Showing papers by "Florida State University published in 1976"

Oscillations of a Monsoon System. Part I. Observational Aspects

Abstract: In this paper the elements of a monsoon system are defined, and its oscillations are determined from spectral analysis of long observational records. The elements of the monsoon system include pressure of the monsoon trough, pressure of the Mascarene high, cross-equatorial low-level jet, Tibetan high, tropical easterly jet, monsoon cloud cover, monsoon rainfall, dry static stability of the lower troposphere, and moist static stability of the lower troposphere. The summer monsoon months over India during normal monsoon rainfall years are considered as guidelines in the selection of data for the period of this study. The salient result of this study is that there seems to exist a quasi-biweekly oscillation in almost all of the elements of the monsoon system. For some of these elements, such as the surface pressure field, monsoon rainfall, low-level cross-equatorial jet and monsoon cloudiness, the amplitude of this oscillation in quasi-biweekly range is very pronounced. For the spectral representati...

Island biogeography theory and conservation practice.

Abstract: The application of island biogeography theory to conservation practice is premature. Theoretically and empirically, a major conclusion of such applications—that refuges should always consist of the largest possible single area—can be incorrect under a variety of biologically feasible conditions. The cost and irreversibility of large-scale conservation programs demand a prudent approach to the application of an insufficiently validated theory.

Endolithic Blue-Green Algae in the Dry Valleys: Primary Producers in the Antarctic Desert Ecosystem

Abstract: Endolithic unicellular blue-green algae occur under the surface of orthoquartzite rocks in the dry valleys of southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. This report of primary producers in the Antarctic desert ecosystem suggests that, in future efforts to detect life in extraterrestrial (for example, martian) environments, scientists should consider the possible existence of endolithic life forms.

Heterogeneity of the photochemical centers in system ii of chloroplasts

Abstract: — In 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) poisoned chloroplasts of algae and‘ higher plants the area over the fluorescence induction curve increases with biphasic first order kinetics (Melis and Homann, 1975). Two possibilities are considered to explain the biphasic nature of the area growth. The first is a sequential double reduction of the primary electron acceptor in system II while the second envisages a heterogeneity of its photochemical centers. The kinetic properties of the area growth after firing a single saturating flash proved to be incompatible with the predictions of the “sequential double reduction” model. This conclusion was corroborated by results obtained from a kinetic analysis of the area restoration process in the dark, and an analysis of the partially restored areas. Assuming an existence of a heterogeneous pool of photochemical centers, the growth of the area over the fluorescence curve could be further analyzed to yield two components, a fast a-component, and a relatively slow β-component. The kinetic characteristics of these components, and the effect of a short saturating flash on their respective size, led to the conclusion that one type of photochemical center had a faster recombination rate of the photochemically separated charges and was less efficient in trapping excitation energy.

A nonparametric estimation of the entropy for absolutely continuous distributions (Corresp.)

Abstract: Let F(x) be an absolutely continuous distribution having a density function f(x) with respect to the Lebesgue measure. The Shannon entropy is defined as H(f) = -\int f(x) \ln f(x) dx . In this correspondence we propose, based on a random sample X_{1}, \cdots , X_{n} generated from F , a nonparametric estimate of H(f) given by \hat{H}(f) = -(l/n) \sum_{i = 1}^{n} \In \hat{f}(x) , where \hat{f}(x) is the kernel estimate of f due to Rosenblatt and Parzen. Regularity conditions are obtained under which the first and second mean consistencies of \hat{H}(f) are established. These conditions are mild and easily satisfied. Examples, such as Gamma, Weibull, and normal distributions, are considered.

Extinction of the estrogen-induced daily signal for LH release in the rat: a role for the proestrous surge of progesterone.

