bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of pathology and activity‐related changes to the patellae of individuals from Tell Abraq
Authors: Osterholtz Anna J. , Harrod Ryan P. , Miller D. Shane
Published: January 2019

The examination of comingled ossuary collections creates unique analytical issues as bones are rarely articulated, requiring that the skeletal elements be examined on an individual basis. A result is that the estimation of crucial demographic information like age at death and sex becomes problematic and attempts to ascertain this information involve a high degree of error. Bearing these issues in mind, however, the focus of this project is to identify and interpret signs of osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, and osteochondral fracturing, as well as to score for the presence and degree of musculoskeletal markers, on patellae from the ossuary at Tell Abraq. A secondary goal of this project was to utilize the patellae to elicit both estimations of minimum number of individuals and the ratio of sex within the population.

Preliminary results indicate a high prevalence of osteoarthritis, osteochondritis dissecans, and enchondral fracture that was not correlated to estimated sex. This lack of correlation may be due to several factors, including difficulty in sex estimation based on metric analysis of a single element, a skewed sex distribution, or an actual lack of correlation. Regardless of the difficulties of estimating sex in a comingled collection, it seems clear that both men and women were exposed to conditions that fostered the development of osteoarthritis and that trauma to the knee was a common occurrence for those ultimately interred in the ossuary.
Acts of life: Assessing entheseal change as an indicator of social differentiation in postmedieval Aalst (Belgium)
Authors: Palmer Jessica L.A. , Waters‐Rist Andrea L.
Published: January 2019

Lower levels of physical activity are often linked to higher socio‐economic status (SES) in past societies. As an activity marker, changes at muscle attachment sites known as entheseal changes (ECs) have been used with varying efficacy. This study investigates this proposed link between EC as a physical activity marker and SES within one well‐defined temporo‐geographic context. EC data from 16 entheses in three skeletal collections from the postmedieval town of Aalst, Belgium, were evaluated using the Coimbra method. The skeletal assemblages represent distinct socio‐economic groups, evidenced by historical and dietary isotope data. The Louis D'Haeseleerstraat sample represents lower class individuals (n = 46), the Hopmarkt sample middle‐class individuals (n = 110), and the Saint Martin's church (n = 13) higher class individuals. EC data are tested for correlation to status, age, and sex. EC patterns did not differ significantly between the SES groups at any entheses except the musculus (M.) iliopsoas and common extensor, where the higher class showed more EC. Within the populations, at the Hopmarkt, sexual differences were only observed in the Achilles tendon attachment, whereas at the Louis D'Haeseleerstraat, sexual differences were present in the M. triceps brachii, M. brachioradialis, and quadriceps entheses. Only some entheses showed a significant correlation with age, and these were inconsistent between populations. ECs are not a reliable indicator of SES in postmedieval Aalst. This could suggest that the hypothesis that the wealthy were less physically active oversimplifies the lives of people in the past. It could also suggest that EC is not a suitable proxy for physical activity, or that it cannot be used without in‐depth knowledge of the types of activities performed by various socio‐economic groups in addition to consideration of all other aetiological factors. This study illustrates the caution necessary when using EC as a proxy for social status in past societies.
Black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius L.) in the archaeozoological context of the Savvatiev Pustyn', a medieval rural Russian monastery
Authors: Zinoviev Andrei V.
Published: January 2019

Here we report a discovery of a bone of the black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius L.) in medieval layers of the rural Savvatiev Monastery (Tver Region, Russia). Deposited in the wooden house, presumably refectory, subfloor, the woodpecker's remains could be associated with an activity of the cat. A complex of bones, associated with the find, characterizes the place as a monastery.
Estimating Effect of Obesity on Stroke Using G‐Estimation: The ARIC study
Authors: Shakiba Maryam , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Kaufman Jay S.
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study quantified the obesity‐stroke relationship by appropriately adjusting for time‐varying confounders using G‐estimation.

Methods

A total of 13,975 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study were included. General obesity (GOB) was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; abdominal obesity (AOB) was defined as waist circumference  ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥ 88 cm in women and waist to hip ratio  ≥ 0.9 in men and ≥ 0.85 in women. The effects of obesity on stroke were estimated using G‐estimation and compared with accelerated failure time models using three modeling strategies.

Results

The first accelerated failure time model adjusted for baseline covariates excluding metabolic mediators of obesity showed increased risk of stroke for all measures of obesity. Further adjustment for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and lipid profiles resulted in decreasing hazard ratios (HRs) with intervals that included the null value for all measures of obesity. G‐estimated HRs were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.08‐2.40), 1.43 (95% CI: 1.14‐1.99), and 1.99 (95% CI: 1.50‐2.91) for GOB and AOB based on waist circumference and waist to hip ratio.

