bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Autonomy Matter?
Authors: Happaerts Sander
Published: May 2012

Abstract. Sustainable development needs to be tackled at all governmental levels. Moreover, policies need to be integrated, horizontally and vertically. This article studies the efforts of subnational governments and their strategies towards vertical policy integration. Four cases are compared: Quebec (Canada), Flanders (Belgium), North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) and North Holland (the Netherlands). The assumption is that their approaches are determined by their degree of autonomy, which involves their competences within their own borders (self-rule) and their influence on national decision making (shared rule). The findings, however, show that degree of autonomy does not shape the subnational governments' stance towards vertical policy integration for sustainable development. Rather, it is influenced by other factors, such as political dynamics. The analysis also puts forward that the degree of self-rule of subnational governments has a large influence on the content of sustainable development policies, not only at the subnational, but also at the national level.

Résumé. Le développement durable doit être poursuivi à tous les niveaux de pouvoir. En plus, les politiques doivent être intégrées horizontalement et verticalement. Cet article étudie les efforts des gouvernements sous-nationaux et leurs stratégies envers l'intégration politique verticale. Il compare quatre cas d'étude: le Québec (Canada), la Flandre (Belgique), la Rhénanie-du-Nord-Westphalie (Allemagne) et la Hollande Septentrionale (Pays-Bas). L'assomption est que leur approche se détermine par leur degré d'autonomie, qui est constitué par leurs compétences à l'intérieur de leurs propres frontières (self-rule) et par leur pouvoir à influencer la prise de décision nationale (shared rule). Cependant, les résultats démontrent que le degré d'autonomie ne détermine pas la position des gouvernements sous-nationaux envers l'intégration politique verticale pour le développement durable. Leur position est influencée plutôt par d'autres facteurs, tels que le contexte politique. L'analyse propose aussi que le degré de self-rule des gouvernements sous-nationaux a une grande influence sur le contenu des politiques de développement durable, non pas seulement au niveau sous-national, mais aussi au niveau national.
To Prosecute or Not to Prosecute, That is the Question: Agency Litigation under the Influence of Appellate Courts
Authors: Li Quan
Published: May 2012

Abstract.This article examines how institutional uncertainty within the US federal circuit courts influences regulatory agencies' enforcement choices of prosecution or non-prosecution. I argue that the circuits' random assignment of judges and cases creates institutional uncertainty in terms of variation in each circuit's possible rulings with respect to the bureaucracy's policy position. This, in turn, affects agencies' probability of prosecution because the high degree of uncertainty will discourage prosecution, given its cost. In other words, agencies reduce their exposure to judicial review by avoiding prosecution. I use ideological variance within the circuits as a proxy for measuring the circuit courts' internal group dynamics. Large ideological variance indicates high institutional uncertainty and consequently leads to fewer numbers of prosecutions by the bureaucracy. The empirical results based on the prosecution record of the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice from 1950 to 1994 strongly support the theory.

Résumé.L'article analyse comment l'imprévisibilité des décisions judiciaires au niveau des cours d'appel fédérales de circuit influence les décisions par les agences publiques de poursuivre les contrevenants à la règlementation. Je montre que l'attribution des juges et des causes par loterie crée de l'incertitude quant à l'issue des poursuites. L'incertitude réduit la probabilité que les agences publiques entament des poursuites judiciaires étant donné le coût élevé de celles-ci. En d'autres termes, les agences publiques atténuent l'implémentation de la règlementation par crainte de perdre devant des tribunaux imprévisibles. J'utilise une mesure de variance idéologique pour quantifier la dynamique de groupe à l'intérieur des circuits judiciaires. Une grande variance idéologique signifie un résultat incertain et mène à un nombre réduit de poursuites initiées par les agences publiques. Les données empiriques, provenant des registres de la Division Anti-trust du Ministère de la Justice des États-Unis pour la période s'étendant de 1950 à 1994, soutiennent fortement la théorie.
Identités ethnoculturelles et politique étrangère : le cas de la politique française du Canada
Authors: Massie Justin
Published: May 2012

Résumé.Cet article propose, grâce à la notion de culture stratégique, une articulation du lien entre identité et politique étrangère. Il met plus particulièrement l'accent sur les effets des identités ethnoculturelles (anglophone et francophone) sur la politique de sécurité internationale du Canada, et soutient l'hypothèse qu'il en résulte une culture stratégique atlantiste et biculturelle, laquelle accorde une importance particulière à la France (de même qu'à la Grande-Bretagne et aux États-Unis). Il ressort de l'analyse historique de celle-ci que la centralité des identités ethnoculturelles canadiennes permet de mieux comprendre l'importance particulière dont jouit la France sur les limites normatives du multilatéralisme et de la légitimité de recourir à la force militaire par le Canada.

