Variation In Relationship Research Articles

Assessment of the airway alterations by means of a fractal ladder network model

AbstractLadder network models have been successfully employed to assess electrical and mechanical properties in tissue engineering applications, showing phase-locking features of fractal structures. In this study, we simulate an anatomically-based fractal mechanical model of the airways in the 0.016–1.6 Hz frequency range to understand how the phase is affected by structural changes in the airways. With concepts from the non-rigid wall framework, airway geometry and wall structure are included in the model. We found that variations in constriction and heterogeneity led to variations in the stress-strain relation and in the elastic modulus of the airway tissue. The results indicate that constriction plays the dominant role in the stress-strain context, while heterogeneity prevalently affects the elastic modulus. Additionally, we show that a lumped parameter fractional-orders model can capture the frequency dependence of the elastic modulus.

Respuesta fotosintética de diferentes ecotipos de fríjol a la radiación y la salinidad

Con la finalidad de conocer el efecto de la radiación y la salinidad sobre la fotosíntesis de diferentes tipos ecogeográficos de Phaseolus vulgaris ‘cargamanto’ (andino suramericano) y ‘carioca’ (mesoamericano), se realizaron mediciones de potencial osmótico, acumulación de sodio, intercambio gaseoso, fluorescencia de la clorofila y contenido de pigmentos en hojas de fríjol cultivadas en condiciones de invernadero con solución nutritiva. El tratamiento lumínico consistió en cubrir las plántulas con una malla de polietileno que obstruye el paso de la radiación fotosintéticamente activa en 50%. Posteriormente, las plantas expuestas a las condiciones de radiación del invernadero y las plantas con sombra se sometieron a dosis crecientes de 30 mM de cloruro de sodio hasta llegar a las concentraciones de 30, 60, 90 y 120 mM, y otras quedaron como tratamiento control. El estrés salino y lumínico alteró la fotosíntesis, pero el ecotipo andino presentó una capacidad de ajuste mayor a los diferentes factores y al estrés abiótico en relación con el ecotipo mesoamericano. Las plantas expuestas y con sombra presentaron diferencias significativas en los parámetros de intercambio gaseoso, potencial osmótico y concentración de sodio en las hojas, en condiciones de estrés salino; pero en las plantas expuestas y estresadas con NaCl, las variaciones fueron más contrastantes en relación con las que se hallaban bajo sombra. La interacción de la sombra con la salinidad presentó respuestas únicas y diferenciales en comparación con las alteraciones producidas por cada factor evaluado independientemente.

Reproductive Biology in Females of Aegla strinatii (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae)

Females of Aegla strinatii (n 5 466) were sampled monthly (September 2003 to September 2005) by means of sieves and traps from Rio das Ostras (24u38916.20S; 48u24905.20W), at Jacupiranga State Park, South of Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The reproductive period was markedly seasonal (from May to September) encompassing the Austral late autumn through late winter. This is in accordance to the pattern of reproductive period variations in relation to the latitudinal climate variability verified in species of Aegla. The proportion of adult females exhibiting the ovigerous condition was higher in young/small specimens as compared to old/large ones, and suggests the occurrence of senescence in the latter group. Average size at the onset of functional maturity in females was estimated as 16.66 mm of carapace length (rostrum excluded). The number of eggs per ovigerous females ranged from 1 to 325. Eggs are slightly elliptical and average size varied according to embryonic stage. Mean (6 standard deviation) carapace length of juveniles (n 5 118) was 1.50 6 0.05mm (range: 1.40-1.65mm).

