bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Capillary‐Fed Boiling in Copper Inverse Opals via Template Sintering
Authors: Zhang Chi , Palko James W. , Barako Michael T. , Asheghi Mehdi , Santiago Juan G. , Goodson Kenneth E.
Published: August 2018

Capillary‐fed boiling of water from microporous metal surfaces is promising for low thermal resistance vapor chamber heat spreaders for hot spot management. Vapor transport through the void spaces in porous metals enables high heat fluxes at low evaporator superheat. In this work, the critical heat fluxes of capillary‐fed boiling in copper inverse opal (IO) wicks that consist of uniform pores with 3D periodicity is investigated. Template sintering is used to enlarge the “necks”, or hydraulic vias, that bridge adjacent IO pores of diameters from 0.6 to 2.1 µm. The enhanced neck size increases the hydraulic permeability for vapor extraction by an order of magnitude, and subsequently the CHF from 100 to 1100 W cm−2. Modeling of the boiling limit accounts for the vapor pressure drop through an IO wick using Darcy's law at a given bubble departure rate. This work links the effect of wick structure design on the boiling crises phenomenon in microporous surfaces and demonstrates material capabilities for ultrathin and low superheat thermal management solutions for high‐power‐density electronic devices.
Self‐Assembly Core–Shell Graphene‐Bridged Hollow MXenes Spheres 3D Foam with Ultrahigh Specific EM Absorption Performance
Authors: Li Xinliang , Yin Xiaowei , Song Changqing , Han Meikang , Xu Hailong , Duan Wenyan , Cheng Laifei , Zhang Litong
Published: August 2018

Electromagnetic wave (EM) absorption materials with broader effective absorption bandwidth (EAB), lightweight, and thinness characteristics are highly desirable in areas of wearable device and portable electronics. However, there are still many obstacles to simultaneously satisfy the above critical requirements required by new high‐performance EM absorption materials. Herein, for the first time, Ti3C2TX MXenes are selected as the dielectric mediator to prepare reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/Ti3C2TX hybrids foam with hollow core–shell architectures and controllable complex permittivity via self‐assembly and sacrificial template processes, under the guidance of theoretical calculations. RGO is grafted flatly on the outer surface of the Ti3C2TX spheres‐core, forming a unique heterostructure. The RGO/Ti3C2TX foam possesses excellent EM absorption performance superior to all reported foam‐based counterparts, the EAB covers the whole X‐band at 3.2 mm while the density is merely 0.0033 g cm−3, and its specific EM absorption performance (SMAP = RL (dB)/Thickness (cm)/Density (g cm−3)) value exceeds 14 299.2 dB cm−2 g−1, verifying the above theoretical results. This study is expected to guide future exploration on designing high‐performance EM absorption materials, and the RGO/Ti3C2TX foam can be promising candidates in energy storage, sensors, and wearable electronics fields.
Bigger is Surprisingly Better: Agglomerates of Larger RuP Nanoparticles Outperform Benchmark Pt Nanocatalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yu Jie , Guo Yanan , She Sixuan , Miao Shuanshuan , Ni Meng , Zhou Wei , Liu Meilin , Shao Zongping
Published: August 2018

Although metallic ruthenium (Ru) is a potential electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) to replace platinum (Pt) at a cost of only ≈4% of Pt, the persistent dissolution of Ru under operation conditions remains a challenge. Here, it is reported that agglomerates of large ruthenium phosphide (RuP) particles (L‐RP, ≈32 nm) show outstanding HER performance in pH‐universal electrolytes, which particularly demonstrates a surprisingly higher intrinsic activity and durability than small nanoparticles of RuP (S‐RP, ≈3 nm) or metallic Ru on carbon supports. This is especially true in basic media, achieving electrocatalytic activity comparable to or even outperforming that of Pt/C, as reflected by lower overpotential at 10 mA cm−2, smaller Tafel slope, larger exchange current density, and higher turnover frequency while maintaining 200 h stable operation. Calculations suggest that ΔGH* of RuP is much closer to zero than that of metallic Ru, and phosphorous doping is proven to enhance the rate of proton transfer in HER, contributing in part to the improved activity of RuP. The better performance of L‐RP than that of S‐RP is ascribed largely to the stabilization of the P species due to the lowered surface energy of large particles. Furthermore, the relatively low‐cost materials and facile synthesis make L‐RP/C a highly attractive next‐generation HER electrocatalyst.
Electromagnetic Functionalization of Wide‐Bandgap Dielectric Oxides by Boron Interstitial Doping
Authors: Park Dae‐Sung , Rees Gregory J. , Wang Haiyuan , Rata Diana , Morris Andrew J. , Maznichenko Igor V. , Ostanin Sergey , Bhatnagar Akash , Choi Chel‐Jong , Jónsson Ragnar D. B. , Kaufmann Kai , Kashtiban Reza , Walker Marc , Chiang Cheng‐Tien , Thorsteinsson Einar B. , Luo Zhengdong , Park In‐Sung , Hanna John V. , Mertig Ingrid , Dörr Kathrin , Gíslason Hafliði P. , McConville Chris F.
Published: August 2018

