bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of human disturbance on Magellanic PenguinSpheniscus magellanicusbehaviour and breeding success
Authors: Yorio Pablo , Boersma P. Dee
Published: May 2010

Magellanic PenguinsSpheniscus magellanicusalong the Patagonian coast, Argentina, are increasingly exposed to human activities, especially to a growing tourist industry. We quantified the effects of human visitation and disturbance on the behaviour and breeding of Magellanic Penguins. Nesting penguins differed in their response to human approach, allowing a significantly closer approach before responding with threat and defensive displays in the tourist area than in areas rarely visited by people. When approached during incubation, no penguins abandoned their nest. Breeding success and fledgling weights were similar in the tourist area and non-tourist areas. Magellanic Penguins appear to be tolerant of human visitation, and penguins breeding in the tourist area become accustomed to people walking among their nests. We suggest visitation may be compatible with penguin reproduction if visits are controlled.

El Pingüino de MagallanesSpheniscus magellanicusde las costas patagónicas de la Argentina, esta expuesto a las crecientes actividades humanas, especialmente el aumento de la demanda turistica. Se han cuantificado los efectos de las visitas y molestias del hombre en el comportamiento y reproducción de la especie. Los pingüinos mostraron diferencias en su respuesta frent a la proximidad humana, permitiendo un acercamiento signifi-cativamente mayor antes de responder con actitudes defensivas en áreas frecuentadas por los turistas en comparicion con aquellas rara vez visitadas. La proximidad humana durante la época de incubación no supuso en ninguna ocasión el abandono de nidos. El éxito reproductive y los pesos de los jóvenes al abandonar el nido resultaron similares en a l zona turística y en la menos frecuentada. El Pingüino de Magallanes parece tolerar la presencia del hombre, y aquellos que nidifican en el área turistica se habitúan a los visitantes que caminan entre sus nidos. Sugerimos que las visitas pueden ser compatibles con la reproducción de la especie siempre y cuando las mismas estén controladas.
Status of the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos in Europe
Authors: Watson J.
Published: May 2010

Population estimates (number of breeding pairs) of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos are given for most countries in Europe based on recent published accounts. Where published data are not available information is from local raptor specialists. The “best estimate” of the contemporary European population is 5,600 pairs ± 5%. The largest numbers are in Spain (c. 1,200 pairs) with Norway, European Russia, Scotland and Sweden each holding over 300 pairs. Information on trends reveals that most substantial populations (> 200 pairs) are stable; decreases are reported from some Baltic countries and in parts of southeast Europe. The total population is also shown for five biogeographic regions across Europe. In some cases, such “regions” may be more appropriate for the formulation of conservation priorities and policies than are the biologically artificial units defined by national boundaries.

Des estimations des populations (nombre de couples nicheurs) d'Aigles royaux basées sur des publications récentes sont présentées pour la plupart des pays d'Europe. Là où les publications font défaut, des informations ont été requises apurès de spécialistes locaux. La population européene actuelle est estimée à 5,600 couples ± 5%. Les populations les plus fortes, soit plus de 300 couples, se trouvent en Espagne (env. 1,200 couples), Norvege, Russie européene, Ecosse et Suède. Les informations sur les tendances des fluctuations indiquent que la plupart des grandes populations (plus de 200 couples) sont stables; un déclin a été constaté chez certaines populations de l'est de la Baltique et du sudest de l'Europe. La population totale est aussi indiquée pour cinq régions biogéographiques qui peuvent s'avérer plus adéquates que les pays avec leurs frontières artifi-cielles pour la formulation de priorités et d'une politique pour la conservation de l'espèce.
The threatened birds of Ambatovaky Special Reserve, Madagascar
Authors: Thompson P. M. , Evans M. I.
Published: May 2010

Ambatovaky Special Reserve was created in 1956 and is the largest lowland rainforest reserve in Madagascar, comprising more than half of the total area of this habitat represented in the country's protected area system, yet there are no measures in place actively to protect it, due to its remoteness and a lack of funds. This study in February-March 1990, part of the first faunal survey to be undertaken in the reserve, found seven threatened, five near-threatened and two other localized bird species. In itself this would make the reserve an important site for conservation. However, three of the finds are of particular note: Ambatovaky is one of only two known sites for the Red-tailed Newtonia Newtonia fanovanae which was rediscovered in 1989; a dead Madagascar Serpent-eagle Eutriorchis astur was found - the first specimen since 1930 of one of the world's rarest raptors; and the White-breasted Mesite Mesitornis variegata was discovered in rainforest where Brown Mesite M. unicolor was also present, this being the only known case of sympatry within the endemic Mesitornithidae family. Shifting cultivation threatens the habitat of all these species and an integrated plan for conservation and sustainable development for the local people is urgently needed.

