bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey and Identification of Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Indiana
Authors: Wang Changlu , Zhou Xuguo , Li Shujuan , Schwinghammer Margaret , Scharf Michael E , Buczkowski Grzegorz , Bennett Gary W
Published: October 2009

In total, 289 termite samples were collected from 45 counties in Indiana during 2002– 2004. Approximately 89% of the collection sites were associated with artificial structures, and almost half of the samples were from inside homes. The rest of the samples were from forested areas. Termite samples were identified based on their morphological characteristics, molecular characteristics, or both. Five species from the genus Reticulitermes were identified, and the relative abundance (percentage of the total collections) of these five species was Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (90.0), Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks) (7.6), Reticulitermes arenincola (Goellner) (1.0), Reticulitermes tibialis (Banks) (1.0), and Reticulitermes hageni Banks (0.3). Based on the distribution map, R. fiavipes was the dominant and the most widely distributed species in Indiana (44 counties); followed by R. virginicus (13 counties). The three other Reticulitermes species, R. arenincola, R. tibialis, and R. hageni, were encountered in only five counties. R. arenincola is considered a rare species and its distribution has been limited to sand dunes near Lake Michigan. However, in this study, two of the three R. arenincola samples were collected outside of its type location. R. tibialis was found in three counties, whereas R. hageni was only found in Evansville, IN. To complement the morphological identifications, a 389-bp region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced from all five Reticulitermes species. Based on species-specific polymorphisms exhibited in mtDNA sequences, a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism—based diagnostic tool was developed to identify samples lacking of diagnostic morphological characters.
Diversity and Phylogeny of Cardinium (Bacteroidetes) in Armored Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)
Authors: Gruwell M E , Wu J , Normark B B
Published: October 2009

Species of Cardinium are intracellular endosymbionts of arthropods. They are known to interfere with the mode of reproduction in some parasitoid wasp and mite hosts, and they are associated with parthenogenesis in the oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii Bouché (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Here, we survey A. nerii more broadly for presence of Cardinium species. In total, we tested 593 individuals in 301 populations, representing 132 identified species of armored scale insects, by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of 16S rDNA. We obtained positive PCR results in 67 individuals of 34 populations, representing 20 species and one unidentified individual. Sequencing of these PCR products yields 20 new Cardinium haplotypes, raising the number of known insect-associated Cardinium haplotypes from 15 to 35. The new host-list elucidates the ecology of Cardinium, which in insects seems to be specialized on plant-feeding Hemiptera and associated parasitoid Hymenoptera. A phylogenetic analysis of all known insect-associated Cardinium 16S sequences reveals deep diversity in armored scale insects and implies horizontal transfer of Cardinium among armored scale insects and their parasitoids.
A Review of the Pterostichi Group of Eutarsopolipus and a Description of a New Species of Eutarsopolipus (Acari: Podapolipidae), Parasite of Platynus teter (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Husband Robert W , Husband David O
Published: October 2009

Eutarsopolipus teteri n. sp. (Acari: Podapolipidae) is described from Platynus teter Chaudoir (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from Chiapas, Mexico, and compared with Eutarsopolipus pterostichiRegenfuss, 1968; E. vernalisRegenfuss, 1968; E. inermisRegenfuss 1974; E. diunculosusEidelberg 1994; E. fischeri Husband 1998; and E. shpeleyi Husband 2007 in the pterostichi group of Eutarsopolipus. This is the first record of the pterostichi group in Central America. Keys to adult females of 14 groups of the genus Eutarsopolipus and seven species in the pterostichi group are presented.
Molecular Systematics ofCoptotermes(Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) from East Asia and Australia
Authors: Yeap Beng-Keok , Othman Ahmad Sofiman , Lee Chow-Yang
Published: October 2009

Analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences (12S, 16S, and COII) were conducted to determine the phylogenetic relationships among the following 11 putative subterranean termites of Coptotermes: Coptotermes cochlearus Xia & He, Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren, Coptotermes dimorphus Xia & He, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann), Coptotermes kalshoveni Kemner, Coptotermes sepangensis Krishna, and Coptotermes travians (Haviland) from East Asia, and Coptotermes acinaciformis Froggatt, Coptotermes frenchi Hill, and Coptotermes lacteus (Froggatt) from Australia. Available sequences for these species and those of Coptotermes guangzhouensis Ping from GenBank also were included in the analyses. Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood of the combined nucleotide matrices of the 12S, 16S, and COII genes resulted in two major clades with six subclades: I (C. acinaciformis), II(C. lacteus and C. frenchi), III (C. curvignathus), IV (C. kalshoveni, C. sepangensis and C. travians), V (C. gestroi) and VI (C. formosanus, C. cochlearus, C. dimorphus and C. guangzhouensis). C. cochlearus and C. dimorphus are possibly junior synonyms of C. formosanus with nucleotide differences of up to 1.0%.
Flexible Foraging Behavior in the Invasive Social WaspVespula germanica(Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: D'Adamo Paola , Lozada Mariana
Published: October 2009

