bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Economic Impact of Substandard and Falsified Antimalarials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ozawa Sachiko , Haynie Deson G. , Bessias Sophia , Laing Sarah K. , Ngamasana Emery Ladi , Yemeke Tatenda T. , Evans Daniel R.
Published: January 2019

Substandard and falsified medicines pose significant risks to global health, including increased deaths, prolonged treatments, and growing drug resistance. Antimalarials are one of the most common medications to be of poor quality in low- and middle-income countries. We assessed the health and economic impact of substandard and falsified antimalarials for children less than 5 years of age in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has one of the world’s highest malaria mortality rates. We developed an agent-based model to simulate patient care-seeking behavior and medicine supply chain processes to examine the impact of antimalarial quality in Kinshasa province and Katanga region. We simulated the impact of potential interventions to improve medicinal quality, reduce stockouts, or educate caregivers. We estimated that substandard and falsified antimalarials are responsible for $20.9 million (35% of $59.6 million; 95% CI: $20.7–$21.2 million) in malaria costs in Kinshasa province and $130 million (43% of $301 million; $129–$131 million) in malaria costs in the Katanga region annually. If drug resistance to artemisinin were to develop, total annual costs of malaria could increase by $17.9 million (30%; $17.7–$18.0 million) and $73 million (24%; $72.2–$72.8 million) in Kinshasa and Katanga, respectively. Replacing substandard and falsified antimalarials with good quality medicines had a larger impact than interventions that prevented stockouts or educated caregivers. The results highlight the importance of improving access to good quality antimalarials to reduce the burden of malaria and mitigate the development of antimalarial resistance.
Use of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification in a Resource-Saving Strategy for Primary Malaria Screening in a Non-Endemic Setting
Authors: Hartmeyer Gitte N. , Hoegh Silje V. , Skov Marianne N. , Kemp Michael
Published: January 2019

Malaria is traditionally diagnosed by blood smear microscopy, which requires continuous resource-demanding training. In areas with only a few cases of malaria, a simple and rapid test that can reliably exclude malaria could significantly reduce the need for microscopy and training. We evaluated whether loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for screening malaria parasites could reduce the workload in the diagnosis of malaria. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification was used to analyze 38 ethylene-diamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples from 23 patients who had previously been tested for malaria by microscopy, antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (antigen-RDT), and in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The samples included blood with low-level parasitaemia and samples with discrepancies between the results of the different methods. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification detected malaria parasites in 27 of 28 samples that were positive according to in-house RT-PCR. There were negative microscopy results in 10 of these and negative antigen-RDT results in 11. The sample with a negative LAMP result and positive in-house RT-PCR result was from a patient who had recently been treated for low-level Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasitaemia. We found LAMP to be reliable for malaria screening and suitable for replacing microscopy without loss of performance. The low number of LAMP-positive samples needing microscopy can be handled by a limited number of trained microscopists. The time saved on training and documentation was estimated to be 520 working hours yearly in our laboratory. Using LAMP for primary screening of patient samples, we have made a diagnostic workflow that ensures more reliable, faster, and less resource-demanding diagnosis of malaria.
Evaluation of the QuantiFERON-Tuberculosis Gold Plus Assay in Children with Tuberculosis Disease or Following Household Exposure to Tuberculosis
Authors: Kay Alexander W. , DiNardo Andrew R. , Dlamini Qiniso , Kahari Jaqueline , Mndzebele Temhlanga , Mtetwa Godwin , Ustero Pilar , Maphalala Gugu , Mandalakas Anna M.
Published: January 2019

Interferon-gamma release assays are increasingly used in children to establish evidence of tuberculosis (TB) infection and to assist in the diagnosis of TB disease. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay is being phased out in favor of a next-generation test, the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) assay. The QFT-Plus assay is designed with two antigen tubes to differentially stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The performance of this assay has been documented extensively in adults but has not yet been evaluated in children. Here, we compare the performance of the two assays in a cohort of 46 children exposed to TB and 12 children diagnosed with TB disease in Eswatini. The tests demonstrated excellent concordance in both TB disease (100% agreement, Cohen’s kappa = 1) and TB infection (96% agreement, Cohen’s kappa = 0.91). Most of the children with household exposure tested negative for TB infection by both tests, indicating the ongoing need for new tests for TB infection that can be easily implemented in TB high-burden settings at minimal cost.
The Role of the Middle East in ZIKA Virus Circulation: Implications of a Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan
Authors: Abu-rish Eman Y. , Elayeh Eman R. , Albsoul-Younes Abla M.
Published: January 2019

