bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly thermally stable TiN nanocrystals as charge trapping sites for nonvolatile memory device applications
Authors: Choi Sangmoo , Kim Seok-Soon , Chang Man , Hwang Hyunsang , Jeon Sanghun , Kim Chungwoo
Published: March 2005

TiN nanocrystals formed by a co-sputtering method have been investigated as discrete charge traps for metal–oxide–nitride–oxide–silicon-type nonvolatile memory devices. The formation of isolated TiN nanocrystals embedded in Al2O3 was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction analyses. In addition, superior thermal stability of TiN nanocystals embedded in Al2O3 was confirmed. Compared to the control samples without TiN nanocrystals, Al2O3 layers with TiN nanocrystals exhibited wider capacitance–voltage hysteresis and this in turn showed better charge trapping characteristics due to the incorporation of TiN nanocrystals into Al2O3.
The Conformation of Some 1,6-Disulfide-Bridged D-Hexopyranoses
Authors: Goddard-Borger Ethan D. , Skelton Brian W. , Stick Robert V. , White Allan H.
Published: March 2005

The use of 1H NMR spectroscopy, in tandem with X-ray crystallography, has cast light on the conformation of the 1,6-disulfide-bridged derivatives of d-gluco-, d-manno-, d-allo-, d-galacto-, and d-talo-pyranose. A similar investigation was performed on the thiosulfinate derived from the d-gluco disulfide. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations are reported for (1S,5S,6S,7S,8R)-6,7,8-tribenzoyloxy-9-oxa-2,3-dithiabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, (1S,5S,6S,7R,8R)-6,7,8-tribenzoyloxy-9-oxa-2,3-dithiabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane, and (1S,2S,5S,6S,7S,8R)-6,7,8-triacetoxy-9-oxa-2,3-dithiabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane 2-oxide.
Metallocyclodextrins of 6A-(2-Aminoethylamino)-6A-deoxy-ß-cyclodextrin: Their Formation and Complexation of (R)- and (S)-Tryptophanate in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sandow Melissa , Easton Christopher J. , Lincoln Stephen F.
Published: March 2005

The binary metallocyclodextrins formed by
6A-(2-aminoethylamino)-6A-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin
([M(βCDen)]2+ where
M2+ = Co2+ ,
Ni2+ , Cu2+ and
Zn2+) are characterized by
log(K/dm3
mol–1) = 12.000.05, 7.810.01, 8.370.03 and
8.520.07, respectively, in aqueous solution at 298.2 K and
I = 0.10 mol dm–3
(NaClO4), where K is the stability
constant. The ternary metallocyclodextrins formed by
[M(βCDen)]2+ and
(R)- and (S)-tryptophanate,
[M(βCDen)(R)-Trp]+
and
[M(βCDen)(S)-Trp]+
, are characterized by
log(K/dm3
mol–1) = 8.710.06 and 8.540.07, 5.380.06
and 5.410.04, 8.200.04 and 7.860.02, and 5.790.01 and 5.790.05, respectively,
when M2+ = Co2+ ,
Ni2+ , Cu2+ and
Zn2+. These data are discussed together with those
characterizing the less stable metallocyclodextrins formed by
6A-(3-aminopropylamino)-6A-deoxy-β-cyclodextrin.
The Syntheses and Structural Characterizations of Some Monoaza- and Diaza-crown Ethers
Authors: Fewings Kym R. , Junk Peter C.
Published: March 2005

Several aza-crown ethers have been synthesized and their structures determined
by X-ray crystallography. In a modified synthesis of diaza-18-crown-6 we
isolated two of the intermediates, viz. the NaI salt (1) of
N,N′-dibenzyldiaza- 18-crown-6 and the salt-free
macrocycle (2), and determined their stuctures. In compound (1) a hydrated
crown-encapsulated sodium cation was revealed with both benzyl groups folded
down and away from the water molecule while in compound (2) a centrosymmetric
crown with the benzyl groups splayed out from the ring was found. In addition,
we have determined the X-ray crystal structures of monoaza-18-crown-6 and the
hydrochloride salt of monoaza-15-crown-5. In the former, the crown resides on
an inversion centre showing N/O disorder, and in the latter the protonated
amine hydrogen bonds with the chloride anion.
Testing the Suitability of Zerovalent Iron Materials for Reactive Walls
Authors: Noubactep Chicgoua , Meinrath Günther , Dietrich Peter , Sauter Martin , Merkel B. J.
Published: March 2005

Environmental Context. Groundwater remediation is generally a costly, long-term process. In situ remediation using permeable reactive barriers, through which the groundwaters pass, is a potential solution. For redox-sensitive contaminants in groundwater, a metallic iron barrier (zerovalent iron, ZVI) can immobilize or degrade these dissolved pollutants. Scrap iron materials are a low-cost ZVI material but, because of the wide variation of scrap metal compositions, testing methods for characterizing the corrosion behaviour need to be developed.
Abstract. Zerovalent iron (ZVI) has been proposed as reactive material in permeable in situ walls for contaminated groundwater. An economically feasible ZVI-based reactive wall requires cheap but efficient iron materials. From an uranium treatability study and results of iron dissolution in 0.002 M EDTA by five selected ZVI materials, it is shown that current research and field implementation is not based on a rational selection of application-specific iron metal sources. An experimental procedure is proposed which could enable a better material characterization. This procedure consists of mixing ZVI materials and reactive additives, including contaminant releasing materials (CRMs), in long-term batch experiments and characterizing the contaminant concentration over the time.
The beneficial effect of a diet with low glycaemic index on 24 h glucose profiles in healthy young people as assessed by continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Brynes Audrey E. , Adamson Jacqui , Dornhorst Anne , Frost Gary S.
Published: March 2005

