bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small Convenience Stores and the Local Food Environment: An Analysis of Resident Shopping Behavior Using Multilevel Modeling
Authors: Ruff Ryan Richard , Akhund Ali , Adjoian Tamar
Published: March 2015

Purpose.

Local food environments can influence the diet and health of individuals through food availability, proximity to retail stores, pricing, and promotion. This study focused on how small convenience stores, known in New York City as bodegas, influence resident shopping behavior and the food environment.

Design.

Using a cross-sectional design, 171 bodegas and 2118 shoppers were sampled.

Setting.

Small convenience stores in New York City.

Subjects.

Any bodega shopper aged 18+ who purchased food or beverage from a participating store.

Measures.

Data collection consisted of a store assessment, a health and behavior survey given to exiting customers, and a bag check that recorded product information for all customer purchases.

Analysis.

Descriptive statistics were generated for bodega store characteristics, shopper demographics, and purchase behavior. Multilevel models were used to assess the influence of product availability, placement, and advertising on consumer purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), water, and fruits and vegetables.

Results.

Seventy-one percent of participants reported shopping at bodegas five or more times per week, and 35% reported purchasing all or most of their monthly food allotment at bodegas. Model results indicated that lower amounts of available fresh produce were significantly and independently associated with a higher likelihood of SSB purchases. A second, stratified multilevel model showed that the likelihood of purchasing an SSB increased with decreasing varieties of produce when produce was located at the front of the store. No significant effects were found for water placement and beverage advertising.

Conclusions.

Small convenience stores in New York City are an easily accessible source of foods and beverages. Bodegas may be suitable for interventions designed to improve food choice and diet.
Two distinct desynchronization processes caused by lesions in globally coupled neurons
Authors: Ferrari Fabiano A. S. , Viana Ricardo L.
Published: March 2015

To accomplish a task, the brain works like a synchronized neuronal network where all the involved neurons work together. When a lesion spreads in the brain, depending on its evolution, it can reach a significant portion of relevant area. As a consequence, a phase transition might occur: the neurons desynchronize and cannot perform a certain task anymore. Lesions are responsible for either disrupting the neuronal connections or, in some cases, for killing the neuron. In this work, we will use a simplified model of neuronal network to show that these two types of lesions cause different types of desynchronization.Received: 20 November 2014,  Accepted: 10 March 2015; Edited by: C. A. Condat, G. J. Sibona; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.070002Cite as: F A S Ferrari, R L Viana, Papers in Physics 7, 070002 (2015)  This paper, by Fabiano A. S. Ferrari, Ricardo L. Viana , is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.
PLAM – a meteorological pollution index for air quality and its applications in fog-haze forecasts in north China
Authors: Yang Y. , Wang J. , Gong S. , Zhang X. , Wang H. , Wang Y. , Wang J. , Li D. , Guo J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Using surface meteorological observation and high resolution emission data, this paper discusses the application of PLAM/h Index (Parameter Linking Air-quality to Meteorological conditions/haze) in the prediction of large-scale low visibility and fog-haze events. Based on the two-dimensional probability density function diagnosis model for emissions, the study extends the diagnosis and prediction of the meteorological pollution index PLAM to the regional visibility fog-haze intensity. The results show that combining the influence of regular meteorological conditions and emission factors together in the PLAM/h parameterization scheme is very effective in improving the diagnostic identification ability of the fog-haze weather in North China. The correlation coefficients for four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) between PLAM/h and visibility observation are 0.76, 0.80, 0.96 and 0.86 respectively and all their significance levels exceed 0.001, showing the ability of PLAM/h to predict the seasonal changes and differences of fog-haze weather in the North China region. The high-value correlation zones are respectively located in Jing-Jin-Ji (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei), Bohai Bay rim and the southern Hebei-northern Henan, indicating that the PLAM/h index has relations with the distribution of frequent heavy fog-haze weather in North China and the distribution of emission high-value zone. Comparatively analyzing the heavy fog-haze events and large-scale fine weather processes in winter and summer, it is found that PLAM/h index 24 h forecast is highly correlated to the visibility observation. Therefore, PLAM/h index has better capability of doing identification, analysis and forecasting.
Optimization of model parameters and experimental designs with the Optimal Experimental Design Toolbox (v1.0) exemplified by sedimentation in salt marshes
Authors: Reimer J. , Schuerch M. , Slawig T.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The geosciences are a highly suitable field of application for optimizing model parameters and experimental designs especially because many data are collected. In this paper, the weighted least squares estimator for optimizing model parameters is presented together with its asymptotic properties. A popular approach to optimize experimental designs called local optimal experimental designs is described together with a lesser known approach which takes into account the potential nonlinearity of the model parameters. These two approaches have been combined with two methods to solve their underlying discrete optimization problem. All presented methods were implemented in an open-source MATLAB toolbox called the Optimal Experimental Design Toolbox whose structure and application is described. In numerical experiments, the model parameters and experimental design were optimized using this toolbox. Two existing models for sediment concentration in seawater and sediment accretion on salt marshes of different complexity served as an application example. The advantages and disadvantages of these approaches were compared based on these models. Thanks to optimized experimental designs, the parameters of these models could be determined very accurately with significantly fewer measurements compared to unoptimized experimental designs. The chosen optimization approach played a minor role for the accuracy; therefore, the approach with the least computational effort is recommended.
Economics, Yield and Ecology
Authors: Malherbe Stephanus , Marais Diana
Published: March 2015

