bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An assessment of two-step linear regression and multifactor probit analysis as alternatives to acute to chronic ratios in the estimation of chronic response from acute toxicity data to derive water quality guidelines
Authors: Slaughter Andrew R , Palmer Carolyn G , Muller Wilhelmine J 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
In aquatic ecotoxicology, acute to chronic ratios (ACRs) are often used to predict chronic responses from available acute data to derive water quality guidelines, despite many problems associated with this method. This paper explores the comparative protectiveness and accuracy of predicted guideline values derived from the ACR, linear regression analysis (LRA), and multifactor probit analysis (MPA) extrapolation methods applied to acute toxicity data for aquatic macroinvertebrates. Although the authors of the LRA and MPA methods advocate the use of extrapolated lethal effects in the 0.01% to 10% lethal concentration (LC0.01-LC10) range to predict safe chronic exposure levels to toxicants, the use of an extrapolated LC50 value divided by a safety factor of 5 was in addition explored here because of higher statistical confidence surrounding the LC50 value. The LRA LC50/5 method was found to compare most favorably with available experimental chronic toxicity data and was therefore most likely to be sufficiently protective, although further validation with the use of additional species is needed. Values derived by the ACR method were the least protective. It is suggested that there is an argument for the replacement of ACRs in developing water quality guidelines by the LRA LC50/5 method.
Uncertainty in msPAF-based ecotoxicological effect factors for freshwater ecosystems in life cycle impact assessment
Authors: van Zelm Rosalie , Huijbregts Mark AJ , Harbers Jasper V , Wintersen Arjen , Struijs Jaap , Posthuma Leo , van de Meent Dik 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Ecotoxicological effect factors are part of the analysis of relative impacts by chemical contaminants on ecosystems. Uncertainty distributions, represented by the 90% confidence interval, belonging to ecotoxicological effect factors for freshwater ecosystems were determined. This study includes 869 high production volume chemicals, related to 7 nonspecific toxic modes of action (TMoAs). The ecotoxicological effect factors are divided into a TMoA-specific part and a chemical-specific part. The 90% confidence interval of the TMoA-specific part of the effect factor ranges from 23 orders of magnitude for acrylate toxicity to 2 orders of magnitude for nonpolar narcosis. The range in the TMoA-specific part of the effect factor is mainly caused by uncertainty in the spread in toxic sensitivity between species (σj). Average uncertainty in the chemical-specific part of the effect factors depends on the number of species tested and ranges on average from a factor of 5 for more than 3 species tested to a factor of about 1,000 for 2 species tested. Average uncertainty in the ecotoxicological effect factors ranges from a factor of 100 for more than 3 species tested to a factor of nearly 10,000 for 2 species tested. It is recommended that the ecotoxicological effect factor of a chemical is based on toxicity data of at least 4 species.
In situ methods of measurement—an important line of evidence in the environmental risk framework
Authors: Wharfe Jim , Adams William , Apitz Sabine E , Barra Ricardo , Bridges Todd S , Hickey Chris , Ireland Scott 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
A tiered framework provides a structured approach to assess and manage risk and underpins much of the legislation concerning chemicals and environmental management. Management decisions regarding appropriate controls can have high cost implications to the regulated community. The risk framework provides an evidence-based approach to reduce uncertainty in decision making. Traditional assessment is heavily dependent on laboratory-generated toxicity test data and estimations of exposure and effect. Despite many well documented demonstrations of in situ methodologies, they are rarely used by regulators to help improve assessment or to validate risk. Emerging legislation puts greater emphasis on environmental outcomes and represents a significant shift from the reliance on chemical measures alone toward biological responses that improve assessment and demonstrate ecological benefit. Diagnostic methods, that could include in situ-based measures, will help assess and manage environments failing to achieve good status and it is likely that a weight of evidence approach will be needed to help inform management decisions. The potential application of such measures in the risk framework is reviewed in the context of current and emerging legislation concerning chemicals. Effect measures on the basis of in situ methods provide an alternative line of evidence and can help reduce uncertainty in decision making. Criteria are presented to help select appropriate methods in a multiple-line, weight of evidence approach.
