A technique for estimating the vertical distribution of foliage area in broad-leaved forests was developed. The technique is similar to optical point-quadrat sampling, where estimates are based on heights to the lowest leaves above numerous sample locations beneath a canopy. In optical point-quadrat sampling, heights to lowest leaves are measured with a telephoto lens. Here, heights were measur...

Locomotion generates a visual movement pattern characterized as optic flow. To explore how the locomotor adjustments are affected by this pattern, an experimental paradigm was developed to eliminate optic flow during obstacle avoidance. The aim was to investigate the contribution of optic flow in obstacle avoidance by using a stroboscopic lamp. Ten young adults walked on an 8m pathway and stepp...

BACKGROUND Spores of many fungal species have been documented as important aeroallergens. Airborne fungal spores are commonly collected from the outdoor air at the rooftop level of high buildings; however, human exposure usually occurs nearer to the ground. It is necessary to estimate the concentration of airborne fungal spores at the human breathing level to evaluate the actual human exposure ...

BACKGROUND Adult height is a useful biological measure of long term population health and well being. We examined the cohort differences and socioeconomic patterning in adult height in low- to middle-income countries. METHODS/FINDINGS We analyzed cross-sectional, representative samples of 364,538 women aged 25-49 years drawn from 54 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 1994 ...

The gravitational component of water potential and frictional resistance during transpiration lead to substantial reductions in leaf water potential (Psi(l)) near the tops of tall trees, which can influence both leaf growth and physiology. We examined the relationships between morphological features and gas exchange in foliage collected near the tops of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb....

Currently there are few observations of the urban wind field at heights other than rooftop level. Remote sensing instruments such as Doppler lidars provide wind speed data at many heights, which would be useful in determining wind loadings of tall buildings, and predicting local air quality. Studies comparing remote sensing with traditional anemometers carried out in flat, homogeneous terrain o...

The hybrid design of the Pierre Auger Observatory allows one to measure the longitudinal profile of ultra-high energy air showers and the depth at which the shower reaches its maximum size, Xmax. It also provides a record of the shower front by sampling the secondary particles at ground level. These measurements give a variety of independent experimental observables with information about the n...