A Fish Population Study of Storm Lake

Storm Lake, in Buena Vista County, is one of Iowa\u27s largest inland bodies of water, covering a total of 3,060 acres. It is relatively shallow, with an average depth of about 6 feet, exclusive of a small dredged area along the east shore. The water in the lake is seldom clear due to wave action and heavy blooms of blue-green algae during summer. Spring and fall water conditions are usually good, and in recent years fishing has been excellent during these periods. The present game fish populations have been developed primarily by natural reproduction of indigenous species, and to a lesser degree from annual stocking. Many thousands of pounds of rough fish are removed annually to provide more suitable environmental conditions for the game fishes of the lake. Modern fish management is becoming an exacting and complicated process involving emphasis on population dynamics and environmental controls to produce good fishing for Iowa anglers. The artificial propagation and regulations formerly stressed are now considered much less important in management of most Iowa lakes and streams. Many states have eliminated closed seasons and creel limits entirely, and are maintaining good fishing in their waters. The pioneering work of Eschmeyer (1944-1945) and Langlois (1944), is an example of this trend

Toxic Algae in Iowa Lakes

Almost all of the natural lakes of Iowa develop at certain periods throughout the summer and fall months, heavy growths of small floating plant life commonly known as blue-green algae. These tiny, primitive organisms develop rapidly in certain lakes, and often form unsightly, paint-like scums over calm lake surfaces, and particularly along lee shores. Upon decomposition of these heavy scums, or bloom as they are commonly termed, terrifically foul, pig-pen odors issue therefrom, making human living conditions in the vicinity intolerable, and limiting to a large degree all aquatic recreation. In addition to these unwholesome attributes, certain species of blue-green algae occasionally develop poisonous substances that cause almost instant death to birds and mammals that drink water containing these plants. Present evidence indicates that the healthy, living plants are the most poisonous to warm blooded animals. Upon decomposition of large masses of algae, fish are sometimes killed in great numbers as observed by Prescott (1931), and Mackenthum, Herman and Bartsch (1948). Heavy losses of fish have been observed in Iowa on several occasions where heavy blooms caused diurnal declines of dissolved oxygen, and the algae were not toxic at the time. Our data indicates that only a few species of algae may become toxic, in fact clinical data points to but one, Anabaena flos-aquae, although certainly there may be others equally poisonous at times. A very comprehensive summary of the literature by Olson (1951), includes many authentic references showing that toxic algae may include many species and are of world-wide distribution. His clinical and field observations of the effects of toxic algae in the Minnesota lakes closely parallel those of the Iowa waters

Blue-Green Algae Control at Storm Lake

Heavy growths of blue-green algae are a major factor in limiting recreation at several of Iowa\u27s lakes during the summer. The huge accumulations of these small primitive plants render lakes uninviting for swimming, angling or sight-seeing and when decomposition of the algae occurs putrid odors emanate therefrom creating intolerable situations. Occasionally certain species may become poisonous (Olson, 1951; McCleod and Bandar, 1952; Ingram and Prescott, 1952; Rose, 1953), thus creating the necessity for emergency measures to prevent loss of human life as well as loss of domestic animals and wildlife

Notes on the Age and Growth of Spirit Lake Yellow Pikeperch (Stizostedion V. Vitreum)

Most all research on life histories of fish in which age and growth are considered is based on the theory that annual rings are formed on the scales which can be counted to determine age, and that scale diameters increase proportionately with the length of the fish which permits the calculation of growth for each year of life. In the spring of 1947 a total of 556 adult yellow pikeperch, Stizostedion v. vitreum (Mitchill), commonly known as the walleye, was taken from State hatchery operated gill-nets, tagged and released in Spirit Lake as a part of a population appraisal (Rose, 1948). Scale samples, weights and measurements were taken from 252 of these fish for later analysis. In addition to these, scale samples were taken from 88 walleyes collected in 1946, 1948 and 1950 to obtain data on small and large adult size groups. From the examination of these scales and the length and weight data, an evaluation of the age and growth has been made which provides a practical basis for comparison with similar published material

Dose-response to inhaled glycopyrrolate delivered with a novel Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology metered dose inhaler (MDI) in patients with moderate-to-severe COPD

