Short communications normal fetal growth despite persistent amniotic fluid leakage after genetic amniocentesis

Two women not only lost relatively large amounts of amniotic fluid immediately following genetic amniocentesis, but continued to lose fluid for the remainder of their pregnancies. Periodic ultrasonographic assessment confirmed normal fetal growth and presence of some amniotic fluid. Both women were delivered at term of normal offspring who showed no evidence of fetal deformations. Although amnionitis is a risk, cautious surveillance may permit continuation of pregnancies complicated by copious or persistent amniotic fluid leakage following genetic amniocentesis.     

Marine habitat mapping in support of Marine Protected Area management in a subarctic fjord: Gilbert Bay, Labrador, Canada

This paper presents an approach that allows production of benthic substrate and habitat maps in fjord environments. This approach is used to support the management of the Gilbert Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA) in southeastern Labrador, Atlantic Canada. Multibeam sonar-derived bathymetry, seabed slope, and acoustic reflectance (backscatter) were combined using supervised classification methods and GIS with ground-truthed benthic sampling in order to derive maps of the substrates and main benthic habitats. Six acoustically distinct substrate types were identified in the fjord, and three additional substrate types without a unique acoustic signature were recognized. Ordination by multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity generalized these to four acoustically distinct habitat types. Greatest within-habitat (alpha) diversity was found in the coralline-algae encrusted gravel habitat. Greatest between-habitat (beta) diversity was found in the management Zones 1 and 2, which have the highest level of protection. The study confirmed that the zoning plan for the MPA, which was designed to protect spawning and juvenile fish habitat for a local genetically distinct population of Atlantic cod, afforded highest levels of protection to areas with highest habitat diversity.     

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis at 20 years

First reported in 1990, PGD has evolved into a complementary form of prenatal diagnosis offering novel indications. DNA for PGD can be recovered with equal safety and facility from polar bodies I and II, blastomere (8 cell embryo) and trophectoderm (5–6 day blastocyst). Diagnostic accuracy is very high (>99%) for both chromosomal abnormalities and single gene disorders. Traditional application of FISH with chromosome specific probes for detecting aneuploidy and translocations may be replaced or complemented by array comparative genome hybridization (array CGH); biopsied embryos can now be cryopreserved (vitrification) while analysis proceeds in orderly fashion. PGD has been accomplished for over 200 different single gene disorders. Novel indications for PGD not readily applicable by traditional prenatal genetic diagnosis include avoiding clinical pregnancy termination, performing preconceptional diagnosis (polar body I), obtaining prenatal diagnosis without disclosure of prenatal genotype (nondisclosure), diagnosing adult-onset disorders particularly cancer, and identifying HLA compatible embryos suitable for recovering umbilical cord blood stem cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

"It's not that simple": A collaborative comparison of sea ice environments, their uses, observed changes, and adaptations in Barrow, Alaska, USA, and Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada

The Arctic environment, including sea ice, is changing. The impacts of these changes to Inuit and I?upiat ways of life vary from place to place, yet there are common themes as well. The study reported here involved an exchange of hunters, Elders, and others from Barrow, Alaska, USA, and Clyde River, Nunavut, Canada, as members of a larger research team that also included visiting scientists. Although the physical environments of Barrow and Clyde River are strikingly different, the uses of the marine environment by residents, including sea ice, had many common elements. In both locations, too, extensive changes have been observed in recent years, forcing local residents to respond in a variety of ways. Although generally in agreement or complementary to one another, scientific and indigenous knowledge of sea ice often reflect different perspectives and emphases. Making generalizations about impacts and responses is challenging and should therefore be approached with caution. Technology provides some potential assistance in adapting to changing sea ice, but by itself, it is insufficient and can sometimes have undesirable consequences. Reliable knowledge that can be applied under changing conditions is essential. Collaborative research and firsthand experience are critical to generating such new knowledge.     

Investigation of organic matter dynamics during in-vessel composting of an aged coal-tar contaminated soil using fluorescence excitation-emission spectroscopy

In-vessel composting of an aged coal-tar contaminated soil from a manufactured gas plant site was investigated over 98days using laboratory-scale in-vessel composting reactors. The composting reactors were operated at 18 different operational conditions using a logistic three-factor factorial design with three temperatures (T=38, 55 and 70 degrees C), four soil to green waste ratios (S:GW; 0.6:1, 0.7:1, 0.8:1 and 0.9:1 on a dry weight basis) and three moisture contents (MC; 40%, 60% and 80%). Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy was used to investigate organic matter dynamics in the composting mixture. The results of this investigation indicated that formation of humic substances can be monitored by fluorescence excitation-emission matrix, and provided evidence of progressive mineralization or humification of the composting mixture. Peak excitation wavelength shifts and peak fluorescence intensity can both be used as indicators to monitor the humification or maturation of compost. Finally, the fluorescence index can be applied to investigate the origin of humic substances and fulvic acids, and the humification or maturation of compost.     

Manure management effects on grass production, nutritive content, and soil nitrogen for a grass silage-based dairy farm

Legislation in the United States has recently focused on improving water quality by establishing management practices that limit the quantities of nutrients entering the water supply. Timely application and quantification of the amount of manure applied throughout the grass-growing season can reduce the loss of nutrients into ground or surface water while improving the quality and quantity of grass harvested. During the 2001 and 2002 growing seasons, we measured the effects of different manure application rates on grass yields, grass nutritive value, and soil chemistry on a dairy farm. On-farm estimates of manure N were combined with yield estimates and forage quality measures to evaluate the effects of varying levels of manure application. Yield estimates, N content of grass, and the amount of N in soil and manure were monitored at each cutting for plots amended at different manure application rates. There are three major outcomes of this evaluation: (i) new grass seedings were at higher risk of elevated levels of nitrate N in forage; (ii) increased forage nitrate N at harvest was associated with malfermented silage and increased levels of ammonia N, which resulted in less efficient use of metabolizable protein for milk production; and (iii) increased understanding of N cycling between manure, soil, and plant provided an opportunity to reduce purchased fertilizer.     

The pedagogy of atmospheric issues and the UK Atmospheric Research and Information Centre's Education Programme

Mrs Sue Hare is the education and information services coordinator of the UK Atmospheric Research and Information Centre (ARIC). Professor James Longhurst was recently the director of the ARIC and Joe Buchdahl its global climate change information services coordinator. Professor Longhurst is now head of the Department of Environmental Health and Science, University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY. Kelvin Williams is a geography consultant and is head of geography at Ysgol y Creuddyn, Penrhyn Bay, Llandudno, Gwynedd LL30 3LB. The pedagogy of atmospheric issues is identified in the context of environmental education in this paper. The UK Atmospheric Research and Information Centre (ARIC) has developed an education programme which has responded to the dynamic issues relating to the atmosphere since the establishment of the ARIC in 1984. The main route for the teaching of atmospheric issues is identified as being through the UK's National Curriculum although public awareness of issues has increased through the media and more recently through government publicity campaigns.     

Self-leadership and performance outcomes: the mediating influence of self-efficacy

A key foundation of empowering organizations is employee self-leadership. This study examines the effects of self-leadership skills and self-efficacy perceptions on performance. Structural equations modeling determined whether the influence of self-leadership on performance is mediated by self-efficacy perceptions. Results for the sample of 151 respondents indicated self-leadership strategies had a significant effect on self-efficacy evaluations, and self-efficacy directly affected performance. Further, self-efficacy perceptions were found to fully mediate the self-leadership/performance relationship. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.