bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Error covariance sensitivity and impact estimation with adjoint 4D‐Var: theoretical aspects and first applications to NAVDAS‐AR
Authors: Daescu Dacian N. , Langland Rolf H.
Published: May 2012

This article presents the adjoint‐data assimilation system (adjoint‐DAS) approach to evaluate the forecast sensitivity with respect to the specification of the observation‐error covariance (R‐sensitivity) and background‐error covariance (B‐sensitivity) in a four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) DAS with a single outer‐loop iteration. Computationally efficient estimates to the forecast impact of adjustments in the error covariance models are obtained by exploiting the mathematical properties of the R‐ and B‐sensitivity matrices and their relationship with the observation sensitivity vector. An additional contribution of this work is that it establishes a synergistic link between various methodologies to analyze the DAS performance: observation sensitivity and impact assessment, error covariance sensitivity, and a posteriori diagnosis. The practical ability to obtain sensitivity information with respect to R‐ and B‐parameters is presented with the adjoint versions of the Naval Research Laboratory Atmospheric Variational Data Assimilation System–Accelerated Representer (NAVDAS‐AR) and the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS). The adjoint approach is used to provide guidance on the forecast impact of weighting the radiance data in the DAS according to observation‐error variance estimates derived from an a posteriori diagnosis. The results indicate that information extracted from both error covariance diagnosis and sensitivity analysis is necessary to design parameter tuning procedures that are effective in reducing the forecast errors. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Surface pressure record of Tibetan Plateau warming since the 1870s
Authors: Moore G. W. K.
Published: May 2012

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is the world's highest and largest plateau. By acting as an elevated thermal source as well as a topographic barrier, the TP has a profound impact on both local weather and global climate. The TP has recently been warming at a faster rate than the entire Northern Hemisphere. However, the lack of instrumental records prior to the 1950s limits our ability to place this recent warming in a longer‐term context. Here we show that over the plateau, because of its high elevation, the surface pressure is a proxy for surface air temperature and that since the 1870s there has been a statistically significant increase in surface pressure over the TP, that has undergone an acceleration since the 1980s. There is also a compensatory decrease in surface pressure in the surrounding lower elevation region. Furthermore, we show that since the 1870s the surface pressure over the plateau is correlated with the Northern Hemisphere temperature record at a statistical significance that exceeds the 99 percentile. Finally, the trend in surface pressure over the plateau is consistent with an increase in annual mean surface air temperature of ∼0.4°C since the 1870s and an increase of ∼1°C since the 1980s. The long‐term warming over the TP derived from the surface pressure trend is of the same order as the long‐term hemispheric warming. This suggests that the increased rate of warming recently observed over the plateau is not a long‐term phenomenon. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
An Economic Approach to the Management of High‐Quality Processes
Authors: Yılmaz Şebnem , Burnak Nimetullah
Published: May 2012

Modern manufacturing developments have forced researchers to investigate alternative quality control techniques for high‐quality processes. The cumulative count of conforming (CCC) control chart is a powerful alternative approach for monitoring high‐quality processes for which traditional control charts are inadequate. This study develops a mathematical model for the economic design of the CCC control chart and presents an application of the proposed model. On the basis of the results of the application, the economic and classical CCC control chart designs of the CCC control chart are compared. The optimal design parameters for different defective fractions are tabulated, and a sensitivity analysis of the model is presented for the CCC control chart user to determine the optimal economic design parameters and minimum hourly costs for one production run according to different defective fractions, cost, time, and process parameters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CH3OH + 2H (2Sg) hydrogen abstraction reactions occurring in the presence of a copper tetramer: A DFT study
Authors: Ferrão Luiz Fernando Araujo , Roberto‐Neto Orlando , Machado Francisco Bolivar Correto
Published: May 2012

The density functional approximation M05 with 6‐31G** and m‐6‐31G* basis sets were used to calculate the classical barrier heights, structures, reaction energies, and enthalpies of the hydrogen abstraction reaction paths of 2H + (CH3OH)·Cu4 → 2H2 + (COH2)·Cu4, which is a prototype system for dehydrogenation of methanol catalyzed by copper clusters, consisting of two sequential elementary reactions of the methanol combustion mechanism. Electronic structure and intermolecular/intramolecular bond energies were computed as well as the energy variations for the reaction both free and in the presence of the tetramer copper cluster. It was observed that the first dehydrogenation path, related to the abstraction from hydroxyl group of methanol, shows no classical barrier in this level of calculation. We have demonstrated that the planar rhombus cluster Cu4 has bonding properties which mimic quantitatively catalytic properties for some elementary reactions in the methanol combustion mechanism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A triple‐jaw actuated and sensorized instrument for grasping large organs during minimally invasive robotic surgery
Authors: Mirbagheri Alireza , Farahmand Farzam
Published: May 2012

Background

Secure grasping and effective manipulation of delicate large organs during robotic surgery operations needs especially designed instruments that can enclose a large amount of tissue and feed back the pinch forces.

