A Framework for Evaluating Transferable Development Rights Programmes

While theoretical aspects of transferable development rights (TDR) programmes have been explored, there is little research into programmatic elements of successful TDR programmes. The reported research systematically analyses characteristics of TDR programmes that correspond with successful programme implementation. After describing the basic elements of TDR programmes, this paper uses an iterative, case-study approach to: (1) identify and classify TDR programmatic characteristics; and (2) develop a TDR evaluative framework. This TDR evaluative framework is then used to examine three TDR programmes: Manheim Township, PA; Montgomery County, MD; and New Jersey Pinelands. A comparison of these programmes' strengths and weaknesses, and discussion of their programme elements, demonstrate the utility of the TDR evaluative framework for analysing TDR and other growth management programmes. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that a high degree of knowledge of local land use demands and patterns, programme leadership and presence of a TDR bank are important for TDR programme success.     

Fetal diaphragmatic hernia and upper limb anomalies suggest Brachmann-de Lange syndrome

We describe two independent cases of Brachmann-de Lange syndrome (BDLS) in which second trimester fetal sonographic studies showed the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia and upper limb anomalies. In both cases the karyotypes were normal. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) developed in the third trimester. Postnatal and postmortem physical examinations demonstrated typical physical findings associated with BDLS. The prenatal diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia with associated anomalies should prompt consideration of an underlying genetic etiology. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A systematic review of research conducted by pioneer groups in ecotoxicological studies with bees in Brazil: advances and perspectives

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Brazil presents the most threatened endemic or rare species among neotropical regions, with the Hymenoptera order, to which bees belong, classified as...     

Freshwater Mussel Population Status and Habitat Quality in the Clinch River,Virginia and Tennessee,USA: A Featured Collection

The Clinch River of southwestern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee is arguably the most important river for freshwater mussel conservation in the United States. This featured collection presents investigations of mussel population status and habitat quality in the Clinch River. Analyses of historic water‐ and sediment‐quality data suggest that water column ammonia and water column and sediment metals, including Cu and Zn, may have contributed historically to declining densities and extirpations of mussels in the river's Virginia sections. These studies also reveal increasing temporal trends for dissolved solids concentrations throughout much of the river's extent. Current mussel abundance patterns do not correspond spatially with physical habitat quality, but they do correspond with specific conductance, dissolved major ions, and water column metals, suggesting these and/or associated constituents as factors contributing to mussel declines. Mussels are sensitive to metals. Native mussels and hatchery‐raised mussels held in cages in situ accumulated metals in their body tissues in river sections where mussels are declining. Organic compound and bed‐sediment contaminant analyses did not reveal spatial correspondences with mussel status metrics, although potentially toxic levels were found. Collectively, these studies identify major ions and metals as water‐ and sediment‐quality concerns for mussel conservation in the Clinch River.     

Communal nesting, kinship, and maternal success in a social primate

Communal nesting, where several mothers regularly pool and cooperatively rear offspring, is unusual in mammals. This type of crèching behavior is especially rare among primates, with the notable exceptions of humans, some nocturnal strepsirrhines, and—as we show in this study—black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata). Here, we combine data on nesting behavior, genetic relatedness, and infant survivorship to describe variation in ruffed lemur infant care and to examine the potential benefits of ruffed lemur communal breeding. Reproductive events were rare, and females produced litters (synchronously) only once in 6 years of observation. We show that not all mothers participate in communal crèches, but those that did had greater maternal success; communal breeders spent more time feeding and their offspring were more likely to survive. Although cooperating mothers were often related, females also cooperated with non-kin, and those who shared infant care responsibilities had greater maternal success than mothers who did not participate. If there is indeed a causal link between maternal cooperation and reproductive success, this unusual behavior, like that of human communal rearing, may have evolved via some combination of kin selection and mutualism.     

New estimates of microalgae production based upon nitrate reductions under sea ice in Canadian shelf seas and the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean

New estimates of production of sub-ice and ice microalgae in the shelf seas of the Canadian Arctic and in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean derived from reduction of nitrates in the water column, as recorded in time series available in publicly held data bases, suggest that it is of greater magnitude (up to 30 g C m^?2 year^?1) and represent a higher proportion (up to 50 % on the shelf and 90 % in the Canada Basin) of net community production than previously estimated for both areas.     

Comparison of sample digestion procedures for the determination of trace elements in antarctic krill by GF‐AAS

Two independent digestion procedures for Antarctic krill samples were compared. Dry ashing (DA) and microwave (MW) acid‐assisted digestion were tested for decomposing the samples to determine essential (Cu, Fe, Cr) and toxic elements (Cd, Pb) by graphite furnace‐atomic absorption spectrometry (GF‐AAS). A mixture of HNO₃ and H₂O₂ as digesting agent was used in the microwave procedure. For the dry ashing digestion, the organic matter was oxidated at 480°C in an open system. Both digestion methods were compared in terms of accuracy and applied to the analysis of a certified reference material: MURST‐ISS‐A2 (Antarctic krill).

The detection limits for the five elements analysed ranged from 3 to 150 ng g^‐1. Both digestion procedures are suitable for the decomposition of krill samples. However, dry ashing is not recommended to determine Pb and Cd because losses can occur.