A clear tomato yield gap exists in southern Africa. Understanding the economic crop production factors is a necessary prelude to any discussion of ecological sustainability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic factors that influence the sustainability of open-field tomato production. The authors compared detailed tomato production costs from six international studies to data from the largest commercial tomato producer in South Africa. The Environmental Impact Quotient (EIQ) was used to demonstrate the interactions between economic and agro-ecological constraints. Economic pressures are forcing tomato producers to intensify production, which underscores the need for the continued development of ecologically sustainable tomato production systems. The findings of this study will benefit policy development in support of sustainable food security in the rural areas of southern Africa and beyond.
Ex Ante Appraisal of Agricultural Research and Extension
Authors: Lambrecht Isabel , Vranken Liesbet , Merckx Roel , Vanlauwe Bernard , Maertens Miet
Published: March 2015

Research on agricultural technology adoption generally occurs ex post, after the introduction of a technology. In this paper, the authors use a choice experiment to reveal farmers' preferences for new agricultural technologies ex ante, before new technologies are developed and introduced. The authors implement a choice experiment among 200 farmers in Burundi and use mixed logit models to analyse preferences for specific traits of improved climbing bean varieties. It was found that farmers had a strong preference for climbing bean varieties that resulted in higher yields and improved soil fertility, while the maturation period and the responsiveness to fertilizer were less important. Seed price was found to matter only for the most food-insecure farmers. These choice experimental results can inform agricultural research and extension programmes ex ante to take into account farmers' preferences and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.
Rituelen in krakersverzet
Authors: van Gemert Frank , Dadusc Deanna , Visser Rutger
Published: March 2015

Rituals in the resistance of squatting

This article examines the transformations in form and function of rituals in the squatting movement in Amsterdam. Upon roaring early years, rituals emerged around the search for houses to squat, the actual squatting and evictions. These rituals were recognized and used by squatters as well as other parties and they have contributed to the reduction of violence. Meanwhile, squatting in the Netherlands was prohibited and the question arises if, in this new situation, form and function of rituals have changed too. The findings shed some light on the broader link between rituals and resistance.
Acid α-galactosidase is involved in D-chiro-inositol accumulation during tartary buckwheat germination
Authors: Jia Cai-Feng , Hu Wan-Hong , Chang Zhong-yi , Gao Hong-Liang
Published: March 2015

Tartary buckwheat seed and especially its sprouts are rich in D-chiro-inositol (DCI). The research was to evaluate when DCI was most accumulated in tartary buckwheat sprouts. In addition, we explored the activity and expression pattern of α-galactosidase during tartary buckwheat seed germination. The results showed that DCI contents steadily increased at early stage of germination and reached the highest level of 33.42 µg/seed at 24 h during the 72 h trail. However, the total fagopyritol contents sharply decreased from 214.6 µg/seed to 46 µg/seed at the end of the germination. The activity of acid α-galactosidase increased gradually to the peak of 0.36 nkat/seed at 24 h after the primed seed imbibition. We cloned the gene fragment of α-galactosidase in tartary buckwheat for the first time. The deduced amino acid sequence is 93% identical to that of P. vulgaris. The quantitative PCR result of gene expression pattern was consistent with its enzyme activity during seed germination.
Charles Dickens and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Polloway Edward A. , Smith J. David , Patton James R.
Published: March 2015

Throughout civilization, the power of the word has significantly influenced and shaped societies. The contributions of writers has been substantial and this is certainly true in the field of intellectual disability. The renowned author, Charles Dickens, spoke of the need for appropriate education and treatment for people with these disabilities. He is notable for his early and prophetic vision of their potential for growth. This paper reviews important examples that were included in his novels as well as in other writings on people with intellectual disabilities. The manuscript places his work in an historical perspective, highlights his contributions to the literature of disability advocacy, and references his relevance to the field of intellectual disability.
Functional Measurement of Special Education Teachers’ and Students’ Expectations Toward Job Training for Persons with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Morales-Martinez Guadalupe Elizabeth , Lopez-Ramirez Ernesto Octavio , Villarreal-TreviÃ±o Maria Guadalupe , Mezquita-Hoyos Yanko Norberto
Published: March 2015