Methods

A large organ triple‐jaw grasper was instrumented using practical force sensory and actuating systems. A force tracking scheme was proposed to facilitate auto‐grasping of large organs during robotic teleoperation surgery. An on‐site force commanding/reflecting mechanism was also implemented to use the device as an independent hand‐held robotic instrument. The efficacy of the robotic grasper was examined in phantom tests.

Results

The instrument grasped large soft objects effectively and safely with accurately measured and controlled pinch forces. Furthermore, it could characterize the overall mechanical behavior of the grasping objects.

Conclusions

The instrument designed provides a potential solution for the safe and effective grasping and manipulation of large abdominal organs, either as a hand‐held device, or in a teleoperation framework. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of Swendsen‐Wang and heat‐bath dynamics
Authors: Ullrich Mario
Published: May 2012

We prove that the spectral gap of the Swendsen‐Wang process for the Potts model on graphs with bounded degree is bounded from below by some constant times the spectral gap of any single‐spin dynamics. This implies rapid mixing for the two‐dimensional Potts model at all temperatures above the critical one, as well as rapid mixing at the critical temperature for the Ising model. After this we introduce a modified version of the Swendsen‐Wang algorithm for planar graphs and prove rapid mixing for the two‐dimensional Potts models at all non‐critical temperatures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 42, 520–535, 2013
A security authentication scheme in machine‐to‐machine home network service
Authors: Sun Xuebin , Men Shuang , Zhao Chenglin , Zhou Zheng
Published: May 2012

Machine‐to‐machine (M2M) techniques have significant application potential in the emerging internet of things, which may cover many fields from intelligence to ubiquitous environment. However, because of the data exposure when transmitted via cable, wireless mobile devices, and other technologies, its security vulnerability has become a great concern during its further extending development. This problem may even get worse if the user privacy and property are considered. Therefore, the authentication process of communicating entities has attracted wide investigation. Meanwhile, the data confidentiality also becomes an important issue in M2M, especially when the data are transmitted in a public and thereby insecure channel. In this paper, we propose a promising M2M application model that connects a mobile user with the home network using the existing popular Time Division‐Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD‐SCDMA) network. Subsequently, a password‐based authentication and key establishment protocol is designed to identify the communicating parties and hence establish a secure channel for data transmissions. The final analysis shows the reliability of our proposed protocol. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly sensitive analysis of surface contaminants by Ar gas cluster SIMS
Authors: Moritani Kousuke , Tanaka Motohiro , Inui Norio , Mochiji Kozo
Published: May 2012

A size‐selected Ar gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) is applied to secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) of a polystyrene (PS) thin film, a 1,4‐didodecylbenzene (DDB) thin film, and an ITO glass sample. All three samples are contaminated by poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) on the surface. Compared with the Ar+ SIMS spectra, the fragments in the PS and DDB SIMS spectra for Ar1550+, including siloxane, are enhanced more than ~100‐fold, whereas the hydrocarbon fragments are enhanced 10‐ to 20‐fold. The shallow volume sputtering by GCIB is responsible for the preferential enhancement of the surface contaminants. The intensities of the fragment PDMS ions and the intact DDB ion increase, but the hydrocarbon fragment ions from PS and DDB decrease as the energy per atom (Eatom) of the Ar cluster projectile decreases from ~8 to ~4 eV. These results indicate that tuning Eatom can maximize the surface sensitivity and the sensitivity for intact ions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are groups more rational than individuals? A review of interactive decision making in groups
Authors: Kugler Tamar , Kausel Edgar E. , Kocher Martin G.
Published: May 2012

Many decisions are interactive; the outcome of one party depends not only on its decisions or on acts of nature but also on the decisions of others. Standard game theory assumes that individuals are rational, self‐interested decision makers—that is, decision makers are selfish, perfect calculators, and flawless executors of their strategies. A myriad of studies shows that these assumptions are problematic, at least when examining decisions made by individuals. In this article, we review the literature of the last 25 years on decision making by groups. Researchers have compared the strategic behavior of groups and individuals in many games: prisoner's dilemma, dictator, ultimatum, trust, centipede and principal–agent games, among others. Our review suggests that results are quite consistent in revealing that group decisions are closer to the game‐theoretic assumption of rationality than individual decisions. Given that many real‐world decisions are made by groups, it is possible to argue that standard game theory is a better descriptive model than previously believed by experimental researchers. We conclude by discussing future research avenues in this area. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:471–482. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1184

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making
Loose‐powder technique for X‐ray fluorescence analysis of ancient pottery using a small (100 mg) powdered sample
Authors: Ichikawa Shintaro , Nakayama Kenichi , Nakamura Toshihiro
Published: May 2012

