THE NONURBAN ENVIRONMENT, POLLUTION AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Environmental Economics and Policy,

Fungal Pathogens Infecting Soybean Aphid and Aphids on Other Crops Grown in Soybean Production Areas of Michigan

Seasonal prevalence of fungal pathogens infecting soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), was assessed from 2004 to 2006 in two Michigan soybean production areas. In 2005 and 2006 field-collected soybean aphids were incubated, and fungal infection was detected at both sites early in August 2005 during soybean pod development and high soybean aphid densities. Significantly higher proportions of winged aphid morphs were infected (20 and 90% infection at the two sites) than wingless aphid morphs (1 and 3% infection). All cases of mycosis examined involved one pathogen species, Pandora neoaphidis (Remaudiére & Hennebert) Humber (Entomophthorales: Entomophthoraceae). In 2004 and 2005, we surveyed for pathogens of the soy- bean aphid in soybean as well as pathogens in other aphid species feeding on other crop plants (alfalfa, clover, corn, and wheat) by inspecting for sporulating aphid cadavers every 2 to 3 wk during the soybean growing season. Aphid ca- davers were most abundant in alfalfa, especially in August; were less common in clover, corn, and soybean; and were not found in wheat. Pandora neoaphidis was associated with cadavers of Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in alfalfa and clover during the same period when soybean aphid infection was detected. Overall, mortality of soybean aphid and other aphid species due to fungal infection was confirmed in Michigan. The results also implicate infected winged soybean aphid morphs as potential agents for fungal dispersal, and A. pisum in alfalfa and clover as a source of fungal propagules for soybean aphid

New Microanatomical Characters for Scorpion Taxonomy (Arachnida: Scorpiones)

Morphological characters used in scorpion systematics are limited to a few reliable structures. The most recent high-level, comprehensive revision of scorpion phylogeny, 38 of the 105 morphological characters were based on trichobothria – socketed mechanosensory seta (Soleglad & Fet, 2003). Other microstructures such as granules, setae, spines, etc. have been found in scorpions but their use for taxonomy was limited. In an effort to better understand the complex relationships among these ancient but similar looking animals, we attempted to first locate new microstructures and then assess their reliability and variability thus determining the levels at which they are diagnostic. The initial surveys were conducted on representatives of each of the twelve extant families using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After identifying a new structure, comparisons between the families were made, and statistics were applied when warranted. The constellation array, found on the distal end of the fixed chelal finger in all scorpions, can be examined by counting the number of sensilla present and morphometric analysis. The laterobasal aculear serrations (LAS) were found to be a synapomorphy of the family Vaejovidae and exhibited too much intraspecific variability to be diagnostic at lower levels. In a number of families, including Vaejovidae, serrula was found in groups that were documented as lacking the structure. The limited resolution of dissecting microscopes and three-dimensional nature of these structures make the use of a SEM essential to the advancement of scorpion, as well as other arthropod, systematics and to our overall understanding of biodiversity

The statistical mechanics of kink interactions

Using a potential derived from continuum elasticity, the interactions between kinks on a dislocation line are studied as special cases of the problem of a one-dimensional system of interacting particles. By the use of constant pressure ensembles, the principal kink-interaction problems of physical interest are solved. The application of these solutions to the theoretical analyses of work hardening and internal friction is explored and comparisons made to previous work in which kink interactions were neglected; it is found that, as would be expected, variations of equilibrium kink populations with external stress cannot account for the Bordoni peak, which must therefore be identified with a relaxation time phenomenon. A new type of internal friction is predicted, with a logarithmic decrement independent of frequency by showing a sharp amplitude dependence opposite in slope to that previously predicted from consideration of kinks --Abstract, page ii

U.S. Drought Monitor, October 21, 2014

Drought map of U.S. for October 21, 2014 (10/21/14) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat

Master of Science

thesisPublic health messages have focused on the health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a needs-based program that offers nutrition education and a food supplement or voucher. This study assesses the effect that WIC participation has on availability of healthy food. Additionally, this study accounts for potential nonrandom selection bias into WIC by employing techniques that address self-selection bias. The data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-10 Consumer Behavior Survey. Results from switching regression equations reveal that WIC participation is negatively associated with fruit and dark leafy green vegetable availability at home. More research needs to be conducted on the effects of WIC participation on household food availability

U.S. Drought Monitor, October 21, 2014

Drought map of U.S. for October 21, 2014 (10/21/14) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat