bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A chromosomal investigation of some European species of Haliplidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: Powell Joseph E. , Angus Robert B.
Published: December 2013

The karyotypes of 15 European species of Haliplidae are described and illustrated. The sex chromosomes are X0 in Brychius elevatus and Peltodytes caesus, and XY in 13 species of Haliplus. The number of autosome pairs is 16 in Peltodytes caesus, 19 in Brychius elevatus, 17 in Haliplus (Liaphlus) fulvus, 15 in H. (L.) variegatus, 14 in H. (L.) flavicollis, 11 in H. (L.) laminatus, 9 in H. (L.) mucronatus, and 11 in H. (Haliplidius) obliquus and H. (H.) confinis, H. (Neohaliplus) lineatocollis and five species of H. (Haliplus). It is suggested that the X0 sex chromosome system, the most common in the Adephaga, is plesiotypic for Haliplidae, and that the XY systems are a synapomorphy of the family, and are neo-XY in origin. There is no good evidence of Xyp systems of the type found in Polyphaga. The diversity of karyotypes shown by species of the subgenus Liaphlus is contrasted with the near uniformity shown by other groups. Interspecific differences between karyotypes are noted.
Taxonomic revision of the Ethiopian genus Canthyporus (Coleoptera Dytiscidae)
Authors: Biström Olof , Nilsson Anders N.
Published: December 2013

The genus Canthyporus Zimmermann, 1919, is revised. A total of 35 species are recognized, all of them distributed within the Ethiopian Region, and with a centre of diversity in the South African Western Cape province. Descriptions of all species are given together with illustrations of habitus and male and female genitalia. A key to species (males), distribution maps, and ecological information are provided. Four new species are described from South Africa: Canthyporus aenigmaticus n.sp., C. nimius n.sp., C. turneri n.sp., and C. wewalkai n.sp. The species C. congener Omer-Cooper, 1956, is regarded as valid and not as a junior synonym of C. canthydroides (Régimbart, 1895). Lectotypes are designated for the following ten names: C. alvei Omer-Cooper, 1965, C. consuetus Omer-Cooper, 1965, C. latus Omer-Cooper, 1965, C. lowryi Omer-Cooper, 1965, C. nebulosus Omer-Cooper, 1965, C. similator Zimmermann, 1923, C. simulator Guignot, 1959, C. testaceus Zimmermann, 1923, Hydroporus collaris Boheman, 1848, and Hydroporus hottentottus Gemminger & Harold, 1868. A parsimony analysis based on 32 morphological characters found 28 shortest trees. Monophyly of the genus Canthyporus is supported mainly by the presence of an anterior ligula on the ventral side of the elytron. Four species groups are recognized within the genus: (1) canthydroides group, including ten species in Namibia and South Africa; (2) exilis group, including four species in Lesotho and South Africa; (3) hottentottus group, including 18 species from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe; and (4) lateralis group, including three species from South Africa.
Le date di stampa dei periodici editi dalla Società Entomologica Italiana dal 1869 al 2007
Authors: Poggi Roberto
Published: December 2013

