Showing papers by "University of Saskatchewan published in 2006"

The Recent Past and Near Future of Risk and/or Need Assessment

Abstract: The history of risk assessment in criminal justice has been written on several occasions (Andrews & Bonta, 2003; Clements, 1996; Hollin, 2002). Here we assess progress since Andrews, Bonta, and Hoge’s (1990; Andrews, Zinger, et al., 1990) statement of the human service principles of risk-needresponsivity (RNR) and professional discretion. In those articles, the corrections-based terms of risk and need were transformed into principles addressing the major clinical issues of who receives treatment (higher risk cases), what intermediate targets are set (reduce criminogenic needs), and what treatment strategies are employed (match strategies to the learning styles and motivation of cases: the principles of general and specific responsivity). General responsivity asserts the general power of behavioral, social learning, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. Specific responsivity suggests matching of service with personality, motivation, and ability and with demographics such as age, gender, and ethnicity. Nonadherence is possible for stated reasons under the principle of professional discretion. Expanded sets of principles now include consideration of case strengths, setting of multiple criminogenic needs as targets, community-based, staff relationship and structuring skills, and a management focus on integrity through the selection, training, and clinical supervision of staff and organizational supports (Andrews, 2001). The review is conducted in the context of the advent of the fourth generation of offender assessment. Bonta (1996) earlier described three generations of risk assessment. The first generation (1G) consisted mainly of unstructured professional judgments of the probability of offending behavior. A

Waste cooking oil – an economical source for biodiesel: a review

Abstract: Biodiesel (fatty acid methyl ester) is a nontoxic and biodegradable alternative fuel that is obtained from renewable sources. A major hurdle in the commercialization of biodiesel from virgin oil, in comparison to petroleum-based diesel fuel, is its cost of manufacturing, primarily the raw material cost. Used cooking oil is one of the economical sources for biodiesel production. However, the products formed during frying, such as free fatty acid and some polymerized triglycerides, can affect the transesterification reaction and the biodiesel properties. Apart from this phenomenon, the biodiesel obtained from waste cooking oil gives better engine performance and less emissions when tested on commercial diesel engines. The present paper attempts to review methods for the transesterification of waste cooking oil and the performance of biodiesel obtained from waste cooking oil in a commercial diesel engine. The paper also examines the basic chemistry involved during frying and the effects of the products formed in the frying process on biodiesel quality.

Celecoxib for the Prevention of Sporadic Colorectal Adenomas

Abstract: Background Studies showing that drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) reduce the number of colorectal adenomas in animals and patients with familial adenomatous polyposis suggest that COX-2 inhibitors may also prevent sporadic colorectal neoplasia. Methods We randomly assigned patients who had adenomas removed before study entry to receive placebo (679 patients) or 200 mg (685 patients) or 400 mg (671 patients) of celecoxib twice daily. Randomization was stratified for the use of low-dose aspirin. Follow-up colonoscopies were performed at one and three years after randomization. The occurrence of newly detected colorectal adenomas was compared among the groups with the life-table extension of the Mantel–Haenszel test. Results Follow-up colonoscopies were completed at year 1 in 89.5 percent of randomized patients, and at year 3 in 75.7 percent. The estimated cumulative incidence of the detection of one or more adenomas by year 3 was 60.7 percent for patients receiving placebo, as compared with 43.2 p...