A molded‐loose‐powder technique using a small powdered sample (100 mg) was developed for the X‐ray fluorescence analysis of 22 components (Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, MnO, Fe2O3, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, and Pb) in ancient pottery. This loose powder specimen was prepared by pressing the small powdered sample into a sample holder, formed from a stainless steel disk (48‐mm diameter × 0.8‐mm height) with a hole (11‐mm diameter), by hand. Calibration standards were prepared by homogenizing chemical reagents containing these 22 analytes using the concentration ranges of 166 ancient potteries and three clay materials from Japan. The calibration curves of these benchmark mixtures exhibited a good linearity (correlation coefficient, r = 0.990–1.000), accuracy, and reproducibility compared with those of other synthesized specimens and three reference standards. The lower limits of detection were less than tens of mg kg−1 (e.g., 94 mg kg−1 for Na2O, 11 mg kg−1 for P2O5, 1.1 mg kg−1 for Rb, and 0.9 mg kg−1 for Y). Using the present method, we determined 22 components in two prehistoric potteries from Japan. The advantage of this method is that only a small amount of sample is required, which can be prepared easily and rapidly and reused for other analyses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Universality of the volume bound in slow-roll eternal inflation
Authors: Dubovsky Sergei , Senatore Leonardo , Villadoro Giovanni
Published: May 2012

Abstract

It has recently been shown that in single field slow-roll inflation the total volume cannot grow by a factor larger than
$ {e^{{S_{dS}}/2}} $
without becoming infinite. The bound is saturated exactly at the phase transition to eternal inflation where the probability to produce infinite volume becomes non zero. We show that the bound holds sharply also in any space-time dimensions, when arbitrary higher-dimensional operators are included and in the multi-field inflationary case. The relation with the entropy of de Sitter and the universality of the bound strengthen the case for a deeper holographic interpretation. As a spin-off we provide the formalism to compute the probability distribution of the volume after inflation for generic multi-field models, which might help to address questions about the population of vacua of the landscape during slow-roll inflation.
Implementation of a biotechnological process for vat dyeing with woad
Authors: Osimani Andrea , Aquilanti Lucia , Baldini Gessica , Silvestri Gloria , Butta Alessandro , Clementi Francesca
Published: May 2012

The traditional process for vat dyeing with woad (Isatis tinctoria L.) basically relies on microbial reduction of indigo to its soluble form, leucoindigo, through a complex fermentative process. In the 19th century, cultivation of woad went into decline and use of synthetic indigo dye and chemical reduction agents was established, with a consequent negative impact on the environment due to the release of polluting wastewaters by the synthetic dyeing industry. Recently, the ever-growing demand for environmentally friendly dyeing technologies has led to renewed interest in ecological textile traditions. In this context, this study aims at developing an environmentally friendly biotechnological process for vat dyeing with woad to replace use of polluting chemical reduction agents. Two simple broth media, containing yeast extract or corn steep liquor (CSL), were comparatively evaluated for their capacity to sustain the growth and reducing activity of the strain Clostridium isatidis DSM 15098T. Subsequently, the dyeing capacity of the CSL medium added with 140 g L−1 of woad powder, providing 2.4 g L−1 of indigo dye, was evaluated after fermentation in laboratory bioreactors under anaerobic or microaerophilic conditions. In all fermentations, a sufficiently negative oxidation/reduction potential for reduction of indigo was reached as early as 24 h and maintained up to the end of the monitoring period. However, clearly faster indigo dye reduction was seen in the broth cultures fermented under strict anaerobiosis, thus suggesting the suitability of the N2 flushing strategy for enhancement of bacterial-driven indigo reduction.
Proximate Analysis of Adenanthera pavonina L. Seed Oil, a Source of Lignoceric Acid Grown in Pakistan
Authors: Sultana Razia , Gulzar Tahsin
Published: May 2012

Adenanthera pavonina L. is indigenous to Pakistan a proximate analysis of the seeds was carried out and a physicochemical characterization of the seed oil and also a quality evaluation of the oil was made. The hexane‐extracted oil content of the seed was 13.32 ± 0.55 %. Analysis showed the seed of A.pavonina contained appreciable amounts of protein (22.14 ± 0.78 %). Fiber and ash contents were 3.13 ± 0.64 and 4.53 ± 0.47 %, respectively. Triacylglycerol (97.51 ± 1.12 %) was predominantly present in the seed oil. Unsaponifiable matter (0.95 ± 0.10 %), peroxide value (11.43 ± 0.51 mequiv./kg) and saponification value (196.3 ± 0.87 mg of KOH/g of oil), iodine value (83.73 ± 1.18 g I/100 g oil) are in close agreement with the edible seed oils. α‐Tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol 152.33 ± 13.19 mg/kg of oil while sterols are present at a significant level. Linoleic acid (42.97 ± 0.91 %) and oleic acid (17.89 ± 0.54 %) were found predominantly in unsaturated fatty acids while lignoceric acid (20.24 ± 1.12 %) was the predominant one among the saturated fatty acids. Lignoceric acid is rarely found in seed which is an essential nutrient for growth, development and maintenance of the brain. It is concluded that A.pavonina seeds appear to be a potential source of lignoceric acid and linoleic acid. This oil can be utilized in the manufacture of cosmetics, paints, varnishes, soaps, pharmaceutical products, biodiesel and blended formulations. The high protein content revealed that the seeds could be a good source of energy.
Regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation by somatic cells
Authors: Shimada Masayuki
Published: May 2012