Review of aquatic in situ approaches for stressor and effect diagnosis
Authors: Crane Mark , Burton G Allen , Culp Joseph M , Greenberg Marc S , Munkittrick Kelly R , Ribeiro Rui , Salazar Michael H , St-Jean Sylvie D 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Field-based (in situ) approaches are used increasingly for measuring biological effects and for stressor diagnoses in aquatic systems because these assessment tools provide realistic exposure environments that are rarely replicated in laboratory toxicity tests. Providing realistic exposure scenarios is important because environmental conditions can alter toxicity through complex exposure dynamics (e.g., multiple stressor interactions). In this critical review, we explore the information provided by aquatic in situ exposure and monitoring methods when compared with more traditional approaches and discuss the associated strengths and limitations of these techniques. In situ approaches can, under some circumstances, provide more valuable information to a decision maker than information from surveys of resident biota, laboratory toxicity tests, or chemical analyses alone. A decision tree is provided to assist decision makers in determining when in situ approaches can add value.
Application of multicriteria decision analysis tools to two contaminated sediment case studies
Authors: Yatsalo Boris I , Kiker Gregory A , Kim Jongbum , Bridges Todd S , Seager Thomas P , Gardner Kevin , Satterstrom F Kyle , Linkov Igor 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Environmental decision making is becoming increasingly more information intensive and complex. Our previous work shows that multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) tools offer a scientifically sound decision analytical framework for environmental management, in general, and specifically for selecting optimal sediment management alternatives. Integration of MCDA into risk assessment and sediment management may require linkage of different models and software platforms whose results may lead to somewhat different conclusions. This paper illustrates the application of 3 different MCDA methods in 2 case studies involving contaminated sediment management. These case studies are based on real sediment management problems experienced by the US Army Corps of Engineers and other stakeholders in New York/New Jersey Harbor, USA, and the Cocheco River Superfund Site in New Hampshire, USA. Our analysis shows that application of 3 different MCDA tools points to similar management solutions no matter which tool is applied. MCDA tools and approaches were constructively used to elicit the strengths and weaknesses of each method when solving the problem.
Case study of contaminated groundwater discharge: How in situ tools link an evolving conceptual site model with management decisions
Authors: Duncan P Bruce , Greenberg Marc S , Leja Stan , Williams Jonathan , Black Curt , Henry Richard G , Wilhelm Leon 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
In this paper, we show how simple in situ tools provide key insights into groundwater transport and exposure pathways. We illustrate how integration between managers, hydrogeologists, and ecologists, through the use of an evolving conceptual site model, helps direct management decisions. An initial conceptual site model was used to guide a preliminary investigation to determine the extent to which contaminant exposure from discharging groundwater occurs in a waterway. Regulatory agency managers, informed by phased input of data, supported extending the site investigation subtidally to identify the nature and extent of waterway contamination and to provide the basis for developing remedial alternatives. Approaches and tools used in this reconnaissance investigation included monitoring ambient surface water for groundwater signatures, installing minipiezometers within the sediment, and installing diffusion samplers and seepage meters. Despite high concentrations of contaminants in nearby piezometer samples, the diffusion sampler array indicated few locations with contaminant accumulation in the top 20 cm of the sediment. At the location where deployed, seepage meters demonstrated a high degree of connectivity and the potential for mass loading in the waterway. In the collective experience of the authors, this is one of the 1st sites where this comprehensive suite of tools has been applied in a regulatory setting to evaluate the movement of industrial contaminants beneath and into a waterway. This approach was effective because of integration of disciplines, unification of previously separate groundwater and sediment investigations, and collaboration across separate agencies and programs. In large part because of the results, the facility and agency managers agreed, and have begun a comprehensive subtidal investigation, to characterize the distribution of sediment and groundwater contamination and to quantify the groundwater flux to the surface water.
