bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vocal and anatomical evidence for two-voiced sound production in the greater sage-grouseCentrocercus urophasianus
Authors: Krakauer Alan H. , Tyrrell Maura , Lehmann Kenna , Losin Neil , Goller Franz , Patricelli Gail L.
Published: October 2009

Greater sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus, have been a model system in studies of sexual selection and lek evolution. Mate choice in this species depends on acoustic displays during courtship, yet we know little about how males produce these sounds. Here we present evidence for previously undescribed two-voiced sound production in the sage-grouse. We detected this`double whistle' (DW) using multi-channel audio recordings combined with video recordings of male behavior. Of 28 males examined, all males produced at least one DW during observation; variation in DW production did not correlate with observed male mating success. We examined recordings from six additional populations throughout the species' range and found evidence of DW in all six populations, suggesting that the DW is widespread. To examine the possible mechanism of DW production, we dissected two male and female sage-grouse; the syrinx in both sexes differed noticeably from that of the domestic fowl, and notably had two sound sources where the bronchi join the syrinx. Additionally,we found males possess a region of pliable rings at the base of the trachea,as well as a prominent syringeal muscle that is much reduced or absent in females. Experiments with a live phonating bird will be necessary to determine how the syrinx functions to produce the whistle, and whether the DW might be the result of biphonation of a single sound source. We conclude that undiscovered morphological and behavioral complexity may exist even within well-studied species, and that integrative research approaches may aid in the understanding of this type of complexity.
Development of lower limb stiffness and its contribution to maximum vertical jumping power during adolescence
Authors: Korff Thomas , Horne Sara L. , Cullen Sarah J. , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: October 2009

Maximum power production during multi-joint tasks increases as children grow older. Previous research suggests that in adults, maximum power production in jumping is related to lower limb stiffness. In a developmental context, the question arises as to whether the relationship between maximum power production and lower limb stiffness is age-dependent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lower limb stiffness and peak power production in adolescents (AD) and pre-adolescents (PA). With institutional approval, two groups of pre-adults (pre-adolescents: 11–13 years of age, N=43; adolescents: 16–18 years of age, N=30) performed 30 two-legged hops at their preferred frequency and three maximum counter-movement jumps. AD produced significantly greater peak power during the counter-movement jump than PA(t71=–5.28, P<0.001) even when body mass was accounted for. Lower limb stiffness was significantly correlated with peak power production during the counter-movement jump in AD (R=0.62, P<0.001) but not in PA (R=0.26, P=0.10). When normalised to body mass, the relationship between lower limb stiffness and peak power also differed between the two age groups (R=0.30, P=0.11 for AD and R=0.02, P=0.88 for PA). In addition, we found that during hopping, both PA and AD behaved like a simple spring-mass system. Our findings highlight the importance of lower limb stiffness in the context of muscular power production during multi-joint tasks. They let us speculate that during adolescence, children acquire the ability to take greater advantage of elastic energy storage in the musculotendinous system when performing maximum counter-movement jumps.
Hormonal control of luminescence from lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax) photophores
Authors: Claes Julien M. , Mallefet Jérôme
Published: October 2009

The velvet belly lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax) emits a blue luminescence from thousands of tiny photophores. In this work, we performed a pharmacological study to determine the physiological control of luminescence from these luminous organs. Isolated photophore-filled skin patches produced light under melatonin (MT) and prolactin (PRL) stimulation in a dose-dependent manner but did not react to classical neurotransmitters. Theα-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) had an inhibitory effect on hormonal-induced luminescence. Because luzindole and 4P-PDOT inhibited MT-induced luminescence, the action of this hormone is likely to be mediated through binding to the MT2 receptor subtype, which probably decreases the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP (cAMP) because forskolin (a cAMP donor) strongly inhibits the light response to MT. However, PRL seems to achieve its effects via janus kinase 2 (JAK2) after binding to its receptor because a specific JAK2 inhibitor inhibits PRL-induced luminescence. The two stimulating hormones showed different kinetics as well as a seasonal variation of light intensity, which was higher in summer (April) than in winter (December and February). All of these results strongly suggest that,contrary to self-luminescent bony fishes, which harbour a nervous control mechanism of their photophore luminescence, the light emission is under hormonal control in the cartilaginous E. spinax. This clearly highlights the diversity of fish luminescence and confirms its multiple independent apparitions during the course of evolution.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of prey properties on feeding kinematics in two species of lizards
Authors: Metzger Keith A.
Published: October 2009

