Champaign County Research Articles

THE FRESHWATER DIATOM CYMBELLA CURSIFORMIS NOM. NOV.1,2

SUMMARYThe morphology, ecology, and taxonomy of a pennate diatom, Cymbella cursiformis nom, nov. (family Cymbellaceae), from Cedar Bog, Champaign County, Ohio, originally described from Tasmania by Hustedt as Cymbella cistula var. gracilis, are reported. Photographs of specimens on Hustedt's type, slide, are indistinguishable from Cedar Bog specimens. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy reveal that, this taxon cannot be considered a variety of Cymbella cistula (Ehr.) Kirchn.; therefore it has been raised to specific rank.

Modeling Lead Pollution In a Watershed — Ecosystem

An interdisciplinary study is currently in progress at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under a grant from the National Science Foundation RANN Program. Objectives of the study include understanding and modeling the movements and effects of heavy metals (initially lead) in the environment. A model has been constructed which simulates the movements and predicts the accumulation points of lead in a 76-square mile watershed-ecosystem in Champaign County, Illinois. The model includes components of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and represent the ecosystem by a network of nodes and branches where the nodes represent the components of the ecosystem in a general sense and the branches indicate possible transport mechanisms between nodes. Results of a two year simulation using a network of 36 nodes and 121 branches is presented. The model provided a method for the study of pollutant transport and accumulation in ecosystems.

Soil-Vegetation Relationships in a Prairie Grove Remnant

GEIS, J. W. and W. R. BOGGESS (Univ. Illinois, Urbana). Soil-vegetation relationships in a prairie grove remnant. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 97: 196-203. 1970.-The distribution of soils and woody vegetation is closely correlated in a 24-heetare prairie-grove remnant in Champaign County, Illinois. Although the site has been forested for an estimated 400 to 600 years, soil development has been retarded by excessive moisture conditions, and the soils on 71% of the area are morphologically identical to the Brunizem and Humic Gley soils developed under the original tall grass prairie. An overstory of dead elm (predominantly Ulmus americana), Celtis occidentalis, and Quercus macrocarpa, along with a heavy shrub cover of Lindera benzoin, Euonymus atropurpureus and Xanthoxylum americanum occurs in low physiographic locations on Humic Gley soils. Acer saccharum, Q. rubra, C. occidentalis, U. rubra, and Aesculus glabra dominate a mixed hardwood complex in relatively flat physiographic areas in which Brunizem soils persist. Soils transitional between Brunizem and Gray-Brown Podzolic soils have developed in areas of greatest topographic relief. Acer saccharum dominates these transitional sites, along with Q. rubra, Tilia americana, and C. occidentalis. Species distribution and soil pattern are similarly related to a physiographically based gradient from hydromesic conditions in low-lying and depressional areas to mesic conditions in areas of greatest topographic relief.

Anomalous Dimorphism in Aedes vexans1,2,3

This record is the 1st report of anomalous dimorphism in Aedes vexans (Meigen) (Diptera: Culicidae). Two specimens, each having a different embryogenic and filial background, were found in cultures originating from wildcaught females from Champaign County, I11. Both specimens exhibited dimorphic mixtures involving appendages of the head and internal organs of reproduction. The maxillary palpi of both specimens were reduced apically. One specimen exhibited a cercus, whereas the other specimen exhibited a reduction of the clasper. Reasons for occurrence of anomalous dimorphism in the specimens described are unknown, but the dimorphism may have resulted from high embryogenic temperatures, the presence of a genetic factor of low frequency, or both.

Nutrition of Tree Sparrows during Winter in Central Illinois

Stomach analyses of 131 tree sparrows (Spizella arborea) were made from birds collected from November through March, 1954—1959, near Urbana in Champaign County, Illinois. Simultaneously, 119 collections of seeds from the ground and 452 collections of seeds falling into seed traps were taken and the dry weight in grams per hectare per winter and the relative proportion of different species of seeds available by weight calculated. Seedfall occurred throughout the winter, but in the majority of species 75% or more of the seedfall occurred from September through November. Once on the ground, only 40% of the seeds of most species remained in a condition usable by birds the following year. Grass seeds, primarily Setaria spp., made up 77.7% of the winter diet. However, grass seeds made up only 38.8% of the seeds available on the ground and 44.6% of the seeds falling to the ground during the winter. Tree sparrows selected seeds of low gross energy content in comparison with those seed species not selected. The heat of combustion per gram dry weight of the average stomach contents did not change significantly during the winter and averaged 4690 cal/g. The average projected existence energy requirements of wild tree sparrows during winter was found to be 27.38 kcal/bird/day or equivalent to approximately 7.88 g of seeds (of the average winter diet) per day. On this basis it is possible for individual species of seeds to support flocks of 10 to 20 tree sparrows per hectare for the winter season in central Illinois.