Abstract.This article seeks to provide a constructivist account of Canadian foreign policy, linking identity and policy, through the concept of strategic culture. It focuses on Canada's dual ethnocultural identities (Anglophone and Francophone) and the bicultural and Atlanticist strategic culture that stems from it. It argues that this strategic culture helps explain France's significant importance (together with the United Kingdom and the United States) in defining the normative boundaries of Canada's multilateralism and legitimacy to use of military force abroad.
Terahertz generation by the high intense laser beam
Authors: HASSAN MUNTHER B. , AL-JANABI A. H. , SINGH MONIKA , SHARMA R. P.
Published: May 2012

The terahertz (THz) frequency radiation produced as a result of nonlinear interaction of high intense laser beam with low-density ripple in collisionless magnetoplasma has been studied under the paraxial ray approximation. The relativistic change of electron mass leads to self-focusing of laser beam when the initial power of laser beam is greater than its critical power. The self-focused laser beam couples with the pre-existing density ripple to produce a nonlinear current driving the THz radiation at different frequency. The applied magnetic field enhances the nonlinear coupling efficiency. Appropriate expressions for the beam width parameter of the laser beam and the electric vector of the THz wave have been evaluated. Theory and numerical simulations show that this THz source is capable of providing power of Giga watt level.
Sensitivity study in a compact accelerator for laser-generated protons
Authors: ANTICI P. , MIGLIORATI M. , MOSTACCI A. , PICARDI L. , PALUMBO L. , RONSIVALLE C.
Published: May 2012

A sensitivity study is presented here on a compact hybrid postacceleration scheme coupling laser-generated protons to a high frequency Linac based on the use of a SCDTL (Side Coupled Drift Tube Linac) structure. The study analyzes the main laser-generated beam characteristics and the most important parameters linked to the accelerating structure. We show that the required tolerances regarding alignment and field uniformity, although challenging, are within the reach of actual technology. Regarding the laser-generated proton beam parameters (spot size and divergence), we show that they have only a little influence on the final emittance that is mainly determined by the capturing and accelerating structure. However, these parameters can sensitively affect the final transmission of the proton beam current.
Intermittent transport of nonlinear reduced models in tokomak plasmas turbulence
Authors: BELGHERRAS S. , BENOUAZ T. , BEKKOUCHE S. M. A.
Published: May 2012

Understanding the origin and nature of turbulent transport in tokomak plasmas is one of the major challenges of a successful magnetic confinement fusion. The aim of this work is to study instability associated with the ion-temperature gradient (ITG)-driven turbulence in the core of the plasma, which is the seat of fusion reactions. We used a low degree of freedom model composed of 18 ordinary differential equations. When the system is slightly above the stability threshold of the ITG mode, it is considered to be in the convection regime and convective heat transport of the system is time-independent, or oscillates periodically. As ITG is increased further, the system bifurcates to the turbulent regime. In a strongly turbulent regime, intermittent bursts (the so-called avalanches) are observed. This intermittency is a result of the competition among the following three factors: generation of sheared flows and suppression of ITG turbulence, gradual reduction of the sheared flows due to viscosity, and rapid regrowth of ITG modes due to reduction of sheared flows.
Role of static inductance on ion beam emission in plasma focus devices
Authors: AGHAMIR FARZIN M. , BEHBAHANI REZA A.
Published: May 2012

The role of static inductance on ion beam emission in plasma focus devices, based on anomalous resistivity, is reported. The effect of gas pressure variation on the process of energy transfer into plasma is investigated and discussed by using Lee's model. The dependence of ion beam production on filling gas pressure along with change in static inductance is studied. The results show that increase of static inductance in a specific range of operating pressure can enhance the efficiency of dense plasma focus device.
Variations in eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) sex-ratios from three Virginia estuaries: protandry, growth and demographics
Authors: Harding Juliana M. , Powell Eric N. , Mann Roger , Southworth Melissa J.
Published: May 2012

Oyster population reproductive capacity and dynamics are controlled at the most basic level by the observed sex-ratios. Since oysters are sequential, protandric hermaphrodites the population sex-ratio is related to the demographics (shell length, age, and biomass). Oysters were collected from June through to August 2008 at twelve bars in the James, Rappahannock and Great Wicomico Rivers, Virginia, USA. Bars were aggregated into five groups on the basis of similar age–length relationships. Sex-ratios (fraction female), age–length, and biomass–length relationships were determined for each group. The fraction female increased within increasing shell length, age, and biomass at all sites. Simultaneous hermaphrodites were rarely observed. Group specific differences in shell length (SL, mm) and age (yr) for the timing of the protandric shift were observed with the earliest shift from male to female occurring at ~60 mm SL and ~1.6 yr. The proportion of females observed in the larger or older individuals was at least 70–80%. Sex-ratios from summer 2008 were used to develop sex–length, sex–age, and sex–biomass keys that were applied to autumn-survey data from 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. In these years, sex-ratios by shell length and age were strongly biased towards males while the sex-ratio by biomass was strongly biased towards females. Disease mortality compounds natural and fishing mortality resulting in age/size specific cropping yielding truncated population demographics and an earlier protandric shift in populations on the extremes of the range examined. Regardless of location, market (>76 mm SL) oysters are predominantly female.
Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of ascarid nematodes from twenty-one species of captive wild mammals based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequences
Authors: LI YAN , NIU LILI , WANG QIANG , ZHANG ZHIHE , CHEN ZHIGANG , GU XIAOBIN , XIE YUE , YAN NING , WANG SHUXIAN , PENG XUERONG , YANG GUANGYOU
Published: May 2012