Studies of the functional morphology of feeding have typically not included an analysis of the potential for the kinematics of the gape cycle to vary based on the material properties of the prey item being consumed. Variation in prey properties is expected not only to reveal variation in feeding function,but allows testing of the functional role of the phases of the gape cycle. The jaw kinematics of two species of lizards are analyzed when feeding trials are conducted using quantitative control of prey mass, hardness and mobility. For both species, there were statistically significant prey effects on feeding kinematics for all the prey properties evaluated (i.e. prey mass, hardness and mobility). Of these three prey properties, prey mass had a more significant effect on feeding kinematics than prey hardness or mobility. Revealing the impact of varying prey properties on feeding kinematics helps to establish the baseline level of functional variability in the feeding system. Additionally,these data confirm the previously hypothesized functional role of the slow open (SO) phase of the gape cycle as allowing for physical conformation of the tongue to the surface of the food bolus in preparation for further intraoral transport.
A revised approach to performance measurement for health-care estates
Authors: May Daryl , Price Ilfryn
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the research was to show how lean asset thinking can be applied to UK health-care facilities using different measures to compare the estates contribution to the business of health-care providers. The challenge to conventional wisdom matches that posed by ‘Lean Production’ to ‘Mass Manufacturing’. Data envelope analysis examined the income generated and patient-occupied area as outputs from the gross area of a NHS Trust's estate. The approach yielded strategic comparisons that conventional facilities management measures of cost per square metre hide. The annual cost of an excess estate is conservatively estimated at £600,000,000 (in England alone). Further research to understand the causes of the excess is needed. Meanwhile the research illustrates the power of an alternative way of assessing facilities performance. The authors are not aware of the lean asset perspective previously being applied to health-care facilities. The research shows the underlying fallacy of relying on cost per square metre as the primary measure of asset performance. The results and discussion will be particularly useful to senior estates and facilities managers wishing to use new measures to define strategic estates targets.
An analysis of the factors influencing networkability in the health-care sector
Authors: Mettler Tobias , Rohner Peter
Published: October 2009

In most industries of economy, the production structures evolved into activities characterized by a high division of labour between the business partners combined with specialization, the standardization of service components and extensive networking. In the health-care sector, the first signs of a similar development are beginning to crystallize. As a consequence, networkability, the ability to link up with other players on the basis of commonly agreed standards for the joint provisioning of patient-centred and cost-efficient health services will emerge to a key concept for future health service delivery. As not only technical but mainly organizational and behavioural issues are actually determining networkability of health-care organizations, a holistic model for analysis is needed. In this paper, the main variables leading to an increase in this networkability are identified and compiled into a comprehensible procedure model for health-care practitioners.
Indeterminate rapid HIV-1 test results among antenatal and postnatal mothers
Authors: Matemo D , Kinuthia J , John F , Chung M , Farquhar C , John-Stewart G , Kiarie J
Published: October 2009

The sensitivity and specificity of rapid HIV-1 tests may be altered during pregnancy and postpartum. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and correlates of false-positive Abbott Determine™ and false-negative Uni-Gold™ rapid HIV-1 test results among antenatal and postnatal mothers attending a primary care clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Mothers were tested for HIV-1 using Abbott Determine™ and non-reactive results were considered HIV-1 antibody negative. Reactive samples by Determine were re-tested by Uni-Gold™. Vironostika HIV-1 and Uni-FORM II Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to confirm samples that had positive Abbott Determine™ and negative Uni-Gold™. Among 2311 women who accepted HIV-1 testing, 1238 (54%) were tested antenatally and 1073 (46%) were tested postnatally. Of tested women, 274 (12%) women were reactive by Abbott Determine™ and on retesting with Uni-Gold™ 30 (11%) had indeterminate results. The prevalence of indeterminate results was significantly higher in antenatal women than in postnatal women (2% versus 1%, P = 0.03). In conclusion, indeterminate rapid HIV-1 test results are more common in the antenatal period and appropriate safeguards to confirm HIV-1 infection status should be implemented in antenatal programmes.
Sexual behaviour, condom use and rates of sexually transmitted infections in HIV clinic attendees in South East London
Authors: Hamlyn E , Welz T , Rebaudengo S , Simms H , Poulton M
Published: October 2009

The aim of this study was to examine sexual behaviour, condom use and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among attendees at a dedicated on-site STI clinic at a South London HIV centre. Data were prospectively collected by using a nurse-completed questionnaire. Ninety-eight percent of women reported one or no sexual partners in the preceding three months, whereas 57% of men who have sex with men (MSM) reported two or more partners. Only 28% of women, 53% of heterosexual men and 29% of MSM always used a condom for vaginal or anal intercourse. Positive STI diagnoses were found in 17.5% of women, 20% of heterosexual men and 49% of MSM. Twenty percent of patients who reported always using a condom and 38% of MSM reporting no sexual activity in the preceding three months had an STI. These results highlight the need for safe sex promotion and STI screening in HIV-infected patients regardless of self-reported sexual activity.
Cost-Effective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Slater M , Booth MI , Dehn TCB
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

There is wide variation in costs, both theatre and ward, for the same operation performed in different hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the true costs for a large number of consecutive laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) cases using re-usable equipment with those from an adjacent trust in which the policy was to use disposable LC equipment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were collected prospectively between January 2001 and December 2007 inclusive for all consecutive patients undergoing LC by two upper gastrointestinal (UGI) consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Data were collected for all the instruments used, in particular any additional disposable instruments used at surgeons' preference. Sterilisation costs were calculated for all re-usable instruments. Costs were also obtained from an adjacent NHS trust which adopted a policy of using disposable ports and clip applicators. Disposable equipment such as drapes, insufflation tubing, and camera sheath were not considered as additional costs, since they are common to both trusts and not available in a re-usable form.

