The feasibility of inventorying native vegetation and related resources form space photography

Photointerpretation of Gemini 4 photographs for inventorying native vegetatio

FES rehabilitation platform with real-time control and performance feedback.

Osteoporosis after spinal cord injury is associated with low-trauma fractures, and consequently with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The loss of bone mass density (BMD) due to paraplegia can be reduced through cyclical electrically-induced muscle contractions. Here we propose an FES control system based on posture switching, that induces transient loading of the lower limbs during a set of standing postures. This aims to produce an increased, evenly distributed BMD, whilst minimising FES-induced muscle fatigue. Here we describe the design and assessment of the FES exercising platform, comprising a controllable multi-channel electrical stimulator and an instrumented standing frame. The platform supports standing and postural shifting, provides real-time human-in-the-loop FES control with on-line feedback to the user. The platforms is used to investigate the effect of regular exercise on the distribution of BMD in people with paraplegia

Black Rails in North Carolina

The Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis ) is the most imperiled bird species along the Atlantic Coast. The species has undergone a range reduction, loss of breeding sites, and a loss of individuals from their most important strongholds. Reasons for the decline are unclear but may be a result of marsh loss and degradation, poor reproduction, adult survival, and incompatible management practices. North Carolina has long been known to be an important stronghold for Black Rail populations in the mid-Atlantic region. However, most of what was known on their population abundance and distribution was based on a scattering anecdotal surveys and general observations. The objective of this study was to conduct a broad, systematic survey of the Black Rail along the coast of North Carolina to provide information on the species status and distribution. We established a network of survey points within areas historically known to support Black Rails and other areas with appropriate habitat. The results of this effort were the detection of Black Rails at 15 of 153 locations surveyed in 2014 and 5 of 109 locations surveyed in 2015. The population of Black Rails in North Carolina appears to be broadly disseminated along the coast with detections across many locations of the survey network. However, population numbers are low and declining. Most detections at survey locations were of single birds. Moreover, the number of birds detected at the state’s largest known population at Cedar Island NWR was much lower compared to historical observations. A high count of 74 calling Black Rails were detected at Cedar Island NWR in 1974. Surveys through the late 1980s and 1990s documented about 20 birds. Our survey effort only yielded a maximum of 8 individuals. Black Rails occupied the high marsh zone across all locations they were detected. These habitat patches are characterized by the presence of salt meadow hay (Spartina. patens) and saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) and often interspersed with lower wet areas of black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus). This project helps to identify areas for Black Rail conservation and management. The Cedar Island NWR and peninsula of Carteret County it inhabits remains as the most important area for focal management based on the concentration of birds in several marshes. This survey effort also serves as an important benchmark to compare future survey and monitoring efforts

Neutron scattering study of a quasi-2D spin-1/2 dimer system Piperazinium Hexachlorodicuprate under hydrostatic pressure

We report inelastic neutron scattering study of a quasi-two-dimensional S=1/2 dimer system Piperazinium Hexachlorodicuprate under hydrostatic pressure. The spin gap {\Delta} becomes softened with the increase of the hydrostatic pressure up to P= 9.0 kbar. The observed threefold degenerate triplet excitation at P= 6.0 kbar is consistent with the theoretical prediction and the bandwidth of the dispersion relation is unaffected within the experimental uncertainty. At P= 9.0 kbar the spin gap is reduced to 0.55 meV from 1.0 meV at ambient pressure.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Autumn Migration of the Northern Saw-whet Owl on the Lower Delmarva Peninsula: Fall 2012 Report

The Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) breeds in southern Canada and the northern United States. During the late fall months this species migrates south to the mid-latitudes of North America. Because of its secretive habits, little was known about the Northern Saw-whet Owl’s migration ecology and winter distribution prior to the increase in the number of banding operations during the late 1990’s. During the fall of 1994, The Center for Conservation Biology began a study of migrant Northern Saw-whet Owls along the lower Delmarva Peninsula. This study has been the first to document large numbers of migrants south of Maryland. During the 19-year study, 3,850 owls have been banded and more than 100 foreign recaptures and returns have been recorded. We have also recorded more than 1000 same year recaptures. The owl migration project is conducted each year between the third week of October and the middle of December. Three trap sites (Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Gatr Tract/Mockhorn Island Wildlife Management Area, and Kiptopeke State Park) consisting of 6 mist nets and a continuous-loop audio-lure are opened nightly from dusk to dawn. Among other objectives, the project seeks to 1) determine the annual variation in the magnitude and timing of Northern Saw-whet Owl migration through the lower Delmarva Peninsula, 2) determine the spatial pattern of habitat use near the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, 3) determine the relative timing of passage for different age classes of Northern Saw-whet Owls, and 4) determine the rate of movement of Northern Saw-whet Owls moving down the Atlantic Flyway. During the fall of 2012, 315 new owls were captured and processed during 44 nights and 8,343 hours of operation. Capture rate was 7.2 owls/night or 3.8 owls/100 net-hours. Age ratio was 86.0% (271 birds) hatching-year (HY) birds compared to 14.0% (44 birds) after-hatching-year (AHY). Nine Eastern Screech Owls (Otus asio) were also captured during the season