bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental design for spatial sampling applied to the study of tropical forest regeneration
Authors: Dessard H , Bar-Hen A
Published: June 2005

For practical reasons, estimating seed production in tropical forest is only possible by sampling. Classical sampling designs (random or systematic) give poor estimations of seed abundance. The spatial disposition of the trees, combined with nonuniform seed dispersal, leads to a highly heterogeneous spatial distribution of the seeds. We propose a random stratified sampling design based on a model that takes account of seed dispersal processes and the location of the trees. We assume a gamma distribution for dispersal distances. The overall seed dispersal area is divided into adjacent quadrats. In each quadrat, the number of seeds follows a Poisson distribution with the mean derived from the model. We estimate model parameters from the results of a previous study and give the variance of the HorvitzThompson estimator of population total for stratified and random sampling designs. A simulation study is used to find the optimal number of strata, and the performance of the sampling design is evaluated. For each model, we compared the variance of the estimator of population total obtained with the stratified sampling design with that obtained with the random sampling design with the same sample size. The stratified sampling design is, on average, 25 times as precise as the random sampling design.
Evidence for associations between SilviScan-measured wood properties and intraring checking in a study of twenty-nine 6-year-oldPinus radiata
Authors: Ball Roderick D , McConchie Mike S , Cown Dave J
Published: June 2005

Wood anatomical characteristics of twenty-nine 6-year-old Pinus radiata D. Don trees, selected to represent the extremes of intraring checking, were assessed with SilviScan. Derived ring-level summary variables were calculated from the SilviScan pith-to-bark wood property traces, based on ring means, standard deviations, and quantiles. Incidence of checking was assessed on discs that had been oven dried using a standardized method, and evidence for associations between wood characteristics and checking was evaluated at the tree and ring level using Bayesian statistical methods. Bayes factors of 39.1, 14.9, and 7.8 were obtained at the tree level, representing moderate to good evidence for associations between ring medians of wood density, tracheid radial diameter, and cell wall thickness, respectively. Increasing wood density, decreasing tracheid radial diameter, and increasing cell wall thickness were associated with reduced incidence of checking. These are parameters expected a priori to contribute to tracheid cells' resistance to collapse under drying stresses. A generalized linear model with radial diameter and cell wall thickness as independent variables had a concordance of 83% for predicting the checking status of trees.
Interspecific divergence in foliar nutrient dynamics and stem growth in a temperate forest in response to chronic nitrogen inputs
Authors: May Jeffrey D , Burdette Sarah Beth , Gilliam Frank S , Adams Mary Beth
Published: June 2005

We studied the effects of excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization on foliar nutrient dynamics and stem growth in three important tree species in a mixed-deciduous forest. Stem diameter growth, foliar N concentrations, nitrogenphosphorus (N/P) ratios, and nutrient resorption were determined for Acer rubrum L. (ACRU), Liriodendron tulipi fera L. (LITU), and Prunus serotina Ehrh. (PRSE) on two 30-year-old watersheds at the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia, USA: WS3, fertilized annually with 35 kg ammonium sulfate·ha1 since 1989, and WS7, an untreated control watershed. In an earlier (1992) study, foliar N concentrations of all three species averaged 11% higher in WS3 than in WS7. By 2000, that was no longer the case for any species; indeed N in ACRU leaves was 13% lower in WS3 that year. N/P ratios were elevated in WS3 only in PRSE in 1992 and in both ACRU and PRSE in 1997, but by 2001, mean N/P for all three species was lower in WS3. N resorption efficiencies were 30% lower in WS3 in ACRU and PRSE, but not in LITU. Stem diameter growth in WS3 was 55% lower in ACRU and 30% lower in LITU and PRSE compared with that in WS7. Results may indicate declining growth vigor in ACRU and, to a lesser extent, PRSE and LITU in the fertilized watershed. Observed interspecific differences in growth and plant nutrition responses suggest eventual changes in species composition under increasing N saturation.
Movement patterns and relative abundance of coastal tailed frogs in clearcuts and mature forest stands
Authors: Matsuda Brent M , Richardson John S
Published: June 2005

Age-specific movements, abundance, and capture rates of coastal tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei Stejneger) were compared between clearcuts and mature forests in southwestern British Columbia, Canada, during 1998 and 1999 using pitfall traps and drift-fence arrays. Total frog abundance was similar in both habitat types. More adults were caught in mature stands than in clearcuts, but there was no significant difference for immatures. Analysis of numbers of frogs captured indicated that the direction of movement did not differ between habitat types for any age-class. Frogs were captured at similar frequencies across distance from stream in both habitats. These findings suggest that there are age-specific differences in tailed frog abundance in clearcuts along streams without riparian reserves relative to mature forests. Variation among sites had a greater influence than habitat type on the number of immatures. Low proportions of adults in clearcuts suggested that immatures may be transient or that they incurred high rates of mortality. Age-specific differences in habitat use by tailed frogs indicated that total numbers alone are insufficient to determine the effect of forest management on habitat suitability for tailed frogs.
Atmospheric emissions of methyl isothiocyanate and chloropicrin following soil fumigation and surface containment treatment in bare-root forest nurseries
Authors: Wang D , Juzwik J , Fraedrich S W , Spokas K , Zhang Y , Koskinen W C
Published: June 2005

Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) and chloropicrin (CP) are alternatives to methyl bromide for soil fumigation. However, surface transport of MITC emission has been cited as the cause for seedling damage in adjacent fields at several bare-root forest-tree nurseries. Field experiments were conducted at nurseries in Wisconsin and Georgia to measure air emissions of MITC and CP after fumigation. Four treatments were tested as combinations of two fumigants (dazomet or coapplication of CP and metam sodium) and two surface containment treatments (tarp or water seal). A very small percentage (<5%) of the applied equivalent of MITC was lost through either surface treatment over a 2-week period, and lower emissions occurred with the water seal. Cumulative emissions of CP accounted for 10%22% of the applied CP. With all surface containment treatments, more than 70% of total cumulative emissions of either MITC or CP occurred within 1 week of application. Either surface containment treatment can be used by nursery managers to reduce risk of MITC emissions that could cause damage to nearby seedling crops or harm to humans.
NIR spectral information used to predict water content of pine seeds from multivariate calibration
Authors: Lestander Torbjörn A , Geladi Paul
Published: June 2005

It is possible to predict the water content (6%32%) of pine seeds  single seeds at 30 degree-days and bulk samples at 45 degree-days  using multivariate calibration models based on the near infrared (NIR) spectra (11002200 nm) of the seeds. One would expect the water peaks in the NIR spectra to contribute uniquely to the models, but this is not entirely the case. Different ways of studying models and spectra reveal that the contribution of the spectral information to the calibration models is complicated and nonlinear. Model parameters also show contributions from the biological processes in the seeds. Regression models between water content and NIR spectra using biorthogonal partial least squares (BPLS) showed that water content was associated with overtones of HOH, mainly around the peak of water at 19301940 nm, as expected. However, overtones of CH, C=O, and NH also influenced the BPLS models. This was caused by evolving biological phenomena, such as respiration and protein metabolism in imbibed seeds, and hence gave more complex regression models of seedwater interaction. There was also a difference in NH absorption that indicated enhanced protein metabolism at prolonged degree-days.
Large woody debris characteristics and contributions to pool formation in forest streams of the Boreal Shield
Authors: Kreutzweiser David P , Good Kevin P , Sutton Trent M
Published: June 2005

The inputs, characteristics, and function of large woody debris (LWD) were assessed in 16 mid-order (average channel widths of 37 m), moderate-gradient (approx. 1%5% channel slopes) streams in mixedwood forests of the Boreal Shield in Ontario. Three of the streams were adjacent to clearcuts, with the remainder in areas that have not been logged or recently (>70 years) burned. The average frequency (19.9 pieces·100 m1) and size (mean diameter 16.7 cm) of LWD in these streams were less than reported in most other regions and forest types. Averaged across sites, input sources were undetermined for about 50% of the LWD owing to fluvial displacement from the points of origin. Natural mortality (24%) and windthrow (15%) were primary input sources of the remaining LWD. Windthrow was highly variable and mostly associated with nearby clear-cut logging. At the three sites near clearcuts, windthrow contributed 34%62% of LWD in streams. In study reaches where active beaver colonies were observed, beaver-felled trees accounted for up to 47% of LWD inputs. The average frequency of debris dams (2.4 dams·100 m1) was less than those reported from studies in other areas and was positively correlated with an index of bottom substrate size (r = 0.72). Less than 15% of the pools in these streams were formed or influenced by LWD. Most wood pieces appeared to be ineffective as pool-forming agents because of their relatively small size and instability. In these Boreal Shield forests, it appears that most riparian trees do not live long enough or grow to sufficient size to contribute functional LWD and influence stream morphology or pool formation.
PREMIUM FORECASTING OF AN INSURANCE COMPANY: AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
Authors: FOULADVAND M. EBRAHIM , DAROONEH AMIR H.
Published: June 2005

We present an analytical study of an insurance company. We model the company's performance on a statistical basis and evaluate the predicted annual income of the company in terms of insurance parameters namely the premium, the total number of insured, average loss claims etc. We restrict ourselves to a single insurance class the so-called automobile insurance. We show the existence of a crossover premium pc below which the company is operating at a loss. Above pc, we also give a detailed statistical analysis of the company's financial status and obtain the predicted profit along with the corresponding risk as well as ruin probability in terms of premium. Furthermore we obtain the optimal premium p opt which maximizes the company's profit.
AUTO-BÄCKLUND TRANSFORMATION AND NEW EXACT SOLUTIONS OF THE (2 + 1)-DIMENSIONAL NIZHNIK–NOVIKOV–VESELOV EQUATION
Authors: WANG DENGSHAN , ZHANG HONG-QING
Published: June 2005