La Réserve Spéciale d'Ambatovaky a été crée en 1956 et représente la plus grande réserve de forêt pluviale à basse altitude de Madagascar. Elle couvre plus de la moitié de la superficie totale de cet habitat, intégrée au système de zones protégées du pays. Pourtant, à cause de l'isolement géographique et du manque de ressources financières, aucune mesure de protection active n'a pu être encore mise en place. Cette étude accom-plie en février-mars 1990, et faisant partie de la première recherche menée sur la faune de cette réserve, a permis de découvrir sept espéces d'oiseaux menacées, cinq especes presque menacees et deux espèces locales. En soi, cela suffirait pour dormer à cette réserve le statut de site important pour la conservation. Cependant, trois de ces decouvertes méritent une attention particulière: Ambatovaky est l'un des deux seuls sites connus abritant la Newtonia fanovanae qui a été redécouverte en 1989; un aigle-autour de Madagascar, l'Eutriorchis astur a été trouvé mort - le premier spécimen depuis 1930 de l'un des rapaces les plus rares au monde; et le Mesitornis variegata, découvert dans la forêt pluviale où le Mesitornis unicolor éiait également présent, ceci représentant le seul cas connu de sympatrie à l'intérieur de la famille endémique des Mesitornithidae. L'exten-sion des cultures agricoles menace l'habitat de toutes ces espèces, et il est urgent d'établir un plan de conservation et de développement pour la population locale compatible avec l a conservation des ressources naturelles.
The birds of Korup National Park and Korup Project Area, Southwest Province, Cameroon
Authors: Rodewald Paul G. , Dejaifve Pierre-André , Green Arthur A.
Published: May 2010

A total of 390 bird species are known to occur in the Korup National Park (KNP) and the surrounding Korup Project Area (KPA). Although the avifauna of KNP is incompletely known, it is already among the most ornithologically diverse lowland forest sites i n Africa. The avian diversity of the KPA is increased by the montane forest bird species of the Rumpi Hills Forest Reserve (RHFR) and the Nta Ali Forest Reserve (NAFR). The lowland and montane forests of the KNP/KPA are very important to the conservation of African forest birds. Four species found in the Korup area are considered globally threatened, and four are considered near-threatened. In addition, 40 species were considered for threatened status, some of which are likely future additions to the threatened list. Twelve of Korup's 36 montane forest bird species are endemic to the montane areas of western Cameroon, eastern Nigeria, and Bioko (Fernando Po). The RHFR is especially important as a refuge for montane birds because much of the montane forest elsewhere in western Cameroon has been cleared for agriculture. Breeding phenology data are provided for many lowland forest species. Additionally, this report provides information on many rarely recorded species for western Cameroon, including several species not previously documented in the region. Kemp's LongbillMacrosphenus ketnpiwas recorded for the first time in Cameroon. Because it is sympatric with the Yellow LongbillM. flavicansin Korup, additional evidence now exists for the contention thatM. ketnpiandM.flavicansare separate species. The Yellow-chestedApalis Apalisflavidawasalso documented for the first time in Cameroon.
Growing points in Neotropical migratory bird conservation
Authors: Morton Eugene S. , Young KimberLey , Ramos Mario A.
Published: May 2010

Millions of birds migrate every year from breeding grounds in North America to wintering grounds in tropical America. Some 50% of the species which breed in North America spend the winter in the Neotropics. Although these migrations have been studied quite extensively, austral, altitudinal and local movements of birds are also very important but poorly documented to date.
Future prospects for Nearctic migrants wintering in Caribbean forests
Authors: Wunderle Joseph M. , Waide Robert B.
Published: May 2010

Wintering Nearctic migrants constitute a high proportion of the birds present in many terrestrial habitats in the Bahamas and Greater Antilles, but their proportions decline southward through the Lesser Antilles. Many migrants winter on densely populated islands which have been extensively deforested. Current estimates show that only 21% of the land area, or approximately five million hectares, remain in forest on Caribbean and Bahamian islands, indicating that most of the major deforestation has already occurred. Although reforestation is under way on a few islands, many remnant forest fragments are threatened by humans or natural disturbances such as drought or hurricanes. Thus wintering migrants requiring closed-canopy forest are at greatest risk to habitat loss, whereas species requiring early successional habitats are not currently threatened, assuming that pesticide use does not increase. Policies which protect forests, particularly mangroves, wet limestone and montane broadleaf forests in the Greater Antilles, and broadleaf scrub (“coppice”) in the Bahamas, will be beneficial to migrants and endemic species.
A survey of the Annamese Lowlands, Vietnam, and its implications for the conservation of Vietnamese and Imperial PheasantsLophura hatinhensisandL. imperialis
Authors: Eames Jonathan C. , Lambert Frank R. , Cu Nguyen
Published: May 2010

