bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rupture directivity of fluid‐induced microseismic events: Observations from an enhanced geothermal system
Authors: Folesky Jonas , Kummerow Jörn , Shapiro Serge A. , Häring Markus , Asanuma Hiroshi
Published: October 2016

The rupture process of fluid‐induced microseismic events is still poorly understood, mainly due to usually small magnitudes and sparse monitoring geometries. The high‐quality recordings of the earthquake sequence 2006–2007 at the enhanced geothermal system at Basel, Switzerland, constitute a rare exception, allowing a systematic directivity study of 195 events using the empirical Green's function method. We observe clear directivity signatures for about half the events which demonstrates that rupture directivity persists down to small magnitudes (ML∼1). The predominant rupture behavior is unilateral. We further find evidence that directivity is magnitude dependent and varies systematically with distance from the injection source. Whereas pore pressure seems to play the dominant role close to the injection source and no preferred rupture direction is observable, directivity aligns parallel to the event distribution with increasing distance (
 m) and is preferably oriented away from the injection point. The largest analyzed events (ML∼2) show a distinct behavior: They rupture toward the injection source, suggesting that they nucleate in the vicinity of the pressure front and propagate backward into the perturbed volume. This finding is of particular relevance for seismic hazard assessment of georeservoirs, since it implies that maximum event size is related to dimension of the fluid‐perturbed volume. Our study also resolves rupture complexities for a small group of events. This shows that small fault heterogeneities exist down to a scale of a few tens of meters. The observation of directivity and complexity in induced microseismic events suggest that future source studies account for these phenomena.
Separating rapid relocking, afterslip, and viscoelastic relaxation: An application of the postseismic straightening method to the Maule 2010 cGPS
Authors: Bedford Jonathan , Moreno Marcos , Li Shaoyang , Oncken Onno , Baez Juan Carlos , Bevis Michael , Heidbach Oliver , Lange Dietrich
Published: October 2016

The postseismic deformation captured with continuous Global Positioning System (cGPS) monitoring following many recent megathrust events has been shown to be a signal composed of two dominant processes: afterslip on the plate interface and viscoelastic relaxation of the continental and oceanic mantles in response to the coseismic stress perturbation. Following the south central Chile 2010 Maule Mw 8.8 earthquake, the time series from the regional cGPS network show a distinct curvature in the pathway of the horizontal motion that is not easily fit by a stationary decaying pattern of afterslip in combination with viscoelastic relaxation. Here we show that with realistic assumptions about the long‐term decay of the afterslip signal, the postseismic signal can be decomposed into three first‐order contributing processes: plate interface relocking, plate interface afterslip, and mantle viscoelastic relaxation. From our analyses we conclude that the plate interface recovers its interseismic locking state rapidly (model space ranges between an instant recovery and a period of 1 year), a finding that supports laboratory experimental evidence as well as some recent studies of aftershocks and postseismic surface deformation. Furthermore, relocking is the main cause of the curvature in the cGPS signal, and this study presents a plausible range of geodetic relocking rates following a megathrust earthquake.
Seasonal clockwise gyration and tilt of the Australian continent chasing the center of mass of the Earth's system from GPS and GRACE
Authors: Han Shin‐Chan
Published: October 2016

As atmosphere, ocean, ice, and terrestrial water are redistributed, the center of mass (CM) of the Earth's system moves and the accompanying loading yields global surface deformation. In Australia, when GPS surface displacements were corrected for local mass change (hydrology, atmosphere, and ocean) with Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) data, the residual GPS data reveal a peculiar seasonal mode of continental deformation. During the southern summer, the entire continent coherently shifts northwest by ~1 mm and the southeastern part is uplifted, while the northwestern part is subsided by 2–3 mm and the opposite patterns of deformation are observed during the southern winter. Such characteristic deformation could be understood to be a result of the Earth's elastic response to globally averaged surface mass load, generally heavier in Europe during southern summer and in the South Pacific Ocean during southern winter. It was found that such deformation is even larger than local hydrology‐induced loading effects in horizontal motion over Australia. A simple method of determining locations of the CM was developed by combining GPS and GRACE data; the latter being insensitive to the CM motion but sufficiently accurate to remove the local hydrologic and atmospheric effects in GPS data. The CM signals are pronounced over systematic errors in GPS and GRACE data. The CM coordinates estimated by inversion of the Australian GPS data set and GRACE agree with the geocenter motions determined by satellite tracking analysis. This study suggests an independent way of monitoring the CM motion entirely based on two distinct geodetic measurements of GPS and GRACE.
Sensitivity of simulated mesospheric transport of nitrogen oxides to parameterized gravity waves
Authors: Meraner Katharina , Schmidt Hauke , Manzini Elisa , Funke Bernd , Gardini Angela
Published: October 2016