Persons with intellectual disability (PWID) have fewer opportunities for enrolment in school programs and post-school employment than do their peers with typical development. Evidence suggests that attitude toward PWID is a main factor in either promoting or limiting better life conditions for this population. In this paper, the goal was to determine the cognitive information integration rules underlying the expectations of 174 special education teachers and students with regard to job training for PWID. In order to accomplish this goal, four factors (Gender, Severity of disability, Type of task, and Emotional traits) were orthogonally combined to implement a cognitive algebra study design. We obtained 48 experimental conditions, with each one presented as a scenario describing a PWID in a work training situation. Participants read these scenarios and were asked to judge the probability of the success of PWID with regard to learning the skills needed to complete the required work. Patterns of response allowed us to identify low, moderate, and high viewpoints with regard to participants’ judgments of predicted success. Personal factors (Emotional traits and Severity of disability) and the Type of task factor were considered the most important in influencing the participants’ judgment. These factors seemed to be integrated in a complex systematic cognitive pattern. Implications from this type of result with regard to PWID and work training are discussed in this paper.
Turismo de eventos: los cruceros españoles en la inauguración del Canal de Suez de 1869
Authors: Cerchiello Gaetano
Published: March 2015

El 17 de noviembre de 1869 tuvo lugar el solemne acto de inauguración del Canal de Suez. Largamente celebrado por los medios de información, el histórico acontecimiento atrajo visitantes de toda Europa, generando asimismo la promoción de varios viajes organizados. Tras una breve introducción sobre los principales hechos que condujeron a la apertura de la nueva ruta marítima, este artículo se ocupa de dos singulares proyectos de cruceros turísticos españoles, en una época en la que los viajes de recreo al extranjero, y el turismo en general, sólo proliferaban entre las élites foráneas. Su estudio ayuda a esclarecer, por otra parte, algunos rasgos diferenciales de las primeras experiencias crucerísticas en España, que habían empezado a llevarse a cabo desde mediados del siglo XIX.
Estructura territorial del turismo en San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, México
Authors: Garza Tovar Josué Roberto , Sánchez Crispín Álvaro
Published: March 2015

El objetivo de este trabajo es revelar la estructura territorial del turismo en la ciudad de San Cristóbal de Las Casas, en el estado de Chiapas, México. La investigación se compone de dos secciones: la primera esboza la base natural, histórica y social que soporta el crecimiento turístico en el área en estudio; la segunda identifica los elementos en torno a los que se organiza el turismo en el territorio: los recursos y servicios turísticos, los canales espaciales de circulación de los turistas, así como los flujos que éstos originan desde ámbitos nacionales y del extranjero.
Colaboración y gobernanza para el desarrollo turístico. Aranjuez como estudio de caso
Authors: Muñoz-Mazón Ana , Velasco González María
Published: March 2015

El artículo se basa en una investigación sobre las posibilidades de crear un órgano de gestión del destino, de carácter mixto, para la gestión turística de Aranjuez. Se argumenta que para elegir el mejor modelo de órgano de gestión turística para un destino es necesario investigar tres categorías: caracterización del turismo, importancia relativa del turismo y madurez colaborativa de los actores turísticos del destino. La conclusión es que no existe un modelo de órgano de gestión mixta que pueda ser implantado en cualquier destino turístico, siendo el contexto específico y sus condiciones los que acaban aconsejando qué tipo de institución de gestión de destino es posible diseñar e implantar.
Paradores, Pousadas y Habaguanex. La rehabilitación en el marco de la hotelería pública
Authors: Rodríguez Pérez María José
Published: March 2015

El artículo relaciona tres modelos de hotelería pública de ámbito internacional desde el punto de vista de la intervención patrimonial. Por una parte, los paradores y las pousadas, con una gran tradición a sus espaldas, y por otra, los hoteles Habaguanex, uno de los más recientes ejemplos de actuación pública en la industria hotelera. La puesta en común de sus características y criterios determina la peculiar evolución que ha tenido la rehabilitación en cada uno de ellos, y enfatiza la convergencia en el binomio patrimonio-turismo, aún hoy reconocido como fórmula sostenible de gestión patrimonial.
Communication processes, public administration and performance evaluation
Authors: Musaraj Arta
Published: March 2015

Albanian efforts to fulfill European standards and norm in its Public Administration and service delivery, are becoming a research argument for academics and practitioners as well. Even if significant efforts have been made in this direction there is still a gap in analyzing the link between the communication process which creates and delivers the public service, effect of the used tools in service provision and delivery, the performance evaluation of this sector and the future of the sector itself affected by the intersection of these factors. This brings a great necessity to watch very close those evolutions, processes and the impacts they have in the Albanian social tissue. At the same time, it is very important to understand what streamline has been followed till now by micro and macro huge progresses which have affected the systems, the relations between pairs which not necessarily are being expressed in standards. There is no sustainable change or improvement, if they aren’t built at the cellular level, and when we talk about the state, institutions and citizens, the way they relate, if it is standardized or not by laws or procedures, it becomes the most important reading that we must do to understand the substratum of those progresses. Relations, communications and the future of the communicative situations between citizens and public operators including the public administration during the public service proceedings, indicate the quality and sustainability of Albanian evolutions in social view, as well as the forecasting we can do regarding their impact in the future. Tools by which strategies have been applied, seems to affect the process as well as affect pairs perception of fairness, justice and low conformity. This oblige us investigate about effects and impacts they have had during the service proceedings. We may judge the transparence’s perception related to how much equal citizens consider they are being treated by public operators, what’s its influence in trust climate, notably on the citizens trust towards public administration, whose salaries are being paid by public and who theoretically must carry over public interest. We may, as well, investigate the impact that this variable has had in the new dimension of accountability which is a strong indicator of the evolution of public administrations in Albania, showing how the way public services are being delivered and how much the public itself is actually ruling through a careful reading of the communications hold between them and public administrations.
Management of the taxation on tourism operators, an important component of revenues and investments in the tourism sector
Authors: Borici Kraja Ylvije , Osmani Elez
Published: March 2015

