bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The canonical UPF1-dependent nonsense-mediated mRNA decay is inhibited in transcripts carrying a short open reading frame independent of sequence context
Authors: Silva Ana Luísa , Pereira Francisco J.C. , Morgado Ana , Kong Jian , Martins Rute , Faustino Paula , Liebhaber Stephen A. , Romão Luísa
Published: November 2006

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a surveillance mechanism that degrades mRNAs carrying premature translation termination codons. Generally, NMD is elicited if translation terminates >50–54 nucleotides (nt) upstream of an exon–exon junction. We have previously reported that human β-globin mRNAs carrying 5′-proximal nonsense mutations (e.g., β15) accumulate to normal levels, suggesting an exception to the “50–54-nt boundary rule.” In the present report, we demonstrate that the strength of the UPF1-dependent NMD of mutant β-globin mRNAs is specifically determined by the proximity of the nonsense codon to the initiation AUG. This conclusion is supported by a parallel effect of the short ORF size on NMD of nonsense-containing α-globin mRNAs. To determine whether the short-ORF effect on NMD response is conserved in heterologous transcripts, we assessed its effects on a set of β-globin/triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) hybrid mRNAs and on the TPI mRNA. Our data support the conclusion that nonsense mutations resulting in a short ORF are able to circumvent the full activity of the canonical UPF1-dependent NMD pathway.
Conformational organization of the 3′ untranslated region in the tomato bushy stunt virus genome
Authors: Na Hong , Fabian Marc R. , White K. Andrew
Published: November 2006

The 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) of positive-strand RNA viruses often form complex structures that facilitate various viral processes. We have examined the RNA conformation of the 352 nucleotide (nt) long 3′ UTR of the Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) genome with the goal of defining both local and global structures that are important for virus viability. Gel mobility analyses of a 3′-terminal 81 nt segment of the 3′ UTR revealed that it is able to form a compact RNA domain (or closed conformation) that is stabilized by a previously proposed tertiary interaction. RNA–RNA gel shift assays were used to provide the first physical evidence for the formation of this tertiary interaction and revealed that it represents the dominant or “default” structure in the TBSV genome. Further analysis showed that the tertiary interaction involves five base pairs, each of which contributes differently to overall complex stability. Just upstream from the 3′-terminal domain, a long-distance RNA–RNA interaction involving 3′ UTR sequences was found to be required for efficient viral RNA accumulation in vivo and to also contribute to the formation of the 3′-terminal domain in vitro. Collectively, these results provide a comprehensive overview of the conformational and functional organization of the 3′ UTR of the TBSV genome.
tmRNA determinants required for facilitating nonstop mRNA decay
Authors: Mehta Preeti , Richards Jamie , Karzai A. Wali
Published: November 2006

In bacteria, ribosomes stalled on nonstop mRNAs are rescued by tmRNA in a unique process called trans-translation. The two known tmRNA functions in trans-translation are (1) a tRNA-like function, which transfers the partially synthesized protein fragment to itself; and (2) an mRNA-like function, which enables ribosomes to resume and terminate translation on tmRNA as a surrogate template. We present evidence to demonstrate that tmRNA performs a third function, namely, facilitating the degradation of the causative defective mRNA. Our investigations have revealed the identity of key sequence determinants that promote the degradation of the nonstop mRNA. These sequence determinants are located in the distal part of the tmRNA open reading frame, encoding the ultimate, penultimate, and anti-penultimate amino acids of the peptide tag. We show that mutation of these tmRNA sequence elements has an adverse affect on the disposal of the nonstop mRNA, while leaving the tRNA and mRNA functions entirely unaffected. More significantly, specific mutations that change the nucleotide sequence of the peptide-reading frame without altering the nature or identity of the encoded amino acids still exhibit the characteristic defect in nonstop mRNA decay. In contrast, mutations in codons 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the tmRNA open reading frame do not have an adverse affect on degradation of defective mRNAs. Based on these results, we propose that tmRNA plays an important role in promoting the decay of nonstop mRNAs and that sequence elements in the distal segment of the peptide-reading frame make sequence-specific contributions that are crucial for this activity.
Clay Minerals Formed During Propylitic Alteration of a Granite and Their Influence on Primary Porosity: A Multi-Scale Approach
Authors: Cassiaux M. , Proust D. , Siitari-Kauppi M. , Sardini P. , Leutsch Y.
Published: October 2006