Elevated postprandial glycaemia has been linked to CVD in a number of different epidemiological studies involving predominantly non-diabetic volunteers. The MiniMed continuous glucose monitor, which measures blood glucose every 5 min, over a 24 h period, was used to investigate changes in blood glucose readings before and after instigating a diet with low glycaemic index (GI) for 1 week in free-living healthy individuals. Nine healthy people (age 27 (sem 1·3) years, BMI 23·7 (sem 0·7) kg/m2, one male, eight females) completed the study. A reduction in GI (59·7 (sem 2) v. 52·1 (sem 2), P<0·01) occurred in all nine subjects while energy and other macronutrients remained constant. A significant reduction was also observed in fasting glucose at 06·00 hours (5·4 (sem 0·2) v. 4·4 (sem 0·3) mmol/l, P<0·001), mean glucose (5·6 (sem 0·2) v. 5·1 (sem 0·2) mmol/l, P=0·004), area under the 24 h glucose curve (8102 (sem 243) v. 750 (sem 235) mmol/l per min, P=0·004) and area under the overnight, 8 h glucose curve (2677 (sem 92) v. 2223 (sem 121) mmol/l per min, P=0·01). The present study provides important data on how a simple adjustment to the diet can improve glucose profiles that, if sustained in the long term, would be predicted from epidemiological studies to have a favourable influence on CVD.
Transcutaneous Fluorescence Dilution Cardiac Output and Circulating Blood Volume during Hemorrhagic Hypovolemia
Authors: Maarek Jean-Michel I. , Holschneider Daniel P. , Yang Jun , Pniak Sarah N. , Rubinstein Eduardo H.
Published: March 2005

Background

Cardiac output and circulating blood volume are important parameters for assessing cardiac function in the intensive care setting and during major surgeries. The authors tested in an animal model of hemorrhagic hypovolemia the feasibility of measuring these parameters simultaneously by transcutaneous fluorescence monitoring of an intravenous bolus injection of indocyanine green.

Methods

Fluorescence dilution cardiac output was measured in seven anesthetized rabbits and compared to thermodilution cardiac output. The optical probe used to excite the indocyanine green fluorescence was in contact with the skin above the ear artery. Local heating enhanced blood perfusion of the measurement site. Cardiac output was measured during baseline conditions, during hemorrhagic hypovolemia, and after partial restoration of the blood volume with reinfused blood. Estimates of the circulating blood volume were simultaneously obtained from the analysis of the fluorescence dilution traces.

Results

Cardiac output measured by fluorescence dilution (thermodilution) averaged 455 +/- 16 (450 +/- 13) ml/min in baseline conditions and 323 +/- 15 (330 +/- 13) ml/min during hypovolemia. Fluorescence dilution cardiac output was linearly related to thermodilution cardiac output (slope = 1.13 +/- 0.05, ordinate = -50 +/- 19 ml/min, R = 0.92). Interanimal differences explained most of the variance between cardiac output estimates obtained with the two techniques. Circulating blood volume decreased from 204 +/- 5 ml in baseline conditions to 174 +/- 8 ml after bleeding and reflected blood volume changes in this acute bleeding-reinfusion model.

Conclusions

The study extends the applicability of the fluorescence dilution technique for cardiac output measurement to hypovolemic conditions and demonstrates its ability to produce accurate estimates of the circulating blood volume in experimental animals.
Differential Effects of Bupivacaine and Ropivacaine Enantiomers on Intracellular Ca2+Regulation in Murine Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Authors: Zink Wolfgang , Missler Goetz , Sinner Barbara , Martin Eike , Fink Rainer H. A. , Graf Bernhard M.
Published: March 2005

Background

Increased intracellular Ca concentrations are considered to be a major pathomechanism in local anesthetic myotoxicity. Racemic bupivacaine and S-ropivacaine cause Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle fibers and simultaneously inhibit Ca reuptake. Examining the optical isomers of both agents, the authors investigated stereoselective effects on muscular Ca regulation to get a closer insight in subcellular mechanisms of local anesthetic myotoxicity.

Methods

R- and S-enantiomers as well as racemic mixtures of both agents were tested in concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 15 mm. Saponin-skinned muscle fibers from the extensor digitorum longus muscle of BALB/c mice were examined according to a standardized procedure. For the assessment of effects on Ca uptake and release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, agents were added to the loading solution and the release solution, respectively, and force and Ca transients were monitored.

Results

The effects of S-enantiomers on both Ca release and reuptake were significantly more pronounced than those of racemic mixtures and R-enantiomers, respectively. In addition, the effects of racemates were markedly stronger than those of R-enantiomers. With regard to Ca release, the effects of bupivacaine isomers were more pronounced than the isomers of ropivacaine.