In this paper, making use of the truncated Laurent series expansion method and symbolic computation we get the auto-Bäcklund transformation of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation. As a result, single soliton solution, single soliton-like solution, multi-soliton solution, multi-soliton-like solution, the rational solution and other exact solutions of the (2 + 1)-dimensional Nizhnik–Novikov–Veselov equation are found. These solutions may be useful to explain some physical phenomena.
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE SPIN GLASS PROPERTIES OF THE HOPFIELD NEURAL NETWORK MODEL
Authors: YAŞAR FATİH
Published: June 2005

In this work, the Hopfield neural network model with infinite-range interactions is simulated by using the multicanonical algorithm. All simulations and measurements are done in spin glass states of the model with discrete ± 1 values of the random variables. Physical quantities such as the energy density, the ground-state entropy and the order parameters are evaluated at all temperatures. Our results in the spin glass region show multiple degenerate ground-states and good agreement with the replica symmetry mean field solutions.
CONFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS OF POLYALANYL CHAINS
Authors: GÖKOĞLU GÖKHAN , ARKIN HANDAN , ÇELIK TARIK
Published: June 2005

Including all-atom interactions and solution effects, we have simulated the monoalanine dipeptide and short polyalanyl chains by multicanonical algorithm, in order to determine and compare their low-lying microstates and thermodynamically stable conformations.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND GLOBAL CHANGE: The Holocene Record
Authors: Kirch Patrick V.
Published: June 2005

▪ Abstract  Although human-induced changes to the global environment and natural biotic resources, collectively labeled “global change” and the “biodiversity crisis,” have accelerated with industrialization over the past 300 years, such changes have a much longer history. Particularly since the rise of agriculturally based societies and associated population expansion during the early Holocene, humans have had cumulative and often irreversible impacts on natural landscapes and biotic resources worldwide. Archaeologists, often working closely with natural scientists in interdisciplinary projects, have accumulated a large body of empirical evidence documenting such changes as deforestation, spread of savannahs, increased rates of erosion, permanent rearrangements of landscapes for agriculture, resource depression and depletion (and in many cases, extinction) in prehistory. In some areas and time periods, environmental change led to long-term negative consequences for regional human populations, whereas in other cases, changes favored intensification of production and increased population sizes. Drawing upon case studies from North America, Mesoamerica, the Mediterranean, Near East, India, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, the diversity of types of prehistoric human-induced environmental change is assessed, along with the kinds of empirical evidence that support these interpretations. These findings have important implications both for the understanding of long-term human socioeconomic and political changes and for ecologists who need to assess current environmental dynamics in the context of longer-term environmental history.
AQUACULTURE AND OCEAN RESOURCES: Raising Tigers of the Sea
Authors: Naylor Rosamond , Burke Marshall
Published: June 2005

▪ Abstract  With continued human pressure on marine fisheries and ocean resources, aquaculture has become one of the most promising avenues for increasing marine fish production in the future. This review presents recent trends and future prospects for the aquaculture industry, with particular attention paid to ocean farming and carnivorous finfish species. The benefits of farming carnivorous fish have been challenged; extensive research on salmon has shown that farming such fish can have negative ecological, social, and health impacts on areas and parties vastly separated in space. Similar research is only beginning for the new carnivorous species farmed or ranched in marine environments, such as cod, halibut, and bluefin tuna. These fish have large market potential and are likely to play a defining role in the future direction of the aquaculture industry. We review the available literature on aquaculture development of carnivorous finfish species and assess its potential to relieve human pressure on marine fisheries, many of which have experienced sharp declines.
Antigenicity and Immunocrossreactivity of Orange Tree Pollen and Orange Fruit Allergenic Extracts
Authors: Irañeta Silvia G. , Seoane Marta A. , Laucella Susana A. , Apicella Carolina , Alonso Angel , Duschak Vilma G.
Published: June 2005

Background: It is important to study the crossreactivity between orange tree pollen (OTPE) and orange fruit (OFE) due to the high incidence of pollen/food-related allergies worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the antigenic relationship between OTPE and OFE. Methods: OTPE and OFErabbit antisera as well as sera from patients allergic to OTPE and OFE were comparatively applied in IgG- and/or IgE-specific ELISA inhibition, crossover or inhibition immunoblotting assays using OTPE and OFE allergenic extracts as solid phase. Periodate and proteinase K treatments were used for carbohydrate and protein depletion, respectively. Results: The antigenicity of OTPE and the presence of common structures between OTPE and OFE extracts were demonstrated by rabbit IgG-specific ELISA inhibition and crossover immunoblotting assays. A 30-kDa protein, common target of the IgE response on OTPE, OFE and mandarin extract, but absent in lemon extract, was identified by ELISA and immunoblot inhibition assays in patients suffering from primary sensitization to OTPE in the context of occupational exposure. Moreover, biochemical treatments showed that antigenic epitopes on the 30-kDa protein contain polypeptidic but no carbohydrate moieties. Conclusions: The antigenicity of OTPE, the presence of common antigenic determinants between pollen and citrus fruits and an IgE-specific crossreactive protein band of 30 kDa sharing carbohydrate-free epitopes were described. After isolation and purification, this common antigen might be useful for allergen immunotherapy in pollen/fruit-related allergic patients.
Suppression of Th2 Immune Responses by Mekabu Fucoidan from  Undaria pinnatifida Sporophylls
Authors: Maruyama Hiroko , Tamauchi Hidekazu , Hashimoto Minoru , Nakano Takahisa
Published: June 2005

