bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postseismic uplift of the Andes following the 2010 Maule earthquake: Implications for mantle rheology
Authors: Li Shaoyang , Moreno Marcos , Bedford Jonathan , Rosenau Matthias , Heidbach Oliver , Melnick Daniel , Oncken Onno
Published: February 2017

Postseismic surface deformation associated with great subduction earthquakes is controlled by asthenosphere rheology, frictional properties of the fault, and structural complexity. Here by modeling GPS displacements in the 6 years following the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake in Chile, we investigate the impact of heterogeneous viscosity distribution in the South American subcontinental asthenosphere on the 3‐D postseismic deformation pattern. The observed postseismic deformation is characterized by flexure of the South America plate with peak uplift in the Andean mountain range and subsidence in the hinterland. We find that, at the time scale of observation, over 2 orders of magnitude gradual increase in asthenosphere viscosity from the arc area toward the cratonic hinterland is needed to jointly explain horizontal and vertical displacements. Our findings present an efficient method to estimate spatial variations of viscosity, which clearly improves the fitting to the vertical signal of deformation. Lateral changes in asthenosphere viscosity can be correlated with the thermomechanical transition from weak subvolcanic arc mantle to strong subcratonic mantle, thus suggesting a stationary heterogeneous viscosity structure. However, we cannot rule out a transient viscosity structure (e.g., power law rheology) with the short time span of observation.
Climate's watermark in the geometry of stream networks
Authors: Seybold Hansjörg , Rothman Daniel H. , Kirchner James W.
Published: February 2017

Branching stream networks are a ubiquitous feature of the Earth's surface, but the processes that shape them, and their dependence on the climate in which they grow, remain poorly understood. Research has mainly focused on climatic controls of channel incision rates, while the climatic influence on planform geometry has often been overlooked. Here we analyze nearly one million digitally mapped river junctions throughout the contiguous United States and show that branching angles vary systematically with climatic aridity. In arid landscapes, which are thought to be dominated by surface runoff erosion, junction angles average roughly 45° in the driest places. Branching angles are systematically wider in humid regions, averaging roughly 72°, which is the theoretically predicted angle for network growth in a diffusive field such as groundwater seepage. The correlation of mean junction angle with aridity is stronger than with topographic gradient, downstream concavity, or other geometric factors that have been proposed as controls of junction angles. Thus, it may be possible to identify channelization processes from stream network geometry in relict landscapes, such as those on Mars.
Toward full exploitation of coherent and incoherent information in Sentinel‐1 TOPS data for retrieving surface displacement: Application to the 2016 Kumamoto (Japan) earthquake
Authors: Jiang Houjun , Feng Guangcai , Wang Teng , Bürgmann Roland
Published: February 2017

Sentinel‐1's continuous observation program over all major plate boundary regions makes it well suited for earthquake studies. However, decorrelation due to large displacement gradients and limited azimuth resolution of the Terrain Observation by Progressive Scan (TOPS) data challenge acquiring measurements in the near field of many earthquake ruptures and prevent measurements of displacements in the along‐track direction. Here we propose to fully exploit the coherent and incoherent information of TOPS data by using standard interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), split‐bandwidth interferometry in range and azimuth, swath/burst‐overlap interferometry, and amplitude cross correlation to map displacements in both the line‐of‐sight and the along‐track directions. Application to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence reveals the coseismic displacements from the far field to the near field. By adding near‐field constraints, the derived slip model reveals more shallow slip than obtained when only using far‐field data from InSAR, highlighting the importance of exploiting all coherent and incoherent information in TOPS data.
Temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent structural transformation of methane hydrates in salt environments
Authors: Shin Donghoon , Cha Minjun , Yang Youjeong , Choi Seunghyun , Woo Yesol , Lee Jong‐Won , Ahn Docheon , Im Junhyuck , Lee Yongjae , Han Oc Hee , Yoon Ji‐Ho
Published: February 2017

Understanding the stability of volatile species and their compounds under various surface and subsurface conditions is of great importance in gaining insights into the formation and evolution of planetary and satellite bodies. We report the experimental results of the temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent structural transformation of methane hydrates in salt environments using in situ synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction, solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance, and Raman spectroscopy. We find that under pressurized and concentrated brine solutions methane hydrate forms a mixture of type I clathrate hydrate, ice, and hydrated salts. Under a low‐pressure condition, however, the methane hydrates are decomposed through a rapid sublimation of water molecules from the surface of hydrate crystals, while NaCl · 2H2O undergoes a phase transition into a crystal growth of NaCl via the migration of salt ions. In ambient pressure conditions, the methane hydrate is fully decomposed in brine solutions at temperatures above 252 K, the eutectic point of NaCl · 2H2O.
Combined effects of iron and copper from atmospheric dry deposition on ocean productivity
Authors: Wang F. J. , Chen Y. , Guo Z. G. , Gao H. W. , Mackey K. R. , Yao X. H. , Zhuang G. S. , Paytan A.
Published: February 2017