A surge in interest of oxide‐based materials is testimony for their potential utility in a wide array of device applications and offers a fascinating landscape for tuning the functional properties through a variety of physical and chemical parameters. In particular, selective electronic/defect doping has been demonstrated to be vital in tailoring novel functionalities, not existing in the bulk host oxides. Here, an extraordinary interstitial doping effect is demonstrated centered around a light element, boron (B). The host matrix is a novel composite system, made from discrete bulk LaAlO3:LaBO3 compounds. The findings show a spontaneous ordering of the interstitial B cations within the host LaAlO3 lattices, and subsequent spin‐polarized charge injection into the neighboring cations. This leads to a series of remarkable cation‐dominated electrical switching and high‐temperature ferromagnetism. Hence, the induced interstitial doping serves to transform a nonmagnetic insulating bulk oxide into a ferromagnetic ionic–electronic conductor. This unique interstitial B doping effect upon its control is proposed to be as a general route for extracting/modifying multifunctional properties in bulk oxides utilized in energy and spin‐based applications.
Strong Electronic Interaction in Dual‐Cation‐Incorporated NiSe2 Nanosheets with Lattice Distortion for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Sun Yiqiang , Xu Kun , Wei Zengxi , Li Huilin , Zhang Tao , Li Xinyang , Cai Weiping , Ma Jianmin , Fan Hong Jin , Li Yue
Published: August 2018

Exploring highly efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting is of importance for the conversion of intermediate energy. Herein, the synthesis of dual‐cation (Fe, Co)‐incorporated NiSe2 nanosheets (Fe, Co‐NiSe2) and systematical investigation of their electrocatalytic performance for water splitting as a function of the composition are reported. The dual‐cation incorporation can distort the lattice and induce stronger electronic interaction, leading to increased active site exposure and optimized adsorption energy of reaction intermediates compared to single‐cation‐doped or pure NiSe2. As a result, the obtained Fe0.09Co0.13‐NiSe2 porous nanosheet electrode shows an optimized catalytic activity with a low overpotential of 251 mV for oxygen evolution reaction and 92 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (both at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH). When used as bifunctional electrodes for overall water splitting, the current density of 10 mA cm−2 is achieved at a low cell voltage of 1.52 V. This work highlights the importance of dual‐cation doping in enhancing the electrocatalyst performance of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Multifunctional Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Dokyoon , Shin Kwangsoo , Kwon Soon Gu , Hyeon Taeghwan
Published: August 2018

The accumulated knowledge of nanoparticle (NP) synthesis for the last 30 years has enabled the development of functional NPs for biomedical applications. Especially, NPs with multifunctional capabilities are gaining popularity as the demand for versatile and efficient NP agents increases. Various combinations of functional materials are integrated to form multicomponent NPs with designed size, structure, and multifunctionality. Their use as diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools is demonstrated, suggesting their application potentials in healthcare and medical practice. Here, the recent achievements in the synthesis and biomedical applications of multifunctional NPs are summarized. Starting with a brief overview regarding the advances in NP synthesis and accompanying progress in nanobiotechnology, various components to construct the multifunctional NP agents, which include polymers and mesoporous, magnetic, catalytic, and semiconducting NPs, are discussed together with their overall integration forms, such as NP assembly, hollow/porous structures, or hybrid/doped systems. Following the explanation of the features that multifunctional NP agents can offer, an outlook and a brief comment regarding the future research directions are provided.
Interface Engineering and Emergent Phenomena in Oxide Heterostructures
Authors: Huang Zhen , Ariando  , Renshaw Wang Xiao , Rusydi Andrivo , Chen Jingsheng , Yang Hyunsoo , Venkatesan Thirumalai
Published: August 2018

Complex oxide interfaces have mesmerized the scientific community in the last decade due to the possibility of creating tunable novel multifunctionalities, which are possible owing to the strong interaction among charge, spin, orbital, and structural degrees of freedom. Artificial interfacial modifications, which include defects, formal polarization, structural symmetry breaking, and interlayer interaction, have led to novel properties in various complex oxide heterostructures. These emergent phenomena not only serve as a platform for investigating strong electronic correlations in low‐dimensional systems but also provide potentials for exploring next‐generation electronic devices with high functionality. Herein, some recently developed strategies in engineering functional oxide interfaces and their emergent properties are reviewed.
Highly Sensitive, Anisotropic, and Reversible Stress/Strain‐Sensors from Mechanochromic Nanofiber Composites
Authors: Raisch Maximilian , Genovese Damiano , Zaccheroni Nelsi , Schmidt Simon B. , Focarete Maria Letizia , Sommer Michael , Gualandi Chiara
Published: August 2018

Mechanochromic polymeric systems are intensively investigated for real‐time stress detection applications. However, an effective stress‐sensing material must respond to low deformation with a detectable color change that should be quickly reversible upon force unloading. In this work, mechanochromic nanofibers made by electrospinning are used to produce mechanochromic nanofiber/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) composites with isotropic and anisoptropic response. Due to chain alignment of spiropyran copolymer chains within the nanofibers, only very small strains are required to yield a mechanochromic response. Composites with aligned and isotropic nanofibers show anisotropic and isotropic mechanochromic behavior, respectively. Due to the special substitution pattern of spiropyran in the copolymer, the mechanochromic response of these nanofiber/PDMS composites shows fast reversibility upon force unloading. The outstanding benefit of using highly sensitive mechanochromic nanofibers as filler in composite materials allows the detection of directional stress and strain, and it is a step forward in the development of smart, mechanically responsive materials.
Cytomembrane‐Structure‐Inspired Active Ni–N–O Interface for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Huang Jianwen , Sun Yinghui , Du Xinchuan , Zhang Yadong , Wu Chunyang , Yan Chaoyi , Yan Yichao , Zou Guifu , Wu Wenqi , Lu Ruifeng , Li Yanrong , Xiong Jie
Published: August 2018