The porosity of a propylitized granite from Charroux (France), with no fractures or sealed fractures, increases by more than four times from the unaltered (0.3%) to the altered rock (1.4%). This evolution results from several local porosity modifications which occur at different scales in the rock: (1) at the core scale, from 10−1 to 10−5 m, where rock porosity changes as a function of rock-forming mineralogical composition; (2) at the mineral scale, from 10−3 to 10−7 m, where porosity depends both on the nature of the rock-forming mineral and its clay mineral alteration. Mineralogical and porosity data collected from the granite using a mineralogical map (after chemical staining and scanning electron microscopy images combined with autoradiographs) indicate that (1) the ferromagnesian rock-forming minerals — biotite and magnesiohornblende — act as the main porosity source in the unaltered granite, and (2) the nature of the clay minerals replacing rock-forming minerals in the altered granite appears to control the porosity value through two major alteration processes: chloritization and phengitization which affect the ferromagnesian minerals and produce non-porous chloritic and porous phengitic areas, respectively, at the studied scales. The observation that incipient porosity formation in granites is strongly linked to the pathway of ferromagnesian silicate alteration and subsequent clay mineral formation underlines the need to study parent-rock texture and mineralogy and their effects on subsequent near-surface weathering of granites.
Zeolites and Coexisting Authigenic Minerals in Miocene Tuffs of the Alaçatı (Çeşme) Area, Turkey
Authors: Kaçmaz H. , Köktürk U.
Published: October 2006

The zeolites and coexisting minerals of the silicic vitric tuffs in the Alaçatı (Çeşme) area, west of İzmir (Turkey), were studied. Mordenite is the most abundant zeolite in tuffs of the Alaçatı area and usually coexists with clinoptilolite-heulandite, smectite and calcite. Opal-CT was identified by means of its crystal morphology and EDX spectrum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the relative age relationships between the zeolites and coexisting minerals, namely mordenite, clinoptilolite-heulandite, smectite, calcite, and, in addition, opal-CT. Smectite consistently crystallized earlier than any of the zeolites, and it occasionally coats the outer walls of some of the vitric material. The zeolites are commonly located on the smectite, although some mordenites were observed to be in direct contact with glass shards that lacked a smectite coating. Clinoptilolite-heulandite formed after smectite and before mordenite. Opal-CT is seen to postdate both smectite and needle-shaped mordenite. Calcite was probably the latest mineral to crystallize in the Alaçatı tuffs. The zeolites in the tuffs of the Alaçatı area formed by dissolution of silicic vitric tuffs by Na- and Ca-rich thermal waters which passed through the fracture zone. The appearance of zeolites together with smectite along this zone may be attributed to a semi-open system which subdivided into smaller closed systems. Small changes in the pH and chemical composition of the thermal waters during alteration produced the corrosion effects observed by SEM. Small amounts of clinoptilolite-heulandite were corroded prior to crystallization of coexisting mordenite. The different compositions of the thermal waters were probably inherited from water that resulted from mixing of thermal and groundwaters.
Dissolution of Brucite on the (001) Surface at Neutral pH: in situ Atomic Force Microscopy Observations
Authors: Kudoh Yuriko , Kameda Jun , Kogure Toshihiro
Published: October 2006

The dissolution of brucke, Mg(OH)2, on the (001) surface was investigated using in situ atomic force microscopy in solutions at near-neutral pH. Dissolution proceeded by the formation of crystallographically oriented triangular etch pits with monolayer step and expansion of the pits. The sides of the triangle are parallel to the [100], [110] and [010] directions of the brucite structure, and the orientation of lines from the center of the triangle to the three apices are along the [210], <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">[1¯10]$[\bar 110]$ and <mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:c="http://cambridge.org/core/content" xmlns:core="http://cambridge.org/core" xmlns:m="http://cambridge.org/core/metadata" xmlns:cup="http://contentservices.cambridge.org" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:mnf="http://cambridge.org/core/manifest">[1¯2¯0]$[\bar 1\bar 20]$ directions. This orientation may produce pit edges where OH groups coordinate to two Mg2+. Although triangular etch pits with monolayer depth formed mostly at random on the (001) surface, concentric pits penetrating several layers were also observed. Etch pits with spiral steps were rarely observed. Coalescence of the pits resulted in stranded terraces that diminished in size rapidly and formed a rounded irregular form. The step-retreat velocity around the triangular pit is 0.015–0.04 nm/s at pH 5–8. The retreat velocity around the stranded terraces was about three times more rapid than that around the triangular etch pits.
Effects of Reaction Conditions on the Formation of Todorokite at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Cui Hao-Jie , Feng Xiong-Han , He Ji-Zheng , Tan Wen-Feng , Liu Fan
Published: October 2006

Todorokite is a common Mn oxide (with a tunnel structure) in the Earth surface environment, and can be obtained by hydrothermal treatment or refluxing process from precursor buserite with a layered structure. Several chemical reaction conditions for the phase transformation from Na-buserite to todorokite at atmospheric pressure were investigated, including temperature, pH, crystallinity of precursor Na-buserite, the amount of the interlayer Mg2+ of the Mg-buserite and clay minerals. The results showed that the conversion rate and crystallinity of todorokite decreased with falling temperature, and Mg-buserite could not be completely transformed to todorokite at lower temperatures (40°C). The poorly crystalline Na-buserite could be converted into todorokite more easily than highly crystalline Na-buserite. Todorokite can be prepared at pH 5–9, but the rate of conversion and crystallinity of todorokite did vary with pH in the order: neutral ≈ alkali > acidic. The conversion rate of todorokite decreased with decreasing interlayer Mg2+ content of the Mg-buserite. The presence of montmorillonite or goethite slowed the formation reaction of todorokite in the refluxing process, and the reaction time was prolonged when the amounts of those minerals were increased.
Al-Pillared Montmorillonite Obtained in Concentrated Media. Effect of the Anions (Nitrate, Sulfate and Chloride) Associated with the Al Species
Authors: Aouad Amina , Pineau Alain , Tchoubar Denise , Bergaya Faïza
Published: October 2006