Gravity waves strongly influence the circulation and transport processes in the middle atmosphere. We analyze the sensitivity of the simulated mesospheric transport of nitrogen oxides (NOx) to differences in a parameterization of nonorographic gravity waves. After particularly strong sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events as in January 2009, satellite instruments measured a strong mesospheric descent of NOx. However, this downward transport is in general underestimated in models covering this altitude range. We use simulations of the atmospheric general circulation and chemistry model HAMMONIA (Hamburg Model of Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere) to discuss both differences in a homogeneous background gravity wave source and a source related to frontal activity. The results show that the transport of NOx is highly sensitive to such differences. With a stronger gravity wave source, less NOx is transported after the SSW to the mesosphere and the elevated stratopause descends more rapidly to its climatological altitude. We observe the opposite by weakening the gravity wave sources yielding a better agreement with the observations. The amount of the transported NOx is controlled by the altitude at which momentum is deposited in the atmosphere. The higher the altitude where the momentum is deposited in the upper mesosphere, the stronger is the descent of NOx. A small wave amplitude favors the transition to turbulence at a higher altitude due to the exponential increase of the amplitude with height.
Redox dynamics in the active layer of an Arctic headwater catchment; examining the potential for transfer of dissolved methane from soils to stream water
Authors: Street Lorna E. , Dean Joshua F. , Billett Michael F. , Baxter Robert , Dinsmore Kerry J. , Lessels Jason S. , Subke Jens‐Arne , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Wookey Philip A.
Published: October 2016

The linkages between methane production, transport, and release from terrestrial and aquatic systems are not well understood, complicating the task of predicting methane emissions. We present novel data examining the potential for the saturated zone of active layer soils to act as a source of dissolved methane to the aquatic system, via soil water discharge, within a headwater catchment of the continuous permafrost zone in Northern Canada. We monitored redox conditions and soil methane concentrations across a transect of soil profiles from midstream to hillslope and compare temporal patterns in methane concentrations in soils to those in the stream. We show that redox conditions in active layer soils become more negative as the thaw season progresses, providing conditions suitable for net methanogenesis and that redox conditions are sensitive to increased precipitation during a storm event—but only in shallower surface soil layers. While we demonstrate that methane concentrations at depth in the hillslope soils increase over the course of the growing season as reducing conditions develop, we find no evidence that this has an influence on stream water methane concentrations. Sediments directly beneath the stream bed, however, remain strongly reducing at depth throughout the thaw season and contain methane at concentrations 5 orders of magnitude greater than those in hillslope soils. The extent of substreambed methane sources, and the rates of methane transport from these zones, may therefore be important factors determining headwater stream methane concentrations under changing Arctic hydrologic regimes.
Sulfur and iron diagenesis in temperate unsteady sediments of the East China Sea inner shelf and a comparison with tropical mobile mud belts (MMBs)
Authors: Zhu Mao‐Xu , Chen Ke‐Ke , Yang Gui‐Peng , Fan De‐Jiang , Li Tie
Published: October 2016

Redox cycling of iron (Fe) and sulfur (S) exerts profound influences on fates of numerous elements in coastal marine sediments. In this study, S and Fe cycling and its geochemical expressions in the East China Sea (ECS) inner shelf, a representative of temperate mobile mud belts (MMBs), were characterized and compared with tropical counterparts (the Amazon shelf and the Gulf of Papua). Fe and S speciation consistently points to the dominance of authigenic nonsulfidized Fe(II) phases (i.e., poorly crystalline clays (PCCs) and carbonates) and the prevalence of Fe redox cycling in the suboxic or weakly sulfidic regimes of the ECS‐MMBs. High contents of authigenic magnetite may be a common diagenetic expression in all MMBs. Compared to the tropical MMBs, three main differences of diagenetic expressions in the ECS‐MMBs are (i) light 34Spyrite in the ECS‐MMB versus characteristically heavy 34Spyrite in the Amazon shelf MMBs; (ii) lower total reactive Fe (FeTR), total diagenetic Fe(II), and ratio of FeTR to total Fe in the ECS‐MMBs; and (iii) Fe(II) carbonates and PCCs are equally important sinks for nonsulfidized Fe(II) in the ECS‐MMBs, whereas PCCs are the predominant sink in the tropical counterparts. These differences are ascribable to factors including low degradability of organic matter, small diffusion scales, less intense chemical weathering in the drainage basin, and/or weaker reverse weathering in the ECS‐MMBs. Despite the differences above, Fe and S diagenetic expressions that characterize the prevalence of Fe redox cycling in the unsteady suboxic regimes are shared by the ECS‐MMBs and tropical MMBs.
DOM composition and transformation in boreal forest soils: The effects of temperature and organic‐horizon decomposition state
Authors: O'Donnell Jonathan A. , Aiken George R. , Butler Kenna D. , Guillemette Francois , Podgorski David C. , Spencer Robert G. M.
Published: October 2016