ZIKA virus (ZIKAV) outbreak in Latin America was associated with international concerns of ZIKAV circulation. The lack of vaccine and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs against this virus rendered prevention as the single most effective method to control its spread. Hence, this study aimed to assess Jordanian population knowledge, attitude, and practices toward ZIKAV and its prevention. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to adults in Amman, Jordan. The overall knowledge of participants was poor (mean knowledge score of 13.7/32). Between 75% and 86% of the respondents did not know the highest risk group of ZIKAV infection, its complications, and the major routes of transmission. About 40% of the population did not know that ZIKAV is sexually transmitted. Only 40% of the population believed that prevention measures are effective. Female gender, working in the medical field, having children, and the source of medical information were associated with significantly higher level of knowledge (R2 = 0.143, P-value < 0.0001). Being pregnant, however, was not associated with a significantly high knowledge score. Physician recommendations and government’s role were the most important predictors of practices toward ZIKAV prevention. Of the 14 returnees from outbreak areas, only six were tested for ZIKAV on coming back and only three continued the use of prevention measures for a sufficient time. Therefore, formulation of a national health policy, preparedness plans against any potential transmission, and organization of educational campaigns to meet the population’s health educational needs are required. Special emphasis should be placed on pregnant women and travelers to/returnees from ZIKAV-affected areas.
Evaluation of a Commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Kit and In-House Fasciola gigantica Cysteine Proteinases-Based Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Diagnosis of Human Fascioliasis
Authors: Tran Na T. D. , Ton Nu Phuong Anh , Intuyod Kitti , Dao Ly T. K. , Pinlaor Porntip , Nawa Yukifumi , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Geadkaew-Krenc Amornrat , Kosa Nanthawat , Grams Rudi , Pinlaor Somchai
Published: January 2019

Fascioliasis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica infection, is a major food-borne trematodiasis in many places of the world, with the central region of Vietnam being reported as a highly endemic area. Stool examination for Fasciola eggs is not a sensitive method, and immunodiagnostic methods are preferable. We investigated various enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to evaluate their efficacy for fascioliasis diagnosis. Test sera used are primarily screened using an ELISA kit produced in Vietnam (VN kit; Viet Sinh Chemical Producing & Trading Co. Ltd., Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam): Seropositive individuals having symptoms compatible with fascioliasis were regarded as clinically diagnosed fascioliasis cases. A commercial Fasciola IgG ELISA kit from Diagnostic Automation/Cortez Diagnostics, Inc. (USA kit; Woodland Hills, CA), which has been commonly used in Vietnam, was assessed and compared with in-house ELISA systems, including a cystatin-capture (CC) ELISA using crude worm extract (CWE) and an indirect ELISA using a synthetic peptide Ac-TPTCHWECQVGYNKTYDEE-NHMe designed from the F. gigantica cathepsin B (FgCB5) molecule. The USA kit was suitable for routine diagnosis after recalibration of the manufacturer’s suggested cutoff point. Cystatin-capture ELISA with CWE provided good sensitivity and specificity with perfect agreement to the results of the USA kit. In dot-blot ELISA, recombinant FgCB5 reacted more strongly with human antisera than did other F. gigantica antigens tested. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the synthetic peptide fragment of the FgCB5 exhibited nearly 80% sensitivity and specificity, but the test results showed low agreement with CC-ELISA or the USA kit. In conclusion, the commercially available Fasciola IgG ELISA kit from the United States and the in-house CC ELISA using CWE are suitable for practical diagnosis for fascioliasis.
Tolerance May Be More Appropriate Than Immunity When Describing Chronic Malaria Infections
Authors: Shanks George Dennis
Published: January 2019

Adults who have not grown up in a malaria-endemic area may experience severe malaria soon after entering a malarious area. Such mortality is usually limited to a short period of time (months), after which they are thought to be “immune.” Such anti-disease immunity may be more accurately considered as tolerance. Malaria rates of British soldiers during the Second World War reflected their time with suppressed infections and the transmission levels. Black workers from non-endemic areas on the Panama Canal experienced higher initial mortality and infection rates than co-located white workers for Plasmodium falciparum, whereas the known genetic resistance of blacks to Plasmodium vivax reversed these rates. The ethnic differences observed in malaria rates may have more to do with acquired tolerance than genetic resistance. Long-term (years) sub-patent infections may maintain host tolerance, and elimination of malaria infections may place these adults at subsequent risk of severe malaria.
Elements for a Cognitive Analysis of Poetic Discourse
Authors: Luján Atienza Ángel
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes the application of some of the analytical instruments developed in cognitive studies to poetic discourse as a preliminary step for a global treatment of poetry based on the principle of relevance. The lack of contributions of this type in the Hispanic field makes this exploration more important. This application has been structured according to the three levels of discourse analysis: the sentence level to which the principles of cognitive grammar are applied; the textual level, where the viability of the theory of textual worlds in poetry is shown; and the discursive level, where the problems of the poetic subject and the generic identity of poetry are reconsidered from a cognitive perspective.
Emotivity and Sociopragmatic Classification of Ethnolects
Authors: Baran Marek
Published: January 2019

The article focuses on emotivity as one of the classificatory parameters of the communicative ethos and conversational ethnolects. Emotivity analysed in sociopragmatic terms should not only be linked to the so-called emotional charge of enunciation or the verbal externalization of affective states. According to our approach, it is more similar to a ritual attribute of interaction that accentuates conversational involvement, which opposes the strategies focused on non-interference and distancing. As a form of participatory-type positioning in the interaction, emotivity would encompass different mechanisms and strategies of solidarity, linked, grosso modo, with the positive politeness model.
The natural history of prescription opioid abuse: A pilot study exploring change in routes of administration and motivation for changes
Authors: McCaffrey, PhD Stacey , Manser, BA Kelly A. , Trudeau, PhD Kimberlee J. , Niebler, DO Gwendolyn , Brown, MD Colville , Zarycranski, MS Donna , Budman, PhD Simon H
Published: January 2019