During June and July 1994, five sites in the Annamese Lowlands Endemic Bird Area weresurveyed for restricted-range and globally threatened birds, with the ultimate aim of identifying a suitable area for protected area establishment to safeguard populations of endemicLophurapheasants. Vietnamese PheasantL. hatinhensiswas found at twosites situated less than 10 km apart, although only regularly encountered in one area, the Net River watershed, Quang Binh province. No conclusive evidence was found of the existence of Imperial PheasantL. imperialisat any site, although it almost certainly also occurs in the Net River watershed or close by. Where they occur, logging and hunting pose the most serious threats to the long-term survival of these endemic pheasants. Although previously believed to be largely confined to forest in flatter areas, evidence collected during the surveys suggests thatL. hatinhensisis commonest on ridgetops and slopes in areas with relatively undisturbed, closed-canopy forest. Hence, a major recommendation of this study is that conservation areas for this species should include the maximum extent possible of closed-canopy or lightly logged forest that includes hilly terrain as well as lower-lying, flat areas. The most appropriate area for designation as a protected area was identified as forest in the Net River watershed. It is recommended that a full feasibility study for the establishment of such an area be undertaken as a priority, and that meanwhile a moratorium on legal logging activities and efforts to curtail illegal logging and hunting be implemented by Vietnam's Ministry of Forestry.
The Maleo Macrocephalon maleo: new information on the distribution and status of Sulawesi's endemic megapode
Authors: Argeloo M.
Published: May 2010

The Maleo Conservation Project Phase II surveyed the distribution and status of Maleonesting grounds in and around Dumoga-Bone National Park in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, in 1990–1991. The number of known nesting grounds is now 83, 35 inland and 48 coastal, while 18 sites require confirmation. Most sites along this coast are now abandoned or severely threatened (many now being cut off from adjacent forest), and the population there is estimated at only 335–740 pairs. The region's inland nesting grounds, used by putatively 2,000 pairs, are also increasingly threatened, notably through egg exploitation. An average of 5·45 birds per day visited one inland nesting ground, Tambun, over a 10-month period, indicating usage by 160 pairs altogether.
Status of the Polynesian Megapode Megapodius pritchardii on Niuafo'ou (Tonga)
Authors: Göth Ann , Vogel Uwe
Published: May 2010

From October 1991 to January 1993, the Polynesian Megapode or Malau Megapodius pritchardii on the island Niuafo'ou, Kingdom of Tonga, was studied as part of a conservation project. The reproductive population was estimated at 188–235 pairs. Owing to an apparent lack of juveniles, the total population is not expected to be much larger. Compared to previous assessments this estimate gives evidence for a serious decline, but the methodologies used in all estimates differ considerably. However, a decline is also indicated by the fact that two of the 11 communal nesting grounds have been abandoned since 1979, while no new sites have been reported. Additionally, the Malau has disappeared from the vicinity of villages during the last 15 years. On a cat-free and undisturbed islet in the crater lake the density of Malaus is 1.29 pairs per ha. In other areas, where access for humans, dogs and cats was easy, the density of the Malau was only 0.16 pairs per ha. The main reason for the decline isover-harvesting of eggs by the local people. Habitat destruction or degradation are not responsible, and rats and domestic pigs seem to have no negative influence.
The Rufous-throated Dipper Cinclus schulzi on rivers in north-west Argentina and southern Bolivia
Authors: Tyler Stephanie J. , Tyler L.
Published: May 2010

Surveys of river birds were made in north-west Argentina in October 1993 and in southern Bolivia in December 1994. Data were collected on foraging behaviour, breeding biology and breeding abundances of the Rufous-throated Dipper Cinclus schulzi (a threatened species) on three river systems in Tucumán and Jujuy provinces in Argentina and on two river systems in Tarija department in Bolivia. Rufous-throated Dippers foraged from wetted rocks and when standing in water in riffles and on the edges of cascades and waterfalls; swimming or diving was not observed. Five nests were found in Argentina, two of which were incomplete. One had a clutch of two eggs and another contained two well-grown, feathered nestlings; the fifth was inaccessible. These records indicate that breeding starts early in the Argentinian spring. Nests of adjacent pairs of Rufous-throated Dippers were from c.650–1,200 m apart. Juvenile plumage resembles that of the adult. Some information is provided on the biometrics of seven birds caught in mist-nets, and on vocalizations and on the relative abundance of dippers, Torrent Ducks Merganetta armata and two species of Cinclodes. Possible threats to rivers within the range of the Rufous-throated Dipper include reservoir construction, hydroelectric and irrigation schemes, eutrophication, deforestation and stock-grazing. Pollution, reduced flows and river channel modification are more prevalent at lower altitudes below the breeding range of the Rufous-throated Dipper.
Trapping and shooting of Corncrakes Crex crex on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt
Authors: Baha el Din S. M. , Salama W. , Grieve A. , Green R. E.
Published: May 2010

Fieldworkers counted traps, guns and nets used for bird trapping in sample sections of a 1 km wide strip of land adjacent to the shore on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt in the autumn of 1994. These data were used to estimate the number of traps, guns and nets in use in the whole 1 km coastal strip. Information obtained by interviewing bird trappers was used to estimate the number of Corncrakes taken per trap, net and gun in the 1993 and 1994 seasons and from this the total number taken was about 9,000 and 14,000 respectively. Trapping methods and intensity varied with locality but the taking of Corncrakes was widespread. It was estimated that about 9,000 people were involved in trapping and shooting in the coastal strip. The average proportion of the European Corncrake population taken per year on the coast was estimated to be in the range 0.5–2.7%, though this range would be lower if, as seems probable, Corncrakes from Asia are among those passing through Egypt. Further surveys are required to estimate the numbers of Corncrakes taken further inland.
Veterinary support for in situ avian conservation programmes
Authors: Greenwood Andrew G.
Published: May 2010

