bipolar, psychotic, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and personality), and substance-dependence disorders. We conducted logistic regression to examine the relationship between gender and these disorders.

Results. Compared with men, women had a significantly higher prevalence of all medical and psychiatric conditions (P ≤ .01 for each) and drug dependence (P < .001), but women had a lower prevalence of alcohol dependence (P < .001). Gender differences persisted after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and substance dependence.

Conclusions. Women in jail had a higher burden of chronic medical disorders, psychiatric disorders, and drug dependence than men, including conditions found more commonly in men in the general population. Thus, there is a need for targeted attention to the chronic medical, psychiatric, and drug-treatment needs of women at risk for incarceration, both in jail and after release.
A Multilevel Analysis of Individual, Household, and Neighborhood Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence Among Low-Income Pregnant Women in Jefferson County, Alabama
Authors: Li Qing , Kirby Russell S. , Sigler Robert T. , Hwang Sean-Shong , LaGory Mark E. , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We examined individual, household, and neighborhood correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) before and during pregnancy.

Methods. We used multilevel modeling to investigate IPV among 2887 pregnant women in 112 census tracts who sought prenatal care in 8 public clinics in Jefferson County, Alabama, from 1997 through 2001. Data were collected from the Perinatal Emphasis Research Center project, the 2000 Census, and the local Sheriff and Police Departments Uniform Crime Reports for 1997 through 2001.

Results. Participants were predominantly young, African American, on Medicaid, and residents of low-income neighborhoods. The prevalence of past-year male partner–perpetrated physical or sexual violence was 7.4%. Neighborhood residential stability, women performing most of the housework (lack of involvement among partners), being unmarried (being in an uncommitted relationship), and alcohol use were positively associated with elevated IPV risk. Significant protective factors for IPV included older age at first vaginal intercourse and a greater sense of mastery (e.g., the perception of oneself as an effective person).

Conclusions. Both neighborhood contextual and individual and household compositional effects are associated with IPV among low-income pregnant women. The results imply that combined interventions to improve neighborhood conditions and strengthen families may effectively reduce IPV.
Maternal Weathering and Risk of Preterm Delivery
Authors: Holzman Claudia , Eyster Janet , Kleyn Mary , Messer Lynne C. , Kaufman Jay S. , Laraia Barbara A. , O'Campo Patricia , Burke Jessica G. , Culhane Jennifer , Elo Irma T.
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We compared the association between advancing maternal age and risk of preterm delivery across 4 groups (Black smokers, Black nonsmokers, White smokers, White nonsmokers) and within the context of neighborhood deprivation levels.

Methods. We obtained data from linked census and birth records for singletons (n = 182 938) delivered by women aged 20 to 39 years in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; 16 Michigan cities; 3 Maryland counties; and 2 North Carolina counties. Results from area-specific multilevel logistic regression models were combined to obtain pooled estimates of relations between maternal age and risk of preterm delivery. We repeated the models after categorizing women by neighborhood deprivation level (low, medium, and high).

Results. Among multiparous women, there was a significant age-related increase in preterm delivery in 3 of the 4 groups. The adjusted odds ratio per 5-year age increase was 1.31 in Black smokers, 1.11 in Black nonsmokers, and 1.16 in White smokers. In each group, the odds ratio increased as neighborhood deprivation increased.

Conclusions. These results support the “weathering” hypothesis, suggesting that Black women, women with high-risk behaviors, and women living in high-deprivation neighborhoods may develop “accelerated aging” that increases preterm delivery risk.
Dimensions of Sexual Orientation and the Prevalence of Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the United States
Authors: Bostwick Wendy B. , Boyd Carol J. , Hughes Tonda L. , McCabe Sean Esteban
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We used data from a nationally representative sample to examine the associations among 3 dimensions of sexual orientation (identity, attraction, and behavior), lifetime and past-year mood and anxiety disorders, and sex.

