bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Gondwana glaciations in the Baltic late Ordovician and Silurian and a carbon isotopic test of environmental cyclicity
Authors: Kaljo Dimitri , Martma Tõnu , Männik Peep , Viira Viive
Published: June 2005

Four glaciations – the extensively studied Hirnantian episode and three in the Llandovery-earliest Wenlock –are well established on the Gondwana palaeocontinent. New data [Hamoumi, 1999] shift the beginning of the glacial epoch to the early Caradoc when Baltica was moving from middle to low latitudes of the southern Hemisphere. Despite the rather considerable distance between polar areas of Gondwana and subtropical Baltica all four glacial events are reflected via global climatic mechanisms in the East Baltic. It is generally accepted that glaciations are marked by positive excursions of δ18O and δ13C values caused by increase of the polar ice caps, bioproduction and decrease of oceanic water temperature, etc. Based on these relationships, the Gondwana glacial events are correlated with coeval isotopic shifts established in sections of Baltica. In addition, agreement of the oceanic processes and corresponding carbon isotopic trends predicted by Jeppsson [1990] to real measured values is analysed.

The following positive δ13C excursions are recorded in the Baltic area (peak values in parentheses) : middle Caradoc (2.2 ‰), early Ashgill (2.5 ‰), Hirnantian (6 ‰), early Aeronian (3.7 ‰), early Telychian (2.7 ‰), early Wenlock (5.2 ‰). Most of these shifts correlate well with glacio-eustatic sea level lowstands and biodiversity changes, as shown by the most extensive Oandu crisis in the Caradoc, Hirnantian mass extinction and the Wenlock Ireviken Event.

Analysis of data allows the following conclusions : (1) all four Gondwana glaciations identified by tillites, microconglomeratic clays, etc. and dated biostratigraphically are recognised in the Baltic area through clear positive carbon isotope excursions at the same levels; (2) three smaller carbon isotope excursions in the Caradoc and Ashgill together with algal abundance data suggest the presence of several colder climate episodes during the late Ordovician. This may support the idea of the earlier onset of the glacial epoch on Gondwana; however, correct biostratigraphic dating of supposed glacial sediments is required; (3) the carbon isotopic testing of the oceanic model by Jeppsson reveals too many contradictions between model predictions and measured values. This means that the environmental background of isotopic events and relationships with oceanic events should be revised ; (4) for delimitation of the climatic –oceanic episodes, a more general marker identifying environmental change via a basinal approach seems useful. For this purpose lithological, geochemical or palaeontological criteria can be used.
Crassiangulina variacornuta sp. nov. from the late Llandovery and its bearing on Silurian and Devonian acritarch taxonomy
Authors: Wauthoz Bastien , Dorning Ken J. , Le Hérissé Alain
Published: June 2005

Crassiangulina variacornuta sp. nov., a new distinctive species of acritarch, with a short stratigraphical range within the Telychian (Silurian), is recorded from low latitude areas of Balonia (Belgium, England and Sweden) and from high latitude areas of Gondwana (Algeria, Brazil, Libya and Saudi Arabia). Therefore, the new species has good potential to be an international biostratigraphic marker for the Upper Llandovery. It has so far only been recorded in depositional environments where the sediments settled below storm wave base. The genus Crassiangulina Jardineet al., 1972 is emended to incorporate the new species and to include triangular and other polygonal acritarchs with solid processes. The emended genus includes the type species Crassiangulina tesselita Jardineet al., 1972 emend., C. grotesca Crameret al. 1976 comb. nov. et emend. and C. variacornuta sp. nov. A biometric study of 138 specimens of C. variacornuta sp. nov. from two sections in England and one section in Belgium and its statistical treatment show the biological consistency of the studied population and point to differences between the mean measurements between the sections, because of taphonomic or environmental factors. This emphasises the need to unravel the morphological variations of acritarch species along the genotypic, ecophenotypic, chronotypic and taphonotypic axes of morphological variability.
Geological and petrologic evolution of Huahine island (Society archipelago, French Polynesia) : an unusual intraoceanic shield volcano
Authors: Legendre* Christelle , Maury René C. , Guillou Hervé , Cotten Joseph , Caroff Martial , Blais Sylvain , Guille Gérard
Published: June 2005

Huahine (Leeward Islands, Society Archipelago) is composed of two islands, Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, separated by the shallow Port Bourayne and Maroe bays and surrounded by a common lagoon. The two islands, however, belong to a single basaltic and trachybasaltic shield volcano, the emerged part of which was constructed during a very short period, between 2.65 and 2.52 Ma. The volcano is made of composite basaltic flows belonging to three distinct petrogenetic types, which derive from low degrees of partial melting of heterogeneous mantle sources. This building stage lead to the formation of a central caldeira. Then, a WSW-ENE trending graben formed separating Huahine Nui from Huahine Iti. As a consequence, Huahine differs from most of the other Polynesian islands which display large collapse structures opened toward the sea. After a period of inactivity of at least 0.25 m.y., magmatic activity resumed, leading to the emplacement of five trachyphonolitic intrusions along N-S trending deep regional fractures. These lavas, which do not result from the fractional crystallization of the shield basalts, are considered as derived from the melting of a deep intrusive network of dykes.
Schistes lustrés from Corsica to Hungary : back to the original sediments and tentative dating of partly azoic metasediments
Authors: Lemoine Marcel
Published: June 2005

The Alpine and Corsican Schistes lustrés (SL) are nearly azoic Jurassic-Cretaceous metasediments often associated with ophiolites. They are derived from both the vanished Valais (N-Penninic) and Piemont-Ligurian (S-Penninic) oceans and from their continental margins.