Precedute da alcune osservazioni bibliografiche, si forniscono le date precise di stampa di tutte le annate dei periodici pubblicati dalla Società Entomologica Italiana, ed in particolare del “Bullettino” (1869-1921), del “Bollettino”(1922-2007) e delle “Memorie” (1922-2007).
Quantification of waves in lidar observations of noctilucent clouds at scales from seconds to minutes
Authors: Kaifler N. , Baumgarten G. , Fiedler J. , Lübken F.-J.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. We present small-scale structures and waves observed in noctilucent clouds (NLC) by lidar at an unprecedented temporal resolution of 30 s or less. The measurements were taken with the Rayleigh/Mie/Raman lidar at the ALOMAR observatory in northern Norway (69° N) in the years 2008–2011. We find multiple layer NLC in 7.9% of the time for a brightness threshold of δ β = 12 × 10−10 m−1 sr−1. In comparison to 10 min averaged data, the 30 s dataset shows considerably more structure. For limited periods, quasi-monochromatic waves in NLC altitude variations are common, in accord with ground-based NLC imagery. For the combined dataset, on the other hand, we do not find preferred periods but rather significant periods at all timescales observed (1 min to 1 h). Typical wave amplitudes in the layer vertical displacements are 0.2 km with maximum amplitudes up to 2.3 km. Average spectral slopes of temporal altitude and brightness variations are −2.01 ± 0.25 for centroid altitude, −1.41 ± 0.24 for peak brightness and −1.73 ± 0.25 for integrated brightness. Evaluating a new single-pulse detection system, we observe altitude variations of 70 s period and spectral slopes down to a scale of 10 s. We evaluate the suitability of NLC parameters as tracers for gravity waves.
Contribution of pollen to atmospheric ice nuclei concentrations
Authors: Hader J. D. , Wright T. P. , Petters M. D.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Recent studies have suggested that the ice nucleating ability of some types of pollen is derived from non-proteinaceous macromolecules. These macromolecules may become dispersed by the rupturing of the pollen sac during wetting and drying cycles in the atmosphere. If true, this mechanism might prove to be a significant source of ice nuclei (IN) concentrations when pollen are present. Here we test this hypothesis by measuring ambient IN concentrations from the beginning to the end of the 2013 pollen season in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. Air samples were collected using a swirling aerosol collector twice per week and the solutions were analysed for ice nuclei activity using a droplet freezing assay. Rainwater samples were collected at the peak of the pollen season and analysed with the drop freezing assay to compare the potentially enhanced IN concentrations measured near the ground with IN concentrations found aloft. Ambient ice nuclei spectra, defined as the number of ice nuclei per volume of air as a function of temperature, are inferred from the aerosol collector solutions. No general trend was observed between ambient pollen counts and observed IN concentrations, suggesting that ice nuclei multiplication via pollen sac rupturing and subsequent release of macromolecules was not prevalent for the pollen types and meteorological conditions typically encountered in the Southeastern US. A serendipitously sampled collection after a downpour provided evidence for a rain-induced IN burst with an observed IN concentration of approximately 30 per litre, a 30-fold increase over background concentrations at −20 °C. The onset temperature of freezing for these particles was approximately −12 °C, suggesting that the ice nucleating particles were biological in origin. The magnitude of the IN burst was significantly larger than previously observed, providing additional evidence to merit further investigation of a self-regulated feedback cycle between the atmosphere and biosphere via the release of cloud forming particles in rain forest environments.
Chemical composition of pre-monsoon air in the Indo–Gangetic Plain measured using a new PTR-MS and air quality facility: high surface ozone and strong influence of biomass burning
Authors: Sinha V. , Kumar V. , Sarkar C.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. One seventh of the world population lives in the Indo–Gangetic Plain (IGP) and the fertile region sustains agricultural food crop production for much of South Asia. Yet it remains one of the most under-studied regions of the world in terms of atmospheric composition and chemistry. In particular, the emissions and chemistry of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that form surface ozone and secondary organic aerosol through photochemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides is not well understood. In this study, ambient levels of VOCs such as methanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, acetonitrile and isoprene were measured for the first time in the IGP. A new atmospheric chemistry facility that combines India's first high sensitivity proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer, an ambient air quality station and meteorological station, was used to quantify in-situ levels of several VOCs and air pollutants in May 2012 at a suburban site in Mohali (N. W. IGP). Westerly winds arriving at high wind speeds (5–20 m s−1) in the pre-monsoon season at the site, were conducive for chemical characterization of regional emission signatures. Average levels of VOCs and air pollutants in May 2012 ranged from 1.2–1.7 nmol mol−1 for aromatic VOCs, 5.9–37.4 nmol mol−1 for the oxygenated VOCs, 1.4 nmol mol−1 for acetonitrile, 1.9 nmol mol−1 for isoprene, 567 nmol mol−1 for carbon monoxide, 57.8 nmol mol−1 for ozone, 11.5 nmol mol−1 for nitrogen oxides, 7.3 nmol mol−1 for sulphur dioxide, 104 μg m−3 for PM2.5 and 276 μg m−3 for PM10. By analyzing the one minute in-situ data with meteorological parameters and applying chemical tracers (e.g. acetonitrile for biomass burning) and inter-VOC correlations, we were able to constrain major emission source activities on both temporal and diel scales. Wheat residue burning activity caused massive increases (> 3 times of baseline values) for all the measured VOCs and primary pollutants. Other forms of biomass burning at night were also a significant source for oxygenated VOCs and isoprene (r2 with acetonitrile ≥ 0.5 for night-time data), which is remarkable in terms of atmospheric chemistry implications. Surface ozone exceeded the 8 h national ambient air quality limit of 100 μg O3 m−3 on a daily basis, except for 17 May 2012, when a severe dust storm event (PM2.5 > 800 μg m−3; PM10 > 2700 μg m−3) characterized by long range transport from the west impacted the site. The novel dataset and results point to occurrence of high primary emissions of reactive VOCs. They also highlight the urgent need for establishing more comprehensive observational facilities in the IGP to constrain the spatial and seasonal variability of atmospheric chemical constituents. Such efforts will enable mechanistic level understanding of the in-situ chemical processes controlling formation of surface ozone, a necessary step for effective ozone mitigation and improvement of the regional air quality.
The impact of spectral resolution on satellite retrieval accuracy of CO2 and CH4
