bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrate radical oxidation of γ-terpinene: hydroxy nitrate, total organic nitrate, and secondary organic aerosol yields
Authors: Slade Jonathan H. , de Perre Chloé , Lee Linda , Shepson Paul B.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Polyolefinic monoterpenes represent a potentially important but understudied source of organic nitrates (ON) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) following oxidation due to their high reactivity and propensity for multi-stage chemistry. Recent modeling work suggests that the oxidation of polyolefinic γ-terpinene can be the dominant source of nighttime ON in a mixed forest environment. However, the ON yields, aerosol partitioning behavior, and SOA yields from γ-terpinene oxidation by the nitrate radical (NO3), an important nighttime oxidant, have not been determined experimentally. In this work, we present a comprehensive experimental investigation of the total (gas + particle) ON, hydroxy nitrate, and SOA yields following γ-terpinene oxidation by NO3. Under dry conditions, the hydroxy nitrate yield = 4(+1/−3) %, total ON yield = 14(+3/−2) %, and SOA yield ≤10% under atmospherically-relevant particle mass loadings, similar to those for α-pinene + NO3. Using a chemical box model, we show that the measured concentrations of NO2 and γ-terpinene hydroxy nitrates can be reliably simulated from α-pinene + NO3 chemistry. This suggests that NO3 addition to either of the two internal double bonds of γ-terpinene primarily decomposes forming a relatively volatile keto–aldehyde, reconciling the small SOA yield observed here and for other internal olefinic terpenes. Based on aerosol partitioning analysis and identification of speciated particle-phase ON applying high-resolution liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, we estimate that a significant fraction of the particle-phase ON has the hydroxy nitrate moiety. This work greatly contributes to our understanding of ON and SOA formation from polyolefin monoterpene oxidation, which could be important in the northern continental U.S. and Midwest, where polyolefinic monoterpene emissions are greatest.
Updated atmospheric mercury emissions from iron and
steel production in China during 2000–2015
Authors: Wu Qingru , Gao Wei , Wang Shuxiao , Hao Jiming
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Iron and steel production (ISP) is one of the significant atmospheric Hg emission sources in China. Atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions from ISP during 2000–2015 were estimated by using a technology-based emission factor method. To support the application of this method, databases of Hg concentrations in raw materials, technology development trends, and Hg removal efficiencies of air pollution control devices (APCDs) were constructed through national sampling and literature review. Hg input to ISP increased from 21.6 t in 2000 to 94.5 t in 2015. In the various types of raw materials, coking coal and iron concentrates contributed 41 %–55 % and 22 %–30 % of the total Hg input. Atmospheric Hg emissions from ISP increased from 11.5 t in 2000 to 32.7 t in 2015 with the peak of 35.6 t in 2013. During the study period, although sinter/pellet plant and blast furnace were the largest two emission processes, emissions from roasting plant and coke oven accounted for 22 %–34 % of ISP’s emissions, which indicated that attention should also be paid on the emissions from these processes when estimating ISP’s emissions. Overall Hg speciation shifted from 50/44/6 (gaseous elemental Hg (Hg0)/gaseous oxidized Hg (HgII)/particulate-bound Hg (Hgp)) in 2000 to 40/59/1 in 2015, which indicated higher proportion of Hg deposition around the emission points. In the coming years, emissions from ISP are expected to decrease due to the projection of decreasing steel productions, increasing energy consumption efficiency, and improvement of APCDs. With the coming of high-yield-period of steel scrap production, the increasing application proportion of short process steel making method will not only reduce Hg emissions, but also increase the emission proportion of Hg0.
Comparison of the GOSAT TANSO-FTS TIR CH4 volume mixing ratio vertical profiles with those measured by ACE-FTS, ESA MIPAS, IMK-IAA MIPAS, and 16 NDACC stations
Authors: Olsen Kevin S. , Strong Kimberly , Walker Kaley A. , Boone Chris D. , Raspollini Piera , Plieninger Johannes , Bader Whitney , Conway Stephanie , Grutter Michel , Hannigan James W. , Hase Frank , Jones Nicholas , de Mazière Martine , Notholt Justus , Schneider Matthias , Smale Dan , Sussmann Ralf , Saitoh Naoko
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The primary instrument on the Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) is the Thermal And Near infrared Sensor for carbon Observations (TANSO) Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS). TANSO-FTS uses three short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands to retrieve total columns of CO2 and CH4 along its optical line-of-sight, and one thermal infrared (TIR) channel to retrieve vertical profiles of CO2 and CH4 volume mixing ratios (VMRs) in the troposphere. We examine version 1 of the TANSO-FTS TIR CH4 product by comparing co-located CH4 VMR vertical profiles from two other remote sensing FTS systems: the Canadian Space Agency's Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment-FTS (ACE-FTS) on SCISAT (version 3.5), and the European Space Agency's Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on Envisat (ESA ML2PP version 6 and IMK-IAA reduced-resolution version V5R_CH4_224/225), as well as 16 ground stations with the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC). This work follows an initial inter-comparison study over the Arctic, which incorporated a ground-based FTS at the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory (PEARL) at Eureka, Canada, and focuses on tropospheric and lower-stratospheric measurements made at middle and tropical latitudes between 2009 to 2013 (mid 2012 for MIPAS). For comparison, vertical profiles from all instruments are interpolated onto a common pressure grid, and the ACE-FTS, MIPAS, and NDACC vertical profiles are smoothed using the TANSO-FTS averaging kernels. We present zonally-averaged mean CH4 differences between each instrument and TANSO-FTS with and without smoothing, examine their information content, sensitive altitude range, correlation, a priori dependence, and the variability within each data set. Partial columns are calculated from the VMR vertical profiles, and their correlations are examined. We find that the TANSO-FTS vertical profiles agree with the ACE-FTS and both MIPAS retrievals' vertical profiles within 4 % below 15 km when smoothing is applied to the profiles from instruments with finer vertical resolution, but that the relative differences can increase to on the order of 25 % when no smoothing is applied. Computed partial columns are tightly correlated for each pair of data sets. We investigated whether the difference between TANSO-FTS and other CH4 VMR data products varies with latitude. Our study reveals a small dependence of around 0.1 % per ten degrees latitude, with smaller differences over the equator, and greater differences towards the poles.
Positive Indian Ocean Dipole events prevent anoxia off the west coast of India
Authors: Vallivattathillam Parvathi , Iyyappan Suresh , Lengaigne Matthieu , Ethé Christian , Vialard Jérôme , Levy Marina , Suresh Neetu , Aumont Olivier , Resplandy Laure , Naik Hema , Naqvi Wajih
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The seasonal upwelling along the west coast of India (WCI) brings nutrient-rich, oxygen-poor subsurface waters to the continental shelf, favoring very low oxygen concentrations in the surface waters during late boreal summer and fall. This yearly-recurring coastal hypoxia is more severe during some years, leading to coastal anoxia that has strong impacts on the living resources. In the present study, we analyze a 1/4° resolution coupled physical–biogeochemical regional oceanic simulation over the 1960–2012 period to investigate the physical processes influencing the oxycline interannual variability off the WCI, that being a proxy for the variability on the shelf in our model. Our analysis indicates a tight relationship between the oxycline and thermocline variations in this region on both seasonal and interannual timescales, thereby revealing a strong physical control of the oxycline variability. As in observations, our model exhibits a shallow oxycline and thermocline during fall that combines with interannual variations to create a window of opportunity for coastal anoxic events. We further demonstrate that the boreal fall oxycline fluctuations off the WCI are strongly related to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), with an asymmetric influence of its positive and negative phases. Positive IODs are associated with easterly wind anomalies near the southern tip of India. These winds force downwelling coastal Kelvin waves that propagate along the WCI and deepen the thermocline and oxycline there, thus preventing the occurrence of coastal anoxia. On the other hand, negative IODs are associated with WCI thermocline and oxycline anomalies of opposite sign but of smaller amplitude, so that the negative or neutral IOD phases are necessary but not the sufficient condition for coastal anoxia. As the IODs generally start developing in summer, these findings suggest some predictability to the occurrence of coastal anoxia off the WCI a couple of months ahead.
Environmental dynamics since the last glacial in arid Central Asia: evidence from grain size distribution and magnetic properties of loess from the Ili Valley, western China
Authors: Li Yue , Song Yougui , Fitzsimmons Kathryn E. , Chang Hong , Orozbaev Rustam , Li Xinxin
Published: March 2017

