Spectral analysis of forest model time series

The use of spectral analysis to elucidate the cyclic behavior in time series generated by a forest stand growth simulation model is discussed. A stand-level simulator, FORET, for an Appalachian deciduous forest is described. An estimate of the power spectral density of the total biomass time series is calculated. The power spectral density estimate indicates a dominant cyclic behavior with a period of about 200 years. In addition the spectral density is approximately bandlimited. This characteristic makes possible the application of the sampling theorem for analysis of sampling rates.     

Automatic sorting of ichthyoplankton; Factors controlling plankton density in gradients of silica

Following isopycnic sedimentation in density gradients of colloidal silica (Ludox AM), zooplankton segregated into 3 broad bands of increasing density which included, respectively, fish eggs, invertebrates, and fish larvae. The zone of fish eggs was contaminated with Sagitta spp. and the zone of fish larvae was overlapped partially by mysids and euphausids. We have sought to minimize contamination through modifications of the silica gradients which might shift banding densities of the ichthyoplankton or of the contaminating invertebrates. Density shifts in fact occurred in different commercial formulations of silica sols and in gradients modified by small amounts of polymers, osmotica or charged small molecules. Sagitta were specifically shifted out of the zone of fish eggs by the addition, of 1% w/v dextran sulfate or in a silica sol composed of very small particles of silica (Nalcoag 1115). Fish larvae were shifted to higher densities by the addition of 1% w/v trimetaphosphate or 1% w/v dextran sulfate. Additions of 1% w/v polyvinyl alcohol, and of 10 mM glycine, and potassium phosphate had intermediate effects. The same banding densities of plankton in silica gradients were reached in less than 10 h at one gravity, independent of the immediate pretreatment of the sample.     

Metabolism of crufomate (4-tert-butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl methylphosphoramidate) administered topically to a sheep.

A sheep dosed topically with 14C-crufomate (4-tert-butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl methylphosphoramidate) excreted 45.5% of the 14C dose in the urine within 9 days. The feces contained 1.2% and the carcass 40.4% (this included the 37.7% of the dose remaining on the skin in the dosing area) of the dose. At sacrifice, the fat, liver, kidney, lung, and skin (where the dose was applied) contained the highest concentrations of 14C. Fourteen urinary metabolites were isolated and characterized by mass spectrometry. The metabolic reactions involved were oxidations of the t-butyl moiety, O-demethylation, replacement of the H-N-CH3 moiety with a hydroxyl group, oxidation of the N-methyl group to yield N-formyl phosphoramidates, hydrolysis of the phosphoramidate moiety to yield phenols, conjugation with glucuronic acid and combinations of these reactions.     

Physical characterization of diesel exhaust particles in exposure chambers

Since the deposition of particulate in the respiratory system is strongly influenced by particle size, a correct assessment of this parameter is important for any inhalation experiment studying the potential health effects of air pollutants. Measuring the distribution of particles according to their aerodynamic diameter and mechanical mobility diameter is crucial in analyzing the deposition of submicron particles in the lower respiratory system. Cascade impactor measurements of diluted diesel exhaust in 12.6 m³ animal exposure chambers in the GMR Biomedical Science Department showed that the mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol was 0.2 μm with 88% of the mass in particles smaller than 1 μm. Diffusion battery measurements showed that the mass median mechanical mobility diameter was about 0.11 μm. Transmission electron micrographs of particles deposited on chamber surfaces revealed both agglomerates and nearly spherical particles. The particles in these chambers are similar in size and shape to diesel particles described elsewhere. The flux of diesel particles to food surfaces was measured. Calculations of the expected daily dose by inhalation and by feeding showed that the “worst case” dose by feeding was only about one-tenth the dose by breathing.     

Prediction of cervical spine injury risk for the 6-year-old child in frontal crashes

This article presents a series of 49 km/h sled tests using the Hybrid III 6-year-old dummy in a high-back booster, a low-back booster, and a three-point belt. Although a 10-year review at a level I trauma center showed that noncontact cervical spine injuries are rare in correctly restrained booster-age children, dummy neck loads exceeded published injury thresholds in all tests. The dummy underwent extreme neck flexion during the test, causing full-face contact with the dummy's chest. These dummy kinematics were compared to the kinematics of a 12-year-old cadaver tested in a similar impact environment. The cadaver test showed neck flexion, but also significant thoracic spinal flexion which was nonexistent in the dummy. This comparison was expanded using MADYMO simulations in which the thoracic spinal stiffness of the dummy model was decreased to give a more biofidelic kinematic response. We conclude that the stiff thoracic spine of the dummy results in high neck forces and moments that are not representative of the true injury potential.     

Graduated driver licensing and safer driving

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) inserts between the leaner permit and full licensure an intermediate or "provisional" license that allows novices to drive unsupervised but subject to provisions intended to reduce the risks that accompany entry into highway traffic. Introduction of GDL has been followed by lowered accident rates, resulting from both limiting exposure of novices to unsafe situations and by helping them to deal with them more safely. Sources of safer driving include extended learning, early intervention, contingent advancement, and multistage instruction. To extend the learning process, most GDL systems lengthen the duration of the learner phase and require a specified level of adult-supervised driving. Results indicate that extended learning can reduce accidents substantially if well structured and highly controlled. Early intervention with novice traffic violators have shown both a general deterrent effect upon novice violators facing suspension and a specific effect upon those who have experienced it. Making advancement to full licensure contingent upon a violation-free record when driving on the provisional license has also evidenced a reduction in accidents and violations during that phase of licensure. Multistage instruction attempts development of advanced skills only after novices have had a chance to master more basic skills. Although this element of GDL has yet to be evaluated, research indicates crash reduction is possible in situations where it does not increase exposure to risk. While the various elements of GDL have demonstrated potential benefit in enhancing the safety of novice drivers, considerable improvement in the nature and enforcement of GDL requirements is needed to realize that potential.