Conclusions

Both GOB and AOB affected the risk of stroke. The magnitude of the estimates was larger when modeled by G‐estimation than when using standard models, suggesting that bias from mishandling of time‐varying confounding was toward the null.
Association between maternal education and survival after childhood cancer
Authors: Isaevska Elena , Popovic Maja , Alessi Daniela , Mosso Maria Luisa , Sacerdote Carlotta , Magnani Corrado , Pastore Guido , Rosso Tiziana , Zengarini Nicolás , Dockerty John , Merletti Franco , Maule Milena
Published: January 2019

Background

Several nonbiological factors, including socioeconomic status indicators and other family characteristics, influence survival from childhood cancers. Our study explores the association between parental education and childhood cancer survival.

Methods

The specialized Childhood Cancer Registry of the Piedmont region in Italy provided data on all the cases (aged 0–14) diagnosed with cancer in the period 1976–2011 who resided in the city of Turin (capital of the Piedmont region) at least once since 1971. Information on parental education was extracted from the Turin Longitudinal Study by record linkage. The association between parental educational level and survival was estimated using Cox regression.

Results

The study included 949 children. We observed a disadvantage in the overall survival for children of less educated mothers. No such effect was observed for paternal education. The effect of maternal education was particularly strong for central nervous system tumors (hazard ratios, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–8.0). A similar effect, though smaller in magnitude, was observed for leukemia and embryonal tumors, whereas the estimates for lymphoma were imprecise.

Conclusions

Our study shows an association between maternal educational level and survival in children with central nervous system tumors, a diagnosis that often requires long‐lasting treatment and special care. Giving support to the families of affected children to provide them the optimal care has the potential to improve children's cancer treatment outcomes.
Fast forming of multistacked UD prepreg using a high‐pressure process
Authors: Hallander Per , Sjölander Jens , Petersson Mikael , Andersson Tomas , Åkermo Malin
Published: January 2019

In this article, the opportunities of fast forming of multistacked UD prepreg when using high‐pressure forming were examined in an experimental study. Forming is often considered a bottleneck in manufacturing of composite aircraft parts and speeding up the process is, therefore, of great interest. A Quintus Flexform fluid cell press was used to create pressure of 100 to 400 bars. In the study, different lay‐up sequences and thicknesses were tested for manufacturing of c‐shaped coupons. Tests were performed at different temperatures and some of the samples were sandwiched with mild steel sheets referred to as a steel sheet dummy. A case study was also performed on a double‐curved spar geometry. It was found that forming at a relatively high overall pressure level combined with an elevated temperature, created squeeze flow‐related wrinkle formations, and radius thinning. With high pressure forming, material compression/compaction mechanisms showed to have great influence on the forming result. This differs to low pressure vacuum forming, where intraply shear, interply shear, and ply bending are the dominant forming mechanisms. The steel sheet dummy minimized the squeeze flow related wrinkle in the web and flanges. Instead the forming temperature was found to exert the greatest influence on radius thinning. When forming at room temperature, radius thinning was almost eliminated and instead bending‐related wrinkles in the flange below the radii appeared. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3550–3561, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fiber migration in shear flow: Model predictions and experimental validation
Authors: Perumal Vishak , Gupta Rahul K. , Bhattacharya Sati N. , Costa Franco S.
Published: January 2019

Understanding transient flow behavior of polymer composites is crucial for improving the predictions of final composite properties in polymer processing operations. This work is aimed at measuring concentration migration of fiber reinforcing particles in addition to fiber orientation evolution during simple shear flow. Center‐gate injection molded samples using Nylon‐6 containing 33 wt% short glass fibers (PA6‐33GF) were prepared. Samples were imaged using X‐ray computed tomography (X‐CT) to obtain fiber orientation tensors and fiber volume fraction distributions after different strain units were imposed. With higher applied strains, the orientation of fibers evolved from a shell–core structure typical of injection molded composites to a preferential alignment in the shearing direction. As for fiber concentration, an initial shell–core concentration profile established during injection molding was found to diminish towards a uniform concentration distribution upon shearing. This experimentally observed concentration migration was modeled using the suspension balance model (SBM) which predicts concentration changes based on changes in particle stress contributions. The SBM uses a particle stress contribution model that is designed for spherical particles. Predictions from this model gave reasonably accurate steady state results and the evolution of the concentration profile. A modified fiber stress model that incorporates fiber orientation effects was also tested for its applicability for fiber‐filled systems. Predictions from this model yielded reasonable agreement with measured concentration evolution data but with a slower attainment of a uniform concentration profile. Further investigation on the empirical constants used in the fiber stress model warrants a rheological assessment to improve concentration evolution predictions for use in constitutive rheological modeling. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3573–3581, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of Neuromuscular Blocking Agents on Sedation Requirements in Trauma Patients with an Open Abdomen
Authors: Smith Susan E. , Hamblin Susan E. , Dennis Bradley M.
Published: January 2019