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective, observational pilot study was to explore change in route of administration (RoA) and motivation for changing RoA during the course of opioid abuse.Design: This retrospective pilot study involved collecting and analyzing semistructured interview data.Setting: Interviews were conducted with patients undergoing outpatient substance abuse treatment at a buprenorphine clinic.Participants: Twenty adult patients (50 percent male) participated in the interviews.Main outcome measures: Interview data were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed to evaluate trends and motivations for changing RoA.Results: In this sample, RoA varied over time. Most patients (75.0 percent) began abusing prescription opioids by swallowing intact pills, and 53.3 percent of patients eventually progressed to chewing. All patients who initiated abuse through chewing or insufflation (ie, intranasal use) progressed to injection. However, several patients (20.0 percent) did not exhibit a linear progression from RoAs with lesser to greater risk for serious adverse events. Of the eight motivations for changing RoA identified in the current study, the most frequently cited (38.2 percent) motivation was to achieve a desired effect (eg, euphoria).Conclusions: This pilot study is one of the first to investigate natural history of RoA in prescription opioid abuse and motivations for changing RoA. Results suggest that a defined pathway of RoA progression may not exist, and that achieving a desired effect is a common motivation for changing RoA. Although these findings need to be replicated in a larger sample, this research may help support the development of opioid risk mitigation strategies.
Driving under the influence of opioids: What prescribers should know
Authors: Pergolizzi, Jr, MD Joseph V. , Taylor, Jr, PhD Robert , Bisney, MA John , LeQuang, BA Jo Ann , Raffa, PhD Robert B. , Pergolizzi, JD Fabianna , Colucci Daniel , Batastini, JD, BS Pharm Lisa
Published: January 2019

Opioids affect the central nervous system and are known to produce dizziness, sleepiness, mood changes, and other actions that in some people have a negative impact on psychomotor or mental performance. The negative effects can be exacerbated in persons who are taking other prescription medications or illegal substances. Opioid-abusing drivers clearly represent an unnecessary danger to the public; although the vast majority of patients taking prescription opioids for pain safely drive to work and other activities, a subset may be impaired, but not be aware of or recognize the problem. The majority of pain patients would likely be surprised to learn that the legal systems in most parts of the world, including most states in the United States, do not differentiate between a pain patient taking a prescribed opioid at the right dose and frequency, and an abuser taking an illegal drug. For example, in some parts of the United States, a driver may be initially stopped for a relatively minor offense and, if the officer notices that the driver is wearing a fentanyl patch, charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUID). The present narrative review attempts to highlight the existing problem, the different legal thresholds for arrest and prosecution for DUID, and the challenge of trying to have zero-tolerance for driving under the influence of a drug used illegally, while at the same time not arresting legitimate patients who are taking pain medication as prescribed. There is a clear and present need for an integrated assessment and addressing of the current confounding situation.
A nasal abuse potential randomized clinical trial of REMOXY® ER, a high-viscosity extended-release oxycodone formulation
Authors: Friedmann, PhD, MD Nadav , Marsman, PharmD Michael R. , De Kater, PhD Annelies W. , Burns, PhD Lindsay H. , Webster, MD Lynn R.
Published: January 2019

