Archipelago Of Southwestern Finland Research Articles

Source discrepancies in post-medieval archaeology – a case study of crypt burials at Seili church, Finland

ABSTRACT The island of Seili, in the south-western archipelago of Finland, is famous for its history as a leprosy colony and mental asylum. The island formed a small, hierarchical community run by priests and hospital officials. In this article, we examine the history of the burial crypt in Seili church by comparing information from historical documents and observations made during archaeological fieldwork. The material gathered from these two sources is conflicting, suggesting an interesting history in the use of the burial crypt. It seems that women’s coffins could easily be moved elsewhere from the crypt when new coffins belonging to males were interred. It is argued that identifying the buried individuals would be necessary for a taphonomic study of the mummification processes and ensuring that the information about the crypt is based on facts. However, the identification is difficult due to inconsistent historical records. This underlines the importance of Post-Medieval archaeology in studying sites connected to family histories.

Genome sequences of a capulavirus infecting Plantago lanceolata in the Åland archipelago of Finland.

The discovery and full-genome sequences of two isolates of a fourth capulavirus species are reported. The viruses were discovered during a viral metagenomics survey of uncultivated Plantago lanceolata plants in the Åland archipelago of south western Finland. The newly discovered viruses apparently produce no symptoms in P. lanceolata. They have a genome organization that is very similar to that of the three known capulavirus species and additionally share between 62.9 and 67.1% genome-wide sequence identity with the isolates of these species. It is therefore proposed that these viruses be assigned to a new capulavirus species named "Plantago lanceolata latent virus".

Prevalence estimation of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) antibodies in dogs from Finland using novel dog anti-TBEV IgG MAb-capture and IgG immunofluorescence assays based on recombinant TBEV subviral particles

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is one of the most dangerous human neurological infections occurring in Europe and Northern parts of Asia with thousands of cases and millions vaccinated against it. The risk of TBE might be assessed through analyses of the samples taken from wildlife or from animals which are in close contact with humans. Dogs have been shown to be a good sentinel species for these studies. Serological assays for diagnosis of TBE in dogs are mainly based on purified and inactivated TBEV antigens. Here we describe novel dog anti-TBEV IgG monoclonal antibody (MAb)-capture assay which is based on TBEV prME subviral particles expressed in mammalian cells from Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicon as well as IgG immunofluorescence assay (IFA) which is based on Vero E6 cells transfected with the same SFV replicon. We further demonstrate their use in a small-scale TBEV seroprevalence study of dogs representing different regions of Finland. Altogether, 148 dog serum samples were tested by novel assays and results were compared to those obtained with a commercial IgG enzyme immunoassay (EIA), hemagglutination inhibition test and IgG IFA with TBEV infected cells. Compared to reference tests, the sensitivities of the developed assays were 90–100% and the specificities of the two assays were 100%. Analysis of the dog serum samples showed a seroprevalence of 40% on Åland Islands and 6% on Southwestern archipelago of Finland. In conclusion, a specific and sensitive EIA and IFA for the detection of IgG antibodies in canine sera were developed. Based on these assays the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies in dogs from different regions of Finland was assessed and was shown to parallel the known human disease burden as the Southwestern archipelago and Åland Islands in particular had considerable dog TBEV antibody prevalence and represent areas with high risk of TBE for humans.

Ground-living spiders in wooded habitats under human influence on an island in Finland

doi: 10.5431/aramit4503 Abstract. Spiders were collected by pitfall traps in the south-western archipelago of Finland. Wooded study habitats on a small-sized (1.2 km 2 ) island were: 1) natural open ash grove, 2) dense mixed grove (old overgrown wooded meadow), 3) wooded aspen pasture and 4) wooded meadow, both restored ten years earlier, 5) natural wooded meadow. Highest species and family numbers were found at the natural sites (1 and 5) and the lowest in the dense grove (site 2). Linyphiidae dominated, both at species and individual level, in the groves. Lycosidae were abundant on the wooded meadows and Gnaphosidae on the wooded pasture. The highest faunal similarities were between the groves (70 % species in common) and between the wooded meadows (64 %). The lowest similarity was found between the dense grove (17 %) and the ash grove (23 %) with the aspen pasture. Ten years after clearing, sites 3 and 4 had diverse spider faunas. The fauna at site 4 resembled that on the corresponding natural site (5), thus showing restoration success. Altogether 84 species of spiders were caught. The proportion of Gnaphosidae (16 species found) is high. Most species found in the study are common in south-western Finland and many occur across the whole country. Pardosa lugubris was most dominant at three sites, P. pullata and Diplostyla concolor both at one site. Two species, Enoplognatha thoracica and Micaria fulgens, are included in the Finnish Red Data Book.

