bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear data assimilation in geosciences: an extremely efficient particle filter
Authors: van Leeuwen P. J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAlmost all research fields in geosciences use numerical models and observations and combine these using data‐assimilation techniques. With ever‐increasing resolution and complexity, the numerical models tend to be highly nonlinear and also observations become more complicated and their relation to the models more nonlinear. Standard data‐assimilation techniques like (ensemble) Kalman filters and variational methods like 4D‐Var rely on linearizations and are likely to fail in one way or another. Nonlinear data‐assimilation techniques are available, but are only efficient for small‐dimensional problems, hampered by the so‐called ‘curse of dimensionality’. Here we present a fully nonlinear particle filter that can be applied to higher dimensional problems by exploiting the freedom of the proposal density inherent in particle filtering. The method is illustrated for the three‐dimensional Lorenz model using three particles and the much more complex 40‐dimensional Lorenz model using 20 particles. By also applying the method to the 1000‐dimensional Lorenz model, again using only 20 particles, we demonstrate the strong scale‐invariance of the method, leading to the optimistic conjecture that the method is applicable to realistic geophysical problems. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Thermodynamic control of tropical cyclogenesis in environments of radiative‐convective equilibrium with shear
Authors: Rappin Eric D. , Nolan David S. , Emanuel Kerry A. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe potential for tropical cyclone formation from a pre‐existing disturbance is further explored with high‐resolution simulations of cyclogenesis in idealized, tropical environments. These idealized environments are generated from simulations of radiative‐convective equilibrium with fixed sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs), imposed mean surface winds, and an imposed profile of vertical wind shear. The propensity for tropical cyclogenesis in these environments is measured in two ways: first, in the period of time required for a weak, mid‐level circulation to transition to a developing tropical cyclone; and second, from the value of an incubation parameter that incorporates environmental measures of mid‐level saturation deficit and thermodynamic disequilibrium between the atmosphere and ocean. Conditions of tropospheric warming can be produced from increased SSTs or from increased mean surface winds; in either case, the time to genesis increases with atmospheric warming. As these parameters are varied, the incubation parameter is found to be highly correlated with changes in the time to genesis.The high resolution (3 km) of these simulations permits analysis of changes in tropical cyclogenesis under warming conditions at the vortex scale. For increasing SST, increased mid‐level saturation deficits (dryness) are the primary reason for slowing or preventing genesis. For environments with increased surface wind, it is the decreased thermodynamic disequilibrium between the atmosphere and ocean that delays or prevents development. An additional effect in both cases is a decoupling of the low‐level and mid‐level vortices, primarily as a result of increased advecting flow at the altitude of the mid‐level vortex, which is linked to the height of the freezing level. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to 1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐4,6,6,7,8,8‐hexamethyl‐cyclopenta‐γ‐2‐benzopyran
Authors: Liu Shuo , Zhou Qixing , Chen Chun 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPolycyclic musks have been indicated to cause lethal and sublethal effects on exposed biota. However, knowledge about the effect of polycyclic musks on the antioxidant defense system in earthworms is vague. In this work, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) exposed to 1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐4,6,6,7,8,8‐hexamethyl‐cyclopenta‐γ‐2‐benzopyran (HHCB) were systematically investigated. The investigation shows that their activities are closely related to the exposed dose and time of HHCB. For SOD and CAT, the activities increased monotonically with increased exposed dose of HHCB, which indicates a dose‐dependent change pattern. POD exhibited its peak activity in 0.0157 μg cm−2 HHCB treatment and decreased at higher concentrations. These two changing patterns were complementary, which reveals the cooperation of enzymes in response to oxidative stress. MDA content in earthworms was basically unaffected with a 1‐day exposure and significantly increased after 2‐day and 3‐day exposures, correlating with changes in the activities of SOD and CAT when the concentration of HHCB was high. It was also found that the sensitivity of Eisenia fetida to HHCB increased over time. These results may support the theoretical hypothesis that oxidative stress is an important component for the response of earthworms to the toxicity of HHCB in environment. Among the studied enzymes, SOD and CAT appeared to be the most responsive biomarkers of oxidative stress caused by HHCB. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
GC Separation of cis‐Eicosenoic Acid Positional Isomers on an Ionic Liquid SLB‐IL100 Stationary Phase
Authors: Ando Yasuhiro , Sasaki Tsubasa 
Published: December 2010

AbstractGas chromatography (GC) of cis‐eicosenoic acid (20:1) positional isomers has been investigated on a capillary column of ionic liquid 1,9‐di(3‐vinyl‐imidazolium)nonane bis(trifluoromethyl)sulfonylimidate stationary phase (SLB‐IL100). A test mixture of isomeric 20:1 methyl esters was prepared from flathead flounder flesh lipids. On a 60‐m column operated at 150–180 °C, six peaks appeared in the elution order of 20:ln‐15 → 20:ln‐13 → 20:ln‐11 → 20:ln‐9 → 20:ln‐7 → 20:ln‐5. These peaks were baseline resolved within 20 min at 180 °C. The 20:ln‐13 and 20:ln‐11 isomers, poorly resolved on conventional polar polysiloxane stationary phases, were completely separated from each other with separation factor α = 1.02 and peak resolution (Rs) ≥ 1.57. When equivalent chain length (ECL) values were compared between the SLB‐IL100 and CP‐Sil 88 (biscyanopropyl polysiloxane), those of 20:ln‐15 and 20:ln‐13 exceptionally tended to be lower on the SLB‐IL100. The excellent separation of 20:1 isomers seems due to less retention of 20:ln‐15 and 20:ln‐13 on SLB‐IL100 rather than simply due to its high polarity. Analysis of herring oil 20:1 revealed the occurrence of 20:ln‐13 in the Pacific herring but not in the Atlantic herring. The ionic liquid stationary phase, SLB‐IL100, is effective for analyzing 20:1 isomers occurring in fish and other natural oils.