The German yellowjacket, Vespula germanica (F.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), is a highly invasive wasp that exhibits efficient mechanisms while foraging. Plastic cognitive systems might be advantageous for invasive species given that they repeatedly encounter dynamic, unknown, or unpredictable environments. In this study, we explore memory dynamics of wasp foragers dealing with changing contexts. The aim of this work was to analyze how learning a second task interferes with the retrieval of a first learned task. We demonstrate that V. germanica wasps integrate old and new memories while foraging on nondepleted food sources. Learning a second task interferes with a first learned task when both tasks have different response requirements, probably due to response competition. Memories associated with the first learned task are not wiped out. Interestingly, this pattern of memory interference does not change when decreasing the number of feeding trials. This study provides new evidence about the complex cognitive mechanisms of V. germanica wasps, which integrate old and new experiences after very few learning episodes. To our knowledge, this is the first study on memory interference in social wasps.
Attraction of DifferentTrichogrammaSpecies toPrays oleaeSex Pheromone
Authors: Milonas P G , Martinou A F , Kontodimas D CH , Karamaouna F , Konstantopoulou M A
Published: October 2009

Chemical cues play a major role in the process of host selection by parasitoids, a process that has been discriminated into several steps such as habitat location, host location, and host acceptance. Egg parasitoids are known to rely on infochemicals of the adult host stage, e.g., pheromones, rather than cues emitted by the inconspicuous host eggs themselves. Here, we show that three different Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) species were attracted to the synthetic sex pheromone of the olive, Olea europea L., pest Prays oleae (Bern) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae). In Y-tube olfactometer experiments, we revealed differences in the behavior of four tested Trichogramma strains to different concentrations of the host pheromone. Although wasps of Trichogramma oleae (Voegele & Poitale) (IO47) were significantly attracted to two concentrations of the host pheromone, another strain of the same species (IO24) did not show a response to any offered concentrations. Trichogramma cacoeciae Marchai females showed greatest attraction toward the pheromone to three of five offered concentrations. Bioassays with Trichogramma bourarachae Pintureau & Babault wasps showed a positive response of the parasitoids to three concentrations of the host pheromone. Detection of the moth sex pheromone may result in an enhanced searching effort by Trichogramma wasps in an area with host eggs and eventually lead to an increased parasitism rate of these eggs. The results of this research should help enhancing the efficacy of the use of Trichogramma wasps as biocontrol agents against the olive pest.
Tunnel Volume Regulation and Group Size of Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Su Nan-Yao , Lee Sang-Hee
Published: October 2009

Tunnel volumes excavated by laboratory groups of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), and the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) were measured by using two-dimensional foraging arenas. Group sizes of 20, 40, 60, 80,100, and 200 termites were used for the study. Analysis of the images of tunnels taken hourly showed tunnel volume increased and eventually reached equilibrium for both termite species, but Co. formosanus reached the equilibrium faster at lower volume than R. flavipes. Co. formosanus constructed fewer primary tunnels with less branching than R. flavipes and no additional tunneling activity was observed once the tunnel volume reached equilibrium. R. flavipes, however, continued tunnel excavation even after reaching equilibrium, but the equilibrated volume was maintained by filling unused tunnels with sand excavated from newly dug tunnels. For each termite species, the tunnel volume equilibrium was proportional to the group size. The mean individual tunnel volume (mm3 per termite ± SE) of all group sizes computed over the whole experiment was significantly higher for R. flavipes (198.58 ± 1.21) than for Co. formosanus (84.24 ± 0.59). The shape of the growth curves for tunnel volumes indicated the presence of a double feedback system for termite tunneling activity, and we suggest that the positive relationship between nest and population size previously reported for numerous termites species is the result of the self-organized nest-building activity.
Overcoming the Metering Challenge in West African Deepwater Subsea Developments
Authors: Ageh E. A. , Uzoh O. J. , Fleyfel F. , Soala B. , VanBellegem S.
Published: October 2009

As more subsea projects mature and with increasing understanding of operations involving subsea wells, the industry is constantly faced with the constraints and challenge posed by the requirements for metering, sampling, well testing and allocation. These challenges are even more pronounced in cases where flow assurance issues play a role especially for long tie-back systems. Current regulation in the Nigerian sector has yet to catch up with these developments and as such operators struggle to meet the requirements.

A number of possible solution to the seeming problems or issues are under study, and with updated knowledge of the systems, it has become imperative to articulate and formulate strategies and philosophies for resolving or addressing the metering challenge for operations in Deepwater Nigeria.

