bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart pilot points using reversible‐jump Markov‐chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Jiménez S. , Mariethoz G. , Brauchler R. , Bayer P.
Published: March 2016

Pilot points are typical means for calibration of highly parameterized numerical models. We propose a novel procedure based on estimating not only the pilot point values, but also their number and suitable locations. This is accomplished by a trans‐dimensional Bayesian inversion procedure that also allows for uncertainty quantification. The utilized algorithm, reversible‐jump Markov‐Chain Monte Carlo (RJ‐MCMC), is computationally demanding and this challenges the application for model calibration. We present a solution for fast, approximate simulation through the application of a Bayesian inversion. A fast pathfinding algorithm is used to estimate tracer travel times instead of doing a full transport simulation. This approach extracts the information from measured breakthrough curves, which is crucial for the reconstruction of aquifer heterogeneity. As a result, the “smart pilot points” can be tuned during thousands of rapid model evaluations. This is demonstrated for both a synthetic and a field application. For the selected synthetic layered aquifer, two different hydrofacies are reconstructed. For the field investigation, multiple fluorescent tracers were injected in different well screens in a shallow alluvial aquifer and monitored in a tomographic source‐receiver configuration. With the new inversion procedure, a sand layer was identified and reconstructed with a high spatial resolution in 3‐D. The sand layer was successfully validated through additional slug tests at the site. The promising results encourage further applications in hydrogeological model calibration, especially for cases with simulation of transport.
Robust flood frequency analysis: Performance of EMA with multiple Grubbs‐Beck outlier tests
Authors: Lamontagne J. R. , Stedinger J. R. , Yu Xin , Whealton C. A. , Xu Ziyao
Published: March 2016

Flood frequency analysis generally involves the use of simple parametric probability distributions to smooth and extrapolate the information provided by short flood records to estimate extreme flood flow quantiles. Parametric probability distributions can have difficulty simultaneously fitting both the largest and smallest floods. A danger is that the smallest observations in a record can distort the exceedance probabilities assigned to the large floods of interest. The identification and treatment of such Potentially Influential Low Floods (PILFs) frees a fitting algorithm to describe the distribution of the larger observations. This can allow parametric flood frequency analysis to be both efficient, and also robust to deviations from the proposed probability model's lower tail. Historically, PILF identification involved subjective judgement. We propose a new multiple Grubbs‐Beck outlier test (MGBT) for objective PILF identification. MGBT PILF identification rates (akin to Type I errors) are reported for the lognormal (LN) distribution and the log‐Pearson Type III (LP3) distribution with a variety of skew coefficients. MGBT PILF identification generally matched subjective identification from a recent California flood frequency study. Monte Carlo results show that censoring of PILFs identified by the MGBT algorithm improves the extreme quantile estimator efficiency of the expected moments algorithm (EMA) for negatively skewed LP3 distributions and has little effect for zero or positive skews; simultaneously it protects against deviations from the LP3 in the lower tail, as illustrated by distorted LN examples. Thus, MGBT generally makes flood frequency analysis based on the LP3 distribution with EMA both more accurate and more robust.
Simulating bioclogging effects on dynamic riverbed permeability and infiltration
Authors: Newcomer Michelle E. , Hubbard Susan S. , Fleckenstein Jan H. , Maier Ulrich , Schmidt Christian , Thullner Martin , Ulrich Craig , Flipo Nicolas , Rubin Yoram
Published: March 2016

Bioclogging in rivers can detrimentally impact aquifer recharge. This is particularly so in dry regions, where losing rivers are common, and where disconnection between surface water and groundwater (leading to the development of an unsaturated zone) can occur. Reduction in riverbed permeability due to biomass growth is a time‐variable parameter that is often neglected, yet permeability reduction from bioclogging can introduce order of magnitude changes in seepage fluxes from rivers over short (i.e., monthly) timescales. To address the combined effects of bioclogging and disconnection on infiltration, we developed numerical representations of bioclogging processes within a one‐dimensional, variably saturated flow model representing losing‐connected and losing‐disconnected rivers. We tested these formulations using a synthetic case study informed with biological data obtained from the Russian River, California, USA. Our findings show that modeled biomass growth reduced seepage for losing‐connected and losing‐disconnected rivers. However, for rivers undergoing disconnection, infiltration declines occurred only after the system was fully disconnected. Before full disconnection, biologically induced permeability declines were not significant enough to offset the infiltration gains introduced by disconnection. The two effects combine to lead to a characteristic infiltration curve where peak infiltration magnitude and timing is controlled by permeability declines relative to hydraulic gradient gains. Biomass growth was found to hasten the onset of full disconnection; a condition we term ‘effective disconnection’. Our results show that river infiltration can respond dynamically to bioclogging and subsequent permeability declines that are highly dependent on river connection status.
Fluvial geomorphology and aquatic‐to‐terrestrial Hg export are weakly coupled in small urban streams of Columbus, Ohio
Authors: P. Sullivan S. Mažeika , Boaz Lindsey E. , Hossler Katie
Published: March 2016