Their age is generally poorly known. Because of fossils discovered by Alb. Heim and by S. Franchi at the beginning of the 20th century, they were believed for a long time to be mostly Liassic in age. We know now that the major part of the SL is Cretaceous.

Deep-sea sediments, and particularly the SL, are made up of a hemipelagic-pelagic background (HPB) associated with detrital components of local or distant origin. The nature of the HPB, mostly conditioned by Tethyan and worldwide events, is of great help as an at least rough stratigraphic marker ; in contrast, detrital material is not a reliable marker because it may occur at different times in different places. The HPB exhibits several successive, 10 to 40 m.y. long episodes which are either predominantly argillaceous (A) or calcareous (C). During the deposition of the Juras-sic-Cretaceous SL, seven episodes can be distinguished : C1, calcareous Liassic ; A1, marly Upper Liassic ; C2, calcareous latest Liassic and early Dogger ; A2, shaly or radiolaritic late Dogger-early Malm ; C3, calcareous late Malm ; A3 shaly or marly early Cretaceous ; C4 calcareous late Cretaceous. They can be recognized, each one by its prevailing lithology, and all together by their succession in order from C1 to C4. Nearly all of these subdivisions are here and there dated by rare fossils, which allow for a rough dating of the numerous azoic SL series.

As they exhibit very different lithologies, from pelagic calcareous oozes to Black Shales and various kinds of flysch and other mass flow deposits, the SL cannot be considered as a specific, well-defined facies : they are not characteristic for a particular stage of the geodynamic evolution of the Alps.

Finally, a possible influence of worldwide events is suggested. First, the role of the depth of the CCD, governed by early late Jurassic and early late Cretaceous biotic recoveries. Secondly, the correlation with first order eustatic events : transgressions on platforms seem to be roughly coeval with A episodes in the deep sea, regressions with C episodes.
Late Ordovician environmental changes in Carnic Alps and central Nevada : a comparative study
Authors: Berry William B.N.
Published: June 2005

Correlation of the late Ordovician stratigraphic and faunal successions in the Carnic Alps, which lay in a mid-latitude site at the time, with those in Nevada, which was in the tropics at the time, reveal certain similarities. During much of the late Ordovician glacial interval, deep shelves in both areas were sites of carbonate debris flow accumulations. The debris was derived from inner or shallow shelf environments. Karst topographies developed in inner or shallow shelves in both areas during the later phase of glaciation and sea level drawdown. A quartz sand spread widely at the end of the glacial interval on deep shelf-slope environments in both areas. Perhaps coincidently, shelves in both areas were uplifted and exposed by tectonism after the late Ordovician glacial episode.
First occurrence of a gigantic pliosaurid plesiosaur in the late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Mexico
Authors: Buchy Marie-Céline , Frey Eberhard , Stinnesbeck Wolfgang , López-Oliva José Guadalupe
Published: June 2005

Reinvestigation of a partial vertebral column from the Kimmeridgian La Caja Formation of Mexico, housed in the University of Linares (Mexico), and previously attributed to a dinosaur, proves to be from a very large pliosaurid plesiosaur. This specimen represents the first plesiosaur described from the Jurassic of Mexico. Its length has been estimated at 15 metres and, as a juvenile, is considered to be one of the largest Jurassic marine reptiles. The remains of this animal are here described. The morphology of the vertebral column is not diagnostic beyond family level. Large pliosaur vertebrae of a similar size are known from the Upper Jurassic of Europe, and are often referred to the genera Liopleurodon or Simolestes but these identifications are based only upon the size of the centra and have no taxonomic justification. A portion of rostrum with teeth was discovered together with the vertebral column but is unfortunately now lost. The Mexican pliosaur fills geographical and chronological gaps between western Tethys and South American pliosaurs, and is an additional support to the hypothesis of a Hispanic corridor linking at least temporarily the NW European marine province with the western South American marine (Pacific) realm during the late Jurassic.
The branchiosaurid amphibians from the Lower Permian of Buxières-les-Mines, Bourbon l’Archambault Basin (Allier, France) and their biostratigraphic significance
Authors: Werneburg Ralf
Published: June 2005

Branchiosaurs are rare in the lacustrine fauna from the Lower Permian of Buxières-les-Mines (Massif Central, France). All known specimens belong to Melanerpeton gracile, which is significant for the Melanerpeton gracile-Discosauriscus pulcherrimus zone in the biostratigraphical zonation of Upper Carboniferous and Lower Permian based on aquatic amphibians. This branchiosaurid species support the Asselian age (uppermost Lower “Autunian”/Rotliegend) of the Assise de Buxières in the Bourbon l’Archambault Basin (Allier, France).
Analysis of the postglacial deposits of the Rhône shelf (golfe du Lion). Implementation to the study of the late Quaternary depositional sequences
Authors: Gensous Bernard , Tesson Michel
Published: June 2005

Postglacial deposits of the Rhône shelf have been studied from high-resolution seismic data and Kullenberg piston cores. They are organised into a set of transgressive units or parasequences backstepping from the outer shelf to the subaerial deltaic plain. On the deltaic plain, they are overlain by the prograding deltaic parasequences deposited at the end of the Holocene sea level rise.