Atmospheric deposition can provide nutrients and potential toxicants to marine ecosystem, hence affecting ocean net primary productivity (NPP). Nonetheless, the interactive effects of mixed aerosol components on phytoplankton have rarely been reported. Here we explored the combined effects of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) on NPP over the East China Sea. In aerosol addition mesocosm experiments, phytoplankton growth was suppressed under high aerosol Cu but was increased when high Cu was accompanied by high Fe in aerosols. A time series of soluble aerosol Fe and Cu deposition was obtained and compared to regional chlorophyll a (Chl a) abundances from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer/Aqua. Strong positive correlations were observed between the dry flux ratios of soluble Fe/Cu and Chl a abundances in the large offshore area, whereas these variables were uncoupled in coastal regions where riverine input and upwelling dominated the biogeochemistry. Current work provides insight into the complex linkage between atmospheric deposition and marine productivity.
Large‐scale energy budget of impulsive magnetic reconnection: Theory and simulation
Authors: Kiehas S. A. , Volkonskaya N. N. , Semenov V. S. , Erkaev N. V. , Kubyshkin I. V. , Zaitsev I. V.
Published: February 2017

We evaluate the large‐scale energy budget of magnetic reconnection utilizing an analytical time‐dependent impulsive reconnection model and a numerical 2‐D MHD simulation. With the generalization to compressible plasma, we can investigate changes in the thermal, kinetic, and magnetic energies. We study these changes in three different regions: (a) the region defined by the outflowing plasma (outflow region, OR), (b) the region of compressed magnetic fields above/below the OR (traveling compression region, TCR), and (c) the region trailing the OR and TCR (wake). For incompressible plasma, we find that the decrease inside the OR is compensated by the increase in kinetic energy. However, for the general compressible case, the decrease in magnetic energy inside the OR is not sufficient to explain the increase in thermal and kinetic energy. Hence, energy from other regions needs to be considered. We find that the decrease in thermal and magnetic energy in the wake, together with the decrease in magnetic energy inside the OR, is sufficient to feed the increase in kinetic and thermal energies in the OR and the increase in magnetic and thermal energies inside the TCR. That way, the energy budget is balanced, but consequently, not all magnetic energy is converted into kinetic and thermal energies of the OR. Instead, a certain fraction gets transfered into the TCR. As an upper limit of the efficiency of reconnection (magnetic energy
kinetic energy) we find ηeff=1/2. A numerical simulation is used to include a finite thickness of the current sheet, which shows the importance of the pressure gradient inside the OR for the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy.
On the origin of the crescent‐shaped distributions observed by MMS at the magnetopause
Authors: Lapenta G. , Berchem J. , Zhou M. , Walker R. J. , El‐Alaoui M. , Goldstein M. L. , Paterson W. R. , Giles B. L. , Pollock C. J. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Ergun R. E. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L.
Published: February 2017

MMS observations recently confirmed that crescent‐shaped electron velocity distributions in the plane perpendicular to the magnetic field occur in the electron diffusion region near reconnection sites at Earth's magnetopause. In this paper, we reexamine the origin of the crescent‐shaped distributions in the light of our new finding that ions and electrons are drifting in opposite directions when displayed in magnetopause boundary‐normal coordinates. Therefore, E × B drifts cannot cause the crescent shapes. We performed a high‐resolution multiscale simulation capturing subelectron skin‐depth scales. The results suggest that the crescent‐shaped distributions are caused by meandering orbits without necessarily requiring any additional processes found at the magnetopause such as the highly asymmetric magnetopause ambipolar electric field. We use an adiabatic Hamiltonian model of particle motion to confirm that conservation of canonical momentum in the presence of magnetic field gradients causes the formation of crescent shapes without invoking asymmetries or the presence of an E × B drift. An important consequence of this finding is that we expect crescent‐shaped distributions also to be observed in the magnetotail, a prediction that MMS will soon be able to test.
High‐latitude Pi2 pulsations associated with kink‐like neutral sheet oscillations
Authors: Wang G. Q. , Volwerk M. , Zhang T. L. , Schmid D. , Yoshikawa A.
Published: February 2017

A kink‐like neutral sheet oscillation event observed by Cluster between 1436 and 1445 UT on 15 October 2004 has been investigated. The oscillations with periods between 40 and 60 s, observed at (−13.1, 8.7, −0.5) RE, are dominant in BX and BY. And they propagate mainly duskward with a velocity of (86, 147, 46) km/s. Their periods and velocity can be explained by the magnetic double‐gradient instability. These oscillations are accompanied by strong field‐aligned currents (FACs), which prefer to occur near the strongly tilted current sheet, and local maximum FAC tends to occur near the neutral sheet. The FACs show one‐to‐one correlated with a high‐latitude Pi2 pulsation event recorded by KTN and TIK stations with a delay time of ~60 and 90 s, respectively. Both the Pi2 and oscillations propagate westward with a comparative conjunctive speed. These findings suggest a strong relation between the FACs and Pi2, and we infer that the Pi2 is caused by the FACs. The periods of the FACs are modulated by the oscillations but not exactly equal, which is one possible reason that the period of the Pi2 caused by the FACs could be different from the oscillations. We speculate that a current circuit between the plasma sheet and ionosphere can be formed during strongly tilted current sheet, and successive tilted current sheet could generate quasiperiodic multiple FAC systems, which can generate high‐latitude Pi2 pulsations and control their periods.
MAVEN and the total electron content of the Martian ionosphere
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Narvaez Clara , Vogt Marissa F. , Mayyasi Majd , Mahaffy Paul , Benna Mehdi , Andersson Laila , Campbell Bruce , Němec Frantisek , Ma Ying Juan , Chaufray Jean‐Yves , Leblanc François , Gonzalez‐Galindo Francisco , Lopez‐Valverde Miguel Ángel , Forget François , Jakosky Bruce
Published: February 2017