Although mercury (Hg) contamination is common in stream ecosystems, mechanisms governing bioavailability and bioaccumulation in fluvial systems remain poorly resolved as compared to lentic systems. In particular, streams in urbanized catchments are subject to fluvial geomorphic alterations that may contribute to Hg distribution, bioaccumulation, and export across the aquatic‐to‐terrestrial boundary. In 12 streams of urban Columbus, Ohio, we investigated the influence of fluvial geomorphic characteristics related to channel geometry, streamflow, and sediment size and distribution on (1) Hg concentrations in sediment and body burdens in benthic larval and adult emergent aquatic insects and (2) aquatic‐to‐terrestrial contaminant transfer to common riparian spiders of the families Pisauridae and Tetragnathidae via changes in aquatic insect Hg body burdens as well as in aquatic insect density and community composition. Hydrogeomorphic characteristics were weakly related to Hg body burdens in emergent insects (channel geometry) and tetragnathid spiders (streamflow), but not to Hg concentrations in sediment or benthic insects. Streamflow characteristics were also related to emergent insect density, while wider channels were associated with benthic insect community shifts toward smaller‐bodied and more tolerant taxa (e.g., Chironomidae). Thus, our results provide initial evidence that fluvial geomorphology may influence aquatic‐to‐terrestrial contaminant Hg transfer through the collective effects on emergent insect body burdens as well as on aquatic insect community composition and abundance.
Transmission and division of total optical depth method: A universal calibration method for Sun photometric measurements
Authors: Zhang Ming , Gong Wei , Ma Yingying , Wang Lunche , Chen Zhongyong
Published: March 2016

Sun photometric measurements, which provide accurate and timely information on atmospheric components such as aerosols, clouds, and gases are important to climate research. For regions with heavy and variable aerosol loading, the traditional Langley plot method cannot be applied for Sun photometric instrument calibration, as almost no suitable prolonged periods with stable atmosphere and low‐aerosol loading occurs. An improved calibration method, namely, the transmission and division of total optical depth method, is proposed in this study. Atmospheric total optical depth variation information obtained via other methods is transmitted, and period groups with similar atmospheric extinction effects are selected for Langley regression. This method is validated through calibration of a multifilter rotating shadowband radiometer under heavy aerosol‐loading conditions. The obtained aerosol optical depth (AOD) compares well with the interpolated AOD from a Cimel Sun‐sky radiometer.
The impact of groundwater depletion on spatial variations in sea level change during the past century
Authors: Veit Emeline , Conrad Clinton P.
Published: March 2016

Continental groundwater loss during the past century has elevated sea level by up to ~25 mm. The mass unloading associated with this depletion locally uplifts Earth's solid surface and depresses the geoid, leading to slower relative sea level rise near areas of significant groundwater loss. We computed spatial variations in sea level using a model of the solid Earth's response to estimates of groundwater depletion during the past century and find large negative deviations of ~0.4 mm/yr along the coastlines of western North America and southern Asia. This approximately corresponds to the difference between rates of sea level rise measured by tide gauges in these regions since 1930 and average rates inferred from global reconstructions. Groundwater‐induced regional variations in sea level can be larger than those due to postglacial rebound and interseismic deformation and should become increasingly important in the future as both groundwater depletion and sea level rise accelerate.
Multiscale structure of meanders
Authors: Vermeulen B. , Hoitink A. J. F. , Zolezzi G. , Abad J. D. , Aalto R.
Published: March 2016

River meander planforms can be described based on wavelet analysis, but an objective method to identify the main characteristics of a meander planform over all spatial scales is yet to be found. Here we show how a set of simple metrics representing meander shape can be retrieved from a continuous wavelet transform of a planform geometry. We construct a synoptic multiple looping tree to establish the meander structure, revealing the embedding of dominant meander scales in larger‐scale loops. The method can be applied beyond the case of rivers to unravel the meandering structure of lava flows, turbidity currents, tidal channels, rivulets, supraglacial streams, and extraterrestrial flows.
Joint editorial: Fostering innovation and improving impact assessment for journal publications in hydrology
Authors: Koutsoyiannis Demetris , Blöschl Günter , Bárdossy András , Cudennec Christophe , Hughes Denis , Montanari Alberto , Neuweiler Insa , Savenije Hubert
Published: March 2016

Editors of several journals in the field of hydrology met during the Assembly of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences—IAHS (within the Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics—IUGG) in Prague in June 2015. This event was a follow‐up of a similar meeting held in July 2013 in Gothenburg (as reported by Blöschl et al. [2014]). These meetings enable the group of editors to review the current status of the journals and the publication process, and share thoughts on future strategies. Journals were represented in the 2015 meeting through their editors, as shown in the list of authors. The main points on fostering innovation and improving impact assessment in journal publications in hydrology are communicated in this joint editorial published in the above journals.
Appreciation of peer reviewers for 2015
Authors: Montanari Alberto , Bahr Jean , Blöschl Günter , Cai Ximing , Scott Mackay D. , Michalak Anna , Rajaram Harihar , Sanchez‐Vila Xavier
Published: March 2016

On behalf of the journal, AGU, and the scientific community, the editors would like to sincerely thank those who reviewed manuscripts for Water Resources Research in 2015. The hours reading and commenting on manuscripts not only improves the manuscripts themselves but it also increases the scientific rigor of future research in the field. Many of those listed below went beyond and reviewed three or more manuscripts for our journal, and those are indicated in italics. The refereeing contributions they made contributed to 3622 individual reviews of 1434 manuscripts. Thank you again. We look forward to a 2016 of exciting advances in the field and communicating those advances to our community and to the broader public.
Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker telmisartan induces apoptosis and autophagy in adult T‐cell leukemia cells
Authors: Kozako Tomohiro , Soeda Shuhei , Yoshimitsu Makoto , Arima Naomichi , Kuroki Ayako , Hirata Shinya , Tanaka Hiroaki , Imakyure Osamu , Tone Nanako , Honda Shin‐ichiro , Soeda Shinji
Published: March 2016

Adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL), an aggressive T‐cell malignancy that develops after long‐term infection with human T‐cell leukemia virus (HTLV‐1), requires new treatments. Drug repositioning, reuse of a drug previously approved for the treatment of another condition to treat ATL, offers the possibility of reduced time and risk. Among clinically available angiotensin II receptor blockers, telmisartan is well known for its unique ability to activate peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ, which plays various roles in lipid metabolism, cellular differentiation, and apoptosis. Here, telmisartan reduced cell viability and enhanced apoptotic cells via caspase activation in ex vivo peripheral blood monocytes from asymptomatic HTLV‐1 carriers (ACs) or via caspase‐independent cell death in acute‐type ATL, which has a poor prognosis. Telmisartan also induced significant growth inhibition and apoptosis in leukemia cell lines via caspase activation, whereas other angiotensin II receptor blockers did not induce cell death. Interestingly, telmisartan increased the LC3‐II‐enriched protein fraction, indicating autophagosome accumulation and autophagy. Thus, telmisartan simultaneously caused caspase activation and autophagy. A hypertension medication with antiproliferation effects on primary and leukemia cells is intriguing. Patients with an early diagnosis of ATL are generally monitored until the disease progresses; thus, suppression of progression from AC and indolent ATL to acute ATL is important. Our results suggest that telmisartan is highly effective against primary cells and leukemia cell lines in caspase‐dependent and ‐independent manners, and its clinical use may suppress acute transformation and improve prognosis of patients with this mortal disease. This is the first report demonstrating a cell growth‐inhibitory effect of telmisartan in fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells from leukemia patients.
Identification of approved drugs that inhibit the binding of amyloid β oligomers to ephrin type‐B receptor 2
Authors: Suzuki Koichiro , Aimi Takahiro , Ishihara Tomoaki , Mizushima Tohru
Published: March 2016

Ephrin type‐B receptor 2 (EphB2) is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family and plays an important role in learning and memory functions. In patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in mouse models of AD, a reduction in the hippocampal EphB2 level is observed. It was recently reported that normalization of the EphB2 level in the dentate gyrus rescues memory function in a mouse model of AD, suggesting that drugs that restore EphB2 levels may be beneficial in the treatment of AD. Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers, which are believed to be key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of AD, induce EphB2 degradation through their direct binding to EphB2. Thus, compounds that inhibit the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2 may be beneficial. Here, we screened for such compounds from drugs already approved for clinical use in humans. Utilizing a cell‐free screening assay, we determined that dihydroergotamine mesilate, bromocriptine mesilate, cepharanthine, and levonorgestrel inhibited the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2 but not to cellular prion protein, another endogenous receptor for Aβ oligomers. Additionally, these four compounds did not affect the binding between EphB2 and ephrinB2, an endogenous ligand for EphB2, suggesting that the compounds selectively inhibited the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2. This is the first identification of compounds that selectively inhibit the binding of Aβ oligomers to EphB2. These results suggest that these four compounds may be safe and effective drugs for treatment of AD.
Association of Improvement in Pain With Therapeutic Response as Determined by Individual Improvement Criteria in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Scharbatke Eva C. , Behrens Frank , Schmalzing Marc , Koehm Michaela , Greger Gerd , Gnann Holger , Burkhardt Harald , Tony Hans‐Peter
Published: March 2016

Objective

To use statistical methods to establish a threshold for individual response in patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

We used an analysis of variance model in patients on stable therapy (discovery cohort) to establish critical differences (dcrit) for the minimum change associated with a significant individual patient response (beyond normal variation) in the PRO measures of pain (0–10), fatigue (0–10), and function (Funktionsfragebogen Hannover questionnaire; 0–100). We then evaluated PRO responses in patients initiating adalimumab in a noninterventional study (treatment cohort).

Results

In the discovery cohort (n = 700), PROs showed excellent long‐term retest reliability. The minimum change that exceeded random fluctuation was conservatively determined to be 3 points for pain, 4 points for fatigue, and 16 points for function. In the treatment cohort (n = 2,788), 1,483 patients (53.2%) achieved a significant individual therapeutic response as assessed by Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28)–dcrit (≥1.8 points) after 12 months of adalimumab treatment; 68.5% of patients with a DAS28‐dcrit response achieved a significant improvement in pain, whereas approximately 40% achieved significant improvements in fatigue or function. Significant improvements in all 3 PROs occurred in 22.7% of patients; 22.8% did not have any significant PRO responses. In contrast, significant improvements in all 3 PROs occurred in only 4.4% of 1,305 patients who did not achieve a DAS28‐dcrit response at month 12, and 59.1% did not achieve any significant PRO responses.

