bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penetration of magnetosheath plasma into dayside magnetosphere: 2. Magnetic field in plasma filaments
Authors: Lyatsky Wladislaw , Pollock Craig , Goldstein Melvyn L. , Lyatskaya Sonya , Avanov Levon
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we examined plasma structures (filaments), observed in the dayside magnetosphere but containing magnetosheath plasma. These filaments show the stable antisunward motion (while the ambient magnetospheric plasma moved in the opposite direction) and the existence of a strip of magnetospheric plasma, separating these filaments from the magnetosheath. These results, however, contradict both theoretical studies and simulations by Schindler (1979), Ma et al. (1991), Dai and Woodward (1994, 1998), and other researchers, who reported that the motion of such filaments through the magnetosphere is possible only when their magnetic field is directed very close to the ambient magnetic field, which is not the situation that is observed. In this study, we show that this seeming contradiction may be related to different events as the theoretical studies and simulations are related to the case when the filament magnetic field is about aligned with filament orientation, whereas the observations show that the magnetic field in these filaments may be rotating. In this case, the rotating magnetic field, changing incessantly its direction, drastically affects the penetration of plasma filaments into the magnetosphere. In this case, the filaments with rotating magnetic field, even if in each moment it is significantly inclined to the ambient magnetic field, may propagate through the magnetosphere, if their average (for the rotation period) magnetic field is aligned with the ambient magnetic field. This shows that neglecting the rotation of magnetic field in these filaments may lead to wrong results.
Stable isotopes in atmospheric water vapor and applications to the hydrologic cycle
Authors: Galewsky Joseph , Steen‐Larsen Hans Christian , Field Robert D. , Worden John , Risi Camille , Schneider Matthias
Published: August 2016

The measurement and simulation of water vapor isotopic composition has matured rapidly over the last decade, with long‐term data sets and comprehensive modeling capabilities now available. Theories for water vapor isotopic composition have been developed by extending the theories that have been used for the isotopic composition of precipitation to include a more nuanced understanding of evaporation, large‐scale mixing, deep convection, and kinetic fractionation. The technologies for in situ and remote sensing measurements of water vapor isotopic composition have developed especially rapidly over the last decade, with discrete water vapor sampling methods, based on mass spectroscopy, giving way to laser spectroscopic methods and satellite‐ and ground‐based infrared absorption techniques. The simulation of water vapor isotopic composition has evolved from General Circulation Model (GCM) methods for simulating precipitation isotopic composition to sophisticated isotope‐enabled microphysics schemes using higher‐order moments for water and ice size distributions. The incorporation of isotopes into GCMs has enabled more detailed diagnostics of the water cycle and has led to improvements in its simulation. The combination of improved measurement and modeling of water vapor isotopic composition opens the door to new advances in our understanding of the atmospheric water cycle, in processes ranging from the marine boundary layer, through deep convection and tropospheric mixing, and into the water cycle of the stratosphere. Finally, studies of the processes governing modern water vapor isotopic composition provide an improved framework for the interpretation of paleoclimate proxy records of the hydrological cycle.
Confidence intervals for time averages in the presence of long‐range correlations, a case study on Earth surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Massah M. , Kantz H.
Published: August 2016

Time averages, a standard tool in the analysis of environmental data, suffer severely from long‐range correlations. The sample size needed to obtain a desired small confidence interval can be dramatically larger than for uncorrelated data. We present quantitative results for short‐ and long‐range correlated Gaussian stochastic processes. Using these, we calculate confidence intervals for time averages of surface temperature measurements. Temperature time series are well known to be long‐range correlated with Hurst exponents larger than 1/2. Multidecadal time averages are routinely used in the study of climate change. Our analysis shows that uncertainties of such averages are as large as for a single year of uncorrelated data.
Increasing water vapor transport to the Greenland Ice Sheet revealed using self‐organizing maps
Authors: Mattingly Kyle S. , Ramseyer Craig A. , Rosen Joshua J. , Mote Thomas L. , Muthyala Rohi
Published: August 2016

The Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) has been losing mass in recent decades, with an acceleration in mass loss since 2000. In this study, we apply a self‐organizing map classification to integrated vapor transport data from the ERA‐Interim reanalysis to determine if these GrIS mass loss trends are linked to increases in moisture transport to Greenland. We find that “moist” days (i.e., days featuring anomalously intense water vapor transport to Greenland) were significantly more common during 2000–2015 compared to 1979–1994. Furthermore, the two most intense GrIS melt seasons during the last 36 years were either preceded by a record percentage of moist winter days (2010) or occurred during a summer with a record frequency of moist days (2012). We hypothesize that moisture transport events alter the GrIS energy budget by increasing downwelling longwave radiation and turbulent fluxes of sensible and latent energy.
Projected changes in atmospheric rivers affecting Europe in CMIP5 models
Authors: Ramos Alexandre M. , Tomé Ricardo , Trigo Ricardo M. , Liberato Margarida L. R. , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: August 2016