The boreal region stores large amounts of organic carbon (C) in organic‐soil horizons, which are vulnerable to destabilization via warming and disturbance. Decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) contributes to the production and turnover of dissolved organic matter (DOM). While temperature is a primary control on rates of SOM and DOM cycling, little is known about temperature effects on DOM composition in soil leachate. Here we conducted a 30 day incubation to examine the effects of temperature (20 versus 5°C) and SOM decomposition state (moss versus fibric versus amorphous horizons) on DOM composition in organic soils of interior Alaska. We characterized DOM using bulk dissolved organic C (DOC) concentration, chemical fractionation, optical properties, and ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry. We observed an increase in DOC concentration and DOM aromaticity in the 20°C treatment compared to the 5°C treatment. Leachate from fibric horizons had higher DOC concentration than shallow moss or deep amorphous horizons. We also observed chemical shifts in DOM leachate over time, including increases in hydrophobic organic acids, polyphenols, and condensed aromatics and decreases in low‐molecular weight hydrophilic compounds and aliphatics. We compared ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry and optical data and observed strong correlations between polyphenols, condensed aromatics, SUVA254, and humic‐like fluorescence intensities. These findings suggest that biolabile DOM was preferentially mineralized, and the magnitude of this transformation was determined by kinetics (i.e., temperature) and substrate quality (i.e., soil horizon). With future warming, our findings indicate that organic soils may release higher concentrations of aromatic DOM to aquatic ecosystems.
Ultrahigh‐resolution mapping of peatland microform using ground‐based structure from motion with multiview stereo
Authors: Mercer Jason J. , Westbrook Cherie J.
Published: October 2016

Microform is important in understanding wetland functions and processes. But collecting imagery of and mapping the physical structure of peatlands is often expensive and requires specialized equipment. We assessed the utility of coupling computer vision‐based structure from motion with multiview stereo photogrammetry (SfM‐MVS) and ground‐based photos to map peatland topography. The SfM‐MVS technique was tested on an alpine peatland in Banff National Park, Canada, and guidance was provided on minimizing errors. We found that coupling SfM‐MVS with ground‐based photos taken with a point and shoot camera is a viable and competitive technique for generating ultrahigh‐resolution elevations (i.e., <0.01 m, mean absolute error of 0.083 m). In evaluating 100+ viable SfM‐MVS data collection and processing scenarios, vegetation was found to considerably influence accuracy. Vegetation class, when accounted for, reduced absolute error by as much as 50%. The logistic flexibility of ground‐based SfM‐MVS paired with its high resolution, low error, and low cost makes it a research area worth developing as well as a useful addition to the wetland scientists' toolkit.
What determines the fate of rising parcels in a heterogeneous environment?
Authors: Brast Maren , Neggers Roel A. J. , Heus Thijs
Published: October 2016

We investigate the potential impact of the local environment on rising parcels in a convective boundary layer. To this end, we use data from an LES simulation of a shallow convective cloud field to feed a parcel model with a range of different local environments, representative of the heterogeneous environment inside a shallow cumulus cloud layer. With this method we can study the statistics of an ensemble of rising parcels, but also the behavior of individual parcels. Through the use of a heterogeneous environment, the interactions between different parcels are indirectly represented. The method, despite its simplicity, allows closer investigation of mechanisms like parcel screening and buoyancy sorting that have frequently been proposed in cumulus parameterization. The relative importance of the entrainment formulation can be assessed, considering various classic entrainment formulations. We found that while the entrainment formulation does affect parcel behavior, the impact of the local environment is significantly more important in determining the eventual fate of the parcel. Using a constant entrainment rate can already explain much of the variation in termination heights seen in nature and LES. The more complex entrainment models then seem to act on top of this mechanism, creating second‐order adaptations in the main distribution as established by the heterogeneity of the environment. A parcel budget analysis was performed for two limit cases, providing more insight into the impact of the local environment on parcel behavior. This revealed that parcel screening inside cumulus clouds can be effective in enabling parcels to reach greater heights.
Assimilation of thermospheric measurements for ionosphere‐thermosphere state estimation
Authors: Miladinovich Daniel S. , Datta‐Barua Seebany , Bust Gary S. , Makela Jonathan J.
Published: October 2016

We develop a method that uses data assimilation to estimate ionospheric‐thermospheric (IT) states during midlatitude nighttime storm conditions. The algorithm Estimating Model Parameters from Ionospheric Reverse Engineering (EMPIRE) uses time‐varying electron densities in the F region, derived primarily from total electron content data, to estimate two drivers of the IT: neutral winds and electric potential. A Kalman filter is used to update background models based on ingested plasma densities and neutral wind measurements. This is the first time a Kalman filtering technique is used with the EMPIRE algorithm and the first time neutral wind measurements from 630.0 nm Fabry‐Perot interferometers (FPIs) are ingested to improve estimates of storm time ion drifts and neutral winds. The effects of assimilating remotely sensed neutral winds from FPI observations are studied by comparing results of ingesting: electron densities (N) only, N plus half the measurements from a single FPI, and then N plus all of the FPI data. While estimates of ion drifts and neutral winds based on N give estimates similar to the background models, this study's results show that ingestion of the FPI data can significantly change neutral wind and ion drift estimation away from background models. In particular, once neutral winds are ingested, estimated neutral winds agree more with validation wind data, and estimated ion drifts in the magnetic field‐parallel direction are more sensitive to ingestion than the field‐perpendicular zonal and meridional directions. Also, data assimilation with FPI measurements helps provide insight into the effects of contamination on 630.0 nm emissions experienced during geomagnetic storms.
Drainage dynamics controlled by corner flow: Application of the foam drainage equation
Authors: Hoogland Frouke , Lehmann Peter , Or Dani
Published: October 2016