Background: We demonstrated that mekabu fucoidan obtained from Undaria pinnatifida (Up) sporophylls augments the type 1 T-helper (Th1) cell response in normal BALB/c mice. In this study, we examined the effects of the fucoidan of mekabu on the type 2 T-helper (Th2) response in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) after ovalbumin (OVA) aerosol challenge. Methods: Mekabu fucoidan (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally into BALB/c mice for 4 days, and then the mice were sensitized with 50 µg/mouse of OVA plus alum (1 mg/mouse) 1 and 8 days later. The mice were challenged with OVA delivered using a nebulizer 7, 8 and 9 days after the second challenge with OVA plus alum. After 24 h, we assessed T cell responses in BALF by measuring the amount of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and γ-interferon (IFN-γ) produced by Th1 cells. Results: The production of Th2 cytokines was suppressed (p < 0.05), and the amount of IFN-γ was not increased in the mice treated with mekabu fucoidan. Anti-OVA immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgE levels in serum determined after challenge with aerosolized OVA at the end of the experiment were lower (p < 0.05) in the treated than in the control mice. Conclusions: The pulmonary inflammation was relieved by mekabu fucoidan, which also downregulated Th2-dominated responses. These results indicate that mekabu fucoidan modulates Th2 responses and might be useful for treating allergic inflammation.
Hazelnut Allergy: Evidence that Hazelnut Can Directly Elicit Specific IgE Antibody Response via Activating Type 2 Cytokines in Mice
Authors: Birmingham Neil , Gangur Venu , Samineni Sridhar , Navuluri Lalitha , Kelly Caleb
Published: June 2005

Background: Hazelnut is one of the major tree nuts that causes potentially fatal food allergy, with underlying mechanisms that are unclear at present. One suggestion is that hazelnut allergy results from immune crossreactivity of IgE antibodies produced against certain aeroallergens. We tested the hypothesis that hazelnut is intrinsically capable of eliciting an allergic response using a mouse model. Methods: Groups of mice were injected intraperitoneally with hazelnut/filbert protein extract with or without alum as an adjuvant, and hazelnut-specific antibody (IgE, IgG1) responses were examined using optimized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hazelnut-specific type 2 and type 1 cytokine responses were evaluated by ex vivo antigen-mediated activation of spleen cells. Results: Hazelnut elicited robust IgE and IgG1 antibody responses. Timecourse and dose-response analyses further provided evidence for memory type 2-dependent antibody responses to hazelnuts. Hazelnut-specific IgE response in two strains of mice with different MHC haplotypes and IgE response to hazelnut without the use of alum adjuvant asserted that hazelnut is intrinsically an allergenic food. The type 2 cytokine analyses revealed that hazelnut sensitization results from activation of IL-4 and IL-5, thus providing a mechanistic basis for hazelnut-specific IgE response. Conclusion: Our data argue that hazelnut – a widely consumed food – is intrinsically an allergenic food capable of directly eliciting hazelnut-binding specific IgE antibodies viaactivation of type 2 cytokines in mice.
Association of Low Red Blood Cell Folate Concentrations with Coronary Artery Disease in Iranians: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Golbahar Jamal , Rezaian Golamreza , Fathi Z. , Aminzadeh Mohammad A.
Published: June 2005

Background: It is not fully established whether the increasing risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with high plasma homocysteine levels or components of the homocysteine remethylation pathway, e.g. vitamin B12 or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in plasma and red blood cells (RBC). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that 5-MTHF in RBC, which represents the long-term folate status of individuals, may be a more reliable marker of homocysteine remethylation pathway disturbances, and its deficiency may be associated with CAD in Iranians. Methods: Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), vitamin B12, and plasma and RBC 5-MTHF were measured in 200 angiographically documented patients and 200 controls matched for sex and age. Results: In the plasma, tHcy levels were significantly higher in cases compared to controls (geometric mean 12.9 ± 6.5 vs. 10.6 ± 5.6 µmol/l, p = 0.04). However, RBC 5-MTHF (527.2 ± 185.9 vs. 461.3 ± 117.9 nmol/l, p = 0.007) and vitamin B12 (254.2 ± 132.8 vs. 182.2 ± 110.4 pmol/l, p = 0.04) were significantly higher in controls than patients. RBC 5-MTHF was a strong and independent predictor of plasma tHcy (β = –0.01, p = 0.003, r2 = 0.19). Subjects in the lowest quartile of red-cell 5-MTHF had a 2.5-fold increased prevalence of CAD compared to subjects in the highest quartile. The association of CAD in the first quartile with red-cell 5-MTHF remained significant when adjusted for plasma tHcy, vitamin B12, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio, OR 2.3, confidence interval: 1.1–3.9, p = 0.01). However, the association between CAD in the highest quartile and plasma tHcy decreased and became insignificant when adjusted for red-cell 5-MTHF, vitamin B12, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.27, confidence interval: 0.96–1.69, p = 0.11). Conclusion: In this study, the association between CAD and low RBC 5-MTHF was stronger than with plasma 5-MTHF and plasma tHcy levels, indicating that RBC 5-MTHF may be a more stable parameter to study disturbances in the homocysteine remethylation pathway in Iranians.
Renoprotective Action of Fenoldopam in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Bove Tiziana , Landoni Giovanni , Grazia Calabrò Maria , Aletti Giacomo , Marino Giovanni , Cerchierini Elisa , Crescenzi Giuseppe , Zangrillo Alberto
Published: June 2005