Climate Change and Mountain Topographic Evolution in the Central Karakoram, Pakistan

Mountain geodynamics represent highly scale-dependent interactions involving climate, tectonic, and surface processes. The central Karakoram in Pakistan exhibit strong climate–tectonic feedbacks, although the detailed tectonic and topographic responses to climate perturbations need to be systematically explored. This study focuses on understanding climate variations in relation to glacier erosion and relief production. Field data, climate modeling, remote sensing, geomorphometry, geochronology, glaciology, and geomorphological assessment are utilized to characterize climate change and geomorphic response. Climate simulations suggest that the region has experienced significant climate change due to radiative forcing over at least the past million years due to changes in Earth's orbital configuration, as well as more temporally rapid climate dynamics related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation. Paleoclimate simulations support geomorphological evidence of multiple glaciations and long-term glacier retreat. Mesoscale relief patterns clearly depict erosion zones that are spatially coincident with high peaks and rapid exhumation. These patterns depict extreme spatial and temporal variability of the influence of glacier erosion in the topographic evolution of the region. Results support the interpretation of high-magnitude glacial erosion as a significant denudational agent in the exhumation of the central Karakoram. Consequently, a strong linkage is seen to occur between global, or at least hemispheric, climate change and the topographic evolution of the Karakoram and the western Himalaya.

A Comparison of Fitness Characters of Two Host Plant-Based Congeneric Species of the Banana Aphid,Pentalonia NigronervosaandP. Caladii

Aphids and other phytophagous insects often show intra-specific variations in relation to host plant utilization. In several instances, intra-species variations lead to host-plant specialization. These are considered to be important source of speciation. In a recent study (Foottit RG et al. 2010. Zootaxa 2358: 25–38) two forms of the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa f typica Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from banana hosts and P. nigronervosa f. caladii van der Goot collected from Zingiberaceae and Araceae respectively were described as separate species, P. nigronervosa Coquerel and P. caladii van der Goot, based on morphological and molecular differences. A study was undertaken to examine the ecological and biological characters in asexual wingless morphs of the two forms of P. nigronervosa sensu lat. using taro (Araceae) and banana (Musaceae) as host plants. The results showed consistent differences between the two forms. In biological characters, the apterous morphs off. caladii from taro host plants were found to be significantly more fecund, showed a higher net reproductive rate, longer reproductive duration, and their adults lived longer than the f. typica aphids from banana host plants. In ecological characters, f. caladii aphids formed bigger colonies and in significantly less time on taro plants in comparison to f. typica aphids which formed smaller colonies in significantly more time on banana plants. Reciprocal transfer of the two forms of P. nigronervosa aphids between their host plant species lowered performance on the transferred host plants. These results confirmed that P. nigronervosa f. typica from banana hosts and P. nigronervosa f. caladii from taro hosts are indeed two different species in relation to host plant utilization and suggested that the observed differences in their fitness characters represented distinct genotypes.

Qualidade das sementes de diferentes genótipos de grão-de-bico produzidas no Norte de Minas Gerais

A expansão das áreas para o cultivo de grão-de-bico depende da produção de sementes detentoras de qualidade superior. Neste trabalho, foram avaliadas as principais características físicas, fisiológicas e sanitárias em sementes de seis genótipos de grão-de-bico produzidas em Montes Claros, Norte de Minas Gerias. As variáveis analisadas foram o grau de umidade, a pureza física, a massa de mil sementes, a uniformidade, a porcentagem de germinação, a primeira contagem do teste de germinação, o índice de velocidade de germinação e de emergência, a massa seca da parte aérea das plântulas e a ocorrência de microrganismos e de pragas de armazenamento nas sementes. A qualidade física, fisiológica e sanitária das sementes foi afetada pelos diferentes genótipos de grão-de-bico analisados. As variações quanto à qualidade física das sementes entre os genótipos de grão-de-bico não estão relacionadas à qualidade fisiológica e sanitária destas. De maneira geral, as sementes do genótipo CNPH 08-04 apresentaram qualidade física, fisiológica e sanitária superior à qualidade das sementes dos demais genótipos.

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the haemagglutinin gene of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 viruses associated with severe and fatal infections

The objectives of this research is molecular and phylogenetic analysis of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) 2009 strains that circulated in northern Greece, focusing on severe or fatal infections, identification of sequence variations in relation with the severity of the illness and comparison of circulating viruses with the vaccine strain. A total of 1598 infections were attributed to the novel influenza A(H1N1) virus. Molecular analysis revealed a number of variations at the HA1 sequences of northern Greek circulating strains, some of which were more frequent in viruses that caused severe or fatal infections. Such mutations, the most common being D222G, demand close monitoring to continuously assess associated risks. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the close match of the majority of circulating strains with A/California/7/09. However it also reveals a trend of 2010 strains to accumulate amino acid variations and form new plylogenetic clades. Constant molecular surveillance is important to monitor the pathogenicity of circulating strains and evaluate the vaccine efficacy.