Environmental quality standards for water framework directive priority substances: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Crane Mark , Babut Marc 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
The recently published Daughter Directive on priority substances is the culmination of several years of effort by the European Commission to develop consistent, Europe-wide environmental quality standards (EQS) that are scientifically based and protective of Europe's surface waters. This commentary describes progress to date in deriving EQS under the Water Framework Directive and identifies some remaining challenges and opportunities. In the Daughter Directive, annual average EQS are set for surface waters for all 33 priority substances. No sediment standards are included, and biota EQS are proposed for methyl-mercury, hexachlorobenzene and hexachlorobutadiene. Important remaining questions include whether the standard chemical risk assessment methodology is appropriate for deriving water column EQS and whether it would be appropriate to derive EQS for sediment or biota or to adopt alternative strategies. Moreover, some cross-cutting issues about the cessation of discharges of naturally occurring or ubiquitous substances and the advantages and disadvantages of member states setting their own EQS are briefly addressed.
Calculation of suspended sediment deposition intensity in grass-covered floodplains
Authors: Rimkus Alfonsas , Vaikasas Saulius , Pukštas Romas 
Published: April 2007

Flooded river valley meadows are very important for river ecology, as they entrap sediments and sediment-bound nitrogen or heavy metals. Nevertheless, the grass-covered floodplains, particularly in river deltas, are often separated from the rivers by dykes. When such systems are designed, it is necessary to model sediment deposition in these separated areas. However, the existing calculation methods and models are adapted for flow over the sandy bottom. In the meadow flows there are other boundary conditions more favourable for sediment deposition.
The focus of our studies was the processes of suspended sediment deposition in the flooded delta of the River Nemunas. Calibration results of the mathematical model with common sediment deposition formulae for riverbed flows did not correspond to the data of measurements. The differences were obvious. Consequently, it was necessary to study the peculiarities of flow and sediment motion under these conditions, as well as to work out formulae suitable for calculations.
Influence of the reaction conditions on the formation of Tl(Re)-Ba-Ca-Cu-O superconducting thin films by thallination in open system
Authors: Dujavová Agáta , Valeriánová Michaela , Štrbík Vladimír , Matkovičová Zuzana , Plesch Gustav , Kostič Ivan 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Rhenium avoids air degradation of the target as well as of precursor thin films during the preparation of high temperature Tl-based superconductors. Addition of Re has been used during synthesis of oriented Tl(Re)-Ba-Ca-Cu-O films. High temperature superconducting Tl-based thin films were prepared by a two step method combining RF magnetron sputtering and ex-situ thallination. Precursors with a composition of Re0.1Ba2Ca2Cu3Ox were deposited on a CeO2 buffered R-plane sapphire substrate. The sputtered films were prepared at room temperature in an Ar atmosphere. The thallination of the precursor films was performed in a one zone configuration, where both the pellet and precursor film were kept at the same temperature. The thallination temperature varied in the range of 850–880°C and samples were held for 30, 45 and 60 min at this temperature in a flowing oxygen atmosphere. Besides Tl-2212, X-ray diffraction reveals the possibility of also preparing the Tl-2223 phase, which was until now not reported in a Re doped form.
Investigation of limitations of optical diffraction tomography
Authors: Kozacki T. , Kujawińska M. , Kniażewski P. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractOptical diffraction tomography (ODT) applied to measurement of optical microelements is limited by low dynamic range, i.e., only objects with small deviations of refractive-index distribution can be measured. Therefore in this paper the limitations and errors of ODT are investigated throughout extensive numerical experiments. It is shown that these errors can be reduced by introduction of additional numerical focusing in the tomographic reconstruction algorithm. Additionally, new tomographic reconstruction algorithm using back propagation in reference medium for optical microelements measurement with known design is proposed. This hybrid reconstruction algorithm allows significant extension of ODT applicability in measurement of elements having large deviations of refractive-index distribution.