This study forms part of the first complete characterization of the dose-response curve for glycopyrrolate (GP) delivered using Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology via a metered dose inhaler (MDI). We examined the lower GP MDI dose range to determine an optimal dose for patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A randomized, seven-day study to assess the efficacy and safety of a glycopyrrolate/formoterol fumarate fixed-dose combination metered dose inhaler using novel Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology in patients with moderate-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Background Long-acting muscarinic antagonist/long-acting β 2 -agonist combinations are recommended for patients whose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not managed with monotherapy. We assessed the efficacy and safety of glycopyrrolate (GP)/formoterol fumarate (FF) fixed-dose combination delivered via a Co-Suspension™ Delivery Technology-based metered dose inhaler (MDI) (GFF MDI). Methods This was a Phase IIb randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, chronic-dosing (7 days), crossover study in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD (NCT01085045). Treatments included GFF MDI twice daily (BID) (GP/FF 72/9.6 μg or 36/9.6 μg), GP MDI 36 μg BID, FF MDI 7.2 and 9.6 μg BID, placebo MDI, and open-label formoterol dry powder inhaler (FF DPI) 12 μg BID or tiotropium DPI 18 μg once daily. The primary endpoint was forced expiratory volume in 1 s area under the curve from 0 to 12 h (FEV 1 AUC 0–12 ) on Day 7 relative to baseline FEV 1 . Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics and safety. Results GFF MDI 72/9.6 μg or 36/9.6 μg led to statistically significant improvements in FEV 1 AUC 0–12 after 7 days’ treatment versus monocomponent MDIs, placebo MDI, tiotropium, or FF DPI (p ≤ 0.0002). GFF MDI 36/9.6 μg was non-inferior to GFF MDI 72/9.6 μg and monocomponent MDIs were non-inferior to open-label comparators. Pharmacokinetic results showed glycopyrrolate and formoterol exposure were decreased following administration via fixed-dose combination versus monocomponent MDIs; however, this was not clinically meaningful. GFF MDI was well tolerated. Conclusions GFF MDI 72/9.6 μg and 36/9.6 μg BID improve lung function and are well tolerated in patients with moderate-to-very severe COPD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01085045. Registered 9 March 2010

Memorials to the victims of Nazism: the impact on tourists in Berlin

This qualitative study explores tourist responses to memorials to the victims of Nazism in Berlin and the impact they have on the tourist experience. The findings are located in the field of study known as dark tourism, of which visiting memorials is a part. The analysis shows that tourists increased their knowledge of the crimes committed by the Nazis, thus fulfilling the educational function of memorials. Tourists were also overwhelmed by their experience; they attested to feelings of sadness, shock, anger, despair and incomprehension. These feelings made it hard for them to resume the role of tourist after their exposure to a memorial. There was acknowledgement of the extent of commemoration practised in Germany

AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network (AVAN): Expanding the Regional Role in Developing HIV Vaccines

Yiming Shao and colleagues describe the work of AVAN, the AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network, which aims to strengthen its regional efforts in finding an AIDS vaccine

Waist circumference, abdominal obesity, and depression among overweight and obese U.S. adults: national health and nutrition examination survey 2005-2006

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Obesity is associated with an increased risk of mental illness; however, evidence linking body mass index (BMI)-a measure of overall obesity, to mental illness is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to examine the association of depressive symptoms with waist circumference or abdominal obesity among overweight and obese U.S. adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional, nationally representative sample from the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used. We analyzed the data from 2,439 U.S. adults (1,325 men and 1,114 nonpregnant women) aged ≥ 20 years who were either overweight or obese with BMI of ≥ 25.0 kg/m². Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women. Depressive symptoms (defined as having major depressive symptoms or moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms) were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 diagnostic algorithm. The prevalence and the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for having major depressive symptoms and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were estimated using logistic regression analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After multivariate adjustment for demographics and lifestyle factors, waist circumference was significantly associated with both major depressive symptoms (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05) and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), and adults with abdominal obesity were significantly more likely to have major depressive symptoms (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.35-3.59) or have moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.34-4.90) than those without. These relationships persisted after further adjusting for coexistence of multiple chronic conditions and persisted in participants who were overweight (BMI: 25.0-< 30.0 kg/m²) when stratified analyses were conducted by BMI status.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Among overweight and obese U.S. adults, waist circumference or abdominal obesity was significantly associated with increased likelihoods of having major depressive symptoms or moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. Thus, mental health status should be monitored and evaluated in adults with abdominal obesity, particularly in those who are overweight.</p

Reduced engagement with social stimuli in 6-month-old infants with later Autism Spectrum Disorder: a longitudinal prospective study of infants at high familial risk

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects more than 1% of the population, and close to 20% of prospectively studied infants with an older sibling with ASD. Although significant progress has been made in characterizing the emergence of behavioral symptoms of ASD, far less is known about the underlying disruptions to early learning. Recent models suggest that core aspects of the causal path to ASD may only be apparent in early infancy. Here, we investigated social attention in 6- and 12-month-old infants who did and did not meet criteria for ASD at 24 months using both cognitive and electrophysiological methods. We hypothesized that a reduction in attention engagement to faces would be associated with later ASD. Methods: In a prospective longitudinal design, we used measures of both visual attention (habituation) and brain function (event-related potentials to faces and objects) at 6 and 12 months, and investigated the relationship to ASD outcome at 24 months. Results: High-risk infants who met criteria for ASD at 24 months showed shorter epochs of visual attention, faster but less prolonged neural activation to faces, and delayed sensitization responses (increases in looking) to faces at 6 months; these differences were less apparent at 12 months. These findings are consistent with disrupted engagement of sustained attention to social stimuli. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there may be fundamental early disruptions to attention engagement that may have cascading consequences for later social functioning