At regional scale, given the short time span covered by the late Quaternary deposits, tectonic subsidence has played a minor role and sediment deposition on the Rhône shelf was chiefly controlled by glacio-eustatic sea level changes (120 m between the maximum lowstand and present highstand). Progradational phases correspond to periods of reduced rate of eustatic sea level rise while the flooding surfaces bounding the regressive units form during periods of increasing rate of sea level rise and landward shoreline migration.

At local scale, location, geometry, nature of deposits, and lateral variations of the stratigraphic pattern are controlled by the interaction between eustasy and local factors as sediment supply, antecedent morphology and ocean dynamics.

Seaward of the Rhône river, terrigenous input was important during deglaciation and transgressive deposits extend continuously from the outer shelf to the inner shelf along the retreating path of the paleo-Rhône river mouth. Laterally, on either side of the Rhône incised valley, because of the reduced sediment supply, parasequences only develop on the outer shelf and inner shelf : the combination of the very low inherited gradient of the mid/outer shelf and a very high rate of sea level rise favoured a very rapid migration of the shoreline from outer to inner shelf.

Ocean dynamics has been controlled, as in present time, by the E to SE prevailing waves that are the only ones which can develop on an extended fetch. The westward alongshore drift accounted for the development of parasequences west of the incised valley. The sandy material needed for the construction of the outershelf parasequence was supplied by wave-reworking and westward long-shore drift of deposits from the Rhône delta front and the uppermost forced regressive unit.

The decreasing sand content of parasequences from outer shelf to inner shelf results from flattening of the equilibrium river profile that led to a decrease in competence and a change in the character of the sediment caliber (relative increase of suspension load).

The underlying Pleistocene depositional sequences comprise both lowstand prograding units, that characterize most of the Mediterranean shelves, and intercalated units which are analogs of the postglacial transgressive deposits here presented.
First rebbachisaurid dinosaur (Sauropoda, Diplodocoidea) from the early Cretaceous of Spain : palaeobiogeographical implications
Authors: Suberbiola Xabier Pereda , Torcida Fidel , Izquierdo Luis Angel , Huerta Pedro , Montero Diego , Pérez Gustavo
Published: June 2005

Sauropod remains from the early Cretaceous (late Barremian–early Aptian) of Salas de los Infantes (Burgos, Spain) are described. The material consists of several caudal vertebrae, chevrons, a pair of ischia and a femur that is presumed to belong to a single medium-sized individual. Based on the tall neural arches and broad neural spines of the anterior caudal vertebrae, the specimen is referred to the Diplodocoidea. Moreover, it shows affinities with the Rebbachisauridae, a basal clade of diplodocoids. Both the caudal vertebrae and ischium of the Burgos sauropod are similar in form to those of ‘Rebbachisaurus’ tessonei from the Albian-Cenomanian of South America. However, there are some differences with regard to this taxon, so the Burgos sauropod is provisionally referred to as Rebbachisauridae in-det. Rebbachisaurids are known in the Aptian-Cenomanian of the western Gondwanan landmasses (Africa and South America), although further remains have been reported from the Coniacian-Santonian of Argentina and the Hauteri-vian–Barremian of Croatia. The Burgos diplodocoid appears to be one of the earliest representative of the Rebbachisau-ridae. This discovery supports previous evidence of a land connection between Europe and Africa across the Tethys seaway sometime in the early Cretaceous.
Geological boundary conditions of the 1909 Lambesc (Provence, France) earthquake : structure and evolution of the Trévaresse ridge anticline
Authors: Chardon Dominique , Bellier Olivier
Published: June 2005

The 06/11/1909, Lambesc, M=6 earthquake is the strongest instrumental seismic event recorded in French history. A review of the geology of the epicentral area combined with detailed field mapping and structural analysis allows constraining the tectonic and geomorphic evolution of the Trévaresse ridge anticline and associated fault that ruptured during the 1909 event.

The Trévaresse fold is a WNW-trending, southerly-verging forced ramp anticline developed above the Trévaresse reverse fault during late Miocene and Pliocene times, and possibly after the early Pleistocene. Over the last 11 Ma, the Trévaresse reverse fault records an average reverse slip rate of 0.03 ± 0.02 mm/yr consistent with a homogeneous N005 – N010 trending shortening direction. The fault is segmented into two major segments (the eastern one being linked to a possibly active frontal blind thrust fault) separated by a relay fault zone associated with an en-échelon fold pattern consistent with a slight left-lateral component on the easternmost segment. Our structural analysis combined with recent estimates of the source parameters of the Lambesc earthquake indicates that the fault has to reach at least the basement-cover interface, at a minimum depth of 6 km. The westward longitudinal decrease in morphological maturity of the relief of the Trévaresse ridge anticline and its associated fault scarp suggests a westward propagation of the fold during partly diachronous activation of the two segments of the fault.
Palynofacies variations in a carbonate ramp system environment (Upper Muschelkalk, NE France)
Authors: Courtinat Bernard , Malartre Fabrice
Published: June 2005