Conclusion

The establishment of critical differences in PROs distinguishes true responses from random variation and provides insights into appropriate patient management.
Correlations of Medial Joint Space Width on Fixed‐Flexed Standing Computed Tomography and Radiographs With Cartilage and Meniscal Morphology on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Segal N. A. , Frick E. , Duryea J. , Roemer F. , Guermazi A. , Nevitt M. C. , Torner J. C. , Felson D. T. , Anderson D. D.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To assess whether medial tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW) on 3‐dimensional (3‐D) standing computed tomography (SCT) correlates more closely with magnetic resonance imaging cartilage morphology (CM) and meniscal scores than does radiographic 2‐D JSW.

Methods

Participants in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, who had standing fixed‐flexion posteroanterior knee radiographs, were recruited. Medial tibiofemoral 3‐D JSW on SCT and 2‐D JSW on fixed‐flexion radiographs were compared with medial tibiofemoral cartilage and meniscal morphology using the Whole‐Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Associations between the area of the articular surface with 3‐D JSW <2.5 mm on SCT, radiographic minimal 2‐D JSW, and the WORMS‐CM and meniscal scores were assessed using Spearman's rho.

Results

For the 19 participants included (33 knees), mean ± SD age was 66.9 ± 5.4 years, body mass index was 29.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2, 42.1% of participants were female, and the Kellgren/Lawrence grades were 0 (21.2%), 1 (36.4%), 2 (18.2%), and 3 (24.2%). The articular surface area with 3‐D JSW <2.5 mm on SCT correlated with WORMS‐CM scores for the central medial tibia (rs = 0.84, P < 0.001), central medial femur (rs = 0.60, P < 0.007), and posterior medial meniscal tear (rs = 0.39, P < 0.026), as did other cut points for 3‐D JSW. Correlations with radiographic minimal 2‐D JSW were −0.66, −0.52, and −0.40, respectively, differing from SCT only for tibial cartilage (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Greater surface area with a low JSW, measured by SCT, correlates more strongly with the severity of tibial cartilage lesions, while correlating with medial femoral cartilage and meniscal damage to a similar extent as radiographic minimal JSW. SCT may enable valid stratification of participants in clinical trials, through quickly and inexpensively characterizing osteoarthritis features.
Non‐Lithographic Fabrication of All‐2D α‐MoTe2 Dual Gate Transistors
Authors: Choi Kyunghee , Lee Young Tack , Kim Jin Sung , Min Sung‐Wook , Cho Youngsuk , Pezeshki Atiye , Hwang Do Kyung , Im Seongil
Published: March 2016

As one of the emerging new transition‐metal dichalcogenides materials, molybdenum ditelluride (α‐MoTe2) is attracting much attention due to its optical and electrical properties. This study fabricates all‐2D MoTe2‐based field effect transistors (FETs) on glass, using thin hexagonal boron nitride and thin graphene in consideration of good dielectric/channel interface and source/drain contacts, respectively. Distinguished from previous works, in this study, all 2D FETs with α‐MoTe2 nanoflakes are dual‐gated for driving higher current. Moreover, for the present 2D dual gate FET fabrications on glass, all thermal annealing and lithography processes are intentionally exempted for fully non‐lithographic method using only van der Waal's forces. The dual‐gate MoTe2 FET displays quite a high hole and electron mobility over ≈20 cm2 V−1 s−1 along with ON/OFF ratio of ≈105 in maximum as an ambipolar FET and also demonstrates high drain current of a few tens‐to‐hundred μA at a low operation voltage. It appears promising enough to drive organic light emitting diode pixels and NOR logic functions on glass.
Novel Composites of α‐Fe2O3 Tetrakaidecahedron and Graphene Oxide as an Effective Photoelectrode with Enhanced Photocurrent Performances
Authors: Liu Shaoxiong , Zheng Lingxia , Yu Pingping , Han Sancan , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: March 2016

Novel composites composed of α‐Fe2O3 tetrakaidecahedrons and graphene oxide have been easily fabricated and demonstrated to be efficient photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting reaction with superior photocurrent response. α‐Fe2O3 tetrakaidecahedrons are facilely synthesized in a green manner without any organic additives and then modified with graphene oxide. The morphological and structural properties of α‐Fe2O3/graphene composite are intensively investigated by several means, such as X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The tetrakaidecahedronal hematite particles have been indicated to be successfully coupled with graphene oxide. Systematical photoelectrochemical and impedance spectroscopy measurements have been carried out to investigate the favorable performance of α‐Fe2O3/graphene composites, which are found to be effective photoanodes with rapid, steady, and reproducible feature. The coupling of graphene with α‐Fe2O3 particles has greatly enhanced the photoelectrochemical performance, resulting in higher photocurrent and lower onset potential than that of pure α‐Fe2O3. This investigation has provided a feasible method to synthesize α‐Fe2O3 tetrakaidecahedron and fabricate an efficient α‐Fe2O3/graphene photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water oxidation, suggesting a promising route to design noble metal free semiconductor/graphene photocatalysts.
Double‐Twisted Conductive Smart Threads Comprising a Homogeneously and a Gradient‐Coated Thread for Multidimensional Flexible Pressure‐Sensing Devices
Authors: Tai Yanlong , Lubineau Gilles
Published: March 2016