RESULTS

Over 7 years, a total of 1803 LCs were performed consecutively by two UGI consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The grand total for 1803 LC cases for the re-usable group, including initial purchasing, was £89,844.41 (an average of £49.83 per LC case). The grand total for the disposable group, including sterilisation costs, was £574,706.25 (an average of £318.75 per LC case). Thus the saving for the trust using re-usable trocars, ports and clip applicators was £268.92 per case, £69,265.98 per annum and £484,861.84 over 7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated that considerable savings occur with a policy of minimal use of disposable equipment for LC. Using a disposable set, the instrument costs per procedure is 6.4 times greater than the cost of using re-usable LC sets. It behoves surgeons to be cost-effective and to reduce unnecessary expenditure and wastage. There is no evidence to support use of once-only laparoscopic instruments on grounds of patient safety, ease of use or transmission of infection. If the savings identified in this study of two surgeons' work (savings of £484,861.84 in a 7-year period) was extended not only across the hospital but across the NHS, large savings could be made for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Even greater savings would accrue if the results were extrapolated to cover all laparoscopic surgery of whatever discipline.
Systematic Review of Internal Hernia Formation Following Laparoscopic Left Nephrectomy
Authors: Cox Rebecca , Dalatzui Najib , Hrouda David , Buchanan Gordon N
Published: October 2009

This is the first identifiable description where internal herniation following laparoscopic left nephrectomy necessitated gangrenous small intestinal resection; similar cases and prevention are discussed.
The National Stroke Strategy – Is it Achievable?
Authors: Reid TD , Finney LJ , Hedges AR
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Timing of intervention in symptomatic carotid disease is critical. The UK Department of Health's National Stroke Strategy published in December 2007 recommends urgent carotid intervention within 48 h, in appropriate patients, who have suffered a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), amaurosis fugax or minor stroke. Despite the running of a rapid-access clinic for patients with symptoms of TIA, the time from symptom to surgery is rarely less than 2 weeks. To date, there has been little published research on the UK public response to the symptoms of TIA, and no study at all of the response of primary care to such patients. The aim of this study was to ascertain both these responses to see whether a 48-h target is achievable.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 402 men attending our aortic aneurysm screening sessions were asked to complete a questionnaire requesting their most likely response to an episode of amaurosis fugax or TIA. All 45 GP practices in the hospital catchment area were asked how they would respond to patients requesting to be seen with the symptoms used in the questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nearly one in six patients would ignore the symptom unless it recurred, approximately half would request a GP appointment and a third would see an optician if they had amaurosis fugax. The mean waiting time to see a GP was 2 days for a routine appointment and within 24 h for an emergency appointment.

CONCLUSIONS

It is clear that a significant number of people would ignore the first symptom of carotid ischaemia; for those with amaurosis fugax, nearly a third would initially seek help from their optician. Those given a routine GP appointment would have to wait a minimum of 2 days. If the Department of Health is serious about reducing the incidence of stroke and introducing a target of 48 h from symptom to treatment, then there needs to be a wide-spread public and healthcare education programme, in particular alerting opticians and GP receptionists that these symptoms constitute a medical emergency.
Non-Traumatic Anterior Dislocation of a Total Knee Replacement Associated with Neurovascular Injury
Authors: Aderinto Joseph , Gross Allan E , Rittenhouse Bryan
Published: October 2009

Prosthetic total knee replacements rarely dislocate. When dislocation does occur, it is usually in a posterior direction in association with a posterior stabilised, cruciate-sacrificing prosthesis. Neurovascular injury is unusual. In this report, we describe a case of anterior dislocation of a cruciate-retaining total knee replacement in a 67-year-old woman. The dislocation occurred in the absence of overt trauma and resulted in severe neurovascular injury.
Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Service Provision is Feasible and Safe in the Current UK National Health Service
Authors: Agrawal S , Battula N , Barraclough L , Durkin D , Cheruvu CVN
Published: October 2009