This article analyzes one of such solution in the application of subsea multiphase flow meters
Restoration of High Zinc and Lead Tailings with Municipal Biosolids and Lime: A Field Study
Authors: Brown Sally , Svendsen Alex , Henry Chuck
Published: October 2009

A field study was conducted to test the ability of biosolids (BS) and different types of lime to increase soil pH, neutralize subsoil acidity, and restore a vegetative cover to alluvial mine tailings in Leadville, CO. The tailings had soil pH of 5.2 and total Cd, Pb, and Zn of 75 ± 20, 2600 ± 1100, and 6700 ± 1900 mg kg−1 Types of lime included agricultural lime (AL), sugar beet lime (SBL), and lime kiln dust (LKD) applied at 224 Mg ha−1 calcium carbonate equivalent. Plots were established in 2000 and monitored intermittently through 2007. All amendments increased pH in surface and subsurface depths, with LKD, LKD+BS, and SBL+BS being the most effective. Amendments also reduced 0.01 mol L−1 Ca(NO3)2 extractable Zn and Cd compared to the control. Plant growth was sparse on all treatments with limited yield for three of four harvests. Poor growth may have been related to elevated electrical conductivity (EC). All amendments except LKD alone (5.79 dS m−1) increased EC compared to the control treatment (5.28 dS m−1). Electrical conductivity was highest in 2002 which had the lowest summer rainfall. In 2005 EC in all treatments except the SBL+BS was similar in the surface soil. Aboveground plant tissue concentrations of Zn and Cd were also elevated. Limited precipitation and high electrical conductivity may be responsible for poor plant growth. Higher rainfall for the last sampling period resulted in significant growth in the LKD+BS, SBL+BS, and LKD alone treatments.
Particle‐facilitated Pesticide Leaching from Differently Structured Soil Monoliths
Authors: Gjettermann B. , Petersen C. T. , Koch C. B. , Spliid N. H. , Grøn C. , Baun D. L. , Styczen M.
Published: October 2009

The leaching of soil particles and surface applied 14C‐labeled glyphosate and pendimethalin from intact soil columns (height: 50 cm; diameter: 30 cm) were investigated, and the relative significance of particle‐facilitated pesticide transport was quantified. Investigations were performed with a recently plowed (four columns) and an untilled (five columns) sandy loam soil. Leaching was driven by three irrigation events (15 mm h−1; 2 h each). Samples of the leachate were filtered immediately (within 1.5 minutes) using 20 nm filters, and the 14C‐pesticide content was determined for filtered and unfiltered samples. Pesticide leaching was driven by preferential water flow in macropores. For the plowed structure, 68 ± 10% of the leached glyphosate (average of 6 events ± std.) was bound to particles whereas significantly less glyphosate was bound to particles in leachate from minimally disturbed columns (17 ± 12%). Thus, the results suggest that soil structure affected the mode of transport of glyphosate. It is likely that glyphosate sorbed strongly when applied on recently plowed soil (Kd = 503 L kg−1 for the soil), and that it could be mobilized and transported independently of soil particles more easily when applied on the minimally disturbed soil covered in part with crop residues (Kd < 1 L kg−1 for straw). Significantly less amounts of soil particles were leached from minimally disturbed (119–247 mg) than from recently plowed (441–731 mg) columns. The significance of particle‐facilitated pendimethalin leaching could not be accurately quantified due to disagreement between control measurements based on both 14C‐activity and chemical analyses.
Characterization of Selected Nutrients and Bacteria from Anaerobic Swine Manure Lagoons on Sow, Nursery, and Finisher Farms in the Mid‐South USA
Authors: McLaughlin Michael R. , Brooks John P. , Adeli Ardeshir
Published: October 2009

Swine (Sus scrofa domestica) production in the Mid‐South USA comprises sow, nursery, and finisher farms. A 2007 packing plant closure started a regional shift from finisher to sow and nursery farms. Changes in manure stored in lagoons and land‐applied as fertilizer were expected but were unknown because nutrient and bacterial levels had not been characterized by farm type. The objectives of this study were to quantify selected nutrients and bacteria, compare levels by farm types, and project impacts of production shifts. Nutrients and bacteria were characterized in 17 sow, 10 nursery, and 10 finisher farm lagoons. Total and thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers, Enterococcus spp., Clostridium perfringens (Veillon and Zuber) Hauduroy et al., Campylobacter spp., Listeria spp., and Salmonella spp. were evaluated. Highest levels were from total coliforms (1.4– 5.7 × 105 cfu 100 mL−1), which occurred with E. coli, Campylobacter spp., C. perfringens, and Enterococcus spp., in every lagoon and virtually every sample. Lowest levels were from Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp. (≤1.3 × 102 most probable number [MPN] 100 mL−1), detected in 81 and 89% of lagoons and 68 and 64% of samples, respectively. Sow farm levels were higher for all except Listeria spp. and Salmonella spp., which were lower (1.4 × 101 and 2.8 × 101 MPN 100 mL−1, respectively) and only slightly below their respective levels from nursery farms (1.1 × 102 and 3.4 × 101 MPN 100 mL−1). Shifting from finisher to nursery farm would not affect bacterial levels, but shifting to sows would. Either shift would reduce NPK and N:P and suggest modification of nutrient management plans.
Investigating the Fate of Nitroaromatic (TNT) and Nitramine (RDX and HMX) Explosives in Fractured and Pristine Soils
Authors: Douglas Thomas A. , Walsh Marianne E. , McGrath Christian J. , Weiss Charles A.
Published: October 2009