Modelling of blood flow resistance for an atherosclerotic artery with multiple stenoses and poststenotic dilatations

Modelling of blood flow resistance for an atherosclerotic artery with multiple stenoses and poststenotic dilatations

Life history as a source of variation for persistent organic pollutant (POP) patterns in a community of common bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) resident to Sarasota Bay, FL

As apex predators within coastal ecosystems, bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) are prone to accumulate complex mixtures of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). While substantial variations in POP patterns have been previously observed in dolphin populations separated across regional- and fine-scale geographic ranges, less is known regarding the factors influencing contaminant patterns within localized populations. To assess the variation of POP mixtures that occurs among individuals of a population, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), organochlorine pesticide (OCP) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations were measured in blubber and milk of bottlenose dolphins resident to Sarasota Bay, FL, and principal components analysis (PCA) was used to explain mixture variations in relation to age, sex and reproductive maturity. PCA demonstrated significant variations in contaminant mixtures within the resident dolphin community. POP patterns in juvenile dolphins resembled patterns in milk, the primary diet source, and were dominated by lower-halogenated PCBs and PBDEs. A significant correlation between principal component 2 (PC2) and age in male dolphins indicated that juvenile contaminant patterns gradually shifted away from the milk-like pattern over time. Metabolically-refractory PCBs significantly increased with age in male dolphins, whereas PCBs subject to cytochrome p450 1A1 metabolism did not, suggesting that changes in male POP patterns likely resulted from the selective accumulation of persistent POP congeners. Changes to POP patterns were gradual for juvenile females, but changed dramatically at reproductive maturity and gradually shifted back towards pre-parturient profiles thereafter. Congener-specific blubber/milk partition coefficients indicated that lower-halogenated POPs were selectively offloaded into milk and changes in adult female contaminant profiles likely resulted from the offloading of these compounds during the first reproductive event and their gradual re-accumulation thereafter. Overall, these results indicate that significant variations in contaminant mixtures can exist within localized populations of bottlenose dolphins, with life history factors such as age and sex driving individual differences.

Sublethal effects of the organic antifoulant Mexel®432 on osmoregulation and xenobiotic detoxification in the flatfish Solea senegalensis

Mexel®432 is an anionic surfactant used as biocide in the cooling water system of power plants for biofouling reduction. Refrigeration waters from power plants do not usually follow, prior to their discharge to sea, any treatment aimed to eliminate biocides and this can have negative consequences on the aquatic fauna nearby. The effects of different concentrations of the antifoulant Mexel®432 (0.5, 1 and 2 mg L −1) on osmoregulation (osmolality and Na +/K +-ATPase activity) and stress parameters (cortisol, glucose, and lactate) were assessed in juveniles of the flatfish Solea senegalensis. Gill histopathology and alterations due to oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation, LPO, levels) at branchial and hepatic levels were also considered. Other parameters tested were the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, CAT; glutathione peroxidase, GPX; and glutathione reductase, GR), xenobiotic metabolism defenses involved in detoxification (carboxylesterase, CbE; 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, EROD; and glutathione S-transferase, GST) and the neurotransmitter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Significant variations in osmoregulatory parameters, histological lesions and decreased branchial Na +/K +-ATPase activity were observed in exposed fish. Other gill biomarkers presented little or no significant variations in relation to controls. In contrast, hepatic parameters, such as CAT activity, were inhibited while EROD activity was initially elevated but after longer exposures it recovered basal values. These results suggested that under our experimental protocol exists toxic associated to Mexel®432 exposures.