Abstract. The extensive loess deposits of the Eurasian mid-latitudes provide important terrestrial records of Quaternary climatic change. As yet, however, loess records in Central Asia are poorly understood. Here we investigate the grain size and magnetic characteristics of loess from the Nilka (NLK) section in the Ili Basin of eastern Central Asia. Magnetic parameters indicate very weak pedogenesis compared with loess from other regions in Eurasia. The higher χlf values occur in primary loess, rather than in weak paleosols, and the variations in magnetic susceptibility (MS) value correlate closely with the proportions of the sand fraction. We attribute this result to high wind strength at the time of loess deposition. To explore the dust transport patterns further, we identified three grain size end members (EM1, mode size 47.5 µm; EM2, 33.6 µm; EM3, 18.9 µm) which represent distinct aerodynamic environments. EM1 and EM2 represent the grain-size fractions transported from proximal sources in short-term, near-surface suspension during dust outbreaks. EM3 appears to represent the continuous background dust fraction under non-dust storm processes. Of the three end members, EM1 is most likely the most sensitive recorder of wind strength. A lack of correlation between EM1 proportions and GISP δ18O values at the millennial scale, combined with modern weather data, suggests that Arctic polar front predominates in the Ili Basin and the Kyrgyz Tian Shan piedmont during cold phases, which leads to the dust transport and accumulation of loess deposits, while the shift of mid-latitude westerlies towards the south and north controls the patterns of precipitation/moisture variations in this region. Comparison of EM1 proportions with Northern Hemisphere summer insolation clearly illustrate local insolation-based control on wind dynamics in the region, and humdity can also influence grain size of loess over MIS3 in particular. Although, the polar front dominated wind dynamics for loess deposition in the region, the Central Asian high mountains obstructed its migration further south. Our results may also support the significance of the mid-latitude westerlies in transmitting North Atlantic climate signals to East Asia.
Mechanisms of variability of decadal sea-level trends in the Baltic
Sea over the 20th century
Authors: Karabil Sitar , Zorita Eduardo , Hünicke Birgit
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Coastal sea-level trends in the Baltic Sea display decadal-scale variations around a centennial trend. These long-term centennial trends are likely determined by climate change and centennial vertical land movements. In this study, we analyse the spatial and temporal characteristics of the decadal trend variations and investigate the links between coastal sea-level trends and atmospheric forcing on decadal time scale. This investigation mainly focuses on the identification of the possible impact of an underlying factor, apart from the effect of atmospheric circulation, on decadal sea-level trend anomalies. For this analysis, we use monthly means of long tide gauge records and gridded sea-surface-height (SSH) reconstructions. The SSH time series are constructed over the past 64 years and based on tide-gauge records and satellite altimetry. Climatic data sets are composed of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index, the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index, gridded sea-level-pressure (SLP), gridded near-surface air temperature and gridded precipitation fields. The analysis indicates that atmospheric forcing is a driving factor of decadal sea-level trends. However, its effect is geographically heterogeneous. The Baltic Sea can be classified into two parts according to atmospheric impacts on decadal sea-level trends: one part consists of the northern and eastern regions of the Baltic Sea, where this impact is large. The other one covers the southern Baltic Sea area, with a smaller impact of the atmospheric circulation. To identify the influence of the large-scale factors other than the simultaneous effect of atmospheric circulation on the Baltic Sea level trends, we filter out the direct signature of atmospheric circulation on the Baltic Sea level by a multivariate linear regression model and analysed the residuals of this regression model. These residuals hint at a common underlying factor that coherently drives the decadal sea-level trends into the similar direction in the whole Baltic Sea region. We found that this underlying effect is partly a consequence of precipitation contribution to the Baltic Sea basin in the previous season. The investigation on the relation between the AMO-index and sea-level trends implies that this detected underlying factor is not connected to oceanic forcing driven from the North Atlantic region.
HIMMELI v1.0: HelsinkI Model of MEthane buiLd-up and emIssion
for peatlands
Authors: Raivonen Maarit , Smolander Sampo , Backman Leif , Susiluoto Jouni , Aalto Tuula , Markkanen Tiina , Mäkelä Jarmo , Rinne Janne , Peltola Olli , Aurela Mika , Tomasic Marin , Li Xuefei , Larmola Tuula , Juutinen Sari , Tuittila Eeva-Stiina , Heimann Martin , Sevanto Sanna , Kleinen Thomas , Brovkin Victor , Vesala Timo
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Wetlands are one of the most significant natural sources of methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. They emit CH4 because decomposition of soil organic matter in waterlogged anoxic conditions produces CH4, in addition to carbon dioxide (CO2). Production of CH4 and how much of it escapes to the atmosphere depend on a multitude of environmental drivers. Models simulating the processes leading to CH4 emissions are thus needed for upscaling observations to estimate present CH4 emissions and for producing scenarios of future atmospheric CH4 concentrations. Aiming at a CH4 model that can be added to models describing peatland carbon cycling, we developed a model called HIMMELI that describes CH4 build-up in and emissions from peatland soils. It is not a full peatland carbon cycle model but it requires the rate of anoxic soil respiration as input. Driven by soil temperature, leaf area index (LAI) of aerenchymatous peatland vegetation and water table depth (WTD), it simulates the concentrations and transport of CH4, CO2 and oxygen (O2) in a layered one-dimensional peat column. Here, we present the HIMMELI model structure, results of tests on the model sensitivity to the input data and to the description of the peat column (peat depth and layer thickness), and an intercomparison of the modelled and measured CH4 fluxes at Siikaneva, a peatland flux measurement site in Southern Finland. As HIMMELI describes only the CH4-related processes, not the full carbon cycle, our analysis revealed mechanisms and dependencies that may remain hidden when testing CH4 models connected to complete peatland carbon models, which is usually the case. Our results indicated that 1) the model is flexible and robust and thus suitable for different environments; 2) the simulated CH4 emissions largely depend on the prescribed rate of anoxic respiration; 3) the sensitivity of the total CH4 emission to other input variables, LAI and WTD, is mainly mediated via the O2 concentrations that affect the CH4 production and oxidation rates; 4) with given input respiration, the peat column description does not affect significantly the simulated CH4 emissions.
Inorganic and organic geochemical fingerprinting of sediment sources and ocean circulation on a complex continental margin (São Paulo Bight, Brazil)
Authors: de Mahiques Michel Michaelovitch , Hanebuth Till Jens Jörg , Nagai Renata Hanae , Bícego Marcia Caruso , Figueira Rubens Cesar Lopes , Sousa Silvia Helena Mello , Burone Leticia , Franco-Fraguas Paula , Taniguchi Satie , Salaroli Alexandre Barbosa , Dias Gilberto Pereira , Prates Denise Menezes , Freitas Maria Eugenia Fernandes
Published: March 2017