Explosives compounds, known toxins, are loaded to soils on military training ranges predominantly during explosives detonation events that likely fracture soil particles. This study was conducted to investigate the fate of explosives compounds in aqueous slurries containing fractured and pristine soil particles. Three soils were crushed with a piston to emulate detonation‐induced fracturing. X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, gas adsorption surface area measurements, and scanning electron microscopy were used to quantify and image pristine and fractured soil particles. Aqueous batches were prepared by spiking soils with solutions containing 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX), octahydro 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (HMX), and 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (2,4‐DNT). Samples were collected over 92 d and the concentrations of the spiked explosives compounds and TNT transformation products 2‐amino‐4,6‐dinitrotoluene (2ADNT) and 4‐amino‐2,6‐dinitrotoluene (4ADNT) were measured. Our results suggest soil mineralogical and geochemical compositions were not changed during piston‐induced fracturing but morphological differences were evident with fractured soils exhibiting more angular surfaces, more fine grained particles, and some microfracturing that is not visible in the pristine samples. TNT, 2,4‐DNT, RDX, and HMX exhibited greater analyte loss over time in batch solutions containing fractured soil particles compared to their pristine counterparts. 2ADNT and 4ADNT exhibited greater concentrations in slurries containing pristine soils than in slurries containing fractured soils. Explosives compound transformation is greater in the presence of fractured soil particles than in the presence of pristine soil particles. Our results imply fractured soil particles promote explosive compound transformation and/or explosives compounds have a greater affinity for adsorption to fractured soil particle surfaces.
Simultaneous Concentration of Enterococci and Coliphage from Marine Waters using a Dual Layer Filtration System
Authors: Abdelzaher A. M. , Solo‐Gabriele H. M. , Palmer C. J. , Scott T. M.
Published: October 2009

Concentrating diverse microbes in a time and cost effective manner is an essential component in water quality monitoring of recreational beaches. Historically, detection of bacteria and viruses requires two different capture methods to detect both types of organisms in a given water sample. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate a newly devised dual layered filtration system, which was developed to simultaneously concentrate both viruses and bacteria in one step from marine waters. An apparatus was designed to accommodate two 90‐mm diam., 0.45μm pore size membranes in series, one on top of the other. The top polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used to filter bacteria by physical straining while the bottom HA membrane retained viruses through adsorption. Results indicated that the dual layer filtration system recovered 83 ± 14% of the test bacteria (Enterococcus fecalis) and 81 ± 28% of the test virus (MS2 coliphage) on the top and bottom membranes, respectively. This research demonstrates the potential of using a dual layered filtration system for the simultaneous concentration of both bacteria and viruses on separate filters from recreational beach waters. This system is relatively simple to use, inexpensive, and has the potential to be suitable for routine monitoring. This study serves as a proof of concept for the technique. Additional experiments are needed to evaluate the system on a variety of different bacteria and viruses as well as on water with different physical and chemical parameters.
Extraction of Lead and Cadmium from Soils by Cysteine and Glutathione
Authors: Vadas Timothy M. , Ahner Beth A.
Published: October 2009

Metal‐thiol complexes can enhance metal uptake by plant roots and microorganisms, therefore it is important to determine whether thiols effectively solubilize these metals from the soil matrix. Extractions were conducted by combining 1 g contaminated soil and 10 mL of 10 mmol L−1thiol solution and shaking for 1 h. Both cysteine and glutathione extracted between 5 and 45% of Pb and Cd from laboratory and field‐contaminated soils at pHs > 6 after 1 h. In the presence of oxygen, the half‐life of reduced cysteine was on the order of 0.1 h and dissolved metal concentrations decreased to nearly zero over 24 h. In extractions with glutathione, both the metals and thiol were more stable, with a half‐life for glutathione of 23 h, and stable dissolved metal concentrations over 24 h in the presence of oxygen. In cysteine extractions, Pb was primarily removed from the Fe/Mn oxide fraction of the amended soil and dissolved Fe concentrations followed dissolved Pb concentrations, whereas this pool of Pb was unavailable to thiol extraction in aged field contaminated soils. Iron is hypothesized to play a role in the oxidation of cysteine via both reductive dissolution of iron oxides and in the photolytic oxidation of the Fe‐thiol complex in the aqueous phase. While overall cysteine was more effective than glutathione at extracting Pb from soils, its propensity to oxidize may limit its ability to increase the bioavailability of this metal to plants or microorganisms in oxic environments.
Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizers Deplete Soil Nitrogen: A Global Dilemma for Sustainable Cereal Production
Authors: Mulvaney R. L. , Khan S. A. , Ellsworth T. R.
Published: October 2009