Withdrawal and Criminal Liability under the Criminal Laws of Jordan and Australia: A Comparative Study

This article is a comparative study of withdrawal as a defence to the criminal liability of an offender in Jordan (a civil law jurisdiction) and Australia (a common law jurisdiction). The analysis in this paper reveals that, in both jurisdictions, criminal laws have long accepted withdrawal as a conduit through which the offender’s liability can be modified or completely quashed. However, there has been no serious attempt, at least in Jordan, to provide anything approaching a complete explanation of the conditions under which the defence may be available and to explore its limits and boundaries. Neither has any serious effort been made to offer an account of the defence’s conceptual nature and governing rationale. The present paper seeks to identify and explore the defence’s conceptual basis and rationale, its current state of law and the appropriate direction in which the defence might be developed. To achieve this purpose, the paper is divided into three sections. In Section 1, it explores the conceptual nature of withdrawal. Section 2 addresses the rationale of the defence in light of the underlying principles of criminal liability in both jurisdictions. In Section 3 a comparative analysis of the defence’s qualifying requirements is undertaken in relation to both primary and accessorial criminal liability. Comparative analysis shows that withdrawal can be used as a defence to all forms of criminal complicity with differing degrees of variations in relation to both its qualifying requirements and the extent to which it may affect the liability of an offender. In cases involving incitement, however, the inciter cannot rely on the defence to avoid criminal liability although his or her punishment can be reduced pursuant to his or her voluntary withdrawal under the JPC.

Estimation of Climatic Variations in Relation to Large-scale Atmospheric and Oceanic Interaction

Climate variabilities in characterictics of typhoon, annual precipitation and SST are investigated in connection with the indecies of atomospher- ocean interaction such as MEI, PDO, NAO and AO. Spectra of annual time serries of the climate indecies were analyed to find a relationship between the climate change and the indecies of ocean-atmosphere interaction. A five-year variation in an annual mean minimum pressure of typhoon is found to have the same period of MEI and about one year time lag. The other climate indecies are found to change with the indecies of large-scale atmosphere-ocean interaction, such as MEI and PDO. The activity of typhoon and climate valiations are estimated employing linear system analysis with the impulse response functions and are compared with the measured climate data.

Diferenciais intra-urbanos da situação de mortalidade no município de Camaragibe: 1999 a 2003

The epidemiological profile of the populations has changed throughout history and populace spaces. Throughout the years, epidemiologists have studied the changes in the epidemiological profiles of the populations, employing, according to the given health figures, the health of the populations, using specially the mortality data of the information systems in the entire country. Aiming to identify the mortality situation as per sex, age, cause groups and specific death causes in the municipality of Camaragibe, from 1999 to 2003, a descriptive study has been used taking into account the variables presented at SIM (Sistema de Mortalidade). Moreover, using the RPA's as analysis units, a description of the mortality situation was performed taking into consideration the intra-urban differentials. The mortality behavior presented variations in relation to RPA of residence, albeit, for some indicators, these differentials were not so clear. The findings suggest that the mortality differentials were polarized in the municipality regions, and a further analysis using a more spaced out unit may be needed.

Activity and expression of adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase in developing rice grains: Varietal differences and implications on grain filling

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) is a key enzyme in starch biosynthesis in plants. The activity, expression and gene sequence of AGPase were studied in grains of five rice cultivars representing different origins to gain insight into their variations in relation to starch accumulation. The varieties were Jaya, GEB24 (indica), BSI 115 (japonica), Mahsuri (indica-japonica derivative) and CoRH2 (hybrid). The grain weight increased in all of them until 20 dpa, although at varying rates. It was relatively steady in Mahsuri, in others there was a steep increase from 10 to 20 days post-anthesis (dpa). The total AGPase activity increased steadily from 5 to 20 dpa in Jaya and GEB24, but dropped after 15 dpa in BSI 115 and CoRH2 while in Mahsuri, it maintained the 10 dpa low level until 20 dpa. The AGPase cDNAs did not show any sequence differences in the five varieties. The transcripts of both sub units of AGPase accumulated comparably during the initial phase of grain development suggesting their coordinated expression and dropped after 15 dpa in all the varieties. On the other hand, AGPase protein level remained unchanged after reaching the maximum in CoRH2 and continued to increase up to 20 dpa in the other four varieties. Thus the drop in the enzyme activity cannot be attributed to changes in the transcript or protein amounts per se. We infer that the drop in activity, its varying levels and varying duration in the varieties studied is likely due to differential stability of the active enzyme protein during grain development and that the extended duration of enzyme activity may contribute to increased grain weight.

