bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Totholz – existenziell für den Weissrückenspecht in Nordbünden | Dead wood – a vital necessity for the white-backed woodpecker in the Grisons
Authors: Bühler Ueli
Published: June 2009

The white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) is a species considered to be associated with the primeval forest and is regularly to be found in the steep, little managed, beech-filled forests of the northern Grisons. This gave an opportunity to study its dependence on the presence of dead wood, to determine the supply available in its typical habitat and to document the evolution of the formation of dead wood. Direct observation showed that the woodpecker found up to 97% (n = 394) of its food in dead parts of trees. Two forest areas which should provide the ideal habitat for the white-backed woodpecker in the northern Grisons have a living standing stock of over 400 m3 per hectare but also dead wood amounting to 100 m3 of standing crop per hectare. Based on comparative photographs it is estimated that, in the forests used by the white-backed woodpecker, the death rate in the tree stands is between half and three-quarters of increment. Since the dieback process follows successive phases, this gives a supply of dead wood in varying stages of decomposition. This specific biotope is important not only for the white-backed woodpecker but also for a large number of other species which depend upon dead wood, particularly many insects and fungi. In order to preserve this distinctive ecosystem, the forestry service of the Grisons is endeavouring to create a network of natural forest reserves, in which are represented the numerous forest ecological communities typical of the canton. The possibilities for an exploitation of the timber whilst maintaining a sufficient quantity of dead wood should yet be investigated.
New records of phytoplankton for Bangladesh. 9. Some rare and a new species
Authors: Khondker Moniruzzaman , Bhuiyan Rauf Ahmed , Yeasmin Jenat , Alam Munirul , Sack R. Bradley , Huq Anwar , Colwell Rita R.
Published: June 2009

Ten taxa belonging to Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae, and one with an uncertain taxonomic position have been described in this paper. Of these, 10 taxa have been found to be globally rare and new records for Bangladesh, whereas Strombomonas islamii Khondker sp. nov. has been described as new to science.Keywords: Rare species; Strombomonas islamii Khondker; Ponds; Bangladesh.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2734Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 1-8, 2009 (December)
Pteridophytes of greater Mymensingh district of Bangladesh used as vegetables and medicines
Authors: Sarker Sujan Kumer , Hossain A.B.M. Enayet
Published: June 2009

Sixteen species of pteridophyte, collected from greater Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, were studied for their use as food (vegetables) and traditional herbal medicine. Out of these, four were recorded to have use as vegetables, seven as traditional medicine and five as both vegetables and medicine. Eight species were recorded for the first time in Bangladesh having use as vegetables and/or medicines. The local people and five ethnic communities, namely Coach, Garo, Mandai, Khayatriya and Wera were interviewed in this study. Keywords: Vegetables; Medicine; Pteridophytes; Bangladesh. DOI: Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 47-56, 2009 (June)
Occurrence of Chroococcaceae during rice cultivation in North Bihar, India
Authors: Choudhary Kaushal Kishore
Published: June 2009

The species richness of cyanobacteria belonging to the family Chroococcaceae in rice fields of North Bihar, India was studied over a 60-day period. Twenty-eight species representing nine genera were identified. The highest number of 21 species was observed around 30th day against eight and 13 species around 10th and 60th day of rice cultivation, respectively. Aphanocapsa grevillei (Hass.) Rabenh., Aphanothece naegelii Wartm and Microcystis marginata (Menegh.) Kützing were observed from 10th to 60th days of rice cultivation. Keywords: Chroococcaceae; Cyanobacteria; Rice cultivation; North Bihar; India. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v16i1.2747 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 16(1): 57-63, 2009 (June)
The Dimeric Proto-Ribosome: Structural Details and Possible Implications on the Origin of Life
Authors: Agmon Ilana
Published: June 2009

A symmetric pocket-like entity, composed of two L-shaped RNA units, encircles the peptide synthesis site within the contemporary ribosome. This entity was suggested to be the vestige of a dimeric proto-ribosome, which could have formed spontaneously in the prebiotic world, catalyzing non-coded peptide bond formation and elongation. This structural element, beyond offering the initial step in the evolution of translation, is hypothesized here to be linked to the origin of life. By catalyzing the production of random peptide chains, the proto-ribosome could have enabled the formation of primary enzymes, launching a process of co-evolution of the translation apparatus and the proteins, thus presenting an alternative to the RNA world hypothesis.
Selective Attention in Multi-Chip Address-Event Systems
Authors: Bartolozzi Chiara , Indiveri Giacomo
Published: June 2009

Selective attention is the strategy used by biological systems to cope with the inherent limits in their available computational resources, in order to efficiently process sensory information. The same strategy can be used in artificial systems that have to process vast amounts of sensory data with limited resources. In this paper we present a neuromorphic VLSI device, the “Selective Attention Chip” (SAC), which can be used to implement these models in multi-chip address-event systems. We also describe a real-time sensory-motor system, which integrates the SAC with a dynamic vision sensor and a robotic actuator. We present experimental results from each component in the system, and demonstrate how the complete system implements a real-time stimulus-driven selective attention model.
Optical Biosensors Based on Semiconductor Nanostructures
Authors: Martín-Palma Raúl J. , Manso Miguel , Torres-Costa Vicente
Published: June 2009