Cereal production that now sustains a world population of more than 6.5 billion has tripled during the past 40 yr, concurrent with an increase from 12 to 104 Tg yr−1 of synthetic N applied largely in ammoniacal fertilizers. These fertilizers have been managed as a cost‐effective form of insurance against low yields, without regard to the inherent effect of mineral N in promoting microbial C utilization. Such an effect is consistent with a net loss of soil organic C recently observed for the Morrow Plots, America's oldest experiment field, after 40 to 50 yr of synthetic N fertilization that substantially exceeded grain N removal. A similar decline in total soil N is reported herein for the same site and would be expected from the predominantly organic occurrence of soil N. This decline is in agreement with numerous long‐term baseline data sets from chemical‐based cropping systems involving a wide variety of soils, geographic regions, and tillage practices. The loss of organic N decreases soil productivity and the agronomic efficiency (kg grain kg−1 N) of fertilizer N and has been implicated in widespread reports of yield stagnation or even decline for grain production in Asia. A major global evaluation of current cereal production systems should be undertaken, with a view toward using scientific and technological advances to increase input efficiencies. As one aspect of this strategy, the input of ammoniacal N should be more accurately matched to crop N requirement. Long‐term sustainability may require agricultural diversification involving a gradual transition from intensive synthetic N inputs to legume‐based crop rotations.
Wheat and Sorghum Residue Removal for Expanded Uses Increases Sediment and Nutrient Loss in Runoff
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Stephenson R.J. , Nelson N.O. , Presley D.R.
Published: October 2009

Crop residue removal for expanded uses such as feedstocks for cellulosic ethanol production may increase loss of sediment and nutrients in runoff. We assessed on‐farm impacts of variable rates of residue removal from no‐till winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and plow till grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] on sediment, soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient losses in runoff in western Kansas. Five treatments with three replications consisting of removing residues at 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% after harvest under two tillage levels for wheat (no‐till and freshly tilled) and grain sorghum (spring tilled and freshly tilled) were established on 1 × 2 m plots. Simulated rainfall was applied at 115 ± 3 mm h−1 for 30 min. Compared with plots without residue removal, complete removal increased runoff by 61% in freshly tilled wheat plots, 225% in spring‐tilled sorghum plots, and 94% in freshly tilled sorghum plots. Residue removal at rates as low as 50% increased loss of sediment. Complete removal doubled the sediment loss to 14 Mg ha−1 in tilled wheat, whereas it increased sediment loss from 0.9 to 7.2 Mg ha−1 in no‐till wheat. No‐till with 100% residue removal lost as much sediment as freshly tilled wheat plots with 0 or 25% removal. Residue removal at 75 and 100% increased losses of total N, total P, and SOC associated with sediment. Overall, excessive residue removal led to large losses of sediment, sediment‐bound SOC, and nutrients in runoff. Furthermore, erosion protection provided by no‐till management is lost when residue removal exceeds 25%.
Phytotoxic Effects of Cu and Zn on Soybeans Grown in Field‐Aged Soils: Their Additive and Interactive Actions
Authors: Kim Bojeong , McBride Murray B.
Published: October 2009

A field pot experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive phytotoxicity of soil Cu and Zn on soybean plants [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Two soils (Arkport sandy loam [coarse‐loamy, mixed, active, mesic Lamellic Hapludalf] and Hudson silty clay loam [fine, illitic, mesic Glossaquic Hapludalf]) spiked with Cu, Zn, and combinations of both to reach the final soil metal range of 0 to 400 mg kg−1 were tested in a 2‐yr bioassay after 1 yr of soil‐metal equilibration in the field. The soluble and easily‐extractable fraction of soil Zn (or Cu), estimated by dilute CaCl2, increased linearly in response to the total Zn (or Cu) added. This linearity was, however, strongly affected where soils were treated with both metals in combination, most notably for Zn, as approximately 50% more of soil Zn was extracted into solution when the Cu level was high. Consequently, added Zn is less likely to be stabilized by aging than added Cu when both metals are present in field soils. The predictive model relating soil metal extractability to plant Zn concentration also revealed a significant Cu–Zn interaction. By contrast, the interaction between the two metals contributed little to explain plant Cu uptake. The additive action of soil Cu and Zn was of considerable importance in explaining plant biomass reduction. This work clearly demonstrates the critical roles of the properties of the soil, the nature of the metal, and the level of other toxic metals present on the development of differential phytotoxicity due to soil Cu and Zn.
Monitoring Surface Water Chemistry Near Magnesium Chloride Dust Suppressant Treated Roads in Colorado
Authors: Goodrich Betsy A. , Koski Ronda D. , Jacobi William R.
Published: October 2009

