Search

A multi-model ensemble-based system for seasonal-to-interannual prediction has been developed in a joint European project known as DEMETER (Development of a European Multimodel Ensemble Prediction System for Seasonal to Interannual Prediction). The DEMETER system comprises seven global atmosphere–ocean coupled models, each running from an ensemble of initial conditions. Comprehensive hindcast evaluation demonstrates the enhanced reliability and skill of the multimodel ensemble over a more conventional single-model ensemble approach. In addition, innovative examples of the application of seasonal ensemble forecasts in malaria and crop yield prediction are discussed. The strategy followed in DEMETER deals with important problems such as communication across disciplines, downscaling of climate simulations, and use of probabilistic forecast information in the applications sector, illustrating the economic value of seasonal-to-interannual prediction for society as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Succession occurs on a large part of German salt marshes following abandonment or reduction of grazing. Its speed and effect on the biodiversity of salt marshes has been discussed in the literature. Permanent plot studies show site-dependent differences in successional outcome. If grazing is to be continued, there is uncertainty about the stocking rates that are optimal for the conservation of plant diversity. We present an eight year permanent plot study with different grazing treatments on a high salt marsh at the marsh island of Hallig Langeness, Germany, which is enclosed by a summer dike. The study site is owned by WWF. Successional outcomes on the permanent plots depend on grazing intensity and depth of the groundwater table which is correlated with soil salinity. Intermediate stocking rates support a mixture of halophytes and glycophytes, the relative proportion of which depends on the depth of the groundwater table. Cattle grazing at stocking rates of 0.6 livestock units per ha were found to be optimal for plant diversity conservation. At sites with deeper groundwater tables and no grazing, dominant Elymus spp. stands develop and diversity is strongly reduced. If the groundwater table is high, succession following grazing abandonment is retarded and small halophytes prevail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Klinische Wochenschrift is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Using the activitation method ( n,2 n) excitation-functions were measured forFe,Ge,Se,Rb,Sr,Y,Mo, andHg in the neutron-energy region 13-18 MeV. The results are checked for consistency by means of a systematic of ( n, 2 n) cross-sections as a function of the nuclear neutron excess ( N-Z)/A. Furthermore the data are compared with results from the statistical nuclear reactions theory which were calculated using optical model absorption cross-sections and the Fermi-gas-model formula for the nuclear level density. In the case ofHg the influence of preequilibrium nucleon emission was taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The action of antibodies and of the haemolytic complement system does not induce immune immobilization of Treponema pallidum, but only destroys superficial wall structures of these Gram-negative organisms. In sensitized and complement coated treponemes the immobilization is a result of the lysozyme interaction with the mucopeptide layer of the cell wall. In a lysozyme-free medium, immunologically damaged treponemes are able to repair the defects in the outer layers of their cell wall structures. Furthermore, it is shown that the long lag period in immune immobilization of T. pallidum can only partly be explained by the interaction of lysozyme with the treponemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comments on an article on the theory of the Liapunov exponents of Hamiltonian systems and the transition from regular to irregular classic motion. Method for calculating the fraction of the phase space; Significance of choosing the correct Poincaré section.