Human Health Effects From Chronic Arsenic Poisoning–A Review

Abstract: The ill effects of human exposure to arsenic (As) have recently been reevaluated by government agencies around the world. This has lead to a lowering of As guidelines in drinking water, with Canada decreasing the maximum allowable level from 50 to 25 microg/L and the U.S. from 50 to 10 microg/L. Canada is currently contemplating a further decrease to 5 microg/L. The reason for these regulatory changes is the realization that As can cause deleterious effects at lower concentrations than was previously thought. There is a strong relationship between chronic ingestion of As and deleterious human health effects and here we provide an overview of some of the major effects documented in the scientific literature. As regulatory levels of As have been decreased, an increasing number of water supplies will now require removal of As before the water can be used for human consumption. While As exposure can occur from food, air and water, all major chronic As poisonings have stemmed from water and this is usually the predominant exposure route. Exposure to As leads to an accumulation of As in tissues such as skin, hair and nails, resulting in various clinical symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and keratosis. There is also an increased risk of skin, internal organ, and lung cancers. Cardiovascular disease and neuropathy have also been linked to As consumption. Verbal IQ and long term memory can also be affected, and As can suppress hormone regulation and hormone mediated gene transcription. Increases in fetal loss and premature delivery, and decreased birth weights of infants, can occur even at low (<10 microg/L) exposure levels. Malnourished people have been shown to be more predisposed to As-related skin lesions. A large percentage of the population (30-40%) that is using As-contaminated drinking water can have elevated As levels in urine, hair and nails, while showing no noticeable clinical symptoms, such as skin lesions. It is therefore important to carry out clinical tests of As exposure. Factors combining to increase/decrease the ill effects of As include duration and magnitude of As exposure, source of As exposure, nutrition, age and general health status. Analytical determinations of As poisoning can be made by examining As levels in urine, hair and toenails. Communities and individuals relying on groundwater sources for drinking water need to measure As levels to ensure that their supplies are safe. Communities with water As levels greater than 5 microg/L should consider a program to document As levels in the population.

Effects of compressive force, particle size and moisture content on mechanical properties of biomass pellets from grasses

Abstract: Mechanical properties of wheat straw, barley straw, corn stover and switchgrass were determined at different compressive forces, particle sizes and moisture contents. Ground biomass samples were compressed with five levels of compressive forces (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 4400 N) and three levels of particle sizes (3.2, 1.6 and 0.8 mm) at two levels of moisture contents (12% and 15% (wet basis)) to establish compression and relaxation data. Compressed sample dimensions and mass were measured to calculate pellet density. Corn stover produced the highest pellet density at low pressure during compression. Compressive force, particle size and moisture content significantly affected the pellet density of barley straw, corn stover and switchgrass. However, different particle sizes of wheat straw did not produce any significant difference on pellet density. The relaxation data were analyzed to determine the asymptotic modulus of biomass pellets. Barley straw had the highest asymptotic modulus among all biomass indicating that pellets made from barley straw were more rigid than those of other pellets. Asymptotic modulus increased linearly with an increase in compressive pressure. A simple linear model was developed to relate asymptotic modulus and maximum compressive pressure.

A simplified wind power generation model for reliability evaluation

Abstract: Renewable energy sources, especially wind turbine generators, are considered as important generation alternatives in electric power systems due to their nonexhausted nature and benign environmental effects. The fact that wind power penetration continues to increase has motivated a need to develop more widely applicable methodologies for evaluating the actual benefits of adding wind turbines to conventional generating systems. Reliability evaluation of generating systems with wind energy sources is a complex process. It requires an accurate wind speed forecasting technique for the wind farm site. The method requires historical wind speed data collected over many years for the wind farm location to determine the necessary parameters of the wind speed models for the particular site. The evaluation process should also accurately model the intermittent nature of power output from the wind farm. A sequential Monte Carlo simulation or a multistate wind farm representation approach is often used. This paper presents a simplified method for reliability evaluation of power systems with wind power. The development of a common wind speed model applicable to multiple wind farm locations is presented and illustrated with an example. The method is further simplified by determining the minimum multistate representation for a wind farm generation model in reliability evaluation. The paper presents a six-step common wind speed model applicable to multiple geographic locations and adequate for reliability evaluation of power systems containing significant wind penetration. Case studies on a test system are presented using wind data from Canadian geographic locations.

Widespread Archean basement beneath the Yangtze craton

Abstract: The age distribution of the crust is a fundamental parameter in modeling continental evolution and the rate of crustal accretion through Earth9s history, but this is usually estimated from surface exposures. The exposed Yangtze craton in eastern China consists mainly of Proterozoic rocks with rare Archean outcrops. However, the U-Pb ages and Hf isotope systematics of xenocrystic zircons brought to the surface in lamproite diatremes from three Proterozoic outcrop areas of the craton suggest the widespread presence of unexposed Archean basement, with zircon age populations of 2900–2800 Ma and 2600– 2500 Ma and Hf model ages of 2.6 to ca. 3.5 Ga or older. The zircons also record thermal events reworked on the craton ca. 2020 Ma (remelting of older crust) and 1000–850 Ma (addition of juvenile mantle material). The observation of deep crust significantly older than the upper crust will require revision of models for the rates of crustal generation through time.