Methods. We analyzed data from wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Results. Mental health outcomes differed by sex, dimension of sexual orientation, and sexual minority group. Whereas a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity was associated with higher odds of any mood or anxiety disorder for both men and women, women reporting only same-sex sexual partners in their lifetime had the lowest rates of most disorders. Higher odds of any lifetime mood or anxiety disorder were more consistent and pronounced among sexual minority men than among sexual minority women. Finally, bisexual behavior conferred the highest odds of any mood or anxiety disorder for both males and females.

Conclusions. Findings point to mental health disparities among some, but not all, sexual minority groups and emphasize the importance of including multiple measures of sexual orientation in population-based health studies.
Exploring Nonresponse Bias in a Health Survey Using Neighborhood Characteristics
Authors: Lee Sunghee , Brown E. Richard , Grant David , Belin Thomas R. , Brick J. Michael
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We examined potential nonresponse bias in a large-scale, population-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey in California and its association with the response rate.

Methods. We used California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data and US Census data and linked the two data sets at the census tract level. We compared a broad range of neighborhood characteristics of respondents and nonrespondents to CHIS. We projected individual-level nonresponse bias using the neighborhood characteristics.

Results. We found little to no substantial difference in neighborhood characteristics between respondents and nonrespondents. The response propensity of the CHIS sample was similarly distributed across these characteristics. The projected nonresponse bias appeared very small.

Conclusions. The response rate in CHIS did not result in significant nonresponse bias and did not substantially affect the level of data representativeness, and it is not valid to focus on response rates alone in determining the quality of survey data.
Toward Understanding Suicide Among Youths: Results From the White Mountain Apache Tribally Mandated Suicide Surveillance System, 2001–2006
Authors: Mullany Britta , Barlow Allison , Goklish Novalene , Larzelere-Hinton Francene , Cwik Mary , Craig Mariddie , Walkup John T.
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We examined suicide and suicide attempt rates, patterns, and risk factors among White Mountain Apache youths (aged < 25 years) from 2001 to 2006 as the first phase of a community-based participatory research process to design and evaluate suicide prevention interventions.

Methods. Apache paraprofessionals gathered data as part of a tribally mandated suicide surveillance system. We compared findings to other North American populations.

Results. Between 2001 and 2006, 61% of Apache suicides occurred among youths younger than 25 years. Annual rates among those aged 15 to 24 years were highest: 128.5 per 100 000, 13 times the US all-races rate and 7 times the American Indian and Alaska Native rate. The annual suicide attempt incidence rate in this age group was 3.5%. The male-to-female ratio was 5:1 for suicide and approximately 1:1 for suicide attempts. Hanging was the most common suicide method, and third most common attempt method. The most frequently cited attempt precipitants were family or intimate partner conflict.

Conclusions. An innovative tribal surveillance system identified high suicide and attempt rates and unique patterns and risk factors of suicidal behavior among Apache youths. Findings are guiding targeted suicide prevention programs.
Health Status of People Undergoing Foreclosure in the Philadelphia Region
Authors: Pollack Craig Evan , Lynch Julia
Published: August 2009

Objectives. We assessed the health status of people undergoing mortgage foreclosure in the Philadelphia region to determine if there was a relationship between foreclosure and health.

Methods. Participants were recruited in partnership with a mortgage counseling agency. Participants' health status and health care use were compared with a community sample from the 2008 Southeastern Pennsylvania Household Health Survey. We used publicly filed foreclosure records to assess response bias.

Results. Of the 250 people recruited, 36.7% met screening criteria for major depression. The foreclosure sample was significantly more likely than the community sample to not have insurance coverage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49, 3.48) and to not have filled a prescription because of cost in the preceding year (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI = 2.45, 4.83). Approximately 9% of the participants reported that their own or a family member's medical condition was the primary reason they were undergoing foreclosure. More than a quarter of those in foreclosure (27.7%) stated that they owed money to medical creditors.