The appropriate level of sedation in patients with an open abdomen following damage control laparotomy (DCL) is debated. Chemical paralysis with neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) has been used to decrease time to abdominal closure. We sought to evaluate the effect of NMBA use on sedation requirements in patients with an open abdomen and to determine the effect of sedation on patient outcomes. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an American College of Surgeons’ verified level 1 trauma center. Adult trauma patients who underwent DCL between 2009 and 2015 were included. Patients with an intensive care unit length of stay of less than 48 hours and those who died before abdominal closure were excluded. The NMBA+ group received continuous NMBA within 24 hours of DCL; the NMBA− group did not. The primary outcome was cumulative sedation dose during the 7 days following DCL. Secondary outcomes included Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale (RASS) score, mechanical ventilation‐free days, and delirium‐coma‐free days. Delirium‐coma‐free days were analyzed with linear regression. A total of 222 patients were included (NMBA+ 125; NMBA− 97). Demographics were similar between groups including age, Injury Severity Score, and mechanism of injury. The median time to closure in the overall cohort was 2 days (interquartile range [IQR] 1–2 days). Propofol and fentanyl were the primary sedatives used. The NMBA+ group received higher cumulative doses of propofol (NMBA+ 5405 mg, IQR 3103–10,573 mg; NMBA− 3601 mg, IQR 1605–6887 mg; p=0.007), but not of fentanyl. Time to abdominal closure, but not NMBA use, was associated with a higher cumulative propofol dose on multivariate analysis. The NMBA+ group had significantly lower RASS scores on the first 3 days following DCL. Mechanical ventilation‐free days (NMBA+ 20 days vs NMBA− 18 days, p=0.960) and delirium‐coma‐free days (NMBA+ 18 days vs NMBA− 18 days, p=0.610) were similar between the groups. On linear regression, cumulative propofol dose was associated with fewer delirium‐coma‐free days (β‐coefficient −0.007, 95% confidence interval −0.015 to −0.003). In trauma patients managed with DCL, higher cumulative sedative doses were administered in patients who received adjunctive NMBA, although NMBA therapy was not associated with a higher cumulative propofol dose on multivariate analysis. Consideration must be given to the potential effect of sedation on delirium and awakening following DCL.
What really matters for students’ school satisfaction in Bangladesh?
Authors: Hossain Saira , O’Neill Sue C. , Strnadová Iva
Published: January 2019

School satisfaction is the reflection of students’ comprehensive evaluation of their school experience. This study reports the level of school satisfaction among students in Grades 6 and 8 in Bangladesh to perceive and the factors that might contribute to it using a cross‐sectional research design. A 61‐item survey questionnaire was utilized to collect data. The students’ mean score on the school satisfaction subscale of the Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale equated to a slightly positive attitude towards school. Three demographic factors including students’ academic achievement, gender, and grade level; and two school climate factors of perceived teacher–student relationship, and perceived academic support, emerged from the multiple regression analysis. The study findings are discussed from the perspective of self‐determination theory with implications for practice and avenues for future research offered.
School psychology graduate education retention research characteristics: Implications for diversity initiatives in the profession
Authors: Proctor Sherrie L. , Owens Courtney
Published: January 2019

Lack of racial and ethnic diversity in the school psychology workforce has been a concern since the profession's inception. One solution is to graduate more racially and ethnically diverse individuals from school psychology programs. This structured review explored the characteristics of studies published from 1994 to 2017 that investigated graduate student retention and school psychology. An electronic search that included specified databases, subject terms, and study inclusion criteria along with a manual search of 10 school psychology journals yielded two published, peer‐reviewed studies focused primarily on graduate student retention and school psychology over the 23‐year span. Two researchers coded the studies using a rigorous coding process with high inter‐rater reliability. Findings suggest that mostly Black and White individuals served as participants, undergraduate students represented the largest group sampled, and key school psychology stakeholders’ views were missing. Additionally, programs interested in retaining racially and ethnically diverse students should have a commitment to multicultural issues, expose students to diverse professional networks and mentorship, and cultivate an inclusive program environment. Implications point to a need for more studies focused on school psychology graduate student retention in general and in specific relation to retaining racial and ethnic minoritized students.
Teachers' self‐efficacy in bullying interventions and their probability of intervention
Authors: Fischer Saskia M. , Bilz Ludwig
Published: January 2019