In fast drainage processes water is retained behind the front, defining the plant available water and hydraulic properties of the unsaturated region. In this study we show that the foam drainage equation (FDE) can be applied to predict macroscopic drainage dynamics behind the front because a network of liquid channels controls the liquid flow in both foams and crevices of the pore space. To predict drainage rates at the Darcy scale the FDE is solved numerically after adapting channel geometries and boundary conditions to experimental conditions. The FDE results were in good agreement with measured flow rates behind a drainage front in coarse and fine sand. A notable exception was rapid drainage from fine sand where saturated pore clusters persisted after front passage and drained faster compared to FDE predictions. The dominance of corner capillary flows implied by the good agreement with the FDE formulation could improve the scientific underpinning of the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function and offers a more realistic view of the geometry of pathways for colloid and pathogen transport in unsaturated media.
Organoaluminum Compounds in Catalytic EnantioselectiveCCBond Forming Reactions
Authors: McGrath Kevin P. , Hoveyda Amir H.
Published: October 2016

Differentorganoaluminum compounds have found use as reagents in catalytic enantioselective CC bond forming reactions. A hallmark of these processes is their efficiency, which is largely rooted in their high activity (especially versus a dialkylzinc species) and stronger Lewis acidity of the corresponding metal center (e.g., as opposed to an organomagnesium). Specifically, readily available trialkylaluminum compound such as Me3Al and Et3Al have been utilized in reactions that involve carbonyl‐ or imine‐containing compounds as well as allylic phosphates (allylic substitutions) or α,β‐unsaturated ketones or esters (conjugate additions). Notable are transformations where an alkenyl, an alkynyl or an arylaluminum reagent is generatedin situby hydroalumination or deprotonation of an alkyne or from the reaction of an aryl or heteroaryllithium or magnesium halide with an inexpensive dialkylaluminumhalide. When dialkyl(alkenyl)‐, dialkyl(alkynyl) or dialkyl(aryl)aluminum compounds are involved, it is the unsaturated moiety that is transferred predominantly. Applications to synthesis of biologically active compounds that involve the use of the above transformations will be presented.
Judging Knowledge in the Digital Age: The Role of External‐Memory Organization
Authors: Hamilton Kristy A. , McIntyre Kevin P. , Hertel Paula T.
Published: October 2016

Two studies examined relations between features of external‐memory repositories (personal computers) and confidence in knowing. Participants judged their confidence in knowledge related to their work or studies and then answered questions about the way they store and use information. Participants who maintained more organized repositories were more confident in their knowledge. Furthermore, moderation analyses showed that the participants who navigated through their files by manually clicking through folders to find documents, but not those who use an automated search feature, felt more knowledge confident if they maintained a well‐organized electronic repository. These results provide evidence for relation between assessments of internally ‘stored’ knowledge and the degree of organization of their externally stored ‘knowledge.’ Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influences of Fertility Status on Risky Driving Behaviour
Authors: Biassoni Federica , Iannello Paola , Antonietti Alessandro , Ciceri Maria Rita
Published: October 2016

The effects of hormones on human behaviour have been extensively studied, but little attention has been paid to the influence of ovarian hormones on risky driving. Twenty‐five normally cycling women took part in three sessions, including an ovulatory phase estimation session and two experimental sessions: high vs low fertile phases. These two phases were monitored through a urine‐based luteinizing hormone predictor test. In the two experimental sessions, participants were administered the Driving Behaviour Questionnaire and the Vienna Risk‐Taking Test. Results showed that women are more risk‐averse in their driving behaviour during their high‐fertile phase. The influence of hormonal fluctuations on self‐perception of risk attitude when driving was non‐significant. Findings are discussed from an evolutionary perspective. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis and Thoracic Kyphosis in Older Men and Women
Authors: Katzman Wendy B. , Parimi Neeta , Mansoori Ziba , Nardo Lorenzo , Kado Deborah M. , Cawthon Peggy M. , Marshall Lynn M. , Schousboe John T. , Lane Nancy E. ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study Research Group and the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Published: October 2016

Objective

To investigate cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and thoracic kyphosis in older persons.

Methods

DISH and kyphosis were assessed in 1,500 men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study and in 1,267 women from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF). DISH was assessed using baseline lateral spine radiographs, and Cobb angle of kyphosis was measured from baseline and followup radiographs, a mean 4.6 years later in men, and 3.7 and 15 years later in women. Linear regression was used to analyze associations of DISH with baseline Cobb angle and with percent annualized change in Cobb angle. We tested for heterogeneity among studies.

Results

DISH was identified in 222 participants in MrOS (15%) and in 156 participants in SOF (12%). Participants with DISH in both cohorts had higher baseline Cobb angles (P < 0.05), after adjustment for covariates. After approximately 4 years of followup, there was no significant difference in annualized percent change in Cobb angle in those with DISH compared to those without DISH (P > 0.05) for men or women. Women with DISH had less kyphosis progression over 15 years (0.25% less annualized change in Cobb) than those without DISH.