Anian veterinarians have much expertise which can be usefully applied to in situ avian conservation programmes. Their knowledge can assist conservation biologists in many of the manipulations which they are currently applying to endangered wild birds in their natural range. Possibilities are outlined and illustrated by examples from various field programmes.
News and Notes
Authors: Mason Chris
Published: May 2010

‘News and Notes’ is intended to provide a forum for up to date information on threatened species, on-going conservation work and other issues related to bird conservation. It will include pieces abstracted from other publications. Please send any contributions to BCI News and Notes Editor, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 oNA, UK, or e-mail them to Rob.Williams@birdlife.org.uk.
Geographical analysis of vegetation structure and sightings for four large bird species in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Kemp A. C. , Benn G. W. , Begg K. S.
Published: May 2010

The extensive spatial organization of many large-bird populations is difficult to assess. We used a geographic information system to correlate vegetation structure with random sightings for four large bird species that occur throughout the 20,000 km2 Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Vegetation structure was assessed visually during 1991-1992 for the 1093 2-5′-quadrats that cover the KNP. Sightings were made during 1991-1994 of Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori, Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus, Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus and Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri, and their nest sites. As control, comparative data on ground hornbills were also available from annual aerial censuses during 1982-1994, and from records of nest sites during 1966-1996. Each species had its highest positive correlation with a different set of vegetation categories, ranging in value from the hornbill (1.13) and vulture (1.15) up to the eagle (1.32) and bustard (1.49). Nest sites had higher correlations (hornbill 1.65, vulture 2.85) than records of free-living birds. The same vegetation categories that had the highest correlations with random sightings of ground hornbills and their nests also had the highest correlations with the more extensive and systematic data from aerial census and long-term nest records. Our method of correlating vegetation structure with random data is predictive, testable and has application to the conservation management of other sparsely distributed species.
A Counter-Intuitive Correlation in a Random Tournament
Authors: ALM SVEN ERICK , LINUSSON SVANTE
Published: May 2010

Consider a randomly oriented graphG= (V, E) and leta,sandbbe three distinct vertices inV. We study the correlation between the events {a→s} and {s→b}. We show that, counter-intuitively, whenGis the complete graphKn,n≥ 5, then the correlation is positive. (It is negative forn= 3 and zero forn= 4.) We briefly discuss and pose problems for the same question on other graphs.
The experience of implementing choice at point of referral: a comparison of the Netherlands and England
Authors: Dixon Anna , Robertson Ruth , Bal Roland
Published: May 2010

The implementation of choice for patients over where and when they are seen by specialists in hospital outpatient clinics has been supported by electronic referral systems in England and the Netherlands. This paper compares the implementation of ‘Choose and Book’ in England and ‘ZorgDomein’ in a region of the Netherlands. For England the analysis draws on national data and published studies on ‘Choose and Book’, national patient surveys, and qualitative data based on general practitioner (GP) focus groups. For the Netherlands the analysis draws on qualitative data collected during observational study as well as survey data among patients, GPs and medical specialists. We find that despite significant differences in the genesis and design of the policy, similar challenges have been faced. The electronic referral systems have forced changes to the process of care at the interface between primary and secondary care and standardisation between practices. Although these changes have the potential to generate improvements and benefits, for example, convenience, certainty and choice for patients and efficiency gains through for example reduced do not attend rates, repeat consultations and duplicative diagnostic tests; they have also generated problems during implementation including GP resistance. Policy ambitions for patient choice may not be realised if the implementation of the booking system is not carefully designed and evaluated.
Wirksamkeit eines Elterntrainings zur Prävention von Lese-Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten
Authors: Rückert Ellen M. , Plattner Anita , Schulte-Körne Gerd
Published: May 2010

Fragestellung: Die Bedeutung der Förderung phonologischer Bewusstheit im Kindergarten für die Prävention von Lese- und Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten wurde wiederholt gezeigt. Dagegen sind die Möglichkeiten der Eltern für die frühe Sprachförderung bisher kaum untersucht. Die vorliegende Studie vergleicht die Effekte eines Elterntrainings, das gemeinsames Lesen mit dem Vorschulkind sowie Aktivitäten zur Lautunterscheidung beinhaltet, mit dem etablierten Förderprogramm Hören, lauschen, lernen. Methodik: Drei Gruppen von Vorschulkindern wurden untersucht. Gruppe 1 erhielt das Förderprogramm Hören, lauschen, lernen im Kindergarten. Gruppe 2 wurde mit dem selbst entwickelten Elterntraining gefördert, die dritte Gruppe erhielt die Kombination aus beiden Förderprogrammen. Die Zufriedenheit der Eltern und die sprachlichen Fortschritte der teilnehmenden Kinder, gemessen anhand des Bielefelder Screenings zur Früherkennung von Lese-Rechtschreibschwierigkeiten (BISC) und des Heidelberger Auditiven Screenings in der Einschulungsuntersuchung (HASE), wurden untersucht. Ergebnisse: Das Programm stieß bei den Eltern auf großes Interesse und wurde von ihnen positiv bewertet. Die Übungen wurden weitgehend regelmäßig mit den Kindern zu Hause durchgeführt. Die teilnehmenden Kinder verbesserten sich unabhängig von der Gruppenzugehörigkeit in ihren phonologischen Fähigkeiten signifikant und in gleichem Ausmaß. Schlussfolgerungen: Das Elterntraining erwies sich als gut einsetzbar sowie als gute Möglichkeit, Vorausläuferfähigkeiten des Lesens und Schreibens im familiären Umfeld zu fördern.
Error-Related Oscillations
Authors: Kolev V. , Beste C. , Falkenstein M. , Yordanova J.
Published: May 2010

