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There is a need for increasing cropping intensity in South Asia including India to ensure food security of burgeoning population. Accordingly, increasing cropping intensity in rainfed rice fallows can be a futuristic strategy. Identification of suitable cultivar and exploration of genetic variability of specific crops/traits are imperative for genetic improvement, drought resistance and yield gain in rice fallows. We evaluated the morphophysiological, yield traits and stability of 15 chickpea genotypes in randomised complete block design for three consecutive years on a drought‐prone rainfed condition of Fluvisol in Kanpur, India. Among genotypes, 'IPC 2014‐55', 'IPC 2015‐44' and 'IPC 2011‐92' had 2%–10% higher relative water content (RWC) over 'ICC‐92944' (check cultivar). These genotypes did not differ for total chlorophyll content, root dry weight and nodule dry weight with 'ICC‐92944' and 'KWR 108' (wider adaptable cultivar of the region). The nitrogen balance index was higher in 'IPC 2011‐92', 'IPC 2014‐88' and 'IPC 2014‐55' by 5%–44% over check cultivar (p < 0.05). The membrane stability index was higher for 'IPC 2014‐55' (30%, p < 0.05) and 'IPC 2011‐92' (17%, p < 0.05) than 'ICC‐92944'. 'IPC 2011‐92', 'IPC 2014‐88' and 'IPC 2014‐55' (3 years mean) had 3%–24% higher plant dry weight than 'ICC‐92944'. Notably, 'IPC 2014‐55', 'IPC 2015‐44', 'IPC 2014‐88' and 'IPC 2011‐92' had higher yield attributes such as pods plant−1 by 9%, grain weight plant−1 by 13% and 100‐seed weight by 3% than 'ICC‐92944' and 'KWR 108' (mean of years). These genotypes had higher mean seed yield than 'ICC‐92944' by 23%–42% and 'KWR 108' by 7%–23% (p < 0.05). The yield of 'IPC 2014‐55', 'IPC 2015‐44', 'IPC 2014‐88' and 'IPC 2011‐92' were stable over years across variable soil and environmental condition as indicated by the genotype × year biplot. Membrane stability index, pods plant−1 and 100‐seed weight were the determinants for increased seed yield of chickpea under drought‐prone condition. Evidently, genotype 'IPC 2014‐55', 'IPC 2015‐44', 'IPC 2014‐88' and 'IPC 2011‐92' were better under rainfed rice fallows. These genotypes could be tested under specific drought condition for developing varieties and promoted in rice fallows of South Asia for yield advantage and drought resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are the major biological barriers to achieving higher yields in agro‐ecosystem. We aimed to determine weed community (seedbank and aboveground) and crop yield responses to conventional tillage (CT) and different types of conservation agriculture (CA) practices with variable nitrogen (N) doses in a maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) rotation. After 8 years of implementation, CA practices including zero‐tilled (ZT) permanent narrow‐bed with crop residues and 100% required N (PNB + R + 100 N), and ZT permanent broad‐bed with residues and 100% required N (PBB + R + 100 N) had a lower weed seed density by 45% at 0–7.5 cm and 53% at 7.5–15 cm soil layers than CT. CT promoted dominance of Cyperus rotundus L., Cyperus esculentus L. and Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panz. while, specific CA practices (PNB + R + 100 N and PBB + R + 100 N) promoted dominance of Digera arvensis Forsk. and Melilotus indicus (L.). Compared to PNB + R + 100 N and PBB + R + 100 N, CT seedbanks had 41–46% higher ecological dominance, which is an indicator that delineates dominance of few specific weed species. The PBB + R + 100 N also had a lower total above‐ground weed density in maize–wheat–mungbean rotation by 34% (mean of years) than CT. The PBB + R + 100 N had 31.1% higher system productivity over CT. Thus, PBB + R + 100 N could reduce the weed seed density in the soil and above‐ground weeds and increase crop yields for sustainable crop production in maize–wheat–mungbean rotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mono-cropping of maize–wheat, mechanical disintegration of soils, and continuous chemical fertilization have deteriorated soil health in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. We studied the long-term impact of pulse-based cropping systems with integrated nutrient management on soil physical and chemical properties and yield sustainability. We evaluated four different cropping systems: (1) maize–wheat (M–W), (2) maize–wheat–mungbean (M–W–Mb), (3) maize–wheat–maize–chickpea (M–W–M–C), (4) pigeonpea–wheat (P–W) each with three degrees of soil fertilization techniques: (1) unfertilized control (CT), (2) inorganic fertilization (RDF), and (3) integrated nutrient management (INM). The field experiment was undertaken in a split-plot design with three replications each year with a fixed layout. P–W and M–W–Mb systems enhanced soil properties such as volume expansion by 9–25% and porosity by 7–9% (p < 0.05) more than M–W, respectively. P–W and M–W–Mb increased soil organic carbon by 25–42% and 12–50% over M–W (RDF). P–W system enhanced water holding capacity and gravimetric moisture content by 10 and 11% (p < 0.05) than M–W. Pulse-based