Objective: This study examined the nasal abuse deterrence of REMOXY ER, a novel high-viscosity extended-release oxycodone formulation.Design: An Institutional Review Board-approved, single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo, and active-controlled, four-way crossover study of intranasal REMOXY ER gel, manipulated or intact, and ground oxycodone immediate-release (IR). An open label extension examined pharmacokinetics of OxyContin® ER in the first 20 subjects.Participants: Healthy, adult nondependent recreational opioid users with a history of intranasal abuse. Thirty-eight subjects enrolled; 36 completed.Setting: A clinical research in-patient unit.Interventions: Cross-over arms included nasal self-administration of the entire contents of REMOXY ER 40 mg capsules (manipulated or intact), ground oxycodone IR 40 mg tablets, and placebo. The open-label arm was ground OxyContin ER.Main outcome measures: The primary endpoint was the maximum effect (Emax) of visual analog scale ratings of Drug Liking. Secondary endpoints included Take Drug Again (12 and 24 hours), Drug High Emax, area under effect curves through 12 hours, pupillometry, peak oxycodone concentrations (Cmax), time to maximum concentration (Tmax), and Abuse Quotient (Cmax/Tmax).Results: Intranasal REMOXY ER (manipulated or intact) elicited lower Drug Liking and Drug High compared to ground oxycodone IR. Secondary endpoints also reflected reduced Abuse Potential. Intranasal REMOXY ER (manipulated or intact) led to fourfold lower Cmax, a 57 to 128 percent longer Tmax, a >10-fold lower Abuse Quotient and lower Take Drug Again scores compared to both OxyContin ER and oxycodone IR.Conclusion: In this study, REMOXY ER demonstrated significantly lower nasal abuse potential compared to oxycodone IR or OxyContin ER.Perspective: Abuse-deterrent drugs are intended to help fight opioid abuse. Yet the persistence of the opioid epidemic indicates that vast improvements in abuse-deterrent technology are needed. A new, high-viscosity, extended-release oxycodone formulation showed robust abuse-deterrence against the nasal route of abuse in an Food and Drug Administration-advised clinical trial in recreational opioid users.
A new interpretative framework for below-cloud effects on stable water isotopes in vapour and rain
Authors: Graf Pascal , Wernli Heini , Pfahl Stephan , Sodemann Harald
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Raindrops interact with water vapour in ambient air while sedimenting from
the cloud base to the ground. They constantly exchange water molecules with
the environment and, in sub-saturated air, they evaporate partially or
entirely. The latter of these below-cloud processes is important for
predicting the resulting surface rainfall amount. It also influences the
boundary layer profiles of temperature and moisture through evaporative
latent cooling and humidity changes. However, despite its importance, it is
very difficult to quantify this process from observations. Stable water
isotopes provide such information, as they are influenced by both rain
evaporation and equilibration (i.e. the exchange of isotopes between
raindrops and ambient air). This study elucidates this option by introducing
a novel interpretative framework for stable water isotope measurements
performed simultaneously at high temporal resolution in both near-surface
vapour and rain. We refer to this viewing device as the ΔδΔd-diagram, which shows the isotopic composition (δ2H,
d-excess) of equilibrium vapour from precipitation samples relative to the
ambient vapour. It is shown that this diagram facilitates the diagnosis of
below-cloud processes and their effects on the isotopic composition of vapour
and rain since equilibration and evaporation lead to different pathways in
the two-dimensional phase space of the ΔδΔd-diagram, as
investigated with a series of sensitivity experiments with an idealized
below-cloud interaction model. The analysis of isotope measurements for a
specific cold front in central Europe shows that below-cloud processes lead
to distinct and temporally variable imprints on the isotope signal in surface
rain. The influence of evaporation on this signal is particularly strong
during periods with a weak precipitation rate. After the frontal passage, the
near-surface atmospheric layer is characterized by higher relative humidity,
which leads to weaker below-cloud evaporation. Additionally, a lower melting
layer after the frontal passage reduces time for exchange between vapour and
rain and leads to weaker equilibration. Measurements from four cold frontal
events reveal a surprisingly similar slope of ΔdΔδ=-0.30 in the phase space, indicating a potentially
characteristic signature of below-cloud processes for this type of rain
event.
Dynamically controlled ozone decline in the tropical mid-stratosphere observed by SCIAMACHY
Authors: Galytska Evgenia , Rozanov Alexey , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Dhomse Sandip. S. , Weber Mark , Arosio Carlo , Feng Wuhu , Burrows John P.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Despite the recently reported beginning of a recovery in global stratospheric
ozone (O3), an unexpected O3 decline in the tropical
mid-stratosphere (around 30–35 km altitude) was observed in satellite
measurements during the first decade of the 21st century. We use SCanning
Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY)
measurements for the period 2004–2012 to confirm the significant O3
decline. The SCIAMACHY observations show that the decrease in O3 is
accompanied by an increase in NO2. To reveal the causes of these observed O3 and NO2 changes, we
performed simulations with the TOMCAT 3-D chemistry-transport model (CTM)
using different chemical and dynamical forcings. For the 2004–2012 time
period, the TOMCAT simulations reproduce the SCIAMACHY-observed O3
decrease and NO2 increase in the tropical mid-stratosphere. The
simulations suggest that the positive changes in NO2 (around
7 % decade−1) are due to similar positive changes in reactive odd
nitrogen (NOy), which are a result of a longer residence
time of the source gas N2O and increased production via
N2O + O(1D). The model simulations show a negative change of
10 % decade−1 in N2O that is most likely due to variations
in the deep branch of the Brewer–Dobson Circulation (BDC). Interestingly,
modelled annual mean “age of air” (AoA) does not show any significant
changes in transport in the tropical mid-stratosphere during 2004–2012. However, further analysis of model results demonstrates significant seasonal variations.
During the autumn months (September–October) there are positive AoA changes that imply
transport slowdown and a longer residence time of N2O allowing for more
conversion to NOy, which enhances O3 loss. During winter months
(January–February) there are negative AoA changes, indicating faster N2O
transport and less NOy production. Although the variations in AoA over a
year result in a statistically insignificant linear change, non-linearities in the
chemistry–transport interactions lead to a statistically significant negative
N2O change.
Organic peroxy radical chemistry in oxidation flow reactors and environmental chambers and their atmospheric relevance
Authors: Peng Zhe , Lee-Taylor Julia , Orlando John J. , Tyndall Geoffrey S. , Jimenez Jose L.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Oxidation flow reactors (OFRs) are a promising complement to
environmental chambers for investigating atmospheric oxidation processes and
secondary aerosol formation. However, questions have been raised about how
representative the chemistry within OFRs is of that in the troposphere. We
investigate the fates of organic peroxy radicals (RO2), which play
a central role in atmospheric organic chemistry, in OFRs and environmental
chambers by chemical kinetic modeling and compare to a variety of ambient
conditions to help define a range of atmospherically relevant OFR operating
conditions. For most types of RO2, their bimolecular fates in OFRs
are mainly RO2+HO2 and RO2+NO, similar to chambers and
atmospheric studies. For substituted primary RO2 and acyl
RO2, RO2+RO2 can make a significant contribution to
the fate of RO2 in OFRs, chambers and the atmosphere, but
RO2+RO2 in OFRs is in general somewhat less important than in
the atmosphere. At high NO, RO2+NO dominates RO2 fate in
OFRs, as in the atmosphere. At a high UV lamp setting in OFRs,
RO2+OH can be a major RO2 fate and RO2
isomerization can be negligible for common multifunctional RO2,
both of which deviate from common atmospheric conditions. In the OFR254
operation mode (for which OH is generated only from the photolysis of added
O3), we cannot identify any conditions that can simultaneously
avoid significant organic photolysis at 254 nm and lead to RO2
lifetimes long enough (∼ 10 s) to allow atmospherically relevant
RO2 isomerization. In the OFR185 mode (for which OH is generated
from reactions initiated by 185 nm photons), high relative humidity, low UV
intensity and low precursor concentrations are recommended for the
atmospherically relevant gas-phase chemistry of both stable species and
RO2. These conditions ensure minor or negligible RO2+OH
and a relative importance of RO2 isomerization in RO2
fate in OFRs within ∼×2 of that in the atmosphere. Under these
conditions, the photochemical age within OFR185 systems can reach a few
equivalent days at most, encompassing the typical ages for maximum secondary
organic aerosol (SOA) production. A small increase in OFR temperature may
allow the relative importance of RO2 isomerization to approach the
ambient values. To study the heterogeneous oxidation of SOA formed under
atmospherically relevant OFR conditions, a different UV source with higher
intensity is needed after the SOA formation stage, which can be done with
another reactor in series. Finally, we recommend evaluating the atmospheric
relevance of RO2 chemistry by always reporting measured and/or
estimated OH, HO2, NO, NO2 and OH reactivity (or at least
precursor composition and concentration) in all chamber and flow reactor
experiments. An easy-to-use RO2 fate estimator program is included
with this paper to facilitate the investigation of this topic in future
studies.
Impacts of an intense wildfire smoke episode on surface radiation, energy and carbon fluxes in southwestern British Columbia, Canada
Authors: McKendry Ian G. , Christen Andreas , Lee Sung-Ching , Ferrara Madison , Strawbridge Kevin B. , O'Neill Norman , Black Andrew
Published: January 2019