Model studies of the ionosphere of Mars under daytime conditions reveal that for solar zenith angles of 0°–40°, the shapes and magnitudes of the electron density profiles Ne(h) change by only small amounts. This suggests that midday observations made by MAVEN instruments along slanted orbit segments can be used to represent vertical profiles. The total electron content (TEC), defined as the height integral of Ne(h), is a measure of the cold plasma reservoir of the Martian ionosphere. During MAVEN's Deep‐Dip‐#2 campaign of April 2015, observations of total ion density by Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer and electron density by Langmuir Probe and Waves from periapse (~130 km) to 400 km were used to form topside—validated by independent diagnostics and models. Orbit‐by‐orbit changes in topside TEC were then used to assess the magnitudes of plasma escape associated with both large and small changes in the topside slope of Ne(h)—called an “ionopause episode.” The TEC changes due to these episodes, generalized to a global change, resulted in an escape flux of ~3–6 × 1024 ions/s, an escape rate consistent with prior observation by Phobos‐2, Mars Express, and MAVEN's own in situ studies.
A study on the evolution of plasma bubbles using the single station‐multisatellite and multistation‐single satellite techniques
Authors: Unnikrishnan K. , Sreekumar H. , Choudhary R. K. , Ashna V. M. , Ambili K. M. , Shreedevi P. R. , Rao P. B.
Published: February 2017

The characteristics of plasma bubble‐induced ionospheric irregularities were analyzed by estimating the drift velocity of plasma bubbles, their percentage of occurrence, seasonal/LT distributions, and east‐west spatial width using multifrequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receiver systems at Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Hanle. Two techniques, namely, single station‐multisatellite and multistation‐single satellite observations, were used in the analysis by tracking two geostationary Indian satellites GSAT‐8 (PRN 127) and GSAT‐10 (PRN 128) for the year 2014. In addition, GNSS receiver data from a recently commissioned near‐equatorial station at Changanacherry, Kerala, were used to evaluate 15 plasma bubble events during the period of 29 October 2015 to 31 October 2016. Using, single station‐multisatellite technique, the distribution of drift velocity measurements from plasma bubble scintillations lies in the range of 120–140 m/s for Trivandrum, Changanacherry, and Hyderabad. For Bangalore, and Delhi, the most probable ranges of drift velocity were 120–160 m/s and 80–100 m/s, respectively. The highest probable value of east‐west width of plasma bubble evolution for Trivandrum and Changanacherry was within the range of 100–150 km. However, the same at Bangalore and Hyderabad was in the range of 150–200 km and 100–200 km for Delhi. The maximum probable LT of occurrence of plasma bubble is premidnight sector over the equator. The comparison of the characteristics of plasma bubble evolution over equatorial/low‐latitude Indian sector considering six stations by employing two unique techniques and an objective correlation method is the first time attempt.
Low‐latitude daytime F region irregularities observed in two geomagnetically quiet days by the Hainan coherent scatter phased array radar (HCOPAR)
Authors: Chen Gang , Jin Han , Yan Jingye , Zhang Shaodong , Li Guozhu , Yokoyama Tatsuhiro , Yang Guotao , Yan Chunxiao , Wu Chen , Wang Jin , Zhong Dingkun , Li Yaxian , Wang Zhihua
Published: February 2017

Hainan coherent scatter phased array radar (HCOPAR) located at low latitude of China has recorded the extremely rare daytime F region irregularities at noon of 22 July 2013 and 23 May 2016. The two field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) appeared in the topside F2 layer and presented small Doppler velocities and narrow spectral widths. The fan sector maps show that the FAIs moved northward with almost no zonal speed. The irregularities emerged in the geomagnetically quiet condition and were irrelevant to the storm‐induced eastward electric field as other daytime cases. More than 2 h after the emergency of the daytime irregularities over Hainan, the Shaoyang digisonde situated ~870 km north to the HCOPAR recorded the spread‐F in ionospheric F1 layer. According to the echo altitudes, the spread‐F may connect the daytime bubbles via magnetic field line. The strong photoionization after sunrise made it difficult to generate the plasma bubbles in the sunlit ionosphere. Consequently, the two midday FAIs over Hainan may drift along the magnetic field lines from higher altitudes in the south and are most likely the remnant of previous night's bubbles.
The role of the convection electric field in filling the slot region between the inner and outer radiation belts
Authors: Califf S. , Li X. , Zhao H. , Kellerman A. , Sarris T. E. , Jaynes A. , Malaspina D. M.
Published: February 2017