systems (P–W and M–W–Mb) had higher available nitrogen (8–11%), phosphorus (42–73%), and potassium (8–12%) over M–W (p < 0.05). M–W–Mb increased 26% maize yield and 21% wheat yield over M–W (p < 0.05) at the thirteenth crop cycle. P–W system had a higher sustainable yield index (p < 0.05) of wheat over the M–W. Thus, pulse inclusion in the cropping system in combination with INM can enhance physical and chemical properties vis-à-vis sustainable yield index over the cereal-cereal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were carried out in order to investigate if brown manuring (BM) using Sesbania plants can be used to control weeds in maize, especially Cyperus rotundus (Experiment I), and further to optimize the BM technology through appropriate Sesbania seed rate (S), 2,4-D application time (T) and dose (D) (Experiment II). Each BM treatment received a pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg a.i./ha. Experiment I showed that the BM practice using 15 kg/ha Sesbania seed and 2,4-D 0.50 kg a.i./ha applied at 25 DAS led to better control of weeds, especially C. rotundus and higher maize grain yield. Further optimization studies (Experiment II) indicated that among the factors S, T and D, the BM combination S~25 kg/ha, D~0.50 kg a.i./ha and T~25 DAS (i.e. S25T25D0.50) resulted in lowest weed density (3.1/m2) and dry weight (3.8 g/m2) and highest weed control index (89.2%) at 60 days after sowing (DAS) which was at par with another BM practice S15T25D0.50. However, the later BM combination led to significantly higher maize productivity (5.25 t/ha) and profitability (net returns (NR) $878/ha), which were 103 and 280% higher, respectively, than the weedy check (WC). The Sesbania seed rate S~15 kg/ha gave 7% higher maize grain yield and 12% higher NR than its corresponding level S~25 kg/ha. Therefore, Sesbania BM with 15 kg seeds/ha and 2,4-D at 0.50 kg a.i/ha applied at 25 DAS can be recommended for effective and eco-friendly weed management in maize, which would provide higher maize grain yield and enhance farmers' profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous practice of tillage intensive puddled rice-based systems in South Asia has developed serious issues related to soil health and production sustainability. This has exaggerated the need for sustainable alternatives. Here, the impact of four tillage cum crop establishment practices [conventional puddled transplanted rice followed by conventional till maize/wheat (CTTPR-CT), non-puddled transplanted rice followed by zero-till maize/wheat (NPTPR-ZT), zero-till transplanted rice followed by zero-till maize/wheat (ZTTPR-ZT), zero-till direct seeded rice followed by zero-till maize/wheat (ZTDSR-ZT)], two residue management [residue removal, residue retention (~ 33.0%)] and two rice-based rotations (rice-wheat, rice-maize) on crop performance, system productivity, and production economics were evaluated. At 4th and 5th year of rotation, complete zero-tillage-based crop establishment (ZTDSR-ZT, ZTTPR-ZT) enhanced the grain yield of rice (9.3-20.6%), wheat (18.4-22.6%), and maize (10.8-11.8%) over CTTPR-CT, whereas yield advantage in NPTPR-ZT was marginal for all the crops. The higher grain yield of rice and wheat in ZTDSR-ZT and ZTTPR-ZT treatments was mainly attributed to higher tiller production (rice 11.5-23.2%; wheat 29.5-34.9%). Likewise, the higher aboveground biomass, cob length, cob weight, and grains weight cob−1 led to higher maize yield in conservation tillage treatments (NPTPR-ZT, ZTDSR-ZT, and ZTTPR-ZT). Retention of crop residue improved (p < 0.05) the yield of all crops being higher in maize (6.9-10.3%) followed by wheat (5.3-10.5%). The reduced cost of cultivation and higher return from produce in ZTDSR-ZT, ZTTPR-ZT, and NPTPR-ZT enhanced the net income by INR 48164, 35800, 25632, respectively, over CTTPR-CT. Thus, zero-tillage-based crop establishments with crop residue retention were found as potential alternative for improving crop productivity, profitability and sustainability of rice-based production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farming is rapidly gaining recognition worldwide as a promising means to offer healthier food and to ensure environmental sustainability. Currently, organic produce including organic rice is in huge demand owing to its potential to fetch premium price in the global market. Despite the fact that rice performs well under organic production system, a set of constraints including nitrogen stress at critical growth stages, unavailability of rapidly mineralizable organic amendments, lack of appropriate varieties and intense crop-weed competition pose major challenges to realize the potential yield. Use of diverse organic nutrient sources including the split application of fast mineralizable nutrient-rich manures (vermicompost, poultry manure), green manures and bio-fertilizers can supply optimum nutrients in organic rice system. In parallel, development and deployment of rice varieties having response to organic nutrient inputs, resistance to diseases/insects and ability to compete with weeds