Abstract. A short, but severe, wildfire smoke episode in July 2015, with an aerosol
optical depth (AOD) approaching 9, is shown to strongly impact radiation
budgets across four distinct land-use types (forest, field, urban and
wetland). At three of the sites, impacts on the energy balance are also
apparent, while the event also appears to elicit an ecosystem response with
respect to carbon fluxes at the wetland and a forested site. Greatest impacts on
radiation and energy budgets were observed at the forested site where the
role of canopy architecture and the complex physiological responses to an
increase in diffuse radiation were most important. At the forest site, the
arrival of smoke reduced both sensible and latent heat flux substantially
but also lowered sensible heat flux more than the latent heat flux. With
widespread standing water, and little physiological control on
evapotranspiration, the impacts on the partitioning of turbulent
fluxes were modest at the wetland compared to the physiologically dominated
fluxes at the forested site. Despite the short duration and singular nature
of the event, there was some evidence of a diffuse radiation fertilization
effect when AOD was near or below 2. With lighter smoke, both the wetland
and forested site appeared to show enhanced photosynthetic activity (a
greater sink for carbon dioxide). However, with dense smoke, the forested site
was a strong carbon source. Given the extensive forest cover in the Pacific
Northwest and the growing importance of forest fires in the region, these
results suggest that wildfire aerosol during the growing season potentially
plays an important role in the regional ecosystem response to smoke and
ultimately the carbon budget of the region.
Phosphorus solubility in aerosol particles related to particle sources and atmospheric acidification in Asian continental outflow
Authors: Shi Jinhui , Wang Nan , Gao Huiwang , Baker Alex R. , Yao Xiaohong , Zhang Daizhou
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The continent-to-ocean supply of phosphorus (P) in the soluble
state, recognized as bioavailable P, via the atmosphere is hypothesized to be
crucial to the biological cycle in offshore surface seawater. To investigate
the solubility of P in aerosol particles moving towards the northwestern
Pacific from the Asian continent, we measured the total P (TP), total
dissolved P (TDP) and dissolved inorganic P (DIP) in aerosols at Qingdao
(36∘06′ N, 120∘33′ E), a coastal city in eastern China.
The samples were collected in December 2012 and January 2013 (winter) and in
March and April 2013 (spring), when the middle-latitude westerly wind was
prevailing. On average, P solubility, i.e., the ratio of TDP to TP, was 32.9±16.7 % in winter and 21.3±9.8 % in spring, and the TP
concentrations in the two seasons were similar. This seasonal solubility
difference is attributed to the aerosol sources containing the P. Particles
in winter were predominantly anthropogenic particles from local and regional
areas, and particles in spring were significantly influenced by natural dust
from the arid and semiarid areas in the inland part of the continent.
Moreover, acidification processes associated with the formation of sulfate
and nitrate in the winter samples enhanced P solubility, suggesting that the
P in anthropogenic particles was more susceptible to the production of acidic
species than that in natural dust particles. There was a strong positive
correlation between P solubility and relative humidity (RH). P solubility was
usually less than 30 % when RH was below 60 %, even when the content
of acidic species and/or anthropogenic particles in the aerosols was high,
suggesting humidity had a critical role in the production of TDP. In
addition, the proportion of DIP in TDP was high when the particles were
predominantly anthropogenic, and the proportion of dissolved organic P (DOP;
quantified as TDP minus DIP) in TDP was high when the particles were dominated by
natural dust. These results indicate that, as the contents of bioavailable P
in Asian continent outflows are closely dependent on the aerosol particle
origins, atmospheric acidic processes could convert P into a bioavailable
state under certain meteorological conditions. Therefore, the recent severe
air pollution over East Asia might have enhanced the input of bioavailable P
to downwind marine areas.
Benefit of ozone observations from Sentinel-5P and future Sentinel-4
missions on tropospheric composition
Authors: Quesada-Ruiz Samuel , Attié Jean-Luc , Lahoz William A. , Abida Rachid , Ricaud Philippe , El Amraoui Laaziz , Zbinden Régina , Piacentini Andrea , Joly Mathieu , Eskes Henk , Segers Arjo , Curier Lyana , de Haan Johan , Kujanpää Jukka , Oude-Nijhuis Albert , Tamminen Johanna , Timmermans Renske , Veefkind Pepijn
Published: January 2019