Spinal cord stimulation in treatment of chronic benign pain: challenges in treatment planning and present status, a 22-year experience.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To present an in-depth analysis of clinical predictors of outcome including age, sex, etiology of pain, type of electrodes used, duration of pain, duration of treatment, development of tolerance, employment status, activities of daily living, psychological status, and quality of life. Suggestions for treatment of low back pain with a predominant axial component are addressed. We analyzed the complications and proposed remedial measures to improve the effectiveness of this modality. METHODS: Study group consists of 410 patients (252 men, 58 women) with a mean age of 54 years and a mean follow-up period of 97.6 months. All patients were gated through a multidisciplinary pain clinic. The study was conducted over 22 years. RESULTS: The early success rate was 80% (328 patients), whereas the long-term success rate of internalized patients was 74.1% (243 patients) after the mean follow-up period of 97.6 months. Hardware-related complications included displaced or fractured electrodes, infection, and hardware malfunction. Etiologies demonstrating efficacy included failed back syndrome, peripheral vascular disease, angina pain, complex regional pain syndrome I and II, peripheral neuropathy, lower limb pain caused by multiple sclerosis. Age, sex, laterality of pain or number of surgeries before implant did not play a role in predicting outcome. The percentage of pain relief was inversely related to the time interval between pain onset and time of implantation. Radicular pain with axial component responded better to dual Pisces electrode or Specify-Lead implantation. CONCLUSION: Spinal cord stimulation can provide significant long-term pain relief with improved quality of life and employment. Results of this study will be effective in better defining prognostic factors and reducing complications leading to higher success rates with spinal cord stimulation.

Mechanisms of airway hyperresponsiveness

Abstract: Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to direct (histamine and methacholine) and indirect (exercise, cold air, hyperventilation, AMP) challenges is a universal and defining feature of asthma. One component of AHR is transient or inducible and occurs after allergen exposure, for example, and improves occasionally rapidly after inhaled corticosteroids or environmental control. This transient airway hyperresponsiveness is more marked to the indirect stimuli. There are convincing data linking this component of AHR to airway inflammation; however, the precise mechanisms linking airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airway smooth muscle are not clear. The other component of AHR is more persistent and is relatively refractory to environmental control and inhaled corticosteroids. This is likely secondary to structural airway changes, which are collectively referred to as airway remodeling, and which are a result of the chronic (rather than the acute) effects of airway inflammation. This persistent AHR is best reflected by airway hyperresponsiveness to direct stimuli such as methacholine. The mechanisms are also uncertain, but reduced airway caliber, increased airway wall thickness, increased airway smooth muscle mass, and perhaps contractility likely all play a role.

Children’s self-reports of pain intensity: Scale selection, limitations and interpretation

Abstract: Most children aged five years and older can provide meaningful self-reports of pain intensity if they are provided with age-appropriate tools and training. Self-reports of pain intensity are an oversimplification of the complexity of the experience of pain, but one that is necessary to evaluate and titrate pain-relieving treatments. There are many sources of bias and error in self-reports of pain, so ratings need to be interpreted in light of information from other sources such as direct observation of behaviour, knowledge of the circumstances of the pain and parents’ reports. The pain intensity scales most commonly used with children – faces scales, numerical rating scales, visual analogue scales and others – are briefly introduced. The selection, limitations and interpretation of self-report scales are discussed.

