bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary glacier retreat triggers a rapid landslide response, Great Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
Authors: Kos Andrew , Amann Florian , Strozzi Tazio , Delaloye Reynald , von Ruette Jonas , Springman Sarah
Published: December 2016

The destabilization and catastrophic failure of landslides triggered by retreating glaciers is an expected outcome of global climate change and poses a significant threat to inhabitants of glaciated mountain valleys around the globe. Of particular importance are the formation of landslide‐dammed lakes, outburst floods, and related sediment entrainment. Based on field observations and remote sensing of a deep‐seated landslide, located at the present‐day terminus of the Great Aletsch Glacier, we show that the spatiotemporal response of the landslide to glacier retreat is rapid, occurring within a decade. Our observations uniquely capture the critical period of increase in slope deformations, onset of failure, and show that measured displacements at the crown and toe regions of the landslide demonstrate a feedback mechanism between glacier ice reduction and response of the entire landslide body. These observations shed new light on the geomorphological processes of landslide response in paraglacial environments, which were previously understood to occur over significantly longer time periods.
The Mushroom: A half‐sky energetic ion and electron detector
Authors: Hill M. E. , Mitchell D. G. , Andrews G. B. , Cooper S. A. , Gurnee R. S. , Hayes J. R. , Layman R. S. , McNutt R. L. , Nelson K. S. , Parker C. W. , Schlemm C. E. , Stokes M. R. , Begley S. M. , Boyle M. P. , Burgum J. M. , Do D. H. , Dupont A. R. , Gold R. E. , Haggerty D. K. , Hoffer E. M. , Hutcheson J. C. , Jaskulek S. E. , Krimigis S. M. , Liang S. X. , London S. M. , Noble M. W. , Roelof E. C. , Seifert H. , Strohbehn K. , Vandegriff J. D. , Westlake J. H.
Published: December 2016

We present a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer design for the measurement of ions in the ~30 keV to 10 MeV range for protons (up to ~40 MeV and ~150 MeV for He and heavy ions, respectively) and ~30 keV to 1 MeV range for electrons, covering half of the sky with 80 apertures. The instrument, known as the “Mushroom,” owing to its shape, solves the field of view problem for magnetospheric and heliospheric missions that employ three‐axis stabilized spacecraft, yet still require extended angular coverage; the Mushroom is also compatible with a spinning spacecraft. The most important new feature of the Mushroom is the method through which uncomplicated electrostatic optics and clean position sensing combine to permit many apertures to fit into a compact, low‐mass sensor head (or wedge), several of which (ideally eight) compose a full instrument. Most of the sensor head's volume is an empty, equipotential region, resulting in the modest 250 g mass of each 10‐aperture wedge. The Mushroom is capable of separating ion species across most of its energy range and angular field of view. For example, separation of the neighboring 3He and 4He isotopes is excellent; the full width at half maximum mass resolution has been measured to be 0.24 amu to 0.32 amu, respectively. Converting this to a Gaussian width σm in mass m, this represents a σm/m mass resolution better than 0.04. This separation is highly desirable for the flight program for which the first Mushroom was built, the Solar Probe Plus mission. More generally, we estimate the mass resolution to be σm/m ≈ 0.1, but this is energy, mass, and angularly dependent. We also discuss the solid‐state detector stack capability, which extends the energy range of protons and helium, with composition, to ~100 MeV.
Hybrid fluid‐particle simulation of whistler‐mode waves in a compressed dipole magnetic field: Implications for dayside high‐latitude chorus
Authors: da Silva C. L. , Wu S. , Denton R. E. , Hudson M. K. , Millan R. M.
Published: December 2016

In this work we present a methodology for simulating whistler‐mode waves self‐consistently generated by electron temperature anisotropy in the inner magnetosphere. We present simulation results using a hybrid fluid/particle‐in‐cell code that treats the hot, anisotropic (i.e., ring current) electron population as particles and the background (i.e., the cold and inertialess) electrons as fluid. Since the hot electrons are only a small fraction of the total population, warm (and isotropic) particle electrons are added to the simulation to increase the fraction of particles with mass, providing a more accurate characterization of the wave dispersion relation. Ions are treated as a fixed background of positive charge density. The plasma transport equations are coupled to Maxwell's equations and solved in a meridional plane (a 2‐D simulation with 3‐D fields). We use a curvilinear coordinate system that follows the topological curvature of Earth's geomagnetic field lines, based on an analytic expression for a compressed dipole magnetic field. Hence, we are able to simulate whistler wave generation at dawn (pure dipole field lines) and dayside (compressed dipole) by simply adjusting one scalar quantity. We demonstrate how, on the dayside, whistler‐mode waves can be locally generated at a range of high latitudes, within pockets of minimum magnetic field, and propagate equatorward. The obtained dayside waves (in a compressed dipole field) have similar amplitude and frequency content to their dawn sector counterparts (in a pure dipole field) but tend to propagate more field aligned.
GPS detection of the ionospheric disturbances over China due to impacts of Typhoons Rammasum and Matmo
Authors: Song Qian , Ding Feng , Zhang Xiaoxin , Mao Tian
Published: December 2016

Medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) possibly excited by typhoon have been presented, for the first time, by applying the two‐dimensional total electron content perturbation maps derived from the dense Global Position System (GPS) network in China. Two MSTIDs were observed on 19 July and 23 July 2014, respectively, during the landing phases of Typhoons Rammasun and Matmo. The MSTIDs excited by Rammasum were detected at 06:56–07:40 UT on 19 July 2014, with a mean horizontal phase velocity of 118 m/s and an amplitude of about 2 total electron content unit (TECU), 1 TECU = 1016 el m−2, it horizontally extended to about 600 km. The Matmo‐related MSTIDs were observed at 14:48–15:54 UT on 23 July 2014; the wavefront, perturbation amplitude, and the mean horizontal phase velocity were 1000 km, 1.8 TECU, and 132 m/s, respectively. Both MSTIDs propagated southwestward with a distance less than 200 km. The short propagation distances of the MSTIDs indicate that the MSTIDs may be caused by the body forces resulting from the typhoons.
Isotopically enriched N‐MORB: A new geochemical signature of off‐axis plume‐ridge interaction—A case study at 50°28′E, Southwest Indian Ridge
Authors: Yang A. Y. , Zhao T.‐P. , Zhou M.‐F. , Deng X.‐G.
Published: December 2016

Interaction between the Southwest Indian Ridge (46°E and 52°20′E) and Crozet hotspot has been proposed by geophysical studies but remains controversial mostly due to the lack of E‐MORB (enriched mid‐ocean ridge basalts). Forty‐seven new samples collected from this region, including 15 from segment 27 centered at 50°28′E with a 10 km thick crust, are all N‐MORB (normal MORB) and can be classified into two groups: a high‐Al group only at 50°28′E and a Main group widespread. The former, with higher Al2O3 and lower TiO2 and SiO2, have slightly enriched Sr‐Nd‐Hf‐Pb isotopic compositions. We propose that their major and trace elemental signatures were modified by reaction with primitive cumulate in the crust, whereas the enriched isotopic compositions indicate the contribution of Crozet plume materials. During upslope flow of the Crozet plume to the ridge, decompression melting would occur along the path, which would deplete the plume in incompatible elements but not significantly change the isotopic compositions. Thus, when they finally reach the ridge, the depleted residue would remelt due to further decompression at MOR and produce isotopically enriched N‐MORB at segment 27. Isotopically enriched N‐MORB are known elsewhere, mostly at slower‐spreading ridges possibly influenced by plumes with large plume‐ridge distances. In particular, the constant Nd isotopic compositions with decreasing (La/Sm)N ratios for off‐axis magmatism between the Réunion hotspot toward the CIR perfectly match such a plume‐ridge interaction model. Therefore, aside from E‐MORB, isotopically enriched N‐MORB can also be considered as the geochemical signature for off‐axis plume‐ridge interaction.
Pore pressure behavior at the shut‐in phase and causality of large induced seismicity at Basel, Switzerland
Authors: Mukuhira Y. , Dinske C. , Asanuma H. , Ito T. , Häring M. O.
Published: December 2016

Induced seismicity with unexpectedly large magnitude often occurs after shut‐in or end of stimulation, generating concerns at the end of stimulation. We investigated the physical mechanism of large‐magnitude induced seismicity during shut‐in following the hydraulic stimulation at Basel, Switzerland. Larger postinjection events occurred at the periphery of the seismic cloud. We estimated the pore pressure required to cause shear slip using Coulomb failure criteria from stress information, geometry of the fault planes of microseismic events, and a constant coefficient of friction. Time series analysis of pore pressure distribution indicated that pore pressure migrated to the far field even after shut‐in. Redistribution of pore pressure at shut‐in brought sufficient pore pressure increase to induce seismicity in the peripheral region. After shut‐in, the pore pressure gradient away from the well lessened and eventually pressure became uniform. These observations suggest that the higher pore pressure, which remained in the vicinity of the injection point, shifted to the farthest field. Shut‐in pressure migration caused uniform pore pressure distribution at the edge of the seismic zone. Shut‐in pressure destabilized a large part of the fault located at the edge of the seismic cloud, resulting in the shear slip of a large section of the fault. Meanwhile, during stimulation, only some parts of the fault entered the critical state because of the pressure gradient. The resulting shear slip on that specific part causes moderate magnitude events at most.
On the evolution of elastic properties during laboratory stick‐slip experiments spanning the transition from slow slip to dynamic rupture
Authors: Tinti E. , Scuderi M. M. , Scognamiglio L. , Di Stefano G. , Marone C. , Collettini C.
Published: December 2016

The physical mechanisms governing slow earthquakes remain unknown, as does the relationship between slow and regular earthquakes. To investigate the mechanism(s) of slow earthquakes and related quasi‐dynamic modes of fault slip we performed laboratory experiments on simulated fault gouge in the double direct shear configuration. We reproduced the full spectrum of slip behavior, from slow to fast stick slip, by altering the elastic stiffness of the loading apparatus (k) to match the critical rheologic stiffness of fault gouge (kc). Our experiments show an evolution from stable sliding, when k > kc, to quasi‐dynamic transients when k ~ kc, to dynamic instabilities when k < kc. To evaluate the microphysical processes of fault weakening we monitored variations of elastic properties. We find systematic changes in P wave velocity (Vp) for laboratory seismic cycles. During the coseismic stress drop, seismic velocity drops abruptly, consistent with observations on natural faults. In the preparatory phase preceding failure, we find that accelerated fault creep causes a Vp reduction for the complete spectrum of slip behaviors. Our results suggest that the mechanics of slow and fast ruptures share key features and that they can occur on same faults, depending on frictional properties. In agreement with seismic surveys on tectonic faults our data show that their state of stress can be monitored by Vp changes during the seismic cycle. The observed reduction in Vp during the earthquake preparatory phase suggests that if similar mechanisms are confirmed in nature high‐resolution monitoring of fault zone properties may be a promising avenue for reliable detection of earthquake precursors.
Interannual Arctic sea ice variability and associated winter weather patterns: A regional perspective for 1979–2014
Authors: Chen Hans W. , Alley Richard B. , Zhang Fuqing
Published: December 2016