Teacher intervention is an important factor in stopping bullying. Several studies indicate that teachers who believe they are capable of stopping bullying intervene more often in bullying. But this finding has only been based on hypothetical situations. It remains unclear if these results can be replicated in bullying interventions that the teachers actually performed. In addition, some studies claim that self‐efficacy is only connected to teacher intervention in direct forms of bullying, rather than indirect forms. In the current study, teachers' self‐efficacy in bullying interventions and the probability that they will intervene is investigated using self‐reported real‐life bullying situations in a sample of German teachers. Results show that teachers who feel more confident in dealing with bullying report intervening more often in bullying episodes they observed. Teacher training should include discussions of real‐life experiences to promote teachers' self‐efficacy beliefs and increase the probability of teacher intervention.
Huber Inventory of Trainee Self‐efficacy: Assessment of measurement models
Authors: Lockwood Adam B. , Gross Thomas J. , Farmer Ryan L. , Loke Stephen W.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to further examine the factor structure of the Huber Inventory of Trainee Self‐Efficacy (HITS), a measure of school psychology trainee self‐efficacy. Lockwood et al. (2017, Psychol. Sch., Vol. 54, pp. 655–670) extant data set, collected from 520 school psychology trainees, was utilized. Four measurement models were examined for model fit and factor loadings. Of the four models, a bifactor model with a single latent general self‐efficacy (GSE) and latent domain‐specific factors (i.e., Multidimensional Assessment Skills, Counseling Skills, Professional Interpersonal Skills, and Research Skills) was the most parsimonious. However, standardized loadings indicated that all practice‐related items loaded more significantly onto GSE than their domain‐specific factors, indicating the utility of GSE for practice‐related skills. Of note, the Research Skills factor displayed greater domain‐specific loadings than general loadings. These findings suggest that GSE may be the best indicator of trainee self‐efficacy, though a two‐factor model that represents practical skills versus research skills may also be appropriate. Additionally, reliability scores indicate that subscale interpretation may also be reasonable. Limitations, implications for trainers of school psychologists, and for future research directions are discussed.
Liable, but Not in Control? Ensuring Meaningful Human Agency in Automated Decision‐Making Systems
Authors: Wagner Ben
Published: January 2019

Automated decision making is becoming the norm across large parts of society, which raises interesting liability challenges when human control over technical systems becomes increasingly limited. This article defines “quasi‐automation” as inclusion of humans as a basic rubber‐stamping mechanism in an otherwise completely automated decision‐making system. Three cases of quasi‐automation are examined, where human agency in decision making is currently debatable: self‐driving cars, border searches based on passenger name records, and content moderation on social media. While there are specific regulatory mechanisms for purely automated decision making, these regulatory mechanisms do not apply if human beings are (rubber‐stamping) automated decisions. More broadly, most regulatory mechanisms follow a pattern of binary liability in attempting to regulate human or machine agency, rather than looking to regulate both. This results in regulatory gray areas where the regulatory mechanisms do not apply, harming human rights by preventing meaningful liability for socio‐technical decision making. The article concludes by proposing criteria to ensure meaningful agency when humans are included in automated decision‐making systems, and relates this to the ongoing debate on enabling human rights in Internet infrastructure.
Bringing historical British Population Census records into the 21st century: A method for geocoding households and individuals at their early‐20th‐century addresses
Authors: Walford Nigel Stephen
Published: January 2019

Increased use of geographical information systems (GISs) for social scientific research has highlighted the analytical possibilities offered by unlocking historical data sources that are impractical with contemporary data. Genealogists and social scientific researchers have used information relating to individuals, households, and their addresses contained in the British historical census records for a number of years. This article takes geographical exploration of these a stage further by developing a method of attaching grid references to the census addresses, thereby opening up new research possibilities including spatial analysis. The resultant geocoded census data enable address‐, household‐, and individual‐level historical research and aggregation to contemporary and historical spatial units for exploration of demographic and socio‐economic change. The paper focuses on the development of a method of geocoding 1901 and 1911 Census data in respect of six study areas in the historical counties of London and Middlesex with over 260,000 individuals within some 60,000 households or communal establishments in both 1901 and 1911. Successful semi‐automated matching of historical census addresses with a contemporary address database is related to population density, change from property naming to numbering, residential development, thoroughfare name changes, and transcription error. Complete geocoding was completed by manual digitising with the aid of ancillary information sources and geographical information embedded in census records. The method outlined has the potential to be replicated in other areas and be adapted to use with other contemporary address databases that contain grid references. The paper outlines the factors that would influence transferability of the geocoding method.
Effect of P Concentration on Ti Silicide Formation in In‐Situ P Doped Epitaxial Si Films
Authors: Park Seran , Shin Hyunsu , Ko Eunjung , Ko Dae‐Hong
Published: January 2019