Surface/interface design is one of the most significant and promising motivations to develop high‐performance catalysts for electrolytic water splitting. Here, the nature of cytomembrane having the most effective and functional surface structure is mimicked to fabricate a new configuration of Ni–N–O porous interface nanoparticles (NiNO INPs) with strongly interacting nanointerface between the Ni3N and NiO domains, for enhancing the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. The combination of transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical investigations, tracking the correlation between microstructure evolution and catalytic activity, demonstrate the strongly coupled nanointerface for an approximately sixfold improvement of electrolytic efficiency. Density functional theory simulates the electrocatalytic process with a maximum of 85% reduction of the energy barrier. Further investigations find that the real active site for the OER in the NiNO INPs is the strongly coupled Ni–N–O nanointerface, not the derived amorphous hydroxide, during the OER process. The determination of the correlation of constructed nanointerface with catalytic properties suggests a significant strategy toward the rational design of catalysts for efficient water electrocatalysis.
Intensive Exposure of Functional Rings of a Polymeric Hole‐Transporting Material Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Luozheng , Liu Chang , Zhang Jie , Li Xiangnan , Cheng Chun , Tian Yanqing , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Xu Baomin
Published: August 2018

A variety of dopant‐free hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) is effectively applied in perovskite solar cells (PSCs); however, HTMs with the additional function of HTM/perovskite interfacial optimization that is crucial to their photovoltaic performance are really limited. In this work, the design of an HTM bearing an intensive exposure of its functional aromatic rings to perovskite layer via side‐chain engineering is attempted. With an edge‐on orientation and a short distance to perovskite, this HTM was expected to display an excellent ability to extract holes from and passivate defects in the perovskite layer. To demonstrate this strategy, an alternating copolymer was constructed with a 2,5‐di‐2‐ethylhexyloxy‐1,4‐phenylene unit and a bithiophene unit, and the PSC based on this polymer showed an ultrahigh short‐circuit current density of 25.50 mA cm−2, which was the highest so far presented by dopant‐free organic HTMs. A comparable power conversion efficiency of 19.68% (certified: 19.5%) to that of a control 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) device (19.81%) was thus obtained, which is the highest value ever reported for mesoporous PSCs based on dopant‐free polymeric HTMs.
Prognostic factors of disease severity in infants with sickle cell anemia: A comprehensive longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Brousse Valentine , El Hoss Sara , Bouazza Naïm , Arnaud Cécile , Bernaudin Francoise , Pellegrino Béatrice , Guitton Corinne , Odièvre‐Montanié Marie‐Hélène , Mames David , Brouzes Chantal , Picard Véronique , Nguyen‐Khoa Thao , Pereira Catia , Lapouméroulie Claudine , Pissard Serge , Gardner Kate , Menzel Stephan , Le Van Kim Caroline , Colin‐Aronovicz Yves , Buffet Pierre , Mohandas Narla , Elie Caroline , Maier‐Redelsperger Micheline , El Nemer Wassim , de Montalembert Mariane
Published: August 2018

In order to identify very early prognostic factors that can provide insights into subsequent clinical complications, we performed a comprehensive longitudinal multi‐center cohort study on 57 infants with sickle cell anemia (55 SS; 2 Sβ°) during the first 2 years of life (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01207037). Time to first occurrence of a severe clinical event—acute splenic sequestration (ASS), vaso‐occlusive (VOC) event requiring hospitalization, transfusion requirement, conditional/ abnormal cerebral velocities, or death—was used as a composite endpoint. Infants were recruited at a mean age of 4.4 ±1 months. Median follow‐up was 19.4 months.

During the study period, 38.6% of infants experienced ≥1 severe event: 14% ASS, 22.8% ≥ 1 VOC (median age: 13.4 and 12.8 months, respectively) and 33.3% required transfusion. Of note, 77% of the cohort was hospitalized, with febrile illness being the leading cause for admission. Univariate analysis of various biomarkers measured at enrollment showed that fetal hemoglobin (HbF) was the strongest prognostic factor of subsequent severe outcome. Other biomarkers measured at enrolment including absolute neutrophil or reticulocyte counts, expression of erythroid adhesion markers, % of dense red cells, cellular deformability or ϒ‐globin genetic variants, failed to be associated with severe clinical outcome. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that higher Hb concentration and HbF level are two independent protective factors (adjusted HRs (95% CI) 0.27 (0.11‐0.73) and 0.16 (0.06‐0.43), respectively). These findings imply that early measurement of HbF and Hb levels can identify infants at high risk for subsequent severe complications, who might maximally benefit from early disease modifying treatments.
“Mind the gap”—Assessing methods for aligning age determination and growth rate in multi‐molar sequences of dietary isotopic data
Authors: Scharlotta Ian , Goude Gwenaëlle , Herrscher Estelle , Bazaliiskii Vladimir I. , Weber Andrzej W.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Creating multi‐tooth sequences of micro‐sampled stable isotope (SI) analytical data can help track 20+ years of individual dietary history. Inferences about individual and population level behavioral patterns require cross‐calibration of the timing of dietary changes recorded by each tooth. Dentin sections from contemporaneous tissues (eg, in M1 and M2) reflect dietary signature for the time of growth. Contemporary sections should produce similar values, allowing alignment of temporally overlapping portions of teeth into multi‐tooth sequences. Published methods for determining the ages of incremental sections do not provide guidance for adjustment when poor alignment between individual tooth sequences is encountered. The primary objective is to address this problem; examine cause(s), assess the effects of the standard growth‐model on available age‐assessment techniques, and provide a viable solution.