Atmospheric Rivers (ARs) are elongated bands of high water vapor concentration extending to the midlatitudes, which can be associated with intense precipitation and floods over continental areas. We analyze ARs reaching Europe in simulations from six Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) global climate models (GCMs) to quantify possible changes during the current century, with emphasis in five western European prone coastal areas. ARs are represented reasonably well in GCMs for recent climate conditions (1980–2005). Increased vertically integrated horizontal water transport is found for 2074–2099 (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) compared to 1980–2005, while the number of ARs is projected to double on average for the same period. These changes are robust between models and are associated with higher air temperatures and thus enhanced atmospheric moisture content, together with higher precipitation associated with extratropical cyclones. This suggests an increased risk of intense precipitation and floods along the Atlantic European Coasts from the Iberian Peninsula to Scandinavia.
A sequence of flux transfer events potentially generated by different generation mechanisms
Authors: Trenchi L. , Fear R. C. , Trattner K. J. , Mihaljcic B. , Fazakerley A. N.
Published: August 2016

Flux transfer events (FTEs) are magnetic structures generated by time‐varying reconnection at the dayside magnetopause. Understanding their generation mechanism is important, because it is necessary in order to understand the global contribution of FTEs to the convection process. We present observations of several FTEs sequentially observed by Cluster at the subsolar magnetopause. Cluster detected also several reconnection jets, which seem to be systematically associated with the trailing edge of the FTEs. This association is expected only in the FTEs formed by single X line reconnection but could be compatible also with the multiple X line model, when reconnection at one X line is dominant. Instead, it does not seem compatible with original mechanism proposed by Russell and Elphic (1978). For a large FTE, not associated with any reconnection jet, the Grad‐Shafranov reconstruction obtained from Cluster 1 data recovers a flux rope, indicative of multiple X line reconnection. This same FTE was detected also by Cluster 3, which observed an asymmetric signature in the magnetic field component normal to the magnetopause. We show that this asymmetric signature was caused by an outward motion of the magnetopause. The orientation of the other FTEs, obtained from a Grad‐Shafranov optimization, shows considerable spread, despite the relatively steady conditions. Our interpretation is that a combination of single and multiple X line reconnection generated these FTEs. The FTEs in the first part of the crossing, associated with reconnection jets, are generated by the single X line model and may therefore not satisfy the Grad‐Shafranov assumptions so well. Instead, the last FTE, slower, bigger, and well separated from the previous ones, may be formed by multiple X line reconnection.
Correlation analysis for preseismic total electron content anomalies around the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake
Authors: Iwata Takuya , Umeno Ken
Published: August 2016

We can observe the changes of Total Electron Content, TEC, in ionosphere by analyzing the data from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) satellites. Up to now, preseismic TEC anomalies have been reported in several papers. However, they are not so clear as coseismic TEC anomalies, and their analysis methods have some problems for practical earthquake prediction. One factor making it difficult to detect TEC anomalies is large noises in TEC data. Nonnegligible TEC disturbances are caused by many natural mechanisms. To overcome this difficulty, we propose correlation analyses between one GNSS station and GNSS stations surrounding it. First, we model TEC time series over a few hours using polynomial functions of time. Second, we calculate prediction errors as the departure of the TEC time series from the models over time scale of a few minutes and define it as the TEC anomaly. Third, we calculate the correlation between anomaly of one GNSS station and those at the surrounding stations. Although such a correlation method has long been used for radio communications, in particular for spread spectrum communications and very long baseline interferometry to increase signal‐to‐noise ratio, it has not been widely applied for TEC analysis. As a result of our method, we demonstrate that the correlation analysis can detect preseismic anomalies about 1 h before the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake on 11 March (Mw 9.0), 20 min before the foreshock on 9 March and 40 min before the aftershock on 7 April (Mw 7.3).
Tracing shifts of oceanic fronts using the cryptic diversity of the planktonic foraminifera Globorotalia inflata
Authors: Morard Raphaël , Reinelt Melanie , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Groeneveld Jeroen , Kucera Michal
Published: August 2016

The use of planktonic foraminifera in paleoceanographic studies relies on the assumption that morphospecies represent biological species with ecological preferences that are stable through time and space. However, genetic surveys unveiled a considerable level of diversity in most morphospecies of planktonic foraminifera. This diversity is significant for paleoceanographic applications because cryptic species were shown to display distinct ecological preferences that could potentially help refine paleoceanographic proxies. Subtle morphological differences between cryptic species of planktonic foraminifera have been reported, but so far, their applicability within paleoceanographic studies remains largely unexplored. Here we show how information on genetic diversity can be transferred to paleoceanography using Globorotalia inflata as a case study. The two cryptic species of G. inflata are separated by the Brazil‐Malvinas Confluence (BMC), a major oceanographic feature in the South Atlantic. Based on this observation, we developed a morphological model of cryptic species detection in core top material. The application of the cryptic species detection model to Holocene samples implies latitudinal oscillations in the position of the confluence that are largely consistent with reconstructions obtained from stable isotope data. We show that the occurrence of cryptic species in G. inflata can be detected in the fossil record and used to trace the migration of the BMC. Since a similar degree of morphological separation as in G. inflata has been reported from other species of planktonic foraminifera, the approach presented in this study can potentially yield a wealth of new paleoceanographical proxies.
Eccentricity pacing of eastern equatorial Pacific carbonate dissolution cycles during the Miocene Climatic Optimum
Authors: Kochhann Karlos G. D. , Holbourn Ann , Kuhnt Wolfgang , Channell James E. T. , Lyle Mitch , Shackford Julia K. , Wilkens Roy H. , Andersen Nils
Published: August 2016