Sources of Metals and Fluids in Orogenic Gold Deposits: Insights from the Otago and Alpine Schists, New Zealand

Abstract: The Otago and Alpine schists of the South Island of New Zealand form a young ( A large suite of samples representative of the lithologic and metamorphic variation in the Otago and Alpine schists was collected and analyzed for a comprehensive suite of elements. The aim was to identify any rock type or metamorphic setting that may be depleted in the suite of ore-forming elements (Au, Ag, As, Sb, Hg, Mo, and W) relative to unmetamorphosed protoliths, perhaps representing the source for the enrichments observed in the Otago ore deposits. Gold, Ag, As, Sb, Hg, Mo, and W were found to have significantly lower concentrations in higher grade metamorphic rocks compared to unmetamorphosed protolith samples. These were the only elements in a suite of 12 major and 50 trace elements to show systematic depletions with metamorphic grade. Investigation of the trace element chemistry of sulfide minerals indicates that the whole-rock depletions are caused by the disappearance between greenschist and amphibolite facies conditions of pyrite, galena, sphalerite, and cobaltite, the major host phases for the ore-forming elements. More than 95 percent of upper greenschist and amphibolite facies samples are significantly depleted in the ore-forming elements. Such regional-scale depletions require pervasive, grain-boundary fluid flow throughout these rocks. The leaching is most likely to have been caused by metamorphic fluid produced by dehydration reactions at the greenschist-amphibolite boundary. The suite of elements depleted in mid- to high-grade Otago and Alpine schists is almost identical to those enriched in the orogenic gold deposits in Otago. Furthermore, the vertical zonation in depletions is similar to the vertical zonation in enrichments that occurs in the Otago deposits. Mass-balance calculations suggest that 2 metric tons (t) Au and 24,000 t As was leached from 1 km3 of amphibolite facies rock and that the Macraes deposit could have been formed by leaching of a 5- × 5- × 5-km cube of amphibolite facies rock. We propose that the orogenic gold deposits in Otago, such as Macraes, were formed directly from metal-rich metamorphic fluid produced during prograde metamorphism at depth. The contribution of other fluid and metal sources in the formation of these deposits, such as magmatic fluids, cannot be ruled out, but there is no direct evidence to support their involvement. Infiltration of meteoric water, such as occurs currently in the Southern Alps of New Zealand may have contributed to the formation of the late-stage deposits that formed at shallow level during uplift of the Otago schists.

Factors That Influence Physical Activity Participation Among High- and Low-SES Youth

Abstract: Researchers have rarely addressed the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity from the perspective of youth. To illuminate the factors that youth from low and high-SES areas consider important to increase physical activity participation among their peers, 160 youth (12-18 years) participated in small focus group interviews. Guiding questions centered on the general theme, "If you were the one in charge of increasing the physical activity levels of kids your age, what would you do?" Findings show that environmental factors (i.e., proximity, cost, facilities, and safety) are very important for youth living in low-SES areas to ensure participation in physical activity. Results also show that intrapersonal (i.e., perceived skill, competence, time) and social factors (i.e., friends, adult support) must be considered to help improve participation rates among both high- and low-SES youth.

Pro-apoptotic effect of endogenous H2S on human aorta smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: Cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) is a key enzyme in the trans-sulfuration pathway, which uses L-cysteine to produce hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The CSE/H2S system has been shown to play an important role in regulating cellular functions in different systems. In the present study, we overexpressed CSE in human aorta smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) using a recombinant defective adenovirus containing CSE gene (Ad-CSE). Infection of HASMCs with Ad-CSE resulted in a significant increase in the expression of CSE protein and H2S production. Ad-CSE transfection inhibited cell growth and stimulated apoptosis, as evidenced by cell viability assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, TUNEL, and caspase 3 activation. CSE-mediated apoptosis was associated with an increased ERK and p38 MAPK activation, up-regulation of p21 Cip/WAK-1 , and down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression. After inhibiting endogenous background CSE gene expression, direct administration of H2S at 100 μM induced apoptosis of HASMCs. The other two endproducts of CSE-catalyzed enzymatic reaction, ammonium and pyruvate, failed to do so. These results demonstrate that overexpression of CSE stimulates SMC apoptosis due to an increased endogenous production of H2S. Adenovirus-mediated transfer of CSE gene may provide a novel therapeutic approach in treating vascular diseases linked to abnormal cellular proliferation and vascular remodeling.