Soil concentrations of “emanating radium-226” and the emanation of radon-222 from soils and plants

The emanation of radon-222 from soils has been studied. Factors investigated which affect the rate of emanation include wind speeds across the surface, atmospheric turbulence, soil moisture, soil type and location. Values of emanation and concomitant variation in these factors are reported. An investigation of radon-222 release from leaf surfaces has been initiated; preliminary results of this study are reported. Measured values of radium-226 in the soil capable of giving rise to diffusing radon were found to vary 70-fold in different geological regions but were uniform in Champaign County, Illinois, the content being (0.64 ± 0.09) × 10 −12 grams of “emanating radium-226” per gram of soil. The emanation rate of radon-222 from soils into the atmosphere varied 1000-fold among geographical regions but was shown to be uniform in Champaign County, averaging (140 ± 73) × 10 −18 curies per square centimeter per second. The findings of the research indicate that radon-222 may be used successfully as a cost-free tracer in studies of vertical diffusion in Champaign County, Illinois. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1966.tb00282.x

Mortgage Borrowing as a Frontier Developed: A Study of Mortgages in Champaign County, Illinois, 1836–1895

This study of mortgage borrowing in the American West covers mortgage activity in Champaign County, Illinois, from 1836 through 1895, but emphasizes the years 1854 through 1895. This time span covers the county from the time it was a part of the American frontier until it became a developed geographic unit within the national economy. Primary concern is with the level and trend of interest rates and with sources and uses of mortgage funds.

Soil concentrations of “emanating radium-226” and the emanation of radon-222 from soils and plants

The emanation of radon-222 from soils has been studied. Factors investigated which affect the rate of emanation include wind speeds across the surface, atmospheric turbulence, soil moisture, soil type and location. Values of emanation and concomitant variation in these factors are reported. An investigation of radon-222 release from leaf surfaces has been initiated; preliminary results of this study are reported. Measured values of radium-226 in the soil capable of giving rise to diffusing radon were found to vary 70-fold in different geological regions but were uniform in Champaign County, Illinois, the content being (0.64 ± 0.09) × 10−12 grams of “emanating radium-226” per gram of soil. The emanation rate of radon-222 from soils into the atmosphere varied 1000-fold among geographical regions but was shown to be uniform in Champaign County, averaging (140 ± 73) × 10−18 curies per square centimeter per second. The findings of the research indicate that radon-222 may be used successfully as a cost-free tracer in studies of vertical diffusion in Champaign County, Illinois.DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1966.tb00282.x

Brownfield Woods, Illinois: Woody Vegetation and Changes Since 1925

The first complete inventory of the woody vegetation of Brownfield Woods since 1925 was completed in 1960. This 60-acre woodland is a remnant of a large prairie grove that once occupied an area of 10 square miles northeast of Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. The stand is mixed mesophytic in composition with 113 trees per acre (3 inches and above in diameter) and a basal area of 114 sq. ft. Twenty-five woody species were tallied with sugar maple (Acer sac- charum Marsh) the leading dominant. The most striking change in the vegetation since 1925 was the 60% increase in the basal area of sugar maple, and a corresponding decrease in that of elm (Ulmus americana L. and U. rubra Muhl.). The latter is due to mortality from phloem necro- sis and the Dutch elm disease. A heavy understory, dominated by sugar maple, has developed. Nearly two-thirds of the trees less than one inch in diameter are sugar maple thus suggesting a continued, or increasing dominance of this species. There have been striking changes in the woody vegetation of Brownfield Woods during the past 35 years. Many of the large trees mentioned by Telford (1926) are still alive, but mortality has been heavy, particularly among the elms. A heavy understory of seedlings and small saplings has developed, aided no doubt by more than 20 years of complete protection from fire, grazing, and public use. Some of these changes, and their implications, are discussed in this paper.

