Optimizing productivity in organic farming systems through variation of seeding density for field peas and lentils

Non-Peer Reviewe

Near BPS Skyrmions and restricted harmonic maps

Motivated by a class of near BPS Skyrme models introduced by Adam, Sánchez-Guillén and Wereszczyński, the following variant of the harmonic map problem is introduced: a map φ:(M,g)→(N,h)φ:(M,g)→(N,h) between Riemannian manifolds is restricted harmonic if it locally extremizes E2E2 on its View the MathML sourceSDiff(M) orbit, where View the MathML sourceSDiff(M) denotes the group of volume preserving diffeomorphisms of (M,g)(M,g), and E2E2 denotes the Dirichlet energy. It is conjectured that near BPS skyrmions tend to restricted harmonic maps in the BPS limit. It is shown that φφ is restricted harmonic if and only if φ∗hφ∗h has exact divergence, and a linear stability theory of restricted harmonic maps is developed, from which it follows that all weakly conformal maps are stable restricted harmonic. Examples of restricted harmonic maps in every degree class R3→SU(2)R3→SU(2) and R2→S2R2→S2 are constructed. It is shown that the axially symmetric BPS skyrmions on which all previous analytic studies of near BPS Skyrme models have been based, are not restricted harmonic, casting doubt on the phenomenological predictions of such studies. The problem of minimizing E2E2 for φ:Rk→Nφ:Rk→N over all linear volume preserving diffeomorphisms is solved explicitly, and a deformed axially symmetric family of Skyrme fields constructed which are candidates for approximate near BPS skyrmions at low baryon number. The notion of restricted harmonicity is generalized to restricted FF-criticality where FF is any functional on maps (M,g)→(N,h)(M,g)→(N,h) which is, in a precise sense, geometrically natural. The case where FF is a linear combination of E2E2 and E4E4, the usual Skyrme term, is studied in detail, and it is shown that inverse stereographic projection R3→S3≡SU(2)R3→S3≡SU(2) is stable restricted FF-critical for every such FF

A test of trophic cascade theory: fish and benthic assemblages across a predator density gradient on coral reefs

Removal of predators is often hypothesized to alter community structure through trophic cascades. However, despite recent advances in our understanding of trophic cascades, evidence is often circumstantial on coral reefs because fishing pressure frequently co-varies with other anthropogenic effects, such as fishing for herbivorous fishes and changes in water quality due to pollution. Australia’s outer Great Barrier Reef (GBR) has experienced fishing-induced declines of apex predators and mesopredators, but pollution and targeting of herbivorous fishes are minimal. Here, we quantify fish and benthic assemblages across a fishing-induced predator density gradient on the outer GBR, including apex predators and mesopredators to herbivores and benthic assemblages, to test for evidence of trophic cascades and alternative hypotheses to trophic cascade theory. Using structural equation models, we found no cascading effects from apex predators to lower trophic levels: a loss of apex predators did not lead to higher levels of mesopredators, and this did not suppress mobile herbivores and drive algal proliferation. Likewise, we found no effects of mesopredators on lower trophic levels: a decline of mesopredators was not associated with higher abundances of algae-farming damselfishes and algae-dominated reefs. These findings indicate that top-down forces on coral reefs are weak, at least on the outer GBR. We conclude that predator-mediated trophic cascades are probably the exception rather than the rule in complex ecosystems such as the outer GBR

Syzygies in equivariant cohomology for non-abelian Lie groups

We extend the work of Allday-Franz-Puppe on syzygies in equivariant cohomology from tori to arbitrary compact connected Lie groups G. In particular, we show that for a compact orientable G-manifold X the analogue of the Chang-Skjelbred sequence is exact if and only if the equivariant cohomology of X is reflexive, if and only if the equivariant Poincare pairing for X is perfect. Along the way we establish that the equivariant cohomology modules arising from the orbit filtration of X are Cohen-Macaulay. We allow singular spaces and introduce a Cartan model for their equivariant cohomology. We also develop a criterion for the finiteness of the number of infinitesimal orbit types of a G-manifold.Comment: 28 pages; minor change

Measuring Ripple and Dune Migration in Coprates Chasma, Valles Marineris: A Source to Sink Aeolian System on Mars?

Active aeolian systems are present across the martian surface, with active dune fields commonly found in depressions such as craters and valleys. There are many dune fields within the equatorial region of Mars, including Valles Marineris, but the effects of topography on wind regimes and consequently dune migration in Valles Marineris is poorly understood. We investigated both the ripple and dune migration in a dune field in Coprates Chasma using High Resolution Science Experiment Images (HiRISE) and Context Camera (CTX) images. Migration rates of dune brinks and ripples were measured over varying time scales, between Earth years 2007‐2014. The dunes here are some of the tallest on Mars, with heights of up to 182 m. The dune brinks are migrating eastwards at a rate of 0.1‐0.3 m/EY through the valley due to topographical influences on the local winds. Potential sediment sources for the dune field were identified and investigated by studying thermal inertia and mineralogy. The topographic slope‐related katabatic winds travel down the valley walls and converge with the dominant winds travelling through the center of the valley, causing overall eastwards dune migration. Topography is likely the dominant control on the local wind regime; slope winds travel down the sides of the valley walls and are funneled through the center of the valley. These local winds subsequently facilitate the migration of the large dunes in Coprates Chasma, thus expanding our understanding of local winds in the martian environment

Constraining recent ice flow history at Korff Ice Rise, West Antarctica, using radar and seismic measurements of ice fabric