Basic Al chloride, sulfate and nitrate were prepared by hydrolysis of Al chloride followed by precipitation with a Na sulfate solution, then re-dissolution in a Ba nitrate solution. The three laboratory-synthesized oligomers and solid, commercial chlorhydrol were characterized by X-ray diffraction, 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy analysis. The results showed that basic Al chloride contained unknown crystalline Keggin species. In commercial chlorhydrol, Al13 species were present in small amounts aside from the monomeric species. Basic Al nitrate or sulfate contained exclusively Al13 species. Pillaring a raw montmorillonite with different Al complexes in very concentrated media using both the clay and the oligomer in the solid state led to different pillared structures. Characterization by transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption, and thermogravimetric analysis of the materials obtained shows that pillaring with sulfate or chloride oligomers gave very heterogeneous pillared clays. Although basic Al nitrate and commercial chlorhydrol give better ordered and well organized pillared clays, the stacking obtained with chlorhydrol is greater.
Raw Material Sources for the Roman Bracarense Ceramics (NW Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Prudêncio M. Isabel , Braga M. Amália Sequeira , Oliveira Felisbela , Dias M. Isabel , Delgado Manuela , Martins Manuela
Published: October 2006

The Bracarense ceramics are characterized by a fine, pale yellow paste covered with a brownish yellow slip. The name is derived from Bracara Augusta, the Roman town located in the north of Portugal, where this type of ceramic paste was first found and identified. Various forms with the same type of paste occur, such as imitations of sigillata, terra sigillata and thin walls from the Augustus-Tiberius period, and common ware. Later, similar ceramics were also found in other archeological sites, e.g. Aquis Querquennis (Galiza, Spain), which question the location of the production center of this type of ceramic paste.

Mineralogical and chemical analyses showed that the majority of the Bracarense shards studied differ from the common ware of the Braga region. Despite minor differences, the Bracarense shards collected in Aquis Querquennis have the same geochemical pattern as those found in Bracara Augusta, i.e. they appear to have been manufactured with the same clay type. The firing products found indicate a kaolin character of the source clay, and point to firing temperatures near 900°C. The Aquis Querquennis shards have greater Br contents, which can be explained by use-wear and/or post-depositional processes, as this site is located in a thermal-water region.
Productivity, counterproductivity and creativity: The ups and downs of job insecurity
Authors: Probst Tahira M. , Stewart Susan M. , Gruys Melissa L. , Tierney Bradley W.
Published: November 2006

Organizations frequently downsize in the hopes of creating a ‘lean and mean’ company able to be flexible and quick to adapt to changing environmental needs. The purpose of the current research was to assess the effects of job insecurity on productivity, counterproductivity, and creativity in a simulated organizational environment and a field setting. In the first study, 104 non‐traditional undergraduate students (M= 30.48 years) participated in a laboratory experiment that manipulated the threat of lay‐offs (job insecurity) and measured creativity and productivity over two time periods. Compared to control group participants, results indicate that participant productivity increased in the condition of higher levels of job insecurity, whereas creative problem solving decreased. In the second study, 144 employees in five organizations completed a survey measuring their job insecurity perceptions, enactment of counterproductive work behaviours, and creative problem‐solving ability. Regression analyses indicate that job insecurity predicted lower creativity scores, yet was also related to lower numbers of counterproductive work behaviours. Taken together, these studies suggest that job insecurity may have adverse effects on creativity, yet moderately beneficial effects on productivity. Results are interpreted in light of the increasing prevalence of job insecurity and organizational downsizing in today's workplace.
Specificity of interpretation and judgemental biases in social phobia versus depression
Authors: Voncken M. J. , Bögels S. M. , Peeters F.
Published: November 2006

Objectives. A body of studies shows that social phobia is characterized by content specific interpretation and judgmental biases. That is, they show bias in social situations but not in non‐social situations. Comorbid depression, one of the major comorbid disorders in social phobia, might account for these biases in social phobia since depression also is characterized by cognitive distortions in social situations. This study hypothesized that, despite comorbid depression, patients with social phobia would suffer from contentspecific biases.

Design. Participants filled out the Interpretation and Judgmental Questionnaire (IJQ) to assess interpretation bias (using open‐ended responses and forced‐interpretations) and judgmental bias in social and non‐social situations.

Method. Four groups participated: social phobic patients with high (N=38) and low (N=47) depressive symptoms, depressed patients (N=22) and normal controls (N=33).

Results. We found both social phobic groups to interpret social situations more negatively and judge social situations as more threatening than non‐social situations relative to depressed patients and normal controls. As expected, depressive symptoms related to increased general interpretation and judgmental biases across social and non‐social situations. In contrast to expectations, we did not find these patterns for the open‐ended measure of interpretation bias.