We are trying to bring here the importance that tourism taxation has. Based on the fact that tourism industry is becoming one of the most important branches of the economy, it is essential to find the best solution, the best taxes rates that would encourage tourism development, and the most important part is that this funds should be used to invest, to refund tourism industry. In this way we will have an increase of the income from the tourism. Of course, a strong taxation system will have negative impact on tourism industry. High rates of taxes would have negative impact on competitiveness, and would be a great disaster towards competitiveness and incomes. It is extremely important, to do the best towards the tax system, in this way the tourism could be encouraged. To better understand the system taxation in tourism we did the SWOT analyses. Based on these analysis we are going to bring here some conclusions and recommendations.
Recombination occurs within minutes of replication blockage by RTS1 producing restarted forks that are prone to collapse
Authors: Nguyen Michael O , Jalan Manisha , Morrow Carl A , Osman Fekret , Whitby Matthew C
Published: March 2015

The completion of genome duplication during the cell cycle is threatened by the presence of replication fork barriers (RFBs). Following collision with a RFB, replication proteins can dissociate from the stalled fork (fork collapse) rendering it incapable of further DNA synthesis unless recombination intervenes to restart replication. We use time-lapse microscopy and genetic assays to show that recombination is initiated within ∼10 min of replication fork blockage at a site-specific barrier in fission yeast, leading to a restarted fork within ∼60 min, which is only prevented/curtailed by the arrival of the opposing replication fork. The restarted fork is susceptible to further collapse causing hyper-recombination downstream of the barrier. Surprisingly, in our system fork restart is unnecessary for maintaining cell viability. Seemingly, the risk of failing to complete replication prior to mitosis is sufficient to warrant the induction of recombination even though it can cause deleterious genetic change.
RNA chaperones buffer deleterious mutations in E. coli
Authors: Rudan Marina , Schneider Dominique , Warnecke Tobias , Krisko Anita
Published: March 2015

Both proteins and RNAs can misfold into non-functional conformations. Protein chaperones promote native folding of nascent polypeptides and refolding of misfolded species, thereby buffering mutations that compromise protein structure and function. Here, we show that RNA chaperones can also act as mutation buffers that enhance organismal fitness. Using competition assays, we demonstrate that overexpression of select RNA chaperones, including three DEAD box RNA helicases (DBRHs) (CsdA, SrmB, RhlB) and the cold shock protein CspA, improves fitness of two independently evolved Escherichia coli mutator strains that have accumulated deleterious mutations during short- and long-term laboratory evolution. We identify strain-specific mutations that are deleterious and subject to buffering when introduced individually into the ancestral genotype. For DBRHs, we show that buffering requires helicase activity, implicating RNA structural remodelling in the buffering process. Our results suggest that RNA chaperones might play a fundamental role in RNA evolution and evolvability.
The fascinating and secret wild life of the budding yeast S. cerevisiae
Authors: Liti Gianni
Published: March 2015

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used in laboratory experiments for over a century and has been instrumental in understanding virtually every aspect of molecular biology and genetics. However, it wasn't until a decade ago that the scientific community started to realise how little was known about this yeast's ecology and natural history, and how this information was vitally important for interpreting its biology. Recent large-scale population genomics studies coupled with intensive field surveys have revealed a previously unappreciated wild lifestyle of S. cerevisiae outside the restrictions of human environments and laboratories. The recent discovery that Chinese isolates harbour almost twice as much genetic variation as isolates from the rest of the world combined suggests that Asia is the likely origin of the modern budding yeast.
Genetic, evolutionary and plant breeding insights from the domestication of maize
Authors: Hake Sarah , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey
Published: March 2015

The natural history of maize began nine thousand years ago when Mexican farmers started to collect the seeds of the wild grass, teosinte. Invaluable as a food source, maize permeated Mexican culture and religion. Its domestication eventually led to its adoption as a model organism, aided in large part by its large chromosomes, ease of pollination and growing agricultural importance. Genome comparisons between varieties of maize, teosinte and other grasses are beginning to identify the genes responsible for the domestication of modern maize and are also providing ideas for the breeding of more hardy varieties.
Three ancient hormonal cues co-ordinate shoot branching in a moss
Authors: Coudert Yoan , Palubicki Wojtek , Ljung Karin , Novak Ondrej , Leyser Ottoline , Harrison C Jill
Published: March 2015