Conclusions

These data show that stereoselectivity is involved in alterations of intracellular Ca regulation by bupivacaine and ropivacaine. S-enantiomers seem to be more potent than R-enantiomers, with intermediate effects of racemic mixtures. In addition, lipophilicity also seems to determine the extent of Ca release by local anesthetics.
Definition and properties of a Eulerian 3-terminal gyrator
Authors: Tippetts John R
Published: March 2005

The Eulerian 3-terminal gyrator is a hypothetical element whose novel features relate to systems dominated by dynamic forces. In mechanical linkages, turbomachines, flow networks and many other systems forces are proportional to the square of velocities. This square-law is fundamental in the Eulerian 3-terminal gyrator, unlike the linearity of the conventional gyrator. A gyrator embodies non-reciprocity and, without power loss, exchanges pressure-like and flow-like variables. The name derives from the gyroscope, for which torque and precession rate are linearly related if the gyro speed is constant, but this speed would have to vary to produce a square law relationship. Such so-called ‘internal modulation’ has been viewed askance in the definition of an ideal element. However, despite potential mathematical complexity, a neat definition follows from a coordinate transformation and mapping relating to 3-terminal elements. The resulting characteristics are well-behaved functions. Formulae are derived for the small-signal
Z
- and
Y
-parameters and these enable the non-reciprocity to be demonstrated. The large-signal characteristics are compared with those of a fluidic reverse flow diverter applied to process fluid handling. In general, the Eulerian gyrator is proposed as a natural prime element in analytical modelling because it builds in the modulation that must be applied to a linear gyrator in representing systems beyond the confines of electrical networks.
Monitoring global rates of biodiversity change: challenges that arise in meeting the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 2010 goals
Authors: Dobson Andy
Published: March 2005

By agreeing to strive for ‘a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biological diversity’ by the year 2010, political leaders at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (held in Johannesburg, South Africa) presented conservation scientists with a great opportunity, but also one of their most significant challenges. This is an extremely exciting and laudable development, but this reporting process could be made yet more powerful if it incorporates, from the outset, independent scientific assessment of the measures, how they are analysed, and practical ways of plugging key gaps. This input is crucial if the measures are to be widely owned, credible and robust to the vigorous external scrutiny to which they will doubtless be exposed. Assessing how rates of biodiversity loss have changed from current levels by 2010 will require that a given attribute has been measured at least three times; however, most habitats, species, populations and ecosystem services have not been assessed even once. Furthermore, the best data on which to base estimates of biodiversity loss are biased towards the charismatic vertebrate species; unfortunately, these supply minimal services to the human economy. We have to find ways to redress this taxonomic imbalance and expand our analyses to consider the vast diversity of invertebrate, fungal and microbial species that play a role in determining human health and economic welfare.

In the first part of this paper I will use examples from local and regional monitoring of biological diversity to examine the desired properties of ‘ideal indicators’. I will then change focus and examine an initial framework that asks how we might monitor changes in the economic goods and services provided by natural ecosystems. I will use this exercise to examine how the set of possible indicators given by the Convention on Biological Diversity might be modified in ways that provide a more critical assay of the economic value of biological diversity. Here I will emphasize that we need not only to monitor these benefits, but also to significantly increase public awareness of human dependence upon the role that non-voting species play in driving the world's financial economy.
Toward a Consistent Pattern of Ecosystem Theories
Authors: Jorgensen Sven Erik
Published: March 2005

Several ecosystem theories have been presented during the last 2–3 decades. Lately it has been possible to unite these theories into a consistent pattern. Intensive discussions at meetings have been the key to the formation of this pattern of ecosystem theories. Another driving factor has been the reformulation of E.P. Odum’s attributes1 into three growth forms: growth of the physical structure (the biomass), growth of the network (more cycling, more linkages), and growth of information. An analysis of the growth forms2 shows that through-flow (power), ascendancy, and exergy storage are all increasing as a consequence of all three types of growth. However, exergy dissipation, entropy production, specific exergy (exergy/biomass), retention time, and the ratio indirect/direct effect only increases or decreases with one or two of the growth forms.
Delineating Novel Signature Patterns of Altered Gene Expression in Schizophrenia Using Gene Microarrays
Authors: Mirnics Karoly , Middleton Frank A. , Lewis David A. , Levitt Pat
Published: March 2005

Schizophrenia is a complex and devastating brain disorder that affects 1% of the population and ranks as one of the most costly disorders to afflict humans. This disorder typically has its clinical onset in late adolescence or early adulthood, presenting as a constellation of delusions and hallucinations (positive symptoms); decreased motivation, emotional expression, and social interactions (negative symptoms); and impaired learning and memory (cognitive symptoms). The etiology of schizophrenia is unknown, but appears to be multifaceted, with genetic and epigenetic developmental factors all implicated. A convergence of observations from clinical, neuroimaging, and anatomical studies has implicated the dorsal prefrontal cortex as a major locus of alterations in schizophrenia.
Calcineurin, Synaptic Plasticity, and Memory
Authors: Weitlauf Carl , Winder Danny
Published: March 2005