This study analyses variations in the size of black woody phytoclast and palynofacies types of shallow subtidal environments evolving to deeper subtidal environments, of latest Illyrdian-latest Fassanian age (Upper Muschelkalk). Some of the results display some discrepancies between elevated particle sizes that were supposedly deposited in a relative proximal source and the rich veryhachid palynofacies that are thought to represent distal marine environments. A case study of the succession in the Héming quarry, located in the Alsace-Lorraine trough (southwestern part of the intracratonic Germanic basin) reveals that : (1) the palynological assemblages are dominated by acritarchs belonging to micrhystridids, disaccate pollen and woody phytoclasts; (2) the abundance of phytoclasts, sporomorphs and marine groups is not correlated with lithologies; (3) the length of the processes of micrhystridids is not a useful parameter in defining palynofacies types. In carbonate ramp environments, many factors could have confused the palynological signals such as high-energy events and the water level on which the nutrient supply depended pro parte. All these factors seem to have been governed by climatic or tectono-eustatic events.
A morphogenetic explanation of Buckman’s law of covariation
Authors: Guex Jean , Koch Andre , O’Dogherty Luis , Bucher Hugo
Published: June 2005

In this paper, we demonstrate that Buckman’s law of covariation, describing the cases of extreme variability observed in ammonoids, can be explained in a simple way by analysing the internal shell geometry. This geometry can be characterized by the amount of lateral and ventral curvature of the shell which controls the thickness of the mantle and the concentration of morphogens present in the shell-secreting epithelium. The most salient ornamentation is present where the whorls are most curved, shells with slight angular bulges often being spinose or carinate and flat ones being almost smooth. These observations agree with a morphogenetic model based on Meinhardt’s reaction – diffusion mechanisms [Meinhardt 1995].
Cretaceous arc volcanism of Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, Antarctica : new petrological, geochemical and isotope data
Authors: Demant* Alain , Touron Stéphanie , Lapierre Henriette , Bosch Delphine
Published: June 2005

On Byers Peninsula, the largest summer ice-free area in the South Shetland Islands, a thick Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous sedimentary sequence and penecontemporaneous igneous activity records the progressive emersion of a volcanic arc. The oldest rocks are represented by voluminous basaltic flows intercalated within late Jurassic shallow marine sediments. Following the emersion, Lower Cretaceous strata were deposited. Welded and nonwelded dacitic to rhyolitic ignimbrites are exposed locally at the base of the continental succession. However, the majority of the outcrops consists of Lower Cretaceous basaltic to basaltic andesite plugs and dykes, representing the roots of a volcanic arc, which form most of the topographic highs of the peninsula.

Byers Peninsula lavas are porphyritic with mineralogical associations typical of orogenic series. Major, trace and rare-earth element data show that all the rocks are relatively poor in K2O, enriched in large ion lithophile elements and that they have a clear subduction imprint (Nb-Ta anomaly). Furthermore, a tholeiitic tendency is shown by the REE patterns of some basaltic lavas. Sr- Nd- and Pb isotopic data support an origin from the sub-arc asthenosphere. Byers lavas have isotope signatures similar to that of the South Sandwich intra-oceanic arc. The enriched nature of most of the samples, revealed by Pb isotope ratios and Th/Yb enrichment, indicates that the MORB-like mantle source has been modified by fluids and sediments derived from the subducting slab. No clear temporal chemical change is observed during the evolution of this near-trench volcanic arc.
Controls on organic accumulation in late Jurassic shales of northwestern Europe as inferred from trace-metal geochemistry
Authors: Tribovillard Nicolas , Trentesaux Alain , Ramdani Abdelkader , Baudinet François , Riboulleau Armelle
Published: June 2005

In the Kimmeridge Clay Formation of the Wessex-Weald Basin, five organic-matter-rich intervals (or ORIs), dated from Kimmeridgian-Tithonian times, can be correlated from distal depositional environments in Dorset and Yorkshire (UK) to the proximal environments in Boulonnais, northern France. The ORIs are superimposed on a meter-scale cyclic distribution of organic matter (OM), referred to as primary cyclicity, which is commonly interpreted to result from Milankovitch climate forcing. The present work addresses the distribution of redox-sensitive and/or sulfide-forming trace metals and selected major elements (Si, Al and Fe) in Kimmeridge Clay shales from the Cleveland Basin (Yorkshire) and the Boulonnais cliffs with two objectives: 1) to determine whether the ORIs formed in similar paleoenvironments, and 2) to identify the mechanism(s) of OM accumulation. High-resolution geochemical data from primary cycles in the Yorkshire boreholes (Marton and Ebberstone boreholes), were studied and the results are then applied with lower resolution sampling at the ORI scale in the Flixton borehole and Boulonnais cliff.

Good correlations are found between total organic carbon (TOC) vs Cu/Al and Ni/Al, but relationships between TOC and Mo/Al, V/Al and U/Al are more complex. Cu and Ni enrichment is interpreted to have resulted from passive accumulation with OM in an oxygen-deficient basinal setting, which prevented the subsequent loss of Cu and Ni from the sediment. Mo and V were significantly enriched only in sediments where considerable amounts of OM (TOC>7 %) accumulated, the result of strongly reducing conditions and OM burial. At the scale of the Flixton ORIs, the samples with the highest Mo and V concentrations also show relative Fe enrichment, suggesting pyrite formation in the water column (combination of euxinic conditions and presumably low sedimentation rates). Samples from all ORIs were slightly enriched in Si relative to Al, interpreted as reflecting decreased sediment flux during transgressive and early-highstand systems tracts.

