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Better Representation (good + representation)
Selected AbstractsDiel variation in the seagrass ichthyofaunas of three intermittently open estuaries in south-eastern Australia: implications for improving fish diversity assessmentsFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2001S. P. Griffiths Diel variation in the ichthyofaunas associated with Zostera capricorni Ascherson was investigated in three intermittently open estuaries in the Illawarra region, New South Wales. Each estuary showed differing diel shifts in fish assemblages, which appeared to be related to estuary size. In the largest estuary (Lake Illawarra) significantly more species were caught during the night than the day for all months. In contrast, there was little diel variation in the fish assemblages at Werri Lagoon and Shellharbour Lagoon, although many species were only caught during the night at both estuaries. The distinct diel changes at Lake Illawarra was thought to be attributable to the relatively deep channels adjacent to the seagrass beds which are better habitats for larger fishes compared with the shallow sand bars without deep channels throughout the two smaller estuaries. The composition of fish species within the three estuaries were significantly different, although each assemblage was characterised by large numbers of small-sized fish (<100 mm FL) indicating the importance of intermittently open estuaries as fish habitats. It was concluded that night sampling provided a more complete picture of the ichthyofaunas associated with Z. capricorni. As a result, inclusion of night sampling in fish diversity assessments would increase the chance of catching diurnally rare species and therefore attain a better representation of the true community structure. [source] The effects of near-surface conditions on anisotropy parameter estimations from 4C seismic dataGEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, Issue 1 2006Bärbel Traub ABSTRACT We present a study of anisotropic parameter estimation in the near-surface layers for P-wave and converted-wave (C-wave) data. Near-surface data is affected by apparent anisotropy due to a vertical velocity compaction gradient. We have carried out a modelling study, which showed that a velocity gradient introduces apparent anisotropy into an isotropic medium. Thus, parameter estimation will give anomalous values that affect the imaging of the target area. The parameter estimation technique is also influenced by phase reversals with diminishing amplitude, leading to erroneous parameters. In a modelling study using a near-surface model, we have observed phase reversals in near-surface PP reflections. The values of the P-wave anisotropy parameter , estimated from these events are about an order of magnitude larger than the model values. Next, we use C-wave data to estimate the effect of anisotropy (,) and compute , from these values. These calculated ,-values are closer to the model values, and NMO correction with both ,-values shows a better correction for the calculated value. Hence, we believe that calculating , from , gives a better representation of the anisotropy than picked , from the P-wave. Finally, we extract the anisotropy parameters , and , from real data from the Alba Field in the North Sea. Comparing the results with reference values from a model built according to well-log, VSP and surface data, we find that the parameters show differences of up to an order of magnitude. The ,-values calculated from the C-wave anisotropy parameter , fit the reference values much better and show values of the same order of magnitude. [source] Shape optimization of piezoelectric devices using an enriched meshfree methodINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2009C. W. Liu Abstract We present an enriched reproducing kernel particle method for shape sensitivity analysis and shape optimization of two-dimensional electromechanical domains. This meshfree method incorporates enrichment functions for better representation of discontinuous electromechanical fields across internal boundaries. We use cubic splines for delineating the geometry of internal/external domain boundaries; and the nodal coordinates and slopes of these splines at their control points become the design parameters. This approach enables smooth manipulations of bi-material interfaces and external boundaries during the optimization process. It also enables the calculation of displacement and electric-potential field sensitivities with respect to the design parameters through direct differentiation, for which we adopt the classical material derivative approach. We verify this implementation of sensitivity calculations against an exact solution to a variant of Lamé's problem, and also, finite-difference approximations. We follow a sequential quadratic programming approach to minimize the cost function; and demonstrate the utility of the overall technique through a model problem that involves the shape optimization of a piezoelectric fan. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Parallel simulation of unsteady hovering rotor wakesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 6 2006C. B. Allen Abstract Numerical simulation using low diffusion schemes, for example free-vortex or vorticity transport methods, and theoretical stability analyses have shown the wakes of rotors in hover to be unsteady. This has also been observed in experiments, although the instabilities are not always repeatable. Hovering rotor wake stability is considered here using a finite-volume compressible CFD code. An implicit unsteady, multiblock, multigrid, upwind solver, and structured multiblock grid generator are presented, and applied to lifting rotors in hover. To allow the use of very fine meshes and, hence, better representation of the flow physics, a parallel version of the code has been developed, and parallel performance using upto 1024 CPUs is presented. A four-bladed rotor is considered, and it is demonstrated that once the grid density is sufficient to capture enough turns of the tip vortices, hover exhibits oscillatory behaviour of the wake, even using a steady formulation. An unsteady simulation is then performed, and also shows an unsteady wake. Detailed analysis of the time-accurate wake history shows that three dominant unsteady modes are captured, for this four-bladed case, with frequencies of one, four, and eight times the rotational frequency. A comparison with theoretical stability analysis is also presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sigma transformation and ALE formulation for three-dimensional free surface flowsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 4 2009A. Decoene Abstract In this paper we establish a link between the sigma transformation approach and the arbitrary Lagrangian,Eulerian (ALE) approach. For that purpose we introduce the ALE-sigma (ALES) approach, which consists in an ALE interpretation of the sigma transformation. Taking advantage of this new approach, we propose a general ALES transformation, allowing for a great adaptability of the vertical discretization and therefore overcoming some drawbacks of the classical sigma transformation. Numerical results are presented, showing the advantages of this general coordinate system, as, for example, a better representation of horizontal stratifications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Parallel solution of lifting rotors in hover and forward flightINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN FLUIDS, Issue 1 2007C. B. Allen Abstract An implicit unsteady, multiblock, multigrid, upwind solver including mesh deformation capability, and structured multiblock grid generator, are presented and applied to lifting rotors in both hover and forward flight. To allow the use of very fine meshes and, hence, better representation of the flow physics, a parallel version of the code has been developed. It is demonstrated that once the grid density is sufficient to capture enough turns of the tip vortices, hover exhibits oscillatory behaviour of the wake, even using a steady formulation. An unsteady simulation is then presented, and detailed analysis of the time-accurate wake history is performed and compared to theoretical predictions. Forward flight simulations are also presented and, again, grid density effects on the wake formation investigated. Parallel performance of the code using up to 1024 CPU's is also presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sensitivity of an Arctic regional climate model to the horizontal resolution during winter: implications for aerosol simulationINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 11 2005Eric Girard Abstract Our ability to properly simulate current climate and its future change depends upon the exactitude of the physical processes that are parameterized on the one hand, and on model configuration on the other hand. In this paper, we focus on the latter and investigate the effect of the horizontal grid resolution on the simulation of a month of January over the Arctic. A limited-area numerical climate model is used to simulate the month of January 1990 over a grid that includes the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Two grid resolutions are used: 50 km and 100 km. Results show that finer details appear for regional circulation, temperature, and humidity when increasing horizontal resolution. This is particularly true for continental and sea ice boundaries, which are much better resolved by high-resolution model simulations. The Canadian Archipelago and rivers in northern Russia appear to benefit the most from higher horizontal resolution. High-resolution simulations capture some frozen rivers and narrow straits between islands. Therefore, much colder surface air temperature is simulated over these areas. Precipitation is generally increased in those areas and over topography due to a better representation of surface heterogeneities when increasing resolution. Large-scale atmospheric circulation is substantially changed when horizontal resolution is increased. Feedback processes occur between surface air temperature change over heterogeneous surfaces and atmospheric circulation. High-resolution simulations develop a stronger polar vortex. The mean sea-level pressure increases over the western Arctic and Iceland and decreases over the eastern Arctic. This circulation leads to a substantial cooling of the eastern Arctic and enhanced synoptic activity over the Arctic associated with an intensification of the baroclinic zone. Aerosol mass loading, which is simulated explicitly in this model, is significantly altered by the grid resolution change with the largest differences in aerosol concentration over areas where precipitation and atmospheric circulation are the most affected. The implications of this sensitivity study to the evaluation of indirect radiative effects of anthropogenic aerosols are discussed. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society. [source] Contract modifications and the basis behavior of live cattle futuresTHE JOURNAL OF FUTURES MARKETS, Issue 6 2004James E. Newsome The purpose of this study was to assess the basis behavior of the Live Cattle Futures contract at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) before and after the 1995 contract changes. Additionally, an alternative method of basis calculation utilizing weighted mean futures prices versus settlement futures prices was compared to determine which method provides a better representation of the basis level. Within a regression model with heteroskedascity error framework, we found that the level of nearby basis in the period after June 1995 has shifted lower and the average monthly open interest of net commercial long positions has substantially increased after the contract modifications. These empirical results are consistent with the notion that more long activity entered the market in response to the contract modifications. Additionally, an alternative (new) measure of basis calculation (cash price minus weighted mean futures price) produced similar results to two other commonly used measures. In conclusion, the 1995 contract changes have neither increased nor decreased the volatility of live cattle basis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 24:557,590, 2004 [source] An improved PDF cloud scheme for climate simulationsTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 651 2010Akira Kuwano-Yoshida Abstract An efficient grid-scale cloud scheme for climate simulation is implemented in the atmospheric general circulation model for the Earth Simulator (AFES). The new cloud scheme uses statistical partial condensation using joint-Gaussian probability distribution functions (PDFs) of the liquid water potential temperature and total water content, with standard deviations estimated by the moist Mellor,Yamada level-2 turbulence scheme. It also adopts improved closure parameters based on large-eddy simulations and a revised mixing length that varies with the stability and turbulent kinetic energy. These changes not only enable better representation of low-level boundary layer clouds, but also improve the atmospheric boundary layer structure. Sensitivity experiments for vertical resolution suggest that O(100,200 m) intervals are adequate to represent well-mixed boundary layers with the new scheme. The new scheme performs well at relatively low horizontal resolution (about 150 km), although inversion layers near the coast become more intense at a higher horizontal resolution (about 50 km). Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Measurements by Laser Doppler Velocimetry in the Casing/Impeller Clearance Gap of a Biocentrifugal Ventricular Assist Device ModelARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 4 2009Leok Poh Chua Abstract:, The velocity distributions in the clearance gap of the Kyoto-NTN biocentrifugal ventricular assist device model were measured by laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) at three inlet flow conditions, namely operating, fully opened, and fully closed conditions. The results obtained have a similar trend as in the earlier measurements using air as medium and the hot-wire probe, a washout mechanism that is a segment of fluids in the gap situated from , = 60° to 220°, has a larger radial velocity component flowing toward the eye of the pump, as compared to other regions in the gap where the tangential velocity component is dominant. It is essential to have a good washout for the leakage flow through the clearance gap between the stationary casing and the impeller of the pump so that the blood will not keep on circulating in the gap but is washed out to the eye in order to reduce the chances of being destroyed. Although the detailed velocity distributions are not the same, this should be due to the minor fabrication differences between two pump models. The current noninvasive LDV measurements should have a better representation of the actual flow field than the earlier studies due to the blood analog being used as the flow medium. Furthermore, as compared to the methods used in the earlier studies, there is basically no modification of the pump geometry in the present measurement. [source] What can we learn by computing 13C, chemical shifts for X-ray protein models?ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D, Issue 7 2009Yelena A. Arnautova The room-temperature X-ray structures of ubiquitin (PDB code 1ubq) and of the RNA-binding domain of nonstructural protein 1 of influenza A virus (PDB code 1ail) solved at 1.8 and 1.9,Å resolution, respectively, were used to investigate whether a set of conformations rather than a single X-ray structure provides better agreement with both the X-ray data and the observed 13C, chemical shifts in solution. For this purpose, a set of new conformations for each of these proteins was generated by fitting them to the experimental X-ray data deposited in the PDB. For each of the generated structures, which show R and Rfree factors similar to those of the deposited X-ray structure, the 13C, chemical shifts of all residues in the sequence were computed at the DFT level of theory. The sets of conformations were then evaluated by their ability to reproduce the observed 13C, chemical shifts by using the conformational average root-mean-square-deviation (ca-r.m.s.d.). For ubiquitin, the computed set of conformations is a better representation of the observed 13C, chemical shifts in terms of the ca-r.m.s.d. than a single X-ray-derived structure. However, for the RNA-binding domain of nonstructural protein 1 of influenza A virus, consideration of an ensemble of conformations does not improve the agreement with the observed 13C, chemical shifts. Whether an ensemble of conformations rather than any single structure is a more accurate representation of a protein structure in the crystal as well as of the observed 13C, chemical shifts is determined by the dispersion of coordinates, in terms of the all-atom r.m.s.d. among the generated models; these generated models satisfy the experimental X-ray data with accuracy as good as the PDB structure. Therefore, generation of an ensemble is a necessary step to determine whether or not a single structure is sufficient for an accurate representation of both experimental X-ray data and observed 13C, chemical shifts in