Genetic Diversity of Lepilemur mustelinus ruficaudatus, a Nocturnal Lemur of Madagascar

The genetic polymorphism of natural populations of Lepilemur mustelinus ruficaudatus was studied by protein electrophoresis. We sampled blood from 72 individuals from four populations separated by geographic or anthropogenic barriers from southwestern Madagascar. Six out of 22 enzyme loci showed genetic variation with a degree of polymorphism of 0.273. The expected and observed degree of genetic heterozygosity over all loci is similar to that of other primates (H_e = 0.058, H_o = 0.036). The F-statistics revealed that the four subpopulations were similar with respect to gene structure (F_ST = 0.065, p = 0.016), but the genotypic structures within subpopulations were inconsistent with random mating. For the total of the four subpopulations the proportion of heterozygous individuals was significantly smaller than expected under random mating (F_IS = 0.373, F_IT = 0.414, p < 0.01). These results correspond closely to what is expected considering the low migration ability of individuals of L. m ruficaudatus leading to small and rather isolated inbred populations.     

Between Active Seekers and Non-Users: Segments of Science-related Media Usage in Switzerland and Germany

ABSTRACT

Citizens’ attitudes toward science are related to their use of science-related information from various sources. Evidence is scarce regarding citizens’ individual media repertoires for staying informed about science as segmentation studies so far have primarily focused on scientific attitudes. In this paper, we explore audience segments regarding their science-related information behavior and whether such segments are comparable or vary between two countries with similar information environments. Based on two surveys in Switzerland and Germany, we identify national audience segments that differ in their science-related information repertoires, and analyze their sociodemographic characteristics and science-related attitudes. In both countries, we find very comparable information user segments ranging from those who inform themselves frequently about science (“Active Seekers”/“Science Consumers”) to those who hardly get in contact with any information about science and research (“Non-Users”). Those segments which get in contact with information about science frequently show generally more positive attitudes.     

The determination of the extractability of selected elements from agricultural soil

Concentrations of Ag, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn—isolated by sequential extraction steps from apple orchard soil—were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and compared to the total amount of metal in soil determined by XRF. The extractable amount of each metal was calculated by the extraction yields of the four steps. The LODs of the different elements in all extracts ware below 3 μg/L except for Ba (steps 1 and 2), Cu (step 1), Fe (all steps), K (steps 1–3), Mn (step 2), Na (steps 1–3), Ni (step 1), Pb (steps 1 and 4), and Zn (steps 1 and 2). The highest LOD (>10 μg/L) was found for Fe, K, and Na (step 1). The recovery of all metals after four sequential extraction steps was 90–112%. The repeatability (<1.1%), the intermediate precision (<5.3%), the day-to-day reproducibility (<6.2%), and the overall uncertainty of measurement (approximately 4–8.5%) for all analyzed metals supports the choice of the method used.     

Changes in excretion rates of stress hormones in medical staff exposed to electromagnetic radiation

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) on the excretion rates of stress hormones of medical staff in physiotherapy. The excretion rates of stress hormones cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline were followed during morning shift in 15 female physiotherapists using RIA kits and a spectrofluorimetric method. The mean number of treatments with EMR emitting devices per month and the emission of each device was assessed. A control group of nurses, matched by age, sex and work task was used. The psychosocial factors were evaluated and no differences between the two groups was found. Calculations of the individual EMR exposure show levels above the ICNIRP guidelines. Significantly higher excretion rates of cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline among the studied physiotherapists in comparison with the control group of nurses were found. In conclusion, our data showed that EMR influenced the excretion rates of stress hormones of medical staff in physiotherapy.     

Expansion of Calamagrostis villosa in sub-alpine Nardus stricta grassland: Cessation of cutting management or high nitrogen deposition?

Calamagrostis villosa has recently expanded in Nardus stricta-dominated sub-alpine grassland of the Giant Mountains (Krkono?e/Karkonosze, the Czech Republic). To investigate whether this expansion has been promoted by high nitrogen deposition or by the cessation of agricultural management, grassland plots dominated by C. villosa were manipulated with four treatments: control (Con), fertilised (Fer), cut (Cut) and cut–fertilised (Cut–Fer). NH₄NO₃ was used at the rate of 30 kg N ha^?1 and fertilisation and cutting were performed once a year after data collection in late July between 2000 and 2006.Plant species composition (analysed by RDA) was significantly influenced by cutting but not by fertilisation. Cutting reduced the cover, biomass, sward height and tiller density of C. villosa. Seedlings of N. stricta and panicles of C. villosa were recorded only in plots with cutting management.To investigate the effect of treatments on the spread of C. villosa, grassland sods dominated by N. stricta were transplanted into the experimental plots. Six years later, the density and cover of C. villosa spreading into the N. stricta sods were highest in Fer treatment.C. villosa was recognised as a defoliation-sensitive species and this sensitivity cannot be overcome by an increase in N supply. Recent expansion of C. villosa in the sub-alpine grassland can by explained by a long-term succession after the cessation of agricultural management and an increase in the N availability in recent decades.     