Although ascarid nematodes are important parasites of wild animals of public health concern, few species of ascarids from wild animals have been studied at the molecular level so far. Here, the classification and phylogenetic relationships of roundworms from 21 species of captive wild animals have been studied by sequencing and analysis of parts of the ribosomal 18S and 28S genes and the mitochondrial (mt) 12S gene. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred by 3 methods (NJ/MP/ML) based on the data of single gene sequences and concatenated sequences. Homology analysis indicated that the 18S sequences were conserved among roundworms from all 21 species and that 28S showed interspecies variability. Divergence levels displayed in 12S suggested that 12S appears to be either intra- or interspecifically variable. Evolutionary trees indicated that the ascarids split into 2 families, 4 genera and 7 species, with high bootstrap support for each clade. Combined trees suggested that Baylisascaris ailuri is more closely related to B. transfuga than to B. schroederi. This study provides useful molecular markers for the classification, phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological investigation of roundworms from wild animals.
Development of a real-time PCR assay with fluorophore-labelled hybridization probes for detection of Schistosoma mekongi in infected snails and rat feces
Authors: SANPOOL O. , INTAPAN P. M. , THANCHOMNANG T. , SRI-AROON P. , LULITANOND V. , SADAOW L. , MALEEWONG W.
Published: May 2012

Schistosoma mekongi, a blood-dwelling fluke, is a water-borne parasite that is found in communities along the lower Mekong River basin, i.e. Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. This study developed a real-time PCR assay combined with melting-curve analysis to detect S. mekongi in laboratory setting conditions, in experimentally infected snails, and in fecal samples of infected rats. The procedure is based on melting-curve analysis of a hybrid between an amplicon from S. mekongi mitochondrion sequence, the 260 bp sequence specific to S. mekongi, and specific fluorophore-labelled probes. This method could detect as little as a single cercaria artificially introduced into a pool of 10 non-infected snails, a single cercaria in filtered paper, and 2 eggs inoculated in 100 mg of non-infected rat feces. All S. mekongi-infected snails and fecal samples from infected rats were positive. Non-infected snails, non-infected rat feces, and genomic DNA of other parasites were negative. The method gave high sensitivity and specificity, and could be applied as a fast and reliable tool for cercarial location in water environments in endemic areas and for epidemiological studies and eradication programmes for intermediate hosts.
Phylogeography helps with investigating the building of human parasite communities
Authors: MORAND SERGE
Published: May 2012

Phylogeography of parasites and microbes is a recent field. Phylogeographic studies have been performed mostly to test three major hypotheses that are not mutually exclusive on the origins and distributions of human parasites and microbes: (1) the “out of Africa” pattern where parasites are supposed to have followed the dispersal and expansion of modern humans in and out of Africa, (2) the “domestication” pattern where parasites were captured in the domestication centres and dispersed through them and (3) the “globalization” pattern, in relation to historical and more recent trade routes. With some exceptions, such studies of human protozoans, helminths and ectoparasites are quite limited. The conclusion emphasizes the need to acquire more phylogeographic data in non-Occidental countries, and particularly in Asia where all the animal domestications took place.
No-trawl area impacts: perceptions, compliance and fish abundances
Authors: BLOOMFIELD H.J. , SWEETING C.J. , MILL A.C. , STEAD S.M. , POLUNIN N.V.C.
Published: May 2012

MPAs are being established worldwide at an increasing rate, however empirical evidence for benefits to mobile species of small areas closed to fishing in temperate regions are little known. Using two North Sea prohibited trawling areas (PTAs) established > 80 years ago, social (fishers’ perceptions), management (fishing effort and compliance) and ecological (fish abundance and size) data were combined to assess the PTAs against their primary societal (conflict resolution) and secondary ecological (stock protection) objectives. Fishers perceived that the PTAs resolved conflicts between static and mobile gear sectors, despite evidence of non-compliance. However, few fishers perceived that they personally benefited from the PTAs. Fish abundance and size data from baited traps (BT) and video (BV) provided no evidence of PTA effects, but trawling effort was a significant predictor of BT fish abundance data and improved the model of BV fish abundance data. The absence of PTA effects on fish is attributable to non-compliance, the high mobility of the fish involved and their continued exploitation within the PTAs using static gear. This points to the need for greater understanding of the behaviour of fishers in relation to closures. The study also highlights the challenges of quantifying possible fishery benefits of small temperate closed areas and questions whether widely advocated fishery benefits may have enhanced initial support, but failure to deliver them may erode faith in such closures as a fisheries management tool.
Therapist Behaviours in Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Analyses of E-Mail Correspondence in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Paxling Björn , Lundgren Susanne , Norman Anita , Almlöv Jonas , Carlbring Per , Cuijpers Pim , Andersson Gerhard
Published: May 2012