A long-held hypothesis in neuroscience holds that learning and memory mechanisms involve lasting changes in synaptic weights. Multiple mechanisms for producing such changes exist, of which NMDA-receptor–dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) is the most widely studied. Curiously, the relatively simple hypothesis that LTP plays a role in learning and memory has proven difficult to test. A current experimental strategy is to generate genetically altered mice with mutations in genes thought to be involved in LTP and assess the effects of these mutations both on LTP and animal behavior[1,2]. A difficulty associated with these approaches has been that they are not temporally or spatially refined. To alleviate this problem, Dr. Isabelle Mansuy and colleagues used an inducible and reversible transgene expression system in which transgene expression could be controlled on a week-to-week timescale to assess the effects of genetic reduction of the activity of a protein phosphatase known as calcineurin or PP2B in adult mouse forebrain[3,4].
Identification of a T1D Susceptibility Gene
Authors: Morahan Grant
Published: March 2005

It is not known what causes type 1 diabetes (T1D), which affects over 1 million people in the U.S. alone. Each year, 30,000 young people in the U.S. develop this disease and depend on insulin injections thereafter. Because of the huge cost to the individual, the family, and to society in increased health care costs, it is important to find what makes these people susceptible. The disease process itself is clear: the individual’s immune system — T lymphocytes in particular — attack and destroy the body’s insulin-producing cells. But how and why this autoimmune process starts or proceeds unregulated is still not known.
Soil Nitrate Monitoring for Turfgrass Sod Farms and Other Turf Areas
Authors: Sullivan W. Michael , Jiang Zhongchun
Published: March 2005

Studies with established turf and golf courses have indicated minimal risk of nitrate pollution of groundwater resulting from turfgrass management, but soil nitrate flux in turfgrass sod production farms and golf courses has received less attention. Information about nitrate-N flux at a particular location can be helpful to the sod producer or the golf course manager when efficiently applying N fertilizers and minimizing risk of nitrate pollution. We used an ion exchange resin capsule system to continuously monitor soil nitrate-N fluxes at 12 sites in southern Rhode Island, including turfgrass sod production farms and a low-maintenance environment. Four capsules were placed in the soil at each site and retrieved at intervals coinciding with management and meteorological events to determine nitrate ion accumulation. We found that the golf course green exhibited significantly higher nitrate-N fluxes than the sod farms and the low-maintenance turf. There was significant interaction between sampling date and study site, indicating that seasonal variation in soil nitrate-N fluxes was affected by turfgrass management. The cultural practice of late fall fertilization to stimulate early spring growth in the following year appeared to present some risk of nitrate loss during the winter from the golf course greens in our region. We conclude that site-specific and time-relevant monitoring is needed to produce and manage turfgrasses in an environmentally sound manner.
Terrorist Attacks: Do We Know How to Assess the Results?
Authors: Manning William J.
Published: March 2005

On September 11, 2001, terrorists destroyed the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City. Explosions and fires resulted in the complete collapse of the two WTC towers. The collapsing towers served as enormous point sources of gaseous and particulate air pollution, seen as huge plumes of smoke and dust. The smoke contained volatile organic compounds and fine particles and aerosols. The dust fraction contained parts of ceiling tiles, carpets, concrete, adhesives, asbestos, chromium, lead, titanium, and many other elements and materials. Whether there were unusually toxic ingredients in the plumes is largely unknown.
Premalignant Lesions in the Kidney
Authors: Kirkali Ziva , Yorukoglu Kutsal
Published: March 2005

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most malignant urologic disease. Different lesions, such as dysplasia in the tubules adjacent to RCC, atypical hyperplasia in the cyst epithelium of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and adenoma have been described for a number of years as possible premalignant changes or precursor lesions of RCC. In two recent papers, kidneys adjacent to RCC or removed from other causes were analyzed, and dysplastic lesions were identified and defined in detail. Currently renal intraepithelial neoplasia (RIN) is the proposed term for classification. The criteria for a lesion to be defined as premalignant are (1) morphological similarity; (2) spatial association; (3) development of microinvasive carcinoma; (4) higher frequency, severity, and extent then invasive carcinoma; (5) progression to invasive cancer; and (6) similar genetic alterations. RIN resembles the neoplastic cells of RCC. There is spatial association. Progression to invasive carcinoma is described in experimental cancer models, and in some human renal tumors. Similar molecular alterations are found in some putative premalignant changes. The treatment for RCC is radical or partial nephrectomy. Preneoplastic lesions may remain in the renal remnant in patients treated by partial nephrectomy and may be the source of local recurrences. RIN seems to be a biologic precursor of some RCCs and warrants further investigation. Interpretation and reporting of these lesions would reveal important resources for the biological nature and clinical significance. The management of RIN diagnosed in a renal biopsy and partial nephrectomy needs to be answered.
Nitrogen Balance of Effluent Irrigated Silage Cropping Systems in Southern Australia
Authors: Smith Chris J. , Snow Val O. , Leuning Ray , Hsu David
Published: March 2005