Conclusions. Foreclosure affects already-vulnerable populations. Public health practitioners may be able to leverage current efforts to connect homeowners with mortgage counseling agencies to improve health care access.
Model-based evaluation of control strategies for phosphorus removal in a full-scale advanced phase isolation ditch process
Authors: Kim H. , Kim Y. , Cha J. , Min K. , Gee J. , Kim C.
Published: August 2009

A model-based evaluation of operation conditions and control strategies was conducted for phosphorus removal in a full-scale Advanced Phase Isolation Ditch (APID) process. The APID process is an alternating type and does not have a separated anaerobic reactor. We suggested that it would be a suitable operational option for robust phosphorus removal by having a different input point for the influent and return sludge flow at specific modes. For evaluation of control strategies, three cases of influent disturbance were assumed, and five manipulated variables were selected for controlling the cases of disturbance. In the case of an increased influent flow rate, a combination of four manipulated variables is proposed through our simulation results as the best control strategy. The optimal kLa value was found to be 250/d when pollutants loading kept increasing without variations in the flow rate. When both the pollutants loading and the influent flow rates were increased simultaneously, the robust control strategy is to combine the return sludge inflow point, the exclusive operation modes which have a relatively long hydraulic retention time (HRT), operation period of 30 minutes, and the increase of the return sludge flow rate in proportion to the influent flow rate added to 300/d of kLa value.
Fault tree analysis for data-loss in long-term monitoring networks
Authors: Dirksen J. , ten Veldhuis J. A. E. , Schilperoort R. P. S.
Published: August 2009

Prevention of data-loss is an important aspect in the design as well as the operational phase of monitoring networks since data-loss can seriously limit intended information yield. In the literature limited attention has been paid to the origin of unreliable or doubtful data from monitoring networks. Better understanding of causes of data-loss points out effective solutions to increase data yield. This paper introduces FTA as a diagnostic tool to systematically deduce causes of data-loss in long-term monitoring networks in urban drainage systems. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of FTA, a fault tree is developed for a monitoring network and FTA is applied to analyze the data yield of a UV/VIS submersible spectrophotometer. Although some of the causes of data-loss cannot be recovered because the historical database of metadata has been updated infrequently, the example points out that FTA still is a powerful tool to analyze the causes of data-loss and provides useful information on effective data-loss prevention.
Analytical limits of three β-glucosidase-based commercial culture methods used in environmental microbiology, to detect enterococci
Authors: Maheux Andrée F. , Picard François J. , Boissinot Maurice , Huppé Vicky , Bissonnette Luc , Bernier Jean-Luc T. , Cantin Philippe , Huletsky Ann , Bergeron Michel G.
Published: August 2009

The enzyme-based test methods Enterolert, Chromocult Enterococci agar, and mEI agar, used to assess water quality through the detection Enterococcus spp., have been compared in terms of their analytical specificity and their ability to detect various enterococcal strains. To achieve this goal, we have tested 110 different non-enterococcal bacterial strains and 101 strains of Enterococcus spp. isolated from diverse origins. The results obtained showed that 69 (68.3%), 84 (83.2%), and 89 (88.1%) of the 101 enterococcal strains tested respectively yielded a positive signal with Enterolert, mEI, and Chromocult Enterococci. Regarding the specificity, none of the non-Enterococcus spp. strains tested were detectable by any of the three culture methods, except for Granulicatella adiacens which turned out positive on Chromocult Enterococci. The results of this study showed that, based on our collection of strains, the Enterolert test method detected less enterococcal strains than the two other methods.
Inspection of deteriorating asbestos cement force mains with georadar technique
Authors: Smolders S. , Verhoest L. , De Gueldre G. , Van De Steene B.
Published: August 2009