New saliva DNA collection method compared to buccal cell collection techniques for epidemiological studies
Authors: Rogers Nikki L. , Cole Shelley A. , Lan Hao‐Chang , Crossa Aldo , Demerath Ellen W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpidemiological studies may require noninvasive methods for off‐site DNA collection. We compared the DNA yield and quality obtained using a whole‐saliva collection device (Oragene™ DNA collection kit) to those from three established noninvasive methods (cytobrush, foam swab, and oral rinse). Each method was tested on 17 adult volunteers from our center, using a random crossover collection design and analyzed using repeated‐measures statistics. DNA yield and quality were assessed via gel electrophoresis, spectophotometry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification rate. The whole‐saliva method provided a significantly greater DNA yield (mean ± SD = 154.9 ± 103.05 μg, median = 181.88) than the other methods (oral rinse = 54.74 ± 41.72 μg, 36.56; swab = 11.44 ± 7.39 μg, 10.72; cytobrush = 12.66 ± 6.19, 13.22 μg) (all pairwise P < 0.05). Oral‐rinse and whole‐saliva samples provided the best DNA quality, whereas cytobrush and swab samples provided poorer quality DNA, as shown by lower OD260/OD280 and OD260/OD230 ratios. We conclude that both a 10‐ml oral‐rinse sample and 2‐ml whole‐saliva sample provide sufficient DNA quantity and better quality DNA for genetic epidemiological studies than do the commonly used buccal swab and brush techniques.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:319–326, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase genes among some Indian populations
Authors: Rao V. R. , Bhaskar L. V. K. S. , Annapurna C. , Reddy A. G. , Thangaraj K. , Rao A. Papa , Singh Lalji 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSeven ADH genes, identified until now, located in the long arm of human chromosome 4, produce seven different isozymes involved in the metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde. Of the more than 500 SNPs reported in the coding and non‐coding regions of these genes in the world databases, 11 are more extensively studied. Three SNPs, ADH1B Arg47His (Exon3), ADH1B Arg369Cys (Exon9) and ADH1C Val349Ile (Exon8), are functionally validated in terms of phenotype‐genotype correlations and are in specific linkage disequilibrium (LD) with non‐coding SNPs. However, the frequency of each SNP and configuration of LD varies among populations. The Indian populations studied were conspicuous by the complete absence of African specific allele ADH1B*369Cys, the negligible frequency of East Asian specific ADH1B*47His allele and the presence of a novel SNP ADH1B A3529G (Intron3). The ADH1C*349Ile was the only functional allele polymorphic with a strong LD block in all the populations studied and the high Fst value observed for the non‐coding ADH1B Rsa1 variant was in conformity with world populations.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:338–344, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality experience of Tsimane Amerindians of Bolivia: Regional variation and temporal trends
Authors: Gurven Michael , Kaplan Hillard , Supa Alfredo Zelada 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper examines regional and temporal trends in mortality patterns among the Tsimane, a population of small‐scale forager‐horticulturalists in lowland Bolivia. We compare age‐specific mortality in remote forest and riverine regions with that in more acculturated villages and examine mortality changes among all age groups over the past 50 years. Discrete‐time logistic regression is used to examine impacts of region, period, sex, and age on mortality hazard. Villages in the remote forest and riverine regions show 2–4 times higher mortality rates from infancy until middle adulthood than in the acculturated region. While there was little change in mortality for most of the life course over the period 1950–1989, overall life expectancy at birth improved by 10 years from 45 to 53 after 1990. In both periods, over half of all deaths were due to infectious disease, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Accidents and violence accounted for a quarter of all deaths. Unlike typical patterns described by epidemiologic transition theory, we find a much larger period reduction of death rates during middle and late adulthood than during infancy or childhood. In the remote villages, infant death rates changed little, whereas death rates among older adults decreased sharply. We hypothesize that this pattern is due to a combination of differential access to medical interventions, a continued lack of public health infrastructure and Tsimane cultural beliefs concerning sickness and dying.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:376–398, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetics of anthropometric asymmetry in an Indian endogamous population—Vaidyas
