Life Sciences Commons^™

Local Data Assimilation In Specification Of Open Boundary Conditions, Igor Shulman

Faculty Publications

A data assimilation approach to specify open boundary conditions is proposed. The boundary values are determined from the solution of the special optimization problem: minimization of the difference between the model and reference boundary values under the integral constraints on the open boundary. These constraints represent the energy, momentum, and mass fluxes through the open boundary. Reference values represent the a priori knowledge about the boundary values. They might be derived from observations, results of another model run, or from another approach to the specification of open boundary conditions. Optimized open boundary conditions are presented in detail for the barotropic …

Finite Difference Of Adjoint Or Adjoint Of Finite Difference?, Ziv Sirkes, Eli Tziperman

Faculty Publications

Adjoint models are used for atmospheric and oceanic sensitivity studies in order to efficiently evaluate the sensitivity of a cost function (e.g., the temperature or pressure at some target time t(f), averaged over some region of interest) with respect to the three-dimensional model initial conditions. The time-dependent sensitivity, that is the sensitivity to initial conditions as function of the initial time t(i), may be obtained directly and most efficiently from the adjoint model solution. There are two approaches to formulating an adjoint of a given model. In the first (''finite difference of adjoint''), one derives the continuous adjoint equations from …

The L3 Neuron And An Associated Prothoracic Network Are Involved In Calling Song Recognition By Female Crickets, John Stout, Nathan Carlson, Hilary Bingol, James Ramseier, Michael Bronsert, Gordon Atkins

Faculty Publications

In young virgin Acheta domesticus females, the spiking response of the prothoracic L3 auditory interneuron discriminates between calling songs (CSs) with phonotactically attractive and unattractive syllable periods (SPs), which parallels phonotactic discrimination. Presentation of a CS with an originally attractive SP, but with the intensity modulated so as to minimize L3's selective response, results in a CS with little phonotactic attractiveness. Conversely, a CS with an originally unattractive SP becomes much more attractive when the CS is intensity modulated in ways that duplicate L3's selective response. L3's discriminatory response to CS SP deteriorates with age, in parallel with decreased phonotactic …

A Fluid In Contact With A Semipermeable Surface: Second-Order Integral Equation Approach, Douglas Henderson, Pawel Bryk, Stefan Sokolowski

Faculty Publications

An integral equation approach for a binary hard-sphere mixture interacting with a planar semipermeable wall (membrane) is formulated by using the second-order nonuniform or pair Ornstein–Zernike equation as well as the usual singlet Ornstein–Zernike equation. The results of the pair theory are compared with those obtained from the singlet theory and with computer simulation data. The pair approach is more accurate than the singlet theory.

Time Series Measurements Of Chlorophyll Fluorescence In The Oceanic Bottom Boundary Layer With A Multisensor Fiber-Optic Fluorometer, Eurico J. Dsa, Steven E. Lohrenz, Vernon L. Asper, Roy A. Walters

Faculty Publications

An in situ multisensor fiber-optic fluorometer (MFF) has been developed to acquire long-term chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in the oceanic bottom boundary layer to characterize the finescale pigment structure at vertical spatial scales comparable to physical measurements. The eight fluorescence sensors of the MFF are composed of dual optical fibers of varying lengths (1.5-8 m), with the fiber ends oriented at 30 degrees to each other and enclosed by a small light baffle. Strobe excitation blue light is passed through one of each pair of optical fibers and stimulated chlorophyll fluorescence is carried back to a photomultiplier. Two sets of four …

Antisense Expression Of The Peptide Transport Gene Atptr2-B Delays Flowering And Arrests Seed Development In Transgenic Arabidopsis Plants, Wei Song, Serry Koh, Mihály Czakó, László Márton, Eliana Drenkard, Jeffrey M. Becker, Gary Stacey

Faculty Publications

Previously, we identified a peptide transport gene, AtPTRZ-B, from Arabidopsis thaliana that was constitutively expressed in all plant organs, suggesting an important physiological role in plant growth and development. To evaluate the function of this transporter, transgenic Arabidopsis plants were constructed expressing antisense or sense AtPTRZ-B. Genomic Southern analysis indicated that four independent antisense and three independent sense AtPTRZ-B transgenic lines were obtained, which was confirmed by analysis of the segregation of the kanamycin resistance gene carried on the T-DNA. RNA blot data showed that the endogenous AtPJRZ-B mRNA levels were significantly reduced in transgenic leaves and …

Grand Canonical Monte Carlo And Modified Singlet Integral Equations For The Density Profile Of A Yukawa Fluid Near A Planar Wall, Douglas Henderson, Wilmer Olivares-Rivas, Leo Degreve, Jacqueline Quintana

