bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses in the polar and equatorial ionosphere to the March 2015 St. Patrick Day storm
Authors: Hairston Marc , Coley W. R. , Stoneback Russell
Published: October 2016

The St. Patrick Day storm of 2015 (17 March 2015) occurred at a unique time when there were multiple spacecraft observing the Earth's ionosphere between 350 and 885 km. Observations of the plasma flows and densities from the five operational polar‐orbiting DMSP spacecraft combined with those from the equatorial‐orbiting C/NOFS spacecraft provided a comprehensive global record of the both the polar and equatorial ionosphere regions' responses to the storm. This paper presents an overview of the data from this suite of spacecraft focusing on the following aspects: (1) the polar cap ionosphere's reaction to the storm, (2) the change in the penetration electric field in the midlatitude region as a function of time and the solar local time during the storm, (3) the equatorial ionosphere's response of the meridional (vertical) flows to the penetration electric field and the disturbance dynamo during the storm, and (4) the creation of a predawn ionospheric bubble system near the equator during the storm's main phase that was observed at low altitudes by C/NOFS and later at high altitudes by several DMSP. Examining these phenomenon enable us to trace the dynamic flow of energy from the solar wind input in the polar ionosphere all the way to the equatorial ionosphere.
Reconnection guide field and quadrupolar structure observed by MMS on 16 October 2015 at 1307 UT
Authors: Denton R. E. , Sonnerup B. U. Ö. , Hasegawa H. , Phan T. D. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Giles B. L. , Torbert R. B.
Published: October 2016

We estimate the guide field near the X point, BM0, for a magnetopause crossing by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft at 1307 UT on 16 October 2015 that showed features of electron‐scale reconnection. This component of the magnetic field is normal to the reconnection plane L‐N containing the reconnection magnetic field, BL, and the direction eN normal to the current sheet. The BM field component appears to approximately have quadrupolar structure close to the X point. Using several different methods to estimate values of the guide field near the X point, some of which use an assumed quadrupolar symmetry, we find values ranging between −3.1 nT and −1.2 nT, with a nominal value of about −2.5 nT. The rough consistency of these values is evidence that the quadrupolar structure exists.
Estimates of aseismic slip associated with small earthquakes near San Juan Bautista, CA
Authors: Hawthorne J. C. , Simons M. , Ampuero J.‐P.
Published: October 2016

Postseismic slip observed after large (M > 6) earthquakes typically has an equivalent moment of a few tens of percent of the coseismic moment. Some observations of the recurrence intervals of repeating earthquakes suggest that postseismic slip following small (
) earthquakes could be much larger—up to 10 or 100 times the coseismic moment. We use borehole strain data from U.S. Geological Survey strainmeter SJT to analyze deformation in the days before and after 1000 1.9 < M < 5 earthquakes near San Juan Bautista, CA. We find that on average, postseismic strain is roughly equal in magnitude to coseismic strain for the magnitude range considered, suggesting that postseismic moment following these small earthquakes is roughly equal to coseismic moment. This postseismic to coseismic moment ratio is larger than typically observed in earthquakes that rupture through the seismogenic zone but is much smaller than was hypothesized from modeling repeating earthquakes. Our results are consistent with a simple, self‐similar model of earthquakes.
Interannual and interdecadal variability of the North Equatorial Countercurrent in the Western Pacific
Authors: Chen Xiao , Qiu Bo , Du Yan , Chen Shuiming , Qi Yiquan
Published: October 2016

Interannual and longer timescale variations of the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) in the western Pacific are investigated using the multidecade (1960–2014) hindcast by the Ocean general circulation model for the Earth Simulator (OFES). The OFES‐simulated sea level and upper ocean circulation changes show favorable comparisons with available tide gauge data and repeat hydrographic surveys along the 137°E meridian. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis reveals that the low‐frequency NECC variability is dominated by two distinct modes. The first mode fluctuates interannually and shows strengthening and southward migration of the NECC concurrent with the development of El Niño events. Unlike the extratropical western Pacific Ocean circulation variability controlled by wind forcing west of the dateline, the interannual NECC variations are forced by equatorial wind forcing cumulative across the entire Pacific basin. The second mode of the NECC variability has an interdecadal timescale and is characterized by NECC's progressive weakening in strength, migrating poleward, and broadening in width over the past 50 years. These long‐term changes in NECC are caused by the corresponding changes in the trade wind system that weakened and expanded poleward in the past half a century across the Pacific basin.
Improvements on the ice cloud modeling capabilities of the Community Radiative Transfer Model
Authors: Yi Bingqi , Yang Ping , Liu Quanhua , van Delst Paul , Boukabara Sid‐Ahmed , Weng Fuzhong
Published: October 2016

Noticeable improvements on the ice cloud modeling capabilities of the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) are reported, which are based on the most recent advances in understanding ice cloud microphysical (particularly, ice particle habit/shape characteristics) and optical properties. The new CRTM ice cloud model is derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) collection 6 ice cloud habit model, which represents ice particles as severely roughened hexagonal ice column aggregates with a gamma size distribution. The single‐scattering properties of the new ice particle model are derived from a state‐of‐the‐art ice optical property library and are constructed as look‐up tables for rapid CRTM computations. Various sensitivity studies concerning instrument‐specific applications and simulations are performed to validate CRTM against satellite observations. In particular, radiances in a spectral region covering the infrared wavelengths are simulated. Comparisons of brightness temperatures between CRTM simulations and observations (from MODIS, the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, and the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit) show that the new ice cloud optical property look‐up table substantially enhances the performance of the CRTM under ice cloud conditions.
Recommendations for diagnosing effective radiative forcing from climate models for CMIP6
Authors: Forster Piers M. , Richardson Thomas , Maycock Amanda C. , Smith Christopher J. , Samset Bjorn H. , Myhre Gunnar , Andrews Timothy , Pincus Robert , Schulz Michael
Published: October 2016