The data show that in some ORIs, OM accumulation proceeded while productivity was not particularly high and sediments were not experiencing strong anoxia. In other ORIs, OM accumulation was accompanied by widespread anoxia and possibly euxinic conditions in distal settings. Though somewhat different from each other, the ORIs have all developed during episodes of reduced terrigenous supply (transgressive episodes). The common feature linking these contrasted episodes of enhanced OM storage (ORIs) must be the conjunction of productivity coupled with a decrease in the dilution effect by the land-derived supply, in a depositional environment prone to water stratification and, therefore, favorable to OM preservation and accumulation.
Tectonical and morphodynamical evolution of the southern Massif Central border, between the Cesse and Hérault rivers (France)
Authors: Larue Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2005

Despite numerous researches concerning the Massif Central southern border, there are no certainties about the number and the chronology of the erosion surfaces, the uplift stages of the Massif Central and the incision stages of the rivers. Located on the Massif Central basement and on the Languedocian piedmont, the Orb, Libron and Hérault tributaries basins show a good pattern of shapes and formations, from the Caroux to the littoral plain. Geomorphological and sedimentological study brings some new insights to these questions.

Heavy minerals analysis allows us to separate different formations among the deposits located on the erosion surfaces and in the valleys. It is used to reconstruct the main sedimentary pathways. North-south fluxes crossed the Avant-Monts up to the Upper Pliocene, despite of the Miocene uplift. Upper Pliocene uplift of the Avant-Monts caused the bifurcation of the Orb towards the west, the antecedent incision between the Jaur confluence and Cessenon and the stepped pediments and glacis on the Avant-Monts southern border. The longitudinal paleoprofiles argue for a progressive uplift of the Massif Central since the Messinian unconformity. Incision of the valleys began before the Messinian in the Massif Central, but only during the Lower Pleistocene in the Languedocian piedmont.
Phosphorus Leaching at Cold Temperatures as Affected by Wastewater Application and Soil Phosphorus Levels
Authors: Mamo M. , Gupta S. C. , Rosen C. J. , Singh U. B.
Published: June 2005

Land application of wastewater in the northern‐tier United States during winter months has been suggested as a means to reduce cost of building storage lagoons. A study was initiated in 1996 to assess land application of potato‐processing wastewater on a 120‐ha field at Park Rapids, MN. One objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil P levels and temperature on P leaching in soil columns. In this paper, we report the P sorption, desorption, and leaching characteristics of a high‐P (>200 mg kg−1) and a low‐P (<25 mg kg−1) surface soil from the wastewater irrigation site. The leaching experiment was done with wastewater at 4 ± 2 or 10 ± 2°C. The high‐P soil resulted in an equilibrium P concentration of 8.0 mg L−1compared with 0.14 mg L−1for the low‐P soil. When low‐P wastewater was applied to the high‐P soil, the soil acted as a P source, and the total phosphorus (TP) concentration in the leachate was 3.5 times higher than the input TP concentration (C0). When high‐P wastewater was applied to the high‐P soil, the soil acted as a P sink retarding the TP concentration in the leachate by 80%. Phosphorus desorption was higher at 10°C compared with 4°C. The results showed that depending on P levels of the soil and the wastewater, reduction or increase in leachate P will occur below the surface soil. However, further mobility of this P under field conditions will depend on the volume and rate of percolating water as well as the sorption–desorption characteristics of the subsoil.
Residues of Endosulfan and Other Selected Organochlorine Pesticides in Farm Areas of the Lower Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Wan Michael T. , Kuo Jen‐ni , Pasternak John
Published: June 2005

Crop soils, ditch sediments, and water flowing from several farm areas to salmon tributary streams of the Fraser River in the Lower Fraser Valley (LFV) of British Columbia, Canada, were sampled in 2002–2003 to quantify for residues of an organochlorine cyclodiene pesticide, endosulfan (END = α‐endosulfan + β‐endosulfan + endosulfan sulfate). Residues from historical use of other selected organochlorine pesticides, namely, cyclodienes (aldrin, α‐chlordane, γ‐chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, heptachlor, and heptachlor epoxide), hexachlorocyclohexanes [α‐benzene‐hexachloride (α‐BHC), β‐BHC, δ‐BHC, and γ‐BHC (lindane)], and DDT‐related compounds (p,p‐DDT, p,p‐DDD, p,p‐DDE, and methoxychlor) were also determined. Reference and background levels of these pesticides in ditches leading to fish streams were obtained from pristine watershed areas. Varying amounts of END residues were detected in soils (<0.02–5.60 mg kg−1 dry wt.) and ditch sediments (<0.02–3.33 mg kg−1 dry wt.) in mainly three of five farm areas sampled. Likewise, residues (excluding END) of other selected organochlorine compounds such as aldrin, BHC, chlordane, endrin, p,p‐DDT, methoxychlor, and their respective major transformation products (endosulfan sulfate, dieldrin, endrin aldehyde, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, p,p‐DDD, and p,p‐DDE) were found in crop soils (<0.02–16.2 mg kg−1 dry wt.) and sediments (<0.02–9.73 mg kg−1 dry wt.). Most of these pesticides (END: <0.01–1.86 μg L−1; other selected organochlorine pesticides: <0.0.1–1.50 μg L−1) were also found in ditch water leading to salmon streams in several farms. The END levels of crop soils from the same LFV study farms in 1994 and 2003 indicated an estimated decline of 22% to 1.35 mg kg−1 dry wt. during that period. This reduction was probably due to the increasing use of alternate pesticides (e.g., organophosphorus compounds). Some possible biological implications of these pesticide residues on nontarget organisms in the LFV are discussed.
Phosphorus in Hawaiian Kikuyugrass Pastures and Potential Phosphorus Release to Water
Authors: Mathews B. W. , Carpenter J. R. , Sollenberger L. E. , Tsang S.
Published: June 2005

