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Central Texas (central + texas)
Selected AbstractsA scenario-based stochastic programming model for water supplies from the highland lakesINTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS IN OPERATIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2000D.W. Watkins Jr Abstract A scenario-based, multistage stochastic programming model is developed for the management of the Highland Lakes by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in Central Texas. The model explicitly considers two objectives: (1) maximize the expected revenue from the sale of interruptible water while reliably maintaining firm water supply, and (2) maximize recreational benefits. Input data can be represented by a scenario tree, built empirically from a segment of the historical flow record. Thirty-scenario instances of the model are solved using both a primal simplex method and Benders decomposition, and results show that the first-stage (,here and now') decision of how much interruptible water to contract for the coming year is highly dependent on the initial (current) reservoir storage levels. Sensitivity analysis indicates that model results can be improved by using a scenario generation technique which better preserves the serial correlation of flows. Ultimately, it is hoped that use of the model will improve the LCRA's operational practices by helping to identify flexible policies that appropriately hedge against unfavorable inflow scenarios. [source] C3,C4 composition and prior carbon dioxide treatment regulate the response of grassland carbon and water fluxes to carbon dioxideFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2007H. W. POLLEY Summary 1Plants usually respond to carbon dioxide (CO2) enrichment by increasing photosynthesis and reducing transpiration, but these initial responses to CO2 may not be sustained. 2During May, July and October 2000, we measured the effects of temporarily increasing or decreasing CO2 concentration by 150,200 µmol mol,1 on daytime net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) and water flux (evapotranspiration, ET) of C3,C4 grassland in central Texas, USA that had been exposed for three growing seasons to a CO2 gradient from 200 to 560 µmol mol,1. Grassland grown at subambient CO2 (< 365 µmol mol,1) was exposed for 2 days to an elevated CO2 gradient (> 365 µmol mol,1). Grassland grown at elevated CO2 was exposed for 2 days to a subambient gradient. Our objective was to determine whether growth CO2 affected the amount by which grassland NEE and ET responded to CO2 switching (sensitivity to CO2). 3The NEE per unit of leaf area was greater (16,20%) and ET was smaller (9,20%), on average, at the higher CO2 concentration during CO2 switching in May and July. The amount by which NEE increased at the higher CO2 level was smaller at elevated than subambient growth concentrations on both dates, but relationships between NEE response and growth CO2 were weak. Conversely, the effect of temporary CO2 change on ET did not depend on growth CO2. 4The ratio of NEE at high CO2 to NEE at low CO2 during CO2 change in July increased from 1·0 to 1·26 as the contribution of C3 cover to total cover increased from 26% to 96%. Conversely, in May, temporary CO2 enrichment reduced ET more in C4 - than C3 -dominated grassland. 5For this mesic grassland, sensitivity of NEE and ET to brief change in CO2 depended as much on the C3,C4 composition of vegetation as on physiological adjustments related to prior CO2 exposure. [source] Effect of count duration on abundance estimates of Black-capped VireosJOURNAL OF FIELD ORNITHOLOGY, Issue 1 2009David A. Cimprich ABSTRACT Distance sampling applied to point count surveys (point transects) has become a common method for estimating the absolute abundance of birds. When conducting point transects, detections of focal species are typically recorded during a fixed time interval. However, count duration has varied among studies and the effect of such variation on the resulting abundance estimates is unclear. My objective was to examine the effect of count duration on abundance estimates of male Black-capped Vireos (Vireo atricapilla). The abundance of these vireos in a 349-ha area in central Texas was estimated using 3-, 5-, and 6-min point transects and results were then compared to actual number present as determined by banding and territory mapping. The 3-min counts provided an estimate that was 26% greater than the actual number of male Vireos present (N= 201), but this number was within the corresponding 95% confidence interval (N= 157,413). Confidence intervals for the 5- and 6-min counts did not include the actual number of vireos present. The shortest count duration may have provided the most accurate abundance estimate because male Black-capped Vireos are typically active, sing intermittently, and sometimes move tens of meters between songs. Thus, shorter-duration counts may also yield the most accurate abundance estimates for other species that exhibit similar behavior. However, because behavior varies among species, I recommend that investigators collect preliminary data to establish an appropriate count duration when accurate estimates of absolute, rather than relative, abundance are important. RESUMEN El muestreo a distancia aplicado a conteos de punto (transectos de punto) se ha convertido en un método común para estimar la abundancia absoluta de aves. Cuando se conducen conteos de punto, la detección de especies focales, típicamente, se lleva a cabo durante un periodo de tiempo definido. Sin