Abstract. In this study, we use inorganic (metal) and organic (bulk and molecular) markers in sediment samples of the south-eastern Brazilian margin to investigate the response of geochemical fingerprints to the complex hydrodynamic processes present in the area. Results indicate the potential of export of terrigenous siliciclastic and organic constituents to the upper slope, even in an area with limited fluvial supply.Metal contents and especially the ln(Ti ∕ Al) and ln(Fe ∕ K) ratios make it possible to recognise the extension of shelf sediments toward the upper slope. Potassium, here expressed as ln(K ∕ Sc) and ln(K ∕ Al) ratios used as proxies of illite–kaolinite variations, proved to be an important parameter, especially because it allowed us to decipher the imprint of the northward flow of the Intermediate Western Boundary Current (IWBC) in comparison to the southward flows of the Brazil Current (BC) and Deep Western Boundary Current (DWBC). Using organic matter analyses, we were able to evaluate the extent of terrestrial contributions to the outer shelf and slope, even without the presence of significant fluvial input. In addition, molecular markers signify a slight increase in the input of C4-derived plants to the slope sediments, transported from distant areas by the main alongshore boundary currents, indicating that the terrestrial fraction of the organic matter deposited on the slope has a distinct origin when compared to shelf sediments.
Impact of MODIS sensor calibration updates on Greenland ice sheet
surface reflectance and albedo trends
Authors: Casey Kimberly A. , Polashenski Chris M. , Chen Justin , Tedesco Marco
Published: March 2017