Abstract. We present an observing simulated system experiment (OSSE) dedicated to evaluate the potential added value from the Sentinel-4 and the Sentinel-5P observations on tropospheric ozone composition. For this purpose, the ozone data of Sentinel-4 (Ultraviolet Visible Near-infrared) and Sentinel-5P (TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument) onboard a geostationary (GEO) and a low Earth orbit (LEO) platform, respectively, has been simulated for the summer 2003. To ensure the robustness of the results, the OSSE has been configured with conservative assumptions. We simulate the reality by combining two chemistry transport models (CTMs): the Long Term Ozone Simulation-European Operational Smog (LOTOS-EUROS) and the Transport Model version 5 (TM5). The assimilation system is based on a different CTM, the MOdèle de Chimie Atmosphérique à Grande Echelle (MOCAGE), combined with the 3D variational technique. The background error covariance matrix does not evolve in time and its variance is proportional to the field values. The simulated data are formed of six eigenvectors to minimize the size of the dataset by removing the noise-dominated part of the observations. The results show that the satellite data clearly bring direct added value around 200 hPa for the whole assimilation period and for the whole European domain, while a likely indirect added value is identified but not for the whole period and domain at 500 hPa, and to a lower extent at 700 hPa. In addition, the ozone added value from Sentinel-5P (LEO) appears close to that from Sentinel-4 (GEO) in the free troposphere (200–500 hPa) in our OSSE.
Simulating growth-based harvest adaptive to future climate change
Authors: Yousefpour Rasoul , Nabel Julia E. M. S. , Pongratz Julia
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Forests are the main source of biomass production from solar energy and take
up around 2.4±0.4 PgC per year globally. Future changes in climate
may affect forest growth and productivity. Currently, state-of-the-art Earth
system models use prescribed wood harvest rates in future climate
projections. These rates are defined by integrated assessment models (IAMs),
only accounting for regional wood demand and largely ignoring the supply side
from forests. Therefore, we assess how global growth and harvest potentials
of forests change when they are allowed to respond to changes in
environmental conditions. For this, we simulate wood harvest rates oriented
towards the actual rate of forest growth. Applying this growth-based harvest
rule (GB) in JSBACH, the land component of the Max Planck Institute's
Earth system model, forced by several future climate scenarios, we realized a
growth potential 2 to 4 times (3–9 PgC yr−1) the harvest rates
prescribed by IAMs (1–3 PgC yr−1). Limiting GB to managed forest areas (MF), we simulated a harvest potential of 3–7 PgC yr−1, 2 to 3 times
higher than IAMs. This highlights the need to account for the dependence of
forest growth on climate. To account for the long-term effects of wood harvest as
integrated in IAMs, we added a life cycle analysis, showing that the higher
supply with MF as an adaptive forest harvesting rule may improve the net
mitigation effects of forest harvest during the 21st century by
sequestering carbon in anthropogenic wood products.
Interpreting eddy covariance data from heterogeneous Siberian tundra: land-cover-specific methane fluxes and spatial representativeness
Authors: Tuovinen Juha-Pekka , Aurela Mika , Hatakka Juha , Räsänen Aleksi , Virtanen Tarmo , Mikola Juha , Ivakhov Viktor , Kondratyev Vladimir , Laurila Tuomas
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The non-uniform spatial integration, an inherent feature of the eddy
covariance (EC) method, creates a challenge for flux data interpretation in a
heterogeneous environment, where the contribution of different land cover
types varies with flow conditions, potentially resulting in biased estimates
in comparison to the areally averaged fluxes and land cover attributes. We
modelled flux footprints and characterized the spatial scale of our EC
measurements in Tiksi, a tundra site in northern Siberia. We used leaf area
index (LAI) and land cover class (LCC) data, derived from very-high-spatial-resolution
satellite imagery and field surveys, and quantified the sensor
location bias. We found that methane (CH4) fluxes varied strongly
with wind direction (−0.09 to 0.59 µgCH4m-2s-1 on
average) during summer 2014, reflecting the distribution of different LCCs.
Other environmental factors had only a minor effect on short-term flux
variations but influenced the seasonal trend. Using footprint weights of
grouped LCCs as explanatory variables for the measured CH4 flux, we
developed a multiple regression model to estimate LCC group-specific fluxes.
This model showed that wet fen and graminoid tundra patches in locations with
topography-enhanced wetness acted as strong sources
(1.0 µgCH4m-2s-1 during the peak emission period),
while mineral soils were significant sinks
(−0.13 µgCH4m-2s-1). To assess the
representativeness of measurements, we upscaled the LCC group-specific fluxes
to different spatial scales. Despite the landscape heterogeneity and rather
poor representativeness of EC data with respect to the areally averaged LAI
and coverage of some LCCs, the mean flux was close to the CH4 balance
upscaled to an area of 6.3 km2, with a location bias of 14 %. We
recommend that EC site descriptions in a heterogeneous environment should be
complemented with footprint-weighted high-resolution data on vegetation and
other site characteristics.
The 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean: new data from a Corchia speleothem (Apuan Alps, central Italy)
Authors: Isola Ilaria , Zanchetta Giovanni , Drysdale Russell N. , Regattieri Eleonora , Bini Monica , Bajo Petra , Hellstrom John C. , Baneschi Ilaria , Lionello Piero , Woodhead Jon , Greig Alan
Published: January 2019