Long-term outcome of slipped capital femoral epiphysis: A 38-year follow-up of 66 patients
Authors: Wensaas Anders , Svenningsen Svein , Terjesen Terje 
Published: December 2010

Purpose The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of different methods of treatment in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), to find risk factors for poor outcome, and to assess whether prophylactic fixation is indicated. Methods Sixty-six patients (76 hips) treated for SCFE with a mean follow-up of 38 years (range 21–57 years) were evaluated. All except seven patients had chronic SCFE. Ten patients (15%) had bilateral affection. Three methods of treatment had been used: screw fixation (35 hips), bone-peg epiphysiodesis (30 hips), and bone-peg epiphysiodesis combined with corrective femoral osteotomy (11 hips). The long-term clinical outcome was classified as good when the patient had not undergone total hip replacement (THR), when the Harris hip score (HHS) was 85 points or above, or the patient had no pain. Good radiographic outcome was defined as no THR or osteoarthritis (OA). Results In 51 patients with chronic slip (mean slip angle 32°) treated with in situ fixation, the clinical outcome was good in 35 patients (69%) and there was no significant difference between screw fixation and bone-peg epiphysiodesis. Eight patients with large chronic slip (mean slip angle 53°) were treated with bone-peg epiphysiodesis and corrective femoral osteotomy, and the clinical outcome was poor in six patients. Seven patients with acute slip had larger mean slip angle (57°) and more complications than those with chronic slip, and the long-term outcome was poor in all. Two hips out of 42 (5%) had OA in the contralateral hip at follow-up. Conclusion In situ fixation of chronic SCFE gave satisfactory long-term outcome irrespective of the treatment method. Corrective femoral osteotomy did not improve the outcome in hips with large slip angles. Acute SCFE had poor outcome. Prophylactic fixation of the contralateral hip is barely necessary.
Conduct disorder symptoms and subsequent pregnancy, child‐birth and abortion: A population‐based longitudinal study of adolescents
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Mastekaasa Arne 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTResearch on teenage pregnancy and abortion has primarily focused on socio‐economic disadvantage. However, a few studies suggest that risk of unwanted pregnancy is related to conduct disorder symptoms. We examined the relationship between level of conduct disorder symptoms at age 15 and subsequent pregnancy, child‐birth and abortion. A population‐based, representative sample of Norwegian adolescent girls (N = 769) was followed from early adolescence until their mid‐20s. Even with control for socio‐demographic and family variables, conduct disorder symptoms at age 15 were strongly associated with pregnancy in the 15–19 age group, and a weaker association persisted in the 20–28 age group. Similar results were obtained for abortions, but here a strong relationship with conduct disorder symptoms was found even after age 20. After adjustment, no significant association between conduct disorder symptoms and subsequent child‐birth was observed. More targeted preventive programmes aimed at girls with conduct disorder symptoms may be warranted.
A ‘sup + C inf’ inequality for the equation –Δu = V eu|x|2α
Authors: Bartolucci Daniele 
Published: December 2010

We generalize the ‘sup+C inf’ inequality obtained by Shafrir to the solutions ofwith Ω ⊂ ℝ2 open and bounded, α ∈ (0,1) and V any measurable function which satisfies 0 < a ≤ V ≤ b < + ∞.
Morphologically controlled synthesis of colloidal upconversion nanophosphors and their shape-directed self-assembly
Authors: Ye Xingchen , Collins Joshua E. , Kang Yijin , Chen Jun , Chen Daniel T. N. , Yodh Arjun G. , Murray Christopher B. 