Abstract. We evaluate Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) surface reflectance and albedo trends using the newly released Collection 6 (C6) MODIS products over the period 2001–2016. We find that the correction of MODIS sensor degradation provided in the new C6 data products reduces the magnitude of the surface reflectance and albedo decline trends obtained from previous MODIS data (i.e. Collection 5, C5). Collection 5 and 6 data product analysis over GrIS is characterized by surface (i.e. wet vs. dry) and elevation (i.e. 500 m–2000 m, 2000 m and greater) conditions over the summer season from June 1–August 31. Notably, the visible-wavelength declining reflectance trends identified in several bands MODIS C5 data from previous studies are only slightly detected, at reduced magnitude in the C6 versions over the dry snow zone. Wet snow albedo decline over the MODIS record remains in the C6 product, albeit at a lower magnitude than obtained using C5 data. Further analysis of C6 spectral reflectance trends show both reflectance increases and decreases in select bands and regions, suggesting that several competing processes are contributing to ice sheet albedo change. Investigators using MODIS data in other fields may consider similar re-examinations of trends previously established using C5 data.
Call For Papers 2017 / Convocatoria 2017
Authors: Convocatoria BSJ
Published: March 2017

Convocatoria / Call for Papers
Populismo y democracia a debate. Una mirada cruzada desde el caso boliviano
Authors: Chaguaceda Armando , Torrealba Carlos
Published: March 2017

En sintonía con los contenidos del presente dosier, el objetivo de este artículo  es relacionar el debate sobre la naturaleza, actualidad y efectos del populismo –apelando tanto a las visiones clásicas como a planteos más recientes– con los fenómenos y procesos que caracterizan la realidad política boliviana y, de forma  más general, latinoamericana. Al hacer esto, se profundiza sobre la relación entre populismo y democracia y se discute la pertinencia de adjudicar (o no adjuticar) un carácter populista al gobierno que encabeza Evo Morales.
Destrucción de naciones. El arma global de Estados Unidos desarrollada en Bolivia
Authors: Zambrana M. Juan Carlos
Published: March 2017

A partir de la idea de que la "construcción de la nación” siempre comienza con la destrucción de la nación original, y que la etapa de la reconstrucción ya no se realiza, se postula que hoy por hoy ese proceso se limita a la destrucción de naciones. Esa destrucción se hace con la intervención militar, como en el caso de Irak, o sin ella, como en gran parte del planeta. Centrándose en el caso  boliviano pre-1952, el autor de este trabajo ofrece una crónica de esa operacion encubierta conceptualizada como “destrucción de naciones”. La crónica está reconstruida con documentos desclasificados del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, muchos de los cuales fueron originalmente secretos y permanecieron así por mucho tiempo.
What Drives Evo’s Attempts to Remain in Power? A Psychological Explanation
Authors: Arana Araya Ignacio
Published: March 2017

The current Bolivian President, Evo Morales, has managed to govern longer than all of his predecessors thanks to his three successful attempts to relax his term limits. In this article I argue that the high risk-taking personality of Morales, especially his social risk-taking, helps to explain why he has consistently tried to extend his time in office. To address this proposition I follow a twofold strategy. First, I show the results of a survey conducted among experts in presidents of the Americas. This survey measured different personality traits of the leaders that governed between 1945 and 2012, including their risk-taking. Second, I examine some of the most important decisions that Morales has made throughout his adult life. Both the survey and the analysis of Morales’ trajectory suggest that his attempts to cling to power are rooted in his risk-taking.
How to Decolonize Democracy: Indigenous Governance Innovation in Bolivia and Nunavut, Canada
Authors: Rice Roberta
Published: March 2017

This paper analyzes the successes, failures, and lessons learned from the innovative experiments in decolonization that are currently underway in Bolivia and Nunavut, Canada. Bolivia and Nunavut are the first large-scale tests of Indigenous governance in the Americas. In both cases, Indigenous peoples are a marginalized majority who have recently assumed power by way of democratic mechanisms. In Bolivia, the inclusion of direct, participatory, and communitarian elements into the democratic system, has dramatically improved representation for Indigenous peoples. In Nunavut, the Inuit have also opted to pursue self-determination through a public government system rather than through an Inuit-specific self-government arrangement. The Nunavut government seeks to incorporate Inuit values, beliefs, and worldviews into a Canadian system of government. In both cases, the conditions for success are far from ideal. Significant social, economic, and institutional problems continue to plague the new governments of Bolivia and Nunavut. Based on original research in Bolivia and Nunavut, the paper finds that important democratic gains have been made. I argue that the emergence of new mechanisms for Indigenous and popular participation has the potential to strengthen democracy by enhancing or stretching liberal democratic conceptions and expectations.
Democratic Competition in Bolivia
Authors: Chaguaceda y Torrealba, coordinadores Dossier
Published: March 2017