The nitrogen (N) balance in a double-cropped, effluent spray irrigation system was examined for several years in southern Australia. The amounts of N added by irrigation, removed in the crop, and lost by ammonia (NH3) volatilisation, denitrification, and leaching were measured. Results from the project provide pig producers with the knowledge necessary to evaluate the efficiency of such systems for managing N, and enable sustainable effluent reuse practices to be developed. Oats were grown through the winter (May to November) without irrigation, and irrigated maize was grown during the summer/autumn (December to April). Approximately 18 mm of effluent was applied every 3 days. The effluent was alkaline (pH 8.3) and the average ammoniacal-N (NH4++ NH3) concentration was 430 mg N/l (range: 320 to 679 mg N/l). Mineral N in the 0- to 1.7-m layer tended to increase during the irrigation season and decrease during the winter/spring. About 2000 kg N/ha was found in the profile to a depth of 2 m in October 2000. N removed in the aboveground biomass (oats + maize) was 590 and 570 kg N/ha/year, equivalent to ≈25% of the applied N. Average NH3volatilisation during the daytime (6:00 to 19:00) was 2.74 kg N/ha, while volatilisation at night (19:00 to 6:00) was 0.4 kg N/ha, giving a total of 3.1 kg N/ha/day. This represents ≈12% of the N loading, assuming that these rates apply throughout the season. The balance of the N accumulated in the soil profile during the irrigation season, as 15N-labelled N studies confirmed. The high recovery of the15N-labelled N, and the comparable distribution of 15N and Br in the soil profile, implied that there was little loss of N by denitrification, even though the soil was wet enough for leaching of both tracers.
Numerical Analysis of the Transport and Fate of Nitrate in the Soil and Nitrate Leaching to Drains
Authors: El-Sadek Alaa , Radwan Mona , Feyen Jan
Published: March 2005

In this study, the transport and fate of nitrate within the soil profile and nitrate leaching to drains were analyzed by comparing historic field data with the simulation results of the DRAINMOD model. The nitrogen version of DRAINMOD was used to simulate the performance of the nitrogen transport and transformation of the Hooibeekhoeve experiment, situated in the sandy region of the Kempen (Belgium) and conducted for a 30-year (1969–1998) period. In the analysis, a continuous cropping with maize was assumed. Comparisons between experimentally measured and simulated state variables indicate that the nitrate concentrations in the soil and nitrate leaching to drains are controlled by the fertilizer practice, the initial conditions, and the rainfall depth and distribution. Furthermore, the study reveals that the model used gives a fair description of the nitrogen dynamics in the soil and subsurface drainage at field scale. From the comparative analysis between experimental data and simulation results it can also be concluded that the model after calibration is a useful tool to optimize as a function of the combination “climate-crop-soil-bottom boundary condition” the nitrogen application strategy resulting in an acceptable level of nitrate leaching for the environment.
An Enhanced Rate-Based Emission Trading Program for NOx: The Dutch Model
Authors: Sholtz Anne M. , VanAmburg Bill , Wochnick Verne K.
Published: March 2005

Since 1997 government and industry in The Netherlands have been engaged in intensive policy discussions on how to design an emission trading program that would satisfy the Government’s policy objectives within the national and international regulatory framework and accommodate industry’s need for a flexible and cost-effective approach. Early on in the discussion the most promising solution was a rate-based approach, which dynamically allocated saleable emission credits based on a performance standard rate and actual energy used by facilities. All industrial facilities above a threshold of 20 MWth would be judged on their ability to meet this performance rate. Those “cleaner” than the standard can sell excess credits to others with an allocation that is less than their actual NOXemission. With some changes in law, such a design could be made to fit well into the national and EU legislative framework while at the same time uniquely meeting industry’s requirement of flexibility toward economic growth and facility expansion. (An analysis of the legislative changes required will be given in a separate paper by Chris Dekkers.) However, the environmental outcome of such a system is not as certain as under an absolute emission cap. At the request of the Netherlands Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM), Automated Credit Exchange (ACE), in close cooperation with the working group of government and industry representatives introduced a number of features into the Dutch NOXprogram allowing full exploitation of market mechanisms while allowing intermediate adjustments in the performance standard rates. The design is geared toward meeting environmental targets without jeopardizing the trading market the program intends to create. The paper discusses the genesis of the two-tier credit system ACE helped to design, explains the differences between primary (fixed) and secondary (variable) credits, and outlines how the Dutch system is expected to function once implemented in 2004. The paper also discusses the market trading simulation held in early 2001 to assess and test the trading program, and reviews also the current status of the market program development.
Integrating Individual-Based Indices of Contaminant Effects
Authors: Rowe Christopher L. , Hopkins William A. , Congdon Justin D.
Published: March 2005

Habitat contamination can alter numerous biological processes in individual organisms. Examining multiple individual-level responses in an integrative fashion is necessary to understand how individual health or fitness reflects environmental contamination. Here we provide an example of such an integrated perspective based upon recent studies of an amphibian (the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana) that experiences several, disparate changes when larval development occurs in a trace element�contaminated habitat. First, we present an overview of studies focused on specific responses of individuals collected from, or transplanted into, a habitat contaminated by coal combustion residues (CCR). These studies have reported morphological, behavioral, and physiological modifications to individuals chronically interacting with sediments in the CCR-contaminated site. Morphological abnormalities in the oral and tail regions in contaminant-exposed individuals influenced other properties such as grazing, growth, and swimming performance. Behavioral changes in swimming activities and responses to stimuli appear to influence predation risk in the contaminant-exposed population. Significant changes in bioenergetics in the contaminated habitat, evident as abnormally high energetic expenditures for survival (maintenance) costs, may ultimately influence production pathways (growth, energy storage) in individuals. We then present a conceptual model to examine how interactions among the affected systems (morphological, behavioral, physiological) may ultimately bring about more severe effects than would be predicted if the responses were considered in isolation. A complex interplay among simultaneously occurring biological changes emerges in which multiple, sublethal effects ultimately can translate into reductions in larval or juvenile survival, and thus reduced recruitment of juveniles into the population. In systems where individuals are exposed to low concentrations of contaminants for long periods of time, research focused on one or few sublethal responses could substantially underestimate overall effects on individuals. We suggest that investigators adopt a more integrated perspective on contaminant-induced biological changes so that studies of individual-based effects can be better integrated into analyses of mechanisms of population change.
The EU Nitrates Directive: A European Approach to Combat Water Pollution from Agriculture
Authors: Monteny Gert J.
Published: March 2005