In preovulatory follicles, each oocyte is surrounded by numerous layers of cumulus cells, forming the cumulus cell–oocyte complex. An LH surge induces meiotic resumption of the oocyte to progress to metaphase II. Because the expression of LH receptors is not detected in the oocyte and is minimal (negligible) in cumulus cells as compared with granulosa cells, secondary factors from granulosa cells are required to induce the ovulation process. One of the key factors secreted from granulosa cells is an EGF‐like factor that activates the EGFR–ERK1/2 pathway in cumulus cells. The activated ERK1/2 pathway is not only involved in gene expression but also essential for the close of gap‐junctional communication among cumulus cells and between cumulus cells and the oocyte. Closing gap‐junctional communication decreases the amount of cGMP and/or cAMP to transfer into the oocyte, which requires activation of phosphodiesterase type III (PDE3) in the oocyte. PDE3 brakes down cAMP to decrease PKA activity in the oocyte. This decrease in PKA activity induces activation of CDK1 to resume meiosis from the germinal vesicle stage. Thus, the functions of cumulus cells that are regulated by granulosa cell‐secreted factors are essential for oocyte meiotic resumption and maturation with developmental competence.
Crystal structures of the state 1 conformations of the GTP‐bound H‐Ras protein and its oncogenic G12V and Q61L mutants
Authors: Muraoka Shin , Shima Fumi , Araki Mitsugu , Inoue Tomoko , Yoshimoto Akiko , Ijiri Yuichi , Seki Nobuaki , Tamura Atsuo , Kumasaka Takashi , Yamamoto Masaki , Kataoka Tohru
Published: May 2012

GTP‐bound Ras adopts two interconverting conformations, “inactive” state 1 and “active” state 2. However, the tertiary structure of wild‐type (WT) state 1 remains unsolved. Here we solve the state 1 crystal structures of H‐Ras WT together with its oncogenic G12V and Q61L mutants. They assume open structures characterized by impaired interactions of both Thr‐35 in switch I and Gly‐60 in switch II with the γ‐phosphate of GTP and possess two surface pockets of mutually different shapes unseen in state 2, a potential target for selective inhibitor development. Furthermore, they provide a structural basis for the low GTPase activity of state 1.
Expression screening of 17q12–21 amplicon reveals GRB7 as an ERBB2‐dependent oncogene
Authors: Saito Makoto , Kato Yukiko , Ito Emi , Fujimoto Jiro , Ishikawa Kosuke , Doi Ayano , Kumazawa Kentaro , Matsui Atsuka , Takebe Shiori , Ishida Takaomi , Azuma Sakura , Mochizuki Hiromi , Kawamura Yoshifumi , Yanagisawa Yuka , Honma Reiko , Imai Jun-ichi , Ohbayashi Hirokazu , Goshima Naoki , Semba Kentaro , Watanabe Shinya
Published: May 2012

Gene amplification is a major genetic alteration in human cancers. Amplicons, amplified genomic regions, are believed to contain “driver” genes responsible for tumorigenesis. However, the significance of co‐amplified genes has not been extensively studied. We have established an integrated analysis system of amplicons using retrovirus‐mediated gene transfer coupled with a human full‐length cDNA set. Applying this system to 17q12–21 amplicon observed in breast cancer, we identified GRB7 as a context‐dependent oncogene, which modulates the ERBB2 signaling pathway through enhanced phosphorylation of ERBB2 and Akt. Our work provides an insight into the biological significance of gene amplification in human cancers.
Interaction of a strong shockwave with a gas bubble in a liquid medium: a numerical study
Authors: Hawker N. A. , Ventikos Y.
Published: May 2012

The interaction of a shockwave with a gas bubble in a liquid medium is of interest in a variety of areas, e.g. shockwave lithotripsy, cavitation damage and the study of sonoluminescence. This study employs a high-resolution front-tracking framework to numerically investigate this phenomenon. The modelling paradigm is validated extensively and then used to explore the parametric space of interest. We provide a comprehensive qualitative analysis of the collapse process, which we categorize into three phases, based on the principal feature dominating each phase. This results in the characterization of numerous previously unidentified features important in the evolution of the process and in the emergence of peak temperatures and pressures. For example, we discover that the peak pressure does not occur as a result of the impact of the main transverse jet (also called the re-entrant jet) but later in the collapse. We perform fully three-dimensional simulations, showing that three-dimensional instabilities are limited to the small-scale details of collapse, and continue by comparing collapse of cylindrical and spherical bubbles. We detail a parametric investigation varying the shock strength from 100 MPa to 100 GPa. A counter-intuitive discovery is that the maximum gas density decreases with increasing shock strength.
‘Ocular Exploration, and Subterraneous Enquiry’: developing archaeological fieldwork in the mid-seventeenth century
Authors: Broadway Jan
Published: May 2012

The middle decades of the seventeenth century are seen as a period when antiquaries were obsessed with heraldry and genealogy and paid little attention to physical antiquities. Through an exploration of a circle of antiquaries associated in the 1650s with John Aubrey, this paper argues that interest in physical monuments was indeed sustained and developed during this period of transition from Camden's Britannia to Aubrey's Monumenta Britannia. It is suggested that Aubrey's association with the Royal Society, a body that played an important role in preserving and disseminating archaeological evidence, has privileged one particular influence on the early development of archaeological fieldwork at the expense of others explored here. Indeed, this period is marked by a growing interest in physical evidence that was a natural next step for antiquaries who found themselves reaching the boundaries of what literary sources could tell them about the monuments they observed in the landscape.
Marine Protected Areas: reserve effect or natural variability? The Patagonian octopus case
Authors: Storero Lorena P. , Narvarte Maite A. , González Raúl A.
Published: May 2012