The usefulness of previous Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) exercises has been hampered by a lack of radiative forcing information. This has made it difficult to understand reasons for differences between model responses. Effective radiative forcing (ERF) is easier to diagnose than traditional radiative forcing in global climate models (GCMs) and is more representative of the eventual temperature response. Here we examine the different methods of computing ERF in two GCMs. We find that ERF computed from a fixed sea surface temperature (SST) method (ERF_fSST) has much more certainty than regression based methods. Thirty year integrations are sufficient to reduce the 5–95% confidence interval in global ERF_fSST to 0.1 W m−2. For 2xCO2 ERF, 30 year integrations are needed to ensure that the signal is larger than the local confidence interval over more than 90% of the globe. Within the ERF_fSST method there are various options for prescribing SSTs and sea ice. We explore these and find that ERF is only weakly dependent on the methodological choices. Prescribing the monthly averaged seasonally varying model's preindustrial climatology is recommended for its smaller random error and easier implementation. As part of CMIP6, the Radiative Forcing Model Intercomparison Project (RFMIP) asks models to conduct 30 year ERF_fSST experiments using the model's own preindustrial climatology of SST and sea ice. The Aerosol and Chemistry Model Intercomparison Project (AerChemMIP) will also mainly use this approach. We propose this as a standard method for diagnosing ERF and recommend that it be used across the climate modeling community to aid future comparisons.
Implementation and evaluation of a generalized radiative transfer scheme within canopy in the soil‐vegetation‐atmosphere transfer (SVAT) model
Authors: Qiu Bo , Guo Weidong , Xue Yongkang , Dai Qiudan
Published: October 2016

The process of radiative transfer over vegetated areas has a profound impact on energy, water, and carbon balances over the terrestrial surface. In this paper, a generalized radiative transfer scheme (GRTS) within canopy is implemented in the Simplified Simple Biosphere land surface model (SSiB). The main concept and structure of GRTS and its coupling methodology to a land model are presented. Different from the two‐stream method, the GRTS takes into account the effects of complex canopy morphology and inhomogeneous optical properties of leaves on radiative transfer process within the canopy. In the offline SSiB/GRTS simulation for the period of 2001–2012, the nonuniform leaf angle distribution within canopy layers is considered in SSiB/GRTS in the areas of evergreen broadleaf trees. Compared with the SSiB/two stream method, SSiB/GRTS produces lower canopy reflectance and higher transmittance, which leads to more realistic albedo simulation. The canopy‐absorbed radiation flux in SSiB/GRTS simulation is lower than that in SSiB/two stream method simulation throughout the year in the areas of evergreen broadleaf trees. The largest difference of −18.4 W/m2 occurs in the Amazon region in the autumn. The ground‐absorbed radiation flux increases in the SSiB/GRTS simulation, especially in the spring and autumn. The largest difference in the ground‐absorbed radiation flux between SSiB/GRTS simulation and SSiB/two stream method simulation is 25.45 W/m2. In the boreal winter season, compared with the two‐stream method in the SSiB, the GRTS gives higher surface albedo in the areas with high snow cover fraction over leaf.
Multiscale assessment of spatial precipitation variability over complex mountain terrain using a high‐resolution spatiotemporal wavelet reconstruction method
Authors: Yarleque Christian , Vuille Mathias , Hardy Douglas R. , Posadas Adolfo , Quiroz Roberto
Published: October 2016

Studying precipitation variability in the Peruvian Andes is a challenge given the high topographic variability and the scarcity of weather stations. Yet previous research has shown that a near‐linear relationship exists between precipitation and vegetation in the semiarid central Andes. We exploit this relationship by developing a new, spatially highly resolved spatiotemporal precipitation reconstruction method, using daily precipitation time series from in situ weather stations, and dekadal (10 calendar days) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) fields. The two data sets are combined through a wavelet decomposition method. A 4° × 4° region around Quelccaya ice cap (QIC), the world's largest tropical ice cap located in the central Peruvian Andes, was selected as study area, due to its importance for climatic, glaciologic, and paleoclimatic research. The reconstructed end product, a ~1 km2 gridded precipitation data set at dekadal temporal resolution, was validated against independent rain gauge data and compared with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 version 7 product. This validation showed a better overall performance of our own reconstruction than the TRMM data. Additionally, a comparison of our precipitation product with snowfall measurements at the QIC summit (5670 m) shows a regionally coherent signal at the dekadal scale, suggesting that the precipitation falling at QIC is driven by regional‐ rather than local‐scale convective activity. We anticipate that this methodology and the type of data generated in this study will be useful for hydrological and glaciological studies, as well as for validation of high‐resolution downscaling products in mountain regions.
A note on the effects of inorganic seed aerosol on the oxidation state of secondary organic aerosol—α‐Pinene ozonolysis
Authors: Huang Dan Dan , Zhang Xuan , Dalleska Nathan F. , Lignell Hanna , Coggon Matthew M. , Chan Chi‐Ming , Flagan Richard C. , Seinfeld John H. , Chan Chak K.
Published: October 2016