Abstract. We present new data on the 4.2 ka event in the central Mediterranean from
Corchia Cave (Tuscany, central Italy) stalagmite CC27. The stalagmite was
analyzed for stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O)
and trace elements (Mg, U, P, Y), with all proxies showing a coherent phase
of reduced cave recharge between ca. 4.5 and 4.1 ka BP. Based on the
current climatological data on cyclogenesis, the reduction in cave recharge
is considered to be associated with the weakening of the cyclone center
located in the Gulf of Genoa in response to reduced advection of air masses
from the Atlantic during winter. These conditions, which closely resemble a
positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) type of configuration, are
associated with cooler and wetter summers with reduced sea warming, which
reduced the western Mediterranean evaporation during autumn–early winter,
further reducing precipitation.
A Salinity Module for SWAT to Simulate Salt Ion Fate and Transport
at the Watershed Scale
Authors: Bailey Ryan T. , Tavakoli-Kivi Saman , Wei Xiaolu
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Salinity is one of the most common water quality threats in river basins and irrigated regions worldwide. However, no available numerical models simulate all major processes affecting salt ion fate and transport at the watershed scale. This study presents a new salinity module for the SWAT model that simulates the fate and transport of 8 major salt ions (SO4, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, CO3, HCO3) in a watershed system. The module accounts for salt transport in surface runoff, soil percolation, lateral flow, groundwater, and streams, and equilibrium chemistry reactions in soil layers and the aquifer. The module consists of several new subroutines that are imbedded within the SWAT modelling code and one input file containing soil salinity and aquifer salinity data for the watershed. The model is applied to a 732 km2 salinity-impaired irrigated region within the Arkansas River Valley in southeastern Colorado, and tested against root zone soil salinity, groundwater salt ion concentration, groundwater salt loadings to the river network, and in-stream salt ion concentration. The model can be a useful tool in simulating baseline salinity transport and investigating salinity best management practices in watersheds of varying spatial scales worldwide.
Laboratory and field tests and distinct element analysis of dry granular flows and segregation processes
Authors: Cheng Yung Ming , Fung Wing Hong Ivan , Li Liang , Li Na
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Natural as well as fill slopes are commonly found in Hong Kong, China, and
many other countries, and slope failures with the subsequent debris flows
have caused a serious loss of life and property in the past until now. There
are various processes and features associated with debris flow which
engineers need to know so as to design for the precautionary measures. In
this study, experiments on flume tests, friction tests, deposition tests, and
rebound tests were carried out for different sizes of balls to
determine the parameters required for the modelling of dry granular flow.
Different materials and sizes of balls are used in the flume tests, and
various flow pattern and segregation phenomena are noticed in the tests.
Distinct element modelling (DEM) of dry granular flow is also carried out for
the flow process. It is found that for simple cases, the flow process can be
modelled reasonably well by DEM, which is crucial for engineers to determine
the pattern and impact of granular flow, which will lead to further study in
more complicated debris flow. From laboratory tests, large-scale field
tests, and numerical simulations of single- and multiple-material tests,
it is also found that the particle size will be the most critical factor in
the segregation process during granular flow. It is also found from the
laboratory tests and numerical simulations that a jump in the flume can help
to reduce the final velocity of the granular flow, which is useful for
practical purposes.
Beliefs or Intentionality? Instructor Approaches to ePortfolio Pedagogy
Authors: Tse Crystal T , Scholz Kyle W , Lithgow Katherine
Published: January 2019