Conclusions. The content‐specific biases for social situations distinguished social phobic patients from depressive patients. This speaks for the importance of establishing the primary diagnosis in patients with mixed depression and social anxiety complaints.
Displayed Objects, Indigenous Identities, and Public Pedagogy
Authors: Trofanenko Brenda
Published: November 2006

In this article, I describe how one group of student examines indigenous identity formation as dynamic and open to reinterpretation. Drawing on field observations and interviews with students in a 16‐month ethnographic study, I examine how one group of students worked toward understanding how indigenous identity was determined by curatorial authority and historically defined museum practices. I argue that students can question the traditional pedagogical conceptions of indigenous culture that ought to be reconsidered within the public museum, and that working to historicize such conceptions makes more explicit student knowledge production of identity.
Modernity, Prestige, and Self‐Promotion: Literacy in a Papua New Guinean Community
Authors: Mckeown Eamonn
Published: November 2006

In this article, I examine patterns of literacy use in the daily life a rural community in the Papua New Guinea highlands. It is demonstrated that many of these practices do not correspond to the ways in which agencies responsible for imparting literacy, particularly the local school, intend. Instead, village concepts of prestige, chance, and reciprocity are influential in shaping literacy practices, and the uses are governed by local associations and preoccupations with modernity.
Literacy Campaigns and the Indigenization of Modernity: Rearticulations of Capitalism
Authors: Bialostok Steve
Published: November 2006

Many current literacy campaigns intended for indigenous peoples in Third World countries are reconceptualizations of earlier colonial projects and conform to the needs of late‐modern capitalism. Early anthropology may have influenced the discourses surrounding literacy, but current anthropologists have charted important cultural and linguistic territories that provide vital information to use when conceptualizing indigenous literacy education. Anthropology can also play a role in supporting indigenizing modernities through literacy programs.
Nitrogen-induced carbon nanobells and their properties
Authors: Wang E.G.
Published: November 2006

Polymerized nitrogen-containing carbon nanobell structures were fabricated by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition using the mixture of source gases: methane, nitrogen, and hydrogen. The nanobells with one end sealed and another open contained a nitrogen concentration of about 1–10 at.%. A first-principles calculation was performed to understand the nitrogen effect on the formation of a bell structure. Based on the growth mechanism, a continual nanojunction formed between nanobell and nanotube. The unique structures with a weak connection between two adjacent nanobells were useful for producing short nanotubes several tens of nanometers in length and diameter. In addition, the short length and open edges at the outside surfaces of nanobells also benefited the electron field emission, energy storage, and chemical reactivity.
Elastic modulus of single-crystal GaN nanowires
Authors: Ni Hai , Li Xiaodong , Cheng Guosheng , Klie Robert
Published: November 2006

The deformation behavior of single-crystal GaN nanowires was studied by directly performing three-point bending tests on each individual nanowire in an atomic force microscope. The elastic modulus calculated from the load–displacement response of the nanowires was 43.9 ± 2.2 GPa. Single-crystal GaN nanowires investigated in this study were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition techniques based on the vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism and had a diameter range from 60 to 110 nm. Crystalline GaN nanowires did not show obvious plastic deformation in bending and usually failed in a brittle manner.
Single-walled carbon nanotube-supported platinum nanoparticles as fuel cell electrocatalysts
Authors: Lafuente Esperanza , Muñoz Edgar , Benito Ana M. , Maser Wolfgang K. , Martínez M. Teresa , Alcaide Francisco , Ganborena Larraitz , Cendoya Ione , Miguel Oscar , Rodríguez Javier , Urriolabeitia Esteban P. , Navarro Rafael
Published: November 2006

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been used as electrocatalyst support for fuel cells. A toluene solution of a platinum salt, bis(dibenzylideneacetone) platinum, has been used for the first time to decorate the outer surface of SWNT bundles with Pt nanoparticles. The obtained Pt/SWNT materials were then used as catalytic layer in electrodes for fuel cell electrocatalysis. The used platinum salt concentration in the initial SWNT dispersion determined the Pt nanoparticle size and, consequently, the activity of the Pt/SWNT electrodes toward the oxygen reduction reaction. The achieved results were compared with those corresponding to a commercial Pt/carbon black catalyst with similar Pt loading and surface area.
Electronic structure of free-standing InP and InAs nanowires
Authors: Lassen B. , Willatzen M. , Melnik R. , Lew Yan Voon L.C.
Published: November 2006

An eight-band k·p theory that does not suffer from the spurious solution problem is demonstrated. It is applied to studying the electronic properties of InP and InAs free-standing nanowires. Band gaps and effective masses are reported as a function of size, shape, and orientation of the nanowires. We compare our results with experimental work and with other calculations.
Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic properties of pyrochlore Bi2Ti2O7nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Hongjun , Park Tae-Jin , Wong Stanislaus S.
Published: November 2006