We compare the oxidation state and molecular composition of α‐pinene‐derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA) by varying the types and surface areas of inorganic seed aerosol that are used to promote the condensation of SOA‐forming vapors. The oxidation state of α‐pinene SOA is found to increase with inorganic seed surface area, likely a result of enhanced condensation of low‐volatility organic compounds on particles versus deposition on the chamber wall. α‐Pinene SOA is more highly oxygenated in the presence of sodium nitrate (SN) seed than ammonium sulfate seed. The relative abundance of semivolatile monomers and low‐volatility dimer components that account for more than half of α‐pinene SOA mass is not significantly affected by the composition of seed aerosol. Enhanced uptake of highly oxidized small carboxylic acids onto SN seed particles is observed, which could potentially explain the observed higher SOA oxidation state in the presence of SN seed aerosol. Overall, our results demonstrate that a combined effect of seed aerosol composition and surface area leads to an increase in the O:C atomic ratio of α‐pinene SOA by as much as a factor of 2.
A sedimentary origin for intercrater plains north of the Hellas basin: Implications for climate conditions and erosion rates on early Mars
Authors: Salese Francesco , Ansan Veronique , Mangold Nicolas , Carter John , Ody Anouck , Poulet Francois , Ori Gian Gabriele
Published: October 2016

Understanding the origin (volcanic or sedimentary) and timing of intercrater plains is crucial for deciphering the geological evolution of Mars. We have produced a detailed geological map of the intercrater plains north of the Hellas basin, based on images from the Mars Express High‐Resolution Stereo Camera, the Mars Reconnaissance High‐Resolution Imaging Science Experiment, and Context. Erosional windows and fresh impact craters provide a way of studying the lithology of intercrater plain units. They are composed predominantly of light‐toned sedimentary rocks with subhorizontal bedding over a broad extent (greater than tens of kilometers), showing cross‐bedding stratifications locally. The broad extent, geometry, and flat topography of these sediments favor a formation by aqueous processes (alluvial and lacustrine) rather than airfall (eolian and volcaniclastic). The Late Noachian (~3.7 Ga) sedimentary plains are locally covered by dark‐toned, rough‐textured lava flows of Late Hesperian age (~3.3 Ga). Fe/Mg phyllosilicates were detected within sedimentary rocks, whereas volcanic rocks contain pyroxene and lack signatures of alteration, in agreement with interpretations made from texture and morphology. In erosional windows, the superimposition of sedimentary rocks by younger volcanic flows enables the estimation of an erosion rate of ~1000 nm yr−1 during the Hesperian period (3.3–3.7 Ga). Thus, our study shows that an intense sedimentary cycle occurred on the northern rim of the Hellas basin before and during the Late Noachian, leading to the formation of widespread sedimentary plains, which were then eroded, in agreement with a gradual change in the climatic conditions in this period, and later covered by volcanic flows.
Response of changes in seasonal soil freeze/thaw state to climate change from 1950 to 2010 across china
Authors: Peng Xiaoqing , Frauenfeld Oliver W. , Cao Bin , Wang Kang , Wang Huijuan , Su Hang , Huang Zhe , Yue Dongxia , Zhang Tingjun
Published: October 2016

Variations in seasonal soil freeze/thaw state are important indicators of climate change and influence ground temperature, hydrological processes, surface energy, and the moisture balance. Previous studies mainly focused on the active layer and permafrost, while seasonally frozen ground research in nonpermafrost regions has received less attention. In this study, we investigate the response of changes in seasonal soil freeze/thaw state to changes in air temperatures by combining observations from more than 800 stations with gridded mean monthly air temperature data across China. The results show that mean annual air temperature (MAAT) increased statistically significantly by 0.29 ± 0.03°C/decade from 1967 to 2013, with greater warming on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. There is a statistically significant decrease in the freeze/thaw cycle (FTC) at 0.39 ± 0.05 cycles/decade. In addition, there are strong negative correlations between FTC and MAAT. Estimating the soil freeze/thaw state classification based on the number of days in the month, we find that changes of mean annual area extent of seasonal soil freeze/thaw state decreased significantly for completely frozen (CF) ground, while the area extent of partially frozen (PF) and unfrozen (UF) ground both increased. Changes in mean monthly area extent of seasonal soil freeze/thaw state indicate that the extent of CF and UF area was decreasing and increasing, respectively. But for the extent of PF areas, both increasing and decreasing trends were observed. Quantifying the spatial pattern of the seasonal soil freeze/thaw, we find that CF and PF areas are located in northern China and the Tibetan Plateau from December to March, and UF areas are located in southern China. The variations of mean annual area extent departure of soil freeze/thaw states are consistent with MAAT changes in different land cover types across China.
On the methane paradox: Transport from shallow water zones rather than in situ methanogenesis is the major source of CH4 in the open surface water of lakes
Authors: Encinas Fernández Jorge , Peeters Frank , Hofmann Hilmar
Published: October 2016