solution. [source] Genomic Analyses and the Origin of the EukaryotesCHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY, Issue 11 2007Maria Abstract The availability of whole-genome data has created the extraordinary opportunity to reconstruct in fine details the ,tree of life'. The application of such comprehensive effort promises to unravel the enigmatic evolutionary relationships between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Traditionally, biologists have represented the evolutionary relationships of all organisms by a bifurcating phylogenetic tree. But recent analyses of completely sequenced genomes using conditioned reconstruction (CR), a newly developed gene-content algorithm, suggest that a cycle graph or ,ring' rather than a ,tree' is a better representation of the evolutionary relationships between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. CR is the first phylogenetic-reconstruction method to provide precise evidence about the origin of the eukaryotes. This review summarizes how the CR analyses of complete genomes provide evidence for a fusion origin of the eukaryotes. [source] Representing children's views and best interests in court: an international comparisonCHILD ABUSE REVIEW, Issue 4 2005Andy Bilson Abstract This paper provides a comparison of a number of alternative models of international practice in relation to the appointment and organization of guardians ad litem and other children's representatives in child care and family proceedings. The paper notes that, in their attempts to address the need for children to have representation in matters affecting their welfare, English-speaking countries have tended to conflate the two salient Articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, that is, Article 3, which deals with the child's best interests, and Article 12, which deals with their right to express their wishes and feelings. Where systems other than ,stand alone' legal representation have been put in place, the child's representative is charged with both assessing their best interests and, often as a secondary duty, communicating their views. The paper concludes that for some groups of children in public or private law proceedings, an advocate (rather than a best interest oriented guardian, and where necessary in addition to a legal representative) may enable better representation of the child in the courts and greater participation by children in legal proceedings, an increased role for children as citizens and a fuller implementation of their rights. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Multiple neural networks modeling techniques in process control: a reviewASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2009Zainal Ahmad Abstract This paper reviews new techniques to improve neural network model robustness for nonlinear process modeling and control. The focus is on multiple neural networks. Single neural networks have been dominating the neural network ,world'. Despite many advantages that have been mentioned in the literature, some problems that can deteriorate neural network performance such as lack of generalization have been bothering researchers. Driven by this, neural network ,world' evolves and converges toward better representations of the modeled functions that can lead to better generalization and manages to sweep away all the glitches that have shadowed neural network applications. This evolution has lead to a new approach in applying neural networks that is called as multiple neural networks. Just recently, multiple neural networks have been broadly used in numerous applications since their performance is literally better than that of those using single neural networks in representing nonlinear systems. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Artificial chromosome libraries of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) and Planobispora rosea,FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 1 2003Rosa Alduina Abstract Using an Escherichia coli,Streptomyces shuttle vector derived from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), we developed methodologies for the construction of BAC libraries of filamentous actinomycetes. Libraries of Streptomyces coelicolor, the model actinomycete, and Planobispora rosea, a genetically intractable strain, were constructed. Both libraries have an average insert size of 60 kb, with maximal insert larger than 150 kb. The S. coelicolor library was evaluated by selected hybridisations to Dra I fragments and by end sequencing of a few clones. Hybridisation of the P. rosea library to selected probes indicates a good representation of the P. rosea genome and that the library can be used to facilitate the genomic analysis of this actinomycete. [source] A Hybrid Finite-Difference and Analytic Element Groundwater ModelGROUND WATER, Issue 4 2010H.M. Haitjema Regional finite-difference models tend to have large cell sizes, often on the order of 1,2 km on a side. Although the regional flow patterns in deeper formations may be adequately represented by such a model, the intricate surface water and groundwater interactions in the shallower layers are not. Several stream reaches and nearby wells may occur in a single cell, precluding any meaningful modeling of the surface water and groundwater interactions between the individual features. We propose to replace the upper MODFLOW layer or layers, in which the surface water and groundwater interactions occur, by an analytic element model (GFLOW) that does not employ a model grid; instead, it represents wells and surface waters directly by the use of point-sinks and line-sinks. For many practical cases it suffices to provide GFLOW with the vertical leakage rates calculated in the original coarse MODFLOW model in order to obtain a good representation