The increasing availability of semiconductor-based nanostructures with novel and unique properties has sparked widespread interest in their use in the field of biosensing. The precise control over the size, shape and composition of these nanostructures leads to the accurate control of their physico-chemical properties and overall behavior. Furthermore, modifications can be made to the nanostructures to better suit their integration with biological systems, leading to such interesting properties as enhanced aqueous solubility, biocompatibility or bio-recognition. In the present work, the most significant applications of semiconductor nanostructures in the field of optical biosensing will be reviewed. In particular, the use of quantum dots as fluorescent bioprobes, which is the most widely used application, will be discussed. In addition, the use of some other nanometric structures in the field of biosensing, including porous semiconductors and photonic crystals, will be presented.
A limited surgical approach for pastern arthrodesis in horses with severe osteoarthritis
Authors: Delco M. , Beard W. , Lillich J.D. , Desormaux A. , Jones P.
Published: June 2009

Osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) is a common cause of chronic lameness in the horse that requires surgical arthrodesis when medical management is no longer able to alleviate pain. Surgical principles for successful PIPJ arthrodesis include articular cartilage debridement and rigid fixation. To completely debride articular cartilage, the collateral ligaments and extensor tendon are transected, disarticulating the joint. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that in chronically lame horses with periarticular new-bone formation and osteoarthritis, successful arthrodesis occurs without joint disarticulation and complete articular cartilage debridement. We hypothesised that complete articular debridement is not necessary, thus allowing for a less invasive surgical approach that decreases surgical time and hospitalisation with comparable success rates to previous reports. Medical records from 2000–2007 were reviewed for PIPJ disease. Information regarding lameness, surgical time and hospitalisation were retrieved from 11 horses (12 limbs). Follow-up information was obtained via a telephone interview and a re-evaluation. Average hospital and surgery times were shorter than previous reports at 19 days and 111 minutes respectively. Lameness decreased at least one grade in 92% of limbs. 73% of owners would elect to operate again. The data suggests that successful arthrodesis occurs without joint dis-articulation and complete articular cartilage debridement.
Conservative management for complete loss of a metatarsal pad in a dog
Authors: Sideri K. I. , Papazoglou L. G. , Prassinos N. N.
Published: June 2009

A three-year-old intact, male Siberian Husky was presented for complete loss of its left metatarsal pad. The wound was managed as an open wound and left to be closed by second intention healing. Conservative management consisted of regular lavage and bandage changes along with oral antibiotic administration and exercise restriction. Thirty days after referral conservative management was discontinued, as the wound was closed with minimal scar tissue formation and the dog was allowed to take walks wearing a protective boot for another month. The animal was then allowed to return to its previous activity. Four years of follow-up did not reveal any signs of lameness.
Pathogenesis of bryophyte hosts by the ascomycete Atradidymella muscivora
Authors: Davey Marie L. , Tsuneda Akihiko , Currah Randolph S.
Published: June 2009

Atradidymella muscivora (Pleosporales) is a bryophyte pathogen that infects the mosses Aulacomnium palustre, Hylocomium splendens, and Polytrichum juniperinum. Light and scanning electron microscopy and extracellular enzyme production were used to characterize the interactions between this fungus and its native hosts and the model host Funaria hygrometrica. Penetration was direct via hyphae or appressoria, and hosts responded by forming layered, darkly pigmented deposits at penetration sites, similar to the papillae formed by vascular plants in response to fungal infection. Infected hosts gradually became chlorotic as hyphae grew intracellularly, presumably killing host cells. Pycnidia of the Phoma anamorph (P. muscivora) and uniloculate pseudothecia were initiated as tightly packed masses of stromatic dematiaceous hyphae within a single host cell. Mature pycnidia and pseudothecia were erumpent. A new microniche among bryophilous fungi is described, whereby A. muscivora supplants the gemmae of Aul. palustre and exploits the normal nutrient‐flow of the moss gametophyte. Atradidymella muscivora produced both cellulases and soluble polyphenolic oxidases, allowing it to also function as a saprobe and degrade the cell walls of bryophytes. The saprophytic and pathogenic abilities of A. muscivora suggest it may play a role in nutrient cycling, population dynamics, and small‐scale disturbances in boreal ecosystems.
Multiple origins promote the ecological amplitude of allopolyploid Aegilops (Poaceae)
Authors: Meimberg Harald , Rice Kevin J. , Milan Neil F. , Njoku Collins C. , McKay John K.
Published: June 2009