can help minimize the risk of crop failure. Further, higher emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in organic rice field deserves greater attention in view of environmental sustainability. Strategic water management and selection of appropriate organic amendments could help address this issue. However, a substantial research gap still exists demanding a deeper understanding of the organic rice system in order to register higher yield gains. This review article outlines the latest advances in organic rice production system with an emphasis on nutrient supply and ensuing dynamics, the outflow of GHGs, pest dynamics, produce quality and key attributes of rice cultivars for organic cultivation. We underscore the urgency for alignment of modern agricultural techniques with organic rice production to improve both the system productivity and the produce quality along with effectively avoiding the risks associated with in discriminate use of chemicals in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin treatment showed a potent neuroprotective action in experimental models and in clinical studies. However, the entire disease prevention is not observed with melatonin treatment. Therefore, findings have suggested its future use in combination therapies for neurological diseases. Several studies have showed its free radical scavenging, antioxidant property, antiapoptotic activity, and its action towards enhanced mitochondrial function. It has direct and indirect effects on mitochondrial functions. Neurodegenerative disease pathology includes the impaired mitochondrial functions and apoptotic death of neurons due to energy crisis which could be prevented with antiapoptotic activity of melatonin. However, for the therapeutic use of melatonin, researchers also need to pay attention towards the various intermediary events taking place in apoptotic death of neurons during disease pathology. Age-related neurological diseases include the decreased level of melatonin in neuronal death. Therefore, it is worthwhile to discuss about the different functions of melatonin in aspect of its antioxidative property, its role in the enhancement of mitochondrial function, and its antiapoptotic attributes. This review summarizes the reports to date showing the potent role of melatonin in experimental models and clinical trials and discussing the employment of melatonin as future potent neuroprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of the 13 286 autologous haematopoietic cell transplant procedures reported in the US in 2010-2012 for plasma cell disorders, 10 557 used single agent, high-dose melphalan. Despite 30 years of clinical and pharmacokinetic (PK) experience with high-dose melphalan, and its continuing central role as cytoreductive therapy for large numbers of patients with myeloma, the pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics of melphalan are still in their infancy. The addition of protectant agents such as amifostine and palifermin allows dose escalation to 280 mg/m2, but at these doses it is cardiac, rather than gut, toxicity that is dose-limiting. Although combination with additional alkylating agents is feasible, the additional TRM may not be justified when so many post-consolidation therapies are available for myeloma patients. Current research should optimise the delivery of this single-agent chemotherapy. This includes the use of newer formulations and real-time PKs. These strategies may allow a safe and effective platform for adding synergistic novel therapies and provide a window of lymphodepletion for the addition of immunotherapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow induced at the surface of a water body by a submerged heated horizontal turbulent jet was investigated experimentally with the aim of developing parameterizations for surface mean temperature/velocity fields. The jet nozzle diameter was fixed, the depth of the jet beneath the free surface was varied, and two jet Reynolds numbers (5020, 11300) were considered. The surface temperature was measured using a highly sensitive infrared camera, and the near-surface horizontal velocity field was measured using particle image velocimetry. The experimental results were explained using a model based on similarity solutions with variable turbulent viscosity. While classical Schlichting's solution with constant turbulent viscosity predicts complete similarity for transverse velocity/temperature distributions only in a plane that coincides with the flow axis, the present solution predicts similarity in an arbitrary plane parallel to the flow axis, which was confirmed using data collected at the surface. Comparisons of present data with available previous results also showed general agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vibrations in a poroelastic composite hollow sphere are investigated employing Biot's theory of wave propagation in poroelastic media. A composite hollow poroelastic sphere consists of two concentric poroelastic spherical layers both of which are made of different poroelastic materials with each