Dossier
Recordando a Antonio Melis (Vignola, 1942 - La Paz, 2016)
Authors: Editors BSJ
Published: March 2017

[es un ensayo literario y por lo tanto no tiene abstract]
Major Causes of Saudi Learners' Speaking Anxiety in EFL Classrooms
Authors: Hammad Rafada Suzan , Ahmad Madini Abeer
Published: March 2017

Since oral participation is one of the most observable phenomena in language classes, it has been noticed that students often suffer from a considerable level of anxiety in EFL classrooms. Although numerous studies have tackled this issue, particular attention to Saudi learners' perspectives of the main causes of speaking anxiety is needed. Therefore, this research aims to explore the main causes of speaking anxiety that Saudi EFL learners encounter in their language classrooms. The sample of this study involved 126 ELI Saudi female students studying their foundation year at King Abdul Aziz University and whose ages range between 18 to 20 years old. To reach a better and clear understanding of the research phenomenon, a mixed- method approach was used. For gathering data, two instruments were utilized; a semi-structured interview with ten students from level 102, 103, and 104 and an online based questionnaire with 116 students from level 102 and 103. The quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, and the qualitative data were thematically analyzed. The qualitative data found that the main causes of speaking anxiety were: Teachers' role in raising or reducing anxiety, lack of vocabulary, the weak educational system at schools, test anxiety, and peer anxiety. On the other hand, the quantitative data categorized speaking anxiety into three main domains: causes related to the classroom atmosphere, causes related to the EFL teachers, and others related to the test.
A semiautomatic tracking algorithm for mitral annular plane excursion: A mode for cardiac function evaluation
Authors: Goldsztejn Uri , Avraham Hadas , Zurakhov Grigoriy , Khamis Hanan , Friedman Zvi
Published: March 2017

Reduced long-axis deformation as derived from the temporal excursion of the mitral annular plane correlates well with left ventricle systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Since this parameter is barely compensated at the onset of ventricular dysfunction, it is proposed as an early marker of a dysfunction. The lack of a rapid, yet accurate tool for the evaluation of mitral annular plane excursion (MAPE) prevents this measurement from being used routinely in the clinic. Here, a semiautomatic tracking algorithm of the mitral annulus was developed. Describing the MAPE in clear geometrical terms together with state-of-the-art speckle tracking and speckle reduction algorithms, facilitated the development of such an algorithm. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated using a cohort of 48 apical views of subjects chosen randomly from a set of routine examinations done at Rambam Hospital. The curves obtained using the proposed algorithm were compared using a cross-correlation test with the standard global strain. The average cross-correlation coefficient obtained was 0.92, with standard deviation of 0.07.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Marketing Studies, Vol. 9, No. 2
Authors: Xiao Maple
Published: March 2017

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of Marketing Studies, Vol. 9, No. 2, 2017.
Numerical Solutions of a Quadratic Integral Equations by Using Variational Iteration and Homotopy Perturbation Methods
Authors: Al-badrani Hind , Hendi F. A. , Shammakh Wafa
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the approximate solutions for  quadratic integral equations (QIEs) are given by the variational iteration method(VIM) and homotopy perturbation method (HPM). These methods produce the solutions in terms of convergent series without needing to restrictive assumptions, to illustrate the ability and credibility of the methods, we deal with some examples that show simplicity and effectiveness.
Deposition of Transition Temperature Controlled Thermochromic NdxSm1-xNiO3 Films by Spin Coating
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Maejima Yusuke , Makinose Yuki
Published: March 2017

The precursor samarium nickelate or samarium-neodimium nickelate films were fabricated by a spin coating method using Sm-Ni or Nd-Sm-Ni aqueous solutions, and SmNiO3 and Nd0.5Sm0.5NiO3 films were obtained by heat-treatment of the precursor films at 750 °C in oxygen atmosphere. The resulting SmNiO3 and Nd0.5Sm0.5NiO3 films showed an electrical transition with the transition temperatures of 124.0 and 32.5 °C, respectively. Both of the films showed optical thermochromic properties at the above mentioned transition temperatures.
Review of the clavatus group of the lanternfly genus Pyrops (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Fulgoridae)
Authors: Constant Jérôme , Pham Hong-Thai
Published: March 2017

The clavatus group of Pyrops Spinola, 1839 is reviewed and redefined. The new combination Pyrops atroalbus (Distant, 1918) comb. nov. is proposed, as atroalbus is reinstated as a full species from status of subspecies of Pyrops watanabei (Matsumura, 1913). Pyrops nigripennis (Chou & Wang, 1985) and Pyrops clavatus mizunumai (Sato & Nagai, 1994) are proposed as junior synonyms of P. clavatus (Westwood, 1839). The Philippine species P. polillensis (Baker, 1925) is removed from the group and not attributed to any of the currently defined species groups. Hence, the clavatus group is restricted to continental Southeast Asia and Taiwan and contains three species: P. atroalbus comb. nov., P. clavatus and P. watanabei. A key to the species of the group and illustrations of the male genitalia are provided. The intraspecific colour variation in the group is discussed and illustrated. The genus Pyrops is removed from the subfamily Fulgorinae and not attributed to any of the currently defined subfamilies of Fulgoridae.
Investigating Interdimensional Relationships
Authors: Valentine Keri Duncan
Published: March 2017