From 1991 onward, the European Union (EU) member states have had to comply with the Nitrates Directive. The aim of this directive is to sustainably protect ground and surface waters from pollution with nitrogen (nitrate) originating from agriculture. Agriculture is, on an EU level, the largest single source of nitrate (runoff, leaching) pollution, although households and industries also contribute to some extent. An important element in the directive is the reporting every 4 years on the monitoring of ground- and surface-water quality. Furthermore, all 15 member states are compelled to designate so-called Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). These are regions where the nitrate concentrations in the groundwater amount to 50 mg/l or more. In addition to Codes of Good Agricultural Practice, valid on a countrywide basis and often consisting of voluntary-based measures, specific Action Programmes with mandatory measures have to be developed for the NVZs. The first reporting period ended in 1995. This paper describes the progress in member states’ compliance with the Nitrates Directive during the second period (1996–1999), with a focus on the agricultural practices and action pro- grammes. An evaluation of the member states’ reports shows that good progress is being made on the farmers’ awareness of the need to comply with EU regulations on the protection of the aquatic environment. Action programmes are valuable tools to enforce measures that lead to a reduction of the water pollution by agricultural activities. Regional projects show that significant improvements can be achieved (e.g., reduced fertiliser inputs) while maintaining crop yields and thus maintaining the economic potential of agriculture.
Nitrogen and Sulphur Relations in Effecting Yield and Quality of Cereals and Oilseed Crops
Authors: Nad B.K. , Purakayastha T.J. , Singh D.V.
Published: March 2005

Nitrogen and sulphur, both vital structural elements, are especially needed for the synthesis of proteins and oils. Investigations revealed the required application of sulphur is one half to one third the amount of nitrogen, and the ratio becomes narrower in mustard (Brassica juncea L.), followed by wheat and rice. The efficiency of an increased level of nitrogen required a proportionately higher amount of sulphur. A critical investigation on the effective utilization of applied vis-à-vis absorbed nitrogen in wheat and mustard envisaged accumulation of NO3-N in vegetative parts when sulphur remained proportionately low. Application of sulphur hastened the chemical reduction of absorbed NO3–for its effective utilization. The effect was more pronounced in mustard than in wheat. Easily available forms of sulphur, like ammonium sulphate and gypsum, as compared to pyrite or elemental sulphur, maintained adequate N to S ratio in rice, resulting in a reduction in the percent of unfilled grain, a major consideration in rice yield. A narrow N to S ratio, with both at higher levels, increased the oil content but raised the saponification value of the oil, a measure of free fatty acids. Whereas, a proportionately narrow N to S ratio at moderate dose resulted in adequately higher seed and oil yield with relatively low saponification value, associated with increased iodine value of the oil, indicating respectively low free fatty acids and higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, an index for better quality of the oil.
Nitrogen Deposition in the Greater Tehran Metropolitan Area
Authors: Salahi Ali , Geranfar Shirin , Korori Soudabeh A.A.
Published: March 2005

An investigation of air pollution in the Tehran metropolitan area between 1992–2000 indicated that there are significant amounts of nitrate ion (NO3–), over 30 kg/ha/year, deposited as wet deposition, compared to 13 kg/ha/year in the Chitgar Parkland near the Tehran metropolitan area. The amount of NO3–in warm seasons is twofold that of cold seasons (see Fig. 1), and there was a significant difference between cold and warm seasons (Table 1). Annual wet deposition of ammonia (NH3) was 10 kg/ha/year in the Chitgar Parkland[1].
Influence of Different Organic Waste Materials on the Transformation of Nitrogen in Soils
Authors: Das D.K. , Puste A.M.
Published: March 2005

Organic waste materials like crop residues, well-decomposed cow dung, composts, and other rural and urban wastes are considered highly useful resources in enhancing soil fertility and also in build-up of soil organic matter. Organic matter decomposition provides plant nutrients in soil, which in turn increases crop productivity. Availability of nutrients and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus from organic waste materials is dependent upon the nature of organic residues, climatic conditions, and soil moisture activity. Keeping these factors in view, the present investigation was undertaken to study the transformation of N from different organic waste materials in two contrasting soils from an eastern India, subtropical region. The results showed that the amounts of ammoniacal-N (NH4-N), nitrate-N (NO3-N), hydrolysable N (HL-N), and nonhydrolysable (NHL-N) were increased for up to 60 days of soil submergence and increased further with the increase (1% by weight of soil) of organic residue application. Considering the effect of various organic waste materials, it was found that the amounts of NH4-N, NO3-N, HL-N, and NHL-N were higher with the application of groundnut hull as compared to wheat straw and potato skin, which may be due to relatively narrow carbon:N ratio of groundnut (22:43) than that of wheat straw (62:84) and potato skin (71:32); however, the results showed that the release of NH4-N, NO3-N, HL-N, and NHL-N was in the order of groundnut hull > wheat straw > potato skin.
Nitrogen Management in a Maize-Groundnut Crop Rotation of Humid Tropics: Effect on N2O Emission
Authors: Khalil M.I. , Rosenani A.B. , Van Cleemput O. , Fauziah C.I. , Shamshuddin J.
Published: March 2005