Fiber‐based, flexible pressure‐sensing systems have attracted attention recently due to their promising application as electronic skins. Here, a new kind of flexible pressure‐sensing device based on a polydimethylsiloxane membrane instrumented with double‐twisted smart threads (DTSTs) is reported. DTSTs are made of two conductive threads obtained by coating cotton threads with carbon nanotubes. One thread is coated with a homogeneous thickness of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) to detect the intensity of an applied load and the other is coated with a graded thickness of SWCNTs to identify the position of the load along the thread. The mechanism and capacity of DTSTs to accurately sense an applied load are systematically analyzed. Results demonstrate that the fabricated 1D, 2D, and 3D sensing devices can be used to predict both the intensity and the position of an applied load. The sensors feature high sensitivity (between ≈0.1% and 1.56% kPa) and tunable resolution, good cycling resilience (>104 cycles), and a short response time (minimum 2.5 Hz). The presented strategy is a viable alternative for the design of simple, low‐cost pressure sensors.
Ultra‐Thin Layered Ternary Single Crystals [Sn(SxSe1−x)2] with Bandgap Engineering for High Performance Phototransistors on Versatile Substrates
Authors: Perumal Packiyaraj , Ulaganathan Rajesh Kumar , Sankar Raman , Liao Yu‐Ming , Sun Tzu‐Min , Chu Ming‐Wen , Chou Fang Cheng , Chen Yit‐Tsong , Shih Min‐Hsiung , Chen Yang‐Fang
Published: March 2016

2D ternary semiconductor single crystals, an emerging class of new materials, have attracted significant interest recently owing to their great potential for academic interest and practical application. In addition to other types of metal dichalcogenides, 2D tin dichalcogenides are also important layered compounds with similar capabilities. Yet, multi‐elemental single crystals enable to assist multiple degrees of freedom for dominant physical properties via ratio alteration. This study reports the growth of single crystals Se‐doped SnS2 or SnSSe alloys, and demonstrates their capability for the fabrication of phototransistors with high performance. Based on exfoliation from bulk high quality single crystals, this study establishes the characteristics of few‐layered SnSSe in structural, optical, and electrical properties. Moreover, few‐layered SnSSe phototransistors are fabricated on both rigid (SiO2/Si) and versatile polyethylene terephthalate substrates and their optoelectronic properties are examined. SnSSe as a phototransistor is demonstrated to exhibit a high photoresponsivity of about 6000 A W−1 with ultra‐high photogain ≈8.8 × 105, fast response time ≈9 ms, and specific detectivity (D*) ≈8.2 × 1012 J. These unique features are much higher than those of recently published phototransistors configured with other few‐layered 2D single crystals, making ultrathin SnSSe a highly qualified candidate for next‐generation optoelectronic applications.
A Closed Chondromimetic Environment within Magnetic‐Responsive Liquified Capsules Encapsulating Stem Cells and Collagen II/TGF‐β3 Microparticles
Authors: Correia Clara R. , Gil Sara , Reis Rui L. , Mano João F.
Published: March 2016

TGF‐β3 is enzymatically immobilized by transglutaminase‐2 action to poly(l‐lactic acid) microparticles coated with collagen II. Microparticles are then encapsulated with stem cells inside liquified spherical compartments enfolded with a permselective shell through layer‐by‐layer adsorption. Magnetic nanoparticles are electrostatically bound to the multilayered shell, conferring magnetic‐response ability. The goal of this study is to engineer a closed environment inside which encapsulated stem cells would undergo a self‐regulated chondrogenesis. To test this hypothesis, capsules are cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium without TGF‐β3. Their biological outcome is compared with capsules encapsulating microparticles without TGF‐β3 immobilization and cultured in normal chondrogenic differentiation medium containing soluble TGF‐β3. Glycosaminoglycans quantification demosntrates that similar chondrogenesis levels are achieved. Moreover, collagen fibrils resembling the native extracellular matrix of cartilage can be observed. Importantly, the genetic evaluation of characteristic cartilage markers confirms the successful chondrogenesis, while hypertrophic markers are downregulated. In summary, the engineered capsules are able to provide a suitable and stable chondrogenesis environment for stem cells without the need of TGF‐β3 supplementation. This kind of self‐regulated capsules with softness, robustness, and magnetic responsive characteristics is expected to provide injectability and in situ fixation, which is of great advantage for minimal invasive strategies to regenerate cartilage.
Enhanced Luminescence Characteristics of Remote Yellow Silicate Phosphors Printed on Nanoscale Surface‐Roughened Glass Substrates for White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Jun Sik , Eswaran Senthil Kumar , Kwon Oh Hyeon , Han Seung Jun , Lee Joo Hong , Cho Yong Soo
Published: March 2016

Nonconventional ways to modify phosphor structures have been reported to enhance the overall luminous efficacy of white light‐emitting diodes (LED). Here, a nanoscale texturing technique of a glass substrate with the simple printing process of yellow (Ba,Sr,Ca)2SiO4:Eu+2 silicate phosphor paste is combined to achieve enhanced white luminescence performance. It is demonstrated that the luminous efficacy of the resulting printed phosphor layer can be enhanced by ≈16% as a result of controlling surface roughness of the substrate up to 151 nm. The substantial improvement obtained by texturing both sides of the substrate is attributed to the reduction of total internal reflection of rays at the glass–air interface, combined with reduction of specular reflection at the phosphor–glass interface. For the surface‐textured configuration, 3D ray tracing simulations reveal that more rays can be extracted with a widely scattered radiation pattern on the surface. Far‐field luminance uniformity is also found to be significantly improved as a result of the texturing technique.
Intermediate‐Dependent Unusual [4+3], [3+2] and Cascade Reactions of 3‐Indolylmethanols: Controllable Chemodivergent and Stereoselective Synthesis of Diverse Indole Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Hao , Zhu Zi‐Qi , Fan Tao , Liang Jing , Shi Feng
Published: March 2016