poroelastic material being homogeneous and isotropic. The boundaries of the composite hollow poroelastic sphere are free from stress. The frequency equations of both radial and rotatory vibrations are obtained each for pervious and impervious surfaces. The frequency equation of vibrations of a poroelastic composite hollow sphere with rigid core is derived as a particular case. The non-dimensional frequency for propagating modes is computed as a function of ratio of thickness to inner radius of core. The results are presented graphically for two types of poroelastic composite spheres and then discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wave propagation in a Newtonian viscous liquid layer of thickness ‘h’ and of shear viscosity ‘η’ bounded by two poroelastic half-spaces is studied. Possible bonding between the poroelastic half-spaces is discussed by considering the limiting forms of the secular equation, when h→0: (1)η is finite or η→0 such that η/h → ∞, (2) η→0 such that η/h → 0, (3) η → 0 such that η/h is a finite nonzero quantity, for each permeable and impermeable surface. It is shown that these three forms respectively represent welded, smooth and loosely bonded interface of poroelastic half-spaces. The secular equation for the interfacial waves for each of the above three types of bonding for infinite wavelength is derived as a particular case. It is observed that this secular equation is the same for all three types of bonding for each permeable and impermeable surface. Several other special cases are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The flow induced in a long cylinder by an axially discharging round turbulent jet was investigated experimentally with applications to crude oil storage in the U.S. strategic petroleum reserves (SPR). It was found that the flow does not reach a true steady state, but vacillates periodically. Digital video recordings and particle image velocimetry were used to map the flow structures and velocity/vorticity fields, from which the frequency of jet switching, jet stopping distance, mean flow, turbulence characteristics, and the influence of end-wall boundary conditions were inferred. The results were parameterized using the characteristic length D and velocity J1/2/D scales based on the jet kinematic momentum flux J and cylinder width D. The scaling laws so developed could be used to extrapolate laboratory observations to SPR flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kodagu district produces 2% of the world's coffee, in complex, multistoried agroforestry systems. The forests of the district harbour a large population of the Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus). The combined effects of high elephant density and major landscape changes due to the expansion of coffee cultivation are the cause of human-elephant conflicts (HEC). Mitigation strategies, including electric fences and compensation schemes implemented by the Forest Department have met with limited success. Building on previous studies in the area, we assessed current spatial and temporal trends of conflict, analysed local stakeholders' perceptions and identified factors driving elephants into the estates. Our study, initiated in May 2007, shows that the intensity of HEC has increased over the last 10 years, exhibiting new seasonal patterns. Conflict maps and the lack of correlation between physical features of the coffee plantations and elephant visits suggest elephants move along corridors between the eastern and western forests of the district, opportunistically foraging when crossing the plantations. Dung analyses indicate elephants have selectively included ripe coffee berries in their diet. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of wild elephants feeding on coffee berries. If this new behaviour spreads through the population, it will compound an already severe conflict situation. The behavioural plasticity, the multiplicity of stakeholders involved, the difficulty in defining the problem and the limits of technical solutions already proposed suggest that HEC in Kodagu has the ingredients of a 'wicked' problem whose resolution will require more shared understanding and problem solving work amongst the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kodagu district produces 2% of the world's coffee, in complex, multistoried agroforestry systems. The forests of the district harbour a large population of the Asian elephant ( Elephas maximus). The combined effects of high elephant density and major landscape changes due to the expansion of coffee cultivation are the cause of human-elephant conflicts (HEC). Mitigation strategies, including electric fences and compensation schemes implemented by the Forest Department have met with limited success. Building on previous studies in the area, we assessed current spatial and temporal trends of conflict, analysed local stakeholders' perceptions and identified factors driving elephants into the estates. Our study, initiated in May 2007, shows that the intensity of HEC has increased over the last 10 years, exhibiting new seasonal patterns. Conflict maps and the lack of correlation between physical features of the coffee plantations and elephant visits suggest elephants move along corridors between the eastern and western forests of the district, opportunistically foraging when crossing the plantations. Dung analyses indicate elephants have selectively included ripe coffee berries in their diet. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of wild elephants feeding on coffee berries. If this new behaviour spreads through the population, it will compound an already severe conflict situation. The behavioural plasticity, the multiplicity of stakeholders involved, the difficulty in defining the problem and the limits of technical solutions already proposed suggest that HEC in Kodagu has the ingredients of a 'wicked' problem whose resolution will require more shared understanding and problem solving work amongst the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, accurate, reliable and sensitive HPLC method was developed and validated for quantitating acyclovir in human plasma. Sample (100 µL) preparation involved addition of guanosine (internal standard) and protein precipitation with 7% perchloric acid and centrifugation. Supernatant (20 µL) was injected onto a C18 HPLC column with a mobile phase of 0.05 m sodium phosphate buffer-acetonitrile (pH 2.35, 992:8, v/v) with 25 µL of 0.4 m tetrabutylammonium hydroxide titrant and fluorescence detection (excitation, 260 nm; emission, 375 nm). Analyte recovery was 101% and the assay response was linear over the acyclovir concentration range of 0.1-20 mg/L. Intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision were less than 7%. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were 0.033 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. In five paediatric oncology patients administered intravenous acyclovir, concentrations ranged from 0.24 to 43.65 mg/L. This method can be used to measure acyclovir concentrations in paediatric patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no published reference intervals for concentrations of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of normal infants. The presence of abnormal concentrations of AFP in plasma or CSF may indicate the presence of a teratoma or a germ cell tumour with yolk sac elements. We measured CSF AFP in infants who did not have malignancy in order to determine its reference intervals. Methods: AFP was measured in the CSF and/or plasma in 128 infants. Of these, 91 infants had CSF AFP measurements, 94 infants had plasma AFP measurements and in 60 infants AFP concentrations were determined in paired CSF and plasma samples. The patients ranged in age from 1 to 110 days. Both CSF and plasma AFP concentrations were measured by a microparticle enzyme immunoassay using an AxSYM analyser. Results: Using ages corrected for prematurity, the median CSF AFP concentration for babies -69 to 31 days old was 61 kIU/L (5th–95th centile: 2–889 kIU/L), while the median CSF AFP concentration for infants 32 to 110 days was 1.2 kIU/L (5th–95th centile: 0.1–12.5 kIU/L). By age 6 weeks, the concentrations were close to those found in adult plasma and all CSF AFP concentrations from infants with a corrected age over 2 months were <3 kIU/L. Conclusion: We have defined reference intervals for CSF AFP concentrations in infants. These results may assist in the diagnosis of CNS tumours, particularly congenital CNS tumours containing yolk sac elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary:We examined the effects of busulphan (BU) dose and patient age on toxicity and outcome in 63 children with acute leukaemia given BUCY prior to allogeneic or autologous BMT. BU was administered as four single daily oral doses, based either on weight (4 × 4?mg/kg) or surface area (4 × 150?mg/m2). BU pharmacokinetic analysis was not used to dose adjust. The average daily (mg/kg) BU dose was 43% higher for the group given 150?mg/m2 compared to the 4?mg/kg dose group. This produced a median BU AUC 61% higher than with the 4?mg/kg dose. Only one child did not achieve full allogeneic donor engraftment. Regimen-related toxicity was low. Although younger children had faster BU clearance, the 4 × 150?mg/m2 dose ensured equivalent systemic exposure to BU, and resulted in a high frequency of engraftment without a significant increase in serious toxicity. BU, given as four single daily doses of 150?mg/m2, is appropriate and safe in all age groups of children. Given the reliable pharmacokinetics, low toxicity and high rate of allogeneic engraftment, there is no need for routine pharmacokinetic monitoring or dose modifications. This dosage regimen may be applicable for use with i.v. BU.Bone Marrow Transplantation (2004) 34, 197-205. doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1704560 Published online 7 June 2004 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the effects of dopamine agonists and antagonists on the lorazepam withdrawal syndrome in rats. Administration of lorazepam; Withdrawal signs of rats; Role of central neurotransmitters in BZD dependence.