We provide evidence to substantiate the learning potential of eportfolios by focusing on instructor variables that influence eportfolio learning experiences. We conducted a mixed-methods study of over 800 students across 30 courses. Using survey, interview, and focus group data, we argue that instructors’ approaches to eportfolio activities play a critical but underappreciated role in whether the eportfolio will be a valued student learning experience. By adapting categorizations of deep, surface, and strategic learning, we argue that an instructor’s approach to eportfolios can be classified in a similar manner. We analyze how the instructor adheres to eportfolio best practices, and how the instructor manages student expectations and relays the importance of the eportfolio. As a result, we propose that instructors too can adopt a deep, surface, or strategic approach to eportfolios. Our data show that students generally benefit most when instructors adopt a deep, intentional approach to eportfolios, such as having a long-term investment in the course (e.g., teaching it more than one time), taking a hands-on approach with the administration of the eportfolio, and collaboratively designing the eportfolio activity.
Nous présentons des preuves afin de justifier le potentiel d’apprentissage des ePortfolios en nous concentrant sur les variables des instructeurs qui influencent les expériences d’apprentissage présentées par les ePortfolios. Nous avons mené une étude à méthodologie mixte auprès de plus de 800 étudiants dans 30 cours différents. Nous avons recueilli des données suite à des sondages, des entrevues et des groupes de discussion et nous en avons déduit que les activités préparées pour les ePortfolios par les instructeurs jouent un rôle primordial mais toutefois non apprécié à sa juste valeur pour déterminer si le ePortfolio va être une expérience d’apprentissage enrichissante. En adaptant des catégorisations d’apprentissage profond, de surface et stratégique, nous pensons que l’approche d’un instructeur vis-à-vis du ePortfolio peut être classifiée de la même manière. Nous analysons la manière dont l’instructeur adhère aux meilleures pratiques du ePortfolio ainsi que la manière dont l’instructeur gère les attentes des étudiants et transmet l’importance du ePortfolio. En conséquence, nous proposons que les instructeurs eux aussi peuvent adopter une approche profonde, en surface et stratégique vis-à-vis des ePortfolios. Nos données indiquent qu’en général, les étudiants bénéficient le plus quand les instructeurs adoptent une approche profonde et intentionnelle vis-à-vis des ePortfolios, comme par exemple le fait de consacrer un investissement à long-terme dans le cours (par exemple, le fait de l’enseigner davantage qu’une seule fois), d’adopter une approche pratique vis-à-vis de l’administration du ePortfolio, et en assurant la conception en collaboration des activités du ePortfolio.
L'implantation du portfolio électronique et le développement des environnements personnels d'apprentissage des étudiants
Authors: Boéchat-Heer Stéphanie
Published: January 2019

Cet article présente les résultats d’une enquête par questionnaire réalisée à quatre reprises auprès d’étudiants en formation à l’enseignement. L’objectif de cette recherche est de montrer dans quelle mesure l’implantation du portfolio électronique permet le développement de compétences professionnelles en technologies éducatives et améliore le sentiment d’auto-efficacité des étudiants dans le domaine. Les résultats de cette étude longitudinale montrent que l’appropriation du portfolio électronique par les étudiants permet de développer leurs compétences en technologies éducatives ainsi que leurs environnements personnels d’apprentissage (EPA) et améliore leur sentiment d’auto-efficacité dans le domaine.
This article presents the results of a questionnaire survey conducted four times among students in teacher training. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate to what extent the implementation of the e-portfolio allows for the development of professional skills in educational technologies and improves the feeling of self-efficacy of the students in the field. The results of this longitudinal study show that the utilization of the electronic portfolio by students helps to develop their skills in educational technologies as well as their personal learning environments (PLEs) and improves their feeling of self-efficacy in the field.
Deconstructing the Notion of ePortfolio as a ‘High Impact Practice’: A Self-Study and Comparative Analysis
Authors: Mueller Robin A , Bair Haboun
Published: January 2019

ePortfolio has become a popular pedagogical tool on the higher educational landscape, often referred to as a “high impact practice” that has the potential to generate transformative learning experiences. After reflecting on our educational development consultations and undergraduate teaching practices with ePortfolio, we identified areas of resonance with, and misalignment between, research literature and our experiences with implementation. We have conducted a self-study to capture the narratives of our experiences, and engaged in a comparative analysis of these narratives alongside ePortfolio best practice literature. We provide a comprehensive literature review, an overview of our narratives, and a discussion about the inconsistencies arising from our comparison. We conclude by offering some recommendations for application and suggestions for further inquiry.
L’ePortfolio est devenu un outil pédagogique populaire sur la scène de l’enseignement supérieur, on en parle souvent comme d’une « pratique à fort impact » qui a le potentiel de générer des expériences d’apprentissage transformateur. Après avoir examiné nos consultations en matière de développement éducationnel et de pratiques d’enseignement au niveau du premier cycle avec emploi d’un ePortfolio, nous avons identifié des zones de résonnance ainsi que des dissonances par rapport à la recherche publiée et à nos expériences de mise en oeuvre. Nous avons mené une auto-évaluation afin de saisir les descriptions de nos expériences ainsi qu’une analyse comparative de ces descriptions côte à côte avec la documentation publiée sur les meilleures pratiques en matière d’ePortfolio. Nous présentons un examen complet de la documentation publiée, une vue d’ensemble de nos descriptions et une discussion sur les contradictions qui découlent de notre comparaison. En conclusion, nous offrons quelques recommandations concernant la mise en application ainsi que des suggestions pour un complément d’examen.