Population characteristics can be influenced by specific factors of the habitat and the natural variability of populations can confuse the effect related to protected environments. This study compares the demographic characteristics of Octopus tehuelchus in three coastal environments: two Marine Protected Areas (San Antonio Bay (SAB) and Islote Lobos (IL)) and a traditional fishing zone (El Fuerte (EF)). Weight–frequency distributions, sex-ratio and recruitment were monthly compared between the three intertidal zones. Octopus tehuelchus was smaller in IL, where fishing intensity is lower or null, and reached the largest sizes in the main fishing area of EF and within SAB (where there is no regulation and a mid–high fishing intensity). The sex proportion in SAB and EF was 1:1 all along the year. Although the proportion of mature females in IL was higher, the highest recruitment was observed in EF (the traditional fishing ground). These new data suggest that previous studies, which reported that Marine Protected Areas have positive effects for O. tehuelchus populations, can no longer be supported, and highlight the importance of understanding and quantifying the magnitude and range of natural variability in each environment when assessing the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas.
Views of children and parents on limiting unhealthy food, drink and alcohol sponsorship of elite and children's sports
Authors: Kelly Bridget , Baur Louise A , Bauman Adrian E , King Lesley , Chapman Kathy , Smith Ben J
Published: May 2012

Objective

To determine parents’ and children's attitudes towards food, beverage and alcohol sponsorship of elite and children's sports and the acceptability of policies and alternative funding models to limit this sponsorship.

Design

Telephone surveys were conducted with parents in February–May 2011. One child from each household was invited to complete an online survey. Surveys assessed parents’ perceptions about the influence of sponsorship on children and support for limiting sponsorship, and children's awareness of and attitudes towards sponsors.

Setting

Randomly sampled households in New South Wales, Australia.

Subjects

Parents (n 825) and children aged 10–16 years (n 243).

Results

Three-quarters of parents supported the introduction of policies to restrict unhealthy food, beverage and alcohol sponsorship of children's and elite sports. More parents (81 %) supported the introduction of alternative funding models to allow these companies to sponsor sport provided there was no visible branding. Two-thirds of children recalled sponsors of their favourite elite sports team/athlete, with 428 sponsors recalled. Of these, 11 % were food/beverage companies and 3 % were alcohol-related. For 39 % of sponsors, children reported feeling better about the company after it had sponsored a team/athlete.

Conclusions

Australian parents support restrictions on unhealthy food, beverage and alcohol sport sponsorship. Children's positive associations regarding sponsors are likely to be linked to brand preferences and usage.
Correlates of anaemia in pregnant urban South Indian women: a possible role of dietary intake of nutrients that inhibit iron absorption
Authors: Samuel Tinu Mary , Thomas Tinku , Finkelstein Julia , Bosch Ronald , Rajendran Ramya , Virtanen Suvi M , Srinivasan Krishnamachari , Kurpad Anura V , Duggan Christopher
Published: May 2012

Objective

To identify correlates of anaemia during the first trimester of pregnancy among 366 urban South Indian pregnant women.

Design

Cross-sectional study evaluating demographic, socio-economic, anthropometric and dietary intake data on haematological outcomes.

Setting

A government maternity health-care centre catering predominantly to the needs of pregnant women from the lower socio-economic strata of urban Bangalore.

Subjects

Pregnant women (n366) aged ≥18 and ≤40 years, who registered for antenatal screening at ≤14 weeks of gestation.

Results

Mean age was 22·6 (sd3·4) years, mean BMI was 20·4 (sd3·3) kg/m2and 236 (64·5 %) of the pregnant women were primiparous. The prevalence of anaemia (Hb <11·0 g/dl) was 30·3 % and of microcytic anaemia (anaemia with mean corpuscular volume <80 fl) 20·2 %. Mean dietary intakes of energy, Ca, Fe and folate were well below the Indian RDA. In multivariable log-binomial regression analysis, anaemia was independently associated with high dietary intakes of Ca (relative risk; 95 % CI: 1·79; 1·16, 2·76) and P (1·96; 1·31, 2·96) and high intake of meat, fish and poultry (1·94; 1·29, 2·91).

Conclusions

Low dietary intake of multiple micronutrients, but higher intakes of nutrients that inhibit Fe absorption such as Ca and P, may help explain high rates of maternal anaemia in India.
What's on the menu? A review of the energy and nutritional content of US chain restaurant menus
Authors: Wu Helen W , Sturm Roland
Published: May 2012

Objective

The present study aimed to (i) describe the availability of nutrition information in major chain restaurants, (ii) document the energy and nutrient levels of menu items, (iii) evaluate relationships with restaurant characteristics, menu labelling andtransfat laws, and nutrition information accessibility, and (iv) compare energy and nutrient levels against industry-sponsored and government-issued nutrition criteria.