Using Arctic sea ice concentration derived from passive microwave satellite observations in autumn and early winter over the 1979–2014 period, the Arctic region was objectively classified into several smaller regions based on the interannual sea ice variability through self‐organizing map analyses. The trend in regional sea ice extent (RSIE) in each region was removed using an adaptive, nonlinear, and nonstationary method called Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition, which captures well the accelerating decline of Arctic RSIEs in recent decades. Although the linear trend in RSIE is negative in all regions in both seasons, there are marked differences in RSIE trends and variability between regions, with the largest negative trends found during autumn in the Beaufort Sea, the Barents‐Kara Seas, and the Laptev‐East Siberian Seas. Winter weather patterns associated with the nonlinearly detrended RSIEs show distinct features for different regions and tend to be better correlated with the autumn than early winter RSIE anomalies. Sea ice losses in the Beaufort Sea and the Barents‐Kara Seas are both associated with a cooling of Eurasia, but in the former case the circulation anomaly is reminiscent of a Rossby wave train, whereas in the latter case the pattern projects onto the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation. These results highlight the nonuniform changes in Arctic sea ice and suggest that regional sea ice variations may play a crucial role for the winter weather patterns.
Aerosol indirect effect dictated by liquid clouds
Authors: Christensen Matthew W. , Chen Yi‐Chun , Stephens Graeme L.
Published: December 2016

Anthropogenic aerosols have been shown to enhance the solar reflection from warm liquid clouds and mask part of the warming due to the buildup of greenhouse gases. However, very little is known about the effects of aerosol on mixed‐phase stratiform clouds as well as other cloud regimes including cumulus, altocumulus, nimbostratus, deep convection, and anvil cirrus. These additional cloud categories are ubiquitous and typically overlooked in satellite‐based assessments of the global aerosol indirect forcing. Here we provide their contribution to the aerosol indirect forcing estimate using satellite data collected from several colocated sensors in the A‐train for the period 2006–2010. Cloud type is determined according to the 2B‐CLDCLASS‐LIDAR CloudSat product, and the observations are matched to the radiative flux measurements from CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System) and aerosol retrievals from MODIS (MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer). The oceanic mean aerosol indirect forcing is estimated to be −0.20 ± 0.31 W m−2 with warm low‐level cloud largely dictating the strength of the response (−0.36 ± 0.21 W m−2) due to their abundance and strong cloud albedo effect. Contributions from mixed‐phase low‐level cloud (0.01 ± 0.06 W m−2) and convective cloud (0.15 ± 0.23 W m−2) are positive and buffer the system due to strong aerosol‐cloud feedbacks that reduce the cloud albedo effect and/or lead to convective invigoration causing a countering positive longwave warming response. By combining all major cloud categories together, aerosol indirect forcing decreases and now contains positive values in the uncertainty estimate.
Land‐atmosphere coupling in EURO‐CORDEX evaluation experiments
Authors: Knist Sebastian , Goergen Klaus , Buonomo Erasmo , Christensen Ole Bøssing , Colette Augustin , Cardoso Rita M. , Fealy Rowan , Fernández Jesús , García‐Díez Markel , Jacob Daniela , Kartsios Stergios , Katragkou Eleni , Keuler Klaus , Mayer Stephanie , van Meijgaard Erik , Nikulin Grigory , Soares Pedro M. M. , Sobolowski Stefan , Szepszo Gabriella , Teichmann Claas , Vautard Robert , Warrach‐Sagi Kirsten , Wulfmeyer Volker , Simmer Clemens
Published: December 2016

Interactions between the land surface and the atmosphere play a fundamental role in the weather and climate system. Here we present a comparison of summertime land‐atmosphere coupling strength found in a subset of the ERA‐Interim‐driven European domain Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (EURO‐CORDEX) model ensemble (1989–2008). Most of the regional climate models (RCMs) reproduce the overall soil moisture interannual variability, spatial patterns, and annual cycles of surface exchange fluxes for the different European climate zones suggested by the observational Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM) and FLUXNET data sets. However, some RCMs differ substantially from FLUXNET observations for some regions. The coupling strength is quantified by the correlation between the surface sensible and the latent heat flux, and by the correlation between the latent heat flux and 2 m temperature. The first correlation is compared to its estimate from the few available long‐term European high‐quality FLUXNET observations, and the latter to results from gridded GLEAM data. The RCM simulations agree with both observational datasets in the large‐scale pattern characterized by strong coupling in southern Europe and weak coupling in northern Europe. However, in the transition zone from strong to weak coupling covering large parts of central Europe many of the RCMs tend to overestimate the coupling strength in comparison to both FLUXNET and GLEAM. The RCM ensemble spread is caused primarily by the different land surface models applied, and by the model‐specific weather conditions resulting from different atmospheric parameterizations.
Frequency spectra and vertical profiles of wind fluctuations in the summer Antarctic mesosphere revealed by MST radar observations
Authors: Sato Kaoru , Kohma Masashi , Tsutsumi Masaki , Sato Toru
Published: December 2016