Polyploidy has been ubiquitous in plant evolution and is thought to be an important engine of biodiversity that facilitates speciation, adaptation, and range expansion. Polyploid species can exhibit higher ecological tolerance than their progenitor species. For allotetraploid species, this higher tolerance is often attributed to the existence of heterosis resulting from entire genome duplication. However, multiple origins of allopolyploid species may further promote their ecological success by providing genetic variability in ecological traits underlying local adaptation and range expansion. Here we show in a group of allopolyploid species in the genus Aegilops that range size and abundance are correlated with the number of inferred origins. We found that allopolyploid Aegilops spp. contain multiple chloroplast haplotypes, each identical to haplotypes of the diploid progenitor species, indicating multiple origins as the major source of variation. The number of inferred origins in each allopolyploid species was correlated to the total area occupied by the allopolyploid and the tendency for the species to be common. Additionally, we found differences in ecological tolerance among independent origins in Aegilops triuncialis. These results strongly support the hypothesis that the introduction of genetic variability by multiple origins can increase the ecological amplitude and evolutionary success of allopolyploid species.
Moving with climbing plants from Charles Darwin's time into the 21st century
Authors: Isnard Sandrine , Silk Wendy K.
Published: June 2009

We provide an overview of research on climbing plants from Charles Darwin to the present day. Following Darwin's interests, this review will focus on functional perspectives including attachment mechanisms and stem structure and function. We draw attention to a number of unsolved problems inviting future research. These include the mechanism for establishment of the twining habit, a quantitative description following the development of a tissue element through space and time, the chemistry of sticky exudates, the microstructure of xylem and the capacity for water storage, the vulnerability to embolism, and the mechanism for embolism repair. In conclusion we cite evidence that, in response to increasing CO2 concentration, anthropic perturbation and/ or increasing forest fragmentation, lianas are increasing relative to tree species. In the 21st century, we are returning to the multiscale, multidisciplinary approach taken by Darwin to understand natural history.
Congenital Heart Block Not Associated with Anti-Ro/La Antibodies: Comparison with Anti-Ro/La-positive Cases
Authors: BRUCATO ANTONIO , GRAVA CHIARA , BORTOLATI MARIA , IKEDA KEIGO , MILANESI ORNELLA , CIMAZ ROLANDO , RAMONI VERONIQUE , VIGNATI GABRIELE , MARTINELLI STEFANO , SADOU YOUCEF , BORGHI ADELE , TINCANI ANGELA , CHAN EDWARD K.L. , RUFFATTI AMELIA
Published: June 2009

Objective.

To study anti-Ro/La-negative congenital heart block (CHB).

Methods.

Forty-five fetuses with CHB were evaluated by analysis of anti-Ro/La antibodies using sensitive laboratory methods.

Results.

There were 9 cases of anti-Ro/La-negative CHB; 3 died (33.3%). Only 3 (33.3%) were complete in utero and 5 (55.5%) were unstable. No specific etiology was diagnosed. Six infants (66.6%) were given pacemakers. There were 36 cases of anti-Ro/La-positive CHB. All except 2 infants (94.4%) had complete atrioventricular block in utero. Ten died (27.8%), one (2.7%) developed severe dilated cardiomyopathy, and 26 (72.2%) were given pacemakers.

Conclusion.

Nine of the 45 consecutive CHB cases (20%) were anti-Ro/La-negative with no known cause. They were less stable and complete than the anti-Ro/La positive cases.
From Looking Environment to Learning Environment: The Networked Aquarium of the 21st Century
Authors: Hennes Tom , Chabay Ilan
Published: June 2009

To live up to their goals of education and conservation, as well as to richen the visitor experience, aquariums in the 21st century must become more effective at promoting informal, inquiry-based learning within and surrounding their exhibits. We examine a number of ways of using the
technology of networking to further those goals. The methods discussed fall into six broad categories of use: orientation, delivering information on demand, tailoring the experience to the individual, viewing and observing the simulated aquarium habitat, connecting simulated habitats to their
wild counterparts, and extending the experience beyond the aquarium visit. Within this context, we also examine the role of graphical and robotic simulations in the aquarium. The networked aquarium concept, applied within the context of a rich variety of live exhibits and activities, has the
potential to enhance visitors' primary experiences in the aquarium by making connections among successive exhibit experiences, and supporting connections between the aquarium experience and visitors' further life experiences. By enhancing such linkages, a network should foster its users' ability
to build fundamental ideas in and around the aquarium setting and more easily apply them in other circumstances; the hallmark of real learning. It further allows the aquarium to attract and serve its visitors more effectively.
New Roles for Aquariums in Conservation
Authors: Shumway Caroly A.
Published: June 2009