Methods

Investigating difficulty in aligning a 3‐molar sequence at Shamanka II, an Early Neolithic (7000‐5700 BP) Kitoi hunter‐gatherer cemetery in Cis‐Baikal, Siberia, we employed 10 age assessment models and 13 variants of 2 published growth rate methods on 3 individuals of different age and sex.

Results

At Shamanka II, dentin initiation and/or growth rates were different from the mostly European, reference populations used to create published age‐estimation/growth rate models. Initiation ages for M2 and M3 were delayed. Root formation rates were on the rapid end of known development parameters.

Conclusions

Age‐assessment methods customized to dentin initiation ages and growth parameters of Siberian populations produced a hybrid growth rate model for dentin section ages and improved alignment for multi‐tooth SI sequences over published models.
Reconstruction of human subsistence and husbandry strategies from the Iberian Early Neolithic: A stable isotope approach
Authors: Villalba‐Mouco Vanessa , Utrilla Pilar , Laborda Rafael , Lorenzo José Ignacio , Martínez‐Labarga Cristina , Salazar‐García Domingo C.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The Early Neolithic involved an important social and economic shift that can be tested not only with the material culture, but also through biomolecular approaches. The Iberian Peninsula presents few Early Neolithic sites where fauna and humans can be analyzed together from an isotopic perspective. Here we present an isotopic study on the site of Cueva de Chaves as an example for understanding the dietary and economical changes that took place during Early Neolithic in Iberia.

Material and methods

Here we apply carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis to bone collagen from 4 humans and 64 faunal samples from 14 different species. The large dataset belongs to the same unique chrono‐cultural context secured by 20 radiocarbon dates. Three direct new radiocarbon dates were carried out on the human remains analyzed.

Results

Faunal isotope values show no significant differences between wild and domestic herbivores, although the latter have more homogeneous values. Domestic pigs, potentially considered omnivorous, also show signatures of a herbivore diet. Human isotopic results show a diet mainly based on terrestrial C3 resources and possibly high meat consumption. The only individual found buried with a special funerary treatment presents a slightly different protein intake, when taking into account the long contemporaneous baseline analyzed.

Discussion

Similar values between wild and domestic species could be the result of common feeding resources and/or grazing on the same parts of the landscape. The herbivore diet seen amongst domestic pigs rules out feeding on household leftovers. High meat consumption by humans would support the hypothesis of the existence of a specialized animal husbandry management community in which agriculture was not intensively developed. Our results suggest that the development of agricultural practices and animal husbandry were not necessarily associated together in the early stages of the Western Mediterranean Neolithic.
Trabecular architecture and joint loading of the proximal humerus in extant hominoids, Ateles, and Australopithecus africanus
Authors: Kivell Tracy L. , Davenport Rebecca , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Thackeray J. Francis , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Several studies have investigated potential functional signals in the trabecular structure of the primate proximal humerus but with varied success. Here, we apply for the first time a “whole‐epiphyses” approach to analysing trabecular bone in the humeral head with the aim of providing a more holistic interpretation of trabecular variation in relation to habitual locomotor or manipulative behaviors in several extant primates and Australopithecus africanus.

Materials and methods

We use a “whole‐epiphysis” methodology in comparison to the traditional volume of interest (VOI) approach to investigate variation in trabecular structure and joint loading in the proximal humerus of extant hominoids, Ateles and A. africanus (StW 328).

Results

There are important differences in the quantification of trabecular parameters using a “whole‐epiphysis” versus a VOI‐based approach. Variation in trabecular structure across knuckle‐walking African apes, suspensory taxa, and modern humans was generally consistent with predictions of load magnitude and inferred joint posture during habitual behaviors. Higher relative trabecular bone volume and more isotropic trabeculae in StW 328 suggest A. africanus may have still used its forelimbs for arboreal locomotion.

Discussion

A whole‐epiphysis approach to analysing trabecular structure of the proximal humerus can help distinguish functional signals of joint loading across extant primates and can provide novel insight into habitual behaviors of fossil hominins.
Ecological immunity of human milk: Life history perspectives from the United States and Kenya
Authors: Miller Elizabeth M.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Previous research has established population variation in anti‐inflammatory immunological biomarkers in human milk. This immunity is potentially ecology‐dependent and may alter the life history trade‐off between growth and maintenance in infants. The current study has two aims: (1) to assess the ecological differences in milk immunity in two populations, one from the urban U.S. and one from rural Kenya; and (2) to test the hypothesis that milk immunity can affect infant growth indicators.