Abstract: The heightened secretion of estrogen on diestrus-2 is required for the release of an ovulatory amount of LH on the following day, proestrus. Though these surges occur once every 4–5 days in cycling rats, the treatment of ovariectomized rats with a single injection of estrogen results in daily proestrus-like surges of LH. The present study was designed to test the possibil ity that progesterone, secreted on proestnis, prevents the daily expression of LH surges in cycling animals. The administration of estradiol benzoate (EB, 50 µg) to ovariectomized rats resulted in daily surges of LH secretion for 3 consecutive days. These surges were similar in the timing of onset and duration to the preovulatory surge of LH on proestrus. Serum LH concentrations were not increased on either the second or the third day when 5 mg of progesterone was given at 1600 h on the day of the first surge. These data suggest that progesterone blocks the expression of daily LH surges induced by estrogen. To determine whether this rela...

The Prediction of Dangerous Behavior

Abstract: Error is inevitable whenever psychologists attempt to predict future behavior. This paper examines the steps involved and the factors to be considered in the prediction of behavior in general and d...

Numerical Simulation of the Somali Jet

Abstract: In this study we show that many of the observed features of the cross-equatorial low-level jet of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Somalia can be numerically simulated by including 1) the cast African and Madagascar mountains, 2) the beta effect and 3) a lateral forcing from the east around 75°E. This lateral forcing at 75°E is, in fact, a solution of another numerical model–one where the land-ocean contrast heating in the meridional direction is incorporated in much detail to simulate the zonally symmetric monsoons, essentially following Murakami et al. (1970). This zonally symmetric solution of a very long-term numerical integration from a state of rest exhibits many of the observed characteristics of the broad-scale monsoons at 75°E. This later solution is used as a lateral forcing for the low-level jet simulations over the Arabian Sea-Indian Ocean. The numerical model presented here is a one-level primitive equation model with a detailed bottom topography and a one-degree latitude grid size....

Molecular Excitons in Small Aggregates

Abstract: The molecular exciton model, which deals with the excited state resonance interaction in weakly coupled electronic systems, is described as an interpretative tool for the study of the spectra and photochemistry of composite molecules. Under composite molecules are grouped loosely bound groups of light-absorbing units, held together by hydrogen bonds or by van der Waals forces. Another group of composite molecules included in the study consists of covalently bound light-absorbing units.

Evidence for Primordial Superheavy Elements

Abstract: Microscopic crystalline monazite inclusions showing giant halo formation in biotite mica have been analyzed by the method of proton-induced x-ray emission. The observed x-ray energy spectra are best explained by the presence of a number of superheavy elements. (AIP)

A Three-Dimensional Simulation of Coastal Upwelling off Oregon

Abstract: The wind driven, x-y-t, two-layer β-plane numerical model developed by Hurlburt (1974) is used to investigate the effects of a bottom topography and coastline configuration, like that off Oregon, on the onset and decay of the ocean upwelling circulation. The digitized nearshore Oregon bathymetry is analyzed for dominant scales, and a smoothed version is used in model cases with several different initial states and wind stresses. Cases with topography are compared to cases with plane sea beds. Topographic variations are found to dominate over coastline irregularities in determining the longshore distribution of upwelling. Results indicate that stronger upwelling observed near Cape Blanco is primarily due to the local bottom topography and not the cape itself. Observed variations in the meridional and zonal flow are attributed to the topographic β-effect. In particular, during spin-up with an equatorward wind stress, a nearshore poleward undercurrent is most likely to develop in regions where topog...

Drag Reduction by Formation Movement in Spiny Lobsters

Abstract: Movements of spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus) in formation reduce drag during locomotion; such movement is of particular significance during mass migration. Queues (single-file lines) of spiny lobsters sustain less drag per individual than do individual lobsters moving at the same speed. It is proposed that queuing behavior conserves energy and is a consequence of the evolutionary role of migration in this particular species.

A spatial model of phytoplankton patchiness

Abstract: The one-dimensional theory of critical-length scales of phytoplankton patchiness is developed to include phytoplankton growth and herbivore grazing as functions of time and space. The critical-length scale L c for the pathch is then determined by the initial spatial distribution and concentration of the limiting nutrient and herbivores in addition to the daily averaged values of the growth and loss processes. The response of an initial phytoplankton patch to the stresses of turbulent diffusion, nutrient depletion, light periodicity, and nocturnal or continuous herbivore grazing is investigated numerically for several oceanic conditions. Nocturnal grazing, while less stressful on primary production than continous grazing, results in lower phytoplankton standing stocks. Increase in biomass of vertically migrating zooplankton results in a net loss of nutrient which might otherwise be egested, recycled, and utilized in the euphotic zone under continuous grazing conditions. The Ivlev constant is shown via sensitivity analysis to be a significant parameter ultimately influencing phytoplankton production. It is demonstrated numerically that diffusion of phytoplankton cells from areas of high concentration to low concentration prevents the local extinction of the standing stock, thereby rendering a positive herbivore grazing-threshold unnecessary for ecosystem stability.