Continuous observations of polar mesosphere summer echoes at heights from 81–93 km were performed using the first Mesosphere‐Stratosphere‐Troposphere/Incoherent Scatter radar in the Antarctic over the three summer periods of 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016. Power spectra of horizontal and vertical wind fluctuations, and momentum flux spectra in a wide‐frequency range from (8 min)−1 to (20 days) −1 were first estimated for the Antarctic summer mesosphere. The horizontal (vertical) wind power spectra obey a power law with an exponent of approximately −2 (−1) at frequencies higher than the inertial frequency of (13 h)−1 and have isolated peaks at about 1 day and a half day. In addition, an isolated peak of a quasi‐2 day period is observed in the horizontal wind spectra but is absent from the vertical wind spectra, which is consistent with the characteristics of a normal‐mode Rossby‐gravity wave. Zonal (meridional) momentum flux spectra are mainly positive (negative), and large fluxes are observed in a relatively low‐frequency range from (1 day)−1 to (1 h)−1. A case study was performed to investigate vertical profiles of momentum fluxes associated with gravity waves and time mean winds on and around 3 January 2015 when a minor stratospheric warming occurred in the Northern Hemisphere. A significant momentum flux convergence corresponding to an eastward acceleration of ~200 m s−1 d−1 was observed before the warming and became stronger after the warming when mean zonal wind weakened. The strong wave forcing roughly accorded with the Coriolis force of mean meridional winds.
Activatable Photosensitizers: Agents for Selective Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Xingshu , Kolemen Safacan , Yoon Juyoung , Akkaya Engin U.
Published: December 2016

Recent developments in the design of bifunctional and activatable photosensitizers rejuvenate the aging field of photodynamic sensitization and photodynamic therapy. While systematic studies have uncovered new dyes that can serve as potential photosensitizers, the most promising results have come from studies aimed at gaining precise control over the location and rate of cytotoxic singlet oxygen generation. As a consequence, higher selectivities and efficiencies in photodynamic treatment protocols are now within reach. This feature article highlights the variety of approaches that have been pursued to improve photodynamic therapy and to transform simple photosensitizers into smarter theranostic agents.
Quaternary Ammonium Salt‐Promoted Multi‐Component Reaction in Water: Access to 3‐Alkyl‐2, 3‐Dihydro‐1H‐Isoindolin‐1‐One Derivatives
Authors: Han Fu‐Zhong , Su Bo‐Bo , Jia Li‐Na , Wang Peng‐Wei , Hu Xiang‐Ping
Published: December 2016

A concise synthesis of alkyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐isoindolin‐1‐one derivatives from 2‐formyl benzoic acid, β‐keto acid, and ammonia or primary amine was developed via a quaternary ammonium salt‐promoted multi‐component sequence of decarboxylative alkylation/lactamization reaction in water, in which the target products were obtained in good to excellent yields.

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One‐Pot Two‐Step Synthesis of Optically Active α‐Amino Phosphonates by Palladium‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation/Hydrogenolysis of α‐Hydrazono Phosphonates
Authors: Goulioukina Nataliya S. , Shergold Ilya A. , Rybakov Victor B. , Beletskaya Irina P.
Published: December 2016

An efficient and convenient one‐pot procedure for the stereoselective catalytic synthesis of ring‐substituted [amino(phenyl)methyl]phosphonates has been developed. The enantioselective hydrogenation of easily available diisopropyl (Z)‐[aryl(phenylhydrazono)methyl]phosphonates using palladium(II) acetate as a precatalyst, (R)‐2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐5,5′‐dichloro‐6,6′‐dimethoxy‐1,1′‐biphenyl [(R)‐Cl–MeO‐BIPHEP] as a ligand, and (1S)‐(+)‐10‐camphorsulfonic acid as an activator in a mixture of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol and methylene chloride at ambient temperature results in the formation of corresponding [aryl(2‐phenylhydrazino)methyl]phosphonates. The subsequent cleavage of the N−N bond has been accomplished with molecular hydrogen after the addition of palladium on carbon and methanol into crude reaction mixture to afford the optically active [amino(aryl)methyl]phosphonates. The method is operationally simple and provides an appreciable enantioselectivity up to 98 % ee.

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Improved delivery of sinus irrigations after middle turbinate resection during endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Kidwai Sarah M. , Parasher Arjun K. , Khan Mohemmed N. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Del Signore Anthony , Iloreta Alfred Marc , Govindaraj Satish
Published: December 2016

Background

Improvement in topical delivery to nasal mucosa is a fundamental goal of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS). This study compares the penetration of irrigation before and after middle turbinate resection (MTR) to assess the efficacy of topical delivery.

Methods

ESS was performed on 4 cadaver heads, followed by MTR. Each head was irrigated with fluorescein‐dyed water using a squeeze bottle both before and after MTR. Videos were recorded by rigid nasal endoscopy. Four blinded raters reviewed videos and scored the extent of staining (0 to 3) for each site.

Results

The mean score for the extent of staining of all anatomical sites before and after MTR was 1.30 and 1.92, respectively (p = 0.035). The mean score for extent of staining before and after MTR was 2.56 and 2.81 (p = 0.134) for the maxillary sinus, 1.66 and 2.25 (p = 0.022) for the ethmoid sinus, 1.03 and 1.94 (p = 0.263) for the sphenoid sinus, 0.16 and 0.94 (p = 0.055) for the frontal sinus, and 1.09 and 1.66 (p = 0.340) for the olfactory cleft, respectively. When evaluating interrater reliability, Cronbach's alpha was 0.92, which is acceptable. When evaluating intrarater reliability, the Fleiss kappa statistic for each rater was excellent or good.