Most of today's aquariums include aquatic conservation in their mission statement. Yet the conservation effectiveness of aquariums remains limited. The public possesses a minimal ecological understanding of aquatic biodiversity—of the variety of aquatic species and habitats. Most
importantly, the public lacks concern about the health of aquatic systems. What can aquariums do? We must make conservation a key message in all aquarium programs. We must appeal to the public's fundamental values, revealing human dependence and impact upon aquatic life in a manner that emotionally
connects them to the world under water. We must inspire long-lasting individual and collective behavioral change. We must expand our community presence; this presence enables us to bring together multiple stakeholders for consensus-building discussions of key aquatic issues, and to catalyze
community participation in monitoring, habitat restoration, and clean up. We must create new partners for collaboration, including businesses, resource practitioners, and other respected community members. We must also expand policy involvement. Finally, we must actively apply new technologies
in our exhibits and programs—technologies that help connect the visitor to the animals and to each other. Ultimately, we must create such a concern for aquatic biodiversity that people consider it priceless.
The Panama Canal: Waterway for the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Kurz Gerhard E.
Published: June 2009

This paper describes what is happening in Panama with regard to the Canal's current operation and future plans. Beginning with a history of the Canal's recent ownership transfer from the United States back to Panama, the paper continues by describing changing trends in the use of the
Canal. A brief discussion of laws in place that prevent interruption of Canal operation, such as provisions against strikes, is also included. Other interesting specifics, such as the fact that usage of the Canal is increasing and so are the sizes of the ships using the Canal, are incorporated
throughout the discussion. Future renovations look promising, and there is no reason to fear for the future of the Canal and its increasingly important role in this ever-changing world.
Fish Bioacoustics and Behavior: Passive Acoustic Detection and the Application of a Closed-Circuit Rebreather for Field Study
Authors: Lobel Phillip S.
Published: June 2009

The simple thesis of this paper is that using rebreathers to study fish behavioral ecology, especially bioacoustics, is well worth the expense and additional training required. The scientific goal of my bioacoustic research is to determine which fishes produce species-specific sound
patterns exclusively with explicit acts of courtship and mating. This provides scientific insight into evolutionary and ecological processes and also provides data necessary to develop the passive acoustic detection technology for monitoring fish reproduction. When used on a daily basis, rebreathers,
in my experience, are economical and as practical as open circuit scuba. This is based both on the costs of diving as well as the efficiency of gathering useful data. The use of open circuit SCUBA while conducting acoustic recordings results in a loss of at least 40% of the data due to the
bubble noise from a divers breathing. Rebreathers also provide extended bottom time, especially in shallow water, which enhances a diver's ability to observe fish and gather acoustic-behavioral data.
New Developments in Multibeam Backscatter Data Collection and Processing
Authors: Lockhart Doug , Saade Edward , Wilson Jerry
Published: June 2009

Recognition of the superior data and coverage from multibeam echosounders (MBES) has been widespread and is increasing rapidly. In addition to the significant value of ensonification of a swath as compared to a profile of bathymetric data, the acoustic data have been frequently presented
as "psuedo-sidescan-sonar". Field programs conducted during 2001 using Reson MBES systems and TritonElics software gave us the opportunity to develop enhanced acoustic imagery by manipulation of the backscatter information within each MBES beam. This work has resulted in improved MBES data
products using new acquisition and processing techniques.
Global Perspective: Economic Forecast for Renewable Ocean Energy Technologies
Authors: Jones Anthony T. , Rowley Will
Published: June 2009

Renewable energy sources from the oceans include offshore wind, wave energy, and underwater currents. Sustainable future economies require renewable energy sources. Recent developments in ocean-based renewable energy systems are outlined and forecasts for the next decade are put forth.
Offshore wind energy is the fastest growing sector in renewable energy. Anticipated to reach $6 billion per year in Europe by 2006, upwards of 86 MW of capacity from 88 turbines are in place today. Capacity by 2010 is projected to grow to at least 2000 MW. Governmental support in Europe
is fueling the development, in part, because of greenhouse gas emission targets. The first commercial-scale wave power facility was established in Scotland. Several proponents plan prototype demonstrations over the next few years. Growth in this sector is anticipated to reach $100 million
per annum by 2010. Projects harnessing tidal currents have shifted toward capturing tidal-driven coastal currents. Conservative estimates of $40 million per annum by 2010 appear realistic. Ocean-based renewable energy development lag land-based systems because of significant capital
requirements and difficulty obtaining the necessary financing due to risk and market barriers. The technical capabilities, both in engineering and management, exist in the offshore sector to undertake the size and scope of projects envisioned.
Ocean Waves: Energy Resource Assessment
Authors: Pontes M. T. , Cavaleri L. , Mollison Denis
Published: June 2009

The aim of this paper is to provide a general view of wave energy resource assessment. First, a review of the origin of waves and the transformation they undergo as they propagate towards the coast through waters of decreasing depth is presented. Following this, the wave and wave-energy
parameters and the statistics required for resource characterization are described. The various types of wave data and their usefulness for the present purposes are summarised. A common methodology for assessment of the wave energy resource is developed. Finally, a general description of the
global open ocean resource is presented.
The Indian 1 MW Demonstration OTEC Plant and the Pre-Commissioning Tests
Authors: Ravindran M. , Abraham Raju
Published: June 2009

