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Organism abundance is a critical parameter in ecology, but its estimation is often challenging. Approaches utilizing eDNA to indirectly estimate abundance have recently generated substantial interest. However, preliminary correlations observed between eDNA concentration and abundance in nature are typically moderate in strength with significant unexplained variation. Here, we apply a novel approach to integrate allometric scaling coefficients into models of eDNA concentration and organism abundance. We hypothesize that eDNA particle production scales nonlinearly with mass, with scaling coefficients < 1. Wild populations often exhibit substantial variation in individual body size distributions; we therefore predict that the distribution of mass across individuals within a population will influence population‐level eDNA production rates. To test our hypothesis, we collected standardized body size distribution and mark–recapture abundance data using whole‐lake experiments involving nine populations of brook trout. We correlated eDNA concentration with three metrics of abundance: density (individuals/ha), biomass (kg/ha) and allometrically scaled mass (ASM) (∑(individual mass0.73)/ha). Density and biomass were both significantly positively correlated with eDNA concentration (adj. r2 = 0.59 and 0.63, respectively), but ASM exhibited improved model fit (adj. r2 = 0.78). We also demonstrate how estimates of ASM derived from eDNA samples in "unknown" systems can be converted to biomass or density estimates with additional size‐structure data. Future experiments should empirically validate allometric scaling coefficients for eDNA production, particularly where substantial intraspecific size distribution variation exists. Incorporating allometric scaling may improve predictive models to the extent that eDNA concentration may become a reliable indicator of abundance in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser shock peening (LSP) technology is a laser-induced shock process implemented as a surface enhancement technique to introduce beneficial compressive residual stresses into metallic components. The process employs water to confine and enhance the pressure pulse delivered to the target. For thick water layers, or fully water immersed LSP, a cavitation bubble is generated by the surface vaporization of the LSP laser pulse. This research shows that the first bubble oscillation period of the cavitation bubble can be used to characterize effective and repeatable energy delivery to the target. High-speed shadowgraphy is implemented to show that variations in the bubble period occur before visual observations of dielectric breakdown in water. The diagnostic potential of the first bubble oscillation period is used to identify the dielectric breakdown threshold of water, which shows an increase with increasing water quality measured by water conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore attachment narratives in children diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Method: We compared attachment narratives, as measured by the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task, in a group of 33 children with a diagnosis of RAD and 37 comparison children. Results: The relative risk (RR) for children with RAD having an insecure attachment pattern was 2.4 (1.4–4.2) but 30% were rated as securely attached. Within the RAD group, children with a clear history of maltreatment were more likely to be Insecure-Disorganised than children without a clear history of maltreatment. Conclusions: Reactive attachment disorder is not the same as attachment insecurity, and questions remain about how attachment research informs clinical research on attachment disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to describe nurses' practices, knowledge, and attitudes related to evidence-based nursing, and the relation of perceived barriers to and facilitators of evidence-based practice. Background. Evidence-based practice has been recognized by the healthcare community as the gold standard for the provision of safe and compassionate healthcare. Barriers and facilitators for the adoption of evidence-based practice in nursing have been identified by researchers. Healthcare organizations have been challenged to foster an environment conducive to providing care based on evidence and not steeped in ritualized practice. Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional research study was conducted in 2006-2007 with a convenience sample of 458 nurses at an academic medical center in California (response rate 44·68%). Two reliable and valid questionnaires were electronically formatted and administered using a secured website. Relationships between responses to the two instruments were examined and results compared with previously published data. Results. Organizational barriers (lack of time and lack of nursing autonomy) were the top perceived barriers. Facilitators were learning opportunities, culture building, and availability and simplicity of resources. Statistically significant correlations were found between barriers and practice, knowledge and attitudes related to evidence-based practice. Conclusion. Similar barriers to the adoption of evidence-based practice have been identified internationally. Educators must work with managers to address organizational barriers and proactively support evidence-based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart failure (HF) is a significant health problem among the elderly often requiring multiple lifestyle changes for optimal management. Unfortunately, not all patients are ready to make the needed changes. The objective of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of a readiness to change (RTC) questionnaire. Outpatient (N = 116) Veterans with heart failure who agreed to participate in a 4-month interdisciplinary behavioral management intervention were included for this study. Principal components analysis suggested a 6-factor structure, which generally corresponded to stage of change theoretical stages (i.e., precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance). One additional factor, resistance, was