Conclusion

Prevalent DISH is associated with greater kyphosis in older men and women, and is not significantly associated with a change in kyphosis over 4–5 years. However, in women followed over 15 years, DISH was associated with less progression of kyphosis. These results suggest that DISH influences kyphosis and may slow progression over the long term. Additional studies of DISH/kyphosis associations are warranted to understand the functional implications of this finding.
Association Between Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover and Bone Changes on Imaging: Data From the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Deveza Leticia A. , Kraus Virginia B. , Collins Jamie E. , Guermazi Ali , Roemer Frank W. , Bowes Michael , Nevitt Michael C. , Ladel Christoph , Hunter David J.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To determine the relationship between biochemical markers involved in bone turnover and bone features on imaging in knees with osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We analyzed data from the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health OA Biomarkers Consortium within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n = 600). Bone marrow lesions (BMLs), osteophytes, and subchondral bone area (mm2) and shape (position on 3‐D vector) were assessed on magnetic resonance images, and bone trabecular integrity (BTI) was assessed on radiographs. Serum and urinary markers (serum C‐terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen [CTX‐I], serum crosslinked N‐telopeptide of type I collagen [NTX‐I], urinary NTX‐I, urinary C‐terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type II collagen [CTX‐II], and urinary CTX‐Iα and CTX‐Iβ) were measured. The associations between biochemical and imaging markers at baseline and over 24 months were assessed using regression models adjusted for covariates.

Results

At baseline, most biochemical markers were associated with BMLs, with C statistics for the presence/absence of any BML ranging from 0.675 to 0.688. At baseline, urinary CTX‐II was the marker most consistently associated with BMLs (with odds of having ≥5 subregions affected compared to no BML increasing by 1.92‐fold [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.25, 2.96] per 1 SD of urinary CTX‐II), large osteophytes (odds ratio 1.39 [95% CI 1.10, 1.77]), bone area and shape (highest partial R2 = 0.032), and changes in bone shape over 24 months (partial R2 range 0.008 to 0.024). Overall, biochemical markers were not predictive of changes in BMLs or osteophytes. Serum NTX‐I was inversely associated with BTI of the vertical trabeculae (quadratic slope) in all analyses (highest partial R2 = 0.028).

Conclusion

We found multiple significant associations, albeit mostly weak ones. The role of systemic biochemical markers as predictors of individual bone anatomic features of single knees is limited based on our findings.
Precipitation in Mg–Nd–Y–Zr–Ca Alloy during Isothermal Aging: A Comprehensive Atomic‐Scaled Study by Means of HAADF‐STEM
Authors: Zheng Jingxu , Li Zhi , Luo Zhongyuan , Xu Xuesong , Chen Bin
Published: October 2016

This paper investigates into the precipitation behavior of Mg–2Nd–1Y–0.1Zr–0.1Ca (wt%) alloy during isothermal aging at 225°C, using atomic‐scale HAADF‐STEM. The precipitation sequence in Mg–Nd–Y–Zr–Ca is identified as follows: nucleation needle‐like precipitates composed of βM, β′T, and βC structures as repetitive units → β1 → equilibrium β. From an engineering point of view, the atomic‐size precipitates that distribute uniformly have a significant strengthening effect. In addition, the present study discusses three findings concerning the novel structures observed in the alloy: two types of interaction between needle‐like precipitates are observed; the previously reported β″ structure is doubted according to the analysis of the defects characterized from []Mg; calcium is observed to be enriched in β1 precipitates and along grain boundaries.
Mapping Morphological and Structural Properties of Lead Halide Perovskites by Scanning Nanofocus XRD
Authors: Lilliu Samuele , Dane Thomas G. , Alsari Mejd , Griffin Jonathan , Barrows Alexander T. , Dahlem Marcus S. , Friend Richard H. , Lidzey David G. , Macdonald J. E.
Published: October 2016

Scanning nanofocus X‐ray diffraction (nXRD) performed at a synchrotron is used to simultaneously probe the morphology and the structural properties of spin‐coated CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPI) perovskite films for photovoltaic devices. MAPI films are spin‐coated on a Si/SiO2/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) substrate held at different temperatures during the deposition in order to tune the perovskite film coverage. The films are then investigated using nXRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The advantages of nXRD over SEM and other techniques are discussed. A method to visualize, selectively isolate, and structurally characterize single perovskite grains buried within a complex, polycrystalline film is developed. The results of nXRD measurements are correlated with solar cell device measurements, and it is shown that spin‐coating the perovskite precursor solution at elevated temperatures leads to improved surface coverage and enhanced solar cell performance.
Functionalization of Silk Fibroin Materials at Mesoscale
Authors: Lin Naibo , Cao Liwei , Huang Qiaoling , Wang Changyong , Wang Yan , Zhou Jin , Liu Xiang‐Yang
Published: October 2016