The Fishes of Champaign County, Illinois, as Affected by 60 Years of Stream Changes

The fishes of Champaign County Illinois have received probably as intensive and prolonged study as those in any area of equal size in the New World. The long period of observation has furnished an unusual opportunity to evaluate the ecological changes that have occurred in a highly developed agricultural and urban region and to relate these changes to the distribution and abundance of stream fishes. Throughout this study, emphasis has been placed on changes—changes in the county resulting from agricultural development and population increase, changes in the streams resulting from natural and human modifications, changes in aquatic habitats resulting from new developments in land use practices, and changes in the fishes as these adaptable animals adjusted to new conditions in their naturally unstable aquatic environment.

A Significant Synonym of Celerio intermedia Kirby (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Recently I searched the literature for data to be included in an article on the community of insects associated with a wild four-o'clock, Mirabilis nyctaginea (Michx.). One insect of this association is Celerio lineata Fabr., the lined Sphinx, a common North American moth. I had discovered this large caterpillar on the leaves of M. nyctaginea in Champaign County, Illinois. When consulting various sources for lists of the food plants of C. lineata , I discovered that its close relative, C. intermedia , has the synonym C. oxybaphi Clem. While synonyms are generally looked upon as objectionable because they tend to confuse nontaxonomic biologists and also clutter systematic studies, the name oxybaphi is useful because informative.

Occurrence of strontium in the surface and ground waters of Champaign County, Ohio

Naturally occurring Sr was found in both surface and ground waters during an investigation of the water resources of Champaign County, Ohio. The Sr is related to the presence of celestite (strontium sulfate) in rocks associated with evaporite deposition. The principal source of celestite in Ohio is in rocks of Late Silurian age. Celestite is present also in the glacial deposits of western Ohio, which contain rock material of Late Silurian age. Total time in contact with the rock material seems to have a large effect upon concentrations of Sr in ground water. Streamflow, during low-flow periods, is made up largely of ground-water seepage and contains detectable Sr. Sr has been found in ground water in other counties in western Ohio and in the brines of eastern Ohio.

THE ROLE OF FLUORIDE IN TOOTH ENAMEL*

Journal of Public Health DentistryVolume 18, Issue 1 p. 6-9 THE ROLE OF FLUORIDE IN TOOTH ENAMEL* George L. Clark Ph.D., George L. Clark Ph.D. **G. L. Clark has been research professor of analytical chemistry at the University of Illinois since 1953, having headed the division of analytical chemistry for twenty-six years. He is a graduate of DePauw University (A. B., 1914; honorary D.Sc., 1937) and of the University of Chicago(Ph.D., 1918). A member of several honorary societies including Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, he has received the Marburg Lecture Award of the American Society for Testing Materials, the Grasselli Medal of the Society of Chemical Industry, and the Mehl Medal of the Congress of Metals. He has served the American Chemical Society as chairman of the Division of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry (1928) and as chairman of the Division of Cellulose Chemistry (1939). Dr. Clark was editor-in-chief of the Chemical Encyclopedia (Reinhold, 1957) and senior author of Quantitative Analysis, 1952.Search for more papers by this author George L. Clark Ph.D., George L. Clark Ph.D. **G. L. Clark has been research professor of analytical chemistry at the University of Illinois since 1953, having headed the division of analytical chemistry for twenty-six years. He is a graduate of DePauw University (A. B., 1914; honorary D.Sc., 1937) and of the University of Chicago(Ph.D., 1918). A member of several honorary societies including Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi, he has received the Marburg Lecture Award of the American Society for Testing Materials, the Grasselli Medal of the Society of Chemical Industry, and the Mehl Medal of the Congress of Metals. He has served the American Chemical Society as chairman of the Division of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry (1928) and as chairman of the Division of Cellulose Chemistry (1939). Dr. Clark was editor-in-chief of the Chemical Encyclopedia (Reinhold, 1957) and senior author of Quantitative Analysis, 1952.Search for more papers by this author First published: March 1958 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-7325.1958.tb00197.x † *Presented before the Champaign County, Illinois, Torch Club. Published in “The Torch” (January 1958), the official periodical of the International Association of Torch Clubs. Reprinted with the kind Permission of the author and the editor of “The Torch.” AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume18, Issue1March 1958Pages 6-9 RelatedInformation

