Erie Counties Research Articles

Body fat distribution, relative weight, and liver enzyme levels: a population-based study.

Regional body fat distribution may represent an independent risk factor for several conditions, especially metabolic and cardiovascular diseases; recent findings have shown that abdominal fat accumulation can be an independent predictor of hepatic steatosis. Very few studies, mostly using selected clinical samples, have focused on the relationship between indices of abdominal visceral fat accumulation and the most commonly used biochemical liver tests, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relation between central fat accumulation, as assessed by abdominal height, relative weight, as determined by body mass index (BMI), and liver function tests (ALT, AST, and GGT) in a random sample of 2,704 residents of Erie and Niagara Counties in New York State, 35-80 years of age and free from known hepatic disease. Multiple linear regression models were used, with liver enzymes as dependent variables with abdominal height and BMI as independent variables, and the inclusion of several covariates (age, race, education, smoking status, pack-years of smoking, drinking status, and total ounces of ethanol in the past 30 days). Abdominal height was consistently a better correlate of ALT and GGT levels than BMI in both sexes. In addition, abdominal height was the most powerful independent predictor of ALT in both sexes as well as of GGT among women. In conclusion, these findings support a role for central adiposity independent from BMI in predicting increased levels of hepatic enzymes, likely as a result of unrecognized fatty liver.

Alcoholic beverage preference and characteristics of drinkers and nondrinkers in western New York (United States)

Background and Aim: Dietary and lifestyle characteristics may differ for drinkers of specific alcoholic beverages and nondrinkers which would have important implications for studies of alcohol and disease. Our aim in this study was to describe differences in dietary and lifestyle characteristics associated with alcoholic beverage preference in a population-based sample of healthy study participants. Methods and Results: Data were collected as part of a series of case-control studies of alcohol use, myocardial infarction, and lung, breast and prostate cancer in western New York from 1846 men and 1910 women aged 35 to 79, randomly selected from the general population of Erie and Niagara Counties. Beverage preference was defined for noncurrent vs current drinkers, and drinkers of beer, wine, liquor, and mixed beverages. Generalized linear models for continuous variables and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics for categorical variables were computed for the entire sample and stratified by gender. Participant characteristics differed by alcoholic beverage preference and drinking status. In general, wine drinkers had higher education and household incomes, lower prevalence of current smoking, higher intakes of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin E, and total carotenoids, lower total fat intakes and higher amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grain products than consumers of other beverages. Conversely, beer and liquor drinkers had somewhat lower education and household incomes, higher rates of current smoking, higher energy and total fat intakes and consumed lower amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grain products. Finally, current nondrinkers were more likely to be older, less educated, have lower household incomes, and consume diets less consistent with dietary guidelines than current drinkers. Conclusions: These results suggest that usual beverage preference may encompass other health-related behaviors and underline the importance of accurate exposure measurement and use of statistical methods to accommodate these interrelationships.

Freeze Damage to North American Ginseng

The Lake Erie counties of southern Ontario, Canada are the major producers of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in North America. In this area there is about 1740 ha (4299.5 acres) of ginseng and an annual production of 1455 t (1603.8 tons). Spring freeze damage to the crop is rare as the mean date of last freeze in spring is 12 May. On 21 May 2002, following three to six nights when air temperatures dropped below freezing, extensive damage to the crop was evident. A survey by the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association showed that 78% of growers had gardens showing freeze damage. The extent of the damage was variable across the growing area, and on individual farms. Most damage to plants occurred in low-lying areas where heavy cold air collected. Recently germinated seedlings that were exposed above the straw mulch were severely damaged, and many did not survive because they did not have leaves and no perennating bud was formed. Damage to 2-year-old plants was expressed as leaves wilting and turning black. In some cases stems froze and the plants toppled. In 3-year-old and older plants, damage was variable with some leaf collapse and stems broken, or damaged with corking-over taking place. Damage to inflorescences ranged from death and abscission, to distorted flowers and shriveled and split peduncles. Plant health was a concern following the freeze episode, and throughout the subsequent growing season. The fungicide fenhexamid received emergency registration to combat recurring problems in Botrytis control. The seed crop for 2002 was light. Damaged seedling gardens were replanted. Older gardens will undergo a period of adjustment. Root yield in 2002 was reduced by 30%, a 500 t (551.1 tons) loss. The full extent of the damage and associated financial implications are unknown and could impact the industry until 2005.