Herein, the effect of P concentration in highly P‐doped epitaxial Si films on the formation of Ti silicide therein are investigated. Ti films sputter‐deposited on P‐doped Si substrates are annealed at different temperatures, and the thus obtained samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy. The former technique revealed that the formation of C54 is suppressed by high P concentrations, while the resistivity of Ti silicide are shown to be independent of P concentration when the C54 phase is fully formed under the condition of sufficient thermal budget. Most importantly, this work confirms the occurrence of a silicidation delay in in situ P‐doped epitaxial Si films and demonstrates that this delay increases the temperature of the C49 to C54 phase transition of Ti silicide.
Transition Metal and Rare Earth Element Doped Zinc Oxide Nanowires for Optoelectronics
Authors: Röder Robert , Geburt Sebastian , Zapf Maximilian , Franke Dennis , Lorke Michael , Frauenheim Thomas , da Rosa Andreia Luisa , Ronning Carsten
Published: January 2019

Even though intrinsic semiconductor nanowires have already extraordinary optical properties, doping with optically active impurities significantly expands the potpourri of optoelectronic applications, such as for nanowire lasers or single photon emitters. This feature article therefore supplies a snapshot of the most recent progress on the structural and optical properties of transition metal and rare earth element doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires using ion beam doping. Here, ion implantation is advantageous, as concurrent defect generation and diffusion upon subsequent annealing allows the formation of defect complexes. This scenario is in many cases even inevitable for the optical activation of the intra‐shell luminescence of the implanted impurities, as density functional theory calculations demonstrate. Finally, this article also provides the optimum preparation conditions for intense optical activity and a review on the specific luminescence properties of various optical centers in ZnO nanowires.
Vortex dynamics of stratospheric sudden warmings: A reanalysis data study using PV contour integral diagnostics
Authors: Kwasniok Frank , Beaumont Robin , Thuburn John
Published: January 2019

The dynamics of the polar vortex underlying stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) events are investigated in a data‐based diagnostic study. Potential vorticity (PV) contour integral quantities on isentropic surfaces are discussed in a unified framework; new expressions for their time evolution, particularly suitable for evaluation from data, are presented and related to previous work. Diagnostics of mass and circulation are calculated from ERA‐40 reanalysis data for the stratosphere in case‐studies of seven winters with different SSW behaviour. The edge of the polar vortex is easily identifiable in these diagnostics as an abrupt transition from high to low gradients of PV, and the warming events are clearly visible. The amount of air stripped from the vortex as part of a preconditioning leading up to the warming events is determined using the balance equation of the mass integral. Significant persistent removal of mass from the vortex is found, with several such stripping events identifiable throughout the winter, especially in those during which a major sudden warming event occurred. These stripping episodes are visible in corresponding PV maps, where tongues of high PV are being stripped from the vortex and mixed into the surrounding surf zone. An attempt is made to diagnose from the balance equation of the circulation the effect of frictional forces such as gravity wave dissipation on the polar vortex.
From reliable weather forecasts to skilful climate response: A dynamical systems approach
Authors: Christensen Hannah M. , Berner Judith
Published: January 2019

While weather forecasting models can be tested by performing and evaluating many hindcasts, the limited observational record restricts the degree to which climate projections can be evaluated. Therefore a question of interest is: to what degree can we evaluate the potential skill of a climate model's response to forcing by assessing the reliability of short‐range weather and seasonal forecasts produced by the same model? We address this question using a dynamical systems framework. We use linear response theory to provide the mean climate response of a general dynamical system to a small external forcing. We relate this response to the reliability of initial value forecasts. We find that, in order to capture the mean climate response, the forecast model must correctly represent the slowest evolving modes of variability in the system. The reliability of forecasts on seasonal and longer time‐scales, which is sensitive to the representation of these slow modes, could therefore indicate if the forecast model has the correct climate sensitivity and so will respond correctly to an applied external forcing. In this way, the skill of initialized forecasts could act as an ‘emergent constraint’ on climate sensitivity. However, we also highlight that unreliable seasonal forecasts do not necessarily indicate an incorrect climate projection. This is because correctly representing rapidly evolving modes is also necessary for reliable seasonal forecasts.
On the hypothesized outflow control of tropical cyclone intensification
Authors: Montgomery Michael T. , Persing John , Smith Roger K.
Published: January 2019

We present idealized, three‐dimensional, convection‐permitting numerical experiments to evaluate the premise of the revised theory of tropical cyclone intensification proposed by Emanuel, . The premise is that small‐scale turbulence in the upper tropospheric outflow layer determines the thermal stratification of the outflow and, in turn, an amplification of the system‐scale tangential wind field above the boundary layer. The aim of our article is to test whether parametrized small‐scale turbulence in the outflow region of a developing storm is an essential process in the spin‐up of the maximum tangential winds.