Several breaks on asbestos cement force mains indicated a problem with these kind of force mains. An inspection technique that could give a good idea about the state of asbestos cement pipes was searched for. A georadar technique already existed to inspect drinking water mains and gravity sewers. The technique measures the wall thickness of cement containing materials and it can differentiate between ‘healthy’ and deteriorated material. The technique was applied on four wastewater force mains in Flanders. The results indicated a rapid deterioration of the asbestos cement. A deterioration mechanism called ‘calcium leaching’ was known from asbestos cement drinking water mains. Further it was known that H2S is produced in force mains and that it can attack concrete containing materials by mains of biogenic sulphuric acid attack. This research checked if both deterioration mechanisms cause the measured rapid deterioration of the asbestos cement force mains. Finally deterioration speeds and minimum required wall thickness were calculated. With the results the residual lifetimes of the force mains were calculated and these could be applied in an asset management program.
Design of self-cleansing sanitary sewer systems with the use of flushing devices
Authors: Goormans T. , Engelen D. , Bouteligier R. , Willems P. , Berlamont J.
Published: August 2009

Many European countries tend to shift from constructing combined sewer systems to separate ones, in order to optimise wastewater treatment efficiency and reduce CSO impact on surface waters. An economic design minimises maintenance requirements by aiming at self-cleansing pipes. However, providing the necessary slopes for self-cleansing sanitary sewer pipes often is unfeasible in flat regions, resulting in an increased risk of loss of hydraulic capacity or blocking. To reduce these risks, flushing tanks can be installed in the sewer system. Where most other researchers contribute to a better understanding of the hydraulics of flushing, this paper rather tries to formulate a methodology to design and test flushing devices in sanitary sewer systems using standards and hydrodynamic simulations. Therefore, several aspects that require consideration when incorporating flushing devices into a sanitary sewer system are discussed. For instance, when flushing sanitary sewers the increase in discharge has to be explicitly considered. A Belgian case study is used to investigate the suitability of the developed methodology. Although the pipe slopes in the methodology are derived assuming uniform flow, the simulation results comply with it. Furthermore, pressurisation of the conduits due to multiple flushing waves remains within acceptable limits.
An eco-compatible process for the depuration of wastewater from olive mill industry
Authors: Ena A. , Pintucci C. , Faraloni C. , Torzillo G.
Published: August 2009

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is the by-product of olive oil industrial production. It is characterized by a dark brownish color and a strong odor and is considered one of the most polluted agricultural wastes. In this paper we briefly describe an innovative procedure for the depuration of olive mill wastewater. With this procedure it is also possible to recover valuable substances such as phenolic compounds which have important commercial applications: they can be used in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and as antiviral, antioxidant and antitumor agents. The proposed OMW treatment uses two different packed vegetable matrices which remove most of the pollutant substances by absorption. After filtration of OMW on the matrices the pollutant load of the waste is greatly reduced: the organic content (COD) is reduced more than 80% and the phenol compounds are completely removed.
Start-up of an aerobic granular sequencing batch reactor for the treatment of winery wastewater
Authors: López–Palau S. , Dosta J. , Mata-Álvarez J.
Published: August 2009

Aerobic granular sludge was cultivated in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) in order to remove the organic matter present in winery wastewater. The formation of granules was performed using a synthetic substrate. The selection parameter was the settling time, as well as the alternation of feast-famine periods, the air velocity and the height/diameter ratio of the reactor. After 10 days of operation under these conditions, the first aggregates could be observed. Filamentous bacteria were still present in the reactor but they disappeared progressively. During the start-up, COD loading was increased from 2.7 to 22.5 kg COD/(m3 day) in order to obtain a feast period between 30 and 60 minutes. At this point, granules were quite round, with a particle diameter between 3.0 and 4.0 mm and an average density of 6 g L−1. After 120 days of operation, synthetic media was replaced by real winery wastewater, with a COD loading of 6 kg COD/(m3 day). The decrease of the organic load implied a reduction of the aggregate diameter and a density increase up to 13.2 g L−1. The effluent was free of organic matter and the solids concentration in the reactor reached 6 g VSS L−1.
Elementary Student Self Efficacy Scale Development and Validation Focused on Student Learning, Peer Relations, and Resisting Drug Use
Authors: Fertman Carl I. , Primack Brian A.
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of a child self efficacy scale for learning, peer interactions, and resisting pressure to use drugs, to use in an elementary school drug prevention education program based on social cognitive theory. A diverse cohort of 392 4th and 5th grade students completed the 20-item self efficacy scale and social support and social skills instruments. The results provide evidence for a valid and reliable 3-factor self efficacy scale. Subscale internal consistency reliability was good to excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.75, 0.83, 0.91). Construct validity was supported by correlations between each subscale and social skills, social support, and demographic data. The scale has potential as a tool to measure self efficacy in children related to learning, peer interactions, and resisting peer pressure to use drugs and to help shape drug education programs.
Turkish High School Students' Attitudes toward Addictive Substances: Association with Perceived Parental Attitudes
Authors: Üstüner Mehmet , Aksoy Kasim , Ozer Niyazi
Published: August 2009