Cambrian-Ordovician Knox production in Ohio: Three case studies of structural-stratigraphic traps

The Knox Dolomite (Cambrian-Ordovician) in Ohio consists of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sequence deposited in a tidal-flat to shallow-marine environment along a broad continental shelf. Knox hydrocarbon production occurs in porous sandstone and dolomite reservoirs in the Copper Ridge dolomite, Rose Run sandstone, and Beekmantown dolomite. In Ohio, historical Knox exploration and development have been focused on paleogeomorphic traps within the prolific Morrow Consolidated field, and more recently, within and adjacent to the Rose Run subcrop. Although these paleogeomorphic traps have yielded significant Knox production, structural and stratigraphic traps are being largely ignored. Three Knox-producing pools demonstrate structural and stratigraphic traps: the Birmingham-Erie pool in southeastern Erie and southwestern Lorain counties, the South Canaan pool in northern Wayne County, and the East Randolph pool in south-central Portage County. Enhanced porosity and permeability from fractures, as evident in the East Randolph pool, are also an underexplored mechanism for Knox hydrocarbon accumulation. An estimated 800 bcf of gas from undiscovered Knox resources makes the Knox one of the most attractive plays in the Appalachian basin.

Geographic variations in asthma mortality in Erie and Niagara counties, western New York, 1991-1996.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases in the United States.1 More than 5000 persons died from asthma in 1995, and the trends in asthma mortality have been increasing in the United States over the past 2 decades.2 This investigation focused on Erie and Niagara counties in western New York. These counties have a combined population of 1.2 million and, together, are classified as a metropolitan area. Asthma mortality data for 1991 to 1996 were obtained from the New York State Bureau of Biometrics. Asthma mortality was determined from death certificate information. SPSS (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, Ill) was used in conducting statistical analyses. All population rates were calculated per 100 000 persons. Between 1991 and 1996, 158 asthma deaths were recorded in western New York. Eighty percent of these deaths occurred in Erie and Niagara counties. Average ageadjusted annual mortality rates were 1.61 for Erie County and 1.53 for Niagara County. In comparison, New York State had an average annual rate of 2.48 asthma deaths per 100 000 population. The majority of deaths (58%) during 1991 to 1996 occurred among individuals 65 years or older. The highest mortality rate for the period was 2.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.60, 3.38) in 1995; this rate decreased to 1.90 (95% CI = 1.12, 2.68) in 1996. Women had higher asthma mortality rates than men in Erie and Niagara counties (see Table 1 ▶). TABLE 1— Deaths From Asthma in Erie and Niagara Counties, by Age Group and Sex, 1991–1996 The city of Niagara Falls had an average annual asthma mortality rate of 2.96, almost 3 times that of the remainder of Niagara County (see Table 2 ▶). The city of Lockport had an annual mortality rate of 3.05, more than that of the rest of Erie County (1.09 per 100 000). Two zip codes in Buffalo's east side (14211 and 14215) accounted for 25% of the mortality from 1991 to 1996. TABLE 2— Deaths From Asthma, by Area: Western New York, 1991–1996 As a region, western New York had mortality rates lower than those in most of New York State. However, regional grouping masks areas of high risk for mortality due to asthma. Mortality was greatest in the 2 most populous counties (i.e., Erie and Niagara) and rare in rural counties of western New York. In Erie and Niagara counties, mortality was greater in urban areas than in suburban or rural areas. Buffalo, the most urbanized area in the 2 counties, had the highest annual mortality rate, comparable to that of New York City. Buffalo accounts for 20% of western New York's population but was responsible for 50% of asthma mortality in the region during the study period. The 2 zip codes with the highest asthma mortality rates in Buffalo comprise areas with large African American populations.3 Many US cities have large minority populations living in poverty, among whom the prevalence and severity of asthma are high.4–6 Given the reversibility of asthma and the availability of effective treatment strategies, deaths due to asthma are avoidable. The present report provides a basis for targeting interventions and evaluating their effectiveness.