embargo, la duración de tiempo del conteo, varía en diferentes estudios y el efecto de dicha variación, en los estimados de abundancia, no está definido. Mi objetivo fue examinar el efecto del periodo de tiempo usado en los conteos utilizando como objeto de estudio a Vireo atricapilla. La abundancia de dichas aves en 349 ha en la parte central de Texas, fue estimada utilizando periodos de 3, 5 y 6 minutos en cada punto del transecto. Los resultados fueron comparados a números obtenidos con recobro de animales anillados y mapas de territorios. Los conteos de 3 minutos dieron como resultado un 26% más alto que el número de machos presentes en la localidad (N= 201). Pero dichos resultados estuvieron dentro del intérvalo de confiabilidad de 95% (N= 157,413). Intérvalos de 5 y 6 minutos no estimaron adecuadamente el número de vireos presentes. El conteo más corto (3 minutos) suministró los números más exactos, aparentemente porque el ave estudiada, típicamente está activa, canta de forma intermitente y en ocasiones se mueve de lugar (decenas de metros) entre canciones. Por lo tanto los conteos más cortos deben de proveer los estimados de abundancia más precisos para otras especies de aves con hábitos similares. Sin embargo, dado el caso de que la conducta entre especies varía, recomendamos a otros investigadores, que tomen datos preliminares para establecer la duración más apropiada de conteos, cuando se necesiten estimados de absoluta exactitud, en vez de estimados relativos de abundancia. [source] Dependence of reaction kinetics on H2O activity as inferred from rates of intergranular diffusion of aluminiumJOURNAL OF METAMORPHIC GEOLOGY, Issue 7 2010W. D. CARLSON Abstract Quantitative constraints on the accelerative effects of H2O on the kinetics of metamorphic reactions arise from a comparison of rates of intergranular diffusion of Al in natural systems that are fluid-saturated, hydrous but fluid-undersaturated, and nearly anhydrous. Widths of symplectitic reaction coronas around partially resorbed garnet crystals in the contact aureole of the Makhavinekh Lake Pluton, northern Labrador, combined with time,temperature histories from conductive thermal models, yield intergranular diffusivities for Al from ,700,900 °C under nearly anhydrous conditions. Those rates, when extrapolated down temperature, are approximately three orders of magnitude slower than rates derived from re-analysis of garnet resorption coronas formed under hydrous but fluid-undersaturated conditions near 575 °C in rocks of the Llano Uplift of central Texas, which are in turn approximately four orders of magnitude slower than rates at comparable temperatures derived from numerical simulations of prograde garnet growth in fluid-saturated conditions in rocks from the Picuris Range of north-central New Mexico. Thus, even at constant temperature, rates of intergranular diffusion of Al , and corresponding length scales and timescales of metamorphic reaction and equilibration , may vary by as much as seven orders of magnitude across the range of H2O activities found in nature. [source] CONTROLLING PHOSPHORUS IN RUNOFF FROM LONG TERM DAIRY WASTE APPLICATION FIELDS,JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION, Issue 5 2004Anne M.S. McFarland ABSTRACT: Phosphorus (P) in runoff from long term animal waste application fields can contribute to accelerated eutrophication of surface waters. Manure when applied at nitrogen (N) agronomic rates generally increases soil P concentrations, which can increase runoff of soluble P. Along the North Bosque River in central Texas, dairy waste application fields are identified as the most controllable nonpoint source of soluble P in a total maximum daily load. To evaluate P reduction practices for fields high in soil extractable P, edge-of-field runoff was measured from paired plots of Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)/ winter wheat (Triticum spp.). Plots (about 0.4 ha) received manure at P agronomic rates following Texas permit guidelines and commercial N during the pretreatment period. During the post-treatment period, control plots continued to receive manure at P agronomic rates and commercial N. Treatment plots received only commercial N during the post-treatment period. Use of only commercial N on soils with high extractable P levels significantly decreased P loadings in edge-of-field runoff by at least 40 percent, but runoff concentrations sometimes increased. No notable changes in extractable soil P concentrations were observed after five years of monitoring due to drought conditions limiting forage uptake and removal. [source] The Aging Experience of Well Elderly Women: Initial ResultsNURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES, Issue 3 2002Wendy Duggleby In aging research, the concentration of the majority of studies on the effects of disease and other problems has resulted in a view of aging that focuses on losses (Agen, 1998). However, little is actually understood about the aging experience in well elderly women and how they adapt to changes in aging. The purpose of this study was to explore the aging experience among well community-living older women participating in activities at a seniors' center. The specific aims were: (i) describe the experience of aging; and (ii) describe how participants deal with aging. A descriptive qualitative focus group design was used. Fourteen women who attend a seniors' center in a large urban multi-purpose recreation center in north central Texas participated in focus groups based on their age: young,old (65,74); old,old (75,84) and oldest