Authors: Galli A. , Guerlet S. , Butz A. , Aben I. , Suto H. , Kuze A. , Deutscher N. M. , Notholt J. , Wunch D. , Wennberg P. O. , Griffith D. W. T. , Hasekamp O. , Landgraf J.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The Fourier-transform spectrometer on board the Japanese GOSAT satellite offers an excellent opportunity to study the impact of instrument resolution on retrieval accuracy of CO2 and CH4. This is relevant to further improve retrieval accuracy and to optimize the cost-benefit ratio of future satellite missions for the remote sensing of greenhouse gases. To address this question, we degrade GOSAT measurements with a spectral resolution of ≈ 0.24 cm−1 step-by-step to a resolution of 1.5 cm−1. We examine the results by comparing relative differences at various resolutions, by referring the results to reference values from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON), and by calculating and inverting synthetic spectra for which the true CO2 and CH4 columns are known. The main impacts of degrading the spectral resolution turn out to be consistent for the first two approaches; pure forward model errors identified with simulated measurements are much smaller. For GOSAT spectra, the most notable effect on CO2 retrieval accuracy is the increase of the standard deviation of retrieval errors from 0.7% to 1.0% when the spectral resolution is reduced by a factor of six. The retrieval biases against atmospheric water abundance and airmass become stronger with decreasing resolution. The error scatter increase for CH4 columns is less pronounced. The selective degradation of single spectral windows demonstrates that the retrieval accuracy of CO2 and CH4 is dominated by the spectral range where the absorption lines of the target molecule are located. For both GOSAT and synthetic measurements, retrieval accuracy decreases with lower spectral resolution, suggesting increasing interference errors.
The potential value of seasonal forecasts in a changing climate
Authors: Winsemius H. C. , Dutra E. , Engelbrecht F. A. , Archer Van Garderen E. , Wetterhall F. , Pappenberger F. , Werner M. G. F.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Subsistence farming in Southern Africa is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. The yield of rain-fed agriculture depends largely on rainfall-related factors such as total seasonal rainfall, anomalous onsets and lengths of the rainy season and the frequency of occurrence of dry spells. Livestock, in turn, may be seriously impacted by climatic stress with, for example, exceptionally hot days, affecting condition, reproduction, vulnerability to pests and pathogens and, ultimately, morbidity and mortality. Climate change may affect the frequency and severity of extreme weather conditions, impacting on the success of subsistence farming. A potentially interesting adaptation measure comprises the timely forecasting and warning of such extreme events, combined with mitigation measures that allow farmers to prepare for the event occurring. This paper investigates how the frequency of extreme events may change in the future due to climate change over southern Africa and, in more detail, the Limpopo basin using a set of climate change projections from several regional climate model downscalings. Furthermore the paper assesses the predictability of these indicators by seasonal meteorological forecasts of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) seasonal forecasting system. The focus is on the frequency of dry spells as well as the frequency of heat stress conditions expressed in the Temperature Heat Index. In areas where their frequency of occurrence increases in the future and predictability is found, seasonal forecasts will gain importance in the future as they can more often lead to informed decision making to implement mitigation measures. The multi-model climate projections suggest that the frequency of dry spells is not likely to increase substantially, whereas there is a clear and coherent signal among the models, of an increase in the frequency of heat stress conditions by the end of the century. The skill analysis of the seasonal forecast system demonstrates that there is a potential to adapt to this change by utilizing the weather forecasts given that both indicators can be skilfully predicted for the December-to-February season, at least two months ahead of the wet season. This is particularly the case for predicting above-normal and below-normal conditions. The frequency of heat stress conditions shows better predictability than the frequency of dry spells. Although results are promising for end users on the ground, forecasts alone are insufficient to ensure appropriate response. Sufficient support for appropriate measures must be in place, and forecasts must be communicated in a context-specific, accessible and understandable format.
Calibration and downscaling of seasonal soil moisture forecasts using satellite data
Authors: Schneider S. , Jann A. , Gorgas T.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. A new approach to calibrate and downscale soil moisture forecasts from the seasonal ensemble prediction forecasting system of ECMWF is presented in this study. Soil moisture forecasts from this system are rarely used nowadays though they could provide valuable information. Weaknesses of the model soil scheme in forecasting soil water content are the main reason why soil water information is not used so far. The basic idea to overcome some of the modelling problems is the application of additional information provided by two satellite measurement systems (ASCAT and ENVISAT ASAR) to improve the forecast quality. Seasonal forecasts from 2011 and 2012 have been compared to in-situ measurements sites in Kenya to test the approach. Results confirm that both the calibration and the downscaling can add skill to the forecasts.
A Novel Strategy for landslide displacement and its direction monitoring
Authors: Zhu Z.-W. , Yuan Q.-Y. , Liu D.-Y. , Liu B. , Liu J.-C. , Luo H.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. Landslide monitoring is important in predicting the behavior of landslides, thereby ensuring environmental, life, and property safety. On the basis of our previous studies, we conducted the double shear test by using a third-generation optical fiber transducer that uses expandable polystyrene (EPS) as base material. However, the third-generation transducer has poor performance when cohesive force is present between the grout and capillary stainless steel pipe of the transducer. Thus, the fourth-generation optical fiber transducer was invented. Similar to the third-generation transducer, the fourth-generation transducer also used EPS as its base material. Single shear test was conducted on the fourth-generation transducer after being grouted with cement mortar (1:1 mix ratio). The micro-bend loss mechanism of the optical fiber was considered, and the optical time domain reflectometry instrument was used. The fact that the loss sequence of optical fibers subjected to loading is different at various locations is found. The relationship of the loading-point displacement VS. optical fiber sliding distance and optical loss were measured. Results show that the maximum initial measurement precision of the newly proposed device is 1mm, the corresponding sliding distance is 21 mm, and the dynamic range is 0–20 mm. The fourth-generation transducer can measure the movement direction of loadings, thus making this transducer applicable for landslide monitoring.
A European lightning density analysis using 5 yr of ATDnet data
Authors: Anderson G. , Klugmann D.
Published: December 2013