Transport of α-Helical Peptides through α-Hemolysin and Aerolysin Pores†

Abstract: A series of negatively charged α-helical peptides of the general formula fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)-DxAyKz were synthesized, where x and z were 1, 2, or 3 and y was 10, 14, 18, or 22. The translocation of the peptides through single pores, which were self-assembled into lipid membranes, was analyzed by measuring the current blockade iblock and the duration tblock. The pores were either α-hemolysin, which has a wide vestibule leading into the pore, or aerolysin, which has no vestibule but has a longer pore of a similar diameter. Many thousands of events were measured for each peptide with each pore, and they could be assigned to two types: bumping events (type I) have a small iblock and long tblock, and translocation events (type II) have a larger iblock and shorter tblock. For type-II events, both iblock and tblock increase with the length of the peptides on both pores tested. The dipole moment and the net charge of each peptide has a major effect on the transport characteristics. The ratio of type-...

Technical reliability assessment of three accelerometer models in a mechanical setup.

Abstract: Purpose: To determine which of the three most commonly used accelerometer models has the best intra- and interinstrument reliability using a mechanical laboratory setup. Secondly, to determine the effects that acceleration and frequency have on these reliability measures. Methods: Three experiments were performed. In the first, five each of the Actical, Actigraph, and RT3 accelerometers were placed on a hydraulic shaker plate and simultaneously accelerated in the vertical plane at varying accelerations and frequencies. Six different conditions of varying intensity were used to produce a range of accelerometer counts. Reliability was calculated using standard deviation, standard error of the measurement, coefficient of variation, and intraclass correlation coefficients. In the second and third experiments, 39 Actical and 50 Actigraph accelerometers were put through the same six conditions. Results: Experiment 1 showed poor reliability in the RT3 (intra- and interinstrument CV > 40%). Experiments 2 and 3 clearly indicated that the Actical (CVintra = 0.5%, CVinter = 5.4%) was more reliable than the Actigraph (CVintra = 3.2%, CVinter = 8.6%). Variability in the Actical was negatively related to the acceleration of the condition, whereas no relationship was found between acceleration and reliability in the Actigraph. Variability in the Actigraph was negatively related to the frequency of the condition, whereas no relationship was found between frequency and reliability in the Actical. Conclusion: Of the three accelerometer models measured in this study, the Actical had the best intra- and interinstrument reliability. However, discrepant trends in the variability of Actical and Actigraph counts across accelerations and frequencies preclude the selection of a superior model. More work is needed to understand why accelerometers designed to measure the same thing behave so differently.

Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) for the analysis of genetic variation

Abstract: The accurate analysis of genetic variation has major implications in many areas of biomedical research, including the identification of infectious agents (such as parasites), the diagnosis of infections, and the detection of unknown or known disease-causing mutations. Mutation scanning methods, including PCR-coupled single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), have significant advantages over many other nucleic acid techniques for the accurate analysis of allelic and mutational sequence variation. The present protocol describes the SSCP method of analysis, including all steps from the small-scale isolation of genomic DNA and PCR amplification of target sequences, through to the gel-based separation of amplicons and scanning for mutations by SSCP (either by the analysis of radiolabeled amplicons in mutation detection enhancement (MDE) gels or by non-isotopic SSCP using precast GMA gels). The subsequent sequence analysis of polymorphic bands isolated from gels is also detailed. The SSCP protocol can readily detect point mutations for amplicon sizes of up to 450–500 bp, and usually takes 1–2 days to carry out. This user-friendly, low-cost, potentially high-throughput platform has demonstrated the utility to study a wide range of pathogens and diseases, and has the potential to be applied to any gene of any organism.

From LTER to LTSER: Conceptualizing the Socioeconomic Dimension of Long-term Socioecological Research

Abstract: Concerns about global environmental change challenge long term ecological research (LTER) to go beyond traditional disciplinary scientific research to produce knowledge that can guide society toward more sustainable development. Reporting the outcomes of a 2 d interdisciplinary workshop, this article proposes novel concepts to substantially expand LTER by including the human dimension. We feel that such an integration warrants the insertion of a new letter in the acronym, changing it from LTER to LTSER, "Long-Term Socioecological Research," with a focus on coupled socioecological systems. We discuss scientific challenges such as the necessity to link biophysical processes to governance and communication, the need to consider patterns and processes across several spatial and temporal scales, and the difficulties of combining data from in-situ measurements with statistical data, cadastral surveys, and soft knowledge from the humanities. We stress the importance of including prefossil fuel system baseline data as well as maintaining the often delicate balance between monitoring and predictive or explanatory modeling. Moreover, it is challenging to organize a continuous process of cross-fertilization between rich descriptive and causal-analytic local case studies and theory/modeling-oriented generalizations. Conceptual insights are used to derive conclusions for the design of infrastructures needed for long-term socioecological research.