Silk fibers spun by silkworms or spiders at ambient temperature display unique mechanical strength, excellent biocompatibility and optical transparency, which offer unconventional interfaces to soft and curved biological systems. In comparison with conventional materials, the performance of soft matter, i.e., animal silks, is mainly determined by the structure at the mesoscale. To further extend the applications, functionalization of silk materials becomes is required, and mesoscopic material assembly (MMA) was developed for this task. This feature article provides an overview on the principles and strategies concerning MMA, and some typical examples of functionalizing silk fibroin materials. The main strategies of MMA include in vivo and in vitro assemblies, and can be implemented by the three different paths: (1) molecular recognition, (2) surface functionalization of nanomaterials, or (3) foreign molecule mediation. The cases include the functionalization of silk fibroin materials by one/two‐photon fluorescent molecules, quantum dots (QDs) and gold clusters, etc. The applications of these functionalized materials in bio waveguide, white‐light‐emitting devices, bioimaging, were also highlighted. MMA provides a practical tool for the production of the functionalized biocompatible materials, which can be further applied to fabricate high‐performance bio integrated devices used in consumer electronics, and biomedical diagnosis, as well as human‐machine interfaces.
Theranostic Bioabsorbable Bone Fixation Plate with Drug‐Layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrids
Authors: Kim Myung Hun , Hur Woojune , Choi Goeun , Min Hye Sook , Choi Tae Hyun , Choy Young Bin , Choy Jin‐Ho
Published: October 2016

A bioabsorbable polymeric bone plate enabled with both diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities (radiopacity and sustained drug release, respectively) is proposed. To this end, a drug–inorganic nanohybrid (RS‐LDH) is examined as a theranostic agent by intercalating an anti‐resorptive bone remodeling drug, risedronate (RS) into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) via an ion‐exchange reaction. The RS‐LDH is prepared as a sheet with a biodegradable polymer, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), and is then attached onto the clinically approved bioabsorbable bone plate to produce the theranostic plate. Because of the presence of the metals in the LDH, the theranostic plate results in discernible in vivo X‐ray images for up to four weeks after implantation. Concurrently, bone regeneration is also significantly improved compared with the other control groups, likely because of this material's sustained drug‐release property. The theranostic plate is also largely biocompatible, similar to the plate already approved for clinical use. It is concluded that the combination of a biodegradable bone plate with RS‐LDH nanohybrids can constitute a promising system with theranostic ability in both X‐ray diagnosis and expedited bone repair.
Atomic Layer Deposition to Materials for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Marichy Catherine , Pinna Nicola
Published: October 2016

Atomic layer deposition is a thin film deposition technique based on self‐terminated surface reactions. Contrarily to most of the thin film deposition techniques, it is not a line of sight deposition technique due to the sequential introduction of the gaseous precursors and because the reactants can only react with surface species. The precursors can thus diffuse into porous structures and the conformal coating of high aspect ratio structures can be achieved. Because of these peculiarities, atomic layer deposition is an attractive technique for fabricating materials to be applied in resistive gas sensors. This article focuses on materials for resistive gas sensor devices in which the sensing material is elaborated using atomic layer deposition, in at least one step of the fabrication. It will be shown that atomic layer deposition has proven to be well‐suited for the elaboration of compact thin films, nanostructures, and heterostructures to be applied for the detection of a variety of analytes such as toxic compounds, pollutants, explosives, etc. The chemical and physical properties of the sensing layers will be discussed in parallel to the gas sensing mechanisms in an attempt to develop clear structure–property correlations
Self‐Contained Handheld Magnetic Platform for Point of Care Cytometry in Biological Samples
Authors: Yenilmez Bekir , Knowlton Stephanie , Tasoglu Savas
Published: October 2016

Magnetic levitation is a powerful tool capable of distinguishing micrometer‐scale particles based on their densities. When a particle is suspended in a paramagnetic medium and placed in a magnetic field formed by two permanent magnets with like poles facing each other, the particle will experience two forces—a magnetic force and a buoyant force. These forces cause a particle, such as a cell, which does not necessarily have magnetic properties, to levitate at a height inversely proportional to its density. Magnetic levitation has been shown to be useful for a range of applications, including disease diagnostics, material characterization, and quality control. Here, a portable, self‐contained device fully independent from a dedicated microscope or smartphone is developed to levitate particles of interest, image them using an embedded low‐cost optical system and a camera module, and process the captured images in order to estimate the densities of the particles. The device is user‐friendly and inexpensive, offering a great potential for rapid, on‐site sample analysis such as white blood cell cytometry.
Facile Fabrication of Flexible Microsupercapacitor with High Energy Density
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Weng Bo , Xu Qun , Hou Yuyang , Zhao Chen , Beirne Stephen , Shu Kewei , Jalili Rouhollah , Wallace Gordon G. , Razal Joselito M. , Chen Jun
Published: October 2016

Flexible microsupercapacitors (fMSCs) with interdigitated electrode design are a promising platform as a power source or energy storage unit for wearable microelectronics. In this work, a facile fabrication of all‐solid‐state fMSCs is reported through a combination of simple technologies including bar coating and laser etching, to generate the interdigitated patterned electrodes. These novel fMSC devices made with interdigitated patterned electrodes can deliver outstanding areal capacitance (84.7 mF cm−2 at 5 mV s−1 and 45.5 mF cm−2 at 200 mV−1), high volumetric capacitance (14.5 F cm−3 at 5 mV s−1 and 7.83 F cm−3 at 200 mV−1), and high cycling stability (94.3%, 10 000 cycles). In addition, the fabrication method employed allows for facile fabrication of various interconnects between several fMSCs on a single device, which enables for the required voltage and/or current output to be tuned easily prior to device fabrication. These fMSCs can power 20 light‐emitting diodes even when bent demonstrating versatility for practical applications.
Direct Vapor Phase Growth and Optoelectronic Application of Large Band Offset SnS2/MoS2 Vertical Bilayer Heterostructures with High Lattice Mismatch
Authors: Li Bo , Huang Le , Zhong Mianzeng , Li Yan , Wang Yan , Li Jingbo , Wei Zhongming
Published: October 2016