Compared with the control experiment, in which the small‐scale, shear‐stratified turbulence is parametrized in the usual way based on a Richardson number criterion, the vortex in a calculation without a parametrized representation of vertical mixing above the boundary layer has similar evolution of intensity. Richardson number near‐criticality is found mainly in the upper‐level outflow. However, the present solutions indicate that eddy processes in the eyewall play a significant role in determining the structure of moist entropy surfaces in the upper‐level outflow. In the three‐dimensional model, these eddy processes are largely realizations of asymmetric deep convection and are not obviously governed by any Richardson‐number‐based criterion. The experiments do not support the premise on which the new theory is based. The results would appear to have ramifications for recent studies that invoke the new theory.
An automated laser fluorination technique for high‐precision analysis of three oxygen isotopes in silicates
Authors: Kim Nak Kyu , Kusakabe Minoru , Park Changkun , Lee Jong Ik , Nagao Keisuke , Enokido Yuma , Yamashita Shigeru , Park Sun Young
Published: January 2019

Rationale

The three oxygen isotopes in terrestrial/extraterrestrial silicates can provide geochemical and cosmochemical information about their origin and secondary processes that result from isotopic exchange. A laser fluorination technique has been widely used to extract oxygen from silicates for δ17O and δ18O measurements by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Continued improvement of the techniques is still important for high‐precision measurement of oxygen‐isotopic ratios.

Methods

We adopted an automated lasing technique to obtain reproducible fluorination of silicates using a CO2 laser‐BrF5 fluorination system connected online to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The automated lasing technique enables us to perform high‐precision analysis of the three oxygen isotopes of typical reference materials (e.g., UWG2 garnet, NBS28 quartz and San Carlos olivine) and in‐house references (mid‐ocean ridge basalt glass and obsidian). The technique uses a built‐in application of laser control with which the laser power can be varied in a programmed manner with a defocused beam which is in a fixed position.

Results

The oxygen isotope ratios of some international reference materials analyzed by the manual lasing technique were found to be isotopically lighter with wider variations in δ18O values, whereas those measured by the automated lasing technique gave better reproducibility (less than 0.2‰, 2SD). The Δ17O values, an excess of the δ17O value relative to the fractionation line, also showed high reproducibility (±0.02‰, 2SD).

Conclusions

The system described herein provides high‐precision δ17O and δ18O measurements of silicate materials. The use of the automated lasing technique followed by careful and controlled purification procedures is preferred to achieve satisfactory isotopic ratio results.
Adaptive aperiodically intermittent control for pinning synchronization of directed dynamical networks
Authors: Cheng Liyan , Qiu Jianlong , Chen Xiangyong , Zhang Ancai , Yang Chengdong , Chen Xiao
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we investigate the pinning synchronization of directed complex network with time‐varying delay under the adaptive aperiodically intermittent control. First, the model of a directed complex network is established, the interaction graph of which is not required to contain a directed spanning tree, and for which an adaptive aperiodically intermittent feedback controller is well designed. In addition, based on the Lyapunov function method and linear matrix inequality technique, several asymptotical synchronization criteria are derived via an aperiodically intermittent strategy, which is superior to the periodical scheme. Moreover, the adaptive strategy providing the exponential convergence rate and the pinning algorithm demonstrating how to select pinned nodes are presented. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the derived theoretical results.
Do you see what I‐SEA? A Rasch analysis of the psychometric properties of the Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance
Authors: Sbeglia Gena C. , Nehm Ross H.
Published: January 2019

Theoretical perspectives and empirical research suggest that acceptance of evolution may be contingent upon what is evolving (e.g., plants vs. humans) and the scale of change (microevolution vs. macroevolution). The Inventory of Student Evolution Acceptance (I‐SEA) is the only instrument designed to measure acceptance at different evolutionary scales and in different evolutionary contexts. Nevertheless, current validity testing for this instrument remains limited and grounded in Classical Test Theory. In this study, we examine patterns of evolution acceptance using the I‐SEA instrument in a large sample of undergraduates (n > 2,000 participants) from six semesters of an evolution‐focused biology class. We examine three research questions: (RQ1) Does Rasch analysis support the psychometric properties of the I‐SEA discussed by Nadelson and Southerland? (RQ2) How variable are I‐SEA measures across semesters, and are they sensitive to evolution instruction? (RQ3) Are I‐SEA measures comparable to evolution acceptance measures produced by the Generalized Acceptance of EvolutioN Evaluation? Our empirical results support theoretical claims that evolution acceptance does not appear to be a unidimensional construct among novice learners. We identify limitations of the I‐SEA and recommend multiple modifications to improve instrument quality.
Science and language integration with English learners: A conceptual framework guiding instructional materials development
Authors: Lee Okhee , Llosa Lorena , Grapin Scott , Haas Alison , Goggins Marcelle
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to present a conceptual framework that integrates science and language learning for all students, including English learners (ELs). This framework is grounded in the mutually supportive nature of science instructional shifts, spurred by A Framework for K‐12 Science Education (National Research Council, 2012. A framework for K‐12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas) and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and language instructional shifts, informed by contemporary thinking in second language acquisition. First, we describe the conceptual framework that consists of our perspective and design principles. Then, we describe one approach for using the conceptual framework to develop NGSS‐aligned instructional materials that promote science and language learning with elementary students, including ELs. Finally, we offer implications for future research for our own design research specifically and for the field more broadly. The conceptual framework highlights how substantive collaboration between content areas, such as science, and the field of EL education can help ensure that all students, and ELs in particular, are supported in meeting rigorous content standards while developing proficiency in English.
Challenges Toward the Identification of Predictive Markers for Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Chondrogenic Potential
Authors: Stüdle Chiara , Occhetta Paola , Geier Florian , Mehrkens Arne , Barbero Andrea , Martin Ivan
Published: January 2019