Published: December 2010

We report a one-pot chemical approach for the synthesis of highly monodisperse colloidal nanophosphors displaying bright upconversion luminescence under 980 nm excitation. This general method optimizes the synthesis with initial heating rates up to 100 °C/minute generating a rich family of nanoscale building blocks with distinct morphologies (spheres, rods, hexagonal prisms, and plates) and upconversion emission tunable through the choice of rare earth dopants. Furthermore, we employ an interfacial assembly strategy to organize these nanocrystals (NCs) into superlattices over multiple length scales facilitating the NC characterization and enabling systematic studies of shape-directed assembly. The global and local ordering of these superstructures is programmed by the precise engineering of individual NC’s size and shape. This dramatically improved nanophosphor synthesis together with insights from shape-directed assembly will advance the investigation of an array of emerging biological and energy-related nanophosphor applications.
CRITICAL CONSUMPTION
Authors: Yates Luke S. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
Critical consumption, the purchase or boycott of goods for political, ethical or environmental reasons, is regularly characterised as an example of ‘new politics’ or ‘new’ political participation. However, such analysis often neglects work from the sociology of consumption and social movement studies. This paper argues that consumers express their identity through critical consumption, in the form of a pledge of allegiance to the goals of certain social movements. Cross-national data from the European Social Survey identifies critical consumers as belonging to higher class positions and being generally older, highly educated, and more often women than men. Separating analysis of boycotting from that of buycotting, the positive purchase of goods for ethical or political reasons, suggests that buycotting is more resource-dependent and individualistic than boycotting. Substantial differences are found between the impact of people's resources in different countries, particularly between Northern and Central European countries and their Southern and Eastern counterparts. The findings thus recommend an approach to consumer politics that remains sensitive to social structural contexts between countries and different forms of consumer participation.
Climate Change in China: Policy Evolution, Actions Taken and Options Ahead
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Jintao 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
This paper provides an overview of China's climate policy, including both diplomatic efforts and internal policy changes. China's policy evolution is divided into three phases, corresponding to major milestones in the international negotiation process since 1988. In addition, important domestic initiatives are summarized, including the recent policy of energy saving and emissions reduction, the clean energy programme, and the use of forests to trap carbon. The paper also points out potential directions for more substantive climate policies.
A Policy Model for Climate Change in California
Authors: Berck Peter , Xie Lunyu 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
California's ‘Scoping Plan’ to reduce greenhouse gas emissions relies on vehicle emissions standards, low carbon fuels, and renewable electricity, as well as a regional cap-and-trade system and other market-based instruments. The process has been guided by a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, the Environmental Dynamic Revenue Analysis Model (E-DRAM). The model shows that the Scoping Plan measures will result in net benefits for the state economy, measured in gross state product (industrial output), employment, and personal income. Most of the benefits result from reduced energy costs. Despite aggregate net benefits, individual industrial sectors gain or lose differentially.
Climate Change Policy in Africa with Special Reference to Energy and Land Use
Authors: Köhlin Gunnar , Mekonnen Alemu , Westholm Lisa 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
While Africa has contributed marginally to climate change, the continent will be disproportionately affected by it, particularly the agricultural sector. Climate change demands policy action to address mitigation and adaptation needs, and it poses opportunities in implementation of international instruments. Two sectors, energy and land use, are particularly important. Over 85% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in Africa come from energy supply and agriculture. African governments will have to synchronize national development plans and strategies with adaptation and mitigation plans, as well as safeguard that adherence to the rules of international funding mechanisms do not unnecessarily constrain national development strategies.
International Emission Inequality and Per Capita Abatement Schemes
Authors: Levy Amnon , Chowdhury Khorshed , Livermore Jonathan Levy 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT
Carbon dioxide emission inequalities between and within five income groups of countries are computed. The revealed dominant inequality between the high income groups and the low and middle income groups and its likely intensification by an internationally uniform abatement rate constitute a case for using per capita figures in assessing countries' unilateral and internationally cooperative abatements. Our analysis suggests that the cooperative expected net benefit maximizing abatement can be smaller than the unilateral abatement for weak countries and for countries with high ability and inclination to politically and economically reward other countries.
The Power and Pitfalls of Experiments in Development Economics: Some Non‐random Reflections
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Carter Michael R. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractImpact evaluation based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) offers a powerful tool that has fundamentally reshaped development economics by offering novel solutions to long‐standing problems of weak causal identification. Nonetheless, RCTs suffer important and underappreciated pitfalls, some of which are intrinsic to the method when applied to economic problems, others that are the result of methodological boosterism. Among the pitfalls are ethical dilemmas, uncontrollable treatments that result in a ‘faux exogeneity,’ distortion of the research agenda, and a tendency to estimate interventions' abstract efficacy rather than their effectiveness in practice. We illustrate these points through the literature on smallholder capital access and productivity growth. Ultimately, we argue for a methodological pluralism that recognizes all identification strategies' limitations.