Design

Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis of the energy, total fat, saturated fat,transfat, sodium, carbohydrate and protein levels of 28 433 regular and 1833 children's menu items.

Setting

Energy and nutrition information provided on restaurant websites or upon request, and secondary databases on restaurant characteristics.

Subjects

The top 400 US chain restaurants by sales, based on the 2009 list of theRestaurants & Institutionsmagazine.

Results

Complete nutrition information was reported for 245 (61 %) restaurants. Appetizers had more energy, fat and sodium than all other item types. Children's menu specialty beverages had more fat, saturated fat and carbohydrates than comparable regular menu beverages. The majority of main entrées fell below one-third of the US Department of Agriculture's estimated daily energy needs, but as few as 3 % were also within limits for sodium, fat and saturated fat. Main entrées had significantly more energy, fat and saturated fat in family-style restaurants than in fast-food restaurants. Restaurants that made nutrition information easily accessible on websites had significantly lower energy, fat and sodium contents across menu offerings than those providing information only upon request.

Conclusions

The paper provides a comprehensive view of chain restaurant menu nutrition prior to nationwide labelling laws. It offers baseline data to evaluate how restaurants respond after laws are implemented.
Periconception maternal smoking and low education are associated with methylation of INSIGF in children at the age of 17 months
Authors: Obermann-Borst S. A. , Heijmans B. T. , Eilers P. H. C. , Tobi E. W. , Steegers E. A. P. , Slagboom P. E. , Steegers-Theunissen R. P. M.
Published: May 2012

Maternal smoking during pregnancy and a low socioeconomic status (SES) lead to increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcome. Maternal education is often used as proxy for SES. We explored the programming of the insulin pathway genes IGF2 DMR (insulin growth factor 2 differentially methylated region), IGF2R (insulin growth factor 2 receptor) and INSIGF [the overlapping region of IGF2 and insulin (INS)] in the child through any periconception maternal smoking and education level. In 120 children at 17 months of age, methylation of DNA derived from white blood cells was measured. Periconception smoking and low education were independently associated with INSIGF methylation and showed a relative increase in methylation of +1.3%; P = 0.043 and +1.6%; P = 0.021. Smoking and low education showed an additive effect on INSIGF methylation (+2.8%; P = 0.011). There were no associations with IGF2 DMR and IGF2R methylation. Our data suggest that periconception maternal smoking and low education are associated with epigenetic marks on INSIGF in the very young child, this warrants further study in additional populations.
Seismicity near the slip maximum of the 1960 Mw 9.5 Valdivia earthquake (Chile): Plate interface lock and reactivation of the subducted Valdivia Fracture Zone
Authors: Dzierma Yvonne , Thorwart Martin , Rabbel Wolfgang , Siegmund Claudia , Comte Diana , Bataille Klaus , Iglesia Paula , Prezzi Claudia
Published: May 2012

Understanding the processes behind subduction‐related hazards is an important responsibility and major challenge for the Earth sciences. Few areas demonstrate this as clearly as south‐central Chile, where some of the largest earthquakes in human history have occurred. We present the first observation of local seismicity in the Villarrica region (39°–40°S), based on a temporary local network of 55 stations installed from the Chilean coast into the Argentinian back‐arc for one year. While consistent with the Chilean national catalog (SSN), our results allow us to observe smaller magnitudes with a completeness of about 2.0 and image the geometry of the Wadati‐Benioff Zone from the Chile Trench down to 200 km. Offshore, a gap in interplate seismicity is observed in the region of the 1960 Valdivia earthquake slip. Above the interface, two offshore seismicity clusters possibly indicate ongoing stress relaxation. In the subducting Nazca Plate, we find a prominent seismicity cluster along the extrapolated trace of the oceanic Valdivia Fracture Zone (VFZ). The seismicity cluster is observed between 70 and 130 km depth and comprises mainly strike‐slip events. It indicates weakening and reactivation of the major VFZ by dehydration of oceanic crust and mantle. Interpreting the subducted VFZ section as a localized reservoir of potential fluid release offers an explanation for the Villarrica volcanic complex that is located above the reactivated VFZ and shows the highest volcanic activity in South America. Crustal seismicity is observed near Puyehue volcano, which recently started to erupt (June 2011).
Characterization of turbulent airflow over evolving water‐waves in a wind‐wave tank
Authors: Zavadsky Andrey , Shemer Lev
Published: May 2012