Conclusion

Overall, MTR results in significant improvement in the penetration of nasal irrigations in the cadaver model. Each individual sinus displays a trend toward improvement; however, only the ethmoid sinus displays a statistically significant improvement. Further in vivo studies are needed to elucidate the role of MTR.
Manuka honey sinus irrigation for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Victoria S. , Humphreys Ian M. , Purcell Patricia L. , Davis Greg E.
Published: December 2016

Background

Manuka honey (MH) has been shown in vitro to be effective against biofilm‐producing bacteria. This study assessed the effectiveness of MH for patients with active chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and prior sinus surgery.

Methods

This prospective single‐blinded (clinician only) randomized controlled trial recruited patients with active CRS and prior sinus surgery. Patients received either MH or saline (SAL) sinus irrigations twice daily for 30 days and were offered oral antibiotics and/or oral/topical steroids as indicated. Outcomes were 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) change score (primary), culture negativity, and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic change score.

Results

Forty‐two patients were analyzed (MH, n = 20; SAL, n = 22). The SNOT‐22 change score achieved a clinically significant improvement in both groups but was similar between MH (median [interquartile range]: −12 [−20, −1]) and SAL (−12.5 [−22, −6]) (p = 0.57). Culture negativity was better on MH (8/19, 42%) compared to SAL (4/21, 19%), nearing statistical significance (p = 0.11). Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic change score improved in both groups but was not statistically better on MH (−3 [−5, 0]) compared to SAL (−1 [−2, 0]) (p = 0.20). For patients not receiving oral antibiotics/steroids, culture negativity was statistically better on MH (5/10, 50%) compared to SAL (0/6, 0%) (p = 0.04). MH was well‐tolerated. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

In patients with active CRS and prior sinus surgery, both MH and SAL improved outcomes, but there was no statistically significant difference between these groups. However, in the subset that did not receive oral antibiotics/steroids, culture negativity was statistically better on MH, suggesting that MH alone may be effective for acute exacerbations of CRS.
Out‐of‐time‐ordered correlators in many‐body localized systems
Authors: Huang Yichen , Zhang Yong‐Liang , Chen Xie
Published: December 2016

In many‐body localized systems, propagation of information forms a light cone that grows logarithmically with time. However, local changes in energy or other conserved quantities typically spread only within a finite distance. Is it possible to detect the logarithmic light cone generated by a local perturbation from the response of a local operator at a later time? We numerically calculate various correlators in the random‐field Heisenberg chain. While the equilibrium retarded correlator is not sensitive to the unbounded information propagation, the out‐of‐time‐ordered correlator can detect the logarithmic light cone. We relate out‐of‐time‐ordered correlators to the Lieb‐Robinson bound in many‐body localized systems, and show how to detect the logarithmic light cone with retarded correlators in specially designed states. Furthermore, we study the temperature dependence of the logarithmic light cone using out‐of‐time‐ordered correlators.

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Disulfide‐Catalyzed Visible‐Light‐Mediated Oxidative Cleavage of C=C Bonds and Evidence of an Olefin–Disulfide Charge‐Transfer Complex
Authors: Deng Yuchao , Wei Xiao‐Jing , Wang Hui , Sun Yuhan , Noël Timothy , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2016

A photocatalytic method for the aerobic oxidative cleavage of C=C bonds has been developed. Electron‐rich aromatic disulfides were employed as photocatalyst. Upon visible‐light irradiation, typical mono‐ and multi‐substituted aromatic olefins could be converted into ketones and aldehydes at ambient temperature. Experimental and computational studies suggest that a disulfide–olefin charge‐transfer complex is possibly responsible for the unconventional dissociation of S−S bond under visible light.
Au108S24(PPh3)16: A Highly Symmetric Nanoscale Gold Cluster Confirms the General Concept of Metalloid Clusters
Authors: Kenzler Sebastian , Schrenk Claudio , Schnepf Andreas
Published: December 2016

The reduction of (Ph3P)AuCl with NaBH4 in the presence of HSC(SiMe3)3, leads to one of the largest metalloid gold clusters: Au108S24(PPh3)16 (1). Within 1 an octahedral Au44 core of gold atoms arranged as in Au metal is surrounded by 48 oxidized Au atoms of an Au48S24 shell, a novel building block in gold chemistry. The protecting Au48S24 shell is completed by additional 16 Au(PPh3) units, leading to a complete protection of the gold core. Within 1 the Au–Au distances get more molecular on going from the center to the ligand shell. Cluster 1 represents novel structural motives in the field of metalloid gold clusters which also are partly typical for metal atoms in metalloid clusters: MnRm (n>m).
Systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis of patient-reported outcome measures for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Duncan R , Essat M , Jones G , Booth A , Buckley Woods H , Poku E , Kaltenthaler E , Keetharuth A D , Palfreyman S , Michaels J
Published: December 2016

Background

The aim was to identify and evaluate existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to inform the selection for use in surgical practice.

Methods

Two reviews were conducted: a systematic review to identify valid, reliable and acceptable PROMs for patients with an AAA, and a qualitative evidence synthesis to assess the relevance to patients of the identified PROM items. PROM studies were evaluated for their psychometric properties using established assessment criteria, and for their methodological quality using the COSMIN checklist. Qualitative studies were synthesized using framework analysis, and concepts identified were then triangulated using a protocol with the item concepts of the identified PROMs.