Background: Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy (iCBT) has been found to be an effective way to disseminate psychological treatment, and support given by a therapist seems to be important in order to achieve good outcomes. Little is known about what the therapists actually do when they provide support in iCBT and whether their behaviour influences treatment outcome. Aims: This study addressed the content of therapist e-mails in guided iCBT for generalized anxiety disorder. Method: We examined 490 e-mails from three therapists providing support to 44 patients who participated in a controlled trial on iCBT for generalized anxiety disorder. Results: Through content analysis of the written correspondence, eight distinguishable therapist behaviours were derived: deadline flexibility, task reinforcement, alliance bolstering, task prompting, psychoeducation, self-disclosure, self-efficacy shaping, and empathetic utterances. We found that task reinforcement, task prompting, self-efficacy shaping and empathetic utterances correlated with module completion. Deadline flexibility was negatively associated with outcome and task reinforcement positively correlated with changes on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Conclusions: Different types of therapist behaviours can be identified in iCBT, and though many of these behaviours are correlated to each other, different behaviours have an impact on change in symptoms and module completion.
Further Reflections on Sociology in Japan
Authors: YOSHINO KOSAKU
Published: May 2012

The aim of this short essay is to further reflect on sociology in Japan by supplementing discussions on the three sociological papers compiled in this volume and adding critical perspectives. Discussions, and arguments, will be provided on the three thematic categories, namely, ‘international sociology’, sociology of culture as well as language use, and the global academic market, the latter addressing not merely sociology but also other social sciences.
Sensitivity analysis of simple global marine biogeochemical models
Authors: Kriest I. , Oschlies A. , Khatiwala S.
Published: May 2012

This study presents results from 46 sensitivity experiments carried out with three structurally simple (2, 3, and 6 biogeochemical state variables, respectively) models of production, export and remineralization of organic phosphorus, coupled to a global ocean circulation model and integrated for 3000 years each. The models' skill is assessed via different misfit functions with respect to the observed global distributions of phosphate and oxygen. Across the different models, the global root‐mean square misfit with respect to observed phosphate and oxygen distributions is found to be particularly sensitive to changes in the remineralization length scale, and also to changes in simulated primary production. For this metric, changes in the production and decay of dissolved organic phosphorus as well as in zooplankton parameters are of lesser importance. For a misfit function accounting for the misfit of upper‐ocean tracers, however, production parameters and organic phosphorus dynamics play a larger role. Regional misfit patterns are investigated as indicators of potential model deficiencies, such as missing iron limitation, or deficiencies in the sinking and remineralization length scales. In particular, the gradient between phosphate concentrations in the northern North Pacific and the northern North Atlantic is controlled predominantly by the biogeochemical model parameters related to particle flux. For the combined 46 sensitivity experiments performed here, the global misfit to observed oxygen and phosphate distributions shows no clear relation to either simulated global primary or export production for either misfit metric employed. However, a relatively tight relationship that is very similar for the different model of different structural complexity is found between the model‐data misfit in oxygen and phosphate distributions to simulated meso‐ and bathypelagic particle flux. Best agreement with the observed tracer distributions is obtained for simulated particle fluxes that agree most closely with sediment trap data for a nominal depth of about 1000 m, or deeper.
Observations of a Pc5 global (cavity/waveguide) mode outside the plasmasphere by THEMIS
Authors: Hartinger Michael , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Moldwin Mark B. , Nishimura Yukitoshi , Turner Drew L. , Glassmeier Karl‐Heinz , Kivelson Margaret G. , Matzka Jürgen , Stolle Claudia
Published: May 2012

Standing fast mode waves known as global modes, or cavity/waveguide modes, have been extensively studied as a potential driver of monochromatic shear Alfvén waves in the Earth's magnetosphere via the field line resonance (FLR) mechanism. However, their existence outside of the plasmasphere remains controversial. We present here a global mode observation outside the plasmasphere, using simultaneous multispacecraft observations in the solar wind, the magnetosheath and the outer magnetosphere, as well as ground magnetometer data. Broadband solar wind dynamic pressure fluctuations are the most likely drivers of the Pc5 frequency range (2–7 mHz) global mode. The global mode transfers energy toward the plasmapause, where it drives localized shear Alfvén wave activity in the Pc5 frequency range. Global modes are thus a viable mechanism for converting broadband energy sources to monochromatic, radially localized shear Alfvén waves in the Pc5 frequency range.
Latitudinal dependence of cosmic noise absorption in the ionosphere over the SAMA region during the September 2008 magnetic storm
Authors: Moro J. , Denardini C. M. , Abdu M. A. , Correia E. , Schuch N. J. , Makita K.
Published: May 2012