Shoot branching is a primary contributor to plant architecture, evolving independently in flowering plant sporophytes and moss gametophytes. Mechanistic understanding of branching is largely limited to flowering plants such as Arabidopsis, which have a recent evolutionary origin. We show that in gametophytic shoots of Physcomitrella, lateral branches arise by re-specification of epidermal cells into branch initials. A simple model co-ordinating the activity of leafy shoot tips can account for branching patterns, and three known and ancient hormonal regulators of sporophytic branching interact to generate the branching pattern- auxin, cytokinin and strigolactone. The mode of auxin transport required in branch patterning is a key divergence point from known sporophytic pathways. Although PIN-mediated basipetal auxin transport regulates branching patterns in flowering plants, this is not so in Physcomitrella, where bi-directional transport is required to generate realistic branching patterns. Experiments with callose synthesis inhibitors suggest plasmodesmal connectivity as a potential mechanism for transport.
Narcissism, Self-esteem, Communication Apprehension, and Need for Affiliation: Difference between Social Networking Site Users and Non-users
Authors: Ahadzadeh Ashraf Sadat , Sharif Saeed Pahlevan , Wei Khong Kok , Emami Hossein
Published: March 2015

Nowadays, people are increasingly using social networking sites to initiate and maintain friendships, obtain social support and gather data. Personal traits could potentially drive people to join social networking sites as well as indulge in other related behaviors. This study aims to examine whether people with the need for affiliation, narcissism, self- esteem and communication apprehension are more likely to join social networking sites. Data for the current study were collected using convenience sampling; the sample consisted of undergraduate students studying at three private universities in Tehran, Iran. We used IBM SPSS 20 to run logistic regression statistics to test the research hypotheses developed for this study based on the responses from 284 respondents. The results of this study reveal that self-esteem, communication apprehension and the need for affiliation are significant predictors for social networking site usage while narcissism is not.
Parity and Non-Parity Determinants of Exchange Rates in Latin American Economies
Authors: Ho Catherine S. F. , Ariff M.
Published: March 2015

This paper reports how non-parity fundamental factors together with parity factors are correlated with exchange rate movements. Seven Latin American countries were included in this study using a selection criterion that for a pair of countries to be included, the pair must have more than 50 per cent of trade with the group chosen. The econometric methods applied are appropriate to this topic and include pooled time series regression and seemingly unrelated regression. The findings show that there is support for short and long-run effects on exchange rates from inflation and interest rates. We entered non-parity factors suggested in recent research reports as likely determinants of the exchange rates, and found four non-parity factors that are significantly correlated with exchange rates and these served as control variables in our test model. Our main result shows that both inflation and interest rates are jointly significant factors in most of the tests. The results appear to suggest that exchange rate research should include both nonparity and parity factors. Only then would the parity factor effects be identifiable as relevant to exchange rate formation.
Ionospheric plasma dynamics and instability caused by upward currents above thunderstorms
Authors: Kuo C. L. , Lee L. C.
Published: March 2015

Thunderstorms are electric generators, which drive currents upwardly into the ionosphere. In this paper, we examine the effects of thunderstorm upward current on the ionosphere. We use a thunderstorm model to calculate the three‐dimensional current flows in the atmosphere and to simulate the upward current above the thunderstorm with the tripole‐charge structure. The upward current flows into the ionosphere, while the associated electric field causes the plasma E × B motion. The caused plasma motion redistributes the plasma density, leading to ionospheric density variations. In the nighttime ionosphere, the E × B motion may also cause the formation of plasma bubbles.
Distribution of energetic oxygen and hydrogen in the near‐Earth plasma sheet
Authors: Kronberg E. A. , Grigorenko E. E. , Haaland S. E. , Daly P. W. , Delcourt D. C. , Luo H. , Kistler L. M. , Dandouras I.
Published: March 2015

The spatial distributions of different ion species are useful indicators for plasma sheet dynamics. In this statistical study based on 7 years of Cluster observations, we establish the spatial distributions of oxygen ions and protons at energies from 274 to 955 keV, depending on geomagnetic and solar wind (SW) conditions. Compared with protons, the distribution of energetic oxygen has stronger dawn‐dusk asymmetry in response to changes in the geomagnetic activity. When the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is directed southward, the oxygen ions show significant acceleration in the tail plasma sheet. Changes in the SW dynamic pressure (Pdyn) affect the oxygen and proton intensities in the same way. The energetic protons show significant intensity increases at the near‐Earth duskside during disturbed geomagnetic conditions, enhanced SW Pdyn, and southward IMF, implying there location of effective inductive acceleration mechanisms and a strong duskward drift due to the increase of the magnetic field gradient in the near‐Earth tail. Higher losses of energetic ions are observed in the dayside plasma sheet under disturbed geomagnetic conditions and enhanced SW Pdyn. These observations are in agreement with theoretical models.
Seasonal differences in intraseasonal and interannual variability of Mediterranean Sea surface temperature
Authors: Zveryaev Igor I.
Published: March 2015