Periodontal Infection and Risk of Myocardial Infarction: A Population-Based Case-control Study

P34 Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a significant association between periodontal disease and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Periodontal organisms were hypothesized to be the underlying factor for the association. This study investigated the relation of myocardial infarction (MI) with both periodontal health status and presence of periodontal pathogens in subgingival plaque. The study sample included 171 MI cases and 574 controls who had at least 6 teeth and were residents of Erie and Niagara counties of New York. Periodontal assessments included pocket depth and attachment loss. Subgingival plaque was sampled and tested using immunofluorescence microscopic technique for the presence of Bacteriodes forsythus (BF), Porphyromouas gingivilis (PG), Prevotella intermedia (PI), and Campyglobacter recta (CR). Results: Mean (SD) pocket depth (mm) was 2.2 (0.7) for MI cases and 2.0 (0.5) for controls (p<0.01). Mean (SD) attachment loss (mm) was 2.6 (1.2) and 2.2 (0.7) for cases and controls (p<0.01), respectively. Presence of periodontal pathogens was significantly more frequent among MI cases than controls. For the four bacteria (BF, PG, PI, and CR), the prevalence (%) of subgingival bacterum presence was 45.0, 14.6, 39.8, and 12.3 among MI cases, and 26.8, 8.2, 31.2, and 5.1 among controls. After adjustment for sex, age, education, smoking status, alcohol use, body mass index, diabetes status, and dental plaque index using logistic regression, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of MI were 1.62 (1.17-2.25) for pocket depth (per 1 mm change), 1.36 (1.10-1.69) for attachment loss (per 1 mm change), 1.93 (1.30-2.88) for BF, 1.41 (0.81-2.48) for PG, 1.18 (0.80-1.73) for PI, and 1.83 (0.96-3.52) for CR presence in subgingival plaque. In conclusion, this case-control study demonstrated that poorer periodontal status and presence of specific bacteria such as BF in subgingival plaque were associated with an increased risk of MI.

Periodontal Pathogens, Serum Lipids, and Lipid Peroxidation in a Population-Based Sample

P33 Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a significant link between periodontal disease (PD) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was conducted to evaluate if lipid metabolism and peroxidation may represent potential pathways linking PD to CVD. The study sample included 747 randomly selected residents of Erie and Niagara counties of New York who had 6 or more teeth and no history of heart attack. Periodontal assessments included pocket depth (POD) and attachment loss (ATL). Periodontitis was defined by 2+ teeth with ATL≥6mm and 1+ teeth with POD≥5mm. Subgingival plaque was sampled and tested using immunofluorescence microscopic technique for the presence of four putative periodontal pathogens: Bacteriodes forsythus (BF), Porphyromouas gingivilis (PG), Prevotella intermedia (PI), and Campyglobacter recta (CR). Fasting blood sample was obtained and determinations of total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and plasma thiobarbituric acid reacting substance (TBARS) were performed. In the sample as a whole, prevalence of specific bacteria in the subgingival plaque were 29.6% for BF, 8.3% for PG, 31.6% for PI, and 4.4% for CR. As expected, prevalence was much higher in participants with periodontitis. Presence of BF and CR (but not PI and PG) was associated significantly with higher levels of LDL cholesterol (Mean LDL cholesterol (mg/dl), 151.3 for BF + and 142.8 for BF -, p<0.05; and 158.4 for CR + and 144.7 for CR -, p<0.05). Presence of PG and CR (but not BF and PI) was significantly associated with higher TBARS (Mean TBARS (nmol/ml), 1.51 for PG + and 1.38 for PG -, p<0.05; and 1.57 for CR + and 1.38 for CR -, p<0.05). These associations remained statistically significant after adjustment by sex, age, education, body mass index, diabetes status, smoking and alcohol use. No significant association with bacteria was found for total cholesterol and triglycerides. In conclusion, subgingival presence of specific periodontal bacteria (bf, pg, and cr) was associated with higher serum LDL cholesterol and/or plasma TBARS. This suggests that lipid alteration and peroxidation may represent potential pathways in the link between PD and CVD.