In this work we present and discuss some results of latitudinal dependence in the cosmic noise absorption (CNA) as observed by the South American Riometer Network (SARINET) operated in the South American Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA) region, during a moderate intensity geomagnetic storm that occurred on 3 September 2008. In our analysis, we used the data acquired by the imaging riometers installed at São Martinho da Serra (SSO ‐ geographic coordinate: 29.4°S, 53.1°W), Concepcion (CON ‐ geographic coordinate: 36.5°S, 73.0°W) and Punta Arenas (PAC ‐ geographic coordinate: 53.0°S, 70.5°W) and by the single beam riometer installed at Trelew (TRW ‐ geographic coordinate: 43.1°S, 65.2°W). A comparison among the selected riometer data showed that the mean CNA was more pronounced at SSO, which is the site located nearest to the center of the SAMA, but the second highest value was found at the farther station. Also, a second‐order polynomial curve fitting was performed in order to establish an empirical relationship between the mean CNA and the total intensity of the geomagnetic field at the riometer stations.
Differential Acoustic Resonance Spectroscopy for the acoustic measurement of small and irregular samples in the low frequency range
Authors: Wang Shang‐xu , Zhao Jian‐guo , Li Zhen‐hua , Harris Jerry M. , Quan Youli
Published: May 2012

Differential Acoustic Resonance Spectroscopy (DARS) has been developed to investigate the acoustic properties of samples in the kilohertz frequency range. This new laboratory measurement technique examines the change in resonant frequencies of a cavity perturbed by the introduction of a small test sample. The resonant frequency shift between the empty and sample‐loaded cavity is used to estimate the acoustic properties of the loaded sample. This paper presents a DARS perturbation formula that combines a theoretical derivation with numerical simulation and laboratory measurements. Furthermore, a semi‐empirical calibration technique is proposed to estimate the acoustic properties of a test sample. This research demonstrates the potential of the DARS measurement technique for estimating the acoustic properties of acoustically small and/or irregularly shaped samples.
Seismic and mineralogical structures of the lower mantle from probabilistic tomography
Authors: Mosca I. , Cobden L. , Deuss A. , Ritsema J. , Trampert J.
Published: May 2012

One of the most powerful approaches for understanding the 3‐D thermo‐chemical structure of the lower mantle is to link tomographic models with mineral physics data. This is not straightforward because of strong trade‐offs between thermal and chemical structures and their influence on seismic structures. They can be reduced by mapping simultaneously perturbations of wave speeds and density anomalies and by the quantitative assessment of the accuracy and uniqueness of seismic and mineralogical data. Here, we present new tomographic maps of low order even‐degree seismic structures which are an improvement on earlier models. They satisfy constraints from body wave, surface wave and normal mode data simultaneously, thereby enhancing the spatial resolution. Furthermore, the seismic structure at a given location is represented by a probability density function (pdf) which takes into account the uncertainty and non‐uniqueness of the solution due to modeling and data restrictions. Following a robust statistical procedure, we fit heterogeneity of wave speeds and density from hypothetical thermo‐chemical models to those of our tomographic maps. We thereby constrain lateral variations of temperature as well as iron, silica and post‐perovskite concentration in terms of pdfs. Our work shows that large scale chemical variations are likely everywhere in the lower mantle. In most of the D″ region post‐perovskite is most abundant in the Circum‐Pacific belt, but near the core its lateral variation is more complex. Furthermore, post‐perovskite concentration trades off with the amplitudes of temperature and silicate variations, but not with their lateral distribution. This might be the reason why temperature and silicate variations appear not constrained by our data in the lowermost few hundred km of the mantle.
Seasonal fluctuations of the surface North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) across the Pacific basin
Authors: Hsin Yi‐Chia , Qiu Bo
Published: May 2012

Based on multisatellite‐derived sea surface current, sea surface height anomaly, and geostrophic current data, the annual variability of the surface NECC across the Pacific basin is investigated. Inferred from the surface current data, the NECC axis east and west of the dateline moves northward along its pathway in the latter half of a year and the first half of a year, respectively. The sea surface height anomaly in the NECC region and the meridional movement of NECC are well reproduced by a linear wind‐driven first‐mode baroclinic Rossby wave model. Model experiments by setting the phase speed of baroclinic Rossby wave or the Ekman pumping to zero in different regions are carried out to clarify the influence of Rossby wave and local Ekman pumping on the movement of NECC. East of the dateline, both Ekman pumping and Rossby wave are important in determining the northward movement of the NECC axis. However, the NECC axis west of the dateline moves northward primarily due to the westward transmission of positive sea surface height anomalies (or downwelling Rossby waves) that originate in the east of the dateline. The local Ekman pumping plays a minor role in controlling the migration of the NECC axis west of the dateline.
Sub‐micrometer aerosol particles in the upper troposphere/lowermost stratosphere as measured by CARIBIC and modeled using the MIT‐CAM3 global climate model
Authors: Ekman Annica M. L. , Hermann Markus , Groß Peter , Heintzenberg Jost , Kim Dongchul , Wang Chien
Published: May 2012