The Van Allen Probes have reported frequent flux enhancements of 100s keV electrons in the slot region, with lower energy electrons exhibiting more dynamic behavior at lower L shells. Also, in situ electric field measurements from the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite, Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS), and the Van Allen Probes have provided evidence for large‐scale electric fields at low L shells during active times. We study an event on 19 February 2014 where hundreds of keV electron fluxes were enhanced by orders of magnitude in the slot region and electric fields of 1–2 mV/m were observed below L = 3. Using a 2‐D guiding center particle tracer and a simple large‐scale convection electric field model, we demonstrate that the measured electric fields can account for energization of electrons up to at least 500 keV in the slot region through inward radial transport.
Evolution of a typical ion‐scale magnetic flux rope caused by thermal pressure enhancement
Authors: Teh W.‐L. , Nakamura T. K. M. , Nakamura R. , Baumjohann W. , Russell C. T. , Pollock C. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Ergun R. E. , Burch J. L. , Torbert R. B. , Giles B. L.
Published: February 2017

With high time‐resolution field and plasma measurements by the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft, interior fine structures of two ion‐scale magnetic flux ropes (~5 and ~11 ion inertial length radius) separated by ~14 s are resolved. These two ion‐scale flux ropes (FR1 and FR2) show non‐frozen‐in ion behavior and consist of a strong axial magnetic field at the reversal of the negative‐then‐positive bipolar field component. The negative bipolar field component of the FR2 is found to be depressed, where magnetic pressure and total pressure decrease, but ion and electron thermal pressures increase, a feature akin to a crater‐like flux rope. The pressure enhancement is due to the magnetosheath plasma feeding into the flux rope along the field lines. Magnetic field draping and energetic electrons are also observed in the trailing part of the FR2. The ratio of perpendicular and parallel currents indicates that the FR1 appears force‐free but the FR2 seems not. Moreover, the FR2 is time‐dependent as a result of a low correlation coefficient (CC = 0.75) for the derivation of the deHoffmann‐Teller frame using the direct measured electric fields, while the FR1 is in quasi‐steady conditions (CC = 0.94). It is concluded that the crater formation within the FR2 can be interpreted by the analytical flux rope simulation as the evolution of typical flux rope to crater‐like one due to the thermal pressure enhancement, which could be induced by the depression of transverse magnetic fields of the flux rope.
Electrical conductivity of hydrous andesitic melts pertinent to subduction zones
Authors: Guo Xuan , Li Bin , Ni Huaiwei , Mao Zhu
Published: February 2017

Andesitic magmatism and rocks are widespread at convergent plate boundaries. Electrically conductive bodies beneath subduction zone arc volcanoes, such as the Uturuncu Volcano, Bolivia, may correspond to active reservoirs of H2O‐bearing andesitic magma. Laboratory measurements of electrical conductivity of hydrous andesitic melts are required to constrain the physicochemical conditions of these magma reservoirs in combination with magnetotelluric data. This experimental study investigates electrical conductivity of andesitic melts with 0.01–5.9 wt % of H2O at 1164–1573 K and 0.5–1.0 GPa in a piston cylinder apparatus using sweeping‐frequency impedance spectroscopy. Electrical conductivity of andesitic melt increases with increasing temperature and H2O concentration but decreases with pressure. Across the investigated range of H2O concentration, electrical conductivity varies by 1.2–2.4 log units, indicating stronger influence of H2O for andesitic melt than for rhyolitic and dacitic melts. Using the Nernst‐Einstein equation, the principal charge carrier is inferred to be Na in anhydrous melt but divalent cations in hydrous andesitic melts. The experimental data are regressed into a general electrical conductivity model for andesitic melt accounting for the pressure‐temperature‐H2O dependences altogether. Modeling results show that the conductive layer at >20 km depths beneath the surface of the Uturuncu Volcano could be interpreted by the presence of less than 20 vol % of H2O‐rich andesitic melt (with 6–9 wt % H2O).
Imaging Pacific lithosphere seismic discontinuities—Insights from SS precursor modeling
Authors: Tharimena Saikiran , Rychert Catherine , Harmon Nicholas , White Paul
Published: February 2017

Oceanic lithosphere provides an ideal location to decipher the nature of the lithosphere‐asthenosphere system which is vital to our understanding of plate tectonics. It is well established that oceanic lithosphere cools, thickens, and subsides as it ages according to the conductive cooling models. Yet this simple realization fails to explain various observations. For example, old oceanic lithosphere does not subside as predicted. Further, precise imaging of the lower boundary of the oceanic lithosphere has proven challenging. Here we use SS precursors to image the discontinuity structure across the Pacific Ocean using 24 years of teleseismic data. We image a sharp pervasive velocity discontinuity (3–15% drop over <21 km) at 30–80 km depth that increases in depth with age from the ridge to at least 36 ± 9 Myr along the 1100°C conductive cooling isotherm. Beneath seafloor >36 Myr, there is no age‐depth dependence, and we image the discontinuity at an average depth of 60 ± 1.5 km. The amplitude and sharpness of the boundary suggests that a compositional variation and/or layered carbonatitic melt may be required to explain our observations rather than temperature alone. The strength and pervasiveness of the boundary suggest that it is likely related to the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary. An additional deeper discontinuity at 80–120 km depth is imaged intermittently that in most cases likely represents a continuing negative velocity gradient in depth.
Nonheating methods for absolute paleointensity determination: Comparison and calibration using synthetic and natural magnetite‐bearing samples
Authors: Lerner Geoffrey A. , Smirnov Aleksey V. , Surovitckii Leonid V. , Piispa Elisa J.
Published: February 2017