Patterns of Inpatient and Outpatient Care for Asthma in Erie and Niagara Counties, Western New York State

The prevalence of asthma, as well as the morbidity and mortality due to asthma, has increased in the United States, especially among poor minority subpopulations. The causes of these increases are complex and not well understood. Our findings from an analysis of emergency room (ER) visits and hospitalizations for Erie and Niagara Counties in western New York State for the period 1984–1991 provides important background to this problem. Of all respiratory disorders, asthma was the most frequent reason for ER visits and was second only to pneumonia as a reason for hospital admissions. In Erie County the hospitalization rates for asthma in two inner-city communities with predominantly minority populations were 1.48 and 2.09 times higher than those in the rest of the county. Furthermore, the hospitalization rates for these communities showed an increasing trend over the study period. Gender differences were also found. Boys age 0 to 9 years were hospitalized for asthma twice as often as girls. However, over 15 years of age, females had admission rates that were twice those of males. In contrast, hospitalization rates for pneumonia were equal for males and females, which would suggest gender differences particular to asthma. Hospitalizations for asthma in the western New York region cost an estimated $6,000,000 in 1990. We conclude that asthma is a major cause of morbidity in this region with excessive and increasing impact on inner-city communities.

A survey of lead-based paint abatement projects performed in public buildings in Erie and Crawford Counties, Pennsylvania, during the time period 1995-1997.

A survey of lead-based paint abatement projects in public buildings of Crawford and Erie Counties, Pennsylvania, was conducted during the time period January 1995 to March 1997. These survey results suggest that few lead abatement projects were performed during this time period. Projects that were performed commonly did not employ proper lead abatement practices as described by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These data suggest that most contractors and public officials have misunderstandings of both environmental regulations and required procedures for safe and effective lead-based paint abatement.

Yield of `Superior' Potatoes following Nematode-suppressive Cover Crops

`Superior', the common early potato in Ontario, has developed early dying and low yield problems along the Lake Erie Counties. A series of experiments were planted in 1993 to 1996 to evaluate nematode-suppressive cover crops as a means of soil management, improving yield of potatoes, and reduction of plant parasitic nematodes. Sorghum NK557 as a nematode host, reported suppressive species Sordan 79, Trudan 8 sorghum-sudan hybrids, Domo and Cutlass mustard, Forge canola, and `Norlee' flax were compared to either Telone IIB or Vorlex-Cp (225 L/ha) fumigants applied with a deep shank applicator to 30 cm. Fertility and pest management practices followed Ontario recommendations. Northern root lesion nematodes, Pratylenchus pentrans Cobb, populations were monitored prior to planting potatoes, during the season, and after harvest. Fumigation resulted in the highest total yields in all 3 years and marketable yield in 1994 and 1995. There was no difference in marketable yield in 1996. Yield was similar among cover crops treatments. Suppressive crops, while useful in soil management, were not as effective as fumigants.

Oxidative stress and lung function.

It has been suggested that lung function can be altered by both free radical and oxidant exposure, while antioxidant vitamin intake is positively related to lung function. However, the information on the relation of blood levels of oxidants and antioxidants to lung function is sparse. The present cross-sectional study, conducted from September 1995 to May 1996, analyzes the association between lung function measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) with 1) levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in plasma (p-TBARS) and in low and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol/VLDL cholesterol-TBARS) as indicators of lipid peroxidation and 2) compounds with antioxidant activity, erythrocytic glutathione, plasma glutathione peroxidase, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and serum bilirubin, which may protect against lipid peroxidation. The analysis was carried out in 132 nonsmoking subjects aged 37-73 years who were randomly selected from the residents of Erie and Niagara counties, New York. FEV1 in percent of the predicted value (FEV1%) was negatively and statistical significantly associated with p-TBARS (r = -0.19). A negative association with borderline statistical significance was observed between FEV1% with low density lipoprotein cholesterol/very low density lipoprotein cholesterol-TBARS (r = -0.16) and glutathione (r = -0.16), while FEV1% was positively related to serum bilirubin (r = 0.15). Participants in the lowest quartile of FEV1% showed significantly higher levels of p-TBARS (p = 0.02) and lower levels of bilirubin (p = 0.04) than did those in the highest quartile. Our results suggest that increased lipid peroxidation is associated with pulmonary airway narrowing in the general population.