Background—

Acute renal failure is a serious complication of cardiac surgery causing high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of fenoldopam, a specific agonist of the dopamine-1 receptor, in patients at high risk of perioperative renal dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

A prospective single-center, randomized, double-blind trial was performed after local ethical committee approval and after written consent was obtained from 80 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients received either fenoldopam at 0.05 μg/kg per minute or dopamine at 2.5 μg/kg per minute after the induction of anesthesia for a 24-hour period. All these patients were at high risk of perioperative renal dysfunction as indicated by Continuous Improvement in Cardiac Surgery Program score >10. Primary end point was defined as 25% creatinine increase from baseline levels after cardiac surgery. The 2 groups (fenoldopam versus dopamine) were homogeneous cohorts, and no difference in outcome was observed. Acute renal failure was similar: 17 of 40 (42.5%) in the fenoldopam group and 16 of 40 (40%) in the dopamine group (
P
=0.9). Peak postoperative serum creatinine level, intensive care unit and hospital stay, and mortality were also similar in the 2 groups.

Conclusions—

Despite an increasing number of reports of renal protective properties from fenoldopam, we observed no difference in the clinical outcome compared with dopamine in a high-risk population undergoing cardiac surgery.
Phylogenetic analysis of the subfamily Hylodinae (Anura, Leptodactylidae) based on morphological characters
Authors: Nuin Paulo A.S. , do Val Francisca C.
Published: June 2005

The systematics and phylogenetic relationships of the family Leptodactylidae
are controversial as is the intrafamilial phylogeny of the leptodactylids.
Here we analyze the relationships of the leptodactylid subfamily Hylodinae.
This subfamily has been considered to be monophyletic and composed of three
genera, Hylodes, Crossodactylus and Megaelosia. In the present study 49
characters were used, based on different studies on Leptodactylidae
phylogeny. Maximum parsimony methods with unweighted and successively
weighted characters were used to estimate the phylogeny of the Hylodinae.
Upon analysis, the data provided further evidence of the monophyletic status
of the three genera, with Megaelosia being the basal genus and the other two
genera being sister taxa. The analysis with successive weighting results in
a more resolved topology of the species subgroups of the genus Hylodes and
separates this genus from Crossodactylus and confirms that the hylodines are
monophyletic.
A multivariate analysis of geographic variation in the Trapelus agilis complex (Sauria: Agamidae)
Authors: Rastegar-Pouyani Nasrullah
Published: June 2005

The "Trapelus agilis complex" encompasses three conventional taxa: T. a. agilis (Olivier), T. a. isolepis (Boulenger), and T. a. sanguinolentus (= T. sanguinolentus) (Pallas). In previous studies the author revised this complex, synonymized T. a. isolepis with T. a. agilis, and recognized four distinct subspecies within the complex: T. a. agilis from central Iranian Plateau, southern Afghanistan, and southwestern Pakistan; T. a. sanguinolentus from northeastern Iran, northern Afghanistan, and the Central Asian Republics of the former USSR as well as Daghestan; T. a. khuzistanensis from the lowland southwestern Iran; and T. a. pakistanensis from southeastern Pakistan as well as adjoining northwestern India. In order to re-evaluate this judgment and to resolve the patterns of geographic variation within and among the mentioned four taxa, cluster analysis, principal components analysis, and canonical variate analysis were employed using 18 most informative morphological characters recorded for 522 undamaged and fully-grown specimens belonging to 19 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) throughout the range. The principal components as well as canonical variate analyses identified four primary groups of individuals corresponding to the four taxa recognized by the previous studies.
A new species of the genus Physalaemus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from the Atlantic Rain Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Pimenta Bruno V.S. , Cruz Carlos Alberto Gonçalves , Silvano Débora L.
Published: June 2005

A new species of the Physalaemus signifer group from the Atlantic Rain Forest of the state of Bahia is described and illustrated. It is characterized by a well-developed vocal sac, second finger with the same size or longer than fourth, finely rugose dorsal skin, and distinct structure of advertisement call, composed of densely aggregated pulses. Information on tadpole external morphology and advertisement call structure are presented. Uma nova espécie do grupo de Physalaemus signifer da Mata Atlântica do Estado da Bahia é descrita e ilustrada. É caracterizada pelo saco vocal bem desenvolvido, o segundo dedo com comprimento igual ou maior que o quarto, pele do dorso finamente rugosa e estrutura distinta do canto de anúncio, composto por pulsos densamente agregados. Informações sobre a morfologia externa do girino e a estrutura do canto de anúncio são apresentadas.
Fluctuating asymmetry in Podarcis muralis populations from Southern Montenegro: detection of environmental stress in insular populations
Authors: Crnobrnja-Isailovic Jelka , Aleksic Ivan , Bejakovic Davor
Published: June 2005