Pasture systems in Hawaii are based primarily on kikuyugrass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.). Relationships among kikuyugrass P concentration, animal P requirements, and various soil P determinations are needed to help identify source areas for implementing pasture management strategies to limit P loss via overland flow. A total of 51 rotationally stocked kikuyugrass pastures (>20 yr old) with contrasting soil chemical properties were sampled. A satisfactory predictive relationship between modified‐Truog (MT)‐extractable phosphorus (PMT) and dissolved (<0.45‐μm pore diameter), molybdate‐reactive phosphorus (DRP) desorbed from soil in a water extract (DRPWE) was found when 0‐ to 4‐cm‐depth data for the soil orders with medium to high DRPWE (two Mollisols and an Inceptisol) were pooled separately from those with low DRPWE (five Andisols, three Ultisols, and an Oxisol). The oxalate phosphorus saturation index (PSIox) procedure was the best predictor of DRPWE across soil orders when oxalate‐extractable molybdate‐reactive phosphorus (RPox) was used to calculate PSIox (PSIoxRP) rather than when total oxalate‐extractable phosphorus (TPox) was used (PSIoxTP). There was little DRPWE until PSIoxRP exceeded 6% or PSIoxTP exceeded 8%. A more empirical dilute‐acid phosphorus saturation index (PSIMT) was also calculated using PMT and MT‐extractable iron (FeMT) and aluminum (AlMT). The PSIMT procedure showed some utility in predicting DRPWE, was positively related to the PSIox procedures, and can be more readily performed in agronomic soil testing laboratories than PSIox The present research suggests that while Hawaiian kikuyugrass pastures tend to be sufficient to high in forage P, potential soil P release to water only appeared to be a possible environmental concern for the Mollisol and Inceptisol sites.
Biosolid Colloid‐Mediated Transport of Copper, Zinc, and Lead in Waste‐Amended Soils
Authors: Karathanasis A. D. , Johnson D. M. C. , Matocha C. J.
Published: June 2005

Increasing land applications of biosolid wastes as soil amendments have raised concerns about potential toxic effects of associated metals on the environment. This study investigated the ability of biosolid colloids to transport metals associated with organic waste amendments through subsurface soil environments with leaching experiments involving undisturbed soil monoliths. Biosolid colloids were fractionated from a lime‐stabilized, an aerobically digested, and a poultry manure organic waste and applied onto the monoliths at a rate of 0.7 cm/h. Eluents were monitored for Cu, Zn, Pb, and colloid concentrations over 16 to 24 pore volumes of leaching. Mass‐balance calculations indicated significantly higher (up to 77 times) metal elutions in association with the biosolid colloids in both total and soluble fractions over the control treatments. Eluted metal loads varied with metal, colloid, and soil type, following the sequences Zn = Cu > Pb, and ADB > PMB > LSB colloids. Colloid and metal elution was enhanced by decreasing pH and colloid size, and increasing soil macroporosity and organic matter content. Breakthrough curves were mostly irregular, showing several maxima and minima as a result of preferential macropore flow and multiple clogging and flushing cycles. Soil‐ and colloid‐metal sorption affinities were not reliable predictors of metal attenuation/elution loads, underscoring the dynamic nature of transport processes. The findings demonstrate the important role of biosolid colloids as contaminant carriers and the significant risk they pose, if unaccounted, for soil and ground water contamination in areas receiving heavy applications of biosolid waste amendments.
Distribution and Speciation of Metals in Annual Rings of Black Willow
Authors: Punshon Tracy , Lanzirotti Antonio , Harper Steve , Bertsch Paul M. , Burger Joanna
Published: June 2005