Results

Four PROMs from three studies were identified in the first review: Short Form 36, Australian Vascular Quality of Life Index, Aneurysm Dependent Quality of Life (AneurysmDQoL) and Aneurysm Symptoms Rating Questionnaire (AneurysmSRQ). None of the identified PROMs had undergone a rigorous psychometric evaluation within the AAA population. Four studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, from which 28 concepts important to patients with an AAA were identified. The AneurysmDQoL and AneurysmSRQ together provided the most comprehensive assessment of these concepts. Fear of rupture, control, ability to forget about the condition and size of aneurysm were all concepts identified in the qualitative studies but not covered by items in the identified PROMs.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to develop PROMs for AAA that are reliable, valid and acceptable to patients.
Ultrasound of oral and masticatory muscles: Why every neuromuscular swallow team should have an ultrasound machine
Authors: Van Den Engel‐Hoek Lenie , Lagarde Marloes , Van Alfen Nens
Published: December 2016

Patients with neuromuscular disorders often present with swallowing difficulties due to oral phase problems and pharyngeal residue after swallow. It is important to assess the underlying pathology and cause of the swallowing disturbance in this patient group, such as dystrophic changes in oral and masticatory muscles. This allows for more patient‐tailored recommendations, for example optimal compensation strategies to maintain function for longer.

Ultrasound can show structural changes caused by dystrophy or denervation of muscles, detect involuntary movements such as fasciculations, and provide dynamic video images of tongue motion during swallowing attempts. This article, based on the authors' extensive experience with ultrasound in neuromuscular disease, explains the concepts of oral muscle ultrasound and its proven value in assessing neuromuscular mastication and swallowing problems. As a patient‐friendly and portable technique, we advocate its use as a standard tool for analyzing neuromuscular dysphagia. Clin. Anat. 30:183–193, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical Composition of the Essential Oils from Different Morphological Parts of Pinus cembra L.
Authors: Lis Anna , Kalinowska Aleksandra , Krajewska Agnieszka , Mellor Karolina
Published: December 2016

The essential oils from needles, twigs, bark, wood, and cones of Pinus cembra were analyzed by GC‐FID, GC/MS, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. More than 130 compounds were identified. The oils differed in the quantitative composition. The principal components of the oil from twigs with needles were α‐pinene (36.3%), limonene (22.7%) and β‐phellandrene (12.0%). The needle oil was dominated by α‐pinene (48.4%), whereas in the oil from bark and in the oil from twigs without needles there were limonene (36.2% and 33.6%, resp.) and β‐phellandrene (18.8% and 17.1%, resp.). The main constituents of the wood oil as well as cone oil were α‐pinene (35.2% and 39.0%, resp.) and β‐pinene (10.4% and 18.9%, resp.). The wood oil and the cone oil contained large amounts of oxygenated diterpenes in comparison with needle, twig, and bark oils.
Operating Regimes and Hydrodynamics of a Rotating‐Disc Contactor
Authors: Chen Hang , Sun Ze , Song Xingfu , Yu Jianguo
Published: December 2016

The operating regimes for a pilot‐scale rotating‐disc contactor (RDC) were investigated by a computational fluid dynamics/population balance model (CFD‐PBM) simulation. The model successfully predicted the critical rotor speed, which divided the entire operating range into two regions. In the low rotor speed region, the input energy was insufficient to break droplets, resulting in an almost constant droplet diameter. Therefore, the increasing revolution slightly affected the interfacial area, while the axial mixing became severe. In contrast, the interfacial area increased significantly in the high rotor speed region because of the increased breakage rate. Moreover, the axial mixing extent increased slightly because the dispersed‐phase accumulation enhanced the advection effect. The results indicate that the CFD‐PBM approach can be applied to engineering practice for extractors.
Optimization of Continuous Synthesis of Cross‐Linked Chitosan Nanoparticles Using Microreactors
Authors: Rathi Noopur , Gaikar Vilas G.
Published: December 2016

A process for continuous synthesis of cross‐linked chitosan‐sodium tripolyphosphate (CS‐TPP) nanoparticles is optimized using microreactors for its comparison with a batch stirred reactor. The effect of various parameters including residence time, concentration of CS, pH of the CS solutions, and stabilizing surfactant concentration was modeled by population balance equations (PBEs) to determine size, growth, and nucleation rates of the CS‐TPP nanoparticles. The smallest particle size was obtained at lower residence time, lower concentration of CS, pH 5, and using a surfactant concentration above its critical micellar concentration. The particles obtained from the microreactors are agglomerated but are smaller in size as compared to those obtained from the batch reactor. The system was also optimized for the minimum particle size applying the estimated growth rate and the PBEs.
Highly Efficient Intramolecular Electrochemiluminescence Energy Transfer for Ultrasensitive Bioanalysis of Aflatoxin M1
Authors: Liu Jia‐Li , Zhao Min , Zhuo Ying , Chai Ya‐Qin , Yuan Ruo
Published: December 2016