C-reactive protein (CRP)-lowering agents.

Abstract: C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. It is a marker and predictor of cardiovascular disease. CRP possesses numerous cardiovascular effects (clotting, generation of oxygen radicals, increase in the expression of adhesion molecules and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, plaque destabilization) that could result in cardiovascular disease. This review describes the effects of various cardiovascular drugs on the levels of CRP in health and disease. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors (aspirin, rofecoxib, celecoxib), platelet aggregation inhibitors (clopidogrel, abciximab), lipid lowering agents (statins, ezetimibe, fenofibrate, niacin, diets), beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists and antioxidants (vitamin E), as well as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ramipril, captopril, fosinopril), reduce serum levels of CRP; while enalapril and trandolapril have not been shown to have the same effect. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (valsartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, telmisartan) markedly reduce serum levels of CRP. The findings with other ARBs (losartan and candesartan) were inconsistent. Antidiabetic agents (rosiglitazone and pioglitazone) reduce CRP levels, while insulin is ineffective. Calcium channel antagonists have variable effects on CRP levels. Hydrochlorothiazide and oral estrogen do not affect CRP. The CRP-lowering effect of statins is more pronounced than their lipid lowering effect and is not dependent on their hypolipemic activity. The effect of atorvastatin on CRP seems to be dose-dependent. CRP-lowering effect of statins is likely to contribute to the favorable outcome of statin therapy. The data suggest that lipid lowering agents, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, antidiabetic agents, antiinflammatory and antiplatelet agents, vitamin E, and beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists lower serum or plasma levels of CRP, while vitamin C, oral estrogen and hydrochlorothiazide do not affect CRP levels.

Recommended nomenclature of epidote-group minerals

Abstract: Epidote-group minerals are monoclinic in symmetry and have topology consistent with space group P21/m and the general formula A2M3(T2O7)(TO4)(O,F)(OH,O). Zoisite is an orthorhombic polymorph of clinozoisite Ca2Al3(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH) and is thus not considered a member of the epidote-group. Epidote-group minerals are divided into three subgroups. (1) Members of the clinozoisite subgroup are derived from the mineral clinozoisite Ca2Al3(Si2O7)(SiO4)O(OH) by homovalent substitutions only. The key cation- and anion-sites are A1 = M2+, A2 = M2+, M1 = M3+, M2 = M3+, M3 = M3+, O4 = O2-, O10 = (OH)-. In other words, the dominant valence as listed above must be maintained. (2) Members of the allanite subgroup are REE-rich minerals typified by the eponymous mineral "allanite". This subgroup may be derived from clinozoisite by homovalent substitutions and one coupled heterovalent substitution of the type A2(REE)3+ + M3M2+ → A2Ca2+ + M3M3+. Thus the valences on the key sites are: A1 = M2+, A2 = M3+, M1 = M3+, M2 = M3+, M3 = M2+, O4 = O2-, O10 = (OH)-. (3) Members of the dollaseite subgroup are REE-rich minerals typified by the eponymous mineral "dollaseite". This subgroup may be derived from clinozoisite by homovalent substitutions and two coupled heterovalent substitutions of the type A2(REE)3+ + M3M2+ → A2Ca2+ + M3M3+ and M1M2+ + O4F - → M1M3+ + O4O-2. Thus the valences on the key sites are: A1 = M2+, A2 = M3+, M1 = M2+, M2 = M3+, M3 = M2+, O4 = F-, O10 = (OH)-. The key cation-sites M3 and A1 (and, in principle, M2) determine the root name. In both clinozoisite and allanite subgroups no prefix is added to the root name if M1 = Al. The prefixes ferri, mangani, chromo, and vanado indicate dominant Fe3+, Mn3+, Cr3+, and V3+ on M1, respectively. In the dollaseite subgroup no prefix is added to the root name if M1 = Mg. Otherwise a proper prefix must be attached; the prefixes ferro and mangano indicate dominant Fe2+ and Mn2+ at M1, respectively. The dominant cation on A2 (other than Ca) is treated according to the Extended Levinson suffix designation. This simple nomenclature requires renaming of the following approved species: Niigataite (old) = clinozoisite-(Sr) (new), hancockite (old) = epidote-(Pb) (new), tweddillite (old) = manganipiemontite-(Sr) (new). Minor modifications are necessary for the following species: Strontiopiemontite (old) = piemon- tite-(Sr) (new), androsite-(La) (old) = manganiandrosite-(La) (new). Before a mineral name can be assigned, the proper subgroup has to be determined. The determination of a proper subgroup is made by the dominating valence at M3, M1, and A2 expressed as M2+ and or M3+, not by a single, dominant ion (i.e., Fe2+, or Mg, or Al). In addition, the dominant valence on O4: X - or X 2- must be ascertained. (M2+)A2 > 0.50, (M3+)M3 > 0.50 → clinozoisite subgroup, (M3++ M4+)A2 > 0.50, (M2+)M3 > 0.50 → allanite subgroup, {(M2+)M3+M1 - (M3++ M4+)A2 } > 0.50 and (X - )O4 > 0.5 → dollaseite subgroup. Coupled heterovalent substitutions in epidote-group minerals require a special application of the so-called 50 % rule in solid-solution series. (1) Clinozoisite subgroup: The dominant trivalent cation on M3 determines the name, whereas the A2 cation appearing in the suffix has to be selected from among the diva- lent cations. (2) Allanite and dollaseite subgroups: For the sites involved in the charge compensation of a heterovalent substitution in A2 and O4 (i.e. M3 in the allanite subgroup; M3 and M1 in the dollaseite subgroup), identification of the relevant end-member formula must take into account the dominant divalent charge-compensating octahedral cation (M2+) and not the dominant cation