The Miocene Climatic Optimum (MCO; ~16.9 to 14.7 Ma) provides an outstanding opportunity to investigate climate‐carbon cycle dynamics during a geologically recent interval of global warmth. We present benthic stable oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) isotope records (5–12 kyr time resolution) spanning the late early to middle Miocene interval (18 to 13 Ma) at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Site U1335 (eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean). The U1335 stable isotope series track the onset and development of the MCO as well as the transitional climatic phase culminating with global cooling and expansion of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet at ~13.8 Ma. We integrate these new data with published stable isotope, geomagnetic polarity, and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner‐derived carbonate records from IODP Sites U1335, U1336, U1337, and U1338 on a consistent, astronomically tuned timescale. Benthic isotope and XRF scanner‐derived CaCO3 records depict prominent 100 kyr variability with 400 kyr cyclicity additionally imprinted on δ13C and CaCO3 records, pointing to a tight coupling between the marine carbon cycle and climate variations. Our intersite comparison further indicates that the lysocline behaved in highly dynamic manner throughout the MCO, with >75% carbonate loss occurring at paleodepths ranging from ~3.4 to ~4 km in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Carbonate dissolution maxima coincide with warm phases (δ18O minima) and δ13C decreases, implying that climate‐carbon cycle feedbacks fundamentally differed from the late Pleistocene glacial‐interglacial pattern, where dissolution maxima correspond to δ13C maxima and δ18O minima. Carbonate dissolution cycles during the MCO were, thus, more similar to Paleogene hyperthermal patterns.
Phase calibration of interferometer arrays at high‐frequency radars
Authors: Burrell Angeline G. , Yeoman Timothy K. , Milan Stephen E. , Lester Mark
Published: August 2016

Elevation angles of backscattered signals are calculated at the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) high‐frequency radars using interferometric techniques. These elevation angles make it possible to estimate the geographic location of the scattering point, an essential piece of information for many ionospheric studies. One of the most difficult parameters to measure is the effective time delay caused by the difference in the electrical path length that connects the main array and the interferometer arrays to the correlator (δtc). This time delay causes a bias in the measured difference in the signal phase, also known as a phase bias. Phase calibration is difficult due to unknown physical attributes of the hardware and the remote location of many radars. This leads to the possibility of sudden external changes, slow temporal drift, and a dependence on transmission frequency. However, it is possible to estimate δtc using the radar observations themselves. This article presents a method for estimating δtc using backscatter with a known location, such as backscatter from artificially generated irregularities, meteor echoes, or distinct groundscatter, which incorporates the uncertainty in the observations and may be used autonomously. Applying the estimated δtc is shown to improve elevation angle uncertainties at one of the SuperDARN radars from their current potential tens of degrees to less than a degree.
Disguising Superman: How Glasses Affect Unfamiliar Face Matching
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S. , Ritchie Kay L.
Published: August 2016

Could a simple pair of glasses really fool us into thinking Superman and Clark Kent are two different people? Here, we investigated the perception of identity from face images with a task that relies on visual comparison rather than memory. Participants were presented with two images simultaneously and were asked whether the images depicted the same person or two different people. The image pairs showed neither image with glasses, both images with glasses, and ‘mixed’ pairs of one image with and one without glasses. Participants' accuracies, measured by both percentage correct and d′ sensitivity, were significantly lower for ‘mixed’ trials. Analysis of response bias showed that when only one face wore glasses, people tended to respond ‘different’. We demonstrate that glasses affect face matching ability using unconstrained images, and this has implications for both disguise research and authenticating identity in the real world. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Donor and Acceptor Unit Sequences Influence Material Performance in Benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene–6,7‐Difluoroquinoxaline Small Molecule Donors for BHJ Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Kai , Liang Ru‐Ze , Wolf Jannic , Saleem Qasim , Babics Maxime , Wucher Philipp , Abdelsamie Maged , Amassian Aram , Hansen Michael Ryan , Beaujuge Pierre M.
Published: August 2016