Fifth and sixth graders examine connections during three key activities: watching and discussing Flatland: The Movie, constructing four-dimensional models, and working with arithmetic and geometric patterns.
“We are part of a family”. Benefits and limitations of community ART groups (CAGs) in Thyolo, Malawi: a qualitative study
Authors: Pellecchia Umberto , Baert Saar , Nundwe Spencer , Bwanali Andy , Zamadenga Bote , Metcalf Carol A. , Bygrave Helen , Daho Sarah , Ohler Liesbet , Chibwandira Brown , Kanyimbo Kennedy
Published: March 2017

Introduction: In 2012 Community ART Groups (CAGs), a community‐based model of antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery were piloted in Thyolo District, Malawi as a way to overcome patient barriers to accessing treatment, and to decrease healthcare workers’ workload. CAGs are self‐formed groups of patients on ART taking turns to collect ART refills for all group members from the health facility. We conducted a qualitative study to assess the benefits and challenges of CAGs from patients’ and healthcare workers’ (HCWs) perspectives.

Methods: Data were collected by means of 15 focus group discussions, 15 individual in‐depth interviews, and participant observation in 2 health centres. The 94 study participants included CAG members, ART patients eligible for CAGs who remained in conventional care, former CAG members who returned to conventional care and HCWs responsible for providing HIV care. Patient participants were purposively selected from ART registers, taking into account age and gender. Narratives were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and translated from Chichewa to English. Data were analyzed through a thematic analysis.

Results: Patients and HCWs spoke favourably about the practical benefits of CAGs. Patient benefits included a reduced frequency of clinic visits, resulting in reduced transportation costs and time savings. HCW benefits included a reduced workload. Additionally peer support was perceived as an added value of the groups allowing not only sharing of the logistical constraints of drugs refills, but also enhanced emotional support. Identified barriers to joining a CAG included a lack of information on CAGs, unwillingness to disclose one's HIV status, change of residence and conflicts among CAG members. Participants reported that HIV‐related stigma persists and CAGs were seen as an effective strategy to reduce exposure to discriminatory labelling by community members.

Conclusions: In this setting, patients and HCWs perceived CAGs to be an acceptable model of ART delivery. Despite addressing important practical barriers to accessing ART, and providing peer support, CAGs were not well known by patients and had a limited impact on reducing HIV‐related stigma. The CAG model of ART delivery should be considered in similar settings. Further measures need to be devised and implemented to address HIV‐related stigma.
Histone gene replacement reveals a post-transcriptional role for H3K36 in maintaining metazoan transcriptome fidelity
Authors: Meers Michael P , Henriques Telmo , Lavender Christopher A , McKay Daniel J , Strahl Brian D , Duronio Robert J , Adelman Karen , Matera A Gregory
Published: March 2017

Histone H3 lysine 36 methylation (H3K36me) is thought to participate in a host of co-transcriptional regulatory events. To study the function of this residue independent from the enzymes that modify it, we used a ‘histone replacement’ system in Drosophila to generate a non-modifiable H3K36 lysine-to-arginine (H3K36R) mutant. We observed global dysregulation of mRNA levels in H3K36R animals that correlates with the incidence of H3K36me3. Similar to previous studies, we found that mutation of H3K36 also resulted in H4 hyperacetylation. However, neither cryptic transcription initiation, nor alternative pre-mRNA splicing, contributed to the observed changes in expression, in contrast with previously reported roles for H3K36me. Interestingly, knockdown of the RNA surveillance nuclease, Xrn1, and members of the CCR4-Not deadenylase complex, restored mRNA levels for a class of downregulated, H3K36me3-rich genes. We propose a post-transcriptional role for modification of replication-dependent H3K36 in the control of metazoan gene expression.
Polo-like kinase-dependent phosphorylation of the synaptonemal complex protein SYP-4 regulates double-strand break formation through a negative feedback loop.
Authors: Nadarajan Saravanapriah , Lambert Talley J , Altendorfer Elisabeth , Gao Jinmin , Blower Michael D , Waters Jennifer C , Colaiácovo Monica P
Published: March 2017

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is an ultrastructurally conserved proteinaceous structure that holds homologous chromosomes together and is required for the stabilization of pairing interactions and the completion of crossover (CO) formation between homologs during meiosis I. Here, we identify a novel role for a central region component of the SC, SYP-4, in negatively regulating formation of recombination-initiating double-strand breaks (DSBs) via a feedback loop triggered by crossover designation in C. elegans. We found that SYP-4 is phosphorylated dependent on Polo-like kinases PLK-1/2. SYP-4 phosphorylation depends on DSB formation and crossover designation, is required for stabilizing the SC in pachytene by switching the central region of the SC from a more dynamic to a less dynamic state, and negatively regulates DSB formation. We propose a model in which Polo-like kinases recognize crossover designation and phosphorylate SYP-4 thereby stabilizing the SC and making chromosomes less permissive for further DSB formation.
JAOA/AACOM. Attitudes of Family Medicine Program Directors Toward Osteopathic Residents Under the Single Accreditation System
Authors: Hempstead Laura K. , Shaffer Todd D. , Williams Karen B. , Arnold James
Published: March 2017