We examined degree of between-sides difference in number of femoral pores
(fluctuating asymmetry, FA) in Podarcis muralis populations, distributed on
islands and in coastal area of Lake Skadar (Southern Montenegro). The aim of
this study was to test sensitivity of fluctuating asymmetry of chosen trait
to isolation effect in the absence of anthropogenic impacts. The results
indicate that FA in the number of femoral pores do not vary significantly
between insular populations of P. muralis. Generally, there is negative but
non-significant correlation between island size and FA level. Also,
overdominance hypothesis of enhanced developmental homeostasis at higher
levels of heterozygosity was not confirmed in this study. The results
support earlier conclusions obtained from electrophoretic studies, that
analyzed insular populations from Lake Skadar archipelago still do not
suffer deleterious effects as a result of isolation.
Annual variation of breeding patterns of the toad, Melanophryniscus rubriventris (Vellard, 1947)
Authors: Vaira Marcos
Published: June 2005

Climate may play a direct role in determining patterns of reproductive activity in anurans. Investigating the responses of males and females attending a breeding site to environmental variation are of particular interest regardless the possible effect of climate change on the decline of populations. I studied annual variation over two years in the breeding population size and breeding phenology of the diurnal toad, Melanophryniscus rubriventris, in a seasonal environment characterized by temporal and spatial uncertainty due to climatic conditions. Breeding activity of this toad was opportunistic throughout a prolonged spring-summer breeding season. Direct influence of rainfall on the onset and extent of breeding activity was detected in both years. Spawning activity showed a clear pattern of two three-day peaks mostly related to heavy rainfall events. Males always significantly outnumbered females at breeding sites. The disparity of rainy season extent between the two breeding seasons studied resulted in different annual patterns of arrival and length of residence of adults. Males and females remained several days longer during the second year than during the first year. Because adults showed highly variable annual patterns of breeding activity studies involving only a few years may yield misleading results concerning the nature and extent of the decline of the species or populations. Future studies on the ecology and conservation of the species should include long-term monitoring.
Mixing and Entrainment in the Red Sea Outflow Plume. Part II: Turbulence Characteristics
Authors: Peters Hartmut , Johns William E.
Published: June 2005

South of the Strait of Bab el Mandeb, saline Red Sea Water flows downslope into the Gulf of Aden mainly along the narrow 130-km-long “Northern Channel” (NC) and the shorter and wider “Southern Channel” (SC). In the NC, the Red Sea plume simultaneously exhibited weak entrainment into a 35–120-m-thick, weakly stratified bottom layer while a 35–285-m-thick interfacial layer above showed signs of vigorous mixing, overturns up to 30 m thick, and extensive zones of gradient Richardson numbers below 1/4. Turbulent overturning scales, or Thorpe scales, are extracted from regular CTD profiles and equated to Ozmidov scales. On this basis, interfacial mixing is quantified in terms of estimated turbulent dissipation rates, vertical turbulent salt flux, and interfacial stress. Even though these estimates are subject to significant uncertainty, they demonstrate the intensity of mixing during strong winter outflow in terms of eddy diffusivities Kρ on the order of 10−2 m2 s−1. The large Kρ occur in strong stratification such that vertical turbulent salt fluxes are also large. Along the NC, relative maxima of Kρ correspond to maxima in the bulk Froude number. Direct short-term measurements of the Reynolds stress just above the seafloor at two locations, one in the NC and one in the SC, allow comparisons of the bottom stress τb with the interfacial turbulent stress τi. The ratio τi/τb shows large scatter in a small sample, with maximum values on the order of 1. An appendix outlines procedures of making and reducing lowered acoustic Doppler current profiler measurements optimized for observing descending plumes.
On Deep-Water Renewals in Indian Arm, British Columbia: Sensitivity to the Production of Turbulent Kinetic Energy Caused by Horizontal Variations in the Flow Field
Authors: Stacey Michael W. , Pond S.
Published: June 2005

A two-dimensional (i.e., laterally averaged) numerical model of the circulation in Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm near British Columbia, Canada, is used to examine the sensitivity of deep-water renewal events in Indian Arm to the turbulent mixing in the lee of the narrow sills in Burrard Inlet. Horizontal variations in the flow field can have an important influence on the production of turbulent kinetic energy near the sills and therefore also on the renewal events in Indian Arm. An ad hoc modification to the expression for the production of turbulent kinetic energy, required to obtain an acceptable simulation downstream of Second Narrows in Burrard Inlet, also results in a reasonable simulation of the observed circulation in Indian Arm. The modified laterally averaged model can reproduce the main features of the circulation away from the narrow sills. However, it seems that a three-dimensional model will be required if the circulation is to be simulated with greater accuracy and without the ad hoc modification, which has a free parameter.
The North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre in Four High-Resolution Models
Authors: Treguier A. M. , Theetten S. , Chassignet E. P. , Penduff T. , Smith R. , Talley L. , Beismann J. O. , Böning C.
Published: June 2005