Well‐defined small molecule (SM) donors can be used as alternatives to π‐conjugated polymers in bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells with fullerene acceptors (e.g., PC61/71BM). Taking advantage of their synthetic tunability, combinations of various donor and acceptor motifs can lead to a wide range of optical, electronic, and self‐assembling properties that, in turn, may impact material performance in BHJ solar cells. In this report, it is shown that changing the sequence of donor and acceptor units along the π‐extended backbone of benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene–6,7‐difluoroquinoxaline SM donors critically impacts (i) molecular packing, (ii) propensity to order and preferential aggregate orientations in thin‐films, and (iii) charge transport in BHJ solar cells. In these systems (SM1‐3), it is found that 6,7‐difluoroquinoxaline ([2F]Q) motifs directly appended to the central benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) unit yield a lower‐bandgap analogue (SM1) with favorable molecular packing and aggregation patterns in thin films, and optimized BHJ solar cell efficiencies of ≈6.6%. 1H‐1H DQ‐SQ NMR analyses indicate that SM1 and its counterpart with [2F]Q motifs substituted as end‐group SM3 possess distinct self‐assembly patterns, correlating with the significant charge transport and BHJ device efficiency differences observed for the two analogous SM donors (avg. 6.3% vs 2.0%, respectively).
Complementarity and Uncertainty in Intrafibrillar Mineralization of Collagen
Authors: Jiao Kai , Niu Li‐Na , Ma Chu‐Fan , Huang Xue‐Qing , Pei Dan‐Dan , Luo Tao , Huang Qi , Chen Ji‐Hua , Tay Franklin R.
Published: August 2016

Biomineralization in vertebrates is a ubiquitous and tightly regulated process which creates hierarchical structures for the skeleton. Because of the lack of understanding and applicability of cell‐based or biological systems to achieve intrafibrillar mineralization, scientists adopted various in vitro methods to elucidate the mechanism of intrafibrillar mineralization. In this article, biomimetic intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen in its wide ramifications is reviewed. It is intriguing how prevailing intrafibrillar mineralization mechanisms derived from two potentially discordant crystallization philosophies were equally adept, depending on the experimental context, at theorizing the formation of calcium phosphate within a fibrillar template. This complementarity is not unique to biomineralization and has precedence in other fundamental physical interpretations. A new intrafibrillar mineralization process based on the use of polycationic process‐directing agent added uncertainty to the use of existing mechanisms in accounting for the observations.
Cooperative Effect of GO and Glucose on PEDOT:PSS for High VOC and Hysteresis‐Free Solution‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Giuri Antonella , Masi Sofia , Colella Silvia , Kovtun Alessandro , Dell'Elce Simone , Treossi Emanuele , Liscio Andrea , Esposito Corcione Carola , Rizzo Aurora , Listorti Andrea
Published: August 2016

Hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskites have emerged at the forefront of solution‐processable photovoltaic devices. Being the perovskite precursor mixture a complex equilibrium of species, it is very difficult to predict/control their interactions with different substrates, thus the final film properties and device performances. Here the wettability of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) onto poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transporting layer is improved by exploiting the cooperative effect of graphene oxide (GO) and glucose inclusion. The glucose, in addition, triggers the reduction of GO, enhancing the conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS+GO+glucose based nanocomposite. The relevance of this approach toward photovoltaic applications is demonstrated by fabricating a hysteresis‐free MAPbI3 solar cells displaying a ≈37% improvement in power conversion efficiency if compared to a device grown onto pristine PEDOT:PSS. Most importantly, VOC reaches values over 1.05 V that are among the highest ever reported for PEDOT:PSS p‐i‐n device architecture, suggesting minimal recombination losses, high hole‐selectivity, and reduced trap density at the PEDOT:PSS along with optimized MAPbI3 coverage.
Constructing a “Pizza‐Like” MoS2/Polypyrrole/Polyaniline Ternary Architecture with High Energy Density and Superior Cycling Stability for Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Kai , Li Le , Liu Ying , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: August 2016

Polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PANI) are most promising candidates for high energy and power density supercapacitors. However, their relative low surface area and poor cyclic stability greatly limit their practical applications. Morphology‐ and size‐controlled micro/nanostructure formation of such materials may lead to enhanced performance. Here, the solvent‐exchange method is proposed for the preparation of high‐concentration few‐layer MoS2 (f‐MoS2) suspension in an ethanol–water mixed solvent. PPy layers with high surface coverage are formed on the resultant dispersible f‐MoS2 by in situ polymerization of pyrrole. The MoS2/PPy hybrid is then used as the reactive layer for subsequent in situ growth and attachment of PANI, thus forming a “pizza‐like” MoS2/PPy/PANI ternary nanostructure. The rational design of such hierarchical nanostructures greatly enhances the specific capacitance up to 1273 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and effectively improves the cyclic performance maintaining ≈83% after 3000 charge/discharge cycles. The excellent performances of MoS2/PPy/PANI hybrid are mainly attributed to robust interconnected frameworks for improved electrical conductivity and well‐defined porosities for enhanced electrolyte/electrode interaction. The superior electrochemical performance thus suggests a promising strategy for fabricating component adjustable, high energy density, and durable nanostructures as novel electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Photovoltaic Device with over 5% Efficiency Based on an n‐Type Ag2ZnSnSe4 Absorber
Authors: Gershon Talia , Sardashti Kasra , Gunawan Oki , Mankad Ravin , Singh Saurabh , Lee Yun Seog , Ott John A. , Kummel Andrew , Haight Richard
Published: August 2016