identified. Internal consistency ranged from high (i.e., precontemplation, action, maintenance) to low (i.e., contemplation, preparation). The adapted RTC measure shows some promise, but requires revision to distinguish factors more clearly. Additional development in new and more representative samples should be conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed a parametric version of the comparison Stroop paradigm to investigate the processing of numerical magnitude and physical size under task-relevant and -irrelevant conditions to investigate two theoretical issues: (1) What is the neural fate of task-irrelevant information? (2) What is the neural basis of the resolution of the conflict between task-relevant and -irrelevant information? We show in 18 healthy adults that numerical magnitudes of numbers call for higher processing requirements than physical sizes. The enhanced activation elicited by numerical magnitudes is not modulated by task relevance, indicating autonomous processing. Moreover, the normal behavioral distance effect when the numerical dimension is task relevant and reversed distance effect when it is not show that autonomous processing fully encodes numerical magnitudes. Conflict trials elicited greater activation in bilateral inferior frontal gyri, right middle frontal gyri, and right superior frontal gyri. We postulate two sources to the conflict, namely, at cognitive and response levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments to determine the optimum conditions for perceiving illusory motion in Engima-like patterns have also demonstrated that the illusory motion is not the result of unintended motion of the image on the retina due to microsaccades or accommodative changes in the lens of the eye but instead has a cortical origin. The perceived illusory activity is believed to be a consequence of neural signals emanating from high-contrast bars and edges in the image that emit randomly fluctuating signals, as expected from spiking cortical neurons. These fluctuations may induce illusory motion in the channels by a mechanism similar to that responsible for the Omega effect, in which sequences of random patterns of black dots presented in an annular channel produce the perception of illusory rotation of these dots within the annulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study measured the effectiveness of a 9 a.m. nutrition break after it had been implemented for 1 academic year at an inner-city high school. Effectiveness was measured by student participation rates, student and teacher evaluations of hunger-associated symptoms experienced by students, and teacher evaluations of the effects on the learning environment. Sixty-nine percent of students participated. The most frequently cited reason for nonparticipation was dislike of the food offered (53%), with an additional 15% citing problems with food distribution. As the frequency of participation rose, the frequency of inability to focus, tiredness, stomachache, headache, and midmorning hunger fell. All of the associations were statistically significant except for headache. Seventy-four percent of staff stated that the nutrition break had positive effects on the learning environment, and 71% referred fewer students to the school nurse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure (HF) is as common in Hispanic as it is in non-Hispanic populations. However, there do not appear to be any published reports of HF disease management programs which include Hispanic populations. Objective: To test the effectiveness of a standardized telephonic disease management intervention, Pfizer Inc.'s At Home With Heart Failure™, in decreasing acute care resource use and cost in Hispanic patients with HF. Participants and methods: A factorial design was used to analyze data obtained in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients with HF were enrolled in the trial when admitted to hospital, randomized to the intervention or usual care control groups, and followed for 6 months. Of the 358 participants, 93 (26%) were Hispanic (35 in the intervention group, 58 in the usual care group). Data were analyzed to determine if comparable decreases in acute care resource use were evident in Hispanic and non-Hispanic intervention group patients. Intervention: Registered nurses telephoned patients after hospital discharge to provide advice, solve problems, encourage adherence, and facilitate access to needed services. Results: Acute care resource use was lowered as effectively in the Hispanic patients as in the non-Hispanic patients, despite significant between-group differences in education, income, and living situations. When a fully crossed (language by group) analysis was conducted, no significant differences were found between the Hispanic and non-Hispanic intervention groups. However, in most categories there was a trend towards lower resource use in the Hispanic intervention group. The cost of inpatient care was more than $US1000 (2000 values) less in the Hispanic than the non-Hispanic intervention group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Hispanic patients with HF are receptive of, and responsive to, a case management intervention provided in a culturally competent manner, despite differences in cultural views on chronic illness and self-care as discussed in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gustatory responses of pigs to 60 compounds perceived as sweet by humans were studied via a semi-quantitative behavioural method derived from the Richter two-bottle preference test. Among the 60 compounds tested 35 are effective in pigs, but with an effectiveness much lower in pigs than in humans. Lugduname and carrelame, which are the two most potent sweeteners in humans, are also the most effective compounds in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy exists about the efficacy of psychotherapy for the mental health problems of sexually abused children.Aims: To compare the relative efficacy of focused individual or group therapy in symptomatic sexually abused girls, and to monitor psychiatric symptoms for persistence or change.Method: A multi-centre psychotherapy outcome study