Materials and Methods

Kenyan Ariaal (n = 233) and U.S. (n = 75) breastfeeding mother‐infant pairs participated in a cross‐sectional study at two separate field sites. Laboratory analysis was performed on milk for the anti‐inflammatory biomarkers TGF‐β2, sTNF‐αRI, sTNF‐αRII, and IL‐1ra using ELISA. Multiple imputation was used to extrapolate data below the limit of detection before multivariate analysis.

Results

There were significant differences between U.S. and Kenyan mothers on all four milk biomarkers, with Kenyan mothers having significantly higher sTNF‐αRI and sTNF‐αRII and lower TGF‐β2 and IL‐1ra than U.S. mothers. U.S. mothers with higher milk TGF‐β2 and IL‐1ra have infants that are significantly longer and heavier for their age, while Kenyan mothers with higher sTNF‐αRI have significantly longer and heavier infants for their age, and those with higher TGF‐β2 have marginally significantly longer infants.

Discussion

There were significant differences in ecological milk immunity between U.S. and Kenyan mothers. These differences potentially play a role in the growth of their infants. Further research in milk immunity should consider the possibility of shared maternal–infant life histories.
Odontogenic abscesses in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) of Cayo Santiago
Authors: Li Hong , Luo Wenjing , Feng Anna , Tang Michelle L. , Kensler Terry B. , Maldonado Elizabeth , Gonzalez Octavio A. , Kessler Matthew J. , Dechow Paul C. , Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Wang Qian
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Odontogenic abscesses are one of the most common dental diseases causing maxillofacial skeletal lesions. They affect the individual's ability to maintain the dental structures necessary to obtain adequate nutrition for survival and reproduction. In this study, the prevalence and pattern of odontogenic abscesses in relation to age, sex, matriline, and living periods were investigated in adult rhesus macaque skeletons of the free‐ranging colony on Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico.

Materials and Methods

The skulls used for this study were from the skeletons of 752 adult rhesus macaques, aged 8–31 years, and born between 1951 and 2000. They came from 66 matrilines ranging from 1 to 88 individuals. Fistulae or skeletal lesions caused by odontogenic abscesses drainage, carious lesions, tooth fractures, tooth loss, and alveolar resorption were evaluated visually.

Results

Seventy‐two specimens (9.57%) had odontogenic abscesses of varying severity. Males had a significantly higher prevalence than females. The prevalence of odontogenic abscesses in several matrilines was significantly higher than in the population as a whole. Animals born between 1950 and 1965 tended to have a higher prevalence of odontogenic abscesses than those born in later periods.

Discussion

These results suggest that oral pathologies, such as dental and periodontal abscesses in rhesus macaques are fairly common, which may indicate familial effects interwoven with ecological and social factors. The closeness of the rhesus and human genomes allows insights to understand of the epidemiology of these diseases in the human population. Further assessment of the role played by environmental and familial factors on rhesus oral health and disease are warranted.
Latitude, urbanization, age, and sex as risk factors for vitamin D deficiency disease in the Roman Empire
Authors: Mays S. , Prowse T. , George M. , Brickley M.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The aims of the study are to investigate the effects of latitude, settlement type, age, and sex on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency disease in the Roman Empire using human skeletal remains from cemetery sites (1st to 6th cent. AD).

Materials and Methods

Data from 2,787 individuals (1,143 subadults, 1,644 adults) from 18 cemeteries associated with 15 different settlements in the Mediterranean and north‐western Europe were analyzed. Vitamin D deficiency disease (rickets, osteomalacia) was identified using standard paleopathological criteria. Multivariate statistical analysis was used analyze the effects of the variables of interest on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency.

Results

The overall prevalence of rickets in subadults (<20 years) was 5.7%, and 3.2% of adults showed osteomalacia and/or residual rickets. There was a positive association between rickets in subadults and latitude, with numerous cases of rickets among infants. There was no general association with sex or settlement type, although an elevated prevalence of rickets was observed at a cemetery associated with a settlement (Ostia, Italy), which had multi‐storey buildings.

Discussion

The association of rickets with latitude may reflect care practices that, in more northerly locations where solar radiation is less intense, placed infants at increased risk of insufficient sunlight exposure to permit adequate vitamin D biosynthesis. The elevated level of vitamin D deficiency at Ostia may reflect, at least in part, the lack of sunlight due to dense occupation of multi‐storey blocks that prevented direct sunlight from reaching living quarters and the streets between these closely spaced buildings.
Kinship and morphological similarity in the skeletal remains of individuals with known genealogical data (Bohemia, 19th to 20th centuries): A new methodological approach
Authors: Cvrček Jan , Velemínský Petr , Dupej Ján , Vostrý Luboš , Brůžek Jaroslav
Published: August 2018

Objectives

This article proposes a new approach, called the “similarity coefficient” (SC) for verifying family relationships from skeletal remains using nonmetric traits. Based on this method and further analyses, the authors aim to show the degree of similarity between individuals with varying degrees of kinship, including inbred individuals.