The present study assesses the origins of reduction of error negativity (Ne) with advancing age in humans. Response-related potentials were recorded from young (mean age 22.5 years, n = 10) and older (mean age 58.3 years, n = 11) adults while they performed a four-choice reaction task (4CRT) in two modalities, auditory and visual. Trials from correct and error responses were analyzed separately for each modality. To achieve a reference-free evaluation, the current source density (CSD) of the signals was computed. RRPs were analyzed in the time-frequency (TF) domain by means of wavelet decomposition. Two TF components of RRPs from the delta (1.5–3.5 Hz) and theta (3.5–7 Hz) frequency ranges were assessed. The measured parameters were total power reflecting both the phase-locked and non-phase-locked activity, and phase-locking factor (PLF) reflecting the strength of phase-synchronization with stimulus, independent of magnitude. It was found that the total power of both the delta and theta TF components increased after errors in the two age groups, although this increase was more pronounced in young than older adults. Response-locked synchronization of delta responses also increased after errors, with this synchronizing ability being preserved in older subjects. What differentiated the error processing in the two age groups was the synchronization of theta oscillations with error responses, with this parameter being substantially reduced in older subjects. The results demonstrate that Ne reduction with aging is the result of an overall decrease in the power of delta and theta components, primarily of a decrease in the response-locked synchronization of theta oscillations after errors.
Map Understanding as a Developmental Marker in Childhood
Authors: Peter Michael , Glück Judith , Beiglböck Wolfgang
Published: May 2010

A new test on map understanding for preschool and elementary-school children was constructed based on a Piagetian framework of the development of spatial ability and representational understanding. Results from a study with 95 3- to 6-year-old children are reported. The developmental trajectories for the performance components confirmed the construction rules and were explainable by Piagetian developmental stages.
A statistical study of the spatial distribution of Co‐operative UK Twin Located Auroral Sounding System (CUTLASS) backscatter power during EISCAT heater beam‐sweeping experiments
Authors: Shergill H. , Robinson T. R. , Dhillon R. S. , Lester M. , Milan S. E. , Yeoman T. K.
Published: May 2010

High‐power electromagnetic waves can excite a variety of plasma instabilities in Earth's ionosphere. These lead to the growth of plasma waves and plasma density irregularities within the heated volume, including patches of small‐scale field‐aligned electron density irregularities. This paper reports a statistical study of intensity distributions in patches of these irregularities excited by the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) heater during beam‐sweeping experiments. The irregularities were detected by the Co‐operative UK Twin Located Auroral Sounding System (CUTLASS) coherent scatter radar located in Finland. During these experiments the heater beam direction is steadily changed from northward to southward pointing. Comparisons are made between statistical parameters of CUTLASS backscatter power distributions and modeled heater beam power distributions provided by the EZNEC version 4 software. In general, good agreement between the statistical parameters and the modeled beam is observed, clearly indicating the direct causal connection between the heater beam and the irregularities, despite the sometimes seemingly unpredictable nature of unaveraged results. The results also give compelling evidence in support of the upper hybrid theory of irregularity excitation.
Analysis of the step response function relating the interplanetary electric field to the dayside magnetospheric reconnection potential
Authors: Blanchard G. T. , Baker K. B.
Published: May 2010

We present a statistical analysis of the response of the magnetic reconnection rate between the interplanetary magnetic field and the magnetosphere to southward turnings of the interplanetary magnetic field. The magnetic reconnection rate is calculated from Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) measurements. The polar cap boundary is identified as the offset circle (3° toward midnight from the magnetic pole) that best separates high spectral width backscatter, indicative of open magnetic field lines, from low spectral width backscatter. The electric potential on the boundary is determined from the best fit of the line‐of‐sight F region plasma velocity to an eighth‐order spherical harmonic function of ionospheric electrical potential. The reconnection rate is determined from the electric potential on the boundary and the expansion rate of the polar cap. Solar wind data (velocity and magnetic field) are obtained from Wind spacecraft measurements and propagated to the magnetopause. The relationship between interplanetary electric field and the magnetic reconnection rate is analyzed by calculating linear response functions. We determine that the convection term in the reconnection rate measurement exhibits a unimodal response to the interplanetary electric field, whereas the boundary motion term in the reconnection rate measurement exhibits a bimodal response, with a positive mode (increase in polar cap expansion rate) followed by a negative mode. The response of the dayside reconnection rate to a step change in the interplanetary electric field exhibits a transient response of one hour duration followed by a steady state response at a level that is half of the peak response.
Transient changes in magnetospheric‐ionospheric currents caused by the passage of an interplanetary shock: Northward interplanetary magnetic field case
Authors: Samsonov A. A. , Sibeck D. G. , Yu Yiqun
Published: May 2010