Sea surface temperature (SST) data from the NOAA OI SST data set for 1982–2011 are used to investigate intraseasonal and interannual variability of Mediterranean SST during winter and summer seasons. It is shown that during winter the intraseasonal SST fluctuations are larger than the interannual SST variations in the western Mediterranean (e.g., the Tyrrhenian Sea), but smaller in the central and eastern Mediterranean Sea. In summer, the intraseasonal SST fluctuations are larger in almost the entire Mediterranean basin. Also summertime intraseasonal SST fluctuations are larger (up to three times near the Gulf of Lions) than their wintertime counterparts in the entire Mediterranean basin. The interannual SST variations are larger during summer in the western and central Mediterranean Sea and during winter in its eastern part. The leading empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the Mediterranean SST and of the intensities of its intraseasonal fluctuations are characterized by the differing spatial‐temporal structures both during winter and summer implying that their interannual variability is driven by different physical mechanisms. During winter, the EOF‐1 of SST is associated with the East Atlantic teleconnection, whereas EOF‐1 of the intensity of intraseasonal fluctuations is not linked significantly to regional atmospheric dynamics. The second EOFs of these variables are associated, respectively, with the East Atlantic/West Russia and the North Atlantic teleconnections. While during summer the atmospheric influence on Mediterranean SST is generally weaker, it is revealed that the EOF‐1 of the intensity of intraseasonal SST fluctuations is linked to the Polar teleconnection.
Inconsistency in Chinese solar radiation data caused by instrument replacement: Quantification based on pan evaporation observations
Authors: Yang Hanbo , Li Zhe , Li Mingliang , Yang Dawen
Published: March 2015

Solar radiation determines our climate and hydrological cycle, and it has been widely measured by pyrometers at meteorological stations. In the early 1990s, a large‐scale instrument replacement occurred across China, leading to inconsistent solar radiation observations. Fortunately, China has consistent pan evaporation (Epan) observations from Chinese micropans (with a diameter of 20 cm) from the 1950s to 2001. This study parameterized the PenPan‐20 model for estimating Epan from these pans using a Bayesian approach. Furthermore, based on the PenPan‐20 model, a shift in the solar radiation data (~1.4 ± 0.5 MJ/(d m2) or 16 ± 7 W/m2) in the early 1990s was revealed; this change was likely due to the large‐scale retrofitting of new instruments and irregular calibration operations.
Diagnosis of insidious data disasters
Authors: Lundquist Jessica D. , Wayand Nicholas E. , Massmann Adam , Clark Martyn P. , Lott Fred , Cristea Nicoleta C.
Published: March 2015

Everyone taking field observations has a story of data collection gone wrong, and in most cases, the errors in the data are immediately obvious. A more challenging problem occurs when the errors are insidious, i.e., not readily detectable, and the error‐laden data appear useful for model testing and development. We present two case studies, one related to the water balance in the snow‐fed Tuolumne River, Sierra Nevada, California, combined with modeling using the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM); and one related to the energy balance at Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, combined with modeling using the Structure for Unifying Multiple Modeling Alternatives (SUMMA). In the Tuolumne, modeled streamflow in 1 year was more than twice as large as observed; at Snoqualmie, modeled nighttime surface temperatures were biased by about +10°C. Both appeared to be modeling failures, until detective work uncovered observational errors. We conclude with a discussion of what these cases teach us about science in an age of specialized research, when one person collects data, a separate person conducts model simulations, and a computer is charged with data quality assurance.
Solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence that correlates with canopy photosynthesis on diurnal and seasonal scales in a temperate deciduous forest
Authors: Yang Xi , Tang Jianwu , Mustard John F. , Lee Jung‐Eun , Rossini Micol , Joiner Joanna , Munger J. William , Kornfeld Ari , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: March 2015

Previous studies have suggested that solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) is correlated with Gross Primary Production (GPP). However, it remains unclear to what extent this relationship is due to absorbed photosynthetically active radiation (APAR) and/or light use efficiency (LUE). Here we present the first time series of near‐surface measurement of canopy‐scale SIF at 760 nm in temperate deciduous forests. SIF correlated with GPP estimated with eddy covariance at diurnal and seasonal scales (r2 = 0.82 and 0.73, respectively), as well as with APAR diurnally and seasonally (r2 = 0.90 and 0.80, respectively). SIF/APAR is significantly positively correlated with LUE and is higher during cloudy days than sunny days. Weekly tower‐based SIF agreed with SIF from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment‐2 (r2 = 0.82). Our results provide ground‐based evidence that SIF is directly related to both APAR and LUE and thus GPP, and confirm that satellite SIF can be used as a proxy for GPP.
Diurnal variation of atmospheric electric field at the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan, distinctly different from the Carnegie curve in the summertime
Authors: Kamogawa Masashi , Suzuki Yuko , Sakai Rikuma , Fujiwara Hironobu , Torii Tatsuo , Kakinami Yoshihiro , Watanabe Yasuyuki , Sato Ryoe , Hashimoto Satoshi , Okochi Hiroshi , Miura Kazuhiko , Yasuda Hiroshi , Orihara Yoshiaki , Suzuki Tomoyuki
Published: March 2015