Materials and Methods

Our sample includes the skeletal remains of 34 individuals with known genealogical data (four generations, 19th to 20th centuries). A total of 243 skeletal nonmetric traits were evaluated with respect to their anatomical characteristics. The SC was calculated by quantifying the agreement of trait occurrence between individuals. We also identified the traits that support the biological relationships of particular individuals by accounting for their population frequencies.

Results

There was a positive correlation between the morphological similarity of biologically related individuals and their biological distance. In some cases, we found greater degree of morphological similarity between first cousins than among other close relatives such as parents and children. At the same time, there was no statistically significant difference in the degree of similarity between inbred individuals and common relatives. Proven family relationships were best reflected by cranial traits, especially bone bridges associated with the courses of blood vessels and nerves.

Conclusions

The use of skeletal nonmetric traits for the detection of relatives is possible. There is a relationship between biological distance and the degree of morphological similarity in related individuals. It also appears that inbreeding, despite previous assumptions, does not lead to a significant reduction in morphological variation.
A user's guide for the quantitative analysis of substrate characteristics and locomotor kinematics in free‐ranging primates
Authors: Dunham Noah T. , McNamara Allison , Shapiro Liza , Hieronymus Tobin , Young Jesse W.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Laboratory studies have yielded important insights into primate locomotor mechanics. Nevertheless, laboratory studies fail to capture the range of ecological and structural variation encountered by free‐ranging primates. We present techniques for collecting kinematic data on wild primates using consumer grade high‐speed cameras and demonstrate novel methods for quantifying metric variation in arboreal substrates.

Materials and methods

These methods were developed and applied to our research examining platyrrhine substrate use and locomotion at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuador. Modified GoPro cameras equipped with varifocal zoom lenses provided high‐resolution footage (1080 p.; 120 fps) suitable for digitizing gait events. We tested two methods for remotely measuring branch diameter: the parallel laser method and the distance meter photogrammetric method. A forestry‐grade laser rangefinder was used to quantify substrate angle and a force gauge was used to measure substrate compliance. We also introduce GaitKeeper, a graphical user interface for MATLAB, designed for coding quadrupedal gait.

Results

Parallel laser and distance meter methods provided accurate estimations of substrate diameter (percent error: 3.1–4.5%). The laser rangefinder yielded accurate estimations of substrate orientation (mean error = 2.5°). Compliance values varied tremendously among substrates but were largely explained by substrate diameter, substrate length, and distance of measurement point from trunk. On average, larger primates used relatively small substrates and traveled higher in the canopy.

Discussion

Ultimately, these methods will help researchers identify more precisely how primate gait kinematics respond to the complexity of arboreal habitats, furthering our understanding of the adaptive context in which primate quadrupedalism evolved.
The role of infant life histories in the construction of identities in death: An incremental isotope study of dietary and physiological status among children afforded differential burial
Authors: Craig‐Atkins Elizabeth , Towers Jacqueline , Beaumont Julia
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Isotope ratio analyses of dentine collagen were used to characterize short‐term changes in physiological status (both dietary status and biological stress) across the life course of children afforded special funerary treatment.

Materials and methods

Temporal sequences of δ15N and δ13C isotope profiles for incrementally forming dentine collagen were obtained from deciduous teeth of 86 children from four early‐medieval English cemeteries. Thirty‐one were interred in child‐specific burial clusters, and the remainder alongside adults in other areas of the cemetery. Isotope profiles were categorized into four distinct patterns of dietary and health status between the final prenatal months and death.

Results

Isotope profiles from individuals from the burial clusters were significantly less likely to reflect weaning curves, suggesting distinctive breastfeeding and weaning experiences. This relationship was not simply a factor of differential age at death between cohorts. There was no association of burial location neither with stage of weaning at death, nor with isotopic evidence of physiological stress at the end of life.

Discussion

This study is the first to identify a relationship between the extent of breastfeeding and the provision of child‐specific funerary rites. Limited breastfeeding may indicate the mother had died during or soon after birth, or that either mother or child was unable to feed due to illness. Children who were not breastfed will have experienced a significantly higher risk of malnutrition, undernutrition and infection. These sickly and perhaps motherless children received care to nourish them during early life, and were similarly provided with special treatment in death.
Effects of Hawking Radiation on the Entropic Uncertainty in a Schwarzschild Space‐Time
Authors: Wang Dong , Shi Wei‐Nan , Hoehn Ross D. , Ming Fei , Sun Wen‐Yang , Kais Sabre , Ye Liu
Published: August 2018

The Heisenberg uncertainty principle describes a basic restriction on an observer's ability of precisely predicting the measurement of a pair of noncommuting observables, and virtually is at the core of quantum mechanics. Herein, the aim is to study the entropic uncertainty relation (EUR) under the background of a Schwarzschild black hole and its control. Explicitly, dynamical features of the measuring uncertainty via entropy are developed in a practical model where a stationary particle interacts with its surrounding environment while another particle—serving as a quantum memory reservoir—undergoes free fall in the vicinity of the event horizon of the Schwarzschild space‐time. It shows higher Hawking temperatures would give rise to an inflation of the entropic uncertainty on the measured particle. This is suggestive of the fact the measurement uncertainty is strongly correlated with degree of mixing present in the evolving particles. Additionally, based on information flow theory, a physical interpretation for the observed dynamical behaviors related with the entropic uncertainty in such a genuine scenario is provided. Finally, an efficient strategy is proposed to reduce the uncertainty by non‐tracing‐preserved operations. Therefore, our explorations may improve the understanding of the dynamic entropic uncertainty in a curved space‐time, and illustrate predictions of quantum measurements in relativistic quantum information sciences.
A Highly Active Molybdenum Phosphide Catalyst for Methanol Synthesis from CO and CO2
Authors: Duyar Melis S. , Tsai Charlie , Snider Jonathan L. , Singh Joseph A. , Gallo Alessandro , Yoo Jong Suk , Medford Andrew J. , Abild‐Pedersen Frank , Studt Felix , Kibsgaard Jakob , Bent Stacey F. , Nørskov Jens K. , Jaramillo Thomas F.
Published: August 2018