Nonheating paleointensity methods utilize an anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) or a saturation isothermal remanent magnetization to model the natural thermal remanent magnetization (TRM) to avoid heating‐induced alteration. We report the results of paleointensity experiments using the ARM, pseudo‐Thellier, and ratio of equivalent magnetization (REM) methods conducted to investigate their relative efficiency in recovering the true paleofield strength and to provide additional estimates of their calibration factors. The experiments on synthetic magnetite‐bearing samples representing single‐domain (SD) and pseudo‐single‐domain (PSD) magnetic states indicated that the correction factors for the ARM‐based methods depend on the magnetic grain size/domain state changing from ~6.3 (for SD grains) to ~4.1 (for ~1.5 µm PSD grains). The pseudo‐Thellier method yielded correct absolute paleointensity values when normalization by the TRM/ARM demagnetization slope was used. When applied to samples of lava flows and dikes from the ~32 kyr Lemptégy volcano (France), both the ARM and pseudo‐Thellier methods produced similar paleointensity estimates (28.0 ± 5.1 μT and 26.9 ± 4.7 μT, respectively) consistent with the available Thellier data for the 31–33 kyr time interval. The correction factors estimated from our synthetic samples for the REM (~3000) and for REMc (~1500) and REM′ (~1500) variants are consistent with the previously published estimates. However, all REM variants yielded unrealistically high estimates (>110 μT) of the paleofield strength from our natural samples. Our experimental results support ARM as a better proxy of TRM and suggest that the ARM‐based methods currently represent the best alternative to heating‐based absolute paleointensity method.
A tale of two riffles: Using multidimensional, multifractional, time‐varying sediment transport to assess self‐maintenance in pool‐riffle sequences
Authors: Bayat Esmaeel , Rodríguez José F. , Saco Patricia M. , de Almeida Gustavo A. M. , Vahidi Elham , García Marcelo H.
Published: February 2017

Pool‐riffle sequences play a central role in providing habitat diversity conditions both in terms of flow and substrate in gravel bed streams. Understanding their capacity to self‐maintain has been the focus of research for many years, starting with the velocity reversal hypothesis. This hypothesis relied only on cross sectional averaged flow information, but its limited success prompted extensions of the hypothesis and alternative explanations for self‐maintenance. Significant advances beyond the velocity reversal hypothesis have been achieved by incorporating more information either on flow or sediment transport characteristics. However, this has been done in a compartmentalized way, with studies either focusing on one or the other aspect. This work bridges the gap between these two aspects by using an approximate methodology that combines observed characteristic stage‐dependent 3‐D flow patterns with time‐varying cross sectional information on bed shear stresses, sediment distribution, and sediment bed changes during a 1 year record of continuous discharges from a real stream. This methodology allows us to track the behavior of different sediment size fractions along flow streamlines over time and identify self‐maintenance conditions due to the combined effect of both flow multidimensionality and sediment transport. We apply this approximate methodology to two contiguous pools and riffles and demonstrate that, unexpectedly, they may rely on different mechanisms for self‐maintenance due to differences in geometry and sediment size distribution. We also demonstrate that our methodology is potentially overarching and integrative of previous partial approaches based on flow multidimensionality or sediment transport, which tend to underestimate the occurrence of self‐maintenance.
GALAXY: A new hybrid MOEA for the optimal design of Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Wang Q. , Savić D. A. , Kapelan Z.
Published: February 2017

A new hybrid optimizer, called genetically adaptive leaping algorithm for approximation and diversity (GALAXY), is proposed for dealing with the discrete, combinatorial, multiobjective design of Water Distribution Systems (WDSs), which is NP‐hard and computationally intensive. The merit of GALAXY is its ability to alleviate to a great extent the parameterization issue and the high computational overhead. It follows the generational framework of Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs) and includes six search operators and several important strategies. These operators are selected based on their leaping ability in the objective space from the global and local search perspectives. These strategies steer the optimization and balance the exploration and exploitation aspects simultaneously. A highlighted feature of GALAXY lies in the fact that it eliminates majority of parameters, thus being robust and easy‐to‐use. The comparative studies between GALAXY and three representative MOEAs on five benchmark WDS design problems confirm its competitiveness. GALAXY can identify better converged and distributed boundary solutions efficiently and consistently, indicating a much more balanced capability between the global and local search. Moreover, its advantages over other MOEAs become more substantial as the complexity of the design problem increases.
On the parameter dependence of the whistler anisotropy instability
Authors: An Xin , Yue Chao , Bortnik Jacob , Decyk Viktor , Li Wen , Thorne Richard M.
Published: February 2017