INTRODUCTION

Despite increasing evidence of the benefits and safety of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in acute gallstone disease, it is not widely practised in England. The Royal College of Surgeons of England support the separation of emergency and elective surgical care. The aim of this prospective study was to examine the impact of the implementation of ‘Surgeon of the Week (SoW)’ model on the number of early LCs performed and the efficiency of the emergency theatre activity in our hospital. This study also looked into its implications on specialist registrar training for early LC, and the financial impact to the hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2007 and May 2008, demographic data, admission and discharge dates, complications, conversions to an open operation and deaths were collected for all patients who underwent early laparoscopic cholecystectomies. For ease of comparison, patients were divided into Group A representing before introduction of SoW (1 January 2007 to 30 August 2007) and Group B representing after introduction of SoW (1 October 2007 to 31 May 2008). The total numbers of operations performed in the emergency theatre list in the two groups were also calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 1361 emergency operations were performed on the emergency theatre list in Group A, of which 951 were general surgical procedures. In Group B, the numbers of emergency procedures were 1537, of which 1138 were general surgical operations. There was a significant increase in the number of general surgical operations after introduction of SoW (P = 0.013). Before introduction of the SoW rota, 45 early LCs were performed. This increased to 118 after SoW which was significant (P < 0.001). In Group A, the number of early LCs performed by surgical trainees was 10 (22%). In Group B, the number of LCs performed by surgical trainees was 35 (30%; not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated an increase in the efficiency of the emergency theatre with an increase in the number of early LCs on their index admission without extra morbidity following implementation of the SOW model in our hospital. We recommend the introduction of a suitable emergency surgical consultant on-call model separating emergency and elective surgical care depending on local circumstances. This can lead to significant cost savings and reduce re-admissions with gallstone-related complications.
Comparison of SHO surgical logbooks a generation apart
Authors: Thomas RL , Karanjia N
Published: October 2009

There is current concern regarding operative experience obtained by senior house officers (SHOs) during basic surgical training prior to beginning registrar level. Anecdotally, working hours are greatly reduced compared to 20 years ago. The reduction in experience is attributed to the New Deal, which was introduced by the Department of Health in 1991 to improve working conditions for doctors, primarily through reduction of working hours to 76 per week maximum by 1996. In addition, Calmanisation, ie the introduction of the specialist trainee registrar grade of training, and the recent introduction of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) have both had an effect on juniors' working hours.
Women and medicine – the new agenda
Authors: Coombes Paul
Published: October 2009

What is the impact on UK medicine of the increasing share of women entering the profession? Earlier this year the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) researched this issue in unprecedented detail in its report, Women and medicine: the future. Its starting point was distinctively different from the standard questions about the problems and obstacles that women face – questions that were appropriate historically when bias and barriers were prevalent across the profession but that have now, as the report reveals, been largely superseded. Its core findings on entry to medicine, choice of specialty, working arrangements and career advancement explode many persistent myths and misconceptions.
Continuity of care: the patient perspective
Authors: Bentley Lesley
Published: October 2009

As part of this issue's special theme on continuity of care, the current article treats the topic from the perspective of the surgical patient. Lesley Bentley, of the College's Patient Liaison Group, draws on her own experience of the pathway to highlight the importance of continuity at all stages in the patient journey.
Death by a thousand cuts: the insidious demise of UK surgical training
Authors: Caesar Benjamin C
Published: October 2009

The impetus for this article came from two sources. First, I was fortunate to be invited to the launch of The Royal College of Surgeons of England's new film, The Journey, which demonstrates how innocuous errors or acts of omission can send a routine surgical case spiralling into catastrophe with a patient dying on the operating table. Second, Professor Wallace, chair of the specialist advisory committee (SAC) in trauma and orthopaedics, shared with me some work he was producing with regards to the impact of shifts on training and some possibilities for service reconfiguration.
Under pressure: new team training now under way
Authors: Worrall Matthew
Published: October 2009

You enter theatre in a rush after being severely delayed in traffic; a patient well known to you from clinic is prepped and in need of an emergency amputation of the left leg. However, the consent form says right leg; the registrar who took it has finished his or her night shift and is unable to confirm whether this is a clerical mistake; the anaesthetist is unwilling to proceed without further corroboration; and the clock is ticking. What do you do next? This is just one of the scenarios presented to participants in a new course starting in 2010.
Laying foundations for tomorrow's dentists today
Authors: Hook Melanie
Published: October 2009

In an age where Googling is now a verb and 'offline' need not always be about train delays, so learning and education has progressed on its own digital journey. The e-Den project is the first major collaboration between the four dental faculties of the royal colleges of surgeons of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the Department of Health (DH), England, and is one of several programmes in different specialties that are being developed as part of DH's e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) initiative.
Children's eyewitness identification performance: Effects of a Not Sure response option and accuracy motivation
Authors: Brewer Neil , Keast Amber , Sauer James D.
Published: October 2009

Purpose. Children who witness crimes are sometimes asked to view a photospread lineup to see if they can identify the culprit. Here, we examined the effectiveness of two manipulations designed to assist in overcoming the tendency of child eyewitnesses to choose from lineups, a tendency that manifests in false identifications from target‐absent lineups.

Methods. Children aged around 12 years (N = 432) were randomly assigned to control, Not Sure, or accuracy motivation conditions in order to examine both target‐absent and ‐present identification test performance across multiple sets of stimulus materials.

Results. The Not Sure option did not affect false alarms or hit rates, but the combination of accuracy motivating conditions and the Not Sure option reduced guessing, with overall rates of false identifications falling by 12.2%. The latter effect was much stronger under some stimulus conditions but not detectable under others, indicating that the manipulations could improve but not impair performance. While there were beneficial effects at the group level, the manipulation did not produce a general change in individual children's decision strategies.