old (85 years of age and older). The focus group interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis methodology. One member from each focus group confirmed the results. All three age groups described changes in interests, loss of friends, loss of spouse, and retirement. The ,old,old' and ,oldest old' groups described physical changes that interfered with ,doing what they did before'. All three groups said the best part about growing older was a sense of freedom and the most difficult was loss of spouse. They all dealt with the changes by maintaining relationships with family and friends, faith, staying physically and mentally active and staying involved. The participants identified seniors' programs as helping them with changes. However, transportation was an issue. They also described how they needed others to be patient with them as they dealt with their changes. [source] Growth in root length of the mandibular canine and premolars in a mixed-longitudinal orthodontic sample,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Shelley L. Smith Numerous studies of dental development focusing on eruption (clinical emergence) exist in the literature, but fewer studies examine dental development as a process extending across years or decades, and root development is commonly assessed using fractional root lengths. Here, we examine the growth of mandibular canine and premolar roots in a mixed-longitudinal sample of orthodontic patients (77 females and 74 males) from north central Texas. Multilevel models are generated for root lengths as a percentage of total tooth lengths (within films) as well as for absolute root lengths (across films). As a percentage of tooth length, roots grow with decreasing velocity through time between 7 and 14 years of age. More complex patterns appear for absolute growth in root length, with girls showing an earlier maximum growth rate for the canine than for the premolars. Substitution of dental age for chronological age reduces between-subject variation (assessed at age 11), especially for boys. A better understanding of dental maturation, including root length growth, should allow improved prediction models. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Savanna dynamics in central Texas: just succession?APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 1 2009Norma L. Fowler Abstract Question: What is the best way to model savanna dynamics? Specifically, under what conditions is a traditional succession model, i.e., a model of ordered, uni-directional change in the plant community, better than a state-and-transition model? Location: Central Texas savannas. Methods: We describe three examples of successional processes in central Texas savannas: (a) woody plant encroachment, (b) invasion by a non-native grass, and (c) establishment of different grass species in highly disturbed sites. Results and Conclusions: Savanna dynamics are now commonly conceptualized with state-and-transition models. However, in some situations a traditional succession model may be more appropriate or more useful. Succession models may better fit current ecological reality, as found in central Texas. Succession models emphasize transient dynamics rather than an (often unknown) endpoint, and direct us towards relevant literature from non-savanna ecosystems. Succession models may be particularly useful for land management and restoration, and where woody plant encroachment and/or invasions by non-native species control vegetation dynamics. [source] Rapid seismic reflection imaging at the Clovis period Gault site in central TexasARCHAEOLOGICAL PROSPECTION, Issue 4 2007John A. Hildebrand Abstract Using a modified seismic reflection imaging system with rapid translation of receivers, stratigraphic profiles were collected at the Gault site in central Texas. For rapid data collection, spikeless geophone receivers were placed in sand-filled bags at tight spacing, and these receivers were rapidly pulled along the ground surface between shots. Shots were produced by a small hammer strike to a vertical pipe at 20-cm intervals. High quality ultrashallow seismic reflection profiles were collected at a rate of 25,m,h,1, significantly faster than what is possible with conventional seismic reflection imaging using individually planted geophones. Ground-penetrating radar was attempted, but abandoned owing to the poor penetration of the radar signals in the clay soils present at the Gault site. Electromagnetic induction grids were collected surrounding each seismic reflection profile, and provided information on near-surface ground water. Seismic reflection images of Gault site stratigraphy provided greater depth penetration than accessible from backhoe trenching and coring, and helped to better outline the site geological context. Seismic images reveal coherent reflections at shallow depths (0,2.5,m), and extensive scattering at deeper levels (2.5,8,m), underlain by reflection-free zones. These data are interpreted as clay and gravel layers overlaying palaeostream channels carved into the limestone bedrock. Where comparative data were available, the geophysical findings were corroborated by observations of site stratigraphy in archaeological excavation units, backhoe trenches and cores. Seismic reflection studies at the Gault site revealed a palaeochannel filled with pre-Clovis age sediments. Pre-Clovis age sediments are not known to occur at other locations within the Gault site. They provide a unique opportunity to test for cultural remains of great antiquity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||