Magnesium chloride (MgCl2)‐based dust suppression products are commonly used throughout western United States on nonpaved roads for dust suppression and road stabilization by federal, state, and county transportation agencies. The environmental implications of annually applying these products throughout spring and summer months on adjacent stream chemistry are not known. Sixteen streams were monitored biweekly for 1 to 2 yr in two Colorado counties for a suite of water quality variables up and downstream of nonpaved roads treated with MgCl2–based dust suppression products. Eight of 16 streams had significantly higher downstream than upstream concentrations of chloride or magnesium over the entire monitoring period (p ≤ 0.05). Mean downstream chloride concentrations ranged from 0.17 to 36.2 mg/L and magnesium concentrations ranged from 1.06 to 12.8 mg/L. Several other ions and compounds, including those commonly found in dust suppression products such as sodium, calcium, and sulfate, were also significantly higher downstream at some sites. Downstream electrical conductivity (EC), chloride and magnesium concentrations were positively correlated with road surface area draining water toward the stream and yearly amount of MgCl2 applied (R2 = 0.75, 0.51 and 0.49, respectively), indicating that road managers can limit the amount of product entering roadside streams by assessing drainage characteristics and application rates in best management practices. Although MgCl2–based dust suppressants did move into some roadside streams, the concentrations detected were below those reported to adversely affect fresh water aquatic organisms, but the ultimate fate of these ions in Colorado waterbodies are not known.
Escherichia coliTransport from Surface‐Applied Manure to Subsurface Drains through Artificial Biopores
Authors: Guzman Jorge A. , Fox Garey A. , Malone Robert W. , Kanwar Ramesh S.
Published: October 2009

Bacteria transport in soils primarily occurs through soil mesopores and macropores (e.g., biopores and cracks). Field research has demonstrated that biopores and subsurface drains can be hydraulically connected. This research was conducted to investigate the importance of surface connected and disconnected (buried) biopores onEscherichia coli(E. coli) transport when biopores are located near subsurface drains. A soil column (28 by 50 by 95 cm) was packed with loamy sand and sandy loam soils to bulk densities of 1.6 and 1.4 Mg m−3, respectively, and containing an artificial biopore located directly above a subsurface drain. The sandy loam soil was packed using two different methods: moist soil sieved to 4.0 mm and air‐dried soil manually crushed and then sieved to 2.8 mm. A 1‐cm constant head was induced on the soil surface in three flushes: (i) water, (ii) diluted liquid swine (Sus scrofa) manure 48 h later, and (iii) water 48 h after the manure.Escherichia colitransport to the drain was observed with either open surface connected or buried biopores. In surface connected biopores,E. colitransport was a function of the soil type and the layer thickness between the end of the biopore and drain. Buried biopores contributed flow andE. coliin the less sorptive soil (loamy sand) and the sorptive soil (sandy loam) containing a wide (i.e., with mesopores) pore space distribution prevalent due to the moist soil packing technique. Biopores provide a mechanism for rapidly transportingE. coliinto subsurface drains during flow events.
Remodeling of Retinal Fatty Acids in an Animal Model of Diabetes
Authors: Tikhonenko Maria , Lydic Todd A. , Wang Yun , Chen Weiqin , Opreanu Madalina , Sochacki Andrew , McSorley Kelly M. , Renis Rebecca L. , Kern Timothy , Jump Donald B. , Reid Gavin E. , Busik Julia V.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

The results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications cohort study revealed a strong association between dyslipidemia and the development of diabetic retinopathy. However, there are no experimental data on retinal fatty acid metabolism in diabetes. This study determined retinal-specific fatty acid metabolism in control and diabetic animals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Tissue gene and protein expression profiles were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at 3–6 weeks of diabetes. Fatty acid profiles were assessed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and phospholipid analysis was performed by nano-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

We found a dramatic difference between retinal and liver elongase and desaturase profiles with high elongase and low desaturase gene expression in the retina compared with liver. Elovl4, an elongase expressed in the retina but not in the liver, showed the greatest expression level among retinal elongases, followed by Elovl2, Elovl1, and Elovl6. Importantly, early-stage diabetes induced a marked decrease in retinal expression levels of Elovl4, Elovl2, and Elovl6. Diabetes-induced downregulation of retinal elongases translated into a significant decrease in total retinal docosahexaenoic acid, as well as decreased incorporation of very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly 32:6n3, into retinal phosphatidylcholine. This decrease in n3 PUFAs was coupled with inflammatory status in diabetic retina, reflected by an increase in gene expression of proinflammatory markers interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first comprehensive study demonstrating diabetes-induced changes in retinal fatty acid metabolism. Normalization of retinal fatty acid levels by dietary means or/and modulating expression of elongases could represent a potential therapeutic target for diabetes-induced retinal inflammation.
Maternal Age at Birth and Childhood Type 1 Diabetes: A Pooled Analysis of 30 Observational Studies
Authors: Cardwell Chris R. , Stene Lars C. , Joner Geir , Bulsara Max K. , Cinek Ondrej , Rosenbauer Joachim , Ludvigsson Johnny , Jané Mireia , Svensson Jannet , Goldacre Michael J. , Waldhoer Thomas , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława , Gimeno Suely G.A. , Chuang Lee-Ming , Parslow Roger C. , Wadsworth Emma J.K. , Chetwynd Amanda , Pozzilli Paolo , Brigis Girts , Urbonaitė Brone , Šipetić Sandra , Schober Edith , Devoti Gabriele , Ionescu-Tirgoviste Constantin , de Beaufort Carine E. , Stoyanov Denka , Buschard Karsten , Patterson Chris C.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

