bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating Remote Sensing Data with WRF for Improved Simulations of Oasis Effects on Local Weather Processes over an Arid Region in Northwestern China
Authors: Wen Xiaohang , Lu Shihua , Jin Jiming 
Published: December 2011

AbstractLand use/cover types derived by satellite remote sensing data from the Earth Observing System Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) were used to replace the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). Simulations in this study were further improved by modifying the initial fields of WRF with soil temperature and moisture observations, because these two variables are important to producing “cold–wet island” effects. A series of WRF simulations were performed to describe microclimate characteristics and the local thermal circulation generated by the inhomogeneous surface over the Jinta oasis, which is located in Gansu—a northwestern province of China. Comparison between simulations and observations showed that the WRF results produced with observed soil temperature and moisture initializations agreed well with near-surface measurements of air temperature, relative humidity, and wind direction. Moreover, low temperatures over the oasis were found to coexist with high temperatures over the bare land, further leading to developments of local atmospheric circulation. The simulated winds over the oasis showed airmass divergence over the surface layer, triggering local circulation in the upper level. The integration of the MODIS land use/cover data with WRF and the initialization of WRF’s soil temperature and moisture with in situ observations improved the simulations in air temperature, relative humidity, and heat fluxes. These improvements enabled the WRF to reproduce the observed “cold and wet island” effects of the oasis.
Comparing Information Content of Upwelling Far-Infrared and Midinfrared Radiance Spectra for Clear Atmosphere Profiling
Authors: Merrelli Aronne , Turner David D. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The information content of high-spectral-resolution midinfrared (MIR; 650–2300 cm−1) and far-infrared (FIR; 200–685 cm−1) upwelling radiance spectra is calculated for clear-sky temperature and water vapor profiles. The wavenumber ranges of the two spectral bands overlap at the central absorption line in the CO2 ν2 absorption band, and each contains one side of the full absorption band. Each spectral band also includes a water vapor absorption band; the MIR contains the first vibrational–rotational absorption band, while the FIR contains the rotational absorption band. The upwelling spectral radiances are simulated with the line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM), and the retrievals and information content analysis are computed using standard optimal estimation techniques. Perturbations in the surface temperature and in the trace gases methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide (CH4, O3, and N2O) are introduced to represent forward-model errors. Each spectrum is observed by a simulated infrared spectrometer, with a spectral resolution of 0.5 cm−1, with realistic spectrally varying sensor noise levels. The modeling and analysis framework is applied identically to each spectral range, allowing a quantitative comparison. The results show that for similar sensor noise levels, the FIR shows an advantage in water vapor profile information content and less sensitivity to forward-model errors. With a higher noise level in the FIR, which is a closer match to current FIR detector technology, the FIR information content drops and shows a disadvantage relative to the MIR.
Estimating the Impact of Real Observations in Regional Numerical Weather Prediction Using an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Kunii Masaru , Miyoshi Takemasa , Kalnay Eugenia 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The ensemble sensitivity method of Liu and Kalnay estimates the impact of observations on forecasts without observing system experiments (OSEs), in a manner similar to the adjoint sensitivity method of Langland and Baker but without using an adjoint model. In this study, the ensemble sensitivity method is implemented with the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with real observations. The results in the case of Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) show that upper-air soundings have the largest positive impact on the 12-h forecasts, and that the targeted impact evaluation performs as expected and is computationally efficient. Denying negative-impact observations improves the forecasts, validating the estimated observation impact.
Modification of gelatin films using 2-ethylhexyl acrylate by gamma radiation
Authors: Zaman Haydar U , Khan Mubarak A , Khan Ruhul A 
Published: December 2011

Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin granules in aqueous medium by casting. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break and glass point of the gelatin films were found to be 30 MPa, 450 MPa, 7.1% and 56.5°C, respectively. After irradiation with gamma radiation, the tensile properties increased due to the dense network structure. A series of gelatin solutions was prepared by blending varying percentages (1–10% by wt) of ethylhexyl acrylate and then films were prepared and irradiated with gamma radiation. It was found that the tensile and thermal properties of gelatin films improved significantly. Water uptake of the gelatin films was evaluated.
Effect of Triton X-100 on MWCNT/PP composites
Authors: Xin Fei , Li Lin 
Published: December 2011