The aim of this research is twofold: 1) to determine attitudes of high school students toward addictive substances; and 2) to determine students' attitudes toward addictive substances in terms of some variables including gender, grade, and perceived parental attitudes. To this end, Addictive Substances Attitudes Scale and Parental Attitudes Scale were given to a sample of 745 high school students (F = 330, M = 415) chosen by purposive sampling method. Results showed that compared to the males, females had more negative attitudes toward addictive substances. And compared to students from the upper grades, students from lower grades had more negative attitudes toward addictive substances. It is also found that students' attitudes toward addictive substances correlate with perceived parental attitudes. The correlation is low and positive for perceived democratic parental attitudes ( r = .29), negative and low for perceived authoritarian parental attitudes ( r = −.27).
The Influence of Religiosity and Spirituality on Drinking Behaviors: Differences between Students Attending Two Southern Universities
Authors: Dennis Dixie L. , Cox William , Black Anne , Muller Susan
Published: August 2009

The purpose of this study was to determine if students (n = 431) from two southern universities—one in the “buckle” of the Bible-belt, the other a southern “border” state—have different drinking behaviors depending on their religiosity and spirituality. Approximately 95% of students indicated that they had at least one drink of alcohol during their lives, with almost 82% reporting that they used alcohol in the past 30 days. Binge drinking among underage students increased every year (approximately 43% to almost 70%). Students from the buckle university had higher degrees of religiosity and spirituality and reported fewer unhealthy drinking behaviors than those from the border university. By creating a learning environment where students are encouraged to increase the spiritual dimension of health, health educators may alleviate potentially deadly consequences of alcohol.
Subsampling Hair Samples Affects Accuracy and Precision of DNA‐Based Population Estimates
Authors: DREHER BRIAN P. , ROSA GUILHERME J. M. , LUKACS PAUL M. , SCRIBNER KIM T. , WINTERSTEIN SCOTT R.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  Variance in population estimates is affected by the number of samples that are chosen to genotype when multiple samples are available during a sampling period. Using genetic data obtained from noninvasive hair‐snags used to sample black bears (Ursus americanus) in the Northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA, we developed a bootstrapping simulation to determine how precision of population estimates varied based on the number of samples genotyped. Improvements in precision of population estimates were not monotonic over all samples sizes available for genotyping. Estimates of cost, both financially and in terms of bias associated with increasing genotyping error and benefits in terms of greater estimate precision, will vary by species and field conditions and should be determined empirically.
Postbranding Survival of Steller Sea Lion Pups at Lowrie Island in Southeast Alaska
Authors: HASTINGS KELLY K. , GELATT TOM S. , KING JAMES C.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups (n = 366) were hot‐branded at Lowrie Island, Southeast Alaska, USA, in June 2001 and 2002 for vital‐rates studies. To assess potential mortality following branding, we estimated weekly survival to 12 weeks postbranding using mark‐recapture models. Survival estimates ranged from 0.984/week to 0.988/week, or 0.868 over the 12‐week period; varied little with sex, year, and capture area; and were higher for larger than smaller male pups and unexpectedly lower for larger than smaller female pups. Inclusion of resights at 1–3 years of age prevented a −4.5% bias in cumulative survival to 12 weeks postbranding by accounting for pups that survived but permanently emigrated from Lowrie Island during the 12‐week survey. Data from double‐marked pups (i.e., branded and flipper‐tagged) indicated the low brand‐misreading probability of 3.1% did not bias survival estimates. Assuming survival differences between the first 2 weeks postbranding and later weeks were due entirely to the branding event, potential postbranding mortality of branded pups attributable to the branding event was 0.5–0.7%, or one pup for every 200 marked. Weekly survival of branded pups was nearly identical to estimates from a control group of undisturbed, unbranded pups born to 10–11‐year‐old branded adult females in 2005 (0.987–0.988/week) and similar to pup survival estimates from other otariid studies. Available data did not indicate substantial mortality to 12 weeks postbranding resulting from the branding disturbance, suggesting branding of Steller sea lion pups can be used effectively for investigations of population declines without significantly affecting population health or study goals.