Chemodivergent and stereoselective construction of indole‐containing scaffolds, as well as synthesis of diverse indole derivatives, has long been a goal in the chemistry community. In this work, we reveal key intermediate‐dependent unusual [4+3], [3+2] and cascade reactions of 3‐indolylmethanols with Nazarov reagents, leading to controllable chemodivergent and stereoselective synthesis of diverse indole derivatives. (i) In the presence of hydrobromic acid in acetonitrile, 3‐indolylmethanols performed an electronically reversed [4+3] cyclization with Nazarov reagents, thus constructing a cyclohepta[b]indole framework with the concomitant creation of an all‐carbon seven‐membered ring bearing a quaternary stereocenter in a highly diastereoselective fashion. (ii) Under the promotion of hydrobromic acid in fluorobenzene, methyl‐protected 3‐indolylmethanols underwent site‐selective [3+2] cyclization with Nazarov reagents, which built up a cyclopenta[b]indole skeleton bearing a spiro‐quaternary stereocenter in high chemical yields. (iii) By changing the acid to trifluoromethanesulfonic acid in acetonitrile, the same reactants carried out a cascade reaction to afford the corresponding indole derivatives by generating multiple new CC bonds in an (E/Z)‐selective mode. Based on control experiments, these reactions were found to be dependent on the formation of a key type of intermediate, which underwent a variety of unusual transformations including CC bond cleavage and reassembly under different reaction conditions to afford diverse indole derivatives. These unusual reactions not only for the first time establish several challenging new transformations of 3‐indolylmethanols with precise control of chemo‐, diastereo‐ and (E/Z)‐selectivity, but also provide efficient methods for constructing indole‐containing scaffolds in a stereoselective and chemodivergent manner.

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But‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diamine and But‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diol as Donors for Thermodynamically Favored Transaminase‐ and Alcohol Dehydrogenase‐Catalyzed Processes
Authors: Martínez‐Montero Lía , Gotor Vicente , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente , Lavandera Iván
Published: March 2016

Both cis‐ and trans‐but‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diamines have been prepared and efficiently applied as sacrificial cosubstrates in enzymatic transamination reactions. The best results were obtained with the cis‐diamine. The thermodynamic equilibrium of the stereoselective transamination process is shifted to the amine formation due to tautomerization of 5H‐pyrrole into 1H‐pyrrole, achieving high conversions (78–99%) and enantiomeric excess (up to >99%) by using a small excess of the amine donor. Furthermore, when the reaction proceeded, a strong coloration was observed due to polymerization of 1H‐pyrrole. A structurally related compound, cis‐but‐2‐ene‐1,4‐diol, has been utilized as cosubstrate in different alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH)‐mediated bioreductions. In this case, high conversions (91–99%) were observed due to a lactonization process. Both strategies are convenient from both synthetic and atom economy points of view in the production of valuable optically active products.

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Photoluminescent Metal–Organic Frameworks for Gas Sensing
Authors: Lin Rui‐Biao , Liu Si‐Yang , Ye Jia‐Wen , Li Xu‐Yu , Zhang Jie‐Peng
Published: March 2016

Luminescence of porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is sensitive to the type and concentration of chemical species in the surrounding environment, because these materials combine the advantages of the highly regular porous structures and various luminescence mechanisms, as well as diversified host‐guest interactions. In the past few years, luminescent MOFs have attracted more and more attention for chemical sensing of gas‐phase analytes, including common gases and vapors of solids/liquids. While liquid‐phase and gas‐phase luminescence sensing by MOFs share similar mechanisms such as host‐guest electron and/or energy transfer, exiplex formation, and guest‐perturbing of excited‐state energy level and radiation pathways, via various types of host‐guest interactions, gas‐phase sensing has its unique advantages and challenges, such as easy utilization of encapsulated guest luminophores and difficulty for accurate measurement of the intensity change. This review summarizes recent progresses by using luminescent MOFs as reusable sensing materials for detection of gases and vapors of solids/liquids especially for O2, highlighting various strategies for improving the sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and accuracy, reducing the materials cost, and developing related devices.
Recent Advances in Stretchable and Transparent Electronic Materials
Authors: McCoul David , Hu Weili , Gao Mengmeng , Mehta Vishrut , Pei Qibing
Published: March 2016

Recent technological advances have made a myriad of soft and flexible electronic devices possible. The essential materials behind many of these devices and systems are electrical conductors that are compliant and retain their conductivity at high strain deformation. These so‐called “compliant conductors” are the class of materials that enable stretchable and flexible electrodes, interconnects, and other components utilized in soft electronics. Creating conductors with high compliance, conductivity, and transparency is not a trivial matter, since these properties are often mutually exclusive. Furthermore, engineering reliable compliant conductors with a desired set of properties that remain fairly unchanged over long service lifetimes is an additional criterion that merits careful attention. These challenges have been addressed through at least two primary approaches. The first has been to create conducting composites that are intrinsically stretchable, typically by filling elastomers with conductive particles, or by depositing conductive particles on or just beneath the surface of elastomers. The second strategy has been to build conducting structures capable of reversible bending or stretching. In this review, the key research efforts toward the development of compliant conductors, including transparent conductors, are surveyed for application in flexible and highly stretchable electronic and electromechanical devices.
Model‐based analysis of chemical‐looping combustion experiments. Part II: Optimal design of CH4‐NiO reduction experiments
Authors: Han Lu , Zhou Zhiquan , Bollas George M.
Published: March 2016