Faculty Publications

Results for the density profile for Yukawa molecules near a hard wall and an exponential attractive wall are presented for Grand Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations, for the singlet hypernetted chain (HNC) integral equation and for a modified version of the Lovett–Mou–Buff–Wertheim (LMBW-1) which uses the exact contact value theorem. The results of the standard singlet HNC are quite poor. If the LMBW equation is modified (but still using the bulk direct correlation function) the results at high temperature become reasonable. However, the results at low temperatures, close to the bulk coexistence curve, are only a partial improvement. The contact …

Intraspecific And Diffuse Competition: The Response Of Nassella Pulchra In A California Grassland, Andrew R. Dyer, Kevin J. Rice

Faculty Publications

In inland California grasslands, the high densities of alien annual species have altered the growing environment for native perennial grasses. Using variable-density plots, we measured the influence of intraspecific competition (conspecifics only) and diffuse competition (mixed-composition neighborhoods that include conspecifics) on growth and survival of Nassella pulchra, purple needlegrass. We assessed the effects of intraspecific and diffuse competition in weeded plots and unweeded plots, respectively, across a density gradient of N. pulchra plants (16–356 plants/m2). We used summer fire and spring sheep grazing to reduce diffuse competition in unweeded plots. The potential effect of rooting volume on competitive interactions …

The Probability Density Function Of Ocean Surface Slopes And Its Effects On Radar Backscatter, Y. Liu, Xh Yan, W.T. Liu, P.A. Hwang

Faculty Publications

Based on Longuet-Higgins's theory of the probability distribution of wave amplitude and wave period and on some observations, a new probability density function (PDF) of ocean surface slopes is derived. It is f(zeta(x), zeta(y)) = n/2 pi(n - 1)sigma(u) sigma(c) x [1 + zeta(x)(2)/(n - 1)sigma(n)(2) + zeta(y)(2)/(n - 1)sigma(c)(2)](-(n + 2)/2) + skewness, where zeta(x) and zeta(y) are the slope components in upwind and crosswind directions, respectively; sigma(u)(2) and sigma(c)(2) are the corresponding mean-square slopes. The peakedness of slopes is generated by nonlinear wave-wave interactions in the range of gravity waves. The skewness of slopes is generated by nonlinear …

234Th And 210Pb Evidence For Rapid Ingestion Of Settling Particles By Mobile Epibenthic Megafauna In The Abyssal Ne Pacific, L. M. L. Lauerman, J. M. Smoak, Timothy J. Shaw, W. S. Moore, K. L. Smith Jr.

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Transcription-Dependent Switch Controls Competence Of Adult Neurons For Distinct Modes Of Axon Growth, Deanna S. Smith, J.H. Pate Skene

Faculty Publications

Although maturing neurons undergo a precipitous decline in the expression of genes associated with developmental axon growth, structural changes in axon arbors occur in the adult nervous system under both normal and pathological conditions. Furthermore, some neurons support extensive regrowth of long axons after nerve injury. Analysis of adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in culture now shows that competence for distinct types of axon growth depends on different patterns of gene expression. In the absence of ongoing transcription, newly isolated neurons can extend compact, highly branched arbors during the first day in culture. Neurons subjected to peripheral axon injury …

Grounds For Argument: Local Understandings, Science, And Global Processes In Special Forest Products Harvesting, Thomas Love, Eric Jones

Faculty Publications

In posing the question "Where are the pickers?", Love and Jones suggest that the shifting paradigm in forestry is real and that academia is not leading the shift. Love and Jones illustrate the emergence of special forest products' legitimacy in competing uses of forests with their experience and research in mushroom harvesting in the Pacific Northwest.

The Economics Of Hardwood Management In The United States: 1950-1995, An Annotated Bibliography, Steven J. Goodson, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

This bibliography includes journal articles, published reports, conference proceedings articles, and academic theses and dissertations dated between 1950 and 1995 that concern economic aspects of managing hardwood tree species for timber production in the United States. The articles and reports were identified through keyword searches of computer databases available through the Mississippi State University computer system. Keywords used included individual species names as well as economic terms such as costs, returns, investment, and profit. The specific databases included the 1) USDA Agricultural Library - AGRICOLA CD-ROMs, 2) Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries System, 3) EBSCO Dissertation Abstracts, and 4) the …

Economic Impact Of The Forest Products Industries In Mississippi, Ian A. Munn, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

The forest products industry in Mississippi has four main sectors:

• Timber harvesting,

• Pulp and paper industries,

• Solid wood products industries, and

• Wood furniture manufacturing.