A nonionic surfactant, Triton X-100, was used to treat multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and the Triton X-100-treated MWCNTs (TCNTs) were then mixed with polypropylene (PP) to prepare MWCNT/PP composites, followed by characterization using scanning electron microscopic, electrical, mechanical and thermal measurements. It was found that the best usage of Triton X-100 for the treatment of MWCNTs was 80 wt% based on the MWCNTs. The TCNTs could effectively improve the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the composites over pristine MWCNTs. The highest electrical conductivity of TCNT/PP composites was 2.1 × 10−2 S/cm at 10% TCNTs. Both MWCNTs and TCNTs could act as nucleating agents to promote the crystallization of PP but the crystallinity of PP decreased with increasing filler’s content. Both fillers caused shifting of the crystallization temperature of PP to higher temperatures. The TCNT/PP composites showed the lower crystallization temperature and lower crystallinity than the MWCNT/PP composites at the same filler’s content. The mechanisms for the results have been discussed.
Controversies in modern evolutionary biology: the imperative for error detection and quality control
Authors: Prosdocimi Francisco , Linard Benjamin , Pontarotti Pierre , Poch Olivier , Thompson Julie D 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
The data from high throughput genomics technologies provide unique opportunities for studies of complex biological systems, but also pose many new challenges. The shift to the genome scale in evolutionary biology, for example, has led to many interesting, but often controversial studies. It has been suggested that part of the conflict may be due to errors in the initial sequences. Most gene sequences are predicted by bioinformatics programs and a number of quality issues have been raised, concerning DNA sequencing errors or badly predicted coding regions, particularly in eukaryotes.

Results
We investigated the impact of these errors on evolutionary studies and specifically on the identification of important genetic events. We focused on the detection of asymmetric evolution after duplication, which has been the subject of controversy recently. Using the human genome as a reference, we established a reliable set of 688 duplicated genes in 13 complete vertebrate genomes, where significantly different evolutionary rates are observed. We estimated the rates at which protein sequence errors occur and are accumulated in the higher-level analyses. We showed that the majority of the detected events (57%) are in fact artifacts due to the putative erroneous sequences and that these artifacts are sufficient to mask the true functional significance of the events.

Conclusions
Initial errors are accumulated throughout the evolutionary analysis, generating artificially high rates of event predictions and leading to substantial uncertainty in the conclusions. This study emphasizes the urgent need for error detection and quality control strategies in order to efficiently extract knowledge from the new genome data.
Circular contour retrieval in real-world conditions by higher order statistics and an alternating-least squares algorithm
Authors: Jiang Haiping , Marot Julien , Fossati Caroline , Bourennane Salah 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
In real-world conditions, contours are most often blurred in digital images because of acquisition conditions such as movement, light transmission environment, and defocus. Among image segmentation methods, Hough transform requires a computational load which increases with the number of noise pixels, level set methods also require a high computational load, and some other methods assume that the contours are one-pixel wide. For the first time, we retrieve the characteristics of multiple possibly concentric blurred circles. We face correlated noise environment, to get closer to real-world conditions. For this, we model a blurred circle by a few parameters--center coordinates, radius, and spread--which characterize its mean position and gray level variations. We derive the signal model which results from signal generation on circular antenna. Linear antennas provide the center coordinates. To retrieve the circle radii, we adapt the second-order statistics TLS-ESPRIT method for non-correlated noise environment, and propose a novel version of TLS-ESPRIT based on higher-order statistics for correlated noise environment. Then, we derive a least-squares criterion and propose an alternating least-squares algorithm to retrieve simultaneously all spread values of concentric circles. Experiments performed on hand-made and real-world images show that the proposed methods outperform the Hough transform and a level set method dedicated to blurred contours in terms of computational load. Moreover, the proposed model and optimization method provide the information of the contour grey level variations.
Conventional epidemiology underestimates the incidence of asthma and wheeze‐a longitudinal population‐based study among teenagers
Authors: Hedman Linnéa , Bjerg Anders , Lundbäck Bo , Rönmark Eva 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundBecause of shifts in the gender ratio and incidence and remission rates of asthma during the teen ages, the methodology of incidence studies among teenagers is important, i.e. if the time intervals between surveys are too long, the incident cases might not be properly identified. The aim was to study the impact of study design on the incidence rates of asthma and wheeze during the teen ages.MethodsIn a study about asthma and allergic diseases within the OLIN studies (Obstructive Lung Disease in northern Sweden), a cohort of school children (n = 3,430) was followed annually by questionnaire from age 8 yrs. In the endpoint survey (age 18 yrs) 2,582 (75% of original responders) participated. Incident cases from age 12‐18 yrs were identified by two methods: annual questionnaire reports (AR) and baseline‐endpoint surveys only (BE).ResultsThe cumulative incidence of asthma and wheeze was significantly higher based on AR compared to BE. Compared to the incidence rates based on all the annual surveys, the calculated average annual rates based on BE were in general lower both among the boys and among the girls. There were no differences between boys and girls in incidence rates of asthma or wheeze during the early teen years. However, from the age of 15 years, the annual incidence rates were significantly or borderline significantly higher among girls than boys. At onset, the additional cases of current asthma identified by AR had significantly less severe asthma than those identified in BE (p < 0.02).Conclusionthe size of the incidence of asthma and wheeze during the teen ages was influenced by study design. By using the conventional prospective study design with longer follow‐up time, the incidence was underestimated.
Managing the Intravenous Calcium Shortage: Evaluation of Calcium Chloride Stability in 0.9% Sodium Chloride and Dextrose 5% Water Polyvinyl Chloride Bags
Authors: Tyree H. Kiser , Gerard R. Barber , Aubrey Robinson 
Published: January 2012