Historic and Current Amphibian and Reptile Distributions in the Island Region of Western Lake Erie

-Records of amphibians and reptiles from the island region of western Lake Erie (Essex County, Ontario; Erie and Ottawa counties, Ohio) span more than a century and include 50 species, 35 of which have been recorded from at least one of 19 islands. Local colonization events, transient species, population declines and local extirpations occurring within this century are evident from these records. Furthermore, these records provide a baseline for monitoring future changes in distribution. Unusual components of the Lake Erie amphibian and reptile fauna include unisexual, polyploid and hybrid ambystomatid salamanders; a population of redback salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) consisting almost entirely of lead-back morphs; populations of Lake Erie water snakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum) that are highly variable in color pattern and provide an exceptionally clear example of the effects of natural selection and gene flow, and populations of common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) consisting of up to 50% jet-black melanistic individuals. Total number of amphibian and reptile species is positively correlated with island area but uncorrelated with distance to the mainland; however, among salamanders, species numbers decrease with increasing distance to the mainland.

Premenopausal Breast Cancer Risk and Intake of Vegetables, Fruits, and Related Nutrients

Given the international variations in breast cancer incidence rates and the changes in breast cancer incidence among migrant populations, it has been hypothesized that diet is a factor influencing risk of this disease. Many studies indicate that a diet high in vegetables and fruits may protect against breast cancer. We conducted a case-control study of diet, including the intake of non-food supplements, and premenopausal breast cancer risk. We evaluated in detail usual intake of vegetables and fruits (each measured as the total reported grams consumed for all queried vegetables and fruit), vitamins C and E, folic acid, individual carotenoids, and dietary fiber with its components. Case patients (n=297) were identified through pathology records from hospitals in Erie and Niagara counties in western New York. They consisted of premenopausal women 40 years of age or oder who were diagnosed with breast cancer from November 1986 through April 1991. Control subjects (n=311), frequency-matched to case patients on the basis of age and county of residence, were randomly selected from New York State Department of Motor Vehicles records. In-person interviews included detailed reports of usual diet in the period 2 years before the interview. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). There was a reduction in risk associated with high intake of several nutrients. With the lowest quartile of intake as the referent, adjusted ORs for the highest quartile of intake for specific nutrients were as follows: vitamin C (OR=0.53; 95% CI=0.33-0.86), alpha-tocopheral (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.34-0.88), folic acid (OR=0.50; 95% CI=0.31-0.82), alpha-carotene (OR=0.67; 95% CI=0.42-1.08) and beta-carotene (OR=0.46; 95% CI=0.28-0.74), lutein + zeaxanthin (OR=0.47; 95% CI=0.28.0-77), and dietary fiber from vegetables and fruits (OR=0.48; 95% CI=0.30-0.78). No association with risk was found for beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, or grain fiber. Fruits were weakly associated with a reduction in risk (fourth quartile OR=0.67; 95% CI=0.42-1.09). No association was found between breast cancer risk and intake of vitamins C and E and folic acid taken as supplements. A strong inverse association between total vegetable intake and risk was observed (fourth quartile OR=0.46; 95% CI=0.28-0.74). This inverse association was found to be independent of vitamin C,alpha-tocopherol, folic acid, dietary fiber, and alpha-carotene. Adjusting for beta-carotene or lutein + zeaxanthin somewhat attenuated the inverse association with vegetable intake. In this population, intake of vegetables appears to decrease premenopausal breast cancer risk. This effect may be related, in part, to beta-carotene and lutein + zeaxanthin in vegetables. It appears, however, that, of the nutrients and food components examined, no single dietary factor explains the effect. Evaluated components found together in vegetables may have a synergistic effect on breast cancer risk; alternatively, other unmeasured factors in these foods may also influence risk.

Coffee, cigarette smoking, and bladder cancer in western New York.

The association between consumption of coffee and bladder cancer and the effect modification of cigarette smoking was investigated as part of a comprehensive case-control study. The study population consisted of 351 case patients with histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder among white males and 855 white male control subjects selected from Erie, Niagara, and Monroe counties in New York from 1979 to 1985. Usual diet, coffee consumption, and cigarette use were estimated by comprehensive interviews using a detailed food frequency questionnaire. After adjustment for age, education, and dietary risk factors by multiple logistic regression, risk was found to increase with increasing pack-years of cigarette use with an odds ratio in the highest quartile of 2.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.8 to 4.0) when compared to the lowest quartile. Coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk for bladder cancer among the heaviest coffee drinkers after adjustment for cigarette smoking and other dietary risk factors (odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.2). The effect was more pronounced among nonsmokers, especially among those 65 years and older. These findings support the contention that coffee is a weak carcinogen.