Population History, Mating System, and Fitness Variation in a Perennial Herb with a Fragmented Distribution

Abstract: Patterns of genetic diversity are strongly influenced by the history of populations, which is often ignored when examining the viability of populations. We studied the relationship of population size, genetic variation, and fitness in the perennial herb Vincetoxicum hirundinaria (Asclepiadaceae) in the southwestern archipelago of Finland, where this species occurs commonly on many of the islands and its distribution is highly fragmented. We measured the magnitude and distribution of genetic variation in this species to examine how patterns of genetic diversity reflect population history, especially the colonization pattern of the islands and the mating system. Additionally, we used the genetic data to interpret previous results that suggest that fitness variation among populations is not directly related to population size. We found a high level of genetic variation (He=0.396) and a low level of genetic differentiation ( FST=0.052) among the populations. In contrast to several rare plant species, the level of genetic variation ( He) was not correlated with population size or with male or female fitness of the plants. Our results also indicated that inbreeding is common in all populations regardless of their size (mean FIS=0.460) but that it does not correlate significantly with male or female fitness traits. The observed patterns of genetic variation suggest that this species has a mixed mating system. Taken together, these results indicate that the studied populations are of recent common ancestry but may also have relatively high levels of current gene flow. The differences between our results and those from previous studies of rare plant species with a fragmented distribution pattern emphasize the importance of considering whether fragmentation is caused by recent human activities or whether it reflects a distribution pattern characteristic of the species when evaluating the conservation needs of the species.

Simulated Distributions of Baltic Sea-ice in Warming Climate and Consequences for the Winter Habitat of the Baltic Ringed Seal

Sea-ice in the Baltic Sea in present and future climates is investigated. The Rossby Centre Regional Atmosphere-Ocean model was used to perform a set of 30-year-long time slice experiments. For each of the two driving global models HadAM3H and ECHAM4/OPYC3, one control run (1961-1990) and two scenario runs (2071-2100) based upon the SRES A2 and B2 emission scenarios were conducted. The future sea-ice volume in the Baltic Sea is reduced by 83% on average. The Bothnian Sea, large areas of the Gulf of Finland and Gulf of Riga, and the outer parts of the southwestern archipelago of Finland will become ice-free in the mean. The presented scenarios are used to study the impact of climate change on the Baltic ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica). Climate change seems to be a major threat to all southern populations. The only fairly good winter sea-ice habitat is found to be confined to the Bay of Bothnia.

Reduced nest defence intensity and improved breeding success in terns as responses to removal of non-native American mink

Lack of parental experience or differences in reproductive effort may lead to variation in nest defence behaviour among individuals in a prey population. In this experimental study, we analysed nest defence behaviour using a model of an American mink, Mustela vison, a non-native predator, at colonies of arctic terns, Sterna paradisaea, in two large areas where mink had been removed and two comparable control areas with mink in the south-western archipelago of Finland, Baltic Sea, in June 2000. Furthermore, we recorded breeding success of arctic terns in the same four areas during 1998–2001. Arctic terns took higher risks in nest defence in control areas and in a short-term (mink-free for 2 years) removal area than in the long-term (mink-free for 8 years) removal area. Thus, colonies with recent experience of mink were more active in defending their offspring. The breeding success of arctic terns was significantly higher in mink-removal areas than in control areas. We conclude that arctic terns modify their nest defence behaviour in the presence of mink. However, they cannot defend their nests sufficiently against this mainly nocturnal predator, since their breeding success is reduced in areas where mink are present.

Household and Family in Finnish Coastal Societies 1635-1895

The aim of this study is to analyze in a long-term perspective the transition from a basically patrilocal and extended household system to a neolocal and nuclear system in a number of coastal communities subjected to legal and economic constraints. Several parishes located in the archipelago of southwestern Finland have been studied for the period 1635-1895 to determine the impact of the abolition of various restrictions on family and household formation and composition, population development, and demographic change.