Velocity Observations in the West Passage of Narragansett Bay: A Partially Mixed Estuary

Abstract: Narragansett Bay is a weakly stratified estuary comprised of three connecting passages of varying depths. The vertical distribution of horizontal velocity was observed in the West Passage using moored current meters. The instantaneous motion was characterized by semi-diurnal tidal currents of amplitude 25–60 cm s−1. These currents exhibited a phase advance with depth (total water depth=12.8 m) ranging with lunar phase from 0–3 h. The net current time series obtained by filtering out motions at tidal and higher frequencies were found to be an order of magnitude less than the instantaneous motion and well correlated to the prevailing 2–10 m s−1 winds. For periodicities of 2–3 days, the coherence between the longitudinal components of wind and net near surface current was as high as 0.8 with the current lagging the wind by about 3 h. The mean near surface speed, obtained by averaging over one month, was 1.2±1.6 cm s−1. The large error bounds were a result of the large variability of the net current ...

Comparative species composition and relative abundance of decapod crustaceans in marine habitats of Panamá

Abstract: The community structure of the decapod crustacean fauna of 7 tropical, shallowwater, marine habitats (sandy beaches, mangrove swamps and rocky intertidal habitats on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama, and Pocillopora damicornis coral habitat of the Bay of Panama) were examined and analyzed for species composition and relative abundances. Collections from the 7 habitats yielded 4361 individuals, representing 236 species. The number of species per habitat was (Pacific, Caribbean): sandy beach (16, 7); mangrove (20, 17); P. damicornis (53); rocky intertidal (78, 67). There were more species represented by more individuals in the Pacific habitats. An index of faunal similarity was calculated for each pair (Pacific-Caribbean) of habitats. This index is the number of ecologically similar congeneric species which occurred in both habitats expressed as a percentage of the total number of species present in the pair of habitats. For the sandy beach communities there were three Pacific species which were similar to three Caribbean species, a similarity of 6/23 or 26%. The index of similarity for the mangrove communities is 54% and for the rocky intertidal communities it is 37%. The P. damicornis community has affinities with the Pacific rocky intertidal community (18%), with that of the Caribbean rocky intertidal (16%) and with that of Indo-West Pacific pocilloporid corals (20%). A few specialized species dominated each of the communities. The habitats and the number of species accounting for over half of the individuals present are (Pacific, Caribbean): sandy beach (1, 1); mangrove (4, 4); P. damicornis (5); and rocky intertidal (3, 6). Most of the species in each community were represented by one or a few individuals.

An anatomical study of some somesthetic afferents to the intercollicular terminal zone of the midbrain of the opossum.

Abstract: Following lesions of the dorsal column nuclei, spinal cord and sensorimotor cortex, anterograde degeneration was traced to a common target in the central midbrain: the intercollicular terminal zone. Although not all the midbrain projections of the three pathways are contained within this zone, it receives overlapping projections from each of the three body-related somesthetic pathways studied. The intercollicular terminal zone covers the entirety of the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and the intercollicular nucleus of Mehler, spilling over into adjacent parts of the central gray and deep layers of the superior colliculus. Little evidence of somatotopy in the somesthetic projections was disclosed, and bilateral input was found in each experimental case, regardless of the type of lesion. Golgi-stained material was examined to explore the basis of the extensiveness of the terminal zone. These materials showed that the dendritic spread of neurons in the external nucleus of the inferior colliculus and the intercollicular nucleus, taken together, covers the entirety of the intercollicular terminal zone. That is, the dendrites invade the same portions of the central gray and deep layers of the superior colliculus which are covered by the terminal field. We conclude that a tripartite division of the sensory midbrain may be justified: with the somesthetic modality being represented anatomically in a fashion at least roughly analogous to that of vision and audition.