Development of appropriate land management techniques to attain sustainability and increase the N use efficiency of crops in the tropics has been gaining momentum. The nitrous oxides (N2Os) affect global climate change and its contribution from N and C management systems is of great significance. Thus, N transformations and N2O emission during maize-groundnut crop rotation managed with various N sources were studied. Accumulation of nitrate (NO3 –) and its disappearance happened immediately after addition of various N sources, showing liming effect. The mineral N retained for 2–4 weeks depending on the type and amount of N application. The chicken manure showed rapid nitrification in the first week after application during the fallow period, leading to a maximum N2O flux of 9889 μg N2O-N m–2 day– 1. The same plots showed a residual effect by emitting the highest N2O (4053 μg N2O-N m–2 day– 1) during maize cultivation supplied with a halfrate of N fertilizer. Application of N fertilizer only or in combination with crop residues exhibited either lowered fluxes or caused a sink during the groundnut and fallow periods due to small availability of substrates and/or low water-filled pore space (<40%). The annual N2O emission ranged from 1.41 to 3.94 kg N2O-N ha–1; the highest was estimated from the chicken manure plus crop residues and half-rate of inorganic N-amended plots. Results indicates a greater influence of chicken manure on the N transformations and thereby N2O emission.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Persons with Intellectual Disability in Residential Care in Israel
Authors: Merrick Joav , Aspler Shoshana , Dubman Inessa
Published: March 2005

Helicobacter pylori (formerly Campylobacter pylori) was identified in 1982 by researchers from Australia as a pathogenic factor in peptic ulcer disease. Due to the few studies on H. pylori infection conducted in the population of persons with intellectual disability it was decided to conduct a clinical study in Israel. The purpose of the study was to determine the occurrence of H. pylori infection in persons who presented with severe dyspeptic symptoms and to monitor clinically the effect of treatment. The Division for Mental Retardation in Israel provides service to 6,022 persons in 53 residential care centers and 1 in central Israel was selected for this pilot study. The study has been performed since 1999 and each patient who came to the medical clinic of the institution with severe dyspeptic symptoms was examined clinically and a blood specimen drawn for IgG antibodies to H. pylori (ELISA, Pharmatop Millenia). In case of positive serology, triple drug treatment (amoxycillin, metronidazole, and pantoprazole or omepra-zole) was initiated for 1 week. Since 1999 a total of 43 persons (total population in care was 224) had severe dyspeptic symptoms and 42 persons (98%, 26 males, 16 females, mean age 45 years, mean institutionalization 20 years) had Helicobacter infection. All patients were treated for 1 week, but six patients received an extra month of omeprazole due to persistent symptoms. At follow-up, clinically all patients had improvement and only seven still had minor complaints (83% treatment success). Persons with developmental disability, intellectual disability, or mental retardation in residential care presenting with severe dyspeptic symptoms had a high incidence of H. pylori infection. Therefore, we recommend serology or urea breath investigations in this population presenting with dyspeptic symptoms and triple drug treatment for 1 week in case of positive findings.
Retention and Internal Loading of Phosphorus in Shallow, Eutrophic Lakes
Authors: Sondergaard Martin , Jensen Peder Jens , Jeppesen Erik
Published: March 2005

This paper gives a general overview of the nature and important mechanisms behind internal loading of phosphorus (P), which is a phenomenon appearing frequently in shallow, eutrophic lakes upon a reduction of the external loading. Lake water quality is therefore not improved as expected. In particular summer concentrations rise and P retention may be negative during most of the summer. The P release originates from a pool accumulated in the sediment when the external loading was high. In most lake sediments, P bound to redox-sensitive iron compounds or P fixed in more or less labile organic forms constitute major fractions forms that are potentially mobile and eventually may be released to the lake water. The duration of the recovery period following P loading reduction depends on the loading history, but it may last for decades in lakes with a high sediment P accumulation. During the phase of recovery, both the duration and net P release rates from the sediment seem to decline progressively. Internal P loading is highly influenced by the biological structure as illustrated by lakes shifting from the turbid to the clearwater state as a result of, for example, biomanipulation. In these lakes P concentrations may be reduced to 50% of the pre-biomanipulation level and the period with negative retention during summer can thus be reduced considerably. The duration of internal loading can be reduced significantly by different restoration methods such as dredging to remove accumulated P or addition of iron or alum to elevate the sorption capacity of sediments. However, an important prerequisite for achieving long-term benefits to water quality is a sufficient reduction of the external P loading.
Development and Types of Passive Samplers for Monitoring Atmospheric NO2 and NH3 Concentrations
Authors: Tang Y.S. , Cape J.N. , Sutton M.A.
Published: March 2005