2D van der Waals heterostructures with different types of band alignment have recently attracted great attention due to their unique optical and electrical properties. Most 2D heterostructures are formed by transfer‐stacking two monolayers together, but the interfacial quality and controllable orientation of such artificial structures are inferior to those epitaxial grown heterostructures. Herein, for the first time, a direct vapor phase growth of high‐quality vertically stacked heterostructure of SnS2/MoS2 monolayers is reported. An extremely Type II band alignment exists in this 2D heterostructure, with band offset larger than any other reported. Consistent with the large band offset, distinctive optical properties including strong photoluminescence quenching in the heterostructure area are observed in the heterostructure. The SnS2/MoS2 heterostructures also exhibit well‐aligned lattice orientation between the two layers, forming a periodic Moiré superlattice pattern with high lattice mismatch. Electrical transport and photoresponsive studies demonstrate that the SnS2/MoS2 heterostructures exhibit an obvious photovoltaic effect and possess high on/off ratio (>106), high mobility (27.6 cm2 V−1 s−1) and high photoresponsivity (1.36 A W−1). Efficient synthesis of such vertical heterostructure may open up new realms in 2D functional electronics and optoelectronics.
Indenothiophene‐Based Wide Bandgap Copolymer for Polymer Fullerene Solar Cells with 9.01% Efficiency and 1.0 V Open Circuit Voltage
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Zaiyu , Ma Wei , Chen Shan‐Ci , Zheng Qingdong
Published: October 2016

Despite the frequently renewed record high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in recent years, achieving single‐junction polymer solar cells (PSCs) with both high PCE and large open circuit voltage (V
OC) remains a challenge because there is a trade‐off between high short circuit current density (J
SC) and large V
OC values. Here, the design and synthesis of a novel donor–acceptor (D–A) copolymer (PIT2FBT) based on an asymmetric‐indenothiophene donor and a difluorinated benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole acceptor is demonstrated. PIT2FBT exhibits a wide optical bandgap of 1.82 eV with a large ionization potential of 5.54 eV. Through systematic morphology control and device engineering, the best performance solar cell based on PIT2FBT shows a high PCE of 9.01% in combination with a large V
OC of 1.0 V. To the best of our knowledge, the PCE is the highest for single‐junction polymer fullerene solar cells with V
OCs up to 1.0 V. At the same time, the influences of solvent additive on the active layer morphology together with the resulting device performance are investigated in‐depth. These findings and detailed studies provide an important guidance to tune and optimize the morphology and photovoltaic properties of indenothiophene‐based copolymers, which are promising candidates for short‐wavelength absorbing materials in tandem PSCs.
Methanol synthesis in a three‐phase catalytic bed under nonwetted condition
Authors: Ling Dan , Liu Peng , Cheng Zhen‐Min
Published: October 2016

To overcome the heat removal problem encountered in methanol synthesis at high syngas concentrations in the gas phase, a three‐phase nonwetted catalytic system was established by introducing an inert liquid medium into a fixed‐bed reactor. To form a repellent interface between the liquid and the catalyst, the catalyst was modified into hydrophobic, while the liquid medium was chosen as a room temperature ionic liquid with hydroxyl groups. The liquid‐solid contact angle was measured to be 115°, and only 20% of the catalyst external surface was wetted by the liquid. Under three‐phase condition, the reaction rate was measured to be 60%–70% of gas‐phase reaction, while it was merely 10%–20% for the fully wetted catalyst. From the resistance analysis on the mass transfer and reaction steps, the overall reaction rate is expected to increase further if the surface could be more wet proofed. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 226–237, 2017
Molecular testing for JAK2, MPL, and CALR in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Xia Daniel , Hasserjian Robert P.
Published: October 2016

Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are myeloproliferative neoplasms characterized by recurrent somatic mutations in JAK2, CALR, and MPL. This short review addresses (1) the spectrum of mutations seen in PV, ET, and PMF, (2) the emerging genotype‐phenotype correlations, (3) the current role of molecular testing in disease classification and management, and (4) several important considerations for selecting an appropriate molecular test. In our view, sequential testing algorithms and simultaneous assessment of multiple mutations by next‐generation sequencing are both valid approaches to testing. Am. J. Hematol. 91:1277–1280, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNMT3A mutations are associated with inferior overall and leukemia‐free survival in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Patnaik Mrinal M. , Barraco Daniela , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy M. , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: October 2016