The crystal orientation fabric of ice reflects its flow history, information which is required to better constrain projections of future ice sheet behavior. Here we present a novel combination of polarimetric phase‐sensitive radar and seismic anisotropy measurements to provide independent and consistent constraints on ice fabric at Korff Ice Rise, within the Weddell Sea sector of West Antarctica. The nature and depth distribution of fabric in the ice column is constrained using the azimuthal variation in (1) the received power anomaly and phase difference of polarimetric vertical radar soundings and (2) seismic velocities and shear wave splitting measurements. Radar and seismic observations are modeled separately to determine the nature and strength of fabric within the ice column. Both methods indicate ice fabric above 200‐m depth which is consistent with present‐day ice‐divide flow. However, both measurements also indicate an oblique girdle fabric below 230‐m depth within the ice column, inconsistent with steady state divide flow. Our interpretation is that this deeper fabric is a remnant fabric from a previous episode of flow, which is currently being overwritten by ongoing fabric development associated with the present‐day flow regime. The preexisting fabric is consistent with ice flow from the south prior to ice‐divide formation, in agreement with models of Holocene ice sheet evolution. These findings apply new constraints to the flow history at Korff Ice Rise prior to divide formation and demonstrate the capacity of radar and seismic measurements to map fabric and thus constrain past ice flow

Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) for natural microseismicity studies: A case study from Antarctica

Icequakes, microseismic earthquakes at glaciers, offer insights into the dynamics of ice sheets. For the first time in the Antarctic, we explore the use of fiber optic cables as Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS) as a new approach for monitoring basal icequakes. We present the use of DAS for studying icequakes as a case study for the application of DAS to microseismic datasets in other geological settings. Fiber was deployed on the ice surface at Rutford Ice Stream in two different configurations. We compare the performance of DAS with a conventional geophone network for: microseismic detection and location; resolving source and noise spectra; source mechanism inversion; and measuring anisotropic shear-wave splitting parameters. Both DAS array geometries detect fewer events than the geophone array. However, DAS is superior to geophones for recording the microseism signal, suggesting the applicability of DAS for ambient noise interferometry. We also present the first full-waveform source mechanism inversions using DAS anywhere, successfully showing the horizontal stick-slip nature of the icequakes. In addition, we develop an approach to use a 2D DAS array geometry as an effective multi-component sensor capable of accurately characterising shear-wave splitting due to the anisotropic ice fabric. Although our observations originate from a glacial environment, the methodology and implications of this work are relevant for employing DAS in other microseismic environments

Structural and functional responses of benthic invertebrates to imidacloprid in outdoor stream mesocosms

Structural and functional responses of a benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage to pulses of the insecticide imidacloprid were assessed in outdoor stream mesocosms. Imidacloprid pulses reduced invertebrate abundance and community diversity in imidacloprid-dosed streams compared to control streams. These results correlated well with effects of imidacloprid on leaf litter decomposition and feeding rates of Pteronarcys comstocki, a stonefly, in artificial streams. Reductions in oxygen consumption of stoneflies exposed to imidacloprid were also observed in laboratory experiments. Our findings suggest that leaf litter degradation and single species responses can be sensitive ecotoxicological endpoints that can be used as early warning indicators and biomonitoring tools for pesticide contamination. The data generated illustrates the value of mesocosm experiments in environmental assessment and how the consideration of functional and structural endpoints of natural communities together with in situ single species bioassays can improve the evaluation and prediction of pesticide effects on stream ecosystems. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Environment Canada’s Pesticide Science FundFC

Genetic Analyses in Small for Gestational Age Newborns

Context: Small for gestational age (SGA) can be a result of fetal growth restriction, associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality. Mechanisms that control prenatal growth are poorly understood. Objective: The aim of the present study was to gain more insight into prenatal growth failure and determine an effective diagnostic approach in SGA newborns. We hypothesized that one or more CNVs and disturbed methylation and sequence variants may be present in genes known to be associated with fetal growth. Design: A prospective cohort study of subjects with a low birthweight for gestational age. Setting: The study was conducted at an academic pediatric research institute. Patients: A total of 21 SGA newborns with a mean birthweight below the 1st centile and a control cohort of 24 appropriate for gestational age newborns were studied. Intervention: Array comparative genomic hybridization, genome-wide methylation studies and exome sequencing were performed. Main Outcome Measures The numbers of copy number variations, methylation disturbances and sequence variants. Results: The genetic analyses demonstrated three CNVs, one systematically disturbed methylation pattern and one sequence variant explaining the SGA. Additional methylation disturbances and sequence variants were present 20 patients. In 19 patients, multiple abnormalities were found. Conclusion: Our results confirm the influence of a large number of mechanisms explaining dysregulation of fetal growth. We conclude that copy number variations, methylation disturbances and sequence variants all contribute to prenatal growth failure. Such genetic workup can be an effective diagnostic approach in SGA newborns

Measurement of the B0-anti-B0-Oscillation Frequency with Inclusive Dilepton Events

The $B^0$-$\bar B^0$ oscillation frequency has been measured with a sample of 23 million \B\bar B pairs collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric B Factory at SLAC. In this sample, we select events in which both B mesons decay semileptonically and use the charge of the leptons to identify the flavor of each B meson. A simultaneous fit to the decay time difference distributions for opposite- and same-sign dilepton events gives $\Delta m_d = 0.493 \pm 0.012{(stat)}\pm 0.009{(syst)}$ ps$^{-1}$.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, submitted to Physical Review Letter