Abstract. The Met Office has operated a VLF lightning location network since 1987. The long-range capabilities of this network, referred to in its current form as ATDnet, allow for relatively continuous detection efficiency across Europe with only a limited number of sensors. The wide coverage and continuous data obtained by ATDnet are here used to create datasets of lightning density across Europe. Results of annual and monthly detected lightning density using data from 2008–2012 are presented, along with more detailed analysis of statistics and features of interest. No adjustment has been made to the data for regional variations in detection efficiency.
Nematode diversity in soil from a field trial with decomposing Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 protein
Authors: Karuri H. W. , Amata R. L. , Amugune N. O. , Waturu C. N.
Published: December 2013

The quality of decomposing plant materials may affect the soil community structure. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of decomposing Bt cotton and its isoline on soil nematode diversity. Bt cotton (06Z604D), isoline (99M03) and HART 89M (local non-Bt cotton cultivar) were planted for two seasons in a completely randomized block design in a confined field trial at Mwea, Kenya. After harvest the plant material was incorporated into soil and the nematode diversity was determined. The presence of Bt protein was evaluated using ELISA and insect bioassays. Abundance of bacteria feeding nematodes was significantly (p<0.05) high but to a smaller extent in the Bt cotton plots (53.7% and 52% in the first and second season respectively) than in isoline (42.8% and 45% in the first and second season respectively). Insect bioassays detected Bt protein in the Bt cotton plots during the entire decomposition period in both seasons. There were no significant differences in nematode trophic groups composition between isoline and HART 89M. The effect of Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ac protein in decomposing Bt cotton litter on soil nematodes was minimal. The study provides a basis for future studies on the impact of genetically engineered plants on soil nematodes in Kenyan agroecosystems.
Contribution of the calving interval to dairy farm profitability: results of a cluster analysis of FADN data for a major milk production area in southern Italy
Authors: Dono G. , Giraldo L. , Nazzaro E.
Published: December 2013

In this study we investigated the potential economic impact of good management of the calving interval on dairy farms. This involved the assessment of economics and production of a sample of farms, selected from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN), and located in Sardinia, Italy. Two farm models were derived from clustering the sample by k-means, which were validated by verifying their consistency in relation to nutritional needs, feed supply and milk production of the herds. Differences in indices of performance and dynamics were found (e.g. ROE is -0.8% vs 4.7%), with evident linkages between economic performance, greater efficiency, reproductive capacity, and potential turnover. The model better performing reflected greater economic feeding efficiency and a shorter calving interval. Hence, management, more than structural aspects, determined the economic results of the sampled farms.
Beef identification in industrial slaughterhouses using machine vision techniques
Authors: Velez J. F. , Sanchez A. , Sanchez J. , Esteban J. L.
Published: December 2013

Accurate individual animal identification provides the producers with useful information to take management decisions about an individual animal or about the complete herd. This identification task is also important to ensure the integrity of the food chain. Consequently, many consumers are turning their attention to issues of quality in animal food production methods. This work describes an implemented solution for individual beef identification, taking in the time from cattle shipment arrival at the slaughterhouse until the animals are slaughtered and cut up. Our beef identification approach is image-based and the pursued goals are the correct automatic extraction and matching between some numeric information extracted from the beef ear-tag and the corresponding one from the Bovine Identification Document (BID). The achieved correct identification results by our method are near 90%, by considering the practical working conditions of slaughterhouses (i.e. problems with dirt and bad illumination conditions). Moreover, the presence of multiple machinery in industrial slaughterhouses make it difficult the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) beef tags due to the high risks of interferences between RFID and the other technologies in the workplace. The solution presented is hardware/software since it includes a specialized hardware system that was also developed. Our approach considers the current EU legislation for beef traceability and it reduces the economic cost of individual beef identification with respect to RFID transponders. The system implemented has been in use satisfactorily for more than three years in one of the largest industrial slaughterhouses in Spain.
Field analysis of the deterioration after some years of use of four insect-proof screens utilized in Mediterranean greenhouses
Authors: López-Martínez A. , Valera-Martínez D. L. , Molina-Aiz F. D. , Peña-Fernández A. A. , Marín-Membrive P.
Published: December 2013