Bismuth titanate (Bi2Ti2O7) nanotubes were successfully synthesized with an alumina template-based sol-gel technique. As-synthesized nanotubes are smooth and uniform with diameters ranging from 180 to 330 nm and lengths varying from 7 to 12 μm. Extensive characterization of as-prepared samples has been performed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). Photocatalytic studies indicate that as-prepared nanotubes possess higher photocatalytic activity than the corresponding bulk sample prepared without the use of an alumina template.
Effective Young's modulus of carbon nanofiber array
Authors: Zhang Yi , Suhir Ephraim , Xu Yuan
Published: November 2006

We developed a methodology for the evaluation of the effective Young's modulus (EYM) of the vertically aligned carbon nanofibers array (CNFA). The carbon nanofibers array is treated in this study as a continuous structural element, and, for this reason, the determined EYM might be appreciably different (actually, lower) than the Young's modulus (YM) of the material of an individual carbon nanotube or a nanofiber. The developed methodology is based on the application of a compressive load onto the carbon nanofibers array, so that each individual carbon nanofiber experiences axial compression and is expected to buckle under the compressive load. The relationship between the applied compressive stress and the induced displacement of the carbon nanofiber array is measured using a table version of an Instron tester. It has been found that the carbon nanofiber array exhibits nonlinear behavior and the EYM increases with an increase in the compressive load. The largest measured EYM of the carbon nanofiber array turned out to be about 90 GPa. It has been found also that the fragmentary pieces of lateral graphitic layer in the carbon nanofiber array resulted in substantial worsening of the quality of the carbon nanofibers. This might be one of the possible reasons why the measured EYM turned out to be much lower than the theoretical predictions reported in the literature. The measured EYM is also much lower than the reported in the literature atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based data for the EYM for multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) that possess uniform and straight graphitic wall structure. Our transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations have revealed indeed poor structural qualities of the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) grown CNFs.
Solid-state growth of nickel silicide nanowire by the metal-induced growth method
Authors: Kim Joondong , Bae Jong-Uk , Anderson Wayne A. , Kim Hyun-Mi , Kim Ki-Bum
Published: November 2006

Unique nanowire growth was accomplished at 575 °C by the metal-induced growth (MIG) method. This involved a spontaneous reaction between metal and Si. The deposited metal worked as a catalyst layer to grow nanowires in the solid state. Various metals (Ni, Co, and Pd) were used in MIG nanowire fabrication, and the Ni-induced case was successful in demonstrating that metal species should be the dominant factor for growing nanowires. The Ni to Si composition was studied by energy dispersive spectroscopy showing the Ni diffusion inside the nanowire as well as the Ni silicide layer. The practical application of the MIG nanowire was proved by fabricating nanoscale contacts.
Beyond Secularist Supersessionism
Authors: Gregersen Niels Henrik
Published: November 2006

Influential sociologists such as Ulrich Beck and Anthony Giddens are well known for contrasting a ‘pre-modern’ surrender to divine fate, a ‘modern’ will to control, and a ‘late-modern’ risk-awareness. This grand narrative, however, is both simplistic and misleading. For risks are often hybrids of natural threats and cultural choices. Accordingly, late-modern societies continue to concern themselves with external dangers (such as tsunamis) while relying on technological assistance for coping with the subsequent crises; both ‘premodern’ and ‘modern’ approaches to risks are with us today. Moreover, Beck and Giddens fail to see that self-reflexive religions continue to nourish a risk-willingness among citizens in hypercomplex societies. Risk-awareness in fact emerged in the horizon of Renaissance lifestyles and Reformation theology. As soon as the religious securities offered by law and church regulations were abandoned, ‘trust’ in face of uncertain futures became the new central value within the religious system. In early modernity, salvation was understood as the ‘attunement’ of human freedom to a divine providence that itself was perceived as a source of contingency. The article thus points to some of the religious resources for risk-awareness in the theologies of Martin Luther, John Wesley, and Blaise Pascal. In a more constructive vein, it is argued that risks tend to cross the boundaries between natural conditions and technological interventions. Acknowledging this hybridity of risks, it is argued that technological risk assessments should take into account the qualitative features of risks. For, after all, the question, what a risk is, cannot be separated from the question, for whom the risk constitutes a serious threat.
In Whose Image? Representations of Technology and the ‘Ends’ of Humanity
Authors: Graham Elaine
Published: November 2006

This article is an attempt to introduce a theological voice into the discussion about the ethical and existential implications of the so-called ‘posthuman’, and in particular whether the digital, cybernetic or genetic age represents an endangerment to the survival of the human subject or the means towards the evolution of a successor species. This is of particular interest to theology when even the most secular of technoscientific discourses make use of religious language to describe their aspirations. I will argue that representations of technologies as either endangerment or promise are underpinned by implicit value-judgements as to the relationship between our technological capabilities and the ends (teloi) of human nature. I begin to examine some of the ways in which theologically-derived understandings of persons as made in the image of God (imago Dei) may be of relevance in talk of the transition of homo sapiens to techno sapiens, and whether that is broadly affirming of, or suspicious towards, technological endeavour. Two themes emerge as requiring further integration into a fully-worked theological anthropology, however. The first is the notion of humanity ‘co-evolving’ with its tools and technologies as agent and object of transformation; and the second is that of human hybridity, our fundamental complicity and interdependence with the rest of the material world.
Environmental Justice
Authors: Diefenbacher Hans
Published: November 2006