The intermolecular electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL‐RET) between luminol and Ru(bpy)32+ was studied extensively to achieve the sensitive bioanalysis owing to the perfect spectral overlap of the donor and acceptor, but it still suffers from the challenging issue of low energy‐transfer efficiency. The intramolecular ECL‐RET towards the novel ECL compound containing the donor of luminol and the acceptor of Ru(bpy)2(mcpbpy)2+ (Lum‐Ru) was designed and investigated. With the high‐efficient ECL‐RET in one molecule, the highly intense ECL signal of Lum‐Ru was obtained owing to the short path of energy transmission and less energy loss between luminol and Ru(bpy)2(mcpbpy)2+. Lum‐Ru was further applied to construct a signal‐off electrochemiluminescence (ECL) aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of a harsh carcinogen of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). This sensing platform also provides a significant boost for the trace detection of other biomolecules in clinical analysis.
Outer Surface Interactions of Cucurbit[6]uril That Trigger the Assembly of Supramolecular Three‐Dimensional Polycatenanes
Authors: Cui Xiaowei , Zhao Wenxuan , Chen Kai , Ni Xin‐Long , Zhang Yuan‐Qian , Tao Zhu
Published: December 2016

A supramolecular polycatenane stabilized by outer surface interactions between cucurbit[6]uril (Q[6] or CB[6]) cations and [CdCl4]2− is reported. The arrangement of the poly‐interlocked supramolecular framework is evidently constructed by a favorable combination of weak non‐covalent interactions such as hydrophobic effects, hydrogen bonding, ion–dipole interactions, and C−H⋅⋅⋅Cl interactions in the solid state. Further study suggests that such 3D poly‐interlocked species could be rapidly precipitated from the mixture solution in high yield owing to electrostatic interaction of the [CdCl4]2− anion with the electropositive outer surface of Q[6] host. This work thus demonstrates a simple, low‐cost, and efficient non‐covalent approach for the construction of a infinite 3D interlocked structure in water besides through coordination or covalent bonds.
NHC‐Stabilised Acetylene—How Far Can the Analogy Be Pushed?
Authors: Georgiou Dayne C. , Zhao Lili , Wilson David J. D. , Frenking Gernot , Dutton Jason L.
Published: December 2016

Experimental studies suggest that the compound (NHCbz)2C2H2 can be considered as a complex of a distorted acetylene fragment which is stabilised by benzoannelated N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHCbz)→(C2H2)←(NHCbz). A quantum chemical analysis of the electronic structures shows that the description with dative bonds is more favourable than with electron‐sharing double bonds (NHCbz)=(C2H2)=(NHCbz).
Unconventional Reactivity of (Z)‐Enoate Propargylic Alcohols in the Presence of Acids
Authors: Tharra Prabhakararao , Baire Beeraiah
Published: December 2016

The unconventional reactivity of (Z)‐enoate‐attached propargylic alcohols in the presence of acids (nucleophilic and non‐nucleophilic) was described. This study led to the discovery and development of a new strategy for the collective synthesis of the synthetically useful building blocks α‐OMs‐, α‐OTs‐, and α‐Cl‐enones, as well as 4,5‐dioxonoates. The reaction proceeded under very mild conditions and showed a broad substrate scope.
Matrix rigidity regulates microtubule network polarization in migration
Authors: Raab Matthew , Discher Dennis E.
Published: December 2016

The microtubule organizing center (MTOC) frequently polarizes to a position in front of the nucleus during cell migration, but recent work has shown conflicting evidence for MTOC location in migratory polarized cells. Here, we show that subcellular localization of the MTOC is modulated by extracellular matrix stiffness. In scratch wound assays as well as single cell migration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) the MTOC appears randomly positioned when cells are migrating on soft matrix, whereas on stiff matrix the MTOC is in front of the nucleus. The bulk of the microtubule density is also equally likely to be in front of or behind the nucleus on soft matrix, but it is polarized in front of the nucleus on stiff matrix. This occurred during cell migration with cells in interphase. During cytokinesis, the centrosomes polarize on either side of the chromosomes even on soft matrix, with MIIB localized strongly in the cleavage furrow which depolarizes only on soft matrix as cells exit cytokinesis. When cells are immobilized on micro‐patterns printed on the top of substrates of different stiffness, MIIB polarized if the matrix was sufficiently stiff similar to results with migrating cells. However, the MTOC was randomly positioned with respect to the nucleus independent of matrix stiffness. We deduce that cell migration is necessary to orient the MTOC in front of the nucleus and that matrix stiffness helps to drive cell polarization during migration. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Black Magic in Gray Titania: Noble‐Metal‐Free Photocatalytic H2 Evolution from Hydrogenated Anatase
Authors: Liu Ning , Zhou Xuemei , Nguyen Nhat Truong , Peters Kristina , Zoller Florian , Hwang Imgon , Schneider Christopher , Miehlich Matthias E. , Freitag Detlef , Meyer Karsten , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina , Schmuki Patrik
Published: December 2016

‘Black’ TiO2—in the widest sense, TiO2 reduced by various treatments—has attracted tremendous scientific interest in recent years because of some outstanding properties; most remarkably in photocatalysis. While the material effects visible light absorption (the blacker, the better), black titania produced by high pressure hydrogenation was recently reported to show another highly interesting feature; noble‐metal‐free photocatalytic H2 generation. In a systematic investigation of high‐temperature hydrogen treatments of anatase nanoparticles, TEM, XRD, EPR, XPS, and photoelectrochemistry are used to characterize different degrees of surface hydrogenation, surface termination, electrical conductivity, and structural defects in the differently treated materials. The materials’ intrinsic activity for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is coupled neither with their visible light absorption behavior nor the formation of amorphous material, but rather must be ascribed to optimized and specific defect formation (gray is better than black). This finding is further confirmed by using a mesoporous anatase matrix as a hydrogenation precursor, which, after conversion to the gray state, even further enhances the overall photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity.
Study of Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 for Future Use in Secondary Microbial Electrochemical Technologies
Authors: Gimkiewicz Carla , Hegner Richard , Gutensohn Mareike F. , Koch Christin , Harnisch Falk
Published: December 2016