Each of these sectors is important to the state's economy, but how important are they? To address this question, in this article we present estimates of the number of employees, wages and salaries, total output value, and value added for each industry sector and for the total of all four sectors in Mississippi in 1993- the last year for which all the data are available.

Manufacturing Upholstered Furniture In The Southeastern U.S.: A Comparative Cost Assessment, Joshua O. Idassi, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

The upholstered household furniture industry (SIC 25 12) is extremely important in the economies of Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Tennessee. This study uses a comparative cost approach to assess the differences that exist in the manufacturing and distribution of upholstered wood household furniture among southeast U.S. states. Secondary data for raw material, labor, and transportation costs were obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, for 1982, 1987, and 1992. Total costs were estimated for raw material, labor, and transportation of the finished products. A simple cost index was constructed for each cost component. Analysis of …

Solid Wood Products Industries - How Important Are They In Mississippi?, Ian A. Munn, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

What are the "solid wood products" industries and how important are they in Mississippi? First, consider the list of solid wood industries that are present in Mississippi- it includes sawmills, plywood mills, reconstituted product mills, wood preserving plants, and firms manufacturing hardwood dimension stock and flooring, millwork, wood containers, wood pallets and skids, and prefabricated wood buildings.

Pulp And Paper Industries - Multibillion Dollar Contributors To Mississippi’S Economy, Ian A. Munn, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

Pulp and paper industries are multi-billion dollar contributors to Mississippi's economy each year. Pulp and paper manufacturers employ over 9,000 people in the state, and these jobs pay nearly $44,000 per year on average. They're among the highest paying jobs of any industry in Mississippi. According to the latest "Survey of Manufacturers" by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, pulp and paper industries accounted for 4% of manufacturing employment in Mississippi in 1994, but 6% of manufacturing payroll.

Logging - One Of Mississippi’S Most Important Industries, Ian A. Munn, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

Logging is extremely important to Mississippi's economy for two reasons. First, the industry is essential in providing wood-based raw materials necessary for many thousands of jobs throughout the state. The industry is the ·:first link in a manufacturing chain that reaches through the state and touches the pulp and paper industry, the sawmill industry. the furniture industry, the building/construction industry. and many others. " The industry is also important because of the economic contributions it makes through its own employment and income created. In 1993, the industry contributed an estimated $1.-1-5 billion to Mississippi's economy. and over 11 thousand jobs …

Estimating Crown Height For Unthinned Planted Pines In East Texas, Young Jin Lee, J. David Lenhart

Faculty Publications

Stand-level models were derived to predict crown height or the distance from ground to the first live branch of unthinned planted loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) and slash (Pinus elliottii Eng elm.) pine trees in East Texas. Average height of the tallest trees was the principal predictor in the models. In addition, the influence of number of planted trees per acre, nonplanted basal area and fusiform rust (Cronartium quercuum [Berk.] Miyabe ex Shirai f.sp. fusiforme ) was considered. The models quantify the plantation ages when the butt log and successive lower stem logs are clear of live branches. This information may …

Stand Conditions And Tree Characteristics Affect Quality Of Longleaf Pine For Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Cavity Trees, W. G. Ross, David Kulhavy, Richard N. Conner

Faculty Publications

We measured resin flow of longleaf (Pirzus palustris Mill.) pines in red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis Vieillot) clusters in the Angelina National Forest in Texas, and the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida. Sample trees were categorized as active cavity trees, inactive cavity trees and control trees. Sample trees were further categorized by stand position as either edge or interior trees. Longleaf cavity trees in Texas and Florida had similar resin flow characteristics. Active cavity trees on forest edges had the highest resin flow, whereas active cavity trees in forest interiors had the lowest. Trees experiencing both low and high levels of …

Use Of Landsat Thematic Mapper Thermal Infrared Data To Map Relative Temperature Zones Within The University Of Idaho Experimental Forest, Daniel Unger, J.J. Ulliman

Faculty Publications

Relative forest ecosystem temperature zones, delineated using a single Landsat Thematic Mapper thermal infrared image, were found to be robust over time. Linear correlation coefficients between Landsat Thematic Mapper thermal infrared data acquired on July 8, 1990 and the mean maximum daily forest ecosystem ambient air temperature recorded for sixteen systematically selected dates during June and July, 1994 were significant at the one percent level for all sixteen dates tested and ranged from 0.81 to 0.94.