Comparison of the Gastropod Fauna in the Drainage Systems of Champaign County, Illinois

The writer has collected gastropods from the streams of Champaign County in east-central Illinois at various intervals since the fall of 1934. At that time he was introduced to the aquatic snail fauna of that region while on field trips with university classes conducted by Prof. V. E. Shelford and Prof. H. J. Van Cleave. In the spring of 1935 a survey of aquatic snails in the county was made under the direction of the latter. This study was continued in subsequent years whenever the writer found opportunity to revisit the area. Collections were made in the spring of 1945 and 1946, the fall of 1951, and the spring of 1952 and 1953. Specimens from the early collections were identified by Frank iCollins Baker and Dr. N. T. Mattox. Later collec

Notes On The Life History Of Seven Species Of Anthonomus Occurring In Illinois (Curculionidae, Coleoptera)1

This paper is part of an extended study on the bionomics of Curculionidae in East Central Illinois, chiefly in Champaign County. Particular reference to plant host associations are brought out for seven species of Anthonomus .[3][1] [1]: #fn-2

A Lungworm, Angiostrongylus blarini, n. sp, from the Short-Tailed Shrew, with Observations on the Histopathology and Life Cycle

Several individuals from a series of Short-tailed Shrews, Blarina brevicauda, collected in Champaign County, Illinois during the fall of 1950, 1951, 1952, were found to harbor a new species of lungworm (NEMATODA: METASTRONGYLIDAE). The purpose of this paper is to present a brief description of the new species and to record certain limited observations on the histopathology of the infections and the life cycle of the parasite. The encouragement and advice of Dr. Lyell J. Thomas are gratefully acknowledged.

Notes on the Bionomics of Six Species of Apion (Curculionidae, Coleoptera)1

This paper represents a part of an extended study made in 1949–1951 on the bionomics of Curculionidae found associated with plants in East Central Illinois in Champaign County. Six species of the genus Apion are treated particularly in reference to their association with the host plants.

List of Myriapoda Taken in Champaign County, Illinois, During the Fall and Winter of 1944-45

These myriapods were collected on trips taken in connection with the author's thesis problem2 dealing with the habitats of insects in their hibernating state. The actual territory studied, lying within an approximate eleven mile radius of Urbana, included as stations the six communities of Bondville, Champaign, Mahomet, Mayview, St. Joseph, and Urbana. The myriapods, which were not covered in the thesis, were for the most part taken with the use of a Jacot3 apparatus, a modification of the one proposed by Berlese. Different types of litter, collected and bagged in the field, were brought to the laboratory and placed in the apparatus. Essentially this consisted of a large funnel of sheet steel or copper with a sieve at the bottom. A 300 watt bulb was suspended within an incl of the litter to drive the animals downward by dry heat. At the base of the funnel a beaker of 70 percent alcohol was placed to catch the specimens as they came through the sieve. The myriapods were determined by Dr. R. V. Chamberlin, Department of Biology, University of Utah. The species are arranged alphabetically under the two orders collected:

A Major Buried Valley in East-Central Illinois and Its Regional Relationships

A large buried valley, tributary to the well-known bedrock valley along the Illinois River, has been traced eastward across central Illinois to the Indiana state line, and continuation into Indiana and beyond is indicated by well records and outcrop data. Detailed studies are confined largely to Illinois, and the valley is herein named "Mahomet Valley" after a locality in Champaign County, Illinois. Mahomet Valley is considered preglacial, as Kansan, Aftonian, and possibly Nebraskan deposits occur within the channel. After the advance of the Kansan glacier the valley probably ceased to function as a major drainage line; and by the end of Illinoian time the valley was so completely filled with drift that the Sangamon interglacial plain continued across it without interruption. A new working hypothesis favored by the writer is proposed, namely, that Mahomet Valley represents the lower course of Teays River, a preglacial master-stream which probably had its source near the eastern scarp of the Blue Ridge in North Carolina; flowed westward across Ohio, northern Indiana, and central Illinois; and finally discharged into the Gulf Embayment through bedrock valleys now generally occupied by the present Illinois and Mississippi rivers.

The Branchiobdellidae (Annelida) on Crayfishes of Champaign County, Illinois

The Branchiobdellidae (Annelida) on Crayfishes of Champaign County, Illinois