We use results from a global MHD simulation to study the interaction of an interplanetary shock with the Earth's magnetosphere for a northward interplanetary magnetic field orientation. We connect intensifications of the transient northward Bz (NBZ) and Region 1 currents in the ionosphere with the appearance of two strong dynamo regions in the magnetosphere: the first on the high‐latitude magnetopause near and behind the cusps and the second near the equatorial plane on the flanks. The ionospheric and magnetospheric transients are well synchronized and move antisunward gradually. According to the results obtained, the source of energy for the transient NBZ current is related to shock‐intensified lobe reconnection, while the transient Region 1 current corresponds to the reflected fast shock predicted by Samsonov et al. (2007). We speculate that the electric circuits for the quasi‐stationary field‐aligned currents are similar to the transient electric circuits obtained in this paper.
Dynamic rupture of crosscutting faults: A possible rupture process for the 2007 Mw 6.6 Niigata‐ken Chuetsu‐Oki earthquake
Authors: Aochi Hideo , Kato Aitaro
Published: May 2010

The 2007 Mw 6.6 Niigata‐ken Chuetsu‐Oki earthquake implies a complex fault mechanism. Several surveys suggest the possibility of two main segments crosscutting each other at their center (i.e., a northern segment dipping to the northwest and a southern segment dipping to the southeast). We modeled the dynamic rupture propagation numerically along the inferred segmented fault system using a boundary integral equation method (BIEM). The possibility of rupture transfer is numerically demonstrated, and two rupture modes are described. Simultaneous rupture transfer along the overlapping part is possible only under a high‐stress load; however, this rupture mode yields an excessively high slip value. Otherwise, where regional stress is relatively low but pore pressure is high enough to govern the rupture criterion (described as the low frictional coefficient case in this study), the rupture transfer to the other segment does not occur until rupture terminates on the first segment regardless of the crosscutting distance between the two segments. In this case, at the central crosscutting part, a possible rupture scenario is that ruptures occur sequentially in different directions: first a southbound rupture on the northwest‐dipping segment, then a northbound rupture triggered on the southeast‐dipping segment a few seconds later. The simulated rupture scenario on crosscutting faults can be strongly influenced by a preexisting fault structure determined by Miocene rifting during an opening stage of the Sea of Japan and the subsequent shortening of the crust. Our results point to the importance of investigating earthquake rupture scenarios in complex fault systems based on existing geophysical and geological information and dynamic rupture mechanics.
Inferring mantle properties with an evolving dynamic model of the Antarctica‐New Zealand region from the Late Cretaceous
Authors: Spasojevic Sonja , Gurnis Michael , Sutherland Rupert
Published: May 2010

We show that time‐dependent models of mantle upwellings above a cold downwelling in the New Zealand‐Antarctica region since 80 Ma can explain anomalous geophysical observations: ∼1.0 km of positive residual bathymetry at the Antarctica margin, a large Ross Sea geoid low, 0.5–0.9 km of excess tectonic subsidence of the Campbell Plateau since 80 Ma, and several seismic wave speed anomalies. Model results indicate that the largest mantle upwelling, centered in the Ross Sea, has an average temperature anomaly of 200°C and density anomaly of 0.6%, and it rose from midmantle depths at 80 Ma to a present depth of 400–1000 km. Anomalous Campbell Plateau subsidence requires a smaller hot anomaly evolving within the upper mantle under the region of the reconstructed Late Cretaceous Campbell Plateau. The excess subsidence of the plateau results from northward drift of New Zealand away from the dynamic topography high created by the smaller hot anomaly. To fit present‐day geoid and residual topography observations, we require a large lower:upper mantle viscosity ratio of 100:1. We suggest that the distribution of temperature and viscosity is related to long‐lived Gondwana subduction that accumulated high‐density, high‐viscosity lower mantle below a chemically altered upper mantle with anomalously low density and/or high temperature. Time‐dependent observations enable constraints on absolute viscosities of 1023 Pa s and 1021 Pa s for the lower and upper mantle, respectively.
Bias correction of monthly precipitation and temperature fields from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change AR4 models using equidistant quantile matching
Authors: Li Haibin , Sheffield Justin , Wood Eric F.
Published: May 2010