Background Intravenous calcium chloride (CaCl) is commonly used by inpatient practitioners for a myriad of indications from electrolyte abnormalities to advanced cardiac life support. Currently, a paucity of data is available regarding the stability of CaCl after preparation of intravenous admixtures. Purpose This study evaluated the physical and chemical stability of CaCl 10% diluted in 0.9% sodium chloride or dextrose 5% water polyvinyl chloride bags. Method CaCl 10% solution (1000 mg) was diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride or dextrose 5% water 100 mL for injection to a final concentration of 10 mg/mL. CaCl 10% solution (2000 mg) was diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride or dextrose 5% water 150 mL for injection to a final concentration of 13.3 mg/mL. Each of the preparations were stored at room temperature (23–25°C) and exposed to fluorescent light. Samples of each preparation were analyzed on days 0, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Sterility and physical stability were assessed. Chemical stability of CaCl was evaluated by indirect potentiometry. Results CaCl 10 mg/mL and 13.3 mg/mL solutions in polyvinyl chloride bags were physically stable during the entire 7-day study period. CaCl retained >90% of the original concentration at 7 days after preparation in 0.9% sodium chloride and dextrose 5% water. Conclusion CaCl diluted to 10 mg/mL or 13.3 mg/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride or dextrose 5% water for injection is both physically and chemically stable for a period of 7 days with ≤10% degradation under conditions of room temperature with fluorescent lighting.
Evaluation of Trends in the use of the Internet by Pharmacy Publications: An Observational Study
Authors: Kevin A. Zak , Christina L. Monaghan , Amanda Parker 
Published: January 2012

Purpose An observational study was conducted to identify and evaluate trends in the use of the Internet and social media by pharmacy publications. Methods The print and online versions of 10 pharmacy publications were compared at 2 different times separated by 3 years for similarities and differences in content and presentation. Characteristics and functions were evaluated for online publications, including subscription requirements for online access, the dates of online archived material, pre- and postpublication features, e-mail notifications, hyperlinks, and the use of social media and other specialty applications. Results Between 2007 and 2010, online functionality of selected pharmacy publications increased in 52% (12/23) of the features assessed; among these expanded features, the median percent increase was 20%. The 2 most prevalent online features among publications in 2007 and 2010 were article availability in portable document format (pdf) and the ability to submit articles online. The online feature most adopted during the study timeframe was the ability to e-mail friends about an article (increased by 40%). In 2010, the majority of publications offered social media or other specialty applications (80%) and required a paid subscription for online access (60%). Conclusion Currently, not all available online features have been adopted by the reviewed pharmacy publications. Overall, the online functionality of pharmacy publications was maintained or slightly increased from 2007 to 2010. It is important for publishers to continue to expand their presence on the Internet to improve accessibility to the scientific literature.
Petrology and geochronology of the high-K calc-alkaline Mésanger magmatism (Armorican massif, France): a ca. 320 Ma old volcano-plutonic association
Authors: Ducassou Céline , Poujol Marc , Hallot Erwan , Bruguier Olivier , Ballevre Michel 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The late stages of the Variscan orogeny in western and central Europe are characterized by the emplacement of numerous Carboniferous granitic intrusions. In the southern part of the Armorican massif, volcanic and plutonic rocks occur within the Carboniferous series of the Ancenis basin. Chemical analyses indicate that they belong to the same magmatic high-K calc-alkaline association of peraluminous composition, which likely derives from crustal melting of an igneous source. A LA-ICPMS U-Pb/zircon age of 319.3 ± 3.1 Ma dates, for the first time, this magmatic event and, by there, constrains the maximum age of both the end of the sedimentation and the northward tilting of the sediments in the Ancenis basin. This magmatic event is coeval with the sedimentation of the coal-bearing Namurian basins located along the Nort-sur-Erdre fault. These intrusions are interpreted as the feeding conduits of the volcano-sedimentary layers encountered in these basins. This would imply a minimal dextral displacement of ca. 20–25 km along the Nort-sur-Erdre fault.
Zonal and Zoogeographic Characteristic of the Ant Fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of Ukraine
Authors: Radchenko A. 
Published: January 2012