of surface water and groundwater interactions. However, when the combined transmissivities in the deeper (MODFLOW) layers dominate, the accuracy of the GFLOW solution diminishes. For those cases, an iterative coupling procedure, whereby the leakages between the GFLOW and MODFLOW model are updated, appreciably improves the overall solution, albeit at considerable computational cost. The coupled GFLOW,MODFLOW model is applicable to relatively large areas, in many cases to the entire model domain, thus forming an attractive alternative to local grid refinement or inset models. [source] Different methods for modelling the areal infiltration of a grass field under heavy precipitationHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 7 2002Bruno Merz Abstract The areal infiltration behaviour of a grass field is studied using a data set of 78 sprinkler infiltration experiments. The analysis of the experimental data shows a distinct event dependency: once runoff begins, the final infiltration rate increases with increasing rainfall intensity. This behaviour is attributed to the effects of small-scale variability. Increasing rainfall intensity increases the ponded area and therefore the portion of the plot which infiltrates at maximum rate. To describe the areal infiltration behaviour of the grass field the study uses two different model structures and investigates different approaches for consideration of subgrid variability. It is found that the effective parameter approach is not suited for this purpose. A good representation of the observed behaviour is obtained by using a distribution function approach or a parameterization approach. However, it is not clear how the parameters can be derived for these two approaches without a large measurement campaign. The data analysis and the simulations show the great importance of considering the effects of spatial variability for the infiltration process. This may be significant even at a small scale for a comparatively homogeneous area. The consideration of heterogeneity seems to be more important than the choice of the model type. Furthermore, similar results may be obtained with different modelling approaches. Even the relatively detailed data set does not seem to permit a clear model choice. In view of these results it is questionable to use very complex and detailed simulation models given the approximate nature of the problem. Although the principle processes may be well understood there is a lack of models that represent these processes and, more importantly, there is a lack of techniques to measure and parameterize them. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] THE RECONCILING SPIRIT: THE DOVE WITH COLOUR AND STRENGTHINTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF MISSION, Issue 372 2005Kirsteen Kim The dove is used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and also of peace and reconciliation. However, the usual depiction of the dove may not be a good representation of the content of reconciliation, or of the nature and work of the Spirit. This article aims to enhance our vision of the Spirit of reconciliation by examining the apostle Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians about the ministry of the Spirit and the ministry of reconciliation. The article also considers the deliberations of several international meetings, and brings together a number of reflections on the Spirit from India and Korea. The paper concludes that the heavenly bird is not limited to the dove, nor is the imagery of the Holy Spirit restricted to the dove. The Spirit is not white and delicate but colourful and strong, and it is through these characteristics that the Spirit leads us in the way of Christ in the struggle to live together in reconciled life. [source] Development of a Core Set from a Large Rice Collection using a Modified Heuristic Algorithm to Retain Maximum DiversityJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Hun-Ki Chung Abstract A new heuristic approach was undertaken for the establishment of a core set for the diversity research of rice. As a result, 107 entries were selected from the 10 368 characterized accessions. The core set derived using this new approach provided a good representation of the characterized accessions present in the entire collection. No significant differences for the mean, range, standard deviation and coefficient of variation of each trait were observed between the core and existing collections. We also compared the diversity of core sets established using this Heuristic Core Collection (HCC) approach with those of core sets established using the conventional clustering methods. This modified heuristic algorithm can also be used to select genotype data with allelic richness and reduced redundancy, and to facilitate management and use of large collections of plant genetic resources in a more efficient way. [source] Atom-Transfer Radical Batch and Semibatch Polymerization of StyreneMACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2007Yao Fu Abstract Batch and semibatch styrene polymerizations are carried out using a heterogeneous ATRP catalyst system that provides excellent molecular-weight control. The observed initiator efficiency is lower for semibatch operation due to the high initiator concentrations required to make a low-MW polymer. Experiments verified that the insoluble metal complex does not participate in the polymerization and that Cu(I) solubility is an order of magnitude higher than that of Cu(II). A mechanistic model, using kinetic coefficients from literature and the solubility data from this study, provides a good representation of the experimental results. [source] Circuit model and full wave analysis of a compact wideband quadrature hybridMICROWAVE AND OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 7 2007Adarsh K. Jaiswal Abstract A printed, compact, and wideband quadrature hybrid is simulated and fabricated by utilizing the multi-section technique for bandwidth enhancement and equivalent transmission line technique for size reduction. The compact quadrature hybrid has a size reduction of 50% as compared with the conventional quadrature hybrid. The compact hybrid achieves over 50% bandwidth at a centre frequency of 2 GHz. A circuit model and a full wave model are introduced and analyzed using Agilent Advanced design system. Excellent agreement between the simulated and the fabricated hybrid is achieved, which indicates that the circuit and full wave models are indeed a good representation of the fabricated compact wideband quadrature hybrid. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1650,1652, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22519 [source] A novel approach for the kinetic and mechanistic modeling of acid-catalyzed degradation of polymersASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2009Y.-H. Lin Abstract A new approach is presented that combines kinetic and mechanistic considerations which take into account chemical reactions and catalyst deactivation in the modeling of the catalytic degradation of polymers. Though acid-catalyzed hydrocarbon cracking reactions involve a large number of compounds, reactions and catalyst deactivation and are very complex, the model gives a good representation of experimental results from the degradation of polypropylene over fluidized acidic catalysts. This model provides the benefits of product selectivity for the chemical composition, such as alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and coke, in relation to the effect of structurally different polymer feeds, and the performance of the catalyst used. It is an improvement of the currently available empirical ,lumping' techniques which usually are severely restricted in terms of product definitions. Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Adaptive thinning of atmospheric observations in data assimilation with vector quantization and filtering methodsTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 613 2005T. Ochotta Abstract In data assimilation for numerical weather prediction, measurements of various observation systems are combined with background data to define initial states for the forecasts. Current and future observation systems, in particular satellite instruments, produce large numbers of measurements with high spatial and temporal density. Such datasets significantly increase the computational costs of the assimilation and, moreover, can violate the assumption of spatially independent observation errors. To ameliorate these problems, we propose two greedy thinning algorithms, which reduce the number of assimilated observations while retaining the essential information content of the data. In the first method, the number of points in the output set is increased iteratively. We use a clustering method with a distance metric that combines spatial distance with difference in observation values. In a second scheme, we iteratively estimate the redundancy of the current observation set and remove the most redundant data points. We evaluate the proposed methods with respect to a geometric error measure and compare them with a uniform sampling scheme. We obtain good representations of the original data with thinnings retaining only a small portion of observations. We also evaluate our thinnings of ATOVS satellite data using the assimilation system of the Deutscher Wetterdienst. Impact of the thinning on the analysed fields and on the subsequent forecasts is discussed. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Logistic Equations Effectively Model Mammalian Cell Batch and Fed-Batch Kinetics by Logically Constraining the FitBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 4 2005Chetan T. Goudar A four-parameter logistic equation was used to fit batch and fed-batch time profiles of viable cell density in order to estimate net growth rates from the inoculation through the cell death phase. Reduced three-parameter forms were used for nutrient uptake and metabolite/product formation rate calculations. These logistic equations constrained the fits to expected general concentration trends, either increasing followed by decreasing (four-parameter) or monotonic (three-parameter). The applicability of this approach was first verified for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells cultivated in 15-L batch bioreactors. Cell density, metabolite, and nutrient concentrations were monitored over time and used to estimate the logistic parameters by nonlinear least squares. The logistic models fit the experimental data well, supporting the validity of this approach. Further evidence to this effect was obtained by applying the technique to three previously published batch studies for baby hamster kidney (BHK) and hybridoma cells in bioreactors ranging from 100 mL to 300 L. In 27 of the 30 batch data sets examined, the logistic models provided a statistically superior description of the experimental data than polynomial fitting. Two fed-batch experiments with hybridoma and CHO cells in benchtop bioreactors were also examined, and the logistic fits provided good representations of the experimental data in all 25 data sets. From a computational standpoint, this approach was simpler than classical approaches involving Monod-type kinetics. Since the logistic equations were analytically differentiable, specific rates could be readily estimated. Overall, the advantages of the logistic modeling approach should make it an attractive option for effectively estimating specific rates from batch and fed-batch cultures. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||