Fatal Encephalitis Caused by Concomitant Infection with Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus and Borrelia burgdorferi

We describe a 38-year-old farmer from the southwestern archipelago of Finland where both tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and Borrelia burgdorferi are endemic. He presented with fever and headache, developed severe meningoencephalitis in 3 days, and, after 1 month, died without regaining consciousness. High titers of IgG and IgM antibodies to TBE virus were present in both serum and CSF. Serology for Borrelia was negative. Autopsy revealed necrotizing encephalitis and myelitis with involvement of the dorsal root ganglion. With use of polymerase chain reaction tests, segments of two separate genes of B. burgdorferi were amplified from the patient's CSF. This case demonstrates that the possibility of dual infection should be considered for patients residing in geographic areas where Ixodes ticks may carry both the TBE virus and B. burgdorferi. We believe that the most severe damage in this case was caused by TBE virus rather than by B. burgdorferi. Nevertheless, the coinfection might have contributed to the fatal outcome that has not been previously observed in Finnish patients with TBE.

Metals and organochlorines in four female White-tailed eagles

Two adult White-tailed eagles Haliaeëtus albicilla from the breeding sites of the coastal area of the southwestern Baltic Sea, and two from the breeding sites ∼ 200 km south of the coast (Province of Gorzów) have been analysed for ΣDDT, PCBs, HCB, ΣBHC, Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe. The elevated levels of mercury found in tissues of birds from the coast are probably still among the causes of the extermination of the Baltic population of White-tailed eagles. Levels of DDE in adult birds found dead on the coast of the southwestern Baltic Sea in 1980s were half those in Sea Eagles from the Stockholm Archipelago in the 1960s. Levels of PCBs are comparable to those in White-tailed eagles from the Archipelago of southwestern Finland in the 1980s, and for some birds are higher than in birds from the Stockholm Archipelago in the 1960s. DDE, PCB, and mercury levels found in tissues of White-tailed eagles from the breeding sites toward south of the coastal area are much less than in eagles breeding along the coast.

An intrusive-like tectonic breccia in the archipelago of southwestern Finland

EDELMAN, N.; BERGMAN, L. and LINDBERG, B., 1986: An intrusive-like tectonic breccia in the archipelago of southwestern Finland. Bull. Geol. Soc. Finland 58, Part 1, 235—240. On an islet in the archipelago of southwestern Finland with metamorphic rocks belonging to the Svecofennian zone it is possible to follow in exposure for a distance of some metres the transition from a layered paragneiss with amphibolite bands to a breccia with amphibolitic fragments in a strongly recrystallized gneiss with tonalitic composition. The ultrametamorphic parts of the gneiss lack schistosity. The absence of microcline in these shows that no metasomatic granitization has taken place. The occurrence shows an initial stage of the process which has developed the banded series, a strongly deformed gneiss-amphibolite mixture which forms a zone, about 170 kilometres long, through the archipelago.

Eggshells of Arctic Terns from Finland: Effects of Incubation and Geography

-Seventy-four eggs from seven colonies of Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) in the Quark and the Bothnian Bay of Finland were collected in 1981 shortly after laying and immediately before hatching. Shell thickness, weight, thickness index, and egg weight index were determined and compared with the same characteristics of 200 eggs collected between 1874 and 1935. We found no significant differences in these measures of egg thickness between recent and museum shells from the same geographical areas. Shells of museum specimens from different geographical regions did show significant variations. The weight and the wing and tarsus length of the embryos correlated negatively and significantly with all measured characteristics of the shell except its thickness when the shell membranes were present. During the incubation period, the shell's thickness (without membranes) decreased 8%; thickness index and weight decreased 4%; and the shell's thickness with shell membranes present decreased 12%. In this paper, we discuss reasons for these changes. Pesticide-related reproductive failures have been reported in both American and European terns (Sterna spp.; Switzer and Lewin 1971, Koeman and van Genderen 1972, Switzer et al. 1973, Gochfield 1975, Fox 1976). For example, high levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons were found in the tissues of marine animals from the Baltic Sea (Jensen et al. 1969, Koivusaari et al. 1972, Anderson and Hickey 1974), an area where eggshell thinning of 1117% was reported in White-tailed Eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus; Koivusaari et al. 1980, OdsjO 1982). In contrast, Lemmetyinen and Rantamiki (1980) reported low pesticide contamination in the eggs of Arctic Terns (S. paradisaea) from the archipelago of southwestern Finland. The thickness of eggshells from these terns has recently increased significantly (5.2%, P < 0.05) in Finland (Gulf of Bothnia; Pulliainen and Marjakangas 1980). Several studies concerning geographic variations in eggshells have been published (e.g., Anderson and Hickey 1970, 1972; Sutcliffe 1978; Olsen 1982), but there are almost no studies of this kind from Europe (e.g., Svensson 1978). Besides effects of pesticides and geography, the mobilization of eggshell calcium for the developing embryo is known to affect eggshell thickness (e.g., Kreitzer 1972). Our objectives, ther fore, were (1) to describe recent changes in the thickness and size of Arctic Tern eggshells in comparison to museum material; (2) to check the reliability of available museum material for use as a standard; and (3) to find a method for measuring shell variables that is independent of the shell thinning that occurs naturally during embryonic development. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected Arctic Tern eggs in 1981 from three colonies in Quark (6 310'N, 2 12 5'E) and from four colonies in Bothnian Bay (65003'N, 25010'E) in the Gulf of Bothnia (Fig. 1). At ach nest, one egg was chosen randomly at an early stage of incubation (little or no embryonic development). Nine of these nests in the Quark colony were marked and two more eggs were taken from each shortly before hatching was expected. Where Arctic and Common terns (S. hirundo) bred in the same colonies, we confirmed identification of Arctic Tern nests by observation from a blind or by flushing a parent from its nest before taking an egg. Eggs were kept in a refrigerator until prepared. Their length and breadth were measured with a vernier caliper to the nearest 0.1 mm. A piece of shell, 16-18 mm in diameter, was cut out from the equator of each egg. The contents of the egg were then removed, the shells were rinsed with water, and the shell