Estimates of global methane (CH4) emissions from lakes and the contributions of different pathways are currently under debate. In situ methanogenesis linked to algae growth was recently suggested to be the major source of CH4 fluxes from aquatic systems. However, based on our very large data set on CH4 distributions within lakes, we demonstrate here that methane‐enriched water from shallow water zones is the most likely source of the basin‐wide mean CH4 concentrations in the surface water of lakes. Consistently, the mean surface CH4 concentrations are significantly correlated with the ratio between the surface area of the shallow water zone and the entire lake, fA,s/t, but not with the total surface area. The categorization of CH4 fluxes according to fA,s/t may therefore improve global estimates of CH4 emissions from lakes. Furthermore, CH4 concentrations increase substantially with water temperature, indicating that seasonally resolved data are required to accurately estimate annual CH4 emissions.
Mitigation of drought negative effect on ecosystem productivity by vegetation mixing
Authors: Van den Hoof Catherine , Lambert Fabrice
Published: October 2016

Vegetation diversity and interaction is thought to have a beneficial effect on ecosystem functioning, particularly improving ecosystem resistance to drought. This is of significant importance in the context of a warmer world, as extreme events such as droughts become more likely. Most of the studies performed so far on vegetation interaction are based on observations. Here we use the land surface model JULES to study the potential of vegetation mixing to mitigate the negative effect of drought events on the land surface through interaction, a mechanism which is difficult to study in situ at large scales. Using a set of simulations with mixed and unmixed vegetation, we show that the carbon, water, and energy fluxes are significantly affected by vegetation competition for water resources. The interaction is in general beneficial for the ecosystem carbon assimilation due to a better use of water resources. This benefit is highest when traits between vegetation types concerning resource competition overlap least. For a tree‐grass combination, mixing improves carbon assimilation by 5% to 8% during summer. The benefit of mixing increases further under progressively more resource‐limited conditions up to an inflection point with a benefit of 14%, after which it falls back to zero under extremely dry conditions. Mixing also tends to reduce the interannual variability of the ecosystem carbon sink and therefore improves the resistance of the ecosystem. Our results highlight the importance of vegetation interaction in climate simulations and impact studies and the potential of vegetation mixing as a mitigation tool.
Modeling geomagnetic induction hazards using a 3‐D electrical conductivity model of Australia
Authors: Wang Liejun , Lewis Andrew M. , Ogawa Yasuo , Jones William V. , Costelloe Marina T.
Published: October 2016

The surface electric field induced by external geomagnetic source fields is modeled for a continental‐scale 3‐D electrical conductivity model of Australia at periods of a few minutes to a few hours. The amplitude and orientation of the induced electric field at periods of 360 s and 1800 s are presented and compared to those derived from a simplified ocean‐continent (OC) electrical conductivity model. It is found that the induced electric field in the Australian region is distorted by the heterogeneous continental electrical conductivity structures and surrounding oceans. On the northern coastlines, the induced electric field is decreased relative to the simple OC model due to a reduced conductivity contrast between the seas and the enhanced conductivity structures inland. In central Australia, the induced electric field is less distorted with respect to the OC model as the location is remote from the oceans, but inland crustal high‐conductivity anomalies are the major source of distortion of the induced electric field. In the west of the continent, the lower conductivity of the Western Australia Craton increases the conductivity contrast between the deeper oceans and land and significantly enhances the induced electric field. Generally, the induced electric field in southern Australia, south of latitude −20°, is higher compared to northern Australia. This paper provides a regional indicator of geomagnetic induction hazards across Australia.
Diel discharge cycles explained through viscosity fluctuations in riparian inflow
Authors: Schwab Michael , Klaus Julian , Pfister Laurent , Weiler Markus
Published: October 2016

Diel (also called diurnal) discharge patterns with minima in the afternoon are generally explained by the daily cycle of evapotranspiration, while maxima in the afternoon are often linked to freeze‐thaw cycles. In a schistose and forested headwater catchment in Luxembourg, we observed daily discharge maxima in the afternoon, although temperatures remained persistently above zero and vegetation was still in a dormant state. We show that diel water temperature fluctuations––and therefore viscosity fluctuations––in the upper layer of the riparian zone can be an explanation for the observed daily discharge maxima in the afternoon during the dormant season. In the transition period between the dormant and the growing season, the counteracting viscosity and evapotranspiration processes cancel each other out. Subsequently, during the growing season, evapotranspiration is the dominant process guiding the diel discharge pattern; nevertheless, the viscosity effect might still be present, but invisible. We believe this finding also to be of relevance when analyzing daily fluctuations of biogeochemicals in stream water.
Drainage mechanisms in porous media: From piston‐like invasion to formation of corner flow networks
Authors: Hoogland Frouke , Lehmann Peter , Mokso Rajmund , Or Dani
Published: October 2016