Human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) represent a putative cell source candidate for tissue engineering-based strategies to repair cartilage and bone. However, traditional isolation of BMSCs by adhesion to plastic leads to very heterogeneous cell populations, accounting for high variability of chondrogenic differentiation outcome, both across donors and across clonally derived strains. Identification of putative surface markers able to select BMSC subpopulations with higher chondrogenic capacity (CC) and reduced variance in chondrogenic differentiation could aid the development of BMSC-based cartilage and bone regeneration approaches. With the goal to identify predictive markers for chondrogenic BMSC populations, we assessed the gene expression profile of single cell-derived clones with high and low CC. While a clustering between high and low CC clones was observed for one donor, donor-to-donor variability hampered the possibility to achieve conclusive results when different donors were considered. Nevertheless, increased NCAM1/CD56 expression correlated in clones derived from one donor with higher CC, the same trend was observed for three additional donors (even if no significance was achieved). Enriching multiclonal BMSCs for CD56+ expression led to an increase in CC, though still highly affected by donor-to-donor variability. Our study finally suggests that definition of predictive marker(s) for BMSCs chondrogenesis is challenged by the large donor heterogeneity of these cells, and by the high complexity and plasticity of the BMSCs system. Multiple pathways and external parameters may be indeed involved in determining the chondrogenic potential of BMSCs, making the identification of putative markers still an open issue. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:194&11
Bayesian variable selection based on clinical relevance weights in small sample studies—Application to colon cancer
Authors: Boulet Sandrine , Ursino Moreno , Thall Peter , Jannot Anne‐Sophie , Zohar Sarah
Published: January 2019

Using clinical data to model the medical decisions behind sequential treatment actions raises methodological challenges. Physicians often have access to many covariates that may be used when making sequential treatment decisions for individual patients. Statistical variable selection methods may help finding which of these variables are used for this decision in everyday practice. When the sample size is not large, Bayesian variable selection methods can address this setting and allow for expert information to be incorporated into prior distributions. Motivated by clinical practice data involving repeated dose adaptation for Irinotecan in colorectal metastatic cancer, we propose a modification of the stochastic search variable selection (SSVS) method, which we call weight‐based SSVS (WBS). We use clinical relevance weights elicited from physician experts to construct prior distributions, with the goal to identify the most influential toxicities and other covariates used for dose adjustment. We evaluate and compare the WBS model performance to the Lasso and SSVS through an extensive simulation study. The simulations show that WBS has better performance and lower rates of false positives and false negatives than the other methods but depends strongly on the covariate weights.
Directed Self‐Assembly of Templatable Block Copolymers by Easily Accessible Magnetic Control
Authors: Yue Bingbing , Jin Xin , Zhao Pei , Zhu Mingjie , Zhu Liangliang
Published: January 2019

Magnetic control has been a prosperous and powerful contactless approach in arraying materials into high‐order nanostructures. However, it is tremendously difficult to control organic polymers in this way on account of the weak magnetic response. The preparation of block copolymers (BCPs) with high magnetostatic energy is reported here, relying on an effective electrostatic coupling between paramagnetic ions and polymer side chains. As a result, the BCPs undergo a magnetically directed self‐assembly to form microphase‐segregated nanostructures with long‐range order. It is emphasized that such a precisely controlled alignment of the BCPs is performed upon a single commercial magnet with low‐intensity field (0.35 Tesla). This strategy is profoundly easy‐to‐handle in contrast to routine electromagnetic methods with high‐intensity field (5–10 Tesla). More significantly, the paramagnetic metal component in the BCP samples can be smartly removed, providing a template effect with a preservation of the directed self‐assembled nanofeatures for patterning follow‐up functionalized species through the original binding site.
Hydrophobic Functionalization of Polyacrylic Acid as a Versatile Platform for the Development of Polymer Lipid Nanodisks
Authors: Hardin Nathaniel Z. , Ravula Thirupathi , Mauro Giacomo Di , Ramamoorthy Ayyalusamy
Published: January 2019