The evolution of the whistler anisotropy instability relevant to whistler‐mode chorus waves in the Earth's inner magnetosphere is studied using kinetic simulations and is compared with satellite observations. The electron distribution is constrained by the whistler anisotropy instability to a marginal stability state and presents an upper bound of electron anisotropy, which agrees with satellite observations. The electron beta β∥e separates whistler waves into two groups: (i) quasi‐parallel whistler waves for
and (ii) oblique whistler waves close to the resonance cone for
. Landau damping is important in the saturation and relaxation stage of the oblique whistler wave growth. The saturated magnetic field energy of whistler waves roughly scales with the electron beta
, shown in both simulations and satellite observations. These results suggest the critical role of electron beta β∥e in determining the whistler wave properties in the inner magnetosphere.
Molecular understanding of pyridinium ionic liquids as absorbents with water as refrigerant for use in heat pumps
Authors: Sánchez Pablo B. , Traikia Mounir , Dequid Alain , Pádua Agílio A. H. , García Josefa
Published: February 2017

Aiming at developing new absorbent/refrigerant working pairs for heat pumps, thermodynamic and transport properties of two pyridinium ionic liquids (ILs), N‐ethylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide and N‐ethylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulfonate were studied using molecular simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The microscopic structure of the ILs and the solvation environment of water, including hydrogen bonding, were studied. Free‐energies of solvation of water were obtained using perturbation methods, and the values agree with experimental observations. Self‐diffusion coefficients and viscosity were computed and compared with nuclear magnetic resonance measurements and literature. Simulations predict slower dynamics when compared with experiment: diffusion coefficients are underpredicted, whereas viscosity is overpredicted. As such, simulation is consistent in a Stokes‐Einstein sense. The trends in transport properties due to changing anion, to the presence of water and the effect of temperature are well predicted. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 3523–3531, 2017
Volume diffusion in purification by sublimation
Authors: Singh Narendra , Schwartzentruber Thomas E. , Holmes Russell J. , Cussler E. L.
Published: February 2017

The amount sublimated of large organic molecules varies with the square of the diameter of the tube in which sublimation occurs. This implies that the velocity profile in the tube is nearly flat, consistent with volume diffusion, but not with laminar flow, Knudsen diffusion, or slip flow. However, molecular simulation calculations show that under the conditions used, the velocity profile is near parabolic when there is no deposition on the tube wall, inconsistent with volume diffusion, but in agreement with laminar flow. These calculations also show that deposition on the wall does result in velocity which is almost constant with radial position. The result is a laminar flow profile which is nearly flat, and hence a total flux proportional to the square of the tube diameter, which is observed both in these simulations and in physical experiments. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1757–1764, 2017
A phase 2 safety study of accelerated elotuzumab infusion, over less than 1 h, in combination with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Berenson James , Manges Robert , Badarinath Suprith , Cartmell Alan , McIntyre Kristi , Lyons Roger , Harb Wael , Mohamed Hesham , Nourbakhsh Ali , Rifkin Robert
Published: February 2017

Elotuzumab, an immunostimulatory SLAMF7‐targeting monoclonal antibody, induces myeloma cell death with minimal effects on normal tissue. In a previous phase 3 study in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), elotuzumab (10 mg/kg, ∼3‐h infusion), combined with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, demonstrated durable efficacy and acceptable safety; 10% (33/321) of patients had infusion reactions (IRs; Grade 1/2: 29; Grade 3: 4). This phase 2 study (NCT02159365) investigated an accelerated infusion schedule in 70 patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma or RRMM. The primary endpoint was cumulative incidence of Grade 3/4 IRs by completion of treatment Cycle 2. Dosing comprised elotuzumab 10 mg/kg intravenously (weekly, Cycles 1‐2; biweekly, Cycles 3+), lenalidomide 25 mg (daily, Days 1‐21), and dexamethasone (28 mg orally and 8 mg intravenously, weekly, Cycles 1‐2; 40 mg orally, weekly, Cycles 3+), in 28‐day cycles. Premedication with diphenhydramine, acetaminophen, and ranitidine (or their equivalents) was given as in previous studies. If no IRs occurred, infusion rate was increased in Cycle 1 from 0.5 to 2 mL/min during dose 1 (∼2 h 50 min duration) to 5 mL/min for the entire infusion by dose 3 and also during all subsequent infusions (∼1‐h duration). Median number of treatment cycles was six. No Grade 3/4 IRs occurred; only one Grade 1 and one Grade 2 IR occurred, both during the first infusion. These data support the safety of a faster infusion of elotuzumab administered over ∼1 h by the third dose, providing a more convenient alternative dosing option for patients.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Annulation of Anilines using Benzothiazole as a Removable Directing Group
Authors: Sharma Shivani , Singh Sukanya , Kumari Akhilesh , Sawant Devesh M. , Pardasani Ram T.
Published: February 2017

An efficient and inexpensive cationic ruthenium(II) catalyst enabled synthesis of bis‐heterocycles through an oxidative annulation of benzothiazole‐directed anilines and alkynes is described. This strategy provides a broad scope of anilines bearing a directing group and alkynes with good to excellent yields. To our knowledge, this is the first report on benzothiazoles as removable directing groups, leading to the construction of diversified indoles.
Comparison ofSeveralWhiteMatterTracts inFeline andCanineBrain byUsingMagneticResonanceDiffusionTensorImaging
Authors: Jacqmot Olivier , Van Thielen Bert , Michotte Alex , Willekens Inneke , Verhelle Filip , Goossens Peter , De Ridder Filip , Clarys Jan Pieter , Vanbinst Anne , Peleman Cindy , de Mey Johan
Published: February 2017