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) utilizes the thermal gradient available in the ocean to operate a heat engine to produce work output. Even though the concept is simple and old for almost one century, recently it has gained momentum due to worldwide search for clean continuous
energy sources to replace the fossil fuels. There are technological hurdles to overcome to tap the immense potential of OTEC. But still the technology is mature enough to establish commercial power plants. National Institute of Ocean Technology was involved in the design, development and demonstration
of a 1 MW OTEC floating plant-the largest of its kind-in the Indian waters. This is to be commissioned 60 km south east of Tuticorin, South India where an ocean depth of 1200m available. The site surveys, computer analysis, model studies were done in 1999. The basic power cycle design Was
completed within 4 months. The plant was integrated and stage qualification tests were carried out in 2000-02. The project is to be commissioned in January 2003. This paper is projecting the technological and economical aspects of the OTEC with an overview of the various pre-commissioning
activities of the project.
A Decade of Wave Power Development in India—The Challenges
Authors: Neelamani S.
Published: June 2009

Wave energy research in India started in 1984. Six years of research by the Indian wave energy group culminated in the installation of a 150 kW capacity pilot wave power plant in Vizhinjam, off Trivandrum in the Kerala state, in the Arabian Sea during 1990 (Figure 1). The problems encountered
during the research, construction and installation directed the group to continue the research effort. The structural configuration of the caisson has changed considerably so that it has sufficient floating stability during towing, enough space for sand ballasting to increase the stability
of the caisson against horizontal sliding and overturning and sufficient space at the rear of the caisson for berthing vessels (Figures 2 and 3). After the installation of a wave power caisson of 150 kW off Trivandrum, further attention was focused on a 1 to 2 MW wave power plant for sites,
where new breakwaters for harbors is envisaged (Thangassery Harbour in the West Coast of India (Figure 4) and Mus Bay in Car Nicobar Islands (Figure 5) in Bay of Bengal). Optimum center to center spacing between the caissons was determined based on physical model studies. Further research
was carried out to improve the wave to pneumatic efficiency by changing the harbor configuration. Techniques to reduce the wave force on the caisson were also simultaneously studied. The wave power economics is site specific. Two sites (Thangassery in Kerala and Mus bay in Car Nicobar Island)
were selected to analyze the wave power economics. Wave power is not likely to become economical in the near future. A continued research effort in the research is very important in order to improve the efficiency of wave power conversion and reduce the cost of construction. A decade of experience
(1986 to 1996) in wave power research is presented in this paper.
What Every American Needs to Know about Our Nation and the Sea
Authors: Craven John P.
Published: June 2009

This paper is a brief overview of three areas relating to the oceans: national security, transnational law and justice, and innovative futuristic technology. The national security focus is on the U.S. government's secretive undersea espionage program, with which the author was extensively
involved and which he further describes in his recent book The Silent War. Achievement of transnational law and justice in the oceans calls for U.S. ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention, which was modified to completely comply with U.S. demands. And, finally, the author's view of
futuristic technology derives from his role as President of the Common Heritage Corporation (CHC), which addresses population explosion and the associated migration to the coastal zone. CHC has designed an environmentally sustainable habitat for installation on coastal deserts having access
to deep ocean water. The project has been successful, and the main obstacle CHC now faces is the high cost of implementation in countries with particularly low budgets—the very countries being targeted for this technology.
Computer Visualization in Marine Science and Technology
Authors: Wolanski Eric
Published: June 2009

Computer visualization is a powerful and useful technological tool for merging and analyzing complex marine science data. It enables the interaction between physicists, chemists and biologists.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and Radiative Transfer Simulation as a Tool for Monitoring Coral Reef Health
Authors: Yamano Hiroya , Tamura Masayuki , Kunii Yoshimitsu , Hidaka Michio
Published: June 2009

Recent advances in the remote sensing of coral reefs include hyperspectral remote sensing and radiative transfer modeling. Hyperspectral data can be regarded as continuous and the derivative spectroscopy is effective for extracting coral reef components, including sand, macroalgae,
and healthy, bleached, recently dead, and old dead coral. Radiative transfer models are effective for feasibility studies of satellite or airborne remote sensing. Using these techniques, we simulate and analyze the apparent reflectance of coral reef benthic features associated with bleaching
events, obtained by hyperspectral sensors on various platforms (ROV, boat, airplane, and satellite), and suggest that the coral reef health on reef flats can be discriminated precisely. Remote sensing using hyperspectral sensors should significantly contribute to mapping and monitoring coral
reef health.
Shipping Noise Predictions: Capabilities and Limitations
Authors: Heitmeyer Richard M. , Wales Stephen C. , Pflug Lisa A.
Published: June 2009