Numerous passive samplers based on the ‘Palmes-tube’ have been developed for ambient air monitoring. In each case, the diffusion path length and/or crosssectional area are modified to achieve the desired sampling rate. ‘Tube-type’ samplers are low sensitivity samplers suitable for long-term monitoring, whereas the ‘badge-type’ samplers have faster sampling rates suited to short-term monitoring. In the U.K., diffusion tubes are widely used for monitoring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ammonia (NH3). The open-ended diffusion tubes are prone to positive bias caused by incursion of wind eddies, leading to a shortening of the diffusion path. By using a porous membrane at the inlet, wind incursion is prevented, but an additional diffusion resistance is imposed and it is necessary to calibrate the tubes against a reference method to obtain an effective sampling rate. For NO2 sampling, positive bias also arises from the reaction of NO with O3 within the sampler. The interference from the chemical reaction is severe close to NO sources, with errors up to 30% for curbside locations when using the ‘tubetype’ sampler. In rural areas, where NO concentrations are small relative to NO2, these errors are small. In some implementations, there is also a negative bias over long sampling periods caused by the degradation of trapped NO2. The low sampling rates of diffusion tubes make them too uncertain for use at background NH3 concentrations (<1 μg NH3 m-3) where they significantly overestimate concentrations. Badge-type samplers such as the ‘Willems badge’ samplers permit accurate sampling at low ambient NH3 concentrations, but suffer from saturation at high concentrations and sensitivity to wind speed. A passive sampler optimised for monthly measurements of NH3 is reported here, together with its application in the U.K. National Ammonia Monitoring Network.
Relationships between Passive Sampler and Continuous Ozone (O3) Measurement Data in Ecological Effects Research
Authors: Krupa S. , Nosal M.
Published: March 2005

In ecological effects research, there is a rapid increase in the application of passive sampling techniques for measuring ambient ozone (O3) concentrations. Passive samplers provide data on cumulative exposures of a plant to a pollutant. However, O3is not an accumulative contaminant within the plant tissue, and use of prolonged passive sampling durations cannot account for the dynamics of the occurrences of O3that have a significant influence on the plant response. Therefore, a stochastic Weibull probability model was previously developed and applied to a site in Washington State (1650 m MSL) to simulate the cumulative exposure data from a passive sampler, to mimic the corresponding frequency distributions of hourly O3concentrations that would otherwise have been obtained by continuous monitoring. At that site the correlation between the actual passive sampler and the continuous monitor data was R2 = 0.74. The simulation of the hourly O3data was based on and compared with the results obtained from a colocated continuous monitor. In this paper we report the results of the model application to data from an unrelated monitoring site (New Hampshire, 476 m MSL) with poor correlation between the passive sampling and continuous monitoring (R2 = 0.24). In addition, as opposed to the previous work, we provide comparisons of the frequency distributions of the hourly O3concentrations obtained by the simulation and the actual continuous monitoring. In spite of the major difference in the R2 values, at both sites the simulation provided very satisfactory results within the 95% confidence interval, suggesting its broad applicability. The final objective of this overall approach is to develop a generic model that can simulate reasonably well the occurrences of ambient O3concentrations that are dependent upon the elevation of the measurement site and the synoptic and local meteorology. Such an effort would extend the relative utility of the passive sampling data in explaining stochastic plant responses.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Crop Management Effects on Nitrate Leaching from an Agricultural Field in Central Pennsylvania
Authors: Fox Richard H. , Zhu Yuanhong , Toth John D. , Jemison John M. , Jabro Jalal D.
Published: March 2005

Eighteen pan lysimeters were installed at a depth of 1.2 m in a Hagerstown silt loam soil in a corn field in central Pennsylvania in 1988. In 1995, wick lysimeters were also installed at 1.2 m depth in the same access pits. Treatments have included N fertilizer rates, use of manure, crop rotation (continuous corn, corn-soybean, alfalfa-corn), and tillage (chisel plow-disk, no-till). The leachate data were used to evaluate a number of nitrate leaching models. Some of the highlights of the 11 years of results include the following: 1) growing corn without organic N inputs at the economic optimum N rate (EON) resulted in NO3–-N concentrations of 15 to 20 mg l-1in leachate; 2) use of manure or previous alfalfa crop as partial source of N also resulted in 15 to 20 mg l-1of NO3–-N in leachate below corn at EON; 3) NO3–-N concentration in leachate below alfalfa was approximately 4 mg l-1; 4) NO3–-N concentration in leachate below soybeans following corn was influenced by fertilizer N rate applied to corn; 5) the mass of NO3–-N leached below corn at the EON rate averaged 90 kg N ha-1(approx. 40% of fertilizer N applied at EON); 6) wick lysimeters collected approximately 100% of leachate vs. 40–50% collected by pan lysimeters. Coefficients of variation of the collected leachate volumes for both lysimeter types were similar; 7) tillage did not markedly affect nitrate leaching losses; 8) tested leaching models could accurately predict leachate volumes and could be calibrated to match nitrate leaching losses in calibration years, but only one model (SOILN) accurately predicted nitrate leaching losses in the majority of validation treatment years. Apparent problems with tested models: there was difficulty estimating sizes of organic N pools and their transformation rates, and the models either did not include a macropore flow component or did not handle macropore flow well.