Results of an experimental investigation of the turbulent boundary layer in airflow over evolving young wind‐waves are presented. The experiments were conducted in a laboratory wind‐wave flume consisting of a closed‐loop wind tunnel capable of generating wind speed that may exceed 15 m/s, atop of a 5 m long wave tank. Simultaneous measurements of mean wind velocity and of instantaneous fluctuations of the horizontal and vertical air velocity components were carried out along the test section at different airflow rates and at numerous heights above the highest wave. Instantaneous surface elevation at the air sensors' location was simultaneously recorded. The friction velocities at all locations and for all airflow rates were determined by two independent methods: by fitting the logarithmic velocity profiles and by extrapolating the measured Reynolds shear stresses to mean water surface level. The variation with height and along the test section of the fluctuations of two velocity components, in the mean flow and in the vertical directions, was also studied and the results compared with flow behavior over rough and smooth plates. Wave‐induced airflow parameters were then investigated by application of cross‐spectral analysis. Results on the vertical extent of wave‐induced boundary layer, on the phase relation between the wave‐induced velocity fluctuations and the surface elevation, as well as on the wave‐induced Reynolds shear stress are reported.
Indo‐Pacific Warm Pool convection and ENSO since 1867 derived from Cambodian pine tree cellulose oxygen isotopes
Authors: Zhu Mengfan , Stott Lowell , Buckley Brendan , Yoshimura Kei , Ra Koy
Published: May 2012

The Indo‐Pacific Warm Pool (IPWP) is a major source of heat and moisture to the atmosphere and thus strongly influences the global climate. In this study, we investigate how moisture fluxes from the IPWP influence the stable isotope signature of precipitation over Southeast Asia by analyzing the oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) of tree cellulose from southern Cambodia. The cellulose δ18O record, spanning AD 1867–2006, documents a regular seasonal cycle with an average amplitude of ∼4‰ that is primarily controlled by seasonal differences in the isotopic composition of precipitation. Using the outputs from an isotope‐enabled atmospheric model, we illustrate how theδ18O of precipitation at our site is predominantly controlled by the amount of rainout that occurs over the moisture source region, the IPWP. This is verified by strong correlations of our cellulose δ18O record with instrumental measurements of precipitation and outgoing longwave radiation over the IPWP, suggesting that the cellulose δ18O could be used to reconstruct the convection intensity over the IPWP. Spectral analysis of the cellulose δ18O reveals significant peaks at 2–7 years corresponding to ENSO frequencies. The variability of the cellulose δ18O record on the ENSO band exhibits characteristics that match existing coral δ18O records from the tropical Pacific, with reduced amplitude of variability in the 1920s through the 1960s, a period of weak ENSO activity.
The radiocarbon composition of tree rings as a tracer of local fossil fuel emissions in the Los Angeles basin: 1980–2008
Authors: Djuricin Sonja , Xu Xiaomei , Pataki Diane E.
Published: May 2012

Quantifying local fossil fuel CO2 emissions in urban areas is challenging due to the heterogeneity in emissions and in atmospheric mixing ratios of CO2. Measurements of the radiocarbon content of urban tree rings are an alternative to large networks of CO2monitoring stations. In this study, we calculated 3‐year averages of CO2 mixing ratios from fossil fuel combustion from 1980 to 2008 using tree rings sampled at six sites within the Los Angeles basin and adjacent mountains. We observed CO2 mixing ratios from fossil fuel combustion of up to 23 μmol·mol−1 in the inland basin and ∼5–10 μmol·mol−1at coastal sites. Although we expected to see increasing trends of fossil fuel‐derived CO2over time, not all sites showed a significant increase. Analysis of correlations between fossil fuel‐derived CO2and socioeconomic variables revealed that fossil fuel‐derived CO2 followed trends in census tract and/or city population or in vehicle statistics at most sites. We also calculated CO/CO2combustion ratios from tree ring radiocarbon and nearby measurements of atmospheric CO mixing ratios. We observed widespread declines in the combustion ratio that support increases in the efficiency of the automobile fleet over the past few decades. This study demonstrates the utility of tree ring radiocarbon measurements for quantifying temporal and spatial patterns in fossil fuel‐derived CO2 emissions in urban areas.
Mapping the degree of decomposition and thaw remobilization potential of soil organic matter in discontinuous permafrost terrain
Authors: Hugelius Gustaf , Routh Joyanto , Kuhry Peter , Crill Patrick
Published: May 2012

Soil organic matter (SOM) stored in permafrost terrain is a key component in the global carbon cycle, but its composition and lability are largely unknown. We characterize and assess the degree of decomposition of SOM at nine sites representing major land‐cover and soil types (including peat deposits) in an area of discontinuous permafrost in the European Russian Arctic. We analyze the elemental and stable isotopic composition of bulk SOM, and the degree of humification and elemental composition of humic acids (HA). The degree of decomposition is low in the O‐horizons of mineral soils and peat deposits. In the permafrost free non‐peatland soils there is enrichment of13C and 15N, and decrease in bulk C/N ratios indicating more decomposed material with depth. Spectral characterization of HA indicates low humification in O‐horizons and peat deposits, but increase in humification in the deeper soil horizons of non‐peatland soils, and in mineral horizons underlying peat deposits. GIS based maps indicate that less decomposed OM characteristic of the O‐horizon and permafrost peat deposits constitute the bulk of landscape SOM (>70% of landscape soil C). We conclude, however, that permafrost has not been the key environmental factor controlling the current degree of decomposition of SOM in this landscape due to relatively recent permafrost aggradation. In this century, active layer deepening will mainly affect SOM with a relatively high degree of decomposition in deeper mineral soil horizons. Additionally, thawing permafrost in peat plateaus may cause rapid remobilization of less decomposed SOM through thermokarst expansion.
How do variations in Urban Heat Islands in space and time influence household water use? The case of Phoenix, Arizona
Authors: Aggarwal Rimjhim M. , Guhathakurta Subhrajit , Grossman‐Clarke Susanne , Lathey Vasudha
Published: May 2012