There is significant controversy in the reduction kinetics of chemical‐looping combustion (CLC) between NiO and CH4. We propose an application of a model‐based framework to improve the quality of CLC experiments with respect to model discrimination and parameter estimation. First, optimal experiments are designed and executed to reject inadequate models and to determine a true model structure for the reaction kinetics of the CH4‐NiO system. Then, kinetics with statistical significance is estimated from experiments aimed at reducing parameter uncertainty. To maximize the observability of the NiO reduction reactions, fixed bed experiments should exhibit a peak separation of the concentration profiles, an initial high methane slip, and low overall CO2selectivity. Several case studies are presented to check the adequacy of the recommended model and evaluate its predictive ability and extrapolation capabilities. The model resulting from this work is validated and suitable for application in process design and optimization. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical EngineersAIChE J, 62: 2432–2446, 2016
LINE1 insertions as a genomic risk factor for schizophrenia: Preliminary evidence from an affected family
Authors: Guffanti Guia , Gaudi Simona , Klengel Torsten , Fallon James H. , Mangalam Harry , Madduri Ravi , Rodriguez Alex , DeCrescenzo Paula , Glovienka Emily , Sobell Janet , Klengel Claudia , Pato Michele , Ressler Kerry J. , Pato Carlos , Macciardi Fabio
Published: March 2016

Recent studies show that human‐specific LINE1s (L1HS) play a key role in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) and its disorders, and that their transpositions within the human genome are more common than previously thought. Many polymorphic L1HS, that is, present or absent across individuals, are not annotated in the current release of the genome and are customarily termed “non‐reference L1s.” We developed an analytical workflow to identify L1 polymorphic insertions with next‐generation sequencing (NGS) using data from a family in which SZ segregates. Our workflow exploits two independent algorithms to detect non‐reference L1 insertions, performs local de novo alignment of the regions harboring predicted L1 insertions and resolves the L1 subfamily designation from the de novo assembled sequence. We found 110 non‐reference L1 polymorphic loci exhibiting Mendelian inheritance, the vast majority of which are already reported in dbRIP and/or euL1db, thus, confirming their status as non‐reference L1 polymorphic insertions. Four previously undetected L1 polymorphic loci were confirmed by PCR amplification and direct sequencing of the insert. A large fraction of our non‐reference L1s is located within the open reading frame of protein‐coding genes that belong to pathways already implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The finding of these polymorphic variants among SZ offsprings is intriguing and suggestive of putative pathogenic role. Our data show the utility of NGS to uncover L1 polymorphic insertions, a neglected type of genetic variants with the potential to influence the risk to develop schizophrenia like SNVs and CNVs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A bioarchaeological analysis of oral and physiological health on the south coast of New Guinea
Authors: Kinaston Rebecca L. , Roberts Georgia L. , Buckley Hallie R. , Oxenham Marc
Published: March 2016

Objectives

The south coast of New Guinea has a complex prehistory known for its exchange systems that linked distinct cultural groups living along the coast, inland, and on offshore islands. Here we compare the palaeohealth of two relatively contemporaneous skeletal samples from the south coast of New Guinea (850–200 BP) that were from two ecologically different sites (one inland and one offshore island) and likely represent distinct cultural groups. We aim to elucidate health patterns that may provide information about the specific lifeways and quality of life of each community.

Materials and Methods

Oral conditions (caries, calculus, alveolar lesions, and antemortem tooth loss [AMTL]) were analyzed macroscopically to assess possible intra‐ and inter‐population variation in oral and physiological health. The frequency of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) was also used as a nonspecific indicator of stress to assess childhood health at each site.

Results

The inhabitants from the small offshore island of Motupore, thought to be associated with Austronesian‐speaking Motu tribes, displayed different patterns of oral pathological conditions (more carious lesions on the tooth crown and calculus) and LEH (lower frequencies) compared with inland people residing at the site of Nebira.

Discussion

It is suggested that the causes for the variation in oral and physiological health were likely multifactorial and potentially associated with variables such as the ecological and geographical settings of the sites, cultural differences, infectious disease, differential fertility and, potentially, diet. This research provides previously unknown information about possible culturally‐moderated practices that affected health in the past. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:414–426, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microfluidic Synthesis Enables Dense and Uniform Loading of Surfactant‐Free PtSn Nanocrystals on Carbon Supports for Enhanced Ethanol Oxidation
Authors: Wu Fuxiang , Zhang Dongtang , Peng Manhua , Yu Zhihui , Wang Xiayan , Guo Guangsheng , Sun Yugang
Published: March 2016