Recently, we published a first anatomical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) atlas regarding white matter tracts in the canine brain. The purpose of this study was to show the significance of DTI in the revelation of the white matter fibres in the feline brain (i.e., to obtain an anatomical DTI atlas of images) and to descriptively compare these to previously obtained white matter fibre images of the canine brain. DTI MR Images of four cats euthanized for reasons other than neurological disorders were obtained with a 3 T system. Combined fractional anisotropic (FA) and directional maps were obtained within the hour after death. An experienced anatomist tracked white matter tracts of clinical relevance using the scanner software. After validation of these tracts, we compared relevant neurological connections between the cat and the dog. Comparison of cerebral structures between different species is easier when the three dimensional anatomy is visualized by using DTI. 3D rendered DTI images clearly show major differences in neurological architecture between cats and dogs for example, the more important space occupying role of the limbic system, and the less diffuse, less nodular, less pronounced and thinner fibre bundles in the feline brain compared to the canine brain (except for the cerebellum different parts connecting fibres passing through the brainstem which are pronouncedly developed). Anat Rec, 300:1270–1289, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
C−H Direct Arylated 6H‐Indolo[2,3‐b]quinoxaline Derivative as a Thickness‐Dependent Hole‐Injection Layer
Authors: Dong Dai , Fang Da , Li Hairong , Zhu Caixia , Zhao Xianghua , Li Jiewei , Jin Lingzhi , Xie Linghai , Chen Lin , Zhao Jianfeng , Zhang Hongmei , Huang Wei
Published: February 2017

A novel perfluoro‐1,4‐phenylenyl 6H‐indolo[2,3‐b]quinoxaline derivative (TFBIQ) was designed and synthesized by using a C−H direct arylation method. The optoelectrical properties of the obtained TFBIQ were fully characterized by UV/Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and a group of Alq3‐based green organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Device A, which used 0.5 nm‐thick TFBIQ as the interfacial modification layer, exhibited the five best advantages of device performance including a minimum turn‐on voltage as low as 3.1 V, a maximum luminescence intensity as high as 26564 cd m−2, a highest current density value of 348.9 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 11 V, the smallest efficiency roll‐off, as well as the greatest power efficiency of 1.46 lm W−1 relative to all of the other tested devices with thicker TFBIQ and also 10 nm‐thick MoO3 as hole‐injection layers (HILs). As a promising candidate for an organic HIL material, the as‐prepared TFBIQ exhibited a strong thickness effect on the performance of corresponding OLEDs. Furthermore, the theoretical calculated vertical ionization potential of the fluorinated TFBIQ suggests better anti‐oxidation stability than that of the non‐fluorinated structure.
Application of the MechPeff model to predict passive effective intestinal permeability in the different regions of the rodent small intestine and colon
Authors: Pade D. , Jamei M. , Rostami‐Hodjegan A. , Turner D.B.
Published: February 2017

A major component of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models is the prediction of the rate and extent of absorption of orally dosed drugs for which knowledge of effective passive intestinal permeability (Peff) is essential. Single‐pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) studies are used to establish effective permeability in vivo but are difficult to perform in rodents, while mechanistic models to predict drug Peff in rat and mouse have not been published. This work evaluates the predictive performance of the ‘MechPeff’ model to predict Peff in the rodent intestine based upon knowledge of regional gut physiology and drug‐specific physicochemical parameters. The ‘MechPeff’ model, built‐in to the Simcyp Rat and Mouse Simulators, predicts transcellular, paracellular and mucus layer permeabilities and combines these to give the overall Peff. The jejunal and/or ileal Peff was predicted for 12 (4) acidic, 13 (12) basic, 10 (8) neutral and 2 (0) ampholytic drugs in the rat (mouse), spanning a wide range of MW and logPo:w, and compared with experimental Peff obtained using SPIP. A key input is the intrinsic transcellular permeability (Ptrans,0) which can be derived from modelling of appropriate in vitro permeability experiments or predicted from physicochemical properties. The Peff predictions were reasonably good when experimentally derived Ptrans,0 was used; from 42 Peff,rat values, 24 (57%) were within 3‐fold, and of 19 Peff,mouse values, 12 (63%) were within 3‐fold, of observed Peff. Considering the lack of alternative models to predict Peff in preclinical species, and the minimal drug‐specific inputs required, this model provides a valuable tool within drug discovery and development programmes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automated microfluidic sorting of mammalian cells labeled with magnetic microparticles for those that efficiently express and secrete a protein of interest
Authors: Droz Xuan , Harraghy Niamh , Lançon Etienne , Le Fourn Valérie , Calabrese David , Colombet Thierry , Liechti Pascal , Rida Amar , Girod Pierre‐Alain , Mermod Nicolas
Published: February 2017