In this study, we compare modeled (MIT‐CAM3) and observed (CARIBIC) sub‐micrometer nucleation (N4–12, 4 ≤ d ≤ 12 nm) and Aitken mode (N12, d > 12 nm) particle number concentrations in the upper troposphere and lowermost stratosphere (UT/LMS). Modeled and observed global median N4–12 and N12 agree fairly well (within a factor of two) indicating that the relatively simplified binary H2SO4‐H2O nucleation parameterization applied in the model produces reasonable results in the UT/LMS. However, a comparison of the spatiotemporal distribution of sub‐micrometer particles displays a number of discrepancies between MIT‐CAM3 and CARIBIC data: N4–12is underestimated by the model in the tropics and overestimated in the extra‐topics. N12 is in general overestimated by the model, in particular in the tropics and during summer months. The modeled seasonal variability of N4–12 is in poor agreement with CARIBIC data whereas it agrees rather well for N12. Modeled particle frequency distributions are in general narrower than the observed ones. The model biases indicate an insufficient diffusive mixing in MIT‐CAM3 and a too large vertical transport of carbonaceous aerosols. The overestimated transport is most likely caused by the constant supersaturation threshold applied in the model for the activation of particles into cloud droplets. The annually constant SO2 emissions in the model may also partly explain the poor representation of the N4–12seasonal cycle. Comparing the MIT‐CAM3 with CARIBIC data, it is also clear that care has to be taken regarding the representativeness of the measurement data and the time frequency of the model output.
Modeled O2 airglow distributions in the Martian atmosphere
Authors: Gagné Marie‐Ève , Melo Stella M. L. , Lefèvre Franck , González‐Galindo Francisco , Strong Kimberly
Published: May 2012

We use a three‐dimensional atmospheric model to study the airglow emissions from molecular oxygen in the Martian atmosphere. We estimate the O2 Herzberg I & II, the Chamberlain, and the Infrared Atmospheric band emissions from different sets of kinetic parameters available in the literature. As expected, the enhanced production of atomic oxygen during daytime leads to stronger emissions at 12 hour local time than at 00 hour local time. Nevertheless, at night, the strongest emissions are found in the subtropics and around the terminator where the photochemistry of atomic oxygen is more active. Among the simulated emissions, we find that the Infrared Atmospheric emission is the most intense, as expected, and has maximum intensity reaching a few megarayleighs over the poles during the equinoctial seasons, and an average intensity over the equatorial latitudes of 50 kilorayleighs. We investigate the impact of different levels of water and dust content on airglow and we observe that the airglow structure is modulated by variations in the background atmospheric conditions. Moreover, comparisons of the emission with observations from instruments on board Mars orbiters and with ground‐based measurements from Earth allow us to validate the consistency of our airglow model. Finally, we observe that the emission profiles from all band systems show structures; a double‐layer profile is very frequent, and is representative of the vertical distribution of the current measurements of O2 nightglow. This paper emphasizes the advantage of using three‐dimensional global circulation models for the diagnostic of O2 photochemistry in CO2‐dominated atmospheres.
Difference of scattering geometrical optics components and line integrals of currents in modified edge representation
Authors: Lu Pengfei , Ando Makoto
Published: May 2012

Equivalent edge currents (EECs) are widely used to asymptotically extract and express the diffraction from the periphery of the scatterers, as in the concept suggested by Young. Authors proposed novel EECs based on the unique concept named as Modified Edge Representation (MER), for surface to line integral reduction of Physical Optics (PO) radiation integral. MER is based upon not only asymptotic approximation but also Stokes' theorem, and it has remarkable accuracy even for small scatterers and is uniformly applicable at the geometrical boundaries. Moreover MER‐EECs are clearly defined not only at the edges but also everywhere on the scatterer surface, with the singularity at the stationary phase point (SPP) if any. It comes that the radiation integral in general, consisting of both the diffraction and the Geometrical Optics (GO) components, could be reduced into two sets of line integration of MER‐EECs along the periphery and the indentation at SPPs. In this paper, the GO reflection is numerically compared with the MER indentation integral around the reflected point for the dipole scattering from an ellipsoid; the error is empirically derived in analytical form.
On evapotranspiration and shallow groundwater fluctuations: A Fourier‐based improvement to the White method
Authors: Soylu Mehmet Evren , Lenters John D. , Istanbulluoglu Erkan , Loheide Steven P.
Published: May 2012

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a significant component of the water and energy balance in wetlands and riparian zones, yet it is also one of the most challenging components to estimate. Diurnal water table fluctuations can be used to directly measure groundwater consumption by phreatophytes, which are often important contributors to the total ET in riparian systems. Although such methods are cost effective, significant uncertainties usually exist, and more accurate techniques continue to be developed. In this study we present a new “Fourier method” for calculating daily (and longer) groundwater ET consumption using a moving, multiday sine function to capture robust, diurnal water table fluctuations. The technique is tested and calibrated in Tamarix chinensis and Populus deltoids‐dominated riparian areas in the Middle Rio Grande region of New Mexico and in a Phragmites australis‐dominated riparian wetland in south‐central Nebraska (using independent, energy balance estimates of ET). The results show that—at both field sites—the new Fourier technique performs significantly better than the commonly used White method, regardless of the length of the moving window that is employed. The Fourier method presented here provides a step toward increasing the accuracy of ET estimates from diurnal water table fluctuations. Guidelines are defined for applying the new and improved method in the most accurate fashion, based on groundwater hydrographs and solar radiation data (or theoretical clear‐sky estimates).
Distribution and origin of protodolomite from the late Miocene‐Pliocene Red Clay Formation, Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: He Tong , Chen Yang , Balsam William , Sheng Xuefeng , Liu Lianwen , Chen Jun , Ji Junfeng
Published: May 2012