The kesterite material Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) is an attractive earth‐abundant semiconductor for photovoltaics. However, the power conversion efficiency is limited by a large density of I–II antisite defects, which cause severe band tailing and open‐circuit voltage loss. Ag2ZnSnSe4 (AZTSe) is a promising alternative to CZTSSe with a substantially lower I–II antisite defect density and smaller band tailing. AZTSe is weakly n‐type, and this study reports for the first time on how the carrier density is impacted by stoichiometry. This study presents the first‐ever photovoltaic device based on AZTSe, which exhibits an efficiency of 5.2%, which is the highest value reported for an n‐type thin‐film absorber. Due to the weakly n‐type nature of the absorber, a new architecture is employed (SnO:F/AZTSe/MoO3/ITO) to replace conventional contacts and buffer materials. Using this platform, it is shown that the band tailing parameter in AZTSe more closely resembles that of CIGSe than CZTSSe, underscoring the strong promise of this absorber. In demonstrating the ability to collect photogenerated carriers from AZTSe, this study paves the way for novel thin‐film heterojunction architectures where light absorption in the n‐type device layer can supplement absorption in the p‐type layer as opposed to producing a net optical loss.
Comparison of the Morphology Development of Polymer–Fullerene and Polymer–Polymer Solar Cells during Solution‐Shearing Blade Coating
Authors: Gu Xiaodan , Yan Hongping , Kurosawa Tadanori , Schroeder Bob C. , Gu Kevin L. , Zhou Yan , To John W. F. , Oosterhout Stefan D. , Savikhin Victoria , Molina‐Lopez Francisco , Tassone Christopher J. , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Wang Cheng , Toney Michael F. , Bao Zhenan
Published: August 2016

In this work, the detailed morphology studies of polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT):fullerene(PCBM) and polymer(P3HT):polymer naphthalene diimide thiophene (PNDIT) solar cell are presented to understand the challenge for getting high performance all‐polymer solar cells. The in situ X‐ray scattering and optical interferometry and ex situ hard and soft X‐ray scattering and imaging techniques are used to characterize the bulk heterojunction (BHJ) ink during drying and in dried state. The crystallization of P3HT polymers in P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction shows very different behavior compared to that of P3HT:PNDIT BHJ due to different mobilities of P3HT in the donor:acceptor glass. Supplemented by the ex situ grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and soft X‐ray scattering, PNDIT has a lower tendency to form a mixed phase with P3HT than PCBM, which may be the key to inhibit the donor polymer crystallization process, thus creating preferred small phase separation between the donor and acceptor polymer.
Transfer Printed Flexible and Stretchable Thin Film Solar Cells Using a Water‐Soluble Sacrificial Layer
Authors: Nam Jiyoon , Lee Youngjoo , Choi Wonjung , Kim Chang Su , Kim Hogyoung , Kim Jongbok , Kim Dong‐Ho , Jo Sungjin
Published: August 2016

Recently, the rapid and significant progress in the development of various stretchable electronics has triggered intense research interest. Although the remarkable features of transfer printing processes have enabled the use of inorganic crystalline semiconductors in various types of stretchable devices, including solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, circuits, and photodetectors, there are few examples of stretchable electronics using thin film semiconductors. Transfer printing of inorganic amorphous thin film semiconductors remains a challenge because no suitable sacrificial layer is available. To meet this challenge, a water‐soluble germanium oxide sacrificial layer is developed. Stretchable inorganic amorphous thin film solar cells are produced using a transfer printing process with a water‐soluble sacrificial layer. This first attempt to fabricate stretchable solar cells with inorganic amorphous thin film semiconductors significantly broadens the scope of solar cell applications. Moreover, the germanium oxide sacrificial layer can be used in other thin film electronics applications.
Compositionally Graded Cathode Material with Long‐Term Cycling Stability for Electric Vehicles Application
Authors: Kim Un‐Hyuck , Lee Eung‐Ju , Yoon Chong S. , Myung Seung‐Taek , Sun Yang‐Kook
Published: August 2016

Al is introduced into a compositionally graded cathode with average composition of Li[Ni0.61Co0.12Mn0.27]O2 (FCG61) whose Ni and Mn concentrations are designed to vary continuously within the cathode particle. The Al‐substituted full concentration gradient (Al‐FCG61) cathode is tested for 3000 cycles in a full‐cell, mainly to gauge its viability for daily charge/discharge cycles during the service life of electric vehicles (≈10 years). The Al‐substitution enables the Al‐FCG61 cathode to maintain 84% of its initial capacity even after 3000 cycles. It is demonstrated that the Al‐substitution strengthens the grain boundaries, substantiated by the mechanical strength data, thereby delaying the nucleation of microcracks at the phase boundaries which is shown to be the main reason for the cathode failure during long‐term cycling. It also shows that the Al‐substitution decreases the cation mixing and suppresses the deleterious formation of the secondary phase that likely initiates the microcracks. Unlike an NCA cathode, whose depth of discharge (DOD) must be limited to 60% for long‐term cycling, the proposed Al‐FCG61 cathode is cycled at 100% DOD for 3000 cycles to fully utilize its available capacity for maximum energy density and subsequent reduction in cost of the battery.
Active and strong: physical activity, muscular strength, and metabolic risk in children
Authors: Gomes Thayse Natacha , dos Santos Fernanda Karina , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Maia José
Published: August 2016

Objectives

This study explored the associations among physical activity, muscular strength, and metabolic risk among children.