Conclusions. Eyewitness identification test manipulations that reliably reduce false alarms, without lowering hits, by child witnesses have not yet been identified. Here, we showed how a simple‐to‐implement accuracy motivation manipulation reduces false alarms under some conditions, while also highlighting the importance of evaluating the efficacy of interventions across varied encoding and test conditions. However, developing a procedure that can produce a generalized improvement in decision making at the individual level remains a major challenge for eyewitness researchers.
Teacher Unions and Teacher Compensation: New Evidence for the Impact of Bargaining
Authors: Cowen Joshua M.
Published: October 2009

A small number of studies have examined the importance of collective bargaining agreements in the context of teacher quality, school finance, or student outcomes. Although the evidence for a bargaining effect on most measures is mixed, the preponderance has suggested that bargaining increases expenditures on teacher compensation. In this article, I provide new evidence for this result, using a dataset of more than 1,000 districts in states with a mixture of bargaining and non-bargaining districts. I present several specifications of a general model in which district spending on teacher compensation is conditioned on bargaining status as well as other features that account for district and state educational contexts. I initially find that bargaining districts spend more on teacher compensation, even after holding constant the number of students served. The results are more complicated when bargaining status is interacted with key variables. This suggests that bargaining influences expenditures, but with more nuance than in a simple imposition of additional average costs to district operations.
Examining Economies of Scale in School Consolidation: Assessment of Indiana School Districts
Authors: Zimmer Timothy , DeBoer Larry , Hirth Marilyn
Published: October 2009

This article examines the potential for reducing costs through school district consolidation by employing economies of scale. Utilizing Indiana school district data primarily from 2004 through 2006, we find evidence for scale economies with optimal enrollment being 1,942 students, with a per pupil estimated cost at $9,414. The 95% confidence interval of the optimal enrollment is 1,300 to 2,903 students. The study examines several hypotheses discussed in this line of literature. Transportation does not appear to hold significant scale economies potential, while salary data provides mixed results. Finally, attendance is shown to be negatively influenced by school district enrollment levels, with the impact of attendance on student performance being examined in a subsequent study.
Crossing the Borders of Fantastic Space: The Relationship between the Fantastic and the Non-Fantastic in Valdimars Saga
Authors: Hansen Anna
Published: October 2009

The frequent inclusion of fantastic episodes is an acknowledged characteristic of the genre of Old Norse saga known as the riddarasaga . Yet scholars have not yet applied theoretical models of the fantastic to it. When such models are applied to a single example of a riddarasaga, Valdimars saga , it is possible to discern a continuity of narrative based upon a character's emotional development. A potential conclusion, then, is that fantastic episodes in the riddarasögur represent the internal emotional world of saga characters.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Mitochondrial Fatty Acid β-Oxidation Enzymes in Rat Testis
Authors: Fukasawa Motoaki , Atsuzawa Kimie , Mizutani Kenmei , Nakazawa Ayami , Usuda Nobuteru
Published: October 2009

The testis consists of two types of tissues, the interstitial tissue and the seminiferous tubule, which have different functions and are assumed to have different nutritional metabolism. The localization of enzymes of the mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation system in the testis was investigated to obtain a better understanding of nutrient metabolism in the testis. Adult rat testis tissues were subjected to immunoblot analysis for quantitation of the amounts of enzyme proteins, to DNA microarray analysis for gene expression, and to immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy for localization. Quantitative analysis by immunoblot and DNA microarray revealed that enzymes occur abundantly in Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue but much less so in the seminiferous tubules. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Leydig cells in the interstitial tissue and Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules contain a full set of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation enzymes in relatively plentiful amounts among the cells in the testis, but that this is not so in spermatogenic cells. This characteristic localization of the mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation system in the testis needs further elucidation in terms of a possible role for it in the nutritional metabolism of spermatogenesis.
Phenology and seasonal physiological performance of polar seaweeds
Authors: Wiencke Christian , Gómez Iván , Dunton Ken
Published: October 2009

The phenology of polar seaweeds is strongly tuned to the strong seasonal changes in underwater radiation. Daylength triggers the onset of reproduction and growth during winter in season anticipators, particularly in endemic species. More widely distributed species are often season responders growing predominantly in summer in direct response to light, temperature and nutrient conditions. The physiology of polar seaweeds is strongly linked to the life strategy of the individual species. For season anticipators, photosynthetic rates are often highest in late winter-spring when sunlight penetrates deep into the clear waters. Since Antarctic species are seldom nutrient-limited, even during summer, they mostly incorporate photosynthetically fixed carbon directly into biomass. In contrast, Arctic kelps, such as Laminaria solidungula utilise the carbon fixed during summer for synthesis of storage compounds, which are used to fuel growth during the dark winter period when nutrients are sufficient for new tissue formation. This growth pattern reflects a strategy for species optimally adapted to the seasonal changes of nutrient concentrations, which in the Arctic are low (or nearly undetectable) in summer, and high in winter. This review concludes with a discussion of possible implications of global climate changes on the phenology and productivity of polar seaweed communities.
New Genus and Three New Species of Leaf-Litter-Inhabiting Ozophorini (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Rhyparochromidae: Rhyparochrominae)
Authors: Brailovsky Harry , Peredo Luis Cervantes
Published: October 2009