Polymer nanodisks have shown great potential as membrane mimetics that enable the study of functional membrane protein structural biology and also have a wider application in other fields such as drug delivery. To achieve these research goals, the ability to have a cheap, simple, fully customizable platform for future nanodisks technology applications is paramount. Here, a facile functionalization of polyacrylic acid (PAA) with varying hydrophobic groups that form nanodisks at different sizes is successfully demonstrated. The study shows that the choice of hydrophobic group can have a noticeable effect on the polymer solubilization properties and polymer‐induced perturbation to the encased lipid bilayer. Due to this robust, tunable chemical synthesis method, PAA is an exciting platform for the future optimization of the hydrophobic, hydrophilic, or direct purposed functionalizations for polymer nanodisks.
Controlling Structural Transformation of Polyelectrolyte Films for Spatially Encapsulating Functional Species
Authors: Chen Xia‐Chao , Huang Wei‐Pin , Hu Mi , Ren Ke‐Feng , Ji Jian
Published: January 2019

Although many approaches have been developed to encapsulate functional species into polyelectrolyte films, few of them can effectively control the final distribution of these ones. Herein, a facile strategy is proposed to spatially control the encapsulation of guest species by locally regulating the structural transformation of polyelectrolyte films. Patterned porosity is created within a film by cross‐linking it selectively and then immersing it in an acidic solution. These porous regions can exhibit significantly different properties from other regions, including the ability to wick solution, a greater retention of guest species, and the capability of structural transformation. After loading guest species, the porous structures can be eliminated at saturated humidity to encapsulate the guest species into the film, leading to their patterned distribution across the film. Based on this method, various guest species, ranging from fluorescent dyes to nanoparticles, can be locally encapsulated into polyelectrolyte film, forming distinct patterns of arbitrary shapes and sizes and thus paving the way for further applications.
Paramonoclimacis sidjachenkoi (Obut & Sobolevskaya) and the evolution of the streptograptid thecal aperture in the Silurian (Graptolithina, Monograptidae)
Authors: Maletz Jörg , Melchin Michael J. , Bullock Peter , Russel‐Houston Jennifer
Published: January 2019

Chemically isolated specimens of two species of the lower Silurian (Llandovery, mid–upper Aeronian) biform monograptid genus Paramonoclimacis, from Arctic Canada, show tubarium features evolutionarily linking it to the Streptograptus clade. The tubaria, coiled dorsally in the proximal end, show a number of streptograptid thecae with the distinct nozzle of a typical species of Streptograptus. Median thecae retain the nozzle, but are modified first into a wide, proximally directed flange with a shortened hook, while the ventral lobes are reduced. Distally, the thecal apertures form a strong ventral hood and two lateral lobes as an extension of the dorsal wall of the metatheca and not as a secondary construction or addition to a geniculum. The proximal streptograptid thecae of Paramonoclimacis may indicate the evolution of the Streptograptus clade through a Paramonoclimacis ancestor. The cupulae were previously thought to be restricted to the Streptograptus clade but are now also found in some species of Paramonoclimacis. There is a close connection between Paramonoclimacis and the genera Pribylograptus and Pernerograptus in the construction of complexly developed thecae and biform tubaria.
Boron Subphthalocyanines and Silicon Phthalocyanines for Use as Active Materials in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Grant Trevor M. , Josey David S. , Sampson Kathleen L. , Mudigonda Thanmayee , Bender Timothy P. , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: January 2019

Organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have experienced continued interest over the last 25 years as a viable technology for the generation of power. Phthalocyanines are among the oldest commercial dyes and have been utilized in some of the earliest examples of OPVs. In recent years, the use of boron subphthalocyanines (BsubPcs) and silicon phthalocyanines (SiPcs) has attracted a flurry of interest with some examples of fullerene‐free devices reaching power conversion efficiencies >8 %. Unlike other more common divalent phthalocyanines such as copper or zinc, BsubPcs and SiPcs contain additional axial groups that can easily be functionalized without significantly affecting the optoelectronic properties of the macrocycle. This handle facilitates our ability to tune the solid‐state arrangement and other physical characteristics such as solubility ultimately giving us the ability to improve the thin film processing and final device performance. This review covers recent studies on the development of BsubPcs and SiPcs for use as active materials in organic photovoltaics.