Background: Between 2015 and 2020, residency programs accredited through the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) are preparing the single graduate medical education (GME) system through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Objectives: (1) To assess the attitudes of family medicine program directors in programs accredited dually by the AOA and ACGME (AOA/ACGME) or ACGME only toward the clinical and academic preparedness of osteopathic residency candidates and (2) to determine program director attitudes toward the perceived value of osteopathic-focused education, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) curricula. Methods: A survey was sent to program directors of AOA/ACGME and ACGME-only accredited family medicine residency programs. Items concerned program directors’ perception of the academic and clinical strength of osteopathic residents at the onset of residency, the presence of osteopathic faculty and residents currently in the program, and the presence of formal curricula for teaching OMT. The perceived value of osteopathic focus was obtained through a composite score of 5 items. Results: A total of 38 AOA/ACGME family medicine residency program directors (17%) and 211 ACGME family medicine residency program directors (45.6%) completed the survey (N=249). No difference was found in the ranking of the perceived clinical preparation of osteopathic residents vs allopathic residents in programs with and without OMT curricula (P=.054). Directors of programs with OMT curricula perceived the academic preparation of their osteopathic residents vs allopathic residents more highly than those without OMT curricula (P=.039). Directors of AOA/ACGME programs perceived both the academic preparation and clinical preparation of their osteopathic residents more highly than those at ACGME-only programs (P=.004 and P=.002, respectively). Conclusion: Directors of AOA/ACGME programs, as well as those whose programs have an osteopathic focus in curricular offerings, were more likely to rank the academic preparation of osteopathic residents higher than directors of ACGME-only programs and those without OMT curricula. Further research is needed to determine the value of osteopathic recognition in attracting strong family medicine residency candidates.
JAOA/AACOM. Blended Learning Educational Format for Third-Year Pediatrics Clinical Rotation
Authors: Langenau Erik E. , Lee Robert , Fults Marci
Published: March 2017

Context: Traditional medical education is shifting to incorporate learning technologies and online educational activities with traditional face-to-face clinical instruction to engage students, especially at remote clinical training sites. Objective: To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of the blended learning format (combining online and face-to-face instruction) for third-year osteopathic medical students during their pediatric rotation. Methods: Third-year medical students who completed the 4-week clerkship in pediatrics during the 2014-2015 academic year were divided into a standard learning group and a blended learning group with online activities (discussion boards, blogs, virtual patient encounters, narrated video presentations, and online training modules). Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Achievement Test scores and final course grades were compared between the standard learning and blended learning groups. Students in the blended learning group completed a postsurvey regarding their experiences. Results: Of 264 third-year students who completed the 4-week clerkship in pediatrics during the 2014-2015 academic year, 78 (29.5%) participated in the blended learning supplement with online activities. Of 53 students who completed the postsurvey in the blended learning group, 44 (83.0%) agreed or strongly agreed that “The integration of e-learning and face-to-face learning helped me learn pediatrics.” Open-ended comments supported this overall satisfaction with the course format; however, 26 of 100 comments reflected a desire to increase the amount of clinical exposure and face-to-face time with patients. No statistical differences were seen between the standard learning (n=186) and blended learning (n=78) groups with regard to Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Achievement Test scores (P=.321). Compared with the standard learning group, more students in the blended learning group received a final course grade of honors (P=.015). Conclusion: Results of this study support the use of blended learning in a clinical training environment. As more medical educators use blended learning, it is important to investigate the best balance between learning with technology and learning in a face-to-face setting. Online activities may enhance but should never fully replace face-to-face learning with real patients.
DIBALH‐Mediated Reductive Ring‐Expansion Reaction of Cyclic Ketoxime
Authors: Imaizumi Taku , Okano Kentaro , Tokuyama* Hidetoshi
Published: March 2017

The article discusses DIBALH‐mediated reductive ring‐expansion reaction of cyclic ketoxime. In contrast to the Beckmann rearrangement, the two possible geometries of the oxime C–N double bond can give exclusively an aromatic secondary amine in the presented method.
Trichloroboron‐promoted Deprotection of Phenolic Benzyl Ether Using Pentamethylbenzene as a Non Lewis‐Basic Cation Scavenger
Authors: Okaya Shun , Okuyama Keiichiro , Okano Kentaro , Tokuyama* Hidetoshi
Published: March 2017

This article determined that a combination of BCl3 and pentamethylbenzene (C6HMe5) facilitated smooth debenzylation even at −78 °C by modifying Yoshino's conditions using TFA and C6HMe5. Kobayashi and co‐workers applied the conditions to remove aliphatic benzyl ethers by replacing BCl3 with BBr3.11 Acid‐labile and easily reduced triene remained intact under the conditions to provide the corresponding pentaol in 59% yield.
Enantioselective Synthesis of α,α‐Disubstituted Lactones via a Chiral Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular Cyclization
Authors: Wilent Jennifer E. , Qabaja Ghassan , Petersen* Kimberly S.
Published: March 2017

The article describes highly efficient and generalized procedure for the synthesis of enantioenriched lactones containing a quaternary center through a Brønsted acid catalyzed desymmetrization of hydroxy diesters. The process has been improved to utilize only 1 mol% of Binol based phosphoric acid and proceed in under 48 hours.
Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Bromonitroalkanes for Umpolung Amide Synthesis: Preparation of
tert
‐Butyl ((1
R
)‐1‐(4‐(benzyloxy)phenyl)‐2‐bromo‐2‐nitroethyl)carbamate
Authors: Lim Victoria T. , Tsukanov Sergey V. , Stephens Amanda B. , Johnston* Jeffrey N.
Published: March 2017