Evaluates the effects of the interferon-inducer polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid on gastric ulceration in rats. Inhibition of gastric proton pump activity; Decrease of acid and pepsin; Increase of mucin content in pylorus-ligated rats.

The role of central histaminergic system in foot shock induced aggression was studied in mice. Histamine administered by intracerebral (IC) injection (25-200 μg) produced a significant increase in fighting episodes in a dose dependent manner. It was observed that mepyramine (H blocker) given intraperitoneally (IP) significantly increased and metiamide (H blocker) given IC decreased significantly the fighting response. To determine the nature of receptors involved in histamine induced facilitation of aggressive behaviour, histamine was administered IC in mice pretreated with mepyramine or metiamide. Mepyramine pretreatment further increased the facilitatory effect of histamine while metiamide blocked the enhancement of aggressiveness by histamine. Combined pretreatment with metiamide and mepyramine decreased significantly the fighting counts which remained unaffected after histamine. Haloperidol did not block the enhancement of aggression by histamine or mepyramine. However, atropine pretreatment partially inhibited the histamine induced increase in the fighting counts. Results of pretreatment with metiamide and atropine were similar to those obtained with pretreatment of metiamide and mepyramine. Metiamide alone or in combination with atropine failed to affect the facilitatory effect of amphetamine on the foot-shockaggression. It is concluded that central histamine H receptors have a facilitatory role and H receptors an inhibitory role on aggressive behaviour in mice induced by foot-shock. Since histamine per se had a facilitatory effect on foot-shock induced aggression, the central H receptors seem to dominate over the H receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a medical case of a 36-year old woman in her fifth pregnancy who was diagnosed to have hyperthyroidism. Her thyroid-stimulating hormone level was suppressed, and she had elevated free thyroxine levels. Through three-dimensional sonography combined with Doppler angiography, the evaluation and management of the fetus with a goiter was successful.

The article determines which method of measuring vancomycin was giving the incorrect results. The Abbott TDx and AxSYM systems were employed to measure vancomycin concentrations in plasma samples obtained from patients with total bilirubin concentrations of less than 100 μmol/L. The Abbott TDx provides falsely low vancomycin results in the presence of marked conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. It is recommendd that the AxSYM be used in preference to the TDx.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article about the pharmacokinetics of melphalan in myeloma patients who undergo an autograft.

When a ship moves in temperature stratified water, e.g., in the ocean diurnal thermocline, the propeller(s) as well as the turbulent boundary layer of the hull mix the surface water with underlying colder fluid. As a result, when observed from above, a temperature 'wake signature' of ∼1-2 °C may be detected at the water surface. To quantify this phenomenon, theoretical modeling and physical experiments were conducted. The dominant processes responsible for thermal wake generation were identified and parameterized. Most important similarity parameters were derived and estimates for wake signature contrast were made. To verify model predictions, scaled experiments were conducted, with the water surface temperature measured using a sensitive infrared camera. Comparison of laboratory measurements with model estimates has shown satisfactory agreement, both qualitative and quantitatively. Estimates for ocean ship-wake scenarios are also given, which are supported by available field observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]