The installation of insect-proof screens on greenhouse vents is one of the principal methods of protection against harmful insects for crops. Their main disadvantage lies on their negative effects on natural ventilation and greenhouse microclimate, which have been the focus of studies by several authors. However, few works have analysed the effect of accumulated dust and dirt on these screens. The present study has analysed four anti-insect screens, comparing their geometric characteristics before installation and after three to four years of use. Two negative effects have been observed and quantified: deterioration of the threads that make up the screen and reduction of porosity due to accumulated dirt in the pores. This deterioration over time gives leads to a mean increase in thread diameter of 3.1%, as well to a mean decrease in the pore size of 6.2% and 2.3% in the weft (Lpx) and the warp (Lpy), respectively. In fact, the insect-proof screen porosity (φ) decreased due to the deterioration of the threads by an average of 6.5%, in addition to an average 20.3% reduction due to the accumulation of dirt in the pores, making a total reduction in porosity of 26.8%. This decrease in porosity leads to lower greenhouse ventilation rates, and is therefore detrimental for the greenhouse microclimate. Consequently, it is recommended that insect-proof screens in arid areas such as Almería (Spain), with abundant dust suspended in the atmosphere, be washed monthly using water sprayed at high pressure.
Water-use efficiency of irrigated biomass sorghum in a Mediterranean environment
Authors: Garofalo P. , Rinaldi M.
Published: December 2013

A large interest is currently addressed to the no-food crops as an alternative source of energy. One of these crops is the biomass sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) thanks to its high biomass productivity and high use efficiency of solar radiation and water. Aim of the research is assess the biomass sorghum response to the water in the Mediterranean environment. Biomass sorghum was subjected to four irrigation regimes, at 50, 75, 100 and 125% of ETc for three years (2008, 2009 and 2010). Water use efficiency (WUE), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and water stress index (WSI) were calculated. Plant dry matter and green area index resulted different among the three years and the differences among irrigation treatments were more evident in 2009. The different soil water content at sowing among the three experimental years, affected the growth path during the growing crop cycle, explaining differences in term of biomass accumulation, leaf expansion and water consumption. WUE was higher in 2009 than in 2008 and 2010 with no differences among irrigation treatments for the first and third experimental year. WU ranged between 891 and 566 mm, the aboveground dry matter biomass between 4097 and 1825 g m-2 and WUE between 8.49 and 4.00 kg m-3. IWUE, similarly to WUE, was higher in the second year than in the first and third year, but with differences among irrigation treatments in the 2008 and 2010. WUE calculated from WU normalized with VPD gave a more stable parameter in the three years. This research showed the suitability of biomass sorghum as energy crop in Mediterranean environment and its ability to use water efficiently.
Predicting the metabolizable energy content of corn for ducks: a comparison of support vector regression with other methods
Authors: Faridi A. , Golian A. , Mottaghitalab M. , López S. , France J.
Published: December 2013

Support vector regression (SVR) is used in this study to develop models to estimate apparent metabolizable energy (AME), AME corrected for nitrogen (AMEn), true metabolizable energy (TME), and TME corrected for nitrogen (TMEn) contents of corn fed to ducks based on its chemical composition. Performance of the SVR models was assessed by comparing their results with those of artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple linear regression (MLR) models. The input variables to estimate metabolizable energy content (MJ kg-1) of corn were crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, and ash (g kg-1). Goodness of fit of the models was examined using R2, mean square error, and bias. Based on these indices, the predictive performance of the SVR, ANN, and MLR models was acceptable. Comparison of models indicated that performance of SVR (in terms of R2) on the full data set (0.937 for AME, 0.954 for AMEn, 0.860 for TME, and 0.937 for TMEn) was better than that of ANN (0.907 for AME, 0.922 for AMEn, 0.744 for TME, and 0.920 for TMEn) and MLR (0.887 for AME, 0.903 for AMEn, 0.704 for TME, and 0.902 for TMEn). Similar findings were observed with the calibration and testing data sets. These results suggest SVR models are a promising tool for modelling the relationship between chemical composition and metabolizable energy of feedstuffs for poultry. Although from the present results the application of SVR models seems encouraging, the use of such models in other areas of animal nutrition needs to be evaluated.
Perampanel: A Selective AMPA Antagonist for Treating Seizures
Authors: Krauss Gregory L.
Published: December 2013

Perampanel is a selective, noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist that has recently been approved for treating localization-related epilepsy. This article reviews the pharmacology, clinical development, efficacy, and safety/tolerability of perampanel.
Problem: Jump as Far as You Can
Authors: Bofferding Laura , Yigit Melike
Published: December 2013

This month's problem examines the standing long jump, an Olympic event until 1912. Students will jump as far as they can from a standing position and measure the distance by using different units, such as cubes, feet, and inches. A good problem can capture students' curiosity and can serve many functions in the elementary school classroom: to introduce specific concepts the teacher can build on after students recognize the need for additional mathematics or to help students see where to apply already-learned concepts. We encourage teachers to use the monthly problem and suggested instructional notes in their classrooms and report solutions, strategies, reflections, and misconceptions to the journal audience.
Flipping for Pancakes
Authors: Columba Lynn
Published: December 2013