Methanol is a major fuel and chemical feedstock currently produced from syngas, a CO/CO2/H2 mixture. Herein we identify formate binding strength as a key parameter limiting the activity and stability of known catalysts for methanol synthesis in the presence of CO2. We present a molybdenum phosphide catalyst for CO and CO2 reduction to methanol, which through a weaker interaction with formate, can improve the activity and stability of methanol synthesis catalysts in a wide range of CO/CO2/H2 feeds.
Regioselective and Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Indolyl Cyclopentenamides by Chiral Anion Catalysis
Authors: Rajkumar Subramani , Wang Jiawen , Zheng Sujuan , Wang Donglei , Ye Xueqian , Li Xuejiao , Peng Qian , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: August 2018

The regioselective and enantioselective synthesis of β‐indolyl cyclopentenamides, a versatile chiral building block, by asymmetric addition of indoles to α,β‐unsaturated iminium intermediates has been achieved through chiral anion catalysis. Key to the success of this methodology is the generation of a chiral anion‐paired ketone‐type α,β‐unsaturated iminium intermediate from α‐hydroxy enamides. Preliminary mechanistic studies and DFT calculations are consistent with a mechanism involving multiple, concurrent pathways for isomerization of the initially formed azaallylcation into the key α,β‐unsaturated iminium intermediate, all mediated by the phosphoric acid catalyst.
Photocatalytically Powered Matchlike Nanomotor for Light‐Guided Active SERS Sensing
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhou Chao , Wang Wei , Xu Dandan , Zeng Fanyu , Zhan Chen , Gu Jiahui , Li Mingyu , Zhao Weiwei , Zhang Jiaheng , Guo Jinhong , Feng Huanhuan , Ma Xing
Published: August 2018

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful optical sensing technique that can detect analytes of extremely low concentrations. However, the presence of enough SERS probes in the detection area and a close contact between analytes and SERS probes are critical for efficient acquisition of a SERS signal. Presented here is a light‐powered micro/nanomotor (MNM) that can serve as an active SERS probe. The matchlike AgNW@SiO2 core–shell structure of the nanomotors work as SERS probes based on the shell‐isolated enhanced Raman mechanism. The AgCl tail serves as photocatalytic nanoengine, providing a self‐propulsion force by light‐induced self‐diffusiophoresis. The phototactic behavior was utilized to achieve enrichment of the nanomotor‐based SERS probes for on‐demand biochemical sensing. The results demonstrate the possibility of using photocatalytic nanomotors as active SERS probes for remote, light‐controlled, and smart biochemical sensing on the micro/nanoscale.
Controllable Synthesis of Few‐Layer Bismuth Subcarbonate by Electrochemical Exfoliation for Enhanced CO2 Reduction Performance
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Xiaolong , Ling Yunzhi , Li Fengwang , Bond Alan M. , Zhang Jie
Published: August 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) engineering of materials has been recently explored to enhance the performance of electrocatalysts by reducing their dimensionality and introducing more catalytically active ones. In this work, controllable synthesis of few‐layer bismuth subcarbonate nanosheets has been achieved via an electrochemical exfoliation method. These nanosheets catalyse CO2 reduction to formate with high faradaic efficiency and high current density at a low overpotential owing to the 2D structure and co‐existence of bismuth subcarbonate and bismuth metal under catalytic turnover conditions. Two underlying fast electron transfer processes revealed by Fourier‐transformed alternating current voltammetry (FTacV) are attributed to CO2 reduction at bismuth subcarbonate and bismuth metal. FTacV results also suggest that protonation of CO2.− is the rate determining step for bismuth catalysed CO2 reduction.
A Topochemical Approach to Synthesize Layered Materials Based on the Redox Reactivity of Anionic Chalcogen Dimers
Authors: Sasaki Shunsuke , Driss Dalel , Grange Elodie , Mevellec Jean‐Yves , Caldes Maria Teresa , Guillot‐Deudon Catherine , Cadars Sylvian , Corraze Benoît , Janod Etienne , Jobic Stéphane , Cario Laurent
Published: August 2018

