Multiple paternity, sperm storage, and reproductive success of female and male painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) in nature

When females receive no direct benefits from multiple matings, concurrent multiple paternity is often explained by indirect genetic benefits to offspring. To examine such possibilities, we analyzed genetic paternity for 1,272 hatchlings, representing 227 clutches, from a nesting population of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) on the Mississippi River. Goals were to quantify the incidence and distribution of concurrent multiple paternity across clutches, examine temporal patterns of sperm storage by females, and deduce the extent to which indirect benefits result from polyandrous female behaviors. Blood samples from adult males also allowed us to genetically identify the sires of surveyed clutches and to assess phenotypic variation associated with male fitness. From the genetic data, female and male reproductive success were deduced and then interpreted together with field data to evaluate possible effects of female mating behaviors and sire identity on offspring fitness. We document that more than 30% of the clutches were likely fathered by multiple males, and that presence of multiple paternity was positively correlated with clutch size. Furthermore, the data indicate that the second male to mate typically had high paternity precedence over the first.     

Superfund site remediation by landfilling—overview of landfill design,operation, closure,and postclosure issues

This article discusses the appropriateness of using landfills as part of remediating hazardous chemical and Superfund sites, with particular emphasis on providing for true long‐term public health and environmental protection from the wastes and contaminated soils that are placed in the landfills. On‐site landfilling or capping of existing wastes is typically the least expensive approach for gaining some remediation of existing hazardous chemical/Superfund sites. The issues of the deficiencies in US EPA and state landfilling approaches discussed herein are also applicable to the landfilling of municipal and industrial solid “nonhazardous” wastes. These deficiencies were presented in part as “Problems with Landfills for Superfund Site Remediation” at the US EPA National Superfund Technical Assistance Grant Workshop held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in February 2003. They are based on the author's experience in investigating the properties of landfill liners and the characteristics of today's landfills, relative to their ability to prevent groundwater pollution and to cause other environmental impacts. Discussed are issues related to both solid and hazardous waste landfills and approaches for improving the ability of landfills to contain wastes and monitor for leachate escape from the landfill for as long as the wastes in the landfill will be a threat. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Progress toward remediation of the Sydney Tar Ponds: A major Canadian PCB/PAH “superfund” site

The Muggah Creek estuary in Sydney, Nova Scotia, received liquid and solid wastes from a steel mill and its associated coke ovens for approximately 100 years. This resulted in pollution of soils and sediments with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, and other pollutants, including those in untreated domestic wastewaters. The Canadian federal and Nova Scotia provincial governments organized the Sydney Tar Ponds Agency (STPA) to develop a remediation approach for the Coke Ovens site soils and Sydney Tar Ponds sediments. The STPA developed a remediation approach for the Sydney Tar Ponds sediments, involving solidification/stabilization (S/S) through mixing cement and other materials into the sediments, and then capping them as a waste pile. High‐density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic sheeting vertical barriers are proposed to be used to divert groundwater and surface water from entering into the S/S‐treated sediments and to collect any water and associated pollutants released from the S/S‐treated sediments. The Coke Ovens site soils are proposed to be landfarmed to reduce some of the PAHs and other pollutants and then capped with a layer of soil. This remediation program is estimated to cost on the order of $400 million (CAN). This article presents a review of the significant potential problems with the STPA proposed remediation strategy of the Sydney Tar Ponds sediments and Coke Ovens site soils. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Organizational justice,voluntary learning behavior,and job performance: A test of the mediating effects of identification and leader‐member exchange

This paper presents and tests an integrative model of voluntary learning behavior. Drawing on social exchange theory, we argue that individuals are more likely to pursue learning activities when they identify with their employing organization and have a high quality leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship with their supervisor. We further argue that organizational identification is enhanced by both distributive and procedural fairness, whereas LMX quality is enhanced by interpersonal and informational fairness. Moreover, we contend that effective learning behavior improves job performance. The model was tested with a sample of 398 employees from a large automobile dealership. Results supported most predictions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The One-Migrant-per-Generation Rule in Conservation and Management

In the face of continuing habitat fragmentation and isolation, the optimal level of connectivity between populations has become a central issue in conservation biology. A common rule of thumb holds that one migrant per generation into a subpopulation is sufficient to minimize the loss of polymorphism and heterozygosity within subpopulations while allowing for divergence in allele frequencies among subpopulations. The one-migrant-per-generation rule is based on numerous simplifying assumptions that may not hold in natural populations. We examine the conceptual and theoretical basis of the rule and consider both genetic and nongenetic factors that influence the desired level of connectivity among subpopulations. We conclude that one migrant per generation is a desirable minimum, but it may be inadequate for many natural populations. We suggest that a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10 migrants per generation would be an appropriate general rule of thumb for genetic purposes, bearing in mind that factors other than genetics may further influence the ideal level of connectivity.     