The Pliocene epoch is considered the most recent analog of modern warming because CO2levels were similar to the present. To explore the carbonate minerals formed in the warmer Pliocene epoch, we studied two continuous sections of the Red Clay Formation on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) by X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry. The Red Clay Formation on the CLP exhibits diagnostic FTIR absorption features of calcite and protodolomite. This allowed quantification of the two carbonate minerals by the FTIR method. Using the FTIR method we estimate the average concentration of protodolomite in Bajiazui is 3.6% whereas the Duanjiapo section is 6.0%. Protodolomite occurrence is more consistent and the concentration is higher from ∼6.5–4.2 Ma B.P. and decreases markedly from 4.2–2.6 Ma B.P. Red Clay protodolomite is depleted in bothδ13CPDB and δ18OPDB, ranging from −4.1‰ to −10.4 and from −6.7‰ to −11.6, respectively, and has a slightly higher δ18O value than the calcites. SEM observations show that Red Clay protodolomite is composed of euhedral rhombic crystals that range from 1–20 μm in diameter, grow into the soil voids and coexist with authigenic calcite and palygorskite. These observations imply that the protodolomite grew in situ and is authigenic from pedogenesis. Dolomitization in the Red Clay sequence appears to be the result of overcoming kinetic barriers. We propose that in the Red Clay a warm climate with seasonal dry conditions leads to the formation of calcrete from soil pore waters thereby enriching the pore solutions with respect to Mg2+ and significantly increasing the Mg/Ca ratio bringing about the formation of protodolomite.
Sunspot random walk and 22‐year variation
Authors: Love Jeffrey J. , Rigler E. Joshua
Published: May 2012

We examine two stochastic models for consistency with observed long‐term secular trends in sunspot number and a faint, but semi‐persistent, 22‐yr signal: (1) a null hypothesis, a simple one‐parameter log‐normal random‐walk model of sunspot‐number cycle‐to‐cycle change, and, (2) an alternative hypothesis, a two‐parameter random‐walk model with an imposed 22‐yr alternating amplitude. The observed secular trend in sunspots, seen from solar cycle 5 to 23, would not be an unlikely result of the accumulation of multiple random‐walk steps. Statistical tests show that a 22‐yr signal can be resolved in historical sunspot data; that is, the probability is low that it would be realized from random data. On the other hand, the 22‐yr signal has a small amplitude compared to random variation, and so it has a relatively small effect on sunspot predictions. Many published predictions for cycle 24 sunspots fall within the dispersion of previous cycle‐to‐cycle sunspot differences. The probability is low that the Sun will, with the accumulation of random steps over the next few cycles, walk down to a Dalton‐like minimum. Our models support published interpretations of sunspot secular variation and 22‐yr variation resulting from cycle‐to‐cycle accumulation of dynamo‐generated magnetic energy.
The role of the inner tail to midtail plasma sheet in channeling solar wind power to the ionosphere
Authors: Hamrin M. , Marghitu O. , Norqvist P. , Buchert S. , André M. , Klecker B. , Kistler L. M. , Dandouras I.
Published: May 2012

In this article we use Cluster power density (E · J) data from 2001, 2002, and 2004 to investigate energy conversion and transfer in the plasma sheet. We show that a southward IMF Bz is favorable for plasma sheet energy conversion, and that there is an increased particle and Poynting flux toward the Earth at times when Cluster observes an enhanced energy conversion in the plasma sheet. Conversion from electromagnetic to kinetic energy is increasingly dominant farther down‐tail, while the generation of electromagnetic power from kinetic energy becomes important toward the Earth with a maximum at roughly 10 RE. By linking observations of the key quantity E · J to observations of the solar wind input and earthward energy flux, our results demonstrate the role of the inner tail to midtail plasma sheet as a mediator between the solar wind energy input into the magnetosphere and the auroral dissipation in the ionosphere.
On anomalous departures from a linear relation between the polar cap index and its controlling factors in solar wind and magnetotail
Authors: Gao Ye
Published: May 2012

The polar cap (PC) index has been found to respond linearly to both the solar wind direct driving and the magnetotail energy unloading. The influence of the solar wind direct driving is quantified by the electric field (EK‐R) proposed by Kivelson and Ridley (2008). Here, EK‐R is representative of models in which the electric field imposed on the ionosphere by magnetopause reconnection saturates for extreme solar wind driving. The influence of the magnetotail energy unloading is described by the modified AL index (ALU). The model generally describes the variation of the PC index quite well at times of strong geomagnetic activity, but, occasionally, there are large discrepancies. In this study, I investigate 18 events in which the model predictions deviate substantially from the measured PC indices and, in the process, identify limitations on the use of the PC index. For southward oriented interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), sources other than EK‐R and ALU may contribute to the PC index significantly. The effect is equivalent to altering the baseline values of magnetic field H and D components when deriving the PC index. For northward oriented IMF, the high‐latitude reconnection can drive antisunward convection and excursions of the auroral oval that can dramatically influence the PC index but are not captured by the linear model.
Modeling evidences for global warming, Arctic seawater freshening, and sluggish oceanic circulation during the Early Toarcian anoxic event
Authors: Dera Guillaume , Donnadieu Yannick
Published: May 2012