The authors present the first quantitative comparison between new velocity datasets and high-resolution models in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre [1/10° Parallel Ocean Program model (POPNA10), Miami Isopycnic Coordinate Ocean Model (MICOM), ⅙° Atlantic model (ATL6), and Family of Linked Atlantic Ocean Model Experiments (FLAME)]. At the surface, the model velocities agree generally well with World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) drifter data. Two noticeable exceptions are the weakness of the East Greenland coastal current in models and the presence in the surface layers of a strong southwestward East Reykjanes Ridge Current. At depths, the most prominent feature of the circulation is the boundary current following the continental slope. In this narrow flow, it is found that gridded float datasets cannot be used for a quantitative comparison with models. The models have very different patterns of deep convection, and it is suggested that this could be related to the differences in their barotropic transport at Cape Farewell. Models show a large drift in watermass properties with a salinization of the Labrador Sea Water. The authors believe that the main cause is related to horizontal transports of salt because models with different forcing and vertical mixing share the same salinization problem. A remarkable feature of the model solutions is the large westward transport over Reykjanes Ridge [10 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) or more].
On the Effect of Topographically Enhanced Mixing on the Global Ocean Circulation
Authors: Saenko O. A. , Merryfield W. J.
Published: June 2005

The strong influence of enhanced diapycnal mixing over rough topography on bottom-water circulation is illustrated using results from two global ocean model experiments. In the first, diapycnal diffusivity is set to the observed background level of 10−5 m2 s−1 in regions not subject to shear instability, convection, or surface-driven mixing. In the second experiment, mixing is enhanced above rough bottom topography to represent the dissipation of internal tides. Three important results are obtained. First, without the enhanced mixing in the abyssal ocean, the deep North Pacific Ocean becomes essentially a stagnant basin, with little bottom-water circulation and very weak deep stratification. Allowing for the enhanced diapycnal mixing above rough bottom topography leads to increased bottom-water circulation and deep stratification and a potential vorticity distribution in the North Pacific that is much more realistic. Second, the enhanced diapycnal mixing above rough topography results in a significant intensification and deepening of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, as well as in stronger bottom-water formation around Antarctica. Last, our experiments suggest that dissipation of internal tides and the associated enhanced diapycnal mixing in the abyssal ocean play no part in the circulation of deep water forming in the North Atlantic Ocean and in the associated transport of heat in the ocean.
A Simplified 3D Oceanic Model Assimilating Geostrophic Currents: Application to the POMME Experiment
Authors: Giordani Hervé , Caniaux Guy , Prieur Louis
Published: June 2005

A simplified oceanic model is developed to easily perform cheap and realistic mesoscale simulations on an annual scale. This simplified three-dimensional oceanic model is obtained by degenerating the primitive equations system by prescribing continuously analysis-derived geostrophic currents Ug into the momentum equation in substitution of the horizontal pressure gradient. Simplification is provided by a time sequence of Ug called guide, which is used as a low-resolution and low-frequency interpolator. This model is thus necessarily coupled to systems providing geostrophic currents—that is, ocean circulation models, analyzed/reanalyzed fields, or climatologies. In this model, the mass and currents fields are constrained to adjust to the geostrophic guide at all scales. The vertical velocity is deduced from the vorticity equation, which ensures the coherence between the vertical motion and the geostrophic structures evolution. Horizontal and vertical advection are the coupling processes that can be activated independently from each other and offer the possibility to (i) continuously derive a three-dimensional model when all processes are activated, (ii) understand how some retroaction loops are generated, and (iii) study development of structures as a function of the geostrophic environment. The model was tested during a 50-day lasting simulation over the Program Océan Multidisciplinaire Méso Echelle (POMME) experiment (northeast Atlantic Ocean, September 2000–October 2001). Optimal analyzed geostrophic currents were derived weekly during POMME from a quasigeostrophic model assimilating altimeter data. Comparison with independent in situ and satellite data indicates that this simulation is very realistic and does not drift, thanks to the prescribed geostrophic guide.
The Effects of Mesoscale Eddies on the Stratification and Transport of an Ocean with a Circumpolar Channel
Authors: Henning Cara C. , Vallis Geoffrey K.
Published: June 2005

The effects of eddies in a primitive equation ocean model configured in a single hemisphere domain with circumpolar channels at their poleward ends are investigated; in particular, two regimes for the mass balance in the channel are investigated. With small overlying winds, the channel stratification is largely set by diffusion operating in the gyre portion of the domain: the depth scale varies with a fractional power of the diffusivity but has little dependence on the wind stress. As the winds are increased, the depth becomes increasingly controlled by a tendency toward small residual circulation. In this limit, a scaling theory is derived for the stratification in the channel that predicts the overall depth of the thermocline as a power of the wind stress and that allows the eddy length scale to differ from the channel length scale. The predicted depth depends on the details of the closure chosen for the eddy buoyancy flux, but in general it varies as some fractional power of the wind stress, and a channel-only numerical simulation agrees well with this prediction. When a gyre region is added to the channel, vertical diffusion in the gyre exerts some control on the channel stratification even at higher winds, forcing the mass balance into a mixed regime in which both eddy and diffusive effects are important. The depth scale varies less with the wind stress than in a channel-only configuration, and the residual mean circulation in the channel is maintained by the convergence of cross-isopycnal eddy buoyancy fluxes.
A Qualitative Study of Religious Practices by Chronic Mentally Ill and their Caregivers in South India
Authors: Padmavati R. , Thara R. , Corin Ellen
Published: June 2005

Background: Socio-cultural explanatory factors for mental health problems determine help seeking behaviors. The study aimed to understand the reasons mentally ill patients and their families in India choose to seek help from a religious site.