One new genus, Pseudomenotelus from México, is proposed within Lygaeoidea (Ozophorini) based on the new species P. oculatus from the state of Chiapas in Mexico. In addition, two new species from Honduras are described in the genus Pseudomenus, P. hondurensis and P. olanchus, each belonging to Ozophorini. A key to the Mexican genera of Ozophorini is included, as well as a key to the known species of Pseudomenus. All taxa here reported are leaf-litter-inhabiting and were collected in mesophilous forest.
Wing Morphometry Helps Diagnose Cryptic Species and ResurrectMindarus pinicolus(Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Favret Colin
Published: October 2009

Wing venation, two-dimensional and with easily recognized reference points at vein junctions, presents an opportunity for the development of automated insect identification. Using a suite of continuous characters, I investigated the use of wing morphometry for computerized insect identification of cryptic species of the aphid genus Mindarus. A priori groups were determined using cytochrome oxidase 1 DNA barcodes. Discriminant function analysis of 24 wing measurements consistently grouped individuals of unknown taxonomic affinity with the correct a priori groups. The results suggest that diagnostic signal is present in wing morphometry, but the signal is considerably stronger with the addition of morphometry from other aphid appendages, namely, 10 leg and antennal segments. Almost all Mindarus collected in eastern North America have been determined as the balsam twig aphid, Mindarus abietinus Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae), but molecular diagnostics reveals that the Palearctic species is not present in the Western Hemisphere. Schizoneura pinicola Thomas has been considered a North American synonym of M. abietinus. Morphometric discriminant function analysis suggests that the Abies-feeding eastern North American population is M. pinicolus. The species is here reinstated with a new combination and redescribed.
Analysis of Body Measurements and Wing Shape to DiscriminateRhagoletis pomonellaandRhagoletis zephyria(Diptera: Tephritidae) in Washington State
Authors: Yee Wee L , Chapman Peter S , Sheets H David , Unruh Thomas R
Published: October 2009

Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a quarantine pest of apple (Malus sp.) in Washington state that is almost identical morphologically to Rhagoletis zephyria Snow, a nonpest of apple. Historically, the longer ovipositor in R. pomonella has been used to separate it from R. zephyria, despite overlap in ovipositor lengths. Here, the objectives were to determine whether use of multiple body measurements and wing shape can improve discrimination of the species. Ovipositor lengths allowed 94.6% correct identification of female R. pomonella but only 7.0% correct identification of R. zephyria. We found that multiple body measurements and wing shape can better separate these species. Canonical variates analysis (CVA) of nine body measurements in female flies largely separated the species. In contrast, CVA of nine body measurements poorly separated the males of these species. Discriminant analysis using nine body measurements classified female R. pomonella and R. zephyria with 95.4 and 100% accuracy, respectively. Geometric morphometrics and CVA separated wing shapes between species in both sexes. Bookstein shape coordinates indicated that the wing of R. pomonella is more tapered at the tip than that of R. zephyria. Use of wing shape in an assignments test identified female R. pomonella with 98.5% and female R. zephyria with 99.0% accuracy, and it correctly identified 100% of flies whose identities were questionable based on ovipositor lengths. Results indicate that use of multiple body measurements or wing shape is an improvement over the use of ovipositor length alone for identifying female R. pomonella and R. zephyria in Washington state.
Fine Structure of the Galeal Styloconic Sensilla of Larval Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)
Authors: Shields Vonnie D C
Published: October 2009

Lepidopteran larvae possess two pairs of styloconic sensilla located on the maxillary galea. These sensilla, namely, the lateral and medial styloconic sensilla, are each composed of a smaller cone, which is inserted into a style. They are thought to play an important role in host plant selection and are the main organs involved in feeding. Ultrastructural examination of these sensilla of fifth instar Lymantria dispar (L.) larvae reveal that they are each ≈70 µm in length and 30 µm in width. Each sensillum consists of a single sensory peg inserted into the socket of a large style. Each peg bears a slightly subapical terminal pore averaging 317 nm in lateral sensilla and 179 nm in medial sensilla. Each sensillum houses five bipolar neurons. The proximal dendritic segment of each neuron gives rise to an unbranched distal dendritic segment. Four of these dendrites terminate near the tip of the sensillum below the pore and bear ultrastructural features consistent with contact chemosensilla. The fifth distal dendrite terminates near the base of the peg and bears ultrastructural features consistent with mechanosensilla. Thus, these sensilla each bear a bimodal chemo-mechanosensory function. The distal dendrites lie within the dendritic channel and are enclosed by a dendritic sheath. The intermediate and outer sheath cells enclose a large sensillar sinus, whereas the smaller ciliary sinus is enclosed by the inner sheath cell. The neurons are ensheathed successively by the inner, intermediate, and outer sheath cells.
Seasonal Patterns in Activity Rhythm and Foraging Ecology in the Neotropical Forest-Dwelling Ant, Odontomachus chelifer (Formicidae: Ponerinae)
Authors: Raimundo Rafael L G , Freitas André V L , Oliveira Paulo S
Published: October 2009