Layered transition metal compounds represent a major playground to explore unconventional electric or magnetic properties. In that framework, topochemical approaches that mostly preserve the topology of layered reactants have been intensively investigated to tune properties and/or design new materials. Topochemical reactions often involve the insertion or deinsertion of a chemical element accompanied by a change of oxidation state of the cations only. Conversely, cases where anions play the role of redox centers are very scarce. Here we show that the insertion of copper into two dimensional precursors containing chalcogen dimers (Q2)2− (Q=S, Se) can produce layered materials with extended (CuQ) sheets. The reality of this topochemical reaction is demonstrated here for different pristine materials, namely La2O2S2, Ba2F2S2, and LaSe2. Therefore, this work opens up a new synthetic strategy to design layered transition metal compounds from precursors containing polyanionic redox centers.
An Ultrahigh Mobility in Isomorphic Fluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole‐Based Polymers
Authors: Lee Junghoon , Kang So‐Huei , Lee Sang Myeon , Lee Kyu Cheol , Yang Heesoo , Cho Yongjoon , Han Daehee , Li Yongfang , Lee Byoung Hoon , Yang Changduk
Published: August 2018

To understand the effects rendered on the relevant basic physical properties and device function by controlling the regiochemistry of the cyclopenta[1,2‐b:5,4‐b′]dithiophene‐fluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole polymer (hereafter referred to as the CDT‐FBT polymer), two polymers, the regiorandom polymer (RA) and regioregular version (RR), respectively, are synthesized and characterized. In addition, an efficient route for synthesizing a key monomer for RR using various synthesis scope and optimizing the reaction conditions is discussed. Although RA exhibits optical, electrochemical, and morphological properties similar to RR, it shows better field‐effect transistor (FET) performance. Surprisingly, by employing a capillarity‐mediated sandwich‐casting process on a nanogrooved substrate, an unprecedented mobility of 17.8 cm2 V−1 s−1 is obtained for RA‐based FETs; this mobility value is almost twofold greater than those of the corresponding RR‐based FETs. For the first time, this study challenges previously reported results in that high carrier mobility is related to the high degree of polymer order induced by the backbone regioregularity.
Synthesis, Structural Reassignment, and Antibacterial Evaluation of 2,18‐Seco‐Lankacidinol B
Authors: Yao Yanmin , Cai Lingchao , Seiple Ian B.
Published: August 2018

Lankacidins are a group of polyketide natural products with activity against several strains of Gram‐positive bacteria. We developed a route to stereochemically diverse variants of 2,18‐seco‐lankacidinol B and found that the stereochemical assignment at C4 requires revision. This has interesting implications for the biosynthesis of natural products of the lankacidin class, all of which possessed uniform stereochemistry prior to this finding. We have evaluated 2,18‐seco‐lankacidinol B and three stereochemical derivatives against a panel of pathogenic Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
PNA Hybrid Sequences as Recognition Units in SNARE‐Protein‐Mimicking Peptides
Authors: Hubrich Barbara E. , Kumar Pawan , Neitz Hermann , Grunwald Matthias , Grothe Tobias , Walla Peter Jomo , Jahn Reinhard , Diederichsen Ulf
Published: August 2018

Membrane fusion is an essential process in nature and is often accomplished by the specific interaction of SNARE proteins. SNARE model systems, in which SNARE domains are replaced by small artificial units, represent valuable tools to study membrane fusion in vitro. The synthesis and analysis is presented of SNARE model peptides that exhibit a recognition motif composed of two different types of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequences. This novel recognition unit is designed to mimic the SNARE zippering mechanism that initiates SNARE‐mediated fusion. It contains N‐(2‐aminoethyl)glycine‐PNA (aeg‐PNA) and alanyl‐PNA, which both recognize the respective complementary strand but differ in duplex topology and duplex formation kinetics. The duplex formation of PNA hybrid oligomers as well as the fusogenicity of the model peptides in lipid‐mixing assays were characterized and the peptides were found to induce liposome fusion. As an unexpected discovery, peptides with a recognition unit containing only five aeg‐PNA nucleo amino acids were sufficient and most efficient to induce liposome fusion.
DNA‐Mediated Proximity‐Based Assembly Circuit for Actuation of Biochemical Reactions
Authors: Oh Sung Won , Pereira Adriana , Zhang Ting , Li Tianran , Lane Ariel , Fu Jinglin
Published: August 2018

Smart nanodevices that integrate molecular recognition and signal production hold great promise for the point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic applications. Herein, the development of a DNA‐mediated proximity assembly of biochemical reactions, which was capable of sensing various bio‐targets and reporting easy‐to‐read signals is reported. The circuit was composed of a DNA hairpin‐locked catalytic cofactor with inhibited activity. Specific molecular inputs can trigger a conformational switch of the DNA locks through the mechanisms of toehold displacement and aptamer switching, exposing an active cofactor. The subsequent assembly of an enzyme/cofactor pair actuated a reaction to produce colorimetric or fluorescence signals for detecting target molecules. The developed system could be potentially applied to smart biosensing in molecular diagnostics and POC tests.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Dihydropyranones via Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Intermolecular [4+2] Annulation of Propiolates and Alkenes
Authors: Kim Hanbyul , Choi Su Yeon , Shin Seunghoon
Published: August 2018

Intermolecular asymmetric gold catalysis involving alkyne activation presents a significant challenge due to its distinct mechanistic mode from other metals. Herein, we report a highly enantioselective synthesis of α,β‐unsaturated δ‐lactones from [4+2] annulation of propiolates and alkenes in upto 95 % ee. Notably, for the desired chiral recognition, the choice of 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane as solvent was found to be crucial. Furthermore, an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate) improved the product selectivity in the divergence of the cyclopropyl gold carbene intermediate.