DNMT3A mutations are seen in ∼5% of patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and thus far, have had an indeterminate prognostic impact on survival. We carried out this study to assess the prognostic impact of DNMT3A mutations on a larger informative cohort of CMML patients (n = 261). DNMT3A mutations were seen in 6% (n = 16); 56% (n = 9) male, with a median age of 64 years. Eighty‐one % of DNMT3A mutations were missense, with the Arg882 mutational hot spot accounting for 63% of all changes. Five (31%) patients had an abnormal karyotype whereas concurrent gene mutations (SF3B1/SRSF2/U2AF1−56%, TET2−50%, and ASXL1−25%) were seen in all patients. Apart from a higher frequency of SF3B1 (P = 0.0001) and PTPN11 (P = 0.005) mutations and a lower frequency of SRSF2 (P = 0.004) mutations, there were no significant differences between DNMT3A mutated patients and their wildtype counterparts. In univariate analysis, survival was shorter in DNMT3A mutated (median 8 months) versus wildtype (median 27 months) patients (P = 0.0007; HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.5–5.7); with other variables of significance including lower hemoglobin (P = 0.002), higher leukocyte count (P = 0.0009), higher monocyte count (P = 0.0012), circulating blast % (P = 0.001), circulating immature myeloid cells (P = 0.01), bone marrow blast % (P = 0.045), abnormal karyotype (P = 0.02), and ASXL1 (P = 0.01) mutations. In a multivariable model that included the aforementioned variables, when both DNMT3A and ASXL1 mutations were added, only DNMT3A (P < 0.0001) and ASXL1 (P = 0.004) mutations remained significant. DNMT3A mutations were also predictive of a shortened leukemia‐free survival. These findings warrant inclusion of DNMT3A mutations in molecularly integrated CMML prognostic models. Am. J. Hematol. 92:56–61, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Description of a new oncogenic mechanism for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors in patients with ring chromosome 22
Authors: Byers Heather M. , Adam Margaret P. , LaCroix Amy , Leary Sarah E. S. , Cole Bonnie , Dobyns William B. , Mefford Heather C.
Published: October 2016

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors of the central nervous system are rare, highly malignant, embryonal tumors most often occurring in children under age 3 years. Most are due to a somatic change in tumor suppressor gene SMARCB1 followed by a second‐hit, typically loss of heterozygosity, best detected on immunohistochemical staining. Despite the noteworthy genetic homogeneity of atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors, relatively little is known about the oncogenic mechanisms that lead to biallelic inactivation of SMARCB1. Herein, we describe a patient with constitutional ring chromosome 22, Phelan–McDermid syndrome and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor of the brain. During mitosis, sister chromatids of a ring chromosome may form interlocking and dicentric rings, resulting in chromosomal loss, complex karyotypes, and ongoing somatic variation. We hypothesized that the inherent instability of the patient's ring chromosome could lead to mosaic monosomy chromosome 22, resulting in allelic inactivation of the tumor‐suppressor gene SMARCB1 and AT/RT if a second‐hit occurred. Utilizing high‐density microarray technology to analyze peripheral blood and tumor tissue, we confirmed this oncogenic mechanism, previously undescribed in patients with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors. Our data demonstrate chromosomal loss as a consequence of ring chromosome instability serving as the first hit in oncogenesis. This rare but possibly under‐recognized mechanism is important to note in children with ATRT and syndromic features. Further investigation is warranted to assess if this oncogenic mechanism has management and/or prognostic implications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic variability in patients with Fanconi anemia and biallelic FANCF mutations
Authors: Tryon Rebecca , Zierhut Heather , MacMillan Margaret L. , Wagner John E.
Published: October 2016

Fanconi anemia is a heterogeneous genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive bone marrow failure, congenital anomalies, and markedly increased risk for malignancies. Mutations in the FANCF (FA‐F) gene represent approximately 2% of affected patients. Currently, information on the phenotypic findings of patients with Fanconi anemia from biallelic mutations in FANCF is limited. Here, we report three patients who illustrate the clinical variability within the FA‐F group. This analysis suggests a more severe phenotype for those with the common c.484_485delCT mutation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Replication analyses of four chromosomal deletions with schizophrenia via independent large‐scale meta‐analyses
Authors: Chang Hong , Li Lingyi , Peng Tao , Li Ming , Gao Lei , Xiao Xiao
Published: October 2016

Recent studies suggest that copy number variations (CNVs) are also involved in the genetic risk of schizophrenia. Using a Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) adjusted meta‐analysis in 18,497 schizophrenia patients and 25,522 healthy controls from 14 independent samples, we conducted replication analyses of four chromosomal deletions at 1q21.1, 15q11.2, 15q13.3, and 22q11.2 Loci for their associations with schizophrenia. Only CNVs larger than 100 kb that had >50% reciprocal overlap with the canonical deletion chromosomal regions were considered. We successfully replicate the significant associations at 1q21.1 (P value = 3.101 × 10−7, odds ratio (OR) = 6.91), 15q13.3 (P value = 4.771 × 10−4, OR = 7.83), and 22q11.2 (P value = 1.725 × 10−5, OR = 9.21) deletions, although the effect sizes are relatively smaller than the original studies, which is not unexpected and adds further support for the involvement of these genetic lesions in the risk of schizophrenia. The 15q11.2 deletion, which shows higher frequency in healthy populations than the other three CNV loci, though is not significant in the present meta‐analysis (P value = 0.1545, OR = 1.42), it shows the same direction of effects with previous studies. These results further confirm the genetic connections between rare CNVs and schizophrenia, and suggest the importance of adequate sample size in replication analyses for such risk loci with low frequency in general populations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.