Water drainage from porous media is a highly dynamic process often marked by rapid piston‐like air invasion events at the front and other rapid interfacial reconfigurations. Liquid phase entrapped behind the moving front drains at significantly slower rates often via gravity driven flow through corners and crevices. This distribution of slowly draining residual water phase determines the plant available water and biological functioning of soils. The study aims to determine the conditions for the flow regime transition from piston‐like invasion at a drainage front to slower corner dominated flow at the pore and sample scale. This transition was observed experimentally for sand and glass beads with fast X‐ray tomography, revealing water fragmentation into clusters of full pores interconnected by water corner films. The observed liquid morphology at the transition from piston to corner flow was reproduced by a quasi‐static pore network model and predicted by percolation theory. The amount of capillary‐retained water at flow transition controlling the subsequent drainage dynamics could be reproduced by an idealized star shaped pore whose geometry is deduced from macroscopic properties of the porous medium. Predictions of water content thresholds at flow transitions were in agreement with other critical saturation values associated with cessation of solute diffusion and of internal drainage (at field capacity) highlighting the criticality of water phase continuity disruption for formation of relatively stable unsaturated conditions controlled by slow corner flow that support life in soil.
Glutathione peroxidase 4 plays an important role in oxidative homeostasis and wound repair in corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Sakai Osamu , Uchida Takatoshi , Imai Hirotaka , Ueta Takashi
Published: October 2016

Oxidative stress is involved in the pathologies of corneal epithelial cells. However, the importance of specific antioxidant enzymes in corneal epithelial cells is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the role of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) in corneal epithelial cells. For in vitro experiments, an immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line was used. Cytotoxicity measured through LDH activity, lipid peroxidation immunostained for 4‐hydroxynonenal, cell viability, and cell death were compared between cells transfected with either GPx4 siRNA or scrambled control siRNA. In addition, the rescue effects of α‐tocopherol and ferrostatin‐1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, were examined in the cells with deficient GPx4 expression. For in vivo experiments, we applied n‐heptanol on the cornea of GPx4+/+ and GPx4+/− mice to create corneal epithelial wound. The epithelial defect area size was measured up to 48 h after epithelial wound creation. Knockdown of GPx4 strongly induced cytotoxicity and cell death in human corneal epithelial cells. Cell death induced by GPx4 knockdown was characterized by positive staining for both annexin V and propidium iodide, nuclear translocation of AIF, and without activation of caspase 3, and was rescued by α‐tocopherol and ferrostatin‐1. The delayed wound healing of GPx4 siRNA‐transfected cells were ameliorated by α‐tocopherol in vitro. In addition, loss of one GPx4 allele was sufficient to significantly delay the healing of experimental corneal epithelial wounds in vivo. Our results suggest that the antioxidant enzyme GPx4 plays an important role in oxidative homeostasis, cell survival, and wound healing in corneal epithelial cells.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐520c enhances cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing IRF2 in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Ying‐ru , Wen Li‐qiang , Wang Yang , Zhou Tai‐cheng , Ma Ning , Hou Ze‐hui , Jiang Zhi‐peng
Published: October 2016

Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is actively involved in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). MiR‐520c was previously found to be overexpressed in GC specimens and cells. However, the clinical significance of miR‐520c and its biological function in GC remain largely unknown. Here, we found that miR‐520c expression in GC tissues was significantly increased compared to normal adjacent gastric tissues. Its increased level was prominently correlated with poor clinical parameters and prognosis of GC patients. Accordingly, the expression of miR‐520c was obviously elevated in GC cell lines as compared with gastric epithelial cells. Overexpression of miR‐520c in N‐87 cells significantly increased the proliferative ability, migration, and invasion of cancer cells, while miR‐520c silencing suppressed MKN‐45 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Mechanically, miR‐520c inversely regulated interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF2) abundance in GC cells. Herein, IRF2 was found to be a downstream target of miR‐520c in GC. Furthermore, IRF2 was down‐regulated in GC tissues compared to nontumor tissues. An inverse correlation between IRF2 and miR‐520c expression was observed in GC cases. Taken together, miR‐520c may serve as a prognostic predictor and a therapeutic target for GC patients.
Novel NALCN variant: altered respiratory and circadian rhythm, anesthetic sensitivity
Authors: Lozic Bernarda , Johansson Stefan , Lovric Kojundzic Sanja , Markic Josko , Knappskog Per Morten , Hahn Angelika F. , Boman Helge
Published: October 2016

The sodium leak channel, a Na+‐permeable, nonselective cation channel, is widely expressed in the nervous system, contributing a basal Na+‐leak conductance and regulating neuronal excitability. A 3‐year‐old girl, heterozygous for a de novo missense mutation in NALCN (c.956C>T; p.Ala319Val) predicted to be deleterious, presented from birth with: stimulus‐induced, episodic contractures of the limbs and face with associated respiratory distress; distal arthrogryposis; severe axial hypotonia; and severe global developmental delay (CLIFAHDD syndrome). In infancy, she manifested a reversed sleep‐wake rhythm, nocturnal life‐threatening respiratory rhythm disturbances with central apnea. Sevoflurane sensitivity caused respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Mud‐Bath Therapy in Addition to Usual Care in Bilateral Knee Osteoarthritis: An Economic Evaluation Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ciani Oriana , Pascarelli Nicola Antonio , Giannitti Chiara , Galeazzi Mauro , Meregaglia Michela , Fattore Giovanni , Fioravanti Antonella
Published: October 2016

Objective

To perform a cost‐effectiveness analysis of mud‐bath therapy (MBT) in addition to usual treatment compared to usual treatment alone in patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

An economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a 2‐week cycle of MBT in addition to their usual treatment or to continue routine care alone. The EuroQol 5‐domain questionnaire was administered at baseline, 2 weeks, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Direct health care resource consumption data up until 12 months were derived from a daily diary given to patients and returned at prescheduled followup visits.