This paper addresses shortcomings in the ability to predict either current levels of the ambient noise generated by shipping or future trends in those levels that might result from changes in the world's shipping fleet. In particular, experimental evidence is presented that predictions
of increases in the sound generated by the world's ships based on increases in their speeds and lengths are not justified. This is because, contrary to the classical model of shipping source levels (Ross, 1976), there is a negligible correlation between the source levels of an ensemble of
ships and the speeds and lengths of those ships. We also present two examples of noise model predictions that result in large errors. The first shows that two state-of-the-art noise models can yield significantly different noise predictions (5 dB) for the same deep-water, open ocean site.
About two dB of this difference is attributed to an approximation inherent in the acoustic propagation model of one of the noise models that is acceptable in some deep-water regions, but not in others. The remaining discrepancy is attributed to differences in the acoustic environmental databases
(sound speeds, bathymetries, and geo-acoustic models) between the two noise models. The second example shows that neglecting the local shipping component in a littoral region near a port can result in a noise prediction that is over 15 dB less than a measured value. Taken together, these examples
indicate that large errors can result because of inappropriate propagation models or incomplete or inaccurate shipping and environmental data bases. [Work supported by ONR.]
Factors Affecting the Responses of Marine Mammals to Acoustic Disturbance
Authors: Wartzok Douglas , Popper Arthur N. , Gordon Jonathan , Merrill Jennifer
Published: June 2009

The issues surrounding marine mammals and noise cannot be managed effectively without an understanding of the effects of that noise on individual mammals and their populations. In the spring of 2003 the National Research Council released Ocean Noise and Marine Mammals, a report
that reviewed sources of ocean noise (natural and anthropogenic), the effects of noise on marine mammals, patterns and long-term trends in ocean noise, and included recommendations intended to improve understanding of the sources and impacts of anthropogenic marine noise. This paper provides
a brief summary of observed effects of ocean noise on marine mammals and the factors that can change the response of the animal to the noise exposure. It introduces the reader to short- and long-term behavior changes that have been observed in marine mammals in response to ocean noise, and
discusses future directions for marine mammal research.
Controlled Exposure Experiments to Determine the Effects of Noise on Marine Mammals
Authors: Tyack Peter , Gordon Jonathan , Thompson David
Published: June 2009

Controlled exposure experiments or CEEs are an important technique for determining the responses of animals to signals that are not part of their own communicative repertoire. CEEs are useful for establishing the relationship between acoustic dosage and behavioral response, a critical
element of risk assessment, similar to dose:response studies for exposure to chemicals. CEEs share some properties with “playback” experiments; the main difference between playbacks and CEEs is that CEEs involve the careful titration of acoustic exposure to the point where specific
responses are observed. Most CEEs are applied research designed to answer questions related to wildlife conservation. The utility and power of CEEs lies in providing a sensitive measure of causal relationships between behavioral responses and particular stimuli. We review design features and
experimental methods for CEEs, limiting our scope for this paper to studying the effects of underwater noise on wild marine mammals.
Research and GOOS
Authors: Nowlin Worth D. , Malone Thomas C.
Published: June 2009

A Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) is needed for: detecting and predicting climate variability and consequences, protecting and restoring healthy marine ecosystems, reducing human health risks, managing resources, facilitating safe and efficient marine operations, and predicting
and mitigating against coastal hazards. To these ends, an operational system of integrated observations, data communications and management, and data analysis is being developed to serve the data and information requirements of a broad spectrum of user groups from industry, government, nongovernmental
organizations, and academia. Successful development of a system that guarantees the continuous and sustained provision of useful information requires effective collaboration between the research and operational communities and between data providers and users to ensure that system development
is user-driven and sustained in perpetuity. Development of GOOS requires a managed process that selectively incorporates, enhances, and supplements existing elements consistent with user needs. Successful transition of new elements from research to operational oceanography is a big step
and is inherently difficult. It will require ongoing guidance from both data providers and users as well as cooperation and good will on the part of the research and operational groups involved. In some cases it may be necessary to transition new elements into the operational system prior
to obtaining user acceptance because that acceptance may be obtained only after the usefulness of new products is demonstrated. A process that selectively migrates new knowledge and technology from research into an operational mode and promotes synergy between research and operational oceanography
is described herein.
Japanese Seafloor Observing Systems: Present and Future
Authors: Suyehiro Kiyoshi , Mikada Hitoshi , Asakawa Kenichi
Published: June 2009

We describe in this article Japanese efforts toward building and operating long-term seafloor observing systems. Greater details are given to those systems in which the authors have been involved. The main impetus for obtaining long-term time-series from the ocean floor in Japan has
been earthquake monitoring for risk assessment and hazard mitigation. Most of the earthquake energy is released near and along the oceanic trenches offshore Japan, and large inter-plate earthquakes recur at decades to 100-year intervals, which are a great threat to the society. The first cabled
observatory was laid in 1978 by the Japan Meteorological Agency to monitor seismicity in an area where a M-8 earthquake has been expected to occur. Since then, national agencies and universities established more cabled observing systems (8 systems as of 2003). The very reason of seismic activity
is the plate subduction, which causes numerous geophysically interesting activities including fluid vents, biological communities, and magma movements. Realizing all these processes require long-term monitoring to lead to eventual understanding of their dynamics, efforts were made particularly
at JAMSTEC to establish multiple-sensor observing systems. There are now certain directions towards the future. One is establishing monitoring systems in deep ocean boreholes, which will become possible by the new Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (2003-). Another is enabling many sensors
to be deployed at an appropriate spatial density so that networks realized on land can be extended over the surrounding oceans. The third is establishing observatories as components of global networks.
Sustained Ocean Observations and the Role of NOAA's Marine Observation Network
Authors: Moersdorf Paul , Meindl Eric
Published: June 2009