We provide qualitative and quantitative data on the natural history and foraging behavior of the ground-dwelling ant Odontomachus chelifer (Latreille) (Formicidae: Ponerinae) in a forest reserve in southeastern Brazil, with emphasis on colony activity rhythms and diet preferences in relation to seasonal availability of potential food items in the leaf litter. Ant colonies exhibited nocturnal activity throughout the year, and they foraged significantly more intensively in the wet/ warm (November–March) than in the cold/dry season (April–October). As the night begins, small groups of workers disperse and hunt individually on a wide diversity of litter arthropods of variable sizes. At dusk, encounters with foragers of the diurnal ponerine Pachycondyla striata Fr. Smith were conspicuously avoided by O. chelifer, which occasionally had their prey robbed by the former or were even taken as prey themselves. Termites were the preferred prey of O. chelifer, making up 40% of the food items captured in each season. Seasonal comparisons of prey organisms captured by O. chelifer, and of litter-dwelling arthropods sampled in pitfall traps, revealed that the frequency distribution of retrieved prey in each taxonomic group did not differ seasonally, despite the 2.7-fold increase in the overall availability of litter arthropods in the warm/wet period. This result supports foraging theory by showing that preference for certain animal prey types (i.e., taxonomic groups) persists through time despite seasonal fluctuations in the overall availability of potential prey on the forest floor. This study points out to the importance of studying ant foraging ecology and diet preferences in a natural context.
Long‐term Hygienic Barrier Efficiency of a Compact On‐site Wastewater Treatment System
Authors: Heistad Arve , Seidu Razak , Flø Andreas , Paruch Adam M. , Hanssen Jon F. , Stenström ThorAxel
Published: October 2009

The long‐term use of a filter‐based, on‐site wastewater treatment system increases nutrient discharge to receiving waters and may reduce its hygienic barrier efficiency. The main purpose of this research was to assess the hygienic barrier efficiency and the associated health risks of an on‐site system that had exceeded its 5‐yr design capacity with respect to phosphorus (P) removal. The system was investigated for bacteria and virus removal and assessed with respect to potential health risks in relation to reuse of effluent for irrigation. The system consists of a septic tank, a pressure‐dosed vertical flow biofilter, and an up‐flow filter unit with lightweight clay aggregates. The total P concentration in the effluent had increased gradually from initially <0.1 mg P L−1 during the first 2 yr of operation to 1.8 mg P L−1 after 5.3 yr. Escherichia coli was used as an indicator organism for fecal bacteria removal, whereas bacteriophages φX174 and Salmonella typhimurium phage 28B (S.t. 28B) were used to model enteric virus removal. An overall decrease in E. coli removal occurred from a complete (approximately 5.6 log10) reduction during the first 3 yr of operation to 2.6 log10 reduction. The removal amounts of the bacteriophages φX174 and S.t. 28B were 3.9 and 3.7 log10, respectively. Based on removal of S.t. 28B, the risks of rotavirus infection and disease for the investigated scenarios were above the acceptable level of 10−4 and 10−3, respectively, as defined by the World Health Organization.
Effect of Tillage and Rainfall on Transport of Manure‐Applied Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts Through Soil
Authors: Ramirez Norma E. , Wang Ping , Lejeune Jeff , Shipitalo Martin J. , Ward Lucy A. , Sreevatsan Srinand , Dick Warren A.
Published: October 2009

Most waterborne outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been attributed to agricultural sources due to the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in animal wastes and manure spreading on farmlands. No‐till, an effective conservation practice, often results in soil having higher water infiltration and percolation rates than conventional tillage. We treated six undisturbed no‐till and six tilled soil blocks (30 by 30 by 30 cm) with 1 L liquid dairy manure containing 105 C. parvum oocysts per milliliter to test the effect of tillage and rainfall on oocyst transport. The blocks were subjected to rainfall treatments consisting of 5 mm or 30 mm in 30 min. Leachate was collected from the base of the blocks in 35‐mL increments using a 64‐cell grid lysimeter. Even before any rain was applied, approximately 300 mL of water from the liquid manure (30% of that applied) was transported through the no‐till soil, but none through the tilled blocks. After rain was applied, a greater number and percentage of first leachate samples from the no‐till soil blocks compared to the tilled blocks tested positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. In contrast to leachate, greater numbers of oocysts were recovered from the tilled soil, itself, than from the no‐till soil. Although tillage was the most important factor affecting oocyst transport, rainfall timing and intensity were also important. To minimize transport of Cryptosporidium in no‐till fields, manure should be applied at least 48 h before heavy rainfall is anticipated or methods of disrupting the direct linkage of surface soil to drains, via macropores, need to be used.
Pesticide Transport with Runoff from Turf: Observations Compared with TurfPQ Model Simulations
Authors: Kramer Kirsten E. , Rice Pamela J. , Horgan Brian P. , Rittenhouse Jennifer L. , King Kevin W.
Published: October 2009