Results

A total of 103 patients were included (n = 53 for MBT patients; n = 50 for controls). Overall, patients in the MBT group accrued mean ± SD 0.835 ± 0.10 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) compared to 0.753 ± 0.11 in the control group (P < 0.001). Average direct costs per patient (€303 versus €975; P < 0.001) were higher in the control group, primarily because of hospitalization for total knee replacement and use of intraarticular hyaluronic acid. Bootstrapping replications of costs and QALY sample distributions consistently indicated that the MBT therapy combined with standard therapy represents a dominant strategy as compared with standard therapy alone. The probability of MBT being cost‐effective at standard cost‐effectiveness thresholds (e.g., €20,000/QALY) is 100%.

Conclusion

The results of this cost‐effectiveness analysis support the use of MBT as midterm complementary therapy in the management of knee OA.
Results of an Observational Cohort Study of Hyperuricemia as a Predictor of Poor Physical Performance in the Elderly
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Stubbs Brendon , Trevisan Caterina , Bolzetta Francesco , De Rui Marina , Maggi Stefania , Sartori Leonardo , Musacchio Estella , Zambon Sabina , Perissinotto Egle , Noale Marianna , Crepaldi Gaetano , Manzato Enzo , Sergi Giuseppe
Published: October 2016

Objective

Hyperuricemia is frequent in older people and associated with several medical conditions. The relationship between hyperuricemia and physical performance is limited. We aimed to investigate the association between hyperuricemia and physical performance over a 4.4‐year followup in the elderly.

Methods

A total of 1,904 community‐dwelling older participants were followed for a mean of 4.4 years. Hyperuricemia at baseline was defined using serum uric acid concentrations ≥6 and ≥7 mg/dl for women and men, respectively. Objective physical performance tests measured included the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 4‐meter gait speed, chair‐stands time, leg extension and flexion, handgrip strength, and the 6‐minute walking test.

Results

At baseline, participants with hyperuricemia (n = 98 men, 232 women) scored significantly worse in all the tests investigated. After adjusting for 19 covariates, men with hyperuricemia at baseline had an increased risk of having poor SPPB scores at followup (odds ratio [OR] 1.44 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.21–1.72]; P < 0.0001), poor chair‐stands time (OR 1.40 [95% CI 1.18–1.6]; P < 0.0001), poor leg extension (OR 1.47 [95% CI 1.21–1.7]; P < 0.0001), and poor handgrip strength (OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.24–1.90]; P < 0.0001). Among women, hyperuricemia was associated with an increased risk of having poor scores in all the SPPB items and in leg flexion (OR 1.26 [95% CI 1.08–1.49]; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia seems to be significantly associated with poor physical performance in older people, over a followup of 4.4 years. The relationship appears to be more consistent in men than in women. Further longitudinal research is required to better understand the relationships and potential biologic pathways.
Self‐Limiting Growth Nanoscale Coordination Polymers for Fluorescence and Magnetic Resonance Dual‐Modality Imaging
Authors: Wang Yong‐Mei , Liu Wei , Yin Xue‐Bo
Published: October 2016

The size and shape of coordination polymers (CPs) are often tuned by external factors including reaction temperature, reaction time, precursor ratio, auxiliary ligand, and surfactant. Here, a self‐limiting growth of uniform nanoscale CPs (NCPs) spheres with Gd3+ and Ru[4,4′‐(COOH)2 bipyridyl(bpy)]32+ (LRu) as precursors is reported. Sexadentate LRu and nine‐coordinating Gd3+ play key roles in the formation of the NCPs via a simple and robust self‐limiting procedure. Therefore, the formation of NCP spheres is almost unaffected in the reaction temperature of 100–160 °C for 1–6 h. Moreover, no auxiliary ligand or surfactant is required, whereas high yield and simple procedure are obtained. The red fluorescence of LRu and high longitudinal relaxivity of Gd3+ remain in the NCPs, which are therefore examined as fluorescence‐magnetic resonance (MR) dual‐modality imaging probes. The structural merits of the NCPs enable high MR contrast efficiency. Red emission avoids the auto‐fluorescence and light scattering from tissues and realizes low‐background imaging. The low toxicity and background, and high imaging efficiency of the NCPs are confirmed using HepG2 cells, zebrafish, and tumor‐bearing mice as models.
Tuning the Cell Adhesion on Biofunctionalized Nanoporous Organic Frameworks
Authors: Schmitt Sophia , Hümmer Julia , Kraus Saskia , Welle Alexander , Grosjean Sylvain , Hanke‐Roos Maximilian , Rosenhahn Axel , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof , Lee‐Thedieck Cornelia , Tsotsalas Manuel
Published: October 2016

The ability to control the structure and surface chemistry of biomaterials on a molecular level is crucial for optimizing their performance. Here, a novel type of nanoporous organic framework that is suited for the fabrication of thin films is described. These surface‐grafted gels (SURGELs) are prepared and functionalized using two orthogonal, metal‐free click chemistries. The SURGELs are shown to be cytocompatible and to efficiently mediate adhesion of osteoblast‐like cells. This process can be further enhanced by surface modification. In addition, the use of light‐triggered reactions in combination with photomasks allows a patterned functionalization of the substrates. The potential to vary and exactly adjust the parameters within the SURGEL polymer network (including porosity and exact network topology on the nanometer scale as well as addressable functional groups) combined with the ability to functionalize their surfaces with any clickable biomolecule of choice in any desired pattern allow the targeted design of novel SURGEL‐based biomaterials for applications in nanomedicine, tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressing,and medical implants.
Near‐Field Energy Transfer Using Nanoemitters For Optoelectronics
Authors: Guzelturk Burak , Demir Hilmi Volkan
Published: October 2016