Effects of salt marsh invasion by Spartina alterniflora on sulfate-reducing bacteria in the Yangtze River estuary, China

To investigate how plant invasion affects sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) responsible for sulfate reduction, we conducted a comparative study of diversity and composition of SRB in rhizosphere soils of invasive exotic species ( Spartina alterniflora) and two native species ( Phragmites australis and Scirpus mariqueter) on Jiuduansha Island located in the Yangtze River estuary, China. Throughout the growing season, profiles of DGGE fingerprints of SRB had distinct variations in relation to phenological stages of these three plant species. The higher richness and abundance of SRB in the rhizospheres of native plants mainly occurred when the plants were in vegetative growth and reproductive stages. However, the higher richness and abundance of SRB also occurred in the late growing season (senescent stage) of S. alterniflora rhizosphere, during which Desulfobulbus, Desulfuromonas, Desulfovibrio, and Firmicutes were dominant. Our results adding to our previous studies suggested that abundant SRB in late stage might have close relationships with decomposition of soil organic matters produced by S. alterniflora.

Measuring and Modeling Crop Loss of Wheat Caused by Septoria Leaf Blotch in Seven Cultivars and Lines in Iran

Measuring and Modeling Crop Loss of Wheat Caused by Septoria Leaf Blotch in Seven Cultivars and Lines in IranSeptoria leaf blotch caused bySeptoria tritici, is one of the most important diseases of wheat worldwide including Iran. To determine yield reduction caused by this disease in Golestan province, field experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with four replications and five wheat cvs. Tajan, Zagros, Shiroodi, Koohdasht, Shanghai and two lines N-80-6 and N-80-19 at Gorgan Research Station. Artificial inoculation was performed using spore suspension at three growth stages (Zadoks scale) including tillering (GS 37), stem elongation (GS 45) and flag leaf opening (GS 53). Control plots were sprayed with water. In this study, the 1 000 kernel weight (TKW), grain yield and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) during growth season were measured. Statistical analysis showed that the levels of yield reduction was different in various studied wheat cultivars and lines and was reduced by 30 to 50%. The highest losses were observed for cvs. Zagros and Tajan with 48.86% and 47.41% of grain yield reduction, respectively. There was a positive correlation between grain yield reduction and AUDPC. The results of crop loss modelling using integral and multiple point regression models showed that the integral model (L = 1230.91+1.37AUDPC) in which AUDPC and crop loss percentages were independent and dependent variables, respectively, could explain more than 95% of AUDPC variations in relation to crop loss in all cultivars in two years. In the study of integral model for each cultivar, cv. Shiroodi showed the highest fitness. In multiple point models, disease severity at various dates was considered as independent variables and crop loss percentage as dependent variable. This model with the highest coefficient of determination had the best fitness for crop loss estimation. Besides, the results showed that the disease severity at GS37, GS53 and GS91 stages (Zadok's scale) was more important for crop loss prediction than that in other phenological stages.

Wine Quantity and Quality Variations in Relation to Climatic Factors in the Tokaj (Hungary) Winegrowing Region

The effects of climatic elements on wine quantity and quality for the winegrowing region of Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary, were analyzed. By applying the Makra test, significant breaks were detected in both the wine quantity and wine quality data sets. Analysis of the relationship between climatic variables and wine quantity and quality, using different statistical methods, confirmed that the most important factors of wine quantity are hours of sunshine in May, June, July, and August and precipitation in September. For wine qualilty, mean temperature, precipitation, and hours of sunshine in May and September play key roles in addition to precipitation in July and hours of sunshine in August. The role of climate in September is most important, since aszú (<i>Botrytis</i>) formation, as an important component of wine quality, depends largely on conditions during September. Results indicate that the significant variables obtained by factor analysis better explain linear relationships between climate and wine quantity and quality than those obtained by the χ² test. Seven objective vintage climate types were defined using the methods of factor and cluster analysis. Results show that the classification of vintage climate types is more effective in explaining variations in wine quantity than variations in wine quality. Overall, the research identifies the characteristics and importance of the climatic variables with significant relationships with wine quantity and quality in the region. The results are useful in applying quantity and quality assessment strategies for wine production in the region.