A new quantile‐based mapping method is developed for the bias correction of monthly global circulation model outputs. Compared to the widely used quantile‐based matching method that assumes stationarity and only uses the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) of the model and observations for the baseline period, the proposed method incorporates and adjusts the model CDF for the projection period on the basis of the difference between the model and observation CDFs for the training (baseline) period. Thus, the method explicitly accounts for distribution changes for a given model between the projection and baseline periods. We demonstrate the use of the new method over northern Eurasia. We fit a four‐parameter beta distribution to monthly temperature fields and discuss the sensitivity of the results to the choice of distribution range parameters. For monthly precipitation data, a mixed gamma distribution is used that accounts for the intermittent nature of rainfall. To test the fidelity of the proposed method, we choose 1970–1999 as the baseline training period and then randomly select 30 years from 1901–1999 as the projection test period. The bootstrapping is repeated 30 times to mimic different climate conditions that may occur, and the results suggest that both methods are comparable when applied to the 20th century for both temperature and precipitation for the examined quartiles. We also discuss the dependence of the bias correction results on the choice of time period for training. This indicates that the remaining biases in the bias‐corrected time series are directly tied to the model's performance during the training period, and therefore care should be taken when using a particular training time period. When applied to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change fourth assessment report (AR4) A2 climate scenario projection, the data time series after bias correction from both methods exhibit similar spatial patterns. However, over regions where the climate model shows large changes in projected variability, there are discernable differences between the methods. The proposed method is more sensitive to a reduction in variability, exemplified by wintertime temperature. Further synthetic experiments using the lower 33% and upper 33% of the full data set as the validation data suggest that the proposed equidistance quantile‐matching method is more efficient in reducing biases than the traditional CDF mapping method for changing climates, especially for the tails of the distribution. This has important consequences for the occurrence and intensity of future projected extreme events such as heat waves, floods, and droughts. As the new method is simple to implement and does not require substantial computational time, it can be used to produce auxiliary ensemble scenarios for various climate impact‐oriented applications.
Global distribution and variability of formic acid as observed by MIPAS‐ENVISAT
Authors: Grutter M. , Glatthor N. , Stiller G. P. , Fischer H. , Grabowski U. , Höpfner M. , Kellmann S. , Linden A. , von Clarmann T.
Published: May 2010

Formic acid (HCOOH) vertical profiles have been retrieved from MIPAS‐ENVISAT satellite data in the upper troposphere for the first time. Based on new spectroscopic line‐strength measurements by Vander Auwera et al. (2007) of HCOOH, a retrieval setup was developed and optimized to study its global distribution between 2002 and 2008. A strong seasonality, directly associated to plant growth and corresponding biogenic emissions, is observed and dominates in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. Here, the mean monthly volume mixing ratios (VMR) at 8 km altitude typically reach 100–110 parts per trillion in volume (pptv) during the summer and decrease to about 45 pptv in the early winter. At 16 km and higher altitudes, the VMRs remain under the 20 pptv level and have a much smaller amplitude (<10 pptv). In the Southern Hemisphere, strong signals (up to 1 ppbv at 10 km in a single measurement) are detected from biomass burning during the August–October time period and can enhance the monthly mean background levels above specific tropical and midlatitudinal regions by a factor of 2 or more. In‐plume production of HCOOH through photochemical processes has been identified during an extreme event in September 2006, although it is not likely to contribute significantly to the overall upper tropospheric abundances of formic acid.
Cosmic ray induced ionization model CRAC:CRII: An extension to the upper atmosphere
Authors: Usoskin Ilya G. , Kovaltsov Gennady A. , Mironova Irina A.
Published: May 2010

A new version of the CRAC:CRII model computing ionization induced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere is presented, which is extended to the upper atmosphere and can be now applied to the entire atmosphere. The model is able to compute the ionization rate in the atmosphere at any given location and time provided the energy spectrum of incoming cosmic rays is known. It is discussed that the use of earlier models, either analytical or Monte Carlo, with the limited upper energy of 500 MeV, is well validated for the upper atmosphere (above a few g/cm2 atmospheric depth, which corresponds to the altitude about 40 km) to study the effect of solar energetic particles but may lead to a significant underestimate of the background ionization due to galactic cosmic rays. The use of a full model accounting for the atmospheric cascade and full energy range of incoming cosmic rays, rather than earlier simplified models, is recommended to study the ionization effects of galactic cosmic rays in the upper atmosphere. On the other hand, transient strong effects of solar energetic particle events can be studied using truncated models.
Improving parameter estimation and water table depth simulation in a land surface model using GRACE water storage and estimated base flow data
Authors: Lo Min‐Hui , Famiglietti James S. , Yeh P. J.‐F. , Syed T. H.
Published: May 2010

Several previous studies have shown the significance of representing shallow groundwater in land surface model (LSM) simulations. However, optimal methods for parameter estimation in order to realistically simulate water table depth have received little attention. The recent availability of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) water storage data provides a unique opportunity to constrain LSM simulations of terrestrial hydrology. In this study, we incorporate both GRACE (storage) and estimated base flow (flux) data in the calibration of LSM parameters, and demonstrate the advantages gained from this approach using a Monte Carlo simulation framework. This approach improves parameter estimation and reduces the uncertainty of water table simulations in the LSM. Using the optimal parameter set identified from the multiobjective calibration, water table simulation can be improved due to close dependence of both base flow and total subsurface water storage on the water table depth. Moreover, it is shown that parameters calibrated from short‐term (2003–2005) GRACE and base flow data can be validated using simulations for the periods of 1984–1998 and 2006–2007, which implies that the proposed multiobjective calibration strategy is robust. More important, this study has demonstrated the potential for the joint use of routinely available GRACE water storage data and streamflow records to constrain LSM simulations at the global scale.
Size matters: Influence of multiple scattering on CALIPSO light‐extinction profiling in desert dust
Authors: Wandinger U. , Tesche M. , Seifert P. , Ansmann A. , Müller D. , Althausen D.
Published: May 2010