Math by the Month is a regular department of the journal featuring collections of short activities focused on a monthly theme. These articles aim for an inquiry or problem-solving orientation that includes at least four activities each for grade bands K—2, 3—4, and 5—6. This month, students will flip as they use their math skills to solve delectable problems about one of the most versatile foods on the planet. For more flapjack math, check out the “7,000 Pancakes” investigation in the May 2008 issue of TCM. Further whet students' appetites with pancake trivia from http://marthasallnatural.com/recipes_pancake_trivia.pdf.
Mysterious Subtraction
Authors: Hillen Amy F. , Watanabe Tad
Published: December 2013

Conjecturing is central to the work of reasoning and proving. This task gives fourth and fifth graders a chance to make conjectures and prove (or disprove) them.
La culture populaire sous le regard du clergé finistérien dans la première moitié du xxe siècle
Authors: Celton Yann
Published: December 2013

En 1953 les conférences ecclésiastiques du diocèse de Quimper et Léon (organe de formation permanente du clergé) invitent les prêtres à s’exprimer sur l’histoire récente de leur paroisse d’affectation entre les années 1900 et 1950. Quelle est la vision du clergé sur l’histoire récente de leurs paroisses et leurs paroissiens, à une période de profonde modernisation des campagnes et de grands renouvellements sociaux ? Quel intérêt pour les cultures populaires ressort de cet ensemble documentaire ? En resituant le clergé séculier finistérien dans son organisation administrative et sociale nous tenterons, au travers d’un corpus documentaire inédit, de percevoir son intérêt pour la culture et les traditions de la population locale.
Les prêtres et religieux du Canada français observateurs de la langue et collecteurs de mots
Authors: Remysen Wim , Mercier Louis
Published: December 2013

Cet article porte sur les principales figures religieuses qui ont marqué l’histoire du Canada français par leurs contributions linguistiques, en particulier dans le domaine du lexique. Nous nous concentrons plus précisément sur la période qui va du milieu du xixe siècle jusqu’aux années 1960, période pendant laquelle plusieurs religieux se sont engagés dans la rédaction de répertoires lexicographiques et de chroniques de langage, notamment sous le patronage de la Société du parler français. Nous cherchons à dégager les diverses positions que ces religieux ont adoptées à l’égard du français canadien et plus particulièrement à l’égard de la langue populaire et de ses particularismes. Nous voyons par exemple que certains d’entre eux ont privilégié l’approche corrective de façon à réduire l’écart qui séparait l’usage canadien du français européen ou académique, alors que d’autres, dans la foulée du mouvement régionaliste français, ont mis l’accent sur la description des particularismes canadiens et la recherche historique de leurs origines (anciennes ou régionales), ouvrant la voie aux premières études objectives de la langue populaire des Canadiens français.
Oeuvre muséale et patrimoniale du collège de Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière
Authors: Dubé Philippe
Published: December 2013

Paul-André Leclerc, directeur-fondateur du Musée François-Pilote à La Pocatière créé en 1974, a joué un rôle important dans le domaine de la patrimonialisation d’un héritage traditionnel qui a su magnifier le passé rural du Québec. Cette valorisation d’un temps révolu à travers le musée a eu tendance à figer en une image idéalisée « le bon vieux temps » qui vient filtrer tout regard curieux ou studieux voulant le scruter. C’est cette dimension qui est ici explorée à travers l’oeuvre muséale de l’abbé Leclerc qui a tenté de ressusciter une société qui n’est plus. Une vision tronquée est mise en scène dans son musée qui se veut la réincarnation d’un espace-temps définitivement disparu. Témoigner résume en quelque sorte le programme discursif du Musée François-Pilote. Nous pourrions définir son projet comme relevant d’une doctrine de la renaissance paysanne. Arrêter le temps qui file à toute vitesse ou comment pratiquer la contre-révolution avec son musée en réaction à un mouvement pourtant irréversible.
Shear‐induced force fluctuations and acoustic emissions in granular material
Authors: Michlmayr Gernot , Cohen Denis , Or Dani
Published: December 2013

We conducted a series of strain‐controlled experiments to study the characteristics of a shear zone forming in dense flow of confined dry granular media. The primary objective was to link force fluctuations due to jamming and force network reformation with episodic release of elastic energy as passively monitored by acoustic emission sensors. Under constant deformation rate, the shear stress exhibits a characteristic sawtooth behavior reflecting the strong influence of micromechanical processes on the macroscopic stress‐strain behavior. Measured shear stress jumps were highly correlated with low‐frequency (< 20 kHz) acoustic emission events. High‐frequency (30 kHz–80 kHz) acoustic signals that were measured with different sensors appear to be directly linked to continual grain‐scale interactions (e.g., friction, rolling). A conceptual mechanical fiber bundle model (FBM) was used to represent dynamics at the shear zone of large granular assemblies. The model was capable of reproducing the dynamics of stress jumps and associated elastic energy release events. The combination of acoustic emission (AE) measurements and FBM framework offers new insights into the behavior of shear failure and enhances capabilities for resolving grain‐scale mechanical processes and for predicting rapid mass movement such as shallow landslides and debris flows.
An apparent hiatus in global warming?
Authors: Trenberth Kevin E. , Fasullo John T.
Published: December 2013