Information on the spatial distribution and speciation of metals in nonhyperaccumulator plants is lacking. This study used synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (SXRF) compositional imaging to investigate the spatial distribution of Ni, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe in annual rings of black willow (Salix nigra L.) collected from a metal‐contaminated area, and used X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate Ni and Mn speciation in regions of the annual rings with elevated Ni concentrations. Annual rings were recollected in early 2003 from an individual known to be enriched with Ni from previous studies. Compositional imaging showed Ni and associated co‐contaminants conservatively located in an annual ring. When compared with a corresponding photomicrograph, SXRF compositional images showed that metals were sharply constrained by the boundaries of the annual ring, indicating a sudden onset and cessation of uptake, and a lack of post‐growth mobility of the metals. There was a particularly strong correlation between Ni and Mn in the metal‐enriched annual ring (r = 0.8822), which suggested similar transport and binding behavior of these elements. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy showed Ni and Mn to be present in the 2+ oxidation state. X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) fingerprinting of localized, highly Ni‐enriched regions within the lumen of willow xylem vessels found similarities with Ni–pectic acid complexes, Ni–histidine, and NiSO4
The NAT1 C1095A polymorphism, maternal multivitamin use and smoking, and the risk of spina bifida
Authors: Jensen Liselotte E. , Hoess Katy , Whitehead Alexander S. , Mitchell Laura E.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

The risk of having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD) can be reduced by maternal, periconceptional supplementation with folic acid, but the underlying folate‐dependent protective mechanism remains unclear. N‐acetyltransferase 1 is involved in acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amines and the catabolism of folates. Hence, functional polymorphisms in NAT1, the gene encoding N‐acetyltransferase 1, are plausible risk factors for NTDs. Such variants could exert an influence on the risk of NTDs via their role in acetylation or folate catabolism and could act through the maternal or the embryonic genotype.

METHODS

NAT1 C1095A genotypes and information on maternal, periconceptional multivitamin use and smoking were obtained as part of a family‐based study of spina bifida. Associations between spina bifida and the embryonic and maternal NAT1 C1095A genotypes, and potential NAT1 C1095A genotype–exposure interactions were evaluated using log‐linear modeling.

RESULTS

The analyses provided no evidence that the embryonic or maternal NAT1 C1095 genotypes influence the risk of spina bifida independently, or through interactions with maternal use of multivitamins. There was evidence that the embryonic, and possibly the maternal, NAT1 C1095A genotype influence the risk of spina bifida via interactions with maternal smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

The genotype for the NAT1 C1095A polymorphism does not appear to be an independent risk factor for spina bifida. However, the results of these analyses provide preliminary evidence that this polymorphism may be associated with the risk of spina bifida in the offspring of women who smoke during early pregnancy. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antioxidative treatment of pregnant diabetic rats diminishes embryonic dysmorphogenesis
Authors: Cederberg Jonas , Eriksson Ulf J.
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Diabetic pregnancy is still associated with an increased rate of congenital malformations despite extensive clinical efforts to normalize the risk for the offspring. The etiology of diabetic embryopathy is not clear; however, experimental studies have suggested a role for oxidative stress in the teratogenicity of diabetic pregnancy. The antioxidants α‐tocopherol and ascorbate have improved fetal outcome in diabetic rodent pregnancy when supplemented in moderate to high doses. In the present work we investigated if extremely high doses of either α‐tocopherol or ascorbate might further improve fetal outcome in offspring of diabetic rats and, in addition, if such treatment may exert any adverse effects of fetal development.

METHODS

Nondiabetic and streptozotocin diabetic female rats were fed 2, 5, 10, or 15% α‐tocopherol or 4, 10, or 15% ascorbate in their diet.

RESULTS

Both α‐tocopherol and ascorbate treatment improved fetal morphology in offspring of diabetic rats. There was a dose‐dependent improvement for the α‐tocopherol supplementation, in which the higher doses diminished fetal dysmorphogenesis more than the 2% diet. The ascorbate supplementation was less dose‐dependent; however, the higher doses tended to improve fetal outcome more than the lower doses. No adverse effects of the antioxidants were noted in the offspring with the exception of 1 case of agnathia in a fetus of a nondiabetic rat supplemented with 15% α‐tocopherol.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that very high doses of dietary antioxidants may be needed to normalize the development of the offspring in experimental diabetic pregnancy, but that treatment with such high doses may also have adverse effects in nondiabetic pregnancy. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A teratoproteomics analysis: Heat shock protein 70 is upregulated in mouse forelimb bud by methoxyacetic acid treatment
Authors: Ruyani Aceng , Sudarwati Sri , Sutasurya Lien A. , Sumarsono Sony H. , Kim Dong‐Jo , Chung Jun Ho
Published: June 2005

BACKGROUND

Methoxyacetic acid (MAA) causes fetal limb abnormalities when the substance is administrated on gestation day (GD) 11 in mice. Limb abnormalities are caused mainly by extensive cell death in the mesoderm of the limb plate. This investigation focused on identifying a protein that is linked with mouse limb teratogenicity.

METHODS

A single dose of MAA at 10 mmol/kg body weight was administered by gavage on GD 11; controls were administered vehicle only. Dams were killed by cervical dislocation 4 hr after treatment and forelimb buds were isolated from both the control and treated embryos. Proteins in forelimb buds GD 11 + 4 hr were precipitated out using 40–60% ammonium sulfate and were then analyzed by 2D SDS‐PAGE. Excised protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry and amino acid internal sequence analysis. Identified protein was further confirmed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Two‐dimensional gel analysis indicated that 1 protein spot of 81.7 kDa/pI 7.3 was overexpressed, and the protein matched heat shock protein 70 (HSP70; accession no. P08109, SwissProt).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that MAA, when administered to pregnant mice, upregulates HSP70 in the forelimb buds. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Production of fuculose‐1‐phosphate aldolase using operator–repressor titration for plasmid maintenance in high cell density Escherichia coli fermentations
Authors: Durany Olga , Bassett Philip , Weiss Amanda M.E. , Cranenburgh Rocky M. , Ferrer Pau , López‐Santín Josep , de Mas Carles , Hanak Julian A.J.
Published: June 2005