This article discusses ecological justice from the perspective of ecological economics. It departs from two questions: How to apply justice in a model of economy? How to connect economy and ecology? The classical neoliberal economy does not include human and social values and it fails to reflect the natural dimension. While the contemporary neoliberal economy produces costs, which are not paid, increasing problems of injustice are produced constantly. If we do not want to let future generations pay, we need to find intelligent limits to our economic system. How can we develop the concept of ecological justice as a guiding principle for global governance, through which we could perceive and integrate the limits of economy in a constructive manner?
Nutritive Value and Nutrient Uptake of Sorghum–Sudangrass under Different Broiler Litter Fertility Programs
Authors: Sleugh Byron B. , Gilfillen Rebecca A. , Willian William T. , Henderson Holly D.
Published: November 2006

Broiler (Gallus gallus) litter fertility regimes and nutrient removal by sorghum–sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are not well defined. The objective of this study was to determine broiler litter fertility regimes for sorghum–sudangrass that would maximize nutrient removal and produce comparable forage nutritive value compared with inorganic fertilizers while reducing potential soil nutrient accumulation. A randomized, complete‐block experiment with four replications and four treatments (litter applied at recommended nitrogen [N] rate [Litter‐N], recommended phosphorus [P] rate plus supplemental inorganic N [Litter‐P+N], recommended P rate [Litter‐P], and inorganic fertilizer [INORG]) was established. Acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), P, Cu, Fe, and Zn were determined. Treatments did not affect ADF, NDF, Cu, or Fe in 2001, whereas ADF and NDF were similar for INORG and Litter‐N in 2002. Greatest P concentrations were observed in Litter‐N and Litter‐P plots. Crude protein was greatest for INORG plots, similar for Litter‐P+N and Litter‐N treatments, and lowest for Litter‐P plots. Treatments affected Cu and Zn: Forage from Litter‐N plots contained 44% greater forage Cu than those from Litter‐P plots in 2003. Iron concentration for 2003 was 60% higher than for 2001 in Litter‐N plots, and there were 22% and 30% increases in P uptake in 2003 compared with 2001 for the Litter‐N and Litter‐P+N plots, respectively. Lower rates of broiler litter, applied based on the P requirement and supplemented with inorganic N, can produce similar forage nutritive value to that fertilized with inorganic fertilizer only or broiler litter applied to meet crop N requirements.
Influence of Plant Density on Cotton Response to Mepiquat Chloride Application
Authors: Siebert Jonathan D. , Stewart Alexander M.
Published: November 2006

Increased yield potential associated with full‐season cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties can be offset by excessive vegetative growth that leads to undesirable fruit shed and boll rot. Producers often make multiple mepiquat chloride (1,1‐dimethyl‐piperidinium chloride) applications with excessive seasonal use rates to combat this problem, often with inconsistent results. Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate reduced plant populations as a potential management tool to be used in conjunction with mepiquat chloride application strategies for managing plant height. Plant populations of 152883, 101929, and 50958 plants ha−1 received a single application at 12 nodes (15.2 g a.i. ha−1) or early bloom (45.8 g a.i. ha−1), sequential applications at 12 nodes (15.2 g a.i. ha−1) and early bloom (30.6 g a.i. ha−1), or the modified early bloom schedule (a plant growth regulator application decision aid that recommends rates and timing based on plant growth parameters). Mepiquat chloride application reduced final plant height at least 15 cm compared with the nontreated in both years but also reduced the number of main stem nodes in 2005. In 2005, lint yield was inversely related to plant population, and a significant yield response occurred with the modified early bloom mepiquat chloride application strategy. Mepiquat chloride application increased lint yield in 1 of 2 yr but was useful for reducing plant height regardless of population. Reducing plant population had no adverse effects on lint yield or fiber properties and may be valuable in achieving a desired plant stature with less intensive plant growth regulator management.
Mitigation of organic compound movement in landfills by shredded tires
Authors: Park Jae K. , Kim Jae Y. , Edil Tuncer B.
Published: October 2006

This paper evaluates the feasibility of using shredded tires for removal of organic compounds from landfill leachate. From the batch sorption isotherm experiments, tire chips were found to have 1.4% to 5.6% of the sorption capacity of granular activated carbon on a volume basis. The sorption equilibrium occurred within 2 days for 0.6‐, 1.3‐, and 2.5‐cm size tire chips. The capacity of tire chips to adsorb organic compounds in a multisolute system was almost equal to that in single‐solute systems. Only 3.4% to 7.9% of the organic compounds sorbed in tire chips were desorbed. A design method was proposed to estimate the thickness of a tire layer required for a target organic compound removal from the landfill leachate based on a structure‐activity relationship obtained from laboratory tests.
Evaluation of spray irrigation for on‐site wastewater treatment and disposal on marginal soils
Authors: Monnett G. T. , Reneau R. B. , Hagedorn C.
Published: October 2006