Persistence of LNAPL sources: relationship between risk reduction and LNAPL recovery

Light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), such as fuels, are the source of much soil and groundwater contamination. Though the mobility of LNAPLs is limited in many environments, dissolved-phase components, such as benzene, can produce groundwater plumes that are more mobile than the LNAPL source. In such a setting, it is commonly assumed that recovery of the LNAPL will result in a reduction in risk associated with the dissolved phase. This paper synthesizes several existing multiphase and chemical transport solutions into a single linked methodology that predicts concentrations of soluble constituents within and downgradient of LNAPL source zones from dissolution of those constituents into groundwater flowing through and below LNAPL sources. This approach has been applied to a variety of LNAPL spill conditions. For biodegradable compounds, these analyses show that the period of time where the dissolved-phase plume is expanding is very small compared to the duration of most LNAPL sources, and that the downgradient extent is generally less than about 100 m for BTEX compounds. Therefore, the risk to receptors, as measured by the maximum downgradient extent of dissolved-phase plume or the maximum concentration of these compounds at a downgradient receptor, is generally unrelated to the longevity of the LNAPL sources. The maximum downgradient extent of the dissolved-phase plume is determined almost entirely by the groundwater velocity and the biodegradation rate. These analyses further demonstrate that recovery of LNAPL by hydraulic methods is often ineffective at reducing risk. Except in coarse-grained soils or intermediate soils with significant LNAPL saturations, free-product recovery approaches do not result in significant reductions in the longevity of downgradient dissolved-phase contamination. Further, for biodegradable constituents, remediation does not result in a near-term decrease in the downgradient extent of contamination. Cleanup methods that act to change the composition of the LNAPL source are more effective at reducing the downgradient concentrations, particularly for fine-grained soils or when LNAPL saturations are low.     

A closer look at detectability

Environmental and Ecological Statistics - The theory underlying line transect and variable circular plot surveys—distance sampling—begins with an assumed detectability function, giving...     

Reclamation techniques in southwestern wyoming

Bridger Coal Company operates a 5.8 million tpy surface coal mine thrity five miles northeast of Rock Springs. Wyoming. Approximately 20.000 acres are under permit, with disturbance over the life of the mine projected to reach 10,000 acres. Located on the western rim of the continental divide, the mine receives less than 8.5 inches of precipitation annually. Soils in the area are coarse-textured. and problems associated with elevated salinity and sodicity arc encountered. A variety of common reclamation techniques have been modified to reflect these conditions. Soil horizons are segregated during salvage operations (the surface six inches as topsoil and the balance as subsoil). Unsuitable materials are not salvaged. Direct application of soil is used (over 130 acres in 1983) to maximize native plant regeneration and conserve soil fertility. Inter-seeding of seeding failures has proven to be significantly more successful than chisel plowing and reseeding. Broadcast seeding has been ineffective because of strong winds, and a no till drill has been modified to handle diverse seed mixes and rock conditions. The utility of fertilization under typically xeric moisture regimes is being evaluated. A research project has been initiated to assess establishment of a predominately native, diverse seed mix under irrigation, as well as to determine irrigation rates and duration.     

Mating system and mating success of the desert spider Agelenopsis aperta

Field studies of the desert spider Agelenopsis aperta revealed a primarily monogamous mating system. However polygyny, polyandry and polygynandry were superimposed upon the primary system, with 9% of the marked males and 11% of the marked females in a field population mating more than once. In the laboratory males commonly mated multiply with fertile offspring resulting, while females were less likely than males to mate multiply. Monogamy under field conditions was enforced by two factors: (1) high travel costs to males, and (2) a significant decline in female receptivity after the first mating. Heavy males were more likely to be accepted by females both in the field, and in female choice experiments conducted in the laboratory. Finally, male weight determined the outcome of male-male agonistic interactions over females. One possible explanation for female choice in this system which lacks male parental investment is that females may be using male size as an indicator of future success of their offspring.     

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF STREAM CHANNELIZATION1

ABSTRACT Geologic, engineering, and biological investigations of six Pennsylvania coldwater streams were undertaken to determine the impact of channel modifications instituted both prior to and following Hurricane Agnes. The primary focus of the study was on the ecological changes brought about by stream channelization. No long-term deleterious effects on water quality, attached algae, benthic fauna, or forage fish populations were found. Trout, however, were found to be greater in numbers and weight in natural than in channelized stream reaches. Lack of suitable physical habitat appears to be the primary cause of reduced trout populations in stream reaches which have been channelized.