Evidences of olive pollination date variations in relation to spring temperature trends

Airborne pollen concentration patterns reflect flowering phenology of a given species, and it may be a sensitive regional indicator in climate change studies. This paper presents the relationship between a strategic biological event, such as olive flowering, and the air temperature trend, registered over a large scale (1982–2007) in the Umbria region. The aim of the study was to determine relationships between phenological behaviour (flowering) of olive trees and the air temperature trend (1982–2007) in the Umbria region. The phenological data on flowering phase were registered indirectly through an aerobiological monitoring technique. The obtained results showed a strong relationship between phenology and thermal trend. This characteristic was confirmed from results of correlations between temperature (mean temperature from 1st March) and flowering dates, especially that of full flowering (r = −0.9297). Moreover, the results showed an advance trend of 6, 8 and 10 days, respectively of start, full and end of flowering dates. The advance of the recorded flowering time in this period is to ascribe mainly to the increase of mean temperature and above all to that registered in months of May and June.

Concentrations of some metabolites in the breath of healthy children aged 7–18 years measured using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS)

Using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS), measurements have been made of the levels of several metabolites in the exhaled breath of 200 healthy school children. Thus, concentration distributions of each metabolite have been obtained for the first time in the paediatric age range. The median values (in parentheses) of the concentrations in parts per billion, ppb, were ammonia (628), acetone (297), methanol (193), ethanol (187), isoprene (37), propanol (16), acetaldehyde (23) and pentanol (15). Hydrogen cyanide was not present in the breath above the detection limit of 2 ppb in the majority of subjects. The water vapour level (humidity) of the breath samples was routinely measured as a check on the sample integrity. Such data are essential if SIFT-MS breath analyses are to be used as a clinical tool to aid diagnosis and/or as a monitor of disease in children. The levels of metabolites usually followed a log-normal distribution and the levels of some compounds were similar to those obtained previously in adults. Lower values were found in the levels of acetone, ammonia, methanol and isoprene. There were no major variations in relation to gender. Some metabolites showed significant variation in relation to age and body mass index. To our knowledge, these are the first measurements of exhaled mouth breath pentanol levels. The median ammonia levels in mouth-exhaled breath of these children decreased with age, whereas in older adults, ammonia has been shown to increase with age. Breath acetone levels were significantly increased for those who had not eaten for more than 6 h prior to providing the breath sample, although dietary control was not a mandatory aspect of the protocol.

Seasonal variations in UV‐absorbing compounds and physiological characteristics in the aquatic liverwort Jungermannia exsertifolia subsp. cordifolia over a 3‐year period

Temporal physiological variations in relation to environmental factors, in particular to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, have been studied in bryophytes from circumpolar latitudes, but not in mid-latitudes with longer growing seasons. In addition, seasonal and interannual changes in individual UV-absorbing compounds (UVAC) have not been previously studied in bryophytes. To fill these gaps, samples of the aquatic liverwort Jungermannia exsertifolia subsp. cordifolia were collected on a monthly basis during 3 years from a mountain stream in northern Spain. Sclerophylly index, chlorophyll fluorescence, DNA damage, the bulk UV absorbance of methanolic extracts and the concentration of five UVAC (hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives) were measured. Interannual changes were little marked, probably because the 3 years studied were environmentally similar. In summer-autumn, with respect to seasonal variations, newly grown tender young shoots with high F(v)/F(m) accumulated higher amounts of several hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives than in winter-spring. DNA damage was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. p-Coumaroylmalic acid was the compound best associated with radiation changes, and the best model explaining UV-B took into consideration the concentration of this compound and the ozone level. The specific effects of UV radiation could not be separated from the effects caused by other environmental factors, such as global radiation or temperature, because all these variables were correlated. However, indirect evidence strongly suggests that seasonal changes in bulk UV absorbance and p-coumaroylmalic acid are mainly driven by UV radiation. This compound may be a promising physiological variable to be used for UV bioindication.