Levels of DDT and PCB's in different stages of life cycle of the Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea and the herring gull Larus argentatus

∑DDT and PCB levels were analysed in samples of arctic terns and herring gulls collected in the archipelago of southwestern Finland. Special attention was paid to the levels at various stages of the life cycle and in different sexes. The levels were nearly ten times higher in the herring gull. The highest loads were found in adult birds and in newly hatched chicks but the levels were much lower (only 7–12 % in the herring gull) in chicks just before fledgling. The levels in young gulls remained low until the end of August at least. Therefore it is plausible that the high levels found in adult gulls are a consequence of their wintering in the southern Baltic. The levels of ∑DDT and PCB residues were significantly lower in female arctic terns than in male terns. Differences between the sexes were small in the herring gull. Thus it is possible that the female of the arctic tern is able to release pollutants, especially PCB residues, more effectively into eggs than the female of the herring gull. The biochemical mechanisms involved are not clear but a possible explanation may be different lipoprotein structures in the eggs of the species.

Stratigraphy and plate tectonics in the archipelago of southwestern Finland

(1980). Stratigraphy and plate tectonics in the archipelago of southwestern Finland. Geologiska Foreningen i Stockholm Forhandlingar: Vol. 102, No. 2, pp. 187-187.

Tension cracks parallel with the axial plane

During field work in the archipelago of southwestern Finland, many tension cracks parallel with the axial plane were observed. As the axial plane is nearly perpendicular to the folding stress, it seemed odd that tension cracks had formed in this direction. These cracks are too common to be due to pure coincidence, so I shall here discuss a possible causal connection between the tension cracks and the folding.

A Porphyroblastic Granite with Preserved Bedding

Abstract A regular banding is preserved in many parts of the potash granite at Nagu in the archipelago of southwestern Finland. The principal differences between the bands involve their grain size and their content of porphyroblasts of micro-cline and garnet, for some bands lack both kinds of porphyroblasts. The micro-cline porphyroblasts lie subparallel to the banding or to the axial plane in those parts of the granite where the banding has been destroyed. The banding is interpreted as a relict sedimentary bedding. It forms concentric folds conformable with the folds in the supracrustal amphibolites within the granite. These folds seem to be survivals from the first folding phase, when the sediments were transformed into gneisses. Later, the gneisses were granitized without appreciable orogenic movements. The chemical composition is unexpectedly constant in all parts of the granite. The formation of garnets in the granite, as well as that of hypersthene in gabbroic layers in the granite, points to an expulsion of water in connection with the granitization.

Corynosoma strumosum (Rud.) and C. semerne (Forssell) (Acanthocephala) as pathogenic parasites of farmed minks in Finland.

The acanthocephalan parasites of seals, Corynosoma strumosum (Rud.) and C. semerne (Forssell) were found in one mink farm in the south western archipelago of Finland, where the minks suffered from a bloody and often fatal diarrhoeal anaemia. C. strumosum was found in the two victims of the disease examined, whereas C. semerne occurred in 75·3 per cent of the surviving minks. In a highly anaemic group of minks the mean incidence of C. semerne was 2·9 specimens per animal, whereas the incidence was 1·5 in a mildly anaemic group. The epidemiology of the disease is discussed.