This paper explores how urbanization, through its role in the evolution of Urban Heat Island (UHI), affects residential water consumption. Using longitudinal data and drawing on a mesoscale atmospheric model, we examine how variations in surface temperature at the census tract level have affected water use in single family residences in Phoenix, Arizona. Results show that each Fahrenheit rise in nighttime temperature increases water consumption by 1.4%. This temperature effect is found to vary significantly with lot size and pool size. The study provides insights into the links between urban form and water use, through the dynamics of UHI.
X‐ray magnetic circular dichroïsm provides strong evidence for tetrahedral iron in ferrihydrite
Authors: Guyodo Yohan , Sainctavit Philippe , Arrio Marie‐Anne , Carvallo Claire , Lee Penn R. , Erbs Jasmine J. , Forsberg Brady S. , Morin Guillaume , Maillot Fabien , Lagroix France , Bonville Pierre , Wilhelm Fabrice , Rogalev Andrei
Published: May 2012

Ferrihydrite is an important iron oxyhydroxide for earth and environmental sciences, biology, and technology. Nevertheless, its mineral structure remains a matter of debate. The stumbling block is whether a significant amount of tetrahedrally coordinated iron is present. Here we present the first X‐ray magnetic circular dichroïsm (XMCD) measurements performed on a well characterized synthetic sample of 6‐line ferrihydrite, at both K and L2,3energy edges of iron. XMCD results demonstrate unambiguously the presence of tetrahedrally coordinated Fe(III) in the mineral structure, in quantities compatible with the latest extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analyses suggesting a concentration of 20–30%. Moreover, we find an antiferromagnetic coupling between tetrahedral and octahedral sublattices, with the octahedral sublattice parallel to the external magnetic field.
Rapid forecast of tsunami wave heights from a database of pre‐computed simulations, and application during the 2011 Tohoku tsunami in French Polynesia
Authors: Reymond D. , Okal E. A. , Hébert H. , Bourdet M.
Published: May 2012

We present a method for the rapid estimation of tsunami wave heights, either in the deep Pacific Basin, or at specific shore locations. It uses a database of 260 pre‐computed scenarios of generic sources distributed along the Pacific trenches, and can provide an estimate of wave heights within minutes of the location of the earthquake and the estimation of its moment. The method is tested against a set of DART data, and of 51 maregraph records in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands. It was used in real time to successfully predict tsunami amplitudes in Polynesia during the 2011 Tohoku alert.
Comparison between vertical shear mixing and surface wave‐induced mixing in the extratropical ocean
Authors: Qiao Fangli , Huang Chuan Jiang
Published: May 2012

Most parameterizations of vertical mixing are associated with local shear instability, which do not explicitly include the effects of surface waves. Here, we compared the performance of vertical mixing induced by vertical shear of the mean current and that by nonbreaking surface waves in the upper ocean through three numerical experiments. The vertical mixing from vertical shear alone was too weak especially in the extratropical ocean, and failed to produce a reasonable mixed layer depth and seasonal thermocline, which resulted in a large cold bias and an unrealistic seasonal cycle in the subsurface. Surface waves can enhance the vertical mixing in the upper ocean, and induce vertical mixing to sustain a reasonable upper ocean temperature structure especially in the extratropical ocean. Both the temperature structure and seasonal cycle were significantly improved by including the nonbreaking surface wave–induced vertical mixing, no matter whether shear effect was included or not. These results indicate that the vertical mixing from surface waves is more important than that associated with velocity shear of the mean current for the upper ocean especially in the extratropics.
Stop worrying; start growing
Authors: Fagerström Torbjörn , Dixelius Christina , Magnusson Ulf , Sundström Jens F
Published: May 2012

Opponents of genetically modified crops continue to raise concerns about risk, despite 20 years of research disproving their claims. Science should close the book on risk research and turn to studying the economic and environmental benefits of agricultural biotechnology
Validation and quality control of replacement alternatives – current status and future challenges
Authors: Leist Marcel , Hasiwa Nina , Daneshian Mardas , Hartung Thomas
Published: May 2012

Alternatives to animal testing have been developed mainly in the fields of toxicology and vaccine testing. Typical examples are the evaluation of phototoxicity, eye irritation or skin corrosion/irritation of cosmetics and industrial chemicals. However, examples can also be found in other biomedical areas, such the control of the quality of drug preparations for pyrogens or for the control of the production process of biologics, such as botulinum neurotoxin. For regulatory purposes, the quality, transferability and predictivity of an alternative method needs to be evaluated. This procedure is called the “validation process” of a new method. It follows defined rules, and several governmental institutions have been established to perform, supervise or advise on this process. As this often results in a delay of method implementation, different alternatives for the evaluation of a method's suitability and quality are under discussion. We describe here the principles of model development and quality control. We also give an overview on methods that have undergone validation. Strengths and shortcomings of traditional approaches are discussed, and new developments and challenges are outlined.