Methods

The sample included 378 Portuguese children (213 girls; 9–11 years). Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity was assessed by accelerometry and children were classified as active (≥60 min/day) or insufficiently active (<60 min/day). Static strength was expressed as the ratio of handgrip strength/body weight and used to classify children as having high (≥P50) or low (<P50) muscular strength. Children were classified into four groups: active and high strength, active and low strength, insufficiently active and high strength, insufficiently active and low strength. A continuous metabolic risk score was computed from cardiometabolic risk factors.

Results

In general, the insufficiently active and low strength group had the worst metabolic risk score, and the active and high strength group had the best. Significant differences were found within physical activity groups for metabolic risk: children classified as “active and high strength” and “insufficiently active and high strength” had better metabolic risk scores than “active and low strength” and “insufficiently active and low strength”, respectively.

Conclusions

Muscular strength has a relevant role in attenuating the association between physical inactivity and metabolic risk in children; a further benefit was identified in children with high physical activity and high muscular strength.
Procedures in the 1st year of life for children with trisomy 13 and trisomy 18, a 25‐year, single‐center review
Authors: Josephsen Justin B. , Armbrecht Eric S. , Braddock Stephen R. , Cibulskis Catherine C.
Published: August 2016

Care of the child born with trisomy 13 or 18 has evolved over the past few decades, leading to increased healthcare utilization. We hypothesized that there has been an increase in procedures across all intensity types, including major, invasive procedures. We performed a retrospective‐cohort study of children with trisomy 13 or 18 from 1990 to 2014 in a quaternary, free‐standing children's hospital. Children were identified using ICD‐9 billing diagnoses. Procedures were identified during these encounters and categorized by intensity (major, intermediate, or minor). One hundred thirty‐two children with trisomy 13 or 18 were identified. In children with trisomy 13, major procedures increased from period 1 (1990–1997) to period 3 (2006–2013) from 0.11 to 0.78 procedures per patient. For trisomy 18, the increase between the time periods was from 0.14 to 1.33 procedures per patient. By the end of the study period, nearly all trisomy 13 patients had a major procedure and the majority of those with trisomy 18 had undergone a major procedure. Estimated 1‐year survival for those with a major procedure was 30% and 22% for trisomies 13 and 18, respectively. In conclusion, there was an increasing rate of procedures per patient of all intensity levels over the 25‐year study period. Given differences in characteristics in those with trisomies 13 and 18, and effects of intervention on survival, an individualized approach to care of these patients should be employed by parents and healthcare providers, using factors such as trisomy type, infant gender, co‐morbidities, and parental preference. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Barbaralones and Bullvalenes Made Easy by Gold Catalysis
Authors: Ferrer Sofia , Echavarren Antonio M.
Published: August 2016

The gold(I)‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization of 7‐ethynyl‐1,3,5‐cycloheptatrienes gives 1‐substituted barbaralones in a general manner, which simplifies the access to other fluxional molecules. As an example, we report the shortest syntheses of bullvalene, phenylbullvalene, and disubstituted bullvalenes, and a readily accessible route to complex cage‐type structures by further gold(I)‐catalyzed reactions.
Retention of Native Protein Structures in the Absence of Solvent: A Coupled Ion Mobility and Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Seo Jongcheol , Hoffmann Waldemar , Warnke Stephan , Bowers Michael T. , Pagel Kevin , von Helden Gert
Published: August 2016

Can the structures of small to medium‐sized proteins be conserved after transfer from the solution phase to the gas phase? A large number of studies have been devoted to this topic, however the answer has not been unambiguously determined to date. A clarification of this problem is important since it would allow very sensitive native mass spectrometry techniques to be used to address problems relevant to structural biology. A combination of ion‐mobility mass spectrometry with infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins carefully transferred from solution to the gas phase. The two proteins investigated are myoglobin and β‐lactoglobulin, which are prototypical examples of helical and β‐sheet proteins, respectively. The results show that for low charge states under gentle conditions, aspects of the native secondary and tertiary structure can be conserved.
Poly[6‐(2,6‐bis(1′‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridin‐4‐yloxy)hexyl acrylate] (PBIP) and its terbium (III) complex (PBIP‐Tb3+): Homopolymerization, optical, and magnetic performance
Authors: Liu Dizheng , Sun Weilin , Ren Rong , Wang Yanhua , Shen Zhiquan
Published: August 2016

Poly[6‐(2,6‐bis(1′‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridin‐4‐yloxy)hexyl acrylate] (PBIP) and its terbium complex (PBIP‐Tb3+) were prepared and characterized by 1H NMR and FT‐IR. The optical properties of PBIP‐Tb3+ complex were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Both polymer PBIP and PBIP‐Tb3+ complex show good thermal stability. The magnetic property of PBIP‐Tb3+ complex was measured as a function of temperature (5–300 K) at 30 kOe and as a function of an external field (−50 to 50 kOe) at 5 K. Magnetic hysteresis loop of PBIP‐Tb3+ complex at 5 K shows typical “S” shape and PBIP‐Tb3+ complex is soft ferromagnetic. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44249.
Synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@MPS@P4VP nanoparticles for nitrate removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Javaheri Farzad , Hassanajili Shadi
Published: August 2016