Materials and methods: Persons with mental illness and their families were interviewed at religious sites using a guideline questionnaire. Issues such as significant life events, explanations for perceived abnormal behavior and reasons for choosing a specific religious site for ‘treatment’ were explored.

Discussion: Seeking religious help for mental disorders is often a first step in the management of mental disorders as a result of cultural explanations for the illness. This behavior also has social sanctions.
Development and Validation of the Chinese Version of Indiana Job Satisfaction Scale (CV-IJSS) for People with Mental Illness
Authors: Tsang Hector W.H. , Wong Alvin
Published: June 2005

Job satisfaction has been increasingly regarded as an important outcome of vocational rehabilitation programs among people with mental illness. Chinese measures of job satisfaction for individuals with mental illness are however extremely scarce. The aim of this study was to translate the 32-item Indiana Job Satisfaction Scale to Chinese. By means of the expert panel method, the culturally relevant 28-item Chinese Version of Indiana Job Satisfaction Scale (CV-IJSS) was then finalized. A validation study among a group of 125 individuals with mental illness showed that the scale had acceptable psychometric properties. Coefficient alpha of the total score was 0.81 with subscales ranging from 0.63 to 0.87. Test re-test reliability as measured by ICC was 0.77 for the total score and ranged from 0.54 to 0.72 for the subscales. Factorial analysis yielded a four factor solution (general satisfaction, job ambiguity and stress, advancement and security, and job recognition) accounting for 44% of the total variance. The factor solution had similarities as well as differences when compared with the Indiana Job Satisfaction Scale. The differences are discussed in the light of cultural differences. Relationship between scores of CV-IJSS and work performance, quality of life and self-esteem was positive in general which may act as evidence to its concurrent validity. The Chinese Version of Indiana Job Satisfaction Scale is ready for use by rehabilitation professionals to assess vocational rehabilitation outcome for individuals with mental illness in Hong Kong and other Chinese societies. Directions for further studies are suggested.
Water-blown Polyurethane Rigid Foam Modified with Maleate
Authors: Murayama Satoshi , Fukuda Kenji , Kimura Tadashi , Sasahara Toshiaki
Published: June 2005

Water-blown polyurethane rigid foams have serious disadvantages like, friability and resulting lower adhesion strength. To solve these problems, maleate is added to a polyol premix containing water or to polyisocyanate. Maleate does not react with either of them.

In spite of the high stability of the maleate-containing polyol premix or polyisocyanate, when the polyol premix and the polyisocyanate are mixed, maleate reacts immediately with the primary amine, generated by the reaction of isocyanate and water, to yield a secondary amine. Then the secondary amine reacts with another isocyanate to form ‘substituted-urea linkage,’ having moderate cohesive property related to the bulky maleate residue.

By the addition of maleate, the friability and the adhesiveness improves considerably. Furthermore, the dimensional stability of the modified rigid foam does not deteriorate by the addition of enough maleate to improve the friability. Computer simulation substantiates that the reactions that start from maleate and primary amine occurs during the foam preparation.

Thus, water-blown polyurethane rigid foam with improved friability and adhesiveness can be provided by mixing of inexpensive maleate alone.
Methods of Expanding Polystyrene to Ultra Low-density Foam
Authors: Park Chung P.
Published: June 2005

Ultra low-density expanded polystyrene is obtained by an optimum formulation or by extended exposure to atmospheric steam. A polystyrene resin is rheologically modified to have both ease of flow and resistance against collapse. The collapse resistance is imparted either by light crosslinking of the resin with a silane compound or by adding a small amount of polyphenylene ether. Extended exposure to steam permits continuous extension of cell walls by reducing orientation. An expanded polystyrene loose fill material having an expansion ratio exceeding 200 has been achieved.
Porosity-dependence of Effective Mechanical Properties of Pore-solid Composite Materials
Authors: Pal Rajinder
Published: June 2005

New models for the elastic properties (Young’s and shear moduli, bulk modulus, and Poisson’s ratio) of two-phase pore-solid composites are developed using the differential effective medium approach (DEMA). Out of the four models developed in the paper, two models predict the elastic properties to be a function of only one variable, that is, porosity (volume fraction of pores). The remaining two models include an additional parameter, namely the maximum packing volume fraction of pores. The proposed models are evaluated using published experimental data on pore-solid composites, covering a broad range of porosity.