Effective utilization of excitation energy in nanoemitters requires control of exciton flow at the nanoscale. This can be readily achieved by exploiting near‐field nonradiative energy transfer mechanisms such as dipole‐dipole coupling (i.e., Förster resonance energy transfer) and simultaneous two‐way electron transfer via exchange interaction (i.e., Dexter energy transfer). In this feature article, we review nonradiative energy transfer processes between emerging nanoemitters and exciton scavengers. To this end, we highlight the potential of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, organic semiconductors, and two‐dimensional materials as efficient exciton scavengers for light harvesting and generation in optoelectronic applications. We present and discuss unprecedented exciton transfer in nanoemitter–nanostructured semiconductor composites enabled by strong light–matter interactions. We elucidate remarkably strong nonradiative energy transfer in self‐assembling atomically flat colloidal nanoplatelets. In addition, we underscore the promise of organic semiconductor–nanocrystal hybrids for spin‐triplet exciton harvesting via Dexter energy transfer. These efficient exciton transferring hybrids will empower desired optoelectronic properties such as long‐range exciton diffusion, ultrafast multiexciton harvesting, and efficient photon upconversion, leading to the development of excitonic optoelectronic devices such as exciton‐driven light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and photodetectors.
Advanced Sorbents for Oil‐Spill Cleanup: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ge Jin , Zhao Hao‐Yu , Zhu Hong‐Wu , Huang Jin , Shi Lu‐An , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: October 2016

Oil sorbents play a very important part in the remediation processes of oil spills. To enhance the oil‐sorption properties and simplify the oil‐recovery process, various advanced oil sorbents and oil‐collecting devices based on them have been proposed recently. Here, we firstly discuss the design considerations for the fabrication of oil sorbents and describe recently developed oil sorbents based on modification strategy. Then, recent advances regarding oil sorbents mainly based on carbon materials and swellable oleophilic polymers are also presented. Subsequently, some additional properties are emphasized, which are required by oil sorbents to cope with oil spills under extreme conditions or to facilitate the oil‐collection processes. Furthermore, some oil‐collection devices based on oil sorbents that have been developed recently are shown. Finally, an outlook and challenges for the next generation of oil‐spill‐remediation technology based on oil‐sorbents materials are given.
Plasmonic Black Absorbers for Enhanced Photocurrent of Visible‐Light Photocatalysis
Authors: Tan Furui , Wang Ning , Lei Dang Yuan , Yu Weixing , Zhang Xuming
Published: October 2016

Plasmonic resonance of noble metal nanoparticles can drastically enhance the visible response of wide‐bandgap photocatalysts such as TiO2, but the current technology has two fundamental problems: narrow absorption band and low absorption, which limit the energy efficiency of photocatalysis using sunlight. Here, an original plasmonic black absorber is reported, which sandwiches a 150 nm TiO2 layer between a layer of random Au nanoparticles and a rough Au surface (200 nm thick). The combined plasmonic effect of the Au nanoparticles and the Au rough surface enables a strong absorption (72%–91%) over 400–900 nm and a significantly (20‐fold) enhanced photocurrent as compared to the bare TiO2 film. The strong absorption to visible and near infrared light, and the much enhanced photocurrent make the black absorber an ideal material for solar applications such as photocatalytic, photosynthetic, photovoltaic, and photothermal systems.
Anti‐Metastatic and Anti‐Angiogenic Activities of Core–Shell SiO2@LDH Loaded with Etoposide in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhu Yanjing , Zhu Rongrong , Wang Mei , Wu Bin , He Xiaolie , Qian Yechang , Wang Shilong
Published: October 2016

Currently, nanoparticles have gained a great attention in the anti‐tumor research area. However, to date, studies on the anti‐metastasis action of core–shell SiO2@LDH (LDH: layered double hydroxide) nanoparticles remain untouched. Two emerging aspects considered are establishing research on the controlling delivery effect of SiO2@LDH combined with anti‐cancer medicine from a new perspective. The fine properties synthetic SiO2@LDH‐VP16 (VP16: etoposide) are practiced to exhibit the nanoparticle's suppression on migration and invasion of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Both in vitro and in vivo inspection shows that SiO2@LDH can help VP16 better function as an anti‐metastasis agent. On the other hand, anti‐angiogenic efficiency, co‐localization, as well as western blot are investigated to explain the possible mechanism. A clear mergence of SiO2@LDH‐VP16 and cytomembrane/microtubule may be observed from co‐location images. Results offer evidence that SiO2@LDH‐VP16 plays positions on cytomembrane and microtubules. It efficiently inhibits metastasis on NSCLC by reducing vascularization, and eliciting depression of the PI3K‐AKT and FAK‐Paxillin signaling pathways. SiO2@LDH‐VP16, the overall particle morphology, and function on anti‐metastasis and anti‐angiogenic may be tuned to give new opportunities for novel strategies for cancer therapy.
Luminescent Downshifting by Photo‐Induced Sol‐Gel Hybrid Coatings: Accessing Multifunctionality on Flexible Organic Photovoltaics via Ambient Temperature Material Processing
Authors: Pintossi Diego , Iannaccone Giovanni , Colombo Alessia , Bella Federico , Välimäki Marja , Väisänen Kaisa‐Leena , Hast Jukka , Levi Marinella , Gerbaldi Claudio , Dragonetti Claudia , Turri Stefano , Griffini Gianmarco
Published: October 2016

