Seismicity modulation by external stress perturbations in plate boundary vs.stable plate interior

Characterization of critically stressed seismogenic fault systems in diverse tectonic settings can be used to explore the stress/frictional condition of faults,along with its sensitivity for seismicity modulation by periodic stress perturbation.However,the process of seismicity modulation in response to external stress perturbation remains debated.In this paper,the characteristic difference in the seismicity modulation due to resonance destabilization phenomenon governed by rate-and-state friction is presented and val-idated with the globally reported cases of seismicity modulation in diverse tectonic settings.The rela-tively faster-moving plate boundary regions are equally susceptible for both shorter-period(e.g.,semi-diurnal,diurnal,and other small tidal constituents)and long-period(e.g.,semi-annual,annual,pole tide and pole wobble)seismicity modulation processes in response to stress perturbations from natural har-monic forcing,including tidal,semi-annual,annual,or multi-annual time scales.In contrast,slowly deforming stable plate interior regions and diffuse deformation zones appear to be more sensitive for long-period seismicity modulation of semi-annual,annual,or even multi-annual time scales but less sen-sitive for short-period seismicity modulation.This finding is also supported by the theoretical model pre-dictions from the resonance destabilization process and worldwide documented natural observations of seismicity modulation in diverse types of tectonic settings.

A New Intramedulary Locking Plate for the Osteotomy of the V. Metatarsal in the Correction of the Tailors Bunion. Midterm Results of 21 Patients

Background: Since we are very successful in the operation of hallux valgus using a transverse sub-capital osteotomy fixated with an intramedullary angle-stable locking plate, and a tailors bunion is understood as a reversed hallux valgus, we have applied the operation also for such indication. Method: The osteotomy was carried out at a straight V. metatarsal subcapitally, and in case of an outwardly curved V. metatarsal at the bending location. The intramedullary plates are available in different designs and the plate and screws disappear completely in the bone, so the soft tissues are not disturbed. The head of the plate is either straight or curved in order to shift the distal fragment sufficiently. Results: 26 patients were operated within a period of 5 years (2008-2012). 21 patients were followed up after an average of 34.4 months. The IM angle IV/V could be improved by an average of 11.76 to an average of 4.10. This is a highliy significant pre- to postoperative difference of 7.66 (t = 15.07, p < 0.001). The AOFAS score was improved by an average of 42.24 points from 55.76 points preoperatively to 98.00 points postoperative. There was no pseudo-arthrosis and no wound healing impairment. All patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. Conclusion: This method does not have the disadvantages of the other common operations of the Tailors bunion and is applied now as a standard method in this deformity.

A hydrophobic artificial solid-interphase-protective layer with fast self-healable capability for stable lithium metal anodes

Lithium(Li)metal has been considered as one of the most promising anodes for high-energy-density batteries.However,the hyperactivity of metallic Li and its dendrite growth are the major hurdles to its practical applications.Herein,a multi-functional solid-interphase-protective layer with excellent waterproof performance and fast self-healing properties was modified on the surface of Li metal to address the above issues.Under the protection of this interface,the metallic Li(denoted as P-Li)exhibited superior electrochemical stability in both Li/Li symmetric cells and full cells.Notably,even after being exposed to humid air for 3 h,the LiFePO_(4)||Li full battery with P-Li anodes still showed long-term stability with a transcendental capacity retention of~100% after 100 cycles,revealing a significant advantage to the non-working LiFePO_(4)||Li battery with air-exposed bare Li anodes.