We report a novel application for the operator–repressor titration (ORT) plasmid maintenance system. The ability of ORT to maintain a plasmid during production of DNA has been demonstrated previously. In this study, we have used the ORT system to maintain a plasmid during high cell density cultivation and expression of a recombinant protein. No evidence of plasmid loss was seen during protein expression at high cell densities. In addition, the quantity of protein produced using this system was similar to traditional plasmid maintenance systems. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stable hybridoma cultivation in a pilot‐scale acoustic perfusion system: Long‐term process performance and effect of recirculation rate
Authors: Dalm Marcella C.F. , Jansen Menno , Keijzer Timo M.P. , van Grunsven Wout M.J. , Oudshoorn Arthur , Tramper Johannes , Martens Dirk E.
Published: June 2005

Perfusion systems have the possibility to be operated continuously for several months. It is important that the performance of the cell retention device does not limit the operation time of a perfusion process used in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and long‐term stability of an acoustic perfusion process using the 200 L/d BioSep. As the BioSep is an external device, it is possible that dependent on the recirculation rate nutrient gradients occur in the external loop, which could affect the cell metabolism. Therefore, the effect of possible nutrient gradients on cell metabolism, viability and productivity was studied by varying the recirculation rate. In this study, it is shown that a perfusion process using a pilot‐scale acoustic cell‐retention device (200 L/d) is reliable and simple to operate, resulting in a stable 75‐day cultivation of a hybridoma cell line producing a monoclonal antibody. The recirculation rate had a significant effect on the oxygen concentration in the external loop, with oxygen being depleted within the cell‐retention device at recirculation rates below 6 m3/mreactor3·d (=600 L/d). The oxygen depletion at low circulation rates correlated with a slightly increased lactate production rate. For all other parameters no effect of the recirculation rate was observed, including cell death measured through the release of lactate dehydrogenase and specific productivity. A maximum specific productivity of 12 pg/cell · d was reached. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silyl Anions or Silylenoids?—A DFT Study of Silyllithium Compounds with π‐Donating Substituents
Authors: Flock Michaela , Marschner Christoph
Published: June 2005

Geometry optimizations at the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d) level for a set of X(SiH3)MeSiLi molecules (X=F, OH, NH2, Cl, SH, and PH2) show that the tetrahedral structure prevails in polar solutions; however, it readily isomerizes into a silylenoid with energy barriers of less than 15 kJ mol−1. Inverted structures, which predominate in the gas phase, could not be located in solution. Configuration inversion is unfavorable, with energy barriers between 80 and 220 kJ mol−1. The α elimination into a silylene moiety and the corresponding LiX is only likely to occur in solution, particularly for X=Cl and SH.
The role of anxiety in prostate carcinoma
Authors: Dale William , Bilir Pinar , Han Misop , Meltzer David
Published: June 2005

Although the impact of anxiety on patients with some types of cancer is well recognized, to the authors knowledge its impact on patients with prostate carcinoma has not been studied as thoroughly. The authors conducted a systematic review of the medical literature for high‐quality articles that quantified anxiety levels in men with prostate carcinoma and identified 29 articles. Using the clinical timeline of prostate carcinoma to organize the articles, cross‐sectional studies that reflected anxiety prevalence in populations and longitudinal studies that reflected changes in anxiety over time were identified. Anxiety appeared to fluctuate over the clinical timeline in response to stressors and uncertainty (such as at the time of screening and/or biopsy), rising before these times and falling afterward. Although anxiety levels in men age > 55 years who were at risk for prostate carcinoma were modest (10–15%), multiple studies found that these levels were substantially higher in men who presented for screening (> 50%), and “seeking peace of mind” was the motivation cited most frequently for pursuing screening. Most studies demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety levels after a normal screening or biopsy result, although the proportion of men who remained anxious afterward did not fall to baseline levels (20–36%). Men who presented for prostate‐specific antigen monitoring after treatment had elevated anxiety levels at the time of testing (23–33%). Many years after therapy for localized disease, anxiety levels were lower after prostatectomy (23%) compared with the levels after watchful waiting (31%). Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Couple empowerment in divorce: A comparison of mediated and nonmediated outcomes
Authors: Bailey Jo Daugherty , Robbins Susan P.
Published: June 2005

This article examines whether empowerment through mediation actually produces tangible outcomes for divorcing couples in a random selection of 120 mediated and nonmediated divorce cases in Harris County, Texas. Data analysis supports the hypothesis: mediated cases result in more changes to the state‐ordered possessory arrangement governing access to children than nonmediated cases. A discussion of the significance of the findings for mediators is included.
Using the “mediatable frame” to define the problem in mediating a parenting plan
Authors: Benjamin Michael , Irving Howard H.
Published: June 2005

To explore the issue of defining the problem in family mediation, the authors compare rational and therapeutic models of mediation, focusing on their therapeutic family mediation (TFM) model and introducing and discussing the notion of the “mediatable frame.” They offer case history material and discuss its implications for theory and practice.