A novel high‐durability multifunctional organic–inorganic hybrid coating material is presented in this work as luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) host matrix system for flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. Such new LDS coating is obtained by incorporating a convenient fluorescent organic dye in an appropriately functionalized fluoropolymeric resin that can be readily crosslinked by means of a dual‐cure mechanism with a single‐step ambient‐temperature photo‐induced sol–gel process. Due to its peculiar characteristics, the newly proposed system may be readily implemented in heat‐sensitive flexible devices. By carefully tuning the amount of organic fluorophore in the hybrid coating material, a maximum increase in power conversion efficiency exceeding 4% is achieved on devices incorporating the new LDS layer with respect to control systems. This represents the highest efficiency enhancement reported to date on flexible OPVs by means of a polymer‐based LDS layer. In addition, long‐term accelerated weathering tests (>550 h) highlight the excellent stability of LDS‐coated OPV devices, which can retain 80% of their initial performance, as opposed to the dramatic efficiency decay experienced by control uncoated devices. The approach presented here opens the way to the straightforward incorporation of versatile multifunctional light‐managing layers on flexible OPV systems for improved device efficiency and lifetime.
A High Performance Stretchable Asymmetric Fiber‐Shaped Supercapacitor with a Core‐Sheath Helical Structure
Authors: Yu Jiali , Lu Weibang , Smith Joseph P. , Booksh Karl S. , Meng Linghui , Huang Yudong , Li Qingwen , Byun Joon‐Hyung , Oh Youngseok , Yan Yushan , Chou Tsu‐Wei
Published: October 2016

The emerging fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (FSSs) have motivated tremendous research interest in energy storage devices. However, challenges still exist in the pursuit of combination of excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical stretchability. Here, a core‐sheath asymmetric FSS is first made by wrapping gel electrolyte coated carbon nanotube (CNT)@MnO2 core fiber with CNT@PPy composite film. Then a stretchable helical structure is formed by over‐twisting the FSS. The resulted stretchable asymmetric FSS exhibits a specific capacitance of 60.435 mF cm−2 at the scan rate of 10 mV s−1 and the capacitance performance is well maintained during repeated stretching to 20% strain. Furthermore, a high energy density of 18.88 μW h cm−2 is achieved for the stretchable FSS due to its high specific capacitance and extended potential window of 1.5 V.
Multifunctional 0D–2D Ni2P Nanocrystals–Black Phosphorus Heterostructure
Authors: Luo Zhong‐Zhen , Zhang Yu , Zhang Chaohua , Tan Hui Teng , Li Zhong , Abutaha Anas , Wu Xing‐Long , Xiong Qihua , Khor Khiam Aik , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Xu Jianwei , Hng Huey Hoon , Yan Qingyu
Published: October 2016

0D transition metal phosphides (TMPs) nanocrystals (NCs)–2D ultrathin black phosphorus (BP) heterostructure (Ni2P@BP) have been synthesized via a facile sonication‐assisted exfoliation followed by a solvothermal process. Compared with the bare BP, the specially designed Ni2P@BP architecture can enhance the electrical conductivity (from 2.12 × 102 to 6.25 × 104 S m–1), tune the charge carrier concentration (from 1.25 × 1017 to 1.37 × 1020 cm–3), and reduce the thermal conductivity (from 44.5 to 7.69 W m–1 K–1) at 300 K, which can be considered for multiple applications. As a result, the Ni2P@BP exhibits excellent Li storage properties and high hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalytic activities. The Ni2P@BP shows improved Li diffusion kinetics (e.g., the Li ions diffusion coefficient increases from 1.14 × 10–14 cm2 s–1 for pure BP nanosheets to 8.02 × 10–13 cm2 s–1 for Ni2P@BP). In addition, the Ni2P@BP electrode sustains hydrogen production with almost unchanged activity over 3000 cycles, which indicates its good chemical stability when operating under strong reducing environment.
Triboelectric charging of monodisperse particles in fluidized beds
Authors: Kolehmainen Jari , Ozel Ali , Boyce Christopher M. , Sundaresan Sankaran
Published: October 2016

To investigate the interplay between particle charging and hydrodynamics in fluidized beds, models for triboelectric charging and electrostatic forces were built into a computational fluid dynamics‐discrete element method model. Charge transfer was governed by the difference in effective work function between contacting materials as well as the electric field at the point of contact. Monodisperse particles were fluidized with an effective work function difference between the particles and the conducting walls. For smaller work function differences, hydrodynamics were not changed significantly as compared with an uncharged case. In these simulations, the average charge saturated at a value much lower than the value anticipated based on the work function difference, and a unimodal distribution of charges was observed. For larger work function differences, particles stuck to walls and bed height oscillations due to slugging were less pronounced. For these cases, a bimodal distribution of charges emerged due to effects from strong electric fields. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1872–1891, 2017