The fluctuation and decentralization of renewable energy have triggered the search for respective energy storage and utilization. At the same time, a sustainable bioeconomy calls for the exploitation of CO2 as feedstock. Secondary microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) allow both challenges to be tackled because the electrochemical reduction of CO2 can be coupled with microbial synthesis. Because this combination creates special challenges, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 was investigated under conditions allowing microbial conversions, that is, for their future use in secondary METs. A reproducible electrodeposition procedure of In on a graphite backbone allowed a systematic study of formate production from CO2 with a high number of replicates. Coulomb efficiencies and formate production rates of up to 64.6±6.8 % and 0.013±0.002 mmolformate h−1 cm−2, respectively, were achieved. Electrode redeposition, reusability, and long‐term performance were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of components used in microbial media, that is, yeast extract, trace elements, and phosphate salts, on the electrode performance was addressed. The results demonstrate that the integration of electrochemical reduction of CO2 in secondary METs can become technologically relevant.
A genetic‐based decision algorithm for multisite computation offloading in mobile cloud computing
Authors: Goudarzi Mohammad , Zamani Mehran , Toroghi Haghighat Abolfazl
Published: December 2016

Mobile cloud computing is a promising approach to improve the mobile device's efficiency in terms of energy consumption and execution time. In this context, mobile devices can offload the computation‐intensive parts of their applications to powerful cloud servers. However, they should decide what computation‐intensive parts are appropriate for offloading to be beneficial instead of local execution on the mobile device. Moreover, in the real world, different types of clouds/servers with heterogeneous processing speeds are available that should be considered for offloading. Because making offloading decision in multisite context is an NP‐complete, obtaining an optimal solution is time consuming. Hence, we use a near optimal decision algorithm to find the best‐possible partitioning for offloading to multisite clouds/servers. We use a genetic algorithm and adjust it for multisite offloading problem. Also, genetic operators are modified to reduce the ineffective solutions and hence obtain the best‐possible solutions in a reasonable time. We evaluated the efficiency of the proposed method using graphs of real mobile applications in simulation experiments. The evaluation results demonstrate that our proposal outperforms other counterparts in terms of energy consumption, execution time, and weighted cost model.
Comparing glucose and hemoglobin A1c diagnostic tests among a high metabolic risk Hispanic population
Authors: Vega‐Vázquez Mónica A. , Ramírez‐Vick Margarita , Muñoz‐Torres Francisco J. , González‐Rodríguez Loida A. , Joshipura Kaumudi
Published: December 2016

Background

Compare glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) diagnostic tests for prediabetes and diabetes with plasma glucose criteria and compare the metabolic profiles of people classified by HbA1c versus by glucose levels.

Methods

Participants were recruited for the San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study. The participants were primarily Hispanic (98%), without previously diagnosed diabetes, and aged 40 to 65 years. Participants classified as normal glycemic, prediabetes, or diabetes on the basis of baseline HbA1c and plasma glucose criteria were compared with respect to baseline cardiometabolic factors.

Results

The 1342 participants had a mean age of 50.5 ± 6.8 years and 28% were men. Thirty‐one percent were diagnosed with prediabetes by plasma glucose criteria and 53.4% by HbA1c, and 8.1% were diagnosed with diabetes by plasma glucose criteria and 6.3% by HbA1c; overall concordance rate was 55.1%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of HbA1c compared to plasma glucose criteria was 0.62 for impaired glucose and 0.76 for diabetes. A worse cardiometabolic profile was seen within subgroups that met HbA1c and plasma glucose criteria for diabetes or prediabetes. Those diagnosed with prediabetes by plasma glucose criteria had significantly higher systolic blood pressure and higher homeostatic model assessment than those diagnosed using HbA1c. Participants diagnosed with diabetes by plasma glucose criteria had lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, and lower insulinogenic and disposition indices, but higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, than those diagnosed by HbA1c.

Conclusions

Low concordance was seen between HbA1c and glucose measurements. The HbA1c is not a good test for prediabetes but shows reasonable validity for diabetes in this high‐risk predominantly female Hispanic population. People classified by HbA1c, plasma glucose criteria, or both show different metabolic profiles; a combined test may be ideal.
Developmental transcriptional regulation by SUMOylation, an evolving field
Authors: Monribot‐Villanueva Juan , Zurita Mario , Vázquez Martha
Published: December 2016

SUMOylation is a reversible post‐translational protein modification that affects the intracellular localization, stability, activity, and interactions of its protein targets. The SUMOylation pathway influences several nuclear and cytoplasmic processes. The expression of many genes, in particular those involved in development is finely tuned in space and time by several groups of proteins. There is growing evidence that transcriptional regulation mechanisms involve direct SUMOylation of transcriptional‐related proteins such as initiation and elongation factors, and subunits of chromatin modifier and remodeling complexes originally described as members of the trithorax and Polycomb groups in Drosophila. Therefore, it is being unveiled that SUMOylation has a role in both, gene silencing and gene activation mechanisms. The goal of this review is to discuss the information on how SUMO modification in components of these multi‐subunit complexes may have an effect in genome architecture and function and, therefore, in the regulation of gene expression in time and space.