In this study, synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@MPS@poly(4‐vinylpyridine) core‐shell‐shell structure was investigated as an efficient adsorbent for removal of nitrate ions from aqueous solutions. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were initially prepared by co‐precipitation method, then the surface of Fe3O4 was coated with SiO2 through a modified St öber method. Finally, the Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles were modified by 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate followed by emulsion polymerization of 4‐vinylpyridine. The resultant material was acidified in HCl solution to be effective for nitrate removal. The synthesized sample was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometer. The removal efficiency was optimized for some experimental parameters such as pH, contact time, and amount of sorbent loading. The maximum predictable adsorption capacity was 80.6 (mg nitrate/g sorbent) at optimum conditions. Also, regeneration of the nitrate adsorbed particles was possible with NaOH solution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44330.
Dimerization of Colloidal Particles through Controlled Aggregation for Enhanced Properties and Applications
Authors: Gilroy Kyle D. , Xia Younan
Published: August 2016

Devising syntheses capable of precisely manipulating matter on the nanoscale is central to many areas of research. The underlying motivation is fueled by the fact that at the nanometer scale, the property has a strong correlation with the structure. One such nanostructure that has accrued much attention is the dimer—a structure composed of two colloidal particles separated by a small gap. This Focus Review discusses how colloidal stability can be strategically manipulated to induce dimerization, together with effective purification steps to further improve yields. We conclude the article by providing representative examples for how dimers composed of plasmonic nanoparticles leads to structures with tunable optical properties and strong electric near‐fields, ideal for application in surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
Adapting the SAL method to evaluate reflectivity forecasts of summer precipitation in the central United States
Authors: Lawson John R. , Gallus William A.
Published: August 2016

The Structure Amplitude Location (SAL) method was originally developed to evaluate forecast accumulated‐precipitation fields through identification and comparison of objects in both the forecast and the observed fields. This study describes a small modification for use with instantaneous composite‐reflectivity forecasts, where objects' minimum size and reflectivity thresholds are prescribed. Both the original and modified SAL methods are used to evaluate daily 0000 UTC 12‐km North American Model (NAM) forecasts, against NCEP/EMC 4‐km Stage IV accumulated‐precipitation estimates, during the summer of 2015 for a central US domain. Results show substantial sensitivity to the reflectivity threshold. This is likely related to sampling more signal from convective cell cores, and progressively ignoring stratiform rain areas, as threshold increases. Setting the threshold too high (40 dBZ) yields only 7% of time periods on which error scores can be computed, as opposed to 94% using a low threshold (5 dBZ). The primary difference between the two methods is a larger structural error in SAL using reflectivity, likely related to the unresolved convective peaks in the 12‐km NAM forecasts; this error is smoothed out when accumulated precipitation is evaluated. SAL using reflectivity also reveals a diurnal cycle of skill, with minimum skill occurring around 1800–2200 UTC (early to late afternoon local time, before average convective activity reaches its maximum) and maximum skill occurring around 1000 UTC (just before sunrise). We conclude that both methods yield useful results, but results presented herein may not be generalisable to other verification domains or SAL formulations.
Recognising moulting behaviour in trilobites by examining morphology, development and preservation: Comment on Błażejowski et al. 2015
Authors: Drage Harriet B. , Daley Allison C.
Published: August 2016

A 365 million year‐old trilobite moult‐carcass assemblage was described by Błażejowski et al. (2015) as the oldest direct evidence of moulting in the arthropod fossil record. Unfortunately, their suppositions are insufficiently supported by the data provided. Instead, the morphology, configuration and preservational context of the highly fossiliferous locality (Kowala Quarry, Poland) suggest that the specimen consists of two overlapping, queued carcasses. The wider fossil record of moulting actually extends back 520 million years, providing an unparalleled opportunity to study behaviour, ecology and development in early animals. Taking cues from modern analogues, it is possible to quantify precise details about moulting behaviour to determine broad‐scale evolutionary trends, ontogenetic sequences and morphological selection pressures. In this review, we argue that this rich source of data has been underused in evolutionary studies, though has great potential for investigating the life history and evolution of arthropods in deep time.
The effect of dietary intake of coenzyme Q10 on skin parameters and condition: Results of a randomised, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Žmitek Katja , Pogačnik Tina , Mervic Liljana , Žmitek Janko , Pravst Igor
Published: August 2016

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural constituent of foods and is also often used in both functional foods and supplements. In addition, it is a common ingredient of cosmetics where it is believed to reduce the signs of skin ageing. However, the existing data about the effect of dietary intake of CoQ10 on skin parameters and condition are scarce. To gain an insight into this issue, we conducted a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled experiment with 33 healthy subjects. Our objective was to investigate the effects of 12 weeks of daily supplementation with 50 and 150 mg of CoQ10 on skin parameters and condition. Study was conducted with a water‐soluble form of CoQ10 with superior bioavailability (Q10Vital®). While the results of some previous in vitro studies showed possible protection in UVB response, we did not observe significant changes in the minimal erythema dose (MED). On the other hand, the intake of CoQ10 limited seasonal deterioration of viscoelasticity and reduced some visible signs of ageing. We determined significantly reduced wrinkles and microrelief lines, and improved skin smoothness. Supplementation with CoQ10 did not significantly affect skin hydration and dermis thickness. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(1):132–140, 2017
Chemical Composition of Essential Oils of Xanthium spinosum L., an Invasive Species of Corsica
Authors: Andreani Stéphane , Paolini Julien , Costa Jean , Muselli Alain
Published: August 2016