In fair weather, a clear diurnal variation of atmospheric electric field (AEF), which is distinctly different from the global diurnal variation, i.e., Carnegie curve, was observed during the summer time (July and August) of the year 2010 and 2011 at the summit of Mount Fuji, Japan (3776 m in altitude). The variation of the AEF at the summit showed a local time dependent feature, which means that the AEF increased at sunrise and decreased at sunset. This local diurnal variation is known as a mountain variation. The intensity of AEF in the daytime reached 1.5–3 times larger than that in the nighttime. From the multipoint observations of cloud images and AEF, the mountain variation was found to be attributable to the AEF generated by the positively charged top of a horizontally extensive sea of clouds below the summit. Since the sea of clouds grows with the temperature rise, the AEF variation follows local time.
Characteristics of PMSE associated with the geomagnetic disturbance driven by corotating interaction region and high‐speed solar wind streams in the declining solar cycle 23
Authors: Lee Young‐Sook , Kirkwood Sheila , Kwak Young‐Sil , Shepherd Gordon G. , Kim Kyung‐Chan , Yang Tae‐Yong , Kero Antti
Published: March 2015

We report interannual variations of the correlation between the reflectivity of polar mesospheric summer echoes (PMSEs) and solar wind parameters (speed and dynamic pressure), and AE index as a proxy of geomagnetic disturbances, and cosmic noise absorption (CNA) in the declining phase (2001–2008) of solar cycle 23. PMSEs are observed by 52 MHz VHF radar measurements at Esrange (67.8°N, 20.4°E), Sweden. In approaching the solar minimum years, high‐speed solar wind streams emanate from frequently emerging coronal holes, leading to 7, 9, and 13.5 day periodicities in their arrival at Earth. Periodicities of 7 and/or 9 days are found in PMSE reflectivity in 2005–2006 and 2008. Periodicity‐resolved correlations at 7 and 9 days of both D region ionization observed by cosmic noise absorption (CNA) and PMSE with solar wind speed and AE index vary from year to year but generally increase as solar minimum is approached. PMSEs have a higher periodicity‐resolved correlation with AE index than the solar wind speed. In addition, cross correlation of PMSE reflectivity with AE index is mostly higher than with CNA in solar minimum years (2005–2008). This can signify that high‐speed solar wind stream‐induced high‐energy particles possibly have strong influence on CNA, but not as much as on PMSE, especially for the years of significant periodicities occurring.
Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Modified Carbon Nanotube/Polyimide Film Supported MoS2 Nanoparticles for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jiang Yimin , Li Xin , Yu Shengjiao , Jia Lingpu , Zhao Xiaojuan , Wang Chunming
Published: March 2015

Efficient evolution of hydrogen through electrocatalysis at low overpotentials holds tremendous promise for clean energy. Herein, a highly active and stable MoS2 electrocatalyst is supported on reduced graphene oxide‐modified carbon nanotube/polyimide (PI/CNT‐RGO) film for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The PI/CNT‐RGO film allows the intimate growth of MoS2 nanoparticles on its surface. The nanosize and high dispersion of MoS2 nanoparticles provide a vast amount of available edge sites and the coupling of RGO and MoS2 enhances the electron transfer between the edge sites and the substrate, greatly improving the HER activity of PI/CNT‐RGO‐MoS2 film. The MoS2 with a smaller loading less than 0.04 mg cm−2 on the PI/CNT‐RGO film exhibits excellent HER activities with a low overpotential of 0.09 V and large current densities, as well as good stability. The Tafel slope of 61 mV dec−1 reveals the Volmer–Heyrovsky mechanism for HER. Thus, this work paves a potential pathway for designing efficient MoS2‐based electrocatalysts for HER.
Molecular‐Scale Hybridization of Clay Monolayers and Conducting Polymer for Thin‐Film Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Jingwen , Xu Simin , Tschulik Kristina , Compton Richard G. , Wei Min , O'Hare Dermot , Evans David G. , Duan Xue
Published: March 2015

Development of electrode materials with well‐defined architectures is a fruitful and profitable approach for achieving highly‐efficient energy storage systems. A molecular‐scale hybrid system is presented based on the self‐assembly of CoNi‐layered double hydroxide (CoNi‐LDH) monolayers and the conducting polymer (poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate), denoted as PEDOT:PSS) into an alternating‐layer superlattice. Owing to the homogeneous interface and intimate interaction, the resulting CoNi‐LDH/PEDOT:PSS hybrid materials possess a simultaneous enhancement in ion and charge‐carrier transport and exhibit improved capacitive properties with a high specific capacitance (960 F g–1 at 2 A g–1) and excellent rate capability (83.7% retention at 30 A g–1). In addition, an in‐plane supercapacitor device with an interdigital design is fabricated based on a CoNi‐LDH/PEDOT:PSS thin film, delivering a significantly enhanced energy and power output (an energy density of 46.1 Wh kg–1 at 11.9 kW kg–1). Its application in miniaturized devices is further demonstrated by successfully driving a photodetector. These characteristics demonstrate that the molecular‐scale assembly of LDH monolayers and the conducting polymer is promising for energy storage and conversion applications in miniaturized electronics.
Construction of Chiral 2‐Substituted Octahydroindoles from Cyclic Ketones and Nitroolefins Bearing only One α‐Substituent
Authors: Han Yong , Zheng Bo , Peng Yungui
Published: March 2015