Global warming first became evident beyond the bounds of natural variability in the 1970s, but increases in global mean surface temperatures have stalled in the 2000s. Increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide, create an energy imbalance at the top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) even as the planet warms to adjust to this imbalance, which is estimated to be 0.5–1 W m−2 over the 2000s. Annual global fluctuations in TOA energy of up to 0.2 W m−2 occur from natural variations in clouds, aerosols, and changes in the Sun. At times of major volcanic eruptions the effects can be much larger. Yet global mean surface temperatures fluctuate much more than these can account for. An energy imbalance is manifested not just as surface atmospheric or ground warming but also as melting sea and land ice, and heating of the oceans. More than 90% of the heat goes into the oceans and, with melting land ice, causes sea level to rise. For the past decade, more than 30% of the heat has apparently penetrated below 700 m depth that is traceable to changes in surface winds mainly over the Pacific in association with a switch to a negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) in 1999. Surface warming was much more in evidence during the 1976–1998 positive phase of the PDO, suggesting that natural decadal variability modulates the rate of change of global surface temperatures while sea‐level rise is more relentless. Global warming has not stopped; it is merely manifested in different ways.
Were global numerical weather prediction systems capable of forecasting the extreme Colorado rainfall of 9–16 September 2013?
Authors: Lavers David A. , Villarini Gabriele
Published: December 2013

From 9–16 September 2013 significant portions of Colorado experienced extreme precipitation and flooding resulting in large socioeconomic damages and fatalities. Here we investigate the ability of eight global state‐of‐the‐art numerical weather prediction systems to forecast rainfall during the event. Forecasts were analyzed from initializations at 12 UTC 5 September to 12 UTC 12 September to determine when, and how well, the event was captured. Ensemble mean rainfall patterns initialized on 5 September (roughly 4+ day lead time) did not forecast the event's persistent nature; conversely, forecasts initialized on 9 September captured the rainfall patterns reasonably well, although with incorrect rainfall values. Accumulated rainfall forecasts improved when the region considered increased from a 0.5° area centered over Boulder to the entire state of Colorado. We conclude that the models provided guidance indicating a significant period of rainfall in Colorado from 9 September 2013, although not necessarily in the correct locations.
On the effects of thermally weakened ductile shear zones on postseismic deformation
Authors: Takeuchi Christopher S. , Fialko Yuri
Published: December 2013

We present three‐dimensional (3‐D) numerical models of postseismic deformation following repeated earthquakes on a vertical strike‐slip fault. Our models use linear Maxwell, Burgers, and temperature‐dependent power law rheology for the lower crust and upper mantle. We consider effects of viscous shear zones that result from thermomechanical coupling and investigate potential kinematic similarities between viscoelastic models incorporating shear zones and elastic models incorporating rate‐strengthening friction on a deep aseismic fault root. We find that the thermally activated shear zones have little effect on postseismic relaxation. In particular, the presence of shear zones does not change the polarity of vertical displacements in cases of rheologies that are able to generate robust postseismic transients. Stronger rheologies can give rise to an opposite polarity of vertical displacements, but the amplitude of the predicted transient deformation is generally negligible. We conclude that additional (to thermomechanical coupling) mechanisms of strain localization are required for a viscoelastic model to produce a vertical deformation pattern similar to that due to afterslip on a deep extension of a fault. We also investigate the discriminating power of models incorporating Burgers and power law rheology. These rheologies were proposed to explain postseismic transients following large (M7) earthquakes in the Mojave desert, Eastern California. Numerical simulations indicate that it may be difficult to distinguish between these rheologies even with high‐quality geodetic observations for observation periods less than a decade. Longer observations, however, may potentially allow discrimination between the competing models, as illustrated by the model comparisons with available GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar data.
Comparative evaluation of physics‐based and statistical forecasts in Northern California
Authors: Segou M. , Parsons T. , Ellsworth W.
Published: December 2013

We perform a retrospective forecast test using Northern California seismicity for the period between 1980 and 2009. We compare 7 realizations of the short‐term clustering epidemic‐type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model, and 21 models combining Coulomb stress change calculations and Rate/State theory (CRS) to forecast seismicity rates in 10 day time intervals. We employ a common learning phase (1974–1980) for CRS models to ensure consistency, and we evaluate the forecasts with log likelihood statistics to detect any spatial inconsistencies and compare the total numbers of forecasts versus observed events. We find that: (1) ETAS models are better forecasters of the spatial evolution in seismicity in the near‐source region, (2) CRS models can compete with ETAS models away from the mainshock rupture, and for short periods after mainshocks, (3) CRS models with optimally oriented receiver fault planes perform better in the first few days after mainshocks, whereas mapped fault planes should be implemented for longer‐term forecasting, and (4) CRS models based on shear stress change calculations have comparable performance with Coulomb stress change models, with the benefit of lesser parameters involved in stress calculations. We conclude that physics‐based and statistical forecast models are complimentary to each other and that future forecasts should be based on statistical models for near‐source regions, and physical models for longer periods and distances. However, the realization of the CRS models involves a number of critical parameters (reference seismicity rates, regional stress field, and loading rates), which should be retrospectively tested to improve the predictive power of physics‐based models.
Ground motions on rocky, cliffed, and sandy shorelines generated by ocean waves
Authors: Young Adam P. , Guza Robert T. , Dickson Mark E. , O'Reilly William C. , Flick Reinhard E.
Published: December 2013