Aspects of Necrophoric Behavior in the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis Invicta

Abstract: Removal of dead ants from the nest (necrophoric behavior) is released solely by contact chemical cues in the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Exhaustively extracted corpses do not release necrophoric behavior, but the extracts do when applied to filter paper bits. The necrophoric releaser is absent at death but appears rapidly and reaches a plateau within about an hour. The rate of signal appearance is identical in heat and freeze killed workers, implying a non-enzymatic origin. There is no specialized caste or size of worker which carries out necrophoric labor. In the field, in the absence of slope, corpse-bearing workers head outward from the nest on random radii and drop their corpses at unpredictable distances, making refuse piles rare. There is a positive relationship between slope and the presence of refuse piles, and these are located downhill from the mound. When the headings of necrophoric workers were measured in circular arenas in the lab, the only potential orientational cue (tested : landmarks, light, 5°, 10°, 15° slope) which resulted in non-random distribution of headings was slope. The concentration of the headings was a direct function of the slope and seemed to plateau at about 15°. Corpse-bearing ants show stereotyped behavior upon encountering refuse piles and adding their burden to it. Chemical stimuli probably issuing from the feces in the refuse pile bring about the end of necrophoric behavior and maintain the refuse pile. These chemical cues, as also those initiating necrophoric behavior, must be contacted to be effective.

Comparative Species Richness in Fluctuating and Constant Environments: Coral-Associated Decapod Crustaceans

Abstract: The number of decapod species associated with the coral Pocillopora damicornis is compared between two regions on the Pacific coast of Panama which are of the same geologic age but differ in environmental characteristics. The relationship between number of species and coral head size does not differ between the two regions but species composition among coral heads is more variable in the fluctuating environment. Thus there are more species (55 compared to 37) associated with corals in the fluctuating environment than in the constant environment. These data impugn the concept that environmental constancy increases species richness. They support the hypothesis that species equilibrium within habitats is maintained by measurable ecological factors—in this case, the effects of a natural physical disturbance .

Respondent Jeopardy and Optimal Designs in Randomized Response Models

Abstract: Randomized response methods allow different kinds and degrees of privacy depending upon models and parameters. A theoretical approach to efficiency is suggested based on minimizing variance for given privacy requirements. Privacy requirements are defined in units of jeopardy from different points of view and indexed by measures suggested by information theory. Variances of competing models are compared only when the procedures meet the privacy requirements in terms of not exceeding the maximal jeopardizing information allowable for the particular application. The approach is illustrated through developing minimum variance under given jeopardizing information restrictions for a general dichotomous-population-dichotomous-response model.

Social facilitation of male sexual behavior, intrasexual competition, and sexual selection in the guppy, poecilia reticulata (pisces: poeciliidae).

Abstract: Sexual selection, as defined by Darwin (1871), consists of two components-competition among individuals of one sex for the opposite sex and an ultimate choice of mates by the latter. Because females generally invest more in offspring production than do males, intrasexual competition is most intense among males, and females ultimately choose among the competing males (Fisher, 1930; Trivers, 1972). Bateman (1948) demonstrated experimentally that intermale competition exists in laboratory populations of Drosophila. In his experiments, most females found mates, but only a low proportion of males did so. Because of intermale competition, most males were unsuccessful in mate acquisition, while a few mated more than once. Generally, a promiscuous mating system is seen in species in which males invest much less in offspring production than do females. Where males and females are equal in reproductive effort, males cannot afford to be promiscuous, so selection favors monogamy (Trivers, 1972). The live-bearing teleost family Poeciliidae is an example of a group of organisms in which males and females exhibit disparate reproductive investments. Females produce large yolky eggs which are fertilized and retained in the ovarion follicles until the young are self-sufficient. Males, on the other hand, invest nothing but gametes, playing no role in care of their offspring. Thus, it would be advantageous for a male to mate with as many females as possible, but for a female to be selective