α‐Bromonitroalkanes could engage amines in amide bond formation with the assistance of
N
‐iodosuccinimide. Evidence collected during the initial study, and consistent with subsequent mechanistic studies, suggested that the key carbon‐nitrogen bond‐forming step involved a nucleophilic nitonate carbon and an electrophilic iodamine nitrogen. This inversion of polarity relative to all other known amide bond‐forming reactions led to the description of this reaction as Umpolung Amide Synthesis (UmAS).
Synthesis of 1‐Bromopyrene and 1‐Pyrenecarbaldehyde
Authors: Schulze Matthias , Scherer Alexander , Diner Colin , Tykwinski* Rik R.
Published: March 2017

The article discusses synthesis of 1‐bromopyrene and 1‐pyrenecarbaldehyde. Due to the useful photophysical attributes of pyrene, it is a desirable component of many functional materials. Thus, 1‐bromopyrene is a key building block for a large portion of the chemical community. The first synthesis of 2 was described in 1937 by Lock, via the bromination of 1. Similar approaches have since been described using reagents such as NBS, CuBr and HBr with H
2
O The use of column chromatography in these protocols, however, limits the reaction scale. Fulfilling the demand for 1‐bromopyrene in larger amounts, a simple and chromatography free procedure has been reported in 1968 by Gumprecht. Unfortunately, this procedure require the use of CCl
4
as solvent, which has been prohibited in many countries due to toxicological and environmental concerns. Thus, there is considerable demand for a procedure with similar synthetic utility that does not require CCl
4
or column chromatography.
Preparation of Methyl 1,2,3,4‐tetra‐
O
‐acetyl‐β‐
D
‐glucopyranuronate
Authors: Cheallaigh Aisling Ní , Potter Garrett T. , Gardiner John M. , Miller* Gavin J.
Published: March 2017

This article describes the synthesis of methyl 1,2,3,4‐tetra‐
O
‐acetyl‐
β
‐D‐glucopyranuronate. it has been used to access non‐readily available L‐IdoA units for the construction of complex heparin‐related disaccharides, via an intermediate C5‐bromide. It has also seen utility for access to and characterization of the important glucuronide‐containing metabolite. Importantly, it also serves as a vital precursor for the formation of alternative C‐1 anomeric derivatives.
Oxyboration: Synthesis of Borylated Benzofurans
Authors: Faizi Darius J. , Nava Nicole A. , Al‐Amin Mohammad , Blum* Suzanne A.
Published: March 2017

The article describes the synthesis of borylated benzofurans. Boron–element additions are a powerful class of synthetic reactions capable of furnishing boron‐containing compounds that are adept at downstream functionalization. This alkoxyboration method provides access to bench‐stable borylated benzofurans isolated as the potassium organotrifluoroborate salt or the MIDA boronate ester.
Synthesis of Methyl 1‐Formylcyclopropanecarboxylate utilizing Ti‐Claisen Condensation
Authors: Ashida Yuichiro , Kajimoto Satomi , Nakatsuji* Hidefumi , Tanabe* Yoo
Published: March 2017

α‐formylation reaction of methyl 4‐chlorobutanoate (1) is a distinctive example of the compatibility with a base‐sensitive γ‐chloro group. Synthesis of 2 is not possible using the base‐mediated α‐formylation method due to undesirable and predominant cyclopropane formation leading to methyl cyclopropanecarboxylate. In conclusion, the present straightforward and robust synthetic strategy for the unique, but useful, building block 2 utilizing Ti‐Claisen condensation provides a new promising avenue, especially for pharmaceutical syntheses.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Amination of Allylic Alcohols at Room Temperature
Authors: Gao Bao , Li Lixin , Zhang Guoying , Huang* Hanmin
Published: March 2017

The article describes palladium‐catalyzed direct amination of allylic alcohols at room temperature. Simple palladium(II) complex has been identified to be an efficient catalyst for the direct amination of allylic alcohols with amines via C‐O bond cleavage. This simple reaction can be performed at room temperature and can be used for synthesis of a broad range of linear allylamines, which are important for natural product synthesis and drug discovery. Considering the practical importance of this atom‐ and stepeconomical amination reaction, significant further applications are expected.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Addition of Carboxylic Acids to Terminal Alkynes towards
Z
‐Enol Esters
Authors: Ganss Stephanie , Pedroni Julia , Lumbroso Alexandre , Leonhardt‐Lutterbeck Günther , Meißner Antje , Wei Siping , Drexler Hans‐Joachim , Heller Detlef , Breit* Bernhard
Published: March 2017

Our report employing the [Rh(COD)Cl]2/DPPMP catalyst system, further investigations have led to a more active Rh(COD)acac/DPPMP catalyst system, which furnishes the desired Z‐enol esters in equally high yields and selectivities however with a reduced reaction time of only 4 hours. Furthermore, this novel catalyst system employed in the herein reported protocol was found to be compatible with a wide range of functionalities. The catalyst systems developed by us show complementary functional group compatibility, allowing for a broad application of the rhodium‐catalyzed hydro‐oxycarbonylation in organic synthesis.