recruited 71 sexually abused girls aged 6-14 years who were randomly assigned to focused individual psychotherapy (up to 30 sessions) or psychoeducational group therapy (up to 18 sessions). Changes over the course of the study were monitored.Results: Both treatment groups showed a substantial reduction in psychopathological symptoms and an improvement in functioning, but with no evident difference between individual and group therapy. However, individual therapy led to a greater improvement in manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Conclusions: The beneficial effects on PTSD support the use of individual therapy. However, the small sample size and lack of a control group limit conclusions about changes attributable to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the views and perceptions of 35 children and their current carers regarding the social work response to child sexual abuse. Interviews with the children and carers, including foster carers and residential carers, were carried out 2-4 years following disclosure, thus the nature of social work support in the longer term, as well as the initial response, is assessed and described. Three evaluations of social work support are presented: the children's evaluations of social workers known since disclosure, and two evaluations from the carers, one focusing on the child's needs, and one focusing on their own as carers. All three evaluations perceived the majority of social workers was having helped. Aspects of social work considered essential included providing emotional support and reassurance, providing information and explanation and arranging and coordinating services, including counselling or therapy. Carers of children who were abused by someone outside the family were less likely to receive social work support. The frustration and disappointment expressed by some of these carers reaffirms the importance of assessing needs even when the child is considered protected from further abuse. The findings of this study support the need to refocus responses to abused children and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growth in the USA of 'recovered memory therapy' for past sexual abuse has caused great public and professional concern. It became apparent that the polarisation of views and fierce controversy within the American psychiatric community was in danger of bringing psychotherapy into disrepute and it seemed important to examine objectively the scientific evidence before such polarisation developed in the UK.Method: A small working group reviewed their own experience, visited meetings and centres with expertise in this field, interviewed 'retractors' and accused parents, and then began a comprehensive review of the literature.Results: There is a vast literature but little acceptable research. Opinions are expressed with great conviction but often unsupported by evidence.Conclusions: The issue of false or recovered memories should not be allowed to confuse the recognition and treatment of sexually abused children. We concluded that when memories are 'recovered' after long periods of amnesia, particularly when extraordinary means were used to secure the recovery of memory, there is a high probability that the memories are false, i.e. of incidents that had not occurred. Some guidelines which should enable practitioners to avoid the pitfalls of memory recovery are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The growth in the USA of recovered memory therapy for past sexual abuse has caused great public and professional concern. It became apparent that the polarisation of views and fierce controversy within the American psychiatric community was in danger of bringing psychotherapy into disrepute and it seemed important to examine objectively the scientific evidence before such polarisation developed in the UK. Method A small working group reviewed their own experience, visited meetings and centres with expertise in this field, interviewed ‘retractors’ and accused parents, and then began a comprehensive review of the literature. Results There is a vast literature but little acceptable research. Opinions are expressed with great conviction but often unsupported by evidence. Conclusions The issue of false or recovered memories should not be allowed to confuse the recognition and treatment of sexually abused children. We concluded that when memories are ‘recovered’ after long periods of amnesia, particularly when extraordinary means were used to secure the recovery of memory, there is a high probability that the memories are false, i.e. of incidents that had not occurred. Some guidelines which should enable practitioners to avoid the pitfalls of memory recovery are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child sexual abuse is a commonly encountered and often emotionally damaging experience, maintained by secrecy and followed by denial after disclosure. Treatment in this field involves both the child and the family in a variety of treatment settings and modalities, often proceeding in parallel. Child developmental considerations dictate that treatment often proceeds in phases. It aims to protect the child from further abuse and the consequences of disclosure, and address the trauma and context of the abuse. Careful planning and co-operation is required by the many professionals working in this stressful area in order to avoid confusion, conflicts, and splits which may mirror relationships in the family. The heterogeneity of the problem is reflected in the fact that treatment cannot be offered in a uniform programme. Legal issues may influence the treatment process. Evaluation of treatment modalities, the identification of protective factors and achieving long-term adjustment in the least detrimental manner offer challenges in this newly developing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a postmenopausal woman with 45,XO/46,XX/47,XXX mosaicism who presented with a Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour and a past history of habitual abortion. The cytogenetic finding is discussed in relation to the etiology of the tumour and of the recurrent abortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]