Drinking water, fluid intake, and bladder cancer in western New York.

Fluid intake and consumption of specific beverages were investigated in a study of 351 white male cases for whom transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder had been confirmed histologically during the time period from 1979 to 1985. A total of 855 white male controls was selected from Erie, Niagara, and Monroe counties of western New York state. Total fluid consumption was composed of alcoholic beverages, bottled beverages, soda, milk, coffee, tea, all juices, and glasses of tap water. Tap water included coffee, tea, juices, and glasses of water taken directly from the tap. Total fluid consumption was found to be a strong risk factor for bladder cancer when a number of potential confounding risk factors were controlled for. Risks were higher among those who were less than 65 y of age (odds ratio [OR] = 6.3, 95% C.I. = 2.8-14.0). The OR was 3.4 (95% C.I. = 1.8-6.2) for the highest quartile of fluid consumption among those 65 y of age and older. The tap water component was associated with increased risk in both age categories, and there was a clear dose-response relationship. Risks associated with tap water consumption were higher among those who never smoked cigarettes. Both biological and nonbiological explanations for these results are evaluated. The findings suggest implications for public health, but the limitations of the present investigation preclude definitive conclusions and stress the urgency for replication.

Diet in the epidemiology of bladder cancer in western New York.

We present the dietary epidemiology of bladder cancer while controlling for a number of lifestyle and environmental risk factors in a study of 351 white male cases with histologically confirmed transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and 855 white male controls selected from Erie, Niagara, and Monroe counties of western New York from 1979 to 1985. Usual diet was estimated by comprehensive interviews with use of a detailed food frequency questionnaire. An increased risk of bladder cancer was associated with higher kilocalorie intake, but only among those under 65 years of age, with the strongest pattern associated with fat intake. Further analyses of fat, carbohydrates, and protein, with adjustment for total kilocalories, resulted in a positive association of risk with fat intake and a decreasing risk with higher protein intake. Of the vitamins, carotenoid consumption appeared to decrease risk with increased consumption for those under 65 years of age. No significant differences between cases and controls were seen for intake of calcium, retinol, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. After adjustment for kilocalories and other confounders, higher intake of dietary sodium was associated with increased risk among both age groups, and the trends were statistically significant. The importance of diet in the etiology of bladder cancer is suggested by our findings.

Environmental and physiological influences on isotopic and elemental compositions of brachiopod shell calcite: Implications for the isotopic evolution of Paleozoic oceans

Brachiopods from the Demissa Bed (Middle Devonian, Hamilton Group) biologically regulated the incorporation of Mg, Sr and Na into their shell calcite. Significant taxonomic differences in the elemental contents of three species ( Athyris spiriferoides, Mediospirifer audacula and Mucrospirifer mucronatus) may be related to differences in calcification processes. In contrast, no significant difference or “vital effects” were observed between the isotopic values of Mediospirifer audacula and Athyris spiriferoides from Erie (Δ 18O = 0.03‰, p = 0.949; Δ 13C = 0.76‰, p = 0.083) and Genessee Counties (Δ 18O = 0.39‰, p = 0.471; Δ 13C = 0.06‰, p = 0.854). This suggests that these brachiopods did not exert a biological control over their isotopic compositions, and that their shell calcites reflect ambient physicochemical conditions. Isotopic compositions in unaltered shell calcites of brachiopods from Genessee County, which was close to the basin depocentre, are heavy for carbon ( δ 13C, x ¯ = + 5.01‰, PDB) and oxygen (δ 18O, x ¯ = − 2.85‰, PDB) compared to the species sampled at the basin's edge (Erie County; δ 13C, x ¯ = + 2.79‰, PDB; δ 18O, x ¯ = − 3.83‰, PDB). There is a significant separation in isotopic values between the deeper- and shallower-water brachiopods of the basin (Δ 18O = 0.98‰, p = 0.0005; Δ 13C = 2.22‰, p = 0.0005 ). The δ 18O variation suggests a temperature/salinity change with water depth, whereas the change in δ 13C composition probably records an enrichment/depletion of organic matter with water depth. This observation has significant implications for Paleozoic ocean isotopic-evolution studies, because many global changes in marine δ 18O and δ 13C are based on isotopic shifts of similar magnitude.