Xanthium spinosum L. is a highly invasive plant originated from South America throughout the world as well as in Corsica Island. The chemical composition of X. spinosum essential oils from 25 Corsican locations was investigated using GC‐FID and GC/MS. Seventy‐four components, which accounted for 96.2% of the total amount, were reported for the first time in the essential oil from aerial parts. The main compounds were eudesma‐4(14),7‐dien‐1β‐ol (61; 21.3%), germacrene D (36; 8.8%) and cadalene (60; 8.7%). Comparison with the literature highlighted the originality of the Corsican essential oil and eudesma‐4(14),7‐dien‐1β‐ol could be used as taxonomical marker to the systematics of the Xanthium genus. The essential oils obtained from separate organs and during the plant vegetative cycle were also studied to gain more knowledge about the correlations between the volatile production and the phenological states of this weed. The production of oxygenated sesquiterpenes was predominant during the plant‐flowering process. The study focuses on direct correlation between the chemical composition of individual 25 oil samples and the morphological differences of the plant. Our results have gained more knowledge about the secondary metabolite production that occurs during the plant life, they could be interesting in order to manage the dispersal of X. spinosum.
The in vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Chemometric Modelling of 59 Commercial Essential Oils against Pathogens of Dermatological Relevance
Authors: Orchard Ané , Sandasi Maxleene , Kamatou Guy , Viljoen Alvaro , van Vuuren Sandy
Published: August 2016

This study reports on the inhibitory concentration of 59 commercial essential oils recommended for dermatological conditions, and identifies putative compounds responsible for antimicrobial activity. Essential oils were investigated for antimicrobial activity using minimum inhibitory concentration assays. Ten essential oils were identified as having superior antimicrobial activity. The essential oil compositions were determined using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and the data analysed with the antimicrobial activity using multivariate tools. Orthogonal projections to latent structures models were created for seven of the pathogens. Eugenol was identified as the main biomarker responsible for antimicrobial activity in the majority of the essential oils. The essential oils mostly displayed noteworthy antimicrobial activity, with five oils displaying broad‐spectrum activity against the 13 tested micro‐organisms. The antimicrobial efficacies of the essential oils highlight their potential in treating dermatological infections and through chemometric modelling, bioactive volatiles have been identified.
First US experience following FDA approval of the ABBOTT vascular bioresorbable vascular scaffold for the treatment of coronary artery disease
Authors: Rizik David G. , Shah Maulik G. , Burke Robert F.
Published: August 2016

Drug eluting stents are considered the “gold standard” for the percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease. Recent publications have suggested that a reasonable alternative, in well selected cases, may be the ABSORBTM bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) stent. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expansion in calcific lesions and overall clinical outcomes following bioresorbable scaffold implantation optimized with intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Kawamoto Hiroyoshi , Ruparelia Neil , Latib Azeem , Miyazaki Tadashi , Sato Katsumasa , Tanaka Akihito , Naganuma Toru , Sticchi Alessandro , Chieffo Alaide , Carlino Mauro , Montorfano Matteo , Colombo Antonio
Published: August 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate clinical outcomes following bioresorbable scaffold (BRS) optimized with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and furthermore expansion of BRS in calcific lesions.

Background

Although IVUS use has contributed to improved clinical outcomes with metallic stent implantation, it is unclear if this is also true with regards to BRS, especially in calcified lesions.

Methods

Between May 2012 and April 2015, 291 lesions in 198 patients were treated with BRS with IVUS use. We evaluated overall clinical outcomes at 1‐year and investigated the expansion and eccentricity index of BRS amongst quadrants categorized by calcium arc (CA) every 90‐degrees.

Results

The rates of major adverse cardiac events were 5.4% (at 6 months) and 10.7% (at 12 months). TLR was observed in 3.1% at 6‐month and 7.5% at 12‐month follow up. Although there was a significant difference among quadrants regarding to eccentricity of calcium (0°≦CA < 90°: 0.82 ± 0.09, 90°≦CA < 180°: 0.75 ± 0.12, 180°≦CA < 270°: 0.78 ± 0.11, and 270°≦CA≦360°: 0.79 ± 0.09, ANOVA P = 0.002), the BRS expansion index [minimal scaffold area (MSA) divided by BRS area expanded at a nominal pressure] was comparable between quadrants.

Conclusions

The use of IVUS to optimize BRS implantation results in favorable clinical outcomes even for complex lesions. Although eccentric calcium distribution resulted in asymmetric expansion of BRS, the final MSA was comparable irrespective of calcium distribution. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.