We compare ground motions observed within about 100 m of the waterline on eight sites located on shorelines with different morphologies (rock slope, cliff, and sand beaches). At all sites, local ocean waves generated ground motions in the frequency band 0.01–40 Hz. Between about 0.01 and 0.1 Hz, foreshore loading and gravitational attraction from ocean swell and infragravity waves drive coherent, in‐phase ground flexing motions mostly oriented cross‐shore that decay inland. At higher frequencies between 0.5 and 40 Hz, breaking ocean waves and wave‐rock impacts cause ground shaking. Overall, seismic spectral shapes were generally consistent across shoreline sites and usually within a few orders of magnitude despite the diverse range of settings. However, specific site response varied and was influenced by a combination of tide level, incident wave energy, site morphology, ground composition, and signal decay. Flexing and shaking increased with incident wave energy and was often tidally modulated, consistent with a local generation source. Flexing magnitudes were usually larger than shaking, and flexing displacements of several mm were observed during relatively large incident wave conditions (Hs 4–5 m). Comparison with traffic noise and earthquakes illustrate the relative significance of local ocean‐generated signals in coastal seismic data. Seismic observations are not a simple proxy for wave‐cliff interaction.
Copper Transport: Structural Biology
Authors: Flores Adrian G. , Pope Christopher R. , Unger Vinzenz M.
Published: December 2013

Copper ions are essential for life because of their ability to support a number of cellular processes, ranging from respiration to the synthesis of connective tissue. At the same time, the redox and coordination chemistry of copper can be toxic to cells if the metal ion is not contained. Responding to this double natured property of copper, cells tightly regulate the movement and storage of copper ions. Recent years have seen tremendous progress in the structural determination of the proteins that carry copper ions across cellular membranes. Despite sharing a common function, copper transport systems are structurally very diverse and employ fundamentally different mechanisms to translocate copper ions across the bilayer. The simplest carriers are the copper transporters known ascopper uptake transporter(CTR) proteins. These small membrane proteins contain three transmembrane segments and assemble into homotrimers that form the functional units. CTR proteins are exclusively found in eukaryotes, where they mediate the cellular acquisition of copper through mechanisms that are only partially understood. Expulsion of copper from the cytoplasm and redistribution of intracellular copper into storage compartments or toward the secretory pathway is mediated by P1B‐type Cu(I)‐transporting ATPases, including Menkes and Wilson ATPases, whose malfunction results in debilitating diseases in humans. Compared to the more thoroughly studied P2‐type family of ATPases, Cu(I)‐ATPases are smaller, containing only 8–10 transmembrane helices. The presence of cytoplasmic metal‐binding domains and a helical pair preceding the structurally conserved six‐helix membrane core of P2‐type ATPases are distinguishing hallmarks of this subfamily of transport ATPases. Complementing the function of Cu(I)‐transporting ATPases in prokaryotes is the tripartite CusCFBA Cu+/Ag+‐H+antiporter that consists of the inner‐membrane transporter (CusA), a periplasmic adaptor protein (CusB), the outer‐membrane transporter (CusC), and a small copper chaperone (CusF), that is believed to load periplasmic copper into the efflux pump. Of the existing copper transport machineries, the Cus‐system is by far the most complex and structurally the best characterized. Nevertheless, many open questions remain about the mechanistic details that allow copper pumping. Taken together, the emergence of rich structural information on all the copper transport systems opens the article for rigorous future testing of structure–function relationships in these essential membrane proteins. Moreover, there is an emerging body of data demonstrating that platinum‐based anticancer drugs hijack copper transporters for cellular entry and exit, providing an important and unexpected additional dimension to the biology of copper transport systems.
Metals in Bacterial Pathogenicity and Immunity
Authors: Cavet Jennifer S.
Published: December 2013

Infectious diseases represent the second leading cause of death worldwide, most of which are associated with bacterial infections. Metals play a central role in the outcome of bacteria–host interactions. To control infections, in a process termed nutritional immunity, the immune system exploits both the need for bacteria to acquire metals in order to proliferate and the innate toxicity of metal ions. In response, pathogenic bacteria have evolved a myriad of metal‐sensing, metal‐acquisition, and metal‐detoxification systems that represent key virulence determinants. These systems offer attractive targets for the development of much needed novel antimicrobial agents as well as opportunities to exploit nutritional immunity. Here, the current understanding of the role of metals in host immunity is summarized. In addition, the strategies used by a model intracellular bacterial pathogen,
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium, to adapt to metal stresses within the host environment are discussed.