The paleoecological disturbances recorded during the Early Toarcian warming event (183 Myr ago), including marine anoxia, sea level rise, seawater acidification, carbonate production crisis, and species extinctions, are often regarded as past examples of Earth's possible responses to the rapid emergence of super greenhouse conditions. However, physical mechanisms explaining both the global and local expressions of paleoenvironmental events are still highly debated. Here we analyze the paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic consequences of increases in atmosphericpCO2levels at a multiscale resolution using a fully coupled ocean–atmosphere model (FOAM). We show that, in association with stronger high‐latitude precipitation rates and enhanced continental runoff, the demise of polar sea ice due to the global warming event involved a regional freshening of Arctic surface seawaters. These disturbances lead to progressive slowdowns of the global oceanic circulation accountable for widespread ocean stratification and bottom anoxia processes in deep oceanic settings and epicontinental basins. In agreement with very negative oxygen isotope values measured on fossil shells from the NW Tethys, our simulations also show that recurrent discharges of brackish and nutrient‐rich Arctic surface waters through the Viking Corridor could have led to both vertical and geographical gradients in salinity and seawaterδ18O in the NW Tethyan seas. Locally contrasted conditions in water mass density and rises in productivity rates due to strong nutrient supplies could partly explain the regional severity of the anoxic event in the restricted Euro‐boreal domains, as it has been previously suggested and modeled regionally.
Energetic particles detected by the Electron Reflectometer instrument on the Mars Global Surveyor, 1999–2006
Authors: Delory Gregory T. , Luhmann Janet G. , Brain David , Lillis Robert J. , Mitchell David L. , Mewaldt Richard A. , Falkenberg Thea Vilstrup
Published: May 2012

We report the observation of galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles by the Electron Reflectometer instrument aboard the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft from May of 1999 to the mission conclusion in November 2006. Originally designed to detect low‐energy electrons, the Electron Reflectometer also measured particles with energies >30 MeV that penetrated the aluminum housing of the instrument and were detected directly by microchannel plates in the instrument interior. Using a combination of theoretical and experimental results, we show how the Electron Reflectometer microchannel plates recorded high energy galactic cosmic rays with ∼45% efficiency. Comparisons of this data to galactic cosmic ray proton fluxes obtained from the Advanced Composition Explorer yield agreement to within 10% and reveal the expected solar cycle modulation as well as shorter timescale variations. Solar energetic particles were detected by the same mechanism as galactic cosmic rays; however, their flux levels are far more uncertain due to shielding effects and the energy‐dependent response of the microchannel plates. Using the solar energetic particle data, we have developed a catalog of energetic particle events at Mars associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which includes the identification of interplanetary shocks. MGS observations of energetic particles at varying geometries between the Earth and Mars that include shocks produced by halo, limb, and backsided events provide a unique data set for use by the heliophysics modeling community.
The science of sex
Authors: Breithaupt Holger
Published: May 2012

The ‘sex and science’ focus series in EMBO reports will highlight the biological and social importance of sex, and the contribution of science to understanding its influence.
Aberrant accumulation of interleukin‐10‐secreting neutrophils in TRAF2‐deficient mice
Authors: Piao Jiang‐Hu , Yagita Hideo , Okumura Ko , Nakano Hiroyasu
Published: May 2012

Highly coordinated expression of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines is crucial for maintaining homeostasis of the gut that is constantly exposed to large amounts of commensal bacteria. We have previously reported that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factor (Traf)2−/− mice spontaneously develop severe colitis and that the development of colitis largely depends on TNFα‐dependent apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the immunological disorders of Traf2−/− mice are not fully understood. Here we show that interleukin (IL)‐10‐secreting neutrophils accumulated in peripheral blood and bone marrow (BM) cells from Traf2−/− mice compared with those from wild‐type mice. Treatment of Traf2−/− mice with neutralizing antibody against TNFα or crossing Traf2−/− mice with Tnfr1−/− mice reduced the percentages of IL‐10‐secreting neutrophils, suggesting that the development of IL‐10‐secreting neutrophils largely depended on TNFα signals. Moreover, stimulation of BM cells from wild‐type mice with lipopolysaccharide and Pam3CS(K)4, a ligand for Toll‐like receptor 4 and 2, respectively, induced differentiation of BM cells into IL‐10‐secreting neutrophils. These results suggest that the development of IL‐10‐secreting neutrophils is not restricted to Traf2−/− mice, but could be generalized to wild‐type mice under certain conditions such as inflammation. Finally, combined treatment of Traf2−/− mice with neutralizing antibodies against TNFα and IL‐10, but not each antibody alone, substantially ameliorated colitis and prolonged survival. Together, abrogation of immunosuppressive conditions mediated by IL‐10‐secreting neutrophils might be an alternative strategy to treat chronic inflammatory diseases at least under certain conditions.