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a network of automated moored buoys in the oceans whose installation began in the early 1970s. What began as a research and development program consolidating independent U.S. buoy projects, by the mid-1980s evolved
into an operational activity when the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) was moved into NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS). Except for a few reimbursable projects requiring ocean data, little effort was placed on sustained ocean monitoring, as NDBC focused upon satisfying NWS' mission requirements.
NOAA's recent direction to become a “matrix” organization is leading to greater utilization of assets across its line offices. NDBC and its Marine Observing Network (MON) of moored buoys and fixed stations have become recognized as NOAA assets that can help meet NOAA-wide strategic
goals. This paper describes some of NDBC's history and the future role it can play as part of a federal “backbone” system to support scientific needs of the community that works in the oceans.
The Ocean Observatories Initiative: A Continued Presence for Interactive Ocean Research
Authors: Isern A.R. , Clark H.L.
Published: June 2009

Global processes that actively shape the Earth and ultimately impact society must be investigated over the spatial and temporal scales at which they occur. To characterize the temporal behavior of dynamic processes occurring in the ocean, new types of infrastructure are needed that
are capable of providing long-term, high-resolution observations of critical environmental parameters. With funding from the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) account, the National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences plans to initiate construction of
an integrated observatory network that will provide the oceanographic research and education communities with a new mode of access to the ocean. The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) has three elements: 1) a regional cabled network consisting of interconnected sites on the seafloor spanning
several geological and oceanographic features and processes, 2) several relocatable deep-sea buoys that could also be deployed in harsh environments such as the Southern Ocean, and 3) new construction or enhancements to existing facilities leading to an expanded network of coastal observatories.
The scientific problems driving the need for the OOI are broad in scope and encompass nearly every area of ocean science. Once established, the observatories constructed as part of this initiative will provide earth and ocean scientists with unique opportunities to study multiple, interrelated
processes over time scales ranging from seconds to decades; to conduct comparative studies of regional processes and spatial characteristics; and to map whole-Earth and basin scale structures.
Ocean Observer Study: A Proposed National Asset to Augment the Future U.S. Operational Satellite System
Authors: Cunningham John D. , Chambers Don , Davis Curtiss O. , Gerber Andrew , Helz Rosalind , McGuire James P. , Pichel William
Published: June 2009

The next generation of U.S. polar orbiting environmental satellites, are now under development. These satellites, jointly developed by the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Commerce (DOC), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will be known as the
National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS). It is expected that the first of these satellites will be launched in 2010. NPOESS has been designed to meet the operational needs of the U.S. civilian meteorological, environmental, climatic, and space environmental
remote sensing programs, and the Global Military Space and Geophysical Environmental remote sensing programs. This system, however, did not meet all the needs of the user community interested in operational oceanography (particularly in coastal regions). Beginning in the fall of 2000, the
Integrated Program Office (IPO), a joint DoD, DOC, and NASA office responsible for the NPOESS development, initiated the Ocean Observer Study (OOS). The purpose of this study was to assess and recommend how best to measure the missing or inadequately sampled ocean parameters. This paper summarizes
the ocean measurement requirements documented in the OOS, describes the national need to measure these parameters, and describes the satellite instrumentation required to make those measurements.
Using Laser Line Scan Imaging Technology to Assess Deepwater Seafloor Habitats in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Authors: Yoklavich Mary M. , Grimes Churchill B. , Wakefield Waldo W.
Published: June 2009

We conducted a 9-day field test of laser line scan (LLS) imaging technology to characterize and explore seafloor habitats in and around the Big Creek Marine Ecological Reserve (BCER) within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary off the central California coast. Our goal was to
evaluate the utility of LLS technology for assessing the distribution and abundance offish, megafaunal invertebrates, and seafloor habitats, and to compare LLS images with those acquired from side-scan sonar and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). We surveyed an area approximately 2.6 km long
and 0.4 km wide, extending inside and directly outside BCER. Using LLS technology, we imaged isolated rock outcrops with patches of large sea anemones and dense groups of fishes, drift kelp, sea pens, salp chains, and individual, sedentary benthic fishes (including California halibut, Pacific
electric ray, ratfish, and juvenile lingcod). As can be achieved with side-scan sonar, the LLS system also did an excellent job of imaging structural details of low-relief features such as sand waves and ripples. The LLS system offered the advantage of imaging some of the biogenic components
of habitat and of describing their spatial relationships with detail that currently is not possible using acoustic techniques such as side-scan and multibeam sonar. However, the ROV far exceeded the capability of a LLS system to discern organisms at the highest possible taxonomic level, which
ultimately will affect measures of diversity. The ability to visualize the seafloor in a broad context from a mosaic of LLS images could help us understand physical and anthropogenic (e.g., bottom trawling) processes that influence dynamic benthic habitats. Further development and use
of LLS technology have the potential to improve our understanding, quantification, and protection of fish habitats.
Site Utilization by Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) in Off-Shore Gravel Habitat as Determined by Acoustic Telemetry: Implications for the Design of Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Lindholm James , Auster Peter
Published: June 2009