We developed a method for the fast sorting and selection of mammalian cells expressing and secreting a protein at high levels. This procedure relies on cell capture using an automated microfluidic device handling antibody‐coupled magnetic microparticles and on a timed release of the cells from the microparticles after capture. Using clinically compatible materials and procedures, we show that this approach is able to discriminate between cells that truly secrete high amounts of a protein from those that just display it at high levels on their surface without properly releasing it. When coupled to a cell colony imaging and picking device, this approach allowed the identification of CHO cell clones secreting a therapeutic protein at high levels that were not achievable without the cell sorting procedure. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1791–1802. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitive quantification of coixol, a potent insulin secretagogue, in Scoparia dulcis extract using high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry and UV detection
Authors: Ali Arslan , Haq Faraz Ul , ul Arfeen Qamar , Sharma Khaga Raj , Adhikari Achyut , Musharraf Syed Ghulam
Published: February 2017

Diabetes is a major global health problem which requires new studies for its prevention and control. Scoparia dulcis, a herbal product, is widely used for treatment of diabetes. Recent studies demonstrate coixol as a potent and nontoxic insulin secretagog from S. dulcis. This study focuses on developing two quantitative methods of coixol in S. dulcis methanol‐based extracts. Quantification of coixol was performed using high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (method 1) and high‐performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection (method 2) with limits of detection of 0.26 and 11.6 pg/μL, respectively, and limits of quantification of 0.78 and 35.5 pg/μL, respectively. S. dulcis is rich in coixol content with values of 255.5 ± 2.1 mg/kg (method 1) and 220.4 ± 2.9 mg/kg (method 2). Excellent linearity with determination coefficients >0.999 was achieved for calibration curves from 10 to 7500 ng/mL (method 1) and from 175 to 7500 ng/mL (method 2). Good accuracy (bias < −8.6%) and precision (RSD < 8.5%) were obtained for both methods. Thus, they can be employed to analyze coixol in plant extracts and herbal formulations.
Evaluating the levels of CSF and serum factors in ALS
Authors: Guo Jie , Yang Xuan , Gao Lina , Zang Dawei
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify CSF and serum factors as biomarkers that may aid in distinguishing ALS patients from control subjects and predicting ALS progression as well as prognosis.

Methods

Serum and CSF samples from 105 patients with ALS and 56 control subjects were analyzed for 13 factors using ELISA. The revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS‐r) was used to evaluate the overall functional status of ALS patients, and we also followed up with ALS patients either by phone or with clinic visits for five years after enrollment in this study. Finally, we examined the correlations between factor levels and various clinical parameters and evaluated the predictive value for prognosis through a multivariate statistic model.

Results

A total of eight factors were obviously elevated in CSF, and twelve markers were increased in serum. In the correlation analyses, there were trends toward higher bFGF, VEGF, MIP‐1α levels in ALS with a longer disease duration and slower disease progression in both CSF and serum. Higher MCP‐1 levels were associated with worse disease severity and faster progression, and the IFN‐γ levels were positively associated with disease progression in either CSF or serum. Finally, a better prognosis was observed with higher levels bFGF in CSF and VEGF in CSF and serum; conversely, patients with higher levels of IFN‐γ in the CSF had shorter overall survival.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that a factor profile of ALS patients is distinct from control subjects and may be useful in clinical practice and therapeutic trials.
Psychometric properties of Brief‐Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief‐BESTest) in evaluating balance performance in individuals with chronic stroke
Authors: Huang Meizhen , Pang Marco Y. C.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To examine the psychometric properties of the Brief‐Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief‐BESTest) in individuals with chronic stroke.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational study with repeated measurements involving 50 participants with chronic stroke [mean (SD) age: 59.2 (7.3) years]. Each participant with stroke was evaluated with the Brief‐BESTest, Berg balance scale (BBS), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), Fugl‐Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA), Chedoke‐McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Two raters (rater 1 and 2) provided the Brief‐BESTest scores of the first 27 participants independently to establish inter‐rater reliability. After 15 min of rest, the same 27 participants were evaluated with the Brief‐BESTest again by rater 1 to establish intra‐rater reliability. The Brief‐BESTest scores of the stroke group were also compared with those of the control group [n = 27, mean (SD) age: 56.7 (7.7) years].

Results

The Brief‐BESTest had no substantial floor and ceiling effects, good intra‐rater (ICC2,1 = 0.974) and inter‐rater (ICC2,1 = 0.980) reliability and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.818). The minimal detectable change at 95% confidence level was 2 points. The Brief‐BESTest showed moderate to very strong correlations with other balance (BBS and PASS) and motor impairment (FMA, CMSA) measures (rs = .547–.911, p < .001), thus revealing good concurrent and convergent validity. Its correlation with measures that evaluated other constructs was weaker (MoCA: rs = .437, p = .002) or non‐significant (GDS: rs  = −0.152, p = .292), thus showing good discriminant validity. Good known‐groups validity was established, as the Brief‐BESTest was effective in distinguishing participants with stroke from controls (cutoff score: <18, area under curve: 0.942), and individuals with stroke who required assistive device for their outdoor mobility from those who did not (cutoff score <14, area under curve: 0.810).

Conclusions

The Brief‐BESTest has good reliability and validity in assessing balance function in individuals with chronic stroke.