Pesticides applied to turf grass have been detected in surface waters raising concerns of their effect on water quality and interest in their source, hydrological transport and use of models to predict transport. TurfPQ, a pesticide runoff model for turf grass, predicts pesticide transport but has not been rigorously validated for larger storms. The objective of this study was to determine TurfPQ's ability to accurately predict the transport of pesticides with runoff following more intense precipitation. The study was conducted with creeping bentgrass [Agrostis palustris Huds.] turf managed as a golf course fairway. A pesticide mixture containing dicamba, 2,4‐D, MCPP, flutolanil, and chlorpyrifos was applied to six adjacent 24.4 by 6.1 m plots. Controlled rainfall simulations were conducted using a rainfall simulator designed to deliver water droplets similar to natural rain. Runoff flow rates and volume were measured and water samples were collected for analysis of pesticide concentrations. Six simulations yielded 13 events with which to test TurfPQ. Measured mean percentage of applied pesticide recovered in the runoff for dicamba, 2,4‐D, MCPP, flutolanil, and chlorpyrifos was 24.6, 20.7, 14.9, 5.9, and 0.8%, respectively. The predicted mean values produced by TurfPQ were 13.7, 15.6, 15.5, 2.5, and 0.2%, respectively. The model produced correlations of r = 0.56 and 0.64 for curve number hydrology and measured hydrology, respectively. Comparisons of the model estimates with our field observations indicate that TurfPQ under predicted pesticide runoff during 69.5 ± 11.4 mm, 1.9 ± 0.2 h, simulated storms.
Evaluation of Two In Vitro Protocols for Determination of Mercury Bioaccessibility: Influence of Mercury Fractionation and Soil Properties
Authors: Welfringer Bruno , Zagury Gerald J.
Published: October 2009

Soil ingestion by children can be a significant exposure pathway to mercury (Hg). Unfortunately, no reliable in vivo results for Hg oral bioavailability determination in soils have been published. In vitro extractions enable the assessment of metals' bioaccessibility, which is an estimate of oral bioavailability. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate two in vitro protocols (CDM (Camp Dresser and Mc Kee Inc.) and IVG (In Vitro Gastrointestinal)) for determination of Hg bioaccessibility in soils using pure Hg‐compounds, reference materials (CRM 025‐050 and ERM‐CC580), and field‐collected soils with elevated Hg concentrations. The influence of Hg fractionation and soil properties on Hg bioaccessibility was also investigated. In the field‐collected soils, IVG bioaccessibility ranged from 1.5 to 7.5%, and was always below 3.15%, using the CDM method. Mercury bioaccessibility in CRM 025‐050 was 61.5 and 34.7%, using IVG and CDM protocols, respectively, whereas Hg bioaccessibility was much lower in the certified sediment sample ERM‐CC580 (<7%). Overall, the CDM protocol resulted in lower Hg bioaccessibility values. The water‐soluble and exchangeable Hg fraction was highly correlated with gastrointestinal bioaccessibility (r = 0.99, p < 0.001 for both methods) and this fraction could be a potentially good indicator of Hg bioaccessibility. Because the IVG method is less time‐consuming than the CDM protocol and includes organic physiological components which seem to increase Hg bioaccessibility, it might be preferred for determination of Hg bioaccessibility.
Nitrate Leaching in Two Irrigated Soils with Different Rates of Cattle Manure
Authors: Olson Barry M. , Bennett D. Rodney , McKenzie Ross H. , Ormann Troy D. , Atkins Richard P.
Published: October 2009

Manure applied to irrigated land may potentially contaminate groundwater with NO3–N. An 8‐yr field experiment was conducted in southern Alberta, Canada, to determine the effects of different rates of manure on NO3–N accumulation in two irrigated soil types and NO3–N leaching to shallow groundwater. An annual cereal silage was grown at each site and irrigation was based on soil moisture depletion. Treatments included a control, nitrogen fertilizer (NF) at 180 kg N ha−1 yr−1, and four rates of cattle (Bos taurus) manure (20, 40, 60, and 120 Mg ha−1 yr−1, wet‐weight basis). Annual manure applications for 8 yr resulted in NO3–N accumulation in the soil profile at both sites. For every megagram of total N added from manure, NO3–N in the 0‐ to 1.5‐m layer increased by about 50 kg ha−1 at the coarse‐textured (CT) site and by about 100 kg ha−1 at the medium‐textured (MT) site. Silage yield for all of the manure treatments was similar to yield for the NF treatment after the first 3 to 4 yr of annual manure applications. The greatest manure rate and NF treatments significantly increased NO3–N concentrations in groundwater at the CT site. Groundwater NO3–N concentrations were not adversely affected by manure or NF applications at the MT site. An annual cattle manure application rate of 20 Mg ha−1 provided sufficient N for irrigated cereal silage production and minimized NO3–N leaching in a medium‐textured soil.