University of Westminster

About: University of Westminster is a education organization based out in London, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2944 authors who have published 8426 publications receiving 200236 citations. The organization is also known as: Westminster University & Royal Polytechnic Institution.

Dynamics of upstream migration of the European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), in the Rivers Severn and Avon, England, with special reference to the effects of man-made barriers

Abstract: The upstream migration of European eels, Anguilla anguilla (L.), was studied during 1991–1993 in the Rivers Severn and Avon using traps mounted on weir or sluice barriers. Only pigmented elvers and juvenile eels were trapped at the tidal limits, catches being equivalent to about 0.8% of the commercial glass eel catch in the lower estuary. First catches were made as temperatures rose above 10–11 °C. Pigmentation-stage analyses and body size data indicated that estuarine migration was slow and that natural mortality was probably very high. Relatively more eels were trapped in the Severn compared with the Avon, but in both rivers the number of immigrants decreased rapidly upstream of the tidal limits, whilst the average size and age increased. The number and severity of weir and sluice barriers to be surmounted exerted a greater effect than distance alone. Recapture rates of marked eels were low (1–2%), implying variable migratory tendencies and/or high mortality. Mean migration rate in the non-tidal rivers was 0.64 ± 0.6 km day–1 and some eels were not recaptured until one or two years after release. Speed of migration increased with temperatures above 15–16 °C. Relationships between migration dynamics, barriers and the scarcity of upriver stocks of eels and distorted population structures in the two rivers are discussed. Recommendations are made for the provision of passes and/or stocking to enhance migration and recruitment.

Components of the diurnal cortisol cycle in relation to upper respiratory symptoms and perceived stress.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diurnal pattern of salivary free cortisol to perceived stress and susceptibility to symptoms of upper respiratory illness (URI). METHODS: Salivary free cortisol concentration was determined in 34 healthy participants (students) at eight time points, synchronized to awakening, on 2 consecutive days. Participants completed a standard questionnaire to assess perceived stress and subsequently kept a daily record of social proximity and symptoms of upper respiratory illness for 2 weeks. RESULTS: Participants characterized by consistently larger awakening responses went on to report significantly more URI symptoms. Participants with less pronounced diurnal decline (flatter profiles) reported fewer URI symptoms. The two cortisol components were themselves related and interacted such that participants high on an interactive vector reported approximately three times more URI symptoms than other participants. The URI-associated cortisol components (dynamic changes) were not related to perceived stress, but underlying cortisol secretory activity (overall levels) in the first 45 minutes after awakening was. Dynamic components were, however, related to a social proximity measure, which in turn was related to URI symptoms. Proximity and the interactive cortisol vector together explained a substantial (28%) percentage of the variance in URI symptom reports. The cortisol vector independently and significantly explained 12% of the variation; the proximity measure independently and nonsignificantly contributed 6% of the variation. CONCLUSIONS: URI symptoms were associated with two related dynamic components of the cortisol cycle as determined by synchronization to awakening, whereas stress was related to a measure of overall secretory activity.

Regulation of the human vitamin C transporters expressed in COS-1 cells by protein kinase C

Abstract: Protein kinase C (PKC) regulation ofl-ascorbic acid transport mediated by the Na+/ascorbic acid transporters, hSVCT1 and hSVCT2, expressed in COS-1 cells was studied using recombinant carboxyl-term...

All in the Family? Parental Roles in the Epidemic of Childhood Obesity

Abstract: Childhood obesity is a serious global health challenge. Families and consumption are at the nexus of the problem, as childhood weight issues depend significantly on family-related influences (genetic predispositions, physical activities, and household food consumption practices). This article focuses on how a family socializes a child toward or away from obesity. It advances a family consumer socialization framework to characterize key elements and processes. Biological predispositions, parent/family inputs, elements of child development, parent-child interactions, and intergenerational transfer are all major contributors to weight status and life course potentials. Time is also a crucial component, here represented in two forms -- linear and cyclical. Drawing on extensive research from other disciplines and related consumer research, five “Foundational Properties” are distilled, representing fundamental tenets underpinning the family’s role in this problem. Each property is then used to chart promising opportunities for consumer researchers and others interested in advancing knowledge on this pressing concern.