Effects of Tissue Collection Methods on Morphometrics and Survival of Captive Neonatal Northern Bobwhite
Authors: EVANS KRISTINE O. , BURGER LOREN W. , FAIRCLOTH BRANT C. , PALMER WILLIAM E. , CARROLL JOHN P.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  We assessed effects of tissue collection methods (i.e., patagial microbiopsy and down feathers) and chick age at sampling on morphometrics and 21‐day survival of 600 captive neonatal northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). We observed minimal effects on morphometrics and no difference in survival among patagial microbiopsy (x̄ = 0.96 ± 0.03), down feathers (x̄ = 0.92 ± 0.04), and control (x̄ = 0.86 ± 0.05) methods. DNA analysis from patagial microbiopsy, down feather, and egg tooth samples showed greater concentrations of DNA from patagial microbiopsy (x̄ = 10.28 ± 1.74 μg/ml) than either down feather (x̄ = 4.10 ± 1.74 μg/ml) or egg teeth (x̄ = 2.35 ± 1.74 μg/ml).
Expenditures and Effort Associated With Recovery of Breeding Atlantic Coast Piping Plovers
Authors: HECHT ANNE , MELVIN SCOTT M.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  We calculated expenditures and hours of staff and volunteer time dedicated to monitoring and managing the United States breeding population of Atlantic Coast piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) in 1993 and 2002 and considered implications for recovery of this management‐dependent species. In 2002, 73 federal, state, and local governmental agencies and private organizations played key roles in conservation efforts at 281 piping plover breeding sites. Total inflation‐adjusted estimated expenditures increased by 51% between 1993 and 2002, from US$2.28 million to $3.44 million, but annual per‐pair expenditures declined 4% from $2,459 to $2,350, and hours of paid‐staff effort were similar (93 hr/pair in 1993, 95 hr in 2002). Expenditures for on‐site monitoring and management were greater than for 6 other categories of expenses in both years and increased from 42% to 59% of total costs between 1993 and 2002. Staff time and expenditures were higher at sites where more labor‐intensive efforts to protect plovers from recreation and other human use were necessitated by greater human accessibility. Total expenditures in 2002 were modest compared to those for some other threatened and endangered species and to costs of large beach‐stabilization projects. Our results provide a baseline for estimating future costs of piping plover protection, including development and implementation of the long‐term management agreements that will be required to remove this species from United States Endangered Species Act protection. Impediments to reducing costs for Atlantic Coast piping plovers are the species’ widespread distribution at low densities and the unrelenting threats posed by human activities and predators. Modest economies of scale may be achieved through arrangements for management and monitoring that span multiple landowners and include other at‐risk beach species.
Population Growth and Demography of Common Loons in the Northern United States
Authors: GREAR JASON S. , MEYER MICHAEL W. , COOLEY JOHN H. , KUHN ANNE , PIPER WALTER H. , MITRO MATTHEW G. , VOGEL HARRY S. , TAYLOR KATE M. , KENOW KEVIN P. , CRAIG STACY M. , NACCI DIANE E.