Entwicklung eines Sedimentbiotests mit der ZwergdeckelschneckePotamopyrgus antipodarum (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia)

Currently, only few organismic biotest systems are available for the assessment of effects on reproduction, which consider an exposure toward whole sediments. A well-suited test organism is the parthenogenetic mudsnailPotamopyrgus antipodarum. This ovoviviparous prosobranch snail lives in the upper layers of freshwater and brackish sediments. The number of (unshelled) embryos turned out to be a very sensitive parameter for the indication of sediment components affecting reproduction. Additionally, this endpoint allows to signal possible estrogenic sediment compounds. With this 28-day bioassay, laboratory tests on the effects of various chemicals onP. antipodarum were performed, e.g. triphenyltin and bisphenol A, in relevant environmental concentration ranges. Furthermore, the suitability of our test system for the investigation of complex and multiple level ranged contaminations was examined by means of various natural sediments from the Neiße and Odra rivers.     

Leaching of metals from fly ashes in the presence of complexing agents

The leachability of some metals (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ti, Zn) from fly ashes was studied in the presence of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and naturally occurring complexing agents-humic acids (HAs). Secondary complex-forming equilibria taking place in the leachates increase significantly the leached amounts of most metals. Kinetic experiments showed that almost the whole "available" amounts of metals are leached from fly ash within a time period of several hours (mostly within 20 h), with exceptions of matrix constituents (typically aluminium), which are released more slowly.     

Comparisons of the dust/smoke particulate that settled inside the surrounding buildings and outside on the streets of southern New York City after the collapse of the World Trade Center, September 11, 2001

The collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001, generated large amounts of dust and smoke that settled in the surrounding indoor and outdoor environments in southern Manhattan. Sixteen dust samples were collected from undisturbed locations inside two uncleaned buildings that were adjacent to Ground Zero. These samples were analyzed for morphology, metals, and organic compounds, and the results were compared with the previously reported outdoor WTC dust/smoke results. We also analyzed seven additional dust samples provided by residents in the local neighborhoods. The morphologic analyses showed that the indoor WTC dust/smoke samples were similar to the outdoor WTC dust/smoke samples in composition and characteristics but with more than 50% mass in the <53-microm size fraction. This was in contrast to the outdoor samples that contained >50% of mass above >53 microm. Elemental analyses also showed the similarities, but at lower concentrations. Organic compounds present in the outdoor samples were also detected in the indoor samples. Conversely, the resident-provided convenience dust samples were different from either the WTC indoor or outdoor samples in composition and pH, indicating that they were not WTC-affected locations. In summary, the indoor dust/smoke was similar in concentration to the outdoor dust/smoke but had a greater percentage of mass <53 microm in diameter.     

A quantum cascade laser infrared spectrometer for CO2 stable isotope analysis: Field implementation at a hydrocarbon contaminated site under bio-remediation

Real-time methods to monitor stable isotope ratios of CO_2 are needed to identify biogeochemical origins of CO_2 emissions from the soil–air interface. An isotope ratio infra-red spectrometer(IRIS) has been developed to measure CO_2 mixing ratio with δ~13C isotopic signature, in addition to mixing ratios of other greenhouse gases(CH_4, N2_O). The original aspects of the instrument as well as its precision and accuracy for the determination of the isotopic signature δ~13C of CO_2 are discussed. A first application to biodegradation of hydrocarbons is presented, tested on a hydrocarbon contaminated site under aerobic bio-treatment. CO_2 flux measurements using closed chamber method is combined with the determination of the isotopic signature δ~13C of the CO_2 emission to propose a non-intrusive method to monitor in situ biodegradation of hydrocarbons. In the contaminated area, high CO_2 emissions have been measured with an isotopic signature δ~13C suggesting that CO_2 comes from petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation.This first field implementation shows that rapid and accurate measurement of isotopic signature of CO_2 emissions is particularly useful in assessing the contribution of contaminant degradation to the measured CO_2 efflux and is promising as a monitoring tool for aerobic bio-treatment.     

Regional specialization and market integration: agroecosystem energy transitions in Upper Austria

We investigate agroecosystem energy flows in two Upper Austrian regions, the lowland region Sankt Florian and the prealpine region Grünburg, at five time points between 1830 and 2000. Energetic agroecosystem productivity (energy contents of crops, livestock products, and wood per unit area) is compared to different types of energy inputs, i.e., external inputs from society (labor, industrial inputs, and external biomass inputs) and biomass reused from the local agroecosystem (feed, litter, and seeds). Energy transfers between different compartments of the agroecosystem (agricultural land, forest, and livestock) are also quantified. This allows for delineating an agroecosystem energy transition: In the first stage of this transition, i.e., in the nineteenth century, agroecosystem productivity was low (final produce ranged between 14 and 27 GJ/ha/yr), and local biomass reused made up 97% of total energy inputs in both regions (25–61 GJ/ha/yr). In this period, agroecosystem productivity increase was achieved primarily through more recycling of energy flows within the agroecosystems. In the second stage of the agroecosystem energy transition, i.e., after World War II, external energy inputs increased by factors 2.5 (Sankt Florian) and 5.0 (Grünburg), partly replacing local energy transfers. Final produce per area increased by factors 6.1 (Sankt Florian) and 2.9 (Grünburg). The difference in the resulting energy returns on investment (EROI) owes to regional specialization on cropping versus livestock rearing and to increasing market integration. Our results suggest that sustainable land-use intensification may benefit from some regional specialization harnessing local production potentials based on a mix of local and external inputs.