Developing new synthetic methods for carbon supported catalysts with improved performance is of fundamental importance in advancing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology. Continuous‐flow, microfluidic reactions in capillary tube reactors are described, which are capable of synthesizing surfactant‐free, ultrafine PtSn alloyed nanoparticles (NPs) on various carbon supports (for example, commercial carbon black particles, carbon nanotubes, and graphene sheets). The PtSn NPs are highly crystalline with sizes smaller than 2 nm, and they are highly dispersed on the carbon supports with high loadings up to 33 wt %. These characteristics make the as‐synthesized carbon‐supported PtSn NPs more efficient than state of the art commercial Pt/C catalysts applied to the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Significantly enhanced mass catalytic activity (two‐times that of Pt/C) and improved stability are obtained.
Übergangsmetallcarbodiimide als molekulare negative Elektroden‐ materialien für Li‐ und Na‐Ionenbatterien mit hervorragendem Zyklisierungsverhalten
Authors: Sougrati Moulay T. , Darwiche Ali , Liu Xiaohiu , Mahmoud Abdelfattah , Hermann Raphael P. , Jouen Samuel , Monconduit Laure , Dronskowski Richard , Stievano Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

Wir weisen die elektrochemische Aktivität von Übergangsmetallcarbodiimiden gegenüber Lithium und Natrium nach. Insbesondere das Eisencarbodiimid FeNCN läßt sich effektiv als negatives Elektrodenmaterial für Alkalimetallionenbatterien verwenden, ähnlich dem Oxidanalogon FeO. Auf der Basis von 57Fe‐Mößbauer‐ und infrarotspektroskopischen (IR) Daten kann der elektrochemische Reaktionsmechanismus bei Entladung und Beladung durch die reversible Umwandlung von Fe‐NCN‐ in Li/Na‐NCN‐Bindungen erklärt werden. Diese neuen Elektrodenmaterialien weisen höhere Kapazitäten als die etablierten negativen Referenzelektroden wie Graphit oder Hartkohlenstoff auf. Im Gegensatz zu seinem Oxidanalogon benötigt Eisencarbodiimid keine aufwendige Vorbehandlung (Nanopräparation, spezielle Texturen, Beschichtung usw.), um eine lange Lebensdauer bei Stromdichten bis zu 9 A g−1 für hunderte von Lade‐/Entladezyklen zu erreichen. Ähnlich zur Eisenverbindung können einige andere Übergangsmetallcarbodiimide Mx(NCN)y mit M=Mn, Cr, Zn ebenso erfolgreich gegen Lithium und Natrium zyklisieren. Ihre elektrochemische Aktivität und Leistung öffnet den Weg zum Design einer neuartigen Klasse von Anodenmaterialien.
Single‐Face/All‐cis Arene Hydrogenation by a Supported Single‐Site d0 Organozirconium Catalyst
Authors: Stalzer Madelyn Marie , Nicholas Christopher P. , Bhattacharyya Alak , Motta Alessandro , Delferro Massimiliano , Marks Tobin J.
Published: March 2016

The single‐site supported organozirconium catalyst Cp*ZrBz2/ZrS (Cp*=Me5C5, Bz=benzyl, ZrS=sulfated zirconia) catalyzes the single‐face/all‐cis hydrogenation of a large series of alkylated and fused arene derivatives to the corresponding all‐cis‐cyclohexanes. Kinetic/mechanistic and DFT analysis argue that stereoselection involves rapid, sequential H2 delivery to a single catalyst‐bound arene face, versus any competing intramolecular arene π‐face interchange.
Plasma‐Engraved Co3O4 Nanosheets with Oxygen Vacancies and High Surface Area for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xu Lei , Jiang Qianqian , Xiao Zhaohui , Li Xingyue , Huo Jia , Wang Shuangyin , Dai Liming
Published: March 2016

Co3O4, which is of mixed valences Co2+ and Co3+, has been extensively investigated as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The proper control of Co2+/Co3+ ratio in Co3O4 could lead to modifications on its electronic and thus catalytic properties. Herein, we designed an efficient Co3O4‐based OER electrocatalyst by a plasma‐engraving strategy, which not only produced higher surface area, but also generated oxygen vacancies on Co3O4 surface with more Co2+ formed. The increased surface area ensures the Co3O4 has more sites for OER, and generated oxygen vacancies on Co3O4 surface improve the electronic conductivity and create more active defects for OER. Compared to pristine Co3O4, the engraved Co3O4 exhibits a much higher current density and a lower onset potential. The specific activity of the plasma‐engraved Co3O4 nanosheets (0.055 mA cm−2BET at 1.6 V) is 10 times higher than that of pristine Co3O4, which is contributed by the surface oxygen vacancies.
A Drug‐Free Tumor Therapy Strategy: Cancer‐Cell‐Targeting Calcification
Authors: Zhao Ruibo , Wang Ben , Yang Xinyan , Xiao Yun , Wang Xiaoyu , Shao Changyu , Tang Ruikang
Published: March 2016

Herein, we propose a drug‐free approach to cancer therapy that involves cancer cell targeting calcification (CCTC). Several types of cancer cells, such as HeLa cells, characterized by folate receptor (FR) overexpression, can selectively adsorb folate (FA) molecules and then concentrate Ca2+ locally to induce specific cell calcification. The resultant calcium mineral encapsulates the cancer cells, inducing their death, and in vivo assessments confirm that CCTC treatment can efficiently inhibit tumor growth and metastasis without damaging normal cells compared with conventional chemotherapy. Accordingly, CCTC remarkably improve the survival rate of tumor mice. Notably, both FA and calcium ions are essential ingredients in human metabolism, which means that CCTC is a successful drug‐free method for tumor therapy. This achievement may further represent an alternative cancer therapy characterized by selective calcification‐based substitution of sclerosis for tumor disease.