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT We used recent developments in theoretical population ecology to construct basic models of common loon (Gavia immer) demography and population dynamics. We parameterized these models using existing survival estimates and data from long‐term monitoring of loon productivity and abundance. Our models include deterministic, 2‐stage, density‐independent matrix models, yielding population growth‐rate estimates (λ) of 0.99 and 1.01 for intensively studied populations in our Wisconsin, USA, and New Hampshire, USA, study areas, respectively. Perturbation analysis of these models indicated that estimated growth rate is extremely sensitive to adult survival, as expected for this long‐lived species. Also, we examined 20 years of count data for the 2 areas and evaluated support for a set of count‐based models of population growth. We detected no temporal trend in Wisconsin, which would be consistent with fluctuation around an average equilibrium state but could also result from data limitations. For New Hampshire, the model set included varying formulations of density dependence and partitioning of stochasticity that were enabled by the annual sampling resolution. The best model for New Hampshire included density regulation of population growth and, along with the demographic analyses for both areas, provided insight into the possible importance of breeding habitat availability and the abundance of nonbreeding adults. Based on these results, we recommend that conservation organizations include nonbreeder abundance in common loon monitoring efforts and that additional emphasis be placed on identifying and managing human influences on adult loon survival.
A Large‐Scale Mitigation Experiment to Reduce Bat Fatalities at Wind Energy Facilities
Authors: BAERWALD ERIN F. , EDWORTHY JASON , HOLDER MATT , BARCLAY ROBERT M. R.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  Until large numbers of bat fatalities began to be reported at certain North American wind energy facilities, wildlife concerns regarding wind energy focused primarily on bird fatalities. Due in part to mitigation to reduce bird fatalities, bat fatalities now outnumber those of birds. To test one mitigation option aimed at reducing bat fatalities at wind energy facilities, we altered the operational parameters of 21 turbines at a site with high bat fatalities in southwestern Alberta, Canada, during the peak fatality period. By altering when turbine rotors begin turning in low winds, either by changing the wind‐speed trigger at which the turbine rotors are allowed to begin turning or by altering blade angles to reduce rotor speed, blades were near motionless in low wind speeds, which resulted in a significant reduction in bat fatalities (by 60.0% or 57.5%, respectively). Although these are promising mitigation techniques, further experiments are needed to assess costs and benefits at other locations.
Avian and Bat Fatality Rates at Old‐Generation and Repowered Wind Turbines in California
Authors: SMALLWOOD K. SHAWN , KARAS BRIAN
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  Wind turbines in the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area (APWRA), California, USA, have caused annual fatalities of thousands of raptors and other birds. Alameda County implemented an Avian Protection Program requiring mitigation measures and eventual repowering to modern wind turbines, all intended to reduce raptor fatality rates 50% from levels estimated for 1998–2003. Two years into the 3‐year program, we compared estimates of fatality rates between 1998–2003 and 2005–2007 and between a repowered wind project (Diablo Winds) and the APWRA's old‐generation wind turbines. The APWRA‐wide fatality rates increased significantly for multiple bird species, including 85% for all raptors and 51% for all birds. Fatality rates caused by the Diablo Winds repowering project were not lower than replaced turbines, but they were 54% and 66% lower for raptors and all birds, respectively, than those of concurrently operating old‐generation turbines in 2005–2007. Because new‐generation turbines can generate nearly 3 times the energy per megawatt of rated capacity compared to the APWRA's old turbines, repowering the APWRA could reduce mean annual fatality rates by 54% for raptors and 65% for all birds, while more than doubling annual wind‐energy generation. Alternatively, the nameplate capacity of a repowered APWRA could be restricted to 209 megawatts to meet current energy generation (about 700 gigawatt‐hr), thereby reducing mean annual fatalities by 83% for raptors and 87% for all birds. In lieu of repowering, bird fatalities could be reduced by enforcing operating permits and environmental laws and by the County requiring implementation of the Alameda County Scientific Review Committee's recommendations.
Influence of Well Pad Activity on Winter Habitat Selection Patterns of Mule Deer