SlideSort: all pairs similarity search for short reads
Authors: Shimizu Kana , Tsuda Koji 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Motivation: Recent progress in DNA sequencing technologies calls for fast and accurate algorithms that can evaluate sequence similarity for a huge amount of short reads. Searching similar pairs from a string pool is a fundamental process of de novo genome assembly, genome-wide alignment and other important analyses.
Results: In this study, we designed and implemented an exact algorithm SlideSort that finds all similar pairs from a string pool in terms of edit distance. Using an efficient pattern growth algorithm, SlideSort discovers chains of common k-mers to narrow down the search. Compared to existing methods based on single k-mers, our method is more effective in reducing the number of edit distance calculations. In comparison to backtracking methods such as BWA, our method is much faster in finding remote matches, scaling easily to tens of millions of sequences. Our software has an additional function of single link clustering, which is useful in summarizing short reads for further processing.
Availability: Executable binary files and C++ libraries are available at http://www.cbrc.jp/~shimizu/slidesort/ for Linux and Windows.
Contact: slidesort@m.aist.go.jp; shimizu-kana@aist.go.jp
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
‘Non-destructive’ biocomputing security system based on gas-controlled biofuel cell and potentially used for intelligent medical diagnostics
Authors: Zhou Ming , Zheng Xiliang , Wang Jin , Dong Shaojun 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Motivation: Biofuel cells (BFCs) based on enzymes and microbes are the promising future alternative sources of sustainable electrical energy under mild conditions (i.e. ambient temperature and neutral pH). By combining the adaptive behavior of BFCs self-regulating energy release with the versatility of biocomputing, we construct a novel gas-controlled biocomputing security system, which could be used as the potential implantable self-powered and ‘smart’ medical system with the logic diagnosis aim.
Results: We have demonstrated a biocomputing security system based on BFCs. Due to the unique ‘RESET’ reagent of N2 applied in this work, the prepared biocomputing security system can be reset and cycled for a large number of times with no ‘RESET’ reagent-based ‘waste’. This would be advantageous for the potential practical applications of such keypad lock as well as the development of biocomputing security devices. In order to validate the universality of the system and also to harvest energy directly from biofuels with enhanced power output, we replace the glucose with orange juice as the biofuel to operate BFCs-based biocomputing system, which also possesses the function of keypad lock. In addition, by introducing BFCs into the biocomputing security system, the adaptive behavior of the BFCs self-regulating the power release would be an immense advantage of such security keypad lock devices in potential self-powered implantable medical systems.
The designed sequence gives the maximum power output and discriminate itself from the rest of the sequences. From this, we find that maximizing the dimensionless ratio of gap versus SD of the power output spectrum (a funnel in power outputs) gives the quantitative optimal design criterion. Therefore, our construction here may also provide a practical example and microscopic structural basis for mimicking the real biological network systems and bridge the gaps between the theoretical concepts and experiments important for biomolecular systems and synthetic biology.
Contact: dongsj@ciac.jl.cn; jin.wang.1@stonybrook.edu
Supplementary Information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
SurreyFBA: a command line tool and graphics user interface for constraint-based modeling of genome-scale metabolic reaction networks
Authors: Gevorgyan Albert , Bushell Michael E. , Avignone-Rossa Claudio , Kierzek Andrzej M. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Summary: Constraint-based modeling of genome-scale metabolic networks has been successfully used in numerous applications such as prediction of gene essentiality and metabolic engineering. We present SurreyFBA, which provides constraint-based simulations and network map visualization in a free, stand-alone software. In addition to basic simulation protocols, the tool also implements the analysis of minimal substrate and product sets, which is useful for metabolic engineering and prediction of nutritional requirements in complex in vivo environments, but not available in other commonly used programs. The SurreyFBA is based on a command line interface to the GLPK solver distributed as binary and source code for the three major operating systems. The command line tool, implemented in C++, is easily executed within scripting languages used in the bioinformatics community and provides efficient implementation of tasks requiring iterative calls to the linear programming solver. SurreyFBA includes JyMet, a graphics user interface allowing spreadsheet-based model presentation, visualization of numerical results on metabolic networks represented in the Petri net convention, as well as in charts and plots.
Availability: SurreyFBA is distributed under GNU GPL license and available from http://sysbio3.fhms.surrey.ac.uk/SurreyFBA.zip.
Contact: a.kierzek@surrey.ac.uk