The aim if the study was to investigate whether children born to older mothers have an increased risk of type 1 diabetes by performing a pooled analysis of previous studies using individual patient data to adjust for recognized confounders.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Relevant studies published before June 2009 were identified from MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Authors of studies were contacted and asked to provide individual patient data or conduct prespecified analyses. Risk estimates of type 1 diabetes by maternal age were calculated for each study, before and after adjustment for potential confounders. Meta-analysis techniques were used to derive combined odds ratios and to investigate heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

Data were available for 5 cohort and 25 case-control studies, including 14,724 cases of type 1 diabetes. Overall, there was, on average, a 5% (95% CI 2–9) increase in childhood type 1 diabetes odds per 5-year increase in maternal age (P = 0.006), but there was heterogeneity among studies (heterogeneity I2 = 70%). In studies with a low risk of bias, there was a more marked increase in diabetes odds of 10% per 5-year increase in maternal age. Adjustments for potential confounders little altered these estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

There was evidence of a weak but significant linear increase in the risk of childhood type 1 diabetes across the range of maternal ages, but the magnitude of association varied between studies. A very small percentage of the increase in the incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes in recent years could be explained by increases in maternal age.
A Typology of the Path of Deictic Motion Verbs as Path-Conflating Verbs: The Entailment of Arrival and the Deictic Center
Authors: Nakazawa Tsuneko
Published: October 2009

A Typology of the Path of Deictic Motion Verbs as Path-Conflating Verbs: The Entailment of Arrival and the Deictic Center

This paper analyzes deictic motion verbs in various languages using Talmy's framework, and isolates the Path of motion expressed by these verbs. It is argued that the different interpretations of the Path so discovered are attributable to the lexical meaning of deictic motion verbs as well as locative phrases. Furthermore, deictic motion verbs are claimed to be lexically specified for the entailment of arrival only if they express the Path eventually directed to the deictic center. The arrival-time and departure-time interpretations of cooccurring point-of-time expressions are shown to coincide with the entailment of arrival, or the lack thereof, which is inherent to the semantics of deictic motion verbs.
Transitivity in Natural Syntax: Accusative Languages
Authors: Orešnik Janez
Published: October 2009

Transitivity in Natural Syntax: Accusative Languages

The framework of this paper is Natural Syntax initiated by the author in the tradition of (morphological) naturalness as established by †Willi Mayerthaler and Wolfgang U. Dressler.

Natural Syntax is a developing deductive theory. The naturalness judgements are couched in naturalness scales, which follow from the basic parameters (or "axioms") listed at the beginning of the paper. The predictions of the theory are calculated in what are known as deductions, the chief components of each being a pair of naturalness scales and the rules governing the alignment of corresponding naturalness values.

Natural Syntax is exemplified here with language data (all taken from Hopper & Thompson 1980) bearing on transitivity phenomena in accusative languages.
On the modeling of car passenger ferryship design parameters with respect to selected sea-keeping qualities and additional resistance in waves
Authors: Cepowski Tomasz
Published: October 2009

On the modeling of car passenger ferryship design parameters with respect to selected sea-keeping qualities and additional resistance in waves

This paper presents the modeling of car passenger ferryship design parameters with respect to such design criteria as selected sea-keeping qualities and additional resistance in waves. In the first part of the investigations approximations of selected statistical parameters of design criteria of ferryship were elaborated with respect to ship design parameters. The approximation functions were obtained with the use of artificial neural networks. In the second part of the investigations design solutions were searched for by applying the singleand multi-criterial optimization methods. The multi-criterial optimization was performed by using Pareto method. Such approach made it possible to present solutions in such form as to allow decision makers (shipowner, designer) to select solutions the most favourable in each individual case.
Development of new technologies for shipping natural gas by sea
Authors: Bortnowska Monika
Published: October 2009

Development of new technologies for shipping natural gas by sea

In recent years dynamic increase of orders for ships intended for liquified natural gas (LNG) shipping has been observed with simultaneous trend of increasing their transport capability. This results from the fact that natural gas has become today the third energy source worldwide just next to crude oil and coal. The fast growth of demand for natural gas and its limited resources would cause growth of its price, therefore better solutions of natural gas transport technology with respect to economy, ecology and safety should be searched for. This paper presents various technologies for natural gas transport by sea with special attention paid to some alternative methods of transport, namely: CNG and NGH ransport technologies in contrast to LNG one.
Ozone concentration in ground-level air layer in north-western Poland - The role of meteorological elements
Authors: Kalbarczyk Robert , Kalbarczyk Eliza
Published: October 2009

Ozone concentration in ground-level air layer in north-western Poland - The role of meteorological elements