Environmental and physiological influences on isotopic and elemental compositions of brachiopod shell calcite: Implications for the isotopic evolution of Paleozoic oceans

Brachiopods from the Demissa Bed (Middle Devonian, Hamilton Group) biologically regulated the incorporation of Mg, Sr and Na into their shell calcite. Significant taxonomic differences in the elemental contents of three species ( Athyris spiriferoides, Mediospirifer audacula and Mucrospirifer mucronatus) may be related to differences in calcification processes. In contrast, no significant difference or “vital effects” were observed between the isotopic values of Mediospirifer audacula and Athyris spiriferoides from Erie (Δ 18O=0.03‰, p=0.949; Δ 13C=0.76‰, p=0.083) and Genessee Counties (Δ 18O=0.39‰, p=0.471; Δ 13C=0.06‰, p=0.854). This suggests that these brachiopods did not exert a biological control over their isotopic compositions, and that their shell calcites reflect ambient physicochemical conditions. Isotopic compositions in unaltered shell calcites of brachiopods from Genessee County, which was close to the basin depocentre, are heavy for carbon (δ 13C, χ =+5.01‰, PDB) and oxygen (δ 18C, χ =−2.85‰, PDB) compared to the species sampled at the basin's edge (Erie County; (δ 13C, χ =+2.79‰, PDB; δ 18O, χ =−3.83‰, PDB). There is a significant separation in isotopic values between the deeper- and shallower-water brachiopods of the basin ((δ 18O=0.98‰, p=0.0005; Δ 13C=2.22‰, p=0.0005). The δ 18O variation suggests a temperature/salinity change with water depth, whereas the change in δ 13C composition probably records an enrichment /depletion of organic matter with water depth. This observation has significant implications for Paleozoic ocean isotopic-evolution studies, because many global changes in marine δ 18O and δ 13C are based on isotopic shifts of similar magnitude.

TILE RATIONALE FOR OHIO'S DETERGENT PHOSPHORUS BAN1

ABSTRACT: Ohio signed into law a detergent phosphorus ban on March 26, 1988. This law limits the elemental phosphorus content of household laundry detergents to 0.5 percent in all 35 Lake Erie counties in Ohio by 1990. Ohio's detergent phosphorus ban will help non‐compliant municipal wastewater treatment plants achieve compliance with the 1 mg/L effluent phosphorus standard. By limiting the phosphorus content of household laundry detergents, Ohio will also benefit from less phosphorus entering surface waters from combined sewer overflows, communities with treatment plant bypasses, and riparian homes with septic tanks. This is important because most of the phosphorus in laundry detergents is in the bioavailable form and Ohio's Lake Erie shoreline is particularly sensitive to Cladophora problems. When viewed in conjunction with reduced chemical costs for phosphorus removal and savings in sludge disposal costs, Ohio's detergent phosphorus ban is a pragmatic component of an international phosphorus management strategy to protect the Great Lakes.

Exploration Concepts and Methodology for Deep Medina Sandstone Reservoirs in Northwestern Pennsylvania: ABSTRACT

The blanket, deltaic sandstones of the Lower Silurian Medina Group have been commercially exploited in Pennsylvania since 1947. Rapid escalation of gas prices in the late 1970s triggered a drilling boom for the Medina Group sandstones which shows little signs of abating. Prior to this recent escalation, most Medina activity was concentrated in Crawford and Erie Counties, Pennsylvania, where the Medina is relatively shallow, ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 ft in depth. Since the late 1970s, interest in Pennsylvania's deep medina targets has increased dramatically and several major field complexes have been established. Analysis of various log, completion, and production data and comparison of the Medina play of northwestern Pennsylvania to other tight sand basins of North America reveal that these deeper (5,000-6,000 ft) Medina targets are largely diagenetic in origin and thus are controlled by widely dissimilar processes than their shallower counterparts. Detailed analysis of resistivity logs, production tests, and pressure data indicates a basin-center trapping mechanism for the deeper Medina sandstone reservoirs, similar to the Elmworth field of the Canadian Deep Basin. The local and regional trapping mechanisms of the deeper Medina reservoirs can be identified in the subsurface and closely resemble other major tight-sand basins, providing effectivemore » exploration models. Failure to identify properly the trapping conditions present in site-specific areas can result in inadequate exploration models with associated poor success ratios and inferior per-well recoveries.« less