Publications
These publications showcase the significant science conducted in our Science Centers.
Filter Total Items: 16741
Steroid determination in fish plasma using capillary electrophoresis Steroid determination in fish plasma using capillary electrophoresis
A capillary separation method that incorporates pH-mediated stacking is employed for the simultaneous determination of circulating steroid hormones in plasma from Perca flavescens (yellow perch) collected from natural aquatic environments. The method can be applied to separate eight steroid standards: progesterone, 17α,20β-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, testosterone...
Authors
L. Bykova, S. A. Archer-Hartmann, L.A. Holland, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Vicki S. Blazer
Evaluating propagation method performance over time with Bayesian updating: An application to incubator testing Evaluating propagation method performance over time with Bayesian updating: An application to incubator testing
In captive-rearing programs, small sample sizes can limit the quality of information on performance of propagation methods. Bayesian updating can be used to increase information on method performance over time. We demonstrate an application to incubator testing at USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. A new type of incubator was purchased for use in the whooping crane (Grus americana)
Authors
Sarah J. Converse, J. N. Chandler, Glenn H. Olsen, C. C. Shafer
The release of dissolved nutrients and metals from coastal sediments due to resuspension The release of dissolved nutrients and metals from coastal sediments due to resuspension
Coastal sediments in many regions are impacted by high levels of contaminants. Due to a combination of shallow water depths, waves, and currents, these sediments are subject to regular episodes of sediment resuspension. However, the influence of such disturbances on sediment chemistry and the release of solutes is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to quantify the release of...
Authors
Linda H. Kalnejais, William R. Martin, Michael H. Bothner
Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of some natural jarosites Mineralogical and chemical characteristics of some natural jarosites
This paper presents a detailed study of the mineralogical, microscopic, thermal, and spectral characteristics of jarosite and natrojarosite minerals. Systematic mineralogic and chemical examination of a suite of 32 natural stoichiometric jarosite and natrojarosite samples from diverse supergene and hydrothermal environments indicates that there is only limited solid solution between Na...
Authors
George A. Desborough, Kathleen S. Smith, Heather A. Lowers, Gregg A. Swayze, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Sharon F. Diehl, Reinhard W. Leinz, Rhonda L. Driscoll
Industrial sand and gravel Industrial sand and gravel
Domestic production of industrial sand and gravel in 2009 was about 27 Mt (30 million st), declining by 10 percent compared with 2008. Certain end uses of industrial sand and gravel, such as foundry and glassmaking sand, may have declined by a factor greater than 10 percent in 2009. U.S. apparent consumption was 24.7 Mt (27.2 million st) in 2009, down by 10 percent from the previous year...
Authors
T.P. Dolley
Fluorspar Fluorspar
Statistics on fluorspar consumption, prices, and trade in 2009 are presented. Information on the mine developments and closures and on the outlook for the sector is provided.
Authors
M. Miller
Potash Potash
In 2009, the world potash market deteriorated as world demand, trade and sales fell dramatically. After potash prices reached record high levels in 2008, many consumers and dealers delayed purchases until the price dropped. Potash prices did not recede as quickly as other fertilizer commodities, which led to further increases in potash stocks. In 2009, high stocks and lower demand...
Authors
S.M. Jasinski
Earth mineral resource of the month: asbestos Earth mineral resource of the month: asbestos
The article discusses the characteristics and feature of asbestos. According to the author, asbestos is a generic name for six needle-shaped minerals that possess high tensile strengths, flexibility, and resistance to chemical and thermal degradation. These minerals are actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysolite, crocilodite and tremolite. Asbestos is used for strengthening concrete...
Authors
Robert L. Virta
Mineral resource of the Month: Clay Mineral resource of the Month: Clay
Clays were one of the first mineral commodities used by people. Clay pottery has been found in archeological sites that are 12,000 years old, and clay figurines have been found in sites that are even older.
Authors
Robert L. Virta
Common clay and shale: a look at 2009 activity Common clay and shale: a look at 2009 activity
An overview of clay and shale production, consumption, and prices in 2009 is presented. The industry has seen 15 to 20 percent declines during the past two years, yet producers still expect sales to decline in 2010.
Authors
R.L. Virta
Predictors of occurrence of the aquatic macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum in a southern Appalachian River Predictors of occurrence of the aquatic macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum in a southern Appalachian River
The aquatic macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum (Hornleaf Riverweed) commonly provides habitat for invertebrates and fishes in flowing-water portions of Piedmont and Appalachian streams in the eastern US. We quantified variation in percent cover by P. ceratophyllum in a 39-km reach of the Conasauga River, TN and GA, to test the hypothesis that cover decreased with increasing non-forest...
Authors
Jane E. Argentina, Mary Freeman, Byron J. Freeman