A dual catalytic system has been developed following the screening of a series of chiral primary amine catalysts and chiral phosphoric acid catalysts for the Michael addition of cyclic ketones to nitroolefins bearing only one α‐substituent. The resulting γ‐nitro ketones, which contain a substituent on the carbon connected to the nitro group, were formed in excellent yields (>80%) with high levels of stereoselectivity (up to 94:6 dr and 98% ee) when the reaction was performed in benzene at 0 °C with 10 mol% of the optimal amine/phosphoric acid combination (1:1) as a catalyst. Subsequent reduction of the nitro group followed by intramolecular reductive amination could afford optically active cis‐octahydroindole analogues bearing a non‐functional substituent at their 2‐position.

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One‐Pot Synthesis of Symmetrical 2,6‐Diarylpyridines via Palladium/Copper‐Catalyzed Sequential Decarboxylative and Direct CH Arylation
Authors: Ma Zhiyong , Liu Hailong , Zhang Chunchun , Zheng Xueli , Yuan Maolian , Fu Haiyan , Li Ruixiang , Chen Hua
Published: March 2015

A palladium(II)/copper oxide (Cu2O)‐catalyzed one‐pot decarboxylative and direct CH arylation of 2‐picolinic acid with aryl bromides has been developed. Various aryl bromides have been shown to be efficient coupling partners in the presence of dimethyl sulfate, furnishing symmetrical 2,6‐diarylpyridines in moderate to good yields.

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Bioinspired, Base‐ and Metal‐Free, Mild Decarboxylative Aldol Activation of Malonic Acid Half Thioesters Under Phase‐Transfer Reaction Conditions
Authors: Bew Sean P. , Stephenson G. Richard , Rouden Jacques , Ashford Polly‐Anna , Bourane Manuel , Charvet Agathe , Dalstein Virginie M. D. , Jauseau Raphael , Hiatt‐Gipson G. D. , Martinez‐Lozano Luis A.
Published: March 2015

Utilizing ‘off the shelf’ commercially available, cheap, small synthetic molecules that mimic the efficient mediation of important bioreactions utilized by Nature is not only highly sought after but also currently highly topical. This paper details our preliminary efforts at developing a unique base‐ and metal‐free phase‐transfer‐mediated malonic acid thioester (MAHT) ‘activation protocol’ that efficiently generates (±)‐β‐thioesters. Our bioinspired aldol process is exceptionally mild, conducted under near neutral pH reaction conditions, does not require an inert, oxygen‐free atmosphere or anhydrous reaction conditions and is highly atom‐economic. Exemplifying the utility of our protocol, the synthesis of an array of structurally and functionally diverse (±)‐β‐hydroxy thioesters equipped with highly prized functionality, i.e., chlorine, bromine, fluorine, nitrile and nitro groups, is reported, as is the diastereoselective potential of this important reaction.

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Amine–Borane Complexes: Air‐ and Moisture‐Stable Partners for Palladium‐Catalyzed Borylation of Aryl Bromides and Chlorides
Authors: Guerrand Hélène D. S. , Vaultier Michel , Pinet Sandra , Pucheault Mathieu
Published: March 2015

A method for using amine–borane complexes directly in palladium catalyzed borylation has been developed. The reaction proceeds through the sequential formation of a boronium species followed by deprotonation leading to the aminoborane. This reagent is then directly used in the borylation process leading, after work‐up, to various boronic acid derivatives. The reaction was applied to (hetero)aryl triflates, iodides, bromides and chlorides.

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The physiological cost of reproduction for rich and poor across 65 countries
Authors: Hruschka Daniel J. , Hagaman Ashley
Published: March 2015

Objectives

One of the fundamental tradeoffs posited in life history theory is between storing energy for future reproduction versus spending that energy on current reproduction. However, past studies have shown variable and sometimes contradictory effects of reproduction on energy stores among women.

Methods

To examine how varying economic resources can account for these diverse findings, we applied mixed models to Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 187,848 nulliparous and primiparous women of reproductive age (20–34 years) in 65 countries varying widely in economic resources. Using this approach, we tracked average trajectories of body mass through pregnancy and the post‐partum period, and assessed how these trajectories varied by household wealth and breastfeeding.

Results

In all four wealth categories, sustained breastfeeding posed a substantial tradeoff with energy stores, reducing post‐partum BMI by 0.5 to 1.0 kg m−2 relative to non‐breastfeeding women. However, among the wealthiest households (>6,400 USD per capita), this deficit was buffered substantially by greater pre‐partum weight gain (+1.1 kg m−2 compared to women from the poorest households).

Conclusion

These findings show how the level of economic resources can systematically and profoundly shape a physiological tradeoff in reproduction, and can help account for past contradictory findings. More broadly, these results illustrate how integrating economic and energetic resources in a common framework can help clarify the apparently disparate weight‐related outcomes of fertility in different countries. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:654–659, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.