We quantified the site utilization of offshore gravel habitat by Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) using acoustic telemetry. An omni-directional receiver was deployed inside Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary during Summer 2001 in an area that excluded commercial fishing for
demersal fishes. Fish were collected using hook and line, tagged externally with coded acoustic pingers, and released on the seafloor using an “elevator” within the range of the receiver. Observations were made over 120 days. The total number of days that individual fish were recorded
was up to 120 days and a total of 37% of all tagged fish showed high site fidelity to the study area.
Mapping the Seabed and Habitats in National Marine Sanctuaries—Examples from the East, Gulf and West Coasts
Authors: Valentine Page C. , Cochrane Guy R. , Scanlon Kathryn M.
Published: June 2009

The National Marine Sanctuary System requires seabed and habitat maps to serve as a basis for managing sanctuary resources and for conducting research. NOAA, the agency that manages the sanctuaries, and the USGS have conducted mapping projects in three sanctuaries (Stellwagen Bank NMS,
Flower Garden Banks NMS, and Channel Islands NMS) with an emphasis on collaboration of geologists and biologists from the two agencies and from academic institutions. Mapping of seabed habitats is a developing field that requires the integration of geologic and biologic studies and the use
of swath imaging techniques such as multibeam and sidescan sonar. Major products of swath mapping are shaded-relief topographic imagery which shows seabed features in great detail, and backscatter imagery which provides an indication of the types of materials that constitute the seabed. Sea
floor images provide an excellent basis for conducting the groundtruthing studies (using video, photo, and sampling techniques) that are required to collect the data necessary for making meaningful interpretative maps of the seabed. The compilation of interpretive maps showing seabed environments
and habitats also requires the development of a sea floor classification system that will be a basis for comparing, managing, and researching characteristic areas of the seabed. Seabed maps of the sanctuaries are proving useful for management and research decisions that address commercial
and recreational fishing, habitat disturbance, engineering projects, tourism, and cultural resources.
Methodologies for Removing Heavy Oil as Used on the SS Jacob Luckenbach and Joint International Testing Programs
Authors: Moffatt Craig
Published: June 2009

At 0440 on July 14, 1953, the 468-foot long C3 Cargo/Oil Carrier SS Jacob Luckenbach was struck by the SS Hawaiian Pilot about 31 km (17 miles) west of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA. The Luckenbach sank with no loss of life, but sustained massive structural
damage from the collision, which caused the sinking. At the time of her collision and sinking she was in route to Korea with a full cargo of jeeps, trucks, and railroad equipment for the Korean War effort. It is estimated that her bunkers were topped off for the trip with heavy bunker C oil.In
early 2002, the Luckenbach was identified as the source of "mystery" oil spills along the California coast. In May 2002, Titan Maritime LLC, with engineers from PCCI Inc., was contracted by the U.S. Coast Guard, Pacific Area Command, San Francisco, to conduct a vessel assessment and
remove available oil. Global Diving & Salvage, Seattle, provided saturation diving services and Crowley Maritime provided the primary work barge and tug services.Problems encountered included extended cold-water saturation diving at depths to 55 m, strong reversing currents, extremely
adverse weather, and poor sub-sea visibility. The heavy residual oils in the deep tanks and double bottoms also proved to be a pumping challenge since some tanks contained oil that was far more viscous than normal number 6 fuel oil (Ingersoll-Dresser, 1998).This paper describes the approach
to the oil recovery from this wreck, as well as expanding upon more recent and ongoing developments in the field of emergency ship and sunken vessel viscous oil off-loading methodologies.
Temperature and Salinity Variability in the Mississippi Bight
Authors: Vinogradov Sergey , Vinogradova Nadya , Kamenkovich Vladimir , Nechaev Dmitri
Published: June 2009

Conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) profile data from five surveys performed by the R/V Pelican in the Mississippi Bight in February, May, and November 1999; and January-February and August-September 2000 have been analyzed. The data were collected within the framework of the
Northern Gulf of Mexico Littoral Initiative (NGLI). The analysis of the T-S diagrams demonstrated substantial seasonal changes. Some estimates of the spatial variability at different scales were suggested. The analysis of the T-S data obtained at time-series stations revealed some interesting
effects such as along-shelf intrusion of deep water into the coastal system and fine vertical T-S structures in shallow passes between the barrier islands.