Zonal and Zoogeographic Characteristic of the Ant Fauna (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) of UkraineOne hundred fourty ant species belonging to 38 genera of 5 subfamilies are known to occur in Ukraine nowadays. All the species are attributed to 16 zoogeographic complexes that are grouped into three faunogenetic classes. Comparative zonal and zoogeographical analysis of the fauna of different geographical regions of Ukraine has revealed their essential heterogeneity. The ant fauna of the Forest-Steppe zone is not original. At the same time, it is not transitive between the faunae of the Forest and Steppe zones. Ant fauna of the Forest-Steppe is related to those not the Steppe but the Forests zones, and the Forest-Steppe can be included in the southern subzone of a Forest zone of t Europe.
An application of the HBV model to the Tamor Basin in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Normand S , Konz M , Merz J 
Published: December 2011

The semi-distributed, conceptual hydrological model HBV was applied to Tamor Nadi in order to estimate runoff at Tapethok, Taplejung, in Eastern Nepal. As there was no discharge data available for this particular location, the model was first calibrated and validated for the bigger, gauged basins at Mulghat and Majithar. However due to its structure HBV shows difficulties in modelling low and high flows correctly at the same time. Therefore two parameter sets were produced: one with focus on the model performance during low flows and the second one, on high flows. Those parameters were then applied to the basin at Tapethok. Generally HBV was able to correctly simulate low flows except for some sharp peaks due to isolated precipitation events. However, pre-monsoon discharge was overestimated while the runoff of the monsoon season were most of the time underestimated. The main reasons for this situation are: (1) HBV generates runoff from one single groundwater reservoir for the entire catchment, leading to sharp peaks with a rapid recession and therefore exaggerated reactions on precipitation during dry season; (2) during pre-monsoon snow and ice melt gain in importance and add to the mentioned problem; (3) due to the simplified representation of storages in the model structure the catchment area drains too quickly. Keywords: Tamor BasinDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jhm.v7i1.5616 JHM 2010; 7(1): 49-58
Multivariate Analysis in Lentil (<i>Lens culinaris</i> L.)
Authors: Jewel AA , Chowdhury AK , Alam AKMM , Latif MA , Hassan MM 
Published: December 2011

Genetic divergence among 22 genotypes of lentil was estimated using D2 and principal component analysis. The genotypes under study fell into four clusters. The intra-cluster value was the maximum in cluster I and the minimum in cluster II. The inter-cluster distance was larger than the intra-cluster distance in all the cases suggesting the wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. The inter-cluster value indicated maximum distance between cluster I and II than cluster III and IV. Thus the genetically diverged genotypes of the clusters could be used as parent in hybridization program to get desirable genotypes. Cluster I had the highest mean for days to maturity, plant height, pods/plant and per plot yield while cluster II and III had the highest days to first flowering and 100 seed weight, respectively. Genotypes with these characters in respective groups would, therefore, offer a good scope of improvement of lentil through selection. Key words: Lentil; cluster analysis; divergence; hybridization DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i1.9312 BJPBG 2010; 23(1): 9-12
Genetic Diversity in <i>Brassica rapa</i> L.
Authors: Khatun H , Rasul MG , Saikat MMH , Haque MM 
Published: December 2011

The genetic diversity was assessed in 42 Brassica rapa genotypes for identifying parental genotypes having distant relationship for hybridization. All the genotypes were analyzed through principal component analysis, principal coordinate analysis canonical variate analysis and non-hierarchical clustering which compute Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics. The genotypes under study were grouped into six clusters. The cluster V contained the maximum numbers of genotypes (15) and cluster III had the minimum number of genotypes (3). The highest intra-cluster distance was observed in cluster V that represented maximum variability within the cluster and Cluster VI had the lowest intra-cluster distance. The maximum inter cluster distance was noticed between the clusters II and III and the lowest between clusters II and VI. Cluster with large distances were considered more diverged than those with small distances. Yield and yield contributing characters such as days to 1st flowering, number of siliquae on main racemes, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, 1000 seeds weight and seed yield per plant contributed more towards genetic divergence considering diversity pattern. Considering cluster distance, inter-genotypic distance, cluster mean and other agronomic performances genotypes BC-200502, BC-200505, BC-200506, BC-200510, BC-200512, BC-200515, BC-200519, BC-200521, BC-200529, BC-200530, BC-200531B, BC-200531Y, BC-200536, BC-200537, BC-200542, BC-200543, BARI Sarisha 12, and BARI Sarisha 14 may be selected from different clusters for hybridization program. Key words: Genetic divergence; Brassica rapa; cluster analysis; D2-statistics DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpbg.v23i1.9315 BJPBG 2010; 23(1): 31-37