The research aimed at recognising time structure and variability of tropospheric ozone as a function of daytime and nocturnal meteorological conditions, particularly in the spring season (March-May), as well as finding a weather cluster at which the highest O3 concentration occurs. Ozone concentrations recorded every hour during the two years and data on five other meteorological elements: total solar radiation, air temperature, relative air humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind direction and speed provided the input data for the analysis. The data were collected at Widuchowa weather station, north-western Poland, near the Polish-German border. The highest ozone concentration was observed at daytime day, under conditions of eastern wind, low relative air humidity (about 35%), high values of total solar radiation (about 209 W·m-2), air temperature (17.0°C), atmospheric pressure (1016 hPa) and high wind speed (2.7 m·s-1). It is concluded that the magnitude of tropospheric ozone concentration recorded at Widuchowa is influenced by gaseous pollutants originating not only from the territory of Poland but also from Germany.
Spatial distribution of bottom sediment deposits in water reservoirs at Zesławice
Authors: Michalec Bogusław , Pęczek Karol , Strutyński Mateusz
Published: October 2009

Spatial distribution of bottom sediment deposits in water reservoirs at Zesławice

Spatial distributions of bottom sediment deposits in two small water reservoirs located on the River Dłubnia at Zesławice is presented in this paper. The distribution was elaborated according to Dendy's method on the basis of results of silting measurements performed in the 2005. Horizontal and vertical distribution of sediment deposits was shown as relation between the relative volume of deposited sediments (Sh/S) and relative storage capacity of the reservoir (Vh/V); the vertical distribution of sediment deposits was presented as relation between the relative volume of deposited sediments (Sv/S) and relative reservoir depth (D/Dm). On the basis of performed analysis of horizontal distributions of sediment deposits it was stated that in the main reservoir at Zesławice 58% of the sediment trapped in the reservoir was accumulated in the inflow (upstream part of the reservoir, whose relative volume is 0.25). In the inflow section of the assistant reservoir of relative storage capacity equal 0.22 only 29% of the sediment was deposited. Comparing curves of horizontal sediment deposits distribution in the main reservoir in its inflow part according to measurement data from the 2005 and 1986 i.e. from a comparable period of operation before desilting and building of an assistant reservoir it was stated that relative volumes of sediment trapped after desilting are over 40% higher than before desilting. In a comparable period of operation before desilting (measurement in the 1983) and after desilting (measurements in the 2005) i.e. after seventeen and sixteen years respectively in the main reservoir the accumulated sediments formed an isle - the value Sv/S equaling 0.09 for D/Dm equal 0 in consequence of a change of hydraulic conditions of water and sediment flow - due to a part of inflowing water of the River Dłubnia being directed to the assistant reservoir.
Utilization of geoinformation tools for the development of forest fire hazard mapping system: example of Pekan fire, Malaysia
Authors: Mahmud Ahmad , Setiawan Iwan , Mansor Shattri , Shariff Abdul , Pradhan Biswajeet , Nuruddin Ahmed
Published: October 2009

A study in modeling fire hazard assessment will be essential in establishing an effective forest fire management system especially in controlling and preventing peat fire. In this paper, we have used geographic information system (GIS), in combination with other geoinformation technologies such as remote sensing and computer modeling, for all aspects of wild land fire management. Identifying areas that have a high probability of burning is an important component of fire management planning. The development of spatially explicit GIS models has greatly facilitated this process by allowing managers to map and analyze variables contributing to fire occurrence across large, unique geographic units. Using the model and its associated software engine, the fire hazard map was produced. Extensive avenue programming scripts were written to provide additional capabilities in the development of these interfaces to meet the full complement of operational software considering various users requirements. The system developed not only possesses user friendly step by step operations to deliver the fire vulnerability mapping but also allows authorized users to edit, add or modify parameters whenever necessary. Results from the model can support fire hazard mapping in the forest and enhance alert system function by simulating and visualizing forest fire and helps for contingency planning.
Mineralogy and technical properties of clayey diatomites from north and central Greece
Authors: Ilia Ioanna , Stamatakis Michael , Perraki Theodora
Published: October 2009

Two bulk samples of clayey diatomite of Upper Miocene age originated from Western Macedonia, northern Greece and Thessaly central Greece were examined for their efficiency to be used as industrial absorbents. The samples were characterized using X-Ray Diffraction, Thermo-Gravimetric and Fourier Transform Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and ICP-MS analytical methods. The absorption capability of the clayey samples in oil and water were also examined. The mineralogy of both samples is predominated by the presence of clay minerals and amorphous silica. The clay minerals prevailed in the Klidi (KL) bulk sample, with muscovite being the dominant phase, and kaolinite and chlorite occurring in minor amounts. In the Drimos (DR) bulk sample, vermiculite was the predominant clay phase. Smectite was not found in either sample, whereas detrital quartz and feldspars were present in significant amounts. The amorphous silica phase (opal-A) occurs mainly with the form of disck-shaped diatom frustules. The chemistry of the samples is characterized by the predominance of silica, alumina, and iron, whereas all the other major and the trace elements are in low concentrations. Both clayey diatomite rocks exhibited sufficiently good oil and water absorption capacity, ranging between 70 to 79% in the clay-rich sample KL and 64 to 70% in the opal-A-rich sample DR. Comparing the properties of the rocks studied with other commercial absorbents, it is concluded that they may find applications as absorbents in industrial uses.