The Red-Cockaded Woodpecker's Role In The Southern Pine Ecosystem, Population Trends And Relationships With Southern Pine Beetles, Richard N. Conner, D. Craig Rudolph, Daniel Saenz, Robert N. Coulson

Faculty Publications

This study reviews the overall ecological role of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis)in the southern pine ecosystem. It is the only North American woodpecker species to become well adapted to a landscape that was relatively devoid of the substrate typically used by woodpeckers for cavity excavation (i.e. snags and decayed, living hardwoods). Its adaptation to use living pines for cavity excavation has expanded the use of this fire-disclimax ecosystem for numerous other cavity-using species. As such, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker represents an important keystone species of fire-disclimax pine ecosystems of the South. Historically, populations of this woodpecker and other cavity dependent …

Species Using Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Cavities In Eastern Texas, Richard N. Conner, D. Craig Rudolph, Daniel Saenz, Richard R. Schaefer

Faculty Publications

Because of its ability to excavate cavities in living pines, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is a keystone species in the fire-disclimax, pine ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Many species representing multiple taxonomic classes are dependent on this woodpecker species for the cavities it creates. We examined the occupants of Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities during spring, late summer, and winter. Cavities enlarged by other species of woodpeckers and unenlarged cavities were examined in two habitat conditions: loblolly (Pinus taeda) -shortleaf (P. echinata) pine and longleaf pine (P. palustris) habitats. Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities provided cavity habitat for seven species of birds, …

To Borrow Or Not To Borrow? The Financial Attractiveness Of Borrowing Funds To Apply Herbicides For Hardwood Control In Establishing Loblolly Pine Stands On Cutover Sites In The South, Steven H. Bullard, R. Honea

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Pulpwood Vs. Sawtimber: A “Quick And Dirty” Economic Analysis Of Hardwood Timber Management, Andy Ezell, Steven H. Bullard

Faculty Publications

A major decision in hardwood forest management is the type of final products to produce. Until recently, the only options in many areas of the South for hardwoods were sawtimber products-crossties, dimension lumber, and veneer, for example. In the past ten years, however, hardwood markets have changed dramatically. Across much of the South, hardwood pulpwood is now in very high demand.

Eyespray Vaccination: Infectivity And Development Of Immunity To Eimeria Acervulina And Eimeria Tenella, H. David Chapman, Tim E. Cherry

Faculty Publications

The infectivity of a coccidiosis vaccine and its ability to immunize chickens against two species of Eimeria was examined. The vaccine was administered to newly-hatched chicks by spraying directly onto the eye. The method resulted in a high proportion of chicks infected with E. acervulina and E. tenella. Vaccinated birds reared in cages in the absence of reinfection did not develop immunity to either species by 4 wk of age, but birds reared in floor pens developed immunity to both E. acervulina and E. tenella.

Conidial Germination And Infection By Diplocarpon Rosae On Susceptible And Resistant Rose Species, Robert J. Wiggers, J. G. West, Josephine Taylor

Faculty Publications

Conidial germination and infection by Dipplocarpon rosae, the causal organism of rose blackspot, were examined on two resistant species of roses, Rosa roxburghii and R. wichuraiana and two susceptible hybrid tea roses (R. hybrid cv. Chicago Peace and Garden Party). Fungal conidia germinated and gave rise to subcuticular mycelium that formed haustoria within epidermal cells of all four roses tested. On the resistant rose species, epidermal cells associated with the infection site became necrotic, indicating that a hypersensitive response is involved in conferring their resistance D. rosae.

Responses To Prey Odors In Juveniles Of The Snake Elaphe Obsoleta Spiloides, A Predatory Generalist [Abstract], Stephen J. Mullin, William H. N. Gutzke

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Sodium Nitrite Alone Protects The Brain O _I_ Microsomal Ca -Atpase Against Potassium Cyanide-Induced Neurotoxicity In Rats, Odutayo O. Odunuge, G.. A. Adenuga

Faculty Publications

The effect of a short-term oral administration of potassium cyanide (KCN) (200 ppm in diet) with or without sodium nitrite (NaNO2) pretreatment on rat brain microsomal Ca2* ATPase was investigated. The specific activity value of the enzyme significantly decreased (p<0.05) by 50% compared with control and by 63% for KCN-treated rats compared with KCN-treated rats pretreated with NaNO;,. There was no significant difference at the h = 0.05 level between the values obtained for the control and KCN-treated rats pretreated with NaNO,. These results show both that feeding lowers brain microsomal Ca2f-ATPase activity and that NaNO, has a protective role (antidote function) in that respect.

Observations On The Body Temperatures And Natural History Of Same Mexican Reptiles, J. A. Lemos-Espinal, Geoffrey R. Smith, R. E. Ballinger

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.