We investigate the discrepancies in measurements of light extinction and extinction‐to‐backsatter ratio (lidar ratio) of desert dust with CALIPSO and ground‐based lidar systems. Multiwavelength polarization Raman lidar measurements in the Saharan dust plume performed at Praia, Cape Verde, 15.0°N, 23.5°W, during SAMUM–2 in June 2008 were analyzed and compared to results of nearby CALIPSO overflights. The particle extinction coefficients and thus the optical depth are underestimated in the CALIPSO products by about 30% compared to Raman lidar measurements. A pre‐defined lidar ratio of 40 sr at 532 nm is used for mineral dust in the CALIPSO algorithms in agreement with values of 41 ± 6 sr found from constrained retrievals. However, the ground‐based lidar observations show much larger values of the order of 55 ± 10 sr. The discrepancies can be explained by the influence of multiple scattering which is ignored in the CALIPSO retrievals. Based on recent observations of the size distribution of dust particles from airborne in‐situ observations during SAMUM–1, our model calculations show that the multiple‐scattering‐related underestimation of the extinction coefficient in the CALIPSO lidar signals ranges from 10%–40%. We propose a method to overcome this underestimation.
Some statistical aspects of the monitoring of GM plants
Authors: Perry Joe
Published: May 2010

There are several challenges in the monitoring of: (1) long-term effects of GM plants on the environment, and (2) effects that may be small in terms population change but significant in terms of the conservation of biodiversity. The difficulties are compounded by variability in environmental conditions between sites and years. Some examples will be given from the Farm Scale Evaluations of GMHT crops in the UK. However, the talk will focus on more recent developments, including:(1) LandsFACTS software developed during the SIGMEA project for modeling rotations that might be used in risk management (see "http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/LandSFACTS/":http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/LandSFACTS/and "http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/LandSFACTS/model.php":http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/LandSFACTS/model.php);(2) the use of the SADIE system to analyse spatial information to detect environmental change(see "http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/sadie/SADIE_home_page_1.htm":http://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/pie/sadie/SADIE_home_page_1.htm);(3) the analysis of models for robustness and sensitivity, with particular reference to amathematical model for the effect of Bt maize on non-target lepidoptera(see "http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/01/05/rspb.2009.2091.abstract":http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/early/2010/01/05/rspb.2009.2091.abstract).
Use of cyclodextrins in biotransformation reactions with cell cultures of Morus nigra: biosynthesis of prenylated chalcone isocordoin
Authors: Bolasco Adriana , Fioravanti Rossella , Rossi Francesca , Rossi Paola , Vitali Alberto
Published: May 2010

In vivo biotransformation experiments were performed by using a cell suspension culture of Morus nigra expressing a high PT (prenyltransferase) activity, fed with the target substrate 2′,4′‐dihydroxychalcone. In order to improve the reaction yields by enhancing the chalcone solubility, three different cyclodextrins have been used to host the substrate. The respective complexes have been studied by means of both spectroscopic and calorimetric techniques (Fourier‐transform infrared, 1H‐NMR and differential scanning calorimetry) and the solution behaviours have been characterized by solubility phase studies. The hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin complex was found to be the most suitable for biotransformation, and the reaction of prenylation resulted in a 6‐fold higher yield of the final product when compared with the use of the free substrate. The reaction provided as the sole product the 3′‐dimethylallyl derivative isocordoin, a biologically active plant compound. The results obtained allow the development of systems based on the use of biofermentors or the use of immobilized cells in order to enhance the biotransformation yields.
Teaching Educational Assistants to Facilitate the Multisymbol Message Productions of Young Students Who Require Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Binger Cathy , Kent-Walsh Jennifer , Ewing Cai , Taylor Stacy
Published: May 2010

Purpose

Many classroom educational assistants (EAs) have a significant amount of responsibility in carrying out educational plans for children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), but they receive little instruction on how to do so (Kent-Walsh & Light, 2003). This study investigates the impact of using a communication partner instructional program to teach EAs how to teach their students to produce symbol combinations on their speech-generating devices.

Method

A single-subject multiple-probe-across-participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the instructional program on (a) the EAs' implementation of an interaction strategy with their students who used AAC and (b) the rates of multisymbol message productions for the students who used AAC.

Results

All 3 participating EAs learned to use the interaction strategy appropriately, and all 3 participating students who used AAC increased their multisymbol message production rates.

Conclusions

Results provide further evidence (a) of the viability of using a communication partner instructional program for teaching partners how to facilitate the communication skills of children who use AAC and (b) that the interaction strategy can be an effective tool for increasing expressive multisymbol message rates for children who use AAC.