Authors: SAWYER HALL , KAUFFMAN MATTHEW J. , NIELSON RYAN M.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  Conversion of native winter range into producing gas fields can affect the habitat selection and distribution patterns of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Understanding how levels of human activity influence mule deer is necessary to evaluate mitigation measures and reduce indirect habitat loss to mule deer on winter ranges with natural gas development. We examined how 3 types of well pads with varying levels of vehicle traffic influenced mule deer habitat selection in western Wyoming during the winters of 2005–2006 and 2006–2007. Well pad types included producing wells without a liquids gathering system (LGS), producing wells with a LGS, and well pads with active directional drilling. We used 36,699 Global Positioning System locations collected from a sample (n = 31) of adult (>1.5‐yr‐old) female mule deer to model probability of use as a function of traffic level and other habitat covariates. We treated each deer as the experimental unit and developed a population‐level resource selection function for each winter by averaging coefficients among models for individual deer. Model coefficients and predictive maps for both winters suggested that mule deer avoided all types of well pads and selected areas further from well pads with high levels of traffic. Accordingly, impacts to mule deer could probably be reduced through technology and planning that minimizes the number of well pads and amount of human activity associated with them. Our results suggested that indirect habitat loss may be reduced by approximately 38–63% when condensate and produced water are collected in LGS pipelines rather than stored at well pads and removed via tanker trucks. The LGS seemed to reduce long‐term (i.e., production phase) indirect habitat loss to wintering mule deer, whereas drilling in crucial winter range created a short‐term (i.e., drilling phase) increase in deer disturbance and indirect habitat loss. Recognizing how mule deer respond to different types of well pads and traffic regimes may improve the ability of agencies and industry to estimate cumulative effects and quantify indirect habitat losses associated with different development scenarios.
Performance of Spread Spectrum Global Positioning System Collars on Grizzly and Black Bears
Authors: SCHWARTZ CHARLES C. , PODRUZNY SHANNON , CAIN STEVEN L. , CHERRY STEVE
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT  Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry is a prevalent tool now used in the study of large mammals. Global Positioning Systems either store the data on board the collar or contain a remote‐transfer system that allows for data recovery at more frequent intervals. Spread spectrum (S‐S) technology is a new mode of data transfer designed to overcome interference problems associated with narrow‐band very high frequency and ultra high frequency data‐transfer systems. We evaluated performance of S‐S GPS radiocollars deployed on grizzly (Ursus arctos) and black bears (U. americanus). We also evaluated variables that influenced GPS fix success rates, with particular focus on animal activity, time of year, and temperature. The S‐S GPS collars performed to our expectations and met study objectives; we did not experience any major problems with the data‐transfer system. We observed varying rates of fix success that were directly related to recorded activity counts. Using logistic regression, we verified that activity counts were a reasonable measure of resting or feeding‐traveling in both bear species. Our results showed that 73% and 79% of missed fixes, respectively, occurred when we predicted black and grizzly bears to be resting. Temperatures measured in the canister of the collar were not correlated with air temperature, suggesting posture and activity influenced canister temperature. Both measures of temperature were predictive of fix success. We did not find that fix success was related to body morphology (i.e., neck circumference, mass, and chest girth), fix interval, position of the GPS antenna relative to the sky, or sex of the bear. We conclude that fix success for both species is strongly related to activity patterns and time of year. Activity counters appear to be a reasonable measure of this behavior, and we recommend researchers consider including an activity‐count system when deploying GPS collars. We also recommend researchers explore building separate models of habitat selection based upon categories of activity to account for bias in fix success associated with bear behavior.