Authors: Sengupta Mahua , Karmakar Bibha 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo understand the genetics of Fluctuating Asymmetry (FA) and Directional Asymmetry (DA), the present study comprised 14 bilateral morphometric traits from 200 Vaidya families including 824 individuals (of two generations) from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The statistical analysis included: Regression analysis to remove the age effect, Familial correlation, Heritability estimation, Principal Component Analysis and Segregation Analysis (SA) using genetic model test. The obtained results revealed little effect of genetic factor and considerable amount of environmental influence on anthropometric asymmetry. The results support the idea postulated by several previous authors that FA provides a measure of developmental instability in man. The contribution of heredity on these asymmetric variables is not unimportant but that of the common environment is very substantial. The magnitude of heritability of DA traits is slightly higher than that of FA traits. Five principal factors were detected from these asymmetric traits (three factors are on asymmetry on length, head, and breadth; while last two factors represent the asymmetry of diameters). SA did not suggest any evidence of major gene contribution. But the involvement of minor genes or polygenes could not be discarded. As the study on SA of asymmetry in man is limited, similar other studies are needed to confirm the result of the present study.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:399–408, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microlevel determinants of blood pressure among women of two ethnic groups in a periurban area of Kolkata city, India
Authors: Ghosh Rohini 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBlood pressure (BP) trends vary cross‐culturally, and studies on the risk factors associated with hypertension are limited in periurban regions of India. This study was conducted to examine the effect of socioeconomic factors (income, expenditure, activity time) and anthropometric measurements (skinfolds of biceps, triceps, subscapular, supra iliac, and body mass index) on 102 Munda (tribe) and 135 Pod (caste) women of childbearing age in a periurban area of Kolkata city. Results indicate that Munda women had significantly higher diastolic BP in the 30+ age group. However, no difference in the systolic and diastolic BP was observed between the two groups, when the socioanthropometric factors were controlled as covariates. Also, according to the JNC (JNC, 2004, The JNC 7 Report NIH Publication No. 04‐5230) classification of hypertension, no significant difference in hypertension was noted between the women of the two social groups. But the risk factors associated with hypertension varied between the two ethnic groups. Expenditure on alcohol and activity time was associated with hypertension among the Munda, while body mass index was significantly associated with hypertension among the Pod women. Alcohol consumption is a rare phenomenon among Indian women. Yet, Munda women in this transitional periurban environment, in spite of high poverty were more inclined to spent their earnings in alcohol consumption (due to their cultural preferences), increasing the risk of hypertension in their childbearing age.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:409–415, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Index‐to‐ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) predicts levels of salivary estradiol, but not progesterone, over the menstrual cycle
Authors: McIntyre Matthew H. , Chapman Judith Flynn , Lipson Susan F. , Ellison Peter T. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe tested the association between the index‐to‐ring finger length ratio (2D:4D) and ovarian steroid hormone concentrations measured over the course of a menstrual cycle in the saliva of 38 young women. Estradiol levels were positively associated with right‐hand, but not left‐hand, 2D:4D, and also with the difference between right‐ and left‐hand 2D:4D. None of these measures predicted progesterone level.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:434–436, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grip strength and digit ratios are not correlated in women
Authors: van Anders Sari M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFink et al. (2006) have reported that men with higher grip strength (GS) have lower digit ratios (2D:4D), interpreting this as evidence for organizational effects of prenatal androgens on strength. In this study, I attempted to replicate their finding with 99 women. I found no evidence that digit ratios were associated with GS, suggesting that 2D:4D is not associated with GS in women. The null findings are discussed in light of gender and statistical considerations.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:437–439, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.