We examined distribution and abundance of small, medium, and large American eels Anguilla rostrata in Virginia streams by comparing observed with expected null-model patterns. At large spatial scales (across drainages or physiographies), densities of small and medium American eels decreased with distance from the ocean, and densities were not strongly or consistently related to local habitat features (e.g., habitat type, abundance of cover, water temperature, density of predators). A mathematical function, analogous to diffusion of particles from a concentrated source, accounted for up to 85% of the variance in densities of small-or medium-sized eels at statewide, physiographic, or river-drainage, scale?; At smaller spatial scales (e.g.. within a drainage in a particular physiography), we found few relations between American eel density and habitat features. Exceptions to this pattern occurred at Coastal Plain sites of the James River drainage, where American eel densities were exceptionally high. Such small-scale, nonrandom patterns may reflect local density-dependent processes that only rarely affect American eel distribution and abundance more than do ubiquitous, large-scale random processes. Parsimonious, large-scale models (e.g., diffusion models) may predict the distribution and abundance of American eels (and other widespread or generalist stream fishes) more reliably than do more typical, small-scale habitat models (e.g., habitat suitability models).

Incidence of type 2 diabetes has greatly increased in the US, with over 90 percent having type 2. A cross-sectional, self-report survey was conducted for the purpose of assessing characteristics associated with self-management of type 2 diabetes (attitudes, certain behaviors, and perceived knowledge) among low-income Caucasian and African-American adults enrolled in the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP). At the time of the study, almost 11 percent of FSNEP adult participants (457 individuals) throughout the state had type 2 diabetes. Among 196 subjects interviewed for the study, 86 were Caucasian (44%) and 100 (51%) were African-American. Results indicated that over three-fourths of subjects had been counseled on diet and exercise, but less that half were following dietary recommendations and only one-fourth were getting adequate exercise. No significant differences were found between the two race groups on assessed characteristics or among subjects grouped by place of residence (p < or = 0.01). Significant correlations were found among subjects' characteristics, including perceived health status, perceived knowledge of diabetes, attitudes towards diabetes, meal-plan adherence, perceived barriers to physical activity, and reported diabetes control (p < or = 0.0001). Findings imply that (a) self-management education for type 2 diabetes does not need to be different for African-Americans vs. Caucasians in southern states and (b) best disease control is achieved when those with type 2 diabetes have a high degree of knowledge of diabetes, positive attitudes, good meal plan adherence, and few perceived barriers to physical activity.

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This study used a theoretical framework with multiple variables in multivariate analyses (factor, multiple regression, and path analyses) to investigate the sociopsychological predictors of weight loss. Responses from 309 participants of a comprehensive weight-loss program indicated that self-assurance was the most significant predictor of actual weight loss, followed by weeks completed. Other factors, such as program satisfaction and perceived importance, indirectly predicted weight loss through the intervening variables of self-assurance and weeks completed. Differences in the factors predicting weight loss were observed between completers and dropouts. The implications of these results for professionals concerned with weight control are discussed.

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