Beaver dams and overbank floods influence groundwater–surface water interactions of a Rocky Mountain riparian area

Abstract: [1] Overbank flooding is recognized by hydrologists as a key process that drives hydrogeomorphic and ecological dynamics in mountain valleys Beaver create dams that some ecologists have assumed may also drive riparian hydrologic processes, but empirical evidence is lacking We examined the influence of two in-channel beaver dams and a 10 year flood event on surface inundation, groundwater levels, and flow patterns in a broad alluvial valley during the summers of 2002–2005 We studied a 15 km reach of the fourth-order Colorado River in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, USA The beaver dams and ponds greatly enhanced the depth, extent, and duration of inundation associated with floods; they also elevate the water table during both high and low flows Unlike previous studies we found the main effects of beaver on hydrologic processes occurred downstream of the dam rather than being confined to the near-pond area Beaver dams on the Colorado River caused river water to move around them as surface runoff and groundwater seepage during both high- and low-flow periods The beaver dams attenuated the expected water table decline in the drier summer months for 9 and 12 ha of the 58 ha study area Thus we provide empirical evidence that beaver can influence hydrologic processes during the peak flow and low-flow periods on some streams, suggesting that beaver can create and maintain hydrologic regimes suitable for the formation and persistence of wetlands

Considering load-carrying capability and wind speed correlation of WECS in generation adequacy assessment

Abstract: Wind power is an intermittent energy source that behaves quite differently from conventional energy sources. The reliability impact of this highly variable energy source is an important aspect that needs to be assessed as wind power penetration becomes increasingly significant. Generation adequacy assessment including wind energy conversion systems (WECS) at multiple locations is described in this paper. Effective load-carrying capabilities (ELCC) obtained using the loss of load expectation (LOLE) and the loss of load frequency (LOLF) for a power system containing WECS are illustrated and compared. The results show that ELCC obtained using the LOLF and obtained using the LOLE for WECS can be considerably different, while they are similar for a conventional generating unit. The impact on the system reliability indices of wind speed correlation between two wind farms is also examined. The studies show that the degree of wind speed correlation between two wind farms has a considerable impact on the resulting reliability indices. The sequential Monte Carlo simulation approach is used as this methodology can facilitate a time series modeling of wind speeds, and also provides accurate frequency and duration assessments. An autoregressive moving average time series model is used in this study to simulate hourly wind speeds