Two field sites with soil limitations (shallow depth to restrictive layers) were used in the evaluation of slow rate spray irrigation as an alternative methodology to conventional on‐site wastewater treatment are disposal. Secondary treatment and disinfection of the effluent was performed before application to the soil‐plant system at rates of 1.25 and 2.5 cm/wk. After 20 months of effluent application at Site 1 and 12 months of application at Site 2, adequate wastewater renovation was occurring at both sites. Nitrogen removal rates by the soil‐plant system were between 85% and 95%, with NO3−‐N concentrations in shallow groundwaters at both field sites less than 0.8 mg/L. Phosphorus removal rates were at least 96%. Storm water runoff quality measurements from Site 1 indicated no serious threat to nearby surface waters. Small increases in soil NO3−‐N and NH4+‐N concentrations to the 30‐cm depth occurred only at Site 2. There was no evidence of increased soil PO4‐P concentrations as a result of wastewater irrigation. The soil moisture content increased slightly at depths measured from 30 to 150 cm during summer months at both sites. Both sites demonstrated that the renovation capacity of on‐site spray irrigation systems in soils with limitations can be very efficient.
Sewage abatement and coliform bacteria trends in the lower Hudson‐Raritan Estuary since passage of the Clean Water Act
Authors: Brosnan Thomas M. , O'Shea Marie L.
Published: October 2006

Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, significant construction and upgrading of water pollution control plants has occurred throughout the Hudson‐Raritan Estuary. This has reduced the discharge of untreated wastewater into the estuary from approximately 19.7 m3/s (450 mgd) in 1970 to less than 0.2 m3/s (5 mgd) by 1988. The impact of this on water quality in the region was assessed by examining trends in a long‐term ambient total coliform monitoring data set. Total coliform bacteria have been monitored each summer from 1968 to 1993, as indicators of wastewater‐related pollution at 40 sites throughout the lower Hudson‐Raritan Estuary. Coliforms exhibit significant long‐term improvements throughout the estuary (that is, order‐of‐magnitude reductions over the past 26 years). Declines in coliform concentrations from 1968 through 1988 are primarily in response to plant construction and upgrades. Continued declines from 1989 through 1993 are attributed to several other New York City water pollution control programs. These programs have resulted in the abatement of 0.045 5 m3/s (1.04 mgd) of illegal discharges; reduced raw wastewater bypassing by 0.15 m3/s (3.4 mgd) due to increased surveillance and inspection of sewers; and increased capture of wet weather combined sewer overflows. In 1993, estimated compliance with New York State total coliform and fecal coliform standards was the highest ever recorded by this program. These improvements have resulted in the reopening of beaches and the lifting of wet weather bathing advisories.
Trichloroethylene degradation by methane‐oxidizing cultures grown with various nitrogen sources
Authors: Chu Kung‐Hui , Alvarez‐Cohen Lisa
Published: October 2006

Methane‐oxidizing microorganisms exhibit great potential for vadose zone bioremediation since they grow on a gaseous substrate, are capable of cometabolically degrading a wide range of common subsurface contaminants, and fix molecular nitrogen as a nitrogen source. This paper reports the effects of supplying nitrogen as nitrate, ammonia, and molecular nitrogen on the growth, trichloroethylene (TCE) degradation capacity, and energy storage capacity of a mixed methane‐oxidizing culture. Cells inoculated from a nitrate‐supplied methane‐oxidizing culture grew fastest while fixing atmospheric nitrogen when oxygen partial pressures were kept less than 8%. Cell growth and methane oxidation were more rapid for ammonia‐supplied cells than for nitrate‐supplied or nitrogen‐fixing cells. However, nitrogen‐fixing cells were capable of oxidizing TCE as efficiently as nitrate‐ or ammonia‐supplied cells, and they exhibited the highest TCE transformation capacity of all three cultures both with and without formate as an exogenous reducing energy source. The TCE product toxicity was not as pronounced for the nitrogen‐fixing cells as for the nitrate‐ or ammonia‐supplied cells after exposure to high (20 mg/L) or low (2 mg/L) TCE concentrations. Energy storage in the form of poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate was 20% to 30% higher for nitrogen‐fixing cells; increased energy storage may be responsible for the higher transformation capacity of nitrogen‐fixing cells when no external reducing energy was available. However, because nitrogen‐fixing cells also exhibited the highest transformation capacity in the presence of formate, their cometabolic activity was enhanced beyond that which can be explained by increased energy storage alone.
Alternating aerobic‐anoxic process for nitrogen removal: Process evaluation
Authors: Hao Oliver J. , Huang Jason
Published: October 2006

The completely mixed alternating aerobic‐anoxic (AAA) activated sludge process for nitrogen removal was investigated to observe it under normal operating conditions, evaluate its dynamic responses, and investigate the feasibility of real‐time sensors (dissolved oxygen [DO], pH, and oxidation‐reduction potential [ORP]) as process control parameters. Total nitrogen reduction of 72% to 83% could be achieved in the AAA process with an aerobic fraction of 50% and mean cell residence time between 7 and 20 days. The steady‐state process evaluation suggested energy savings from lesser aeration time and enhancement in oxygen transfer efficiency. As compared with the sludge from the control aerobic reactor, a slight deterioration in sludge settleability in terms of zone settling velocity was noticed. Feasibility study on the use of pH or ORP as a real‐time process control parameter for the AAA process indicates that either parameter may be used. Several control points on the pH profile were identified and defined. Particularly significant are the points that define the end of nitrification in the aerobic cycle and the end of anoxic respiration in the anoxic cycle. Application of these points to control the duration of aerobic and anoxic cycles is discussed.
Recent temporal trends in sediment metal concentrations near a large wastewater outfall off Orange County, California
Authors: Phillips Charles , Hershelman G. Patrick
Published: October 2006

Temporal trends in sediment metal concentrations near a large wastewater outfall in southern California were evaluated with respect to changes in effluent metal concentrations and mass‐emission rates (MERs). During 1985 to 1992, metal concentrations and MERs in the County Sanitation Districts of Orange County effluent decreased by approximately 30% to 90%. Relatively smaller but statistically significant changes in metal concentrations in sediments adjacent to the outfall also occurred during this period. At nearfield sites, significant decreases in sediment concentrations were apparent for a subset of the metals that were more highly enriched in the effluent relative to background sediment concentrations. Changes in effluent concentrations of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn explained 48% to 62% of the variance in the corresponding metal concentrations in sediments immediately adjacent to the outfall. Appreciable but relatively smaller decreases in sediment metal concentrations occurred at other shelf locations. Correlations between effluent and sediment metal concentrations generally were weaker at greater distance from the outfall.
Determination of site‐specific effluent detection limits
Authors: Neserke George , Taylor Harold
Published: October 2006

A solution is proposed for the practical problems of regulatory compliance with toxic metals standards that are lower than the method detection limit. Samples of wastewater treatment plant effluent were analyzed for five different metals by four different laboratories. A two‐way analysis of variance was used to estimate the standard deviation that was multiplied by the appropriate Student's t test statistic. The result is the interlaboratory method detection limit (IMDL). The IMDL was then added to the chronic permit limit to find the regulatory compliance limit. Although the values found for silver and mercury were slightly higher than the previously used method detection limit. they did not equal the estimate of practical quantitation limit as previously described in the literature.
The importance of trace metal speciation to water quality criteria
Authors: Allen Herbert E. , Hansen David J.
Published: October 2006

Because the bioavailability of a trace metal, and consequently its toxicity, is dependent on the physical and chemical form of the metal, we have presented a detailed assessment of how speciation of copper would be expected to affect its toxicity. Principles of chemical speciation are applied to demonstrate that inorganic forms will be in constant proportion to each other and to free copper ion during the course of the titration of a sample of natural water with copper or in the various treatments in a toxicity test conducted at constant pH and alkalinity. Binding of copper to dissolved organic matter or to suspended particulate matter may render the copper nonbioavailable. We have considered a simple complexation model to describe the complexation of copper to soluble ligands. Naturally occurring dissolved organic matter is present at concentrations only slightly greater than that of copper. Consequently, titration of water with copper results in a nonlinear relationship between the concentration of copper present as free copper ion plus inorganic copper species. The effects of stability constant of the complex, concentration of ligand, and the total copper concentration are evaluated. We have related bioavailable copper to the concentration of free copper ion plus inorganic copper complexes, which is valid if the pH and alkalinity of the waters used to develop a criteria are not different. On the basis of limited field data for the complexation of copper in Narragansett Bay water, we do not expect that significant differences in water quality criteria (WQC) would result if the criteria were to be based on free copper ion plus inorganic copper complexes rather than total copper concentrations. We examined the effect of speciation of copper in different waters as related to empirical or theoretically calculated water effect ratios (WER). We show that, on the basis of sound chemical principles, it would be expected that the most sensitive organisms would have the greatest WER. This prediction is confirmed by the empirical observations available. For insensitive organisms, knowledge of the concentration of ligand is sufficient to reasonably predict the WER. However, for the more sensitive organisms that give higher WERs, it is necessary to measure or calculate the speciation of copper to predict the WER. Use of predicted WERs may replace use of empirically derived WERs as is now part of regulatory guidance for derivation of site‐specific WQC. if correspondence has been demonstrated.
Removal of metals and ammonia in constructed wetlands
Authors: Crites Ronald W. , Dombeck Glenn D. , Watson Rob C. , Williams Charles R.
Published: October 2006

Constructed wetlands have the potential to trap and remove metals contained in wastewater. Long‐term removal is expected to occur by accumulation and burial in the plant detritus in a manner similar to the removal of phosphorus. A free water surface constructed wetlands has been in operation at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant treating municipal secondary effluent since the spring of 1994. Data on removal of 13 metals and ammonia are presented for the operating period from July 1994 to December 1995. Significant removal of copper, lead, and zinc is indicated from preliminary results. Water quality profiles for copper, lead, nickel, and zinc are presented for a plug flow cell.