bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X
‐Ray Radiography
Authors: Morigi Maria Pia
Published: November 2018

X‐ray radiography is a non‐destructive imaging technique widely used in the study of archaeological finds and works of art. It is capable of revealing the internal structure of objects thanks to the differential absorption of X‐rays as they pass through the matter. Radiograph contrast is determined by the radiation energy and the chemical composition, thickness, and density of the object examined. Radiography is a fast and versatile method: it can be applied with satisfactory results to most materials, including ceramics, stone, metal objects, and organic items, such as wood, textiles, and human remains. It is of great importance for the examination of cultural materials, because it can answer many questions about the manufacture, function, and conservation status of an object. However, a limitation of conventional radiography is that the information obtained is not depth‐resolved, as the 3D structure of the analyzed object is projected onto a 2D detector. To overcome this limitation, X‐ray computed tomography has been introduced and is being increasingly used in cultural heritage studies.
Zooarchaeology and Ancient
DNA
Authors: Barnett Ross
Published: November 2018

The study of ancient DNA is inextricably linked to zooarchaeology. From the first published paper on museum quagga (
Equus quagga
) material through to the first extinct genome of cave bear (
Ursus spelaeus
) and beyond, the ready availability of zooarchaeological specimens has been a boon to researchers. It is particularly important to note that, almost invariably, advances in ancient DNA research are pioneered using zooarchaeological material before being put to use in analyses of human archaeological and paleoanthropological remains. This entry provides a condensed history of the use of ancient DNA in zooarchaeology and some examples of the questions that can be addressed through these techniques.
Zooarchaeology and Human Trade and Migration
Authors: Laffoon Jason E.
Published: November 2018

Zooarchaeology can be most broadly defined as the systematic study of animal remains from archaeological contexts. One of the primary aims of zooarchaeological research has been to address questions pertaining to the utilization of animal resources by humans, with a particular emphasis on dietary and environmental reconstructions. In most cases, the presence of faunal remains at an archaeological site is assumed to represent the use of locally obtained resources. In recent decades, increasing attention has been devoted to the investigation of faunal evidence pertaining to patterns of human migration and trade. In fact, faunal remains often provide some of the clearest evidence for past human migrations and for long‐distance interactions between groups, such as trade and exchange. Examples of zooarchaeological insights on these topics span a vast range of materials (calculus, coprolites, feathers, hair, horns, shells, teeth, wool, leather and parchment, bones, ivory), scales (local, regional, continental), and behavior (hunting, herding, husbandry, trade, exchange, translocations).
Zooarchaeology and Stable Isotopes
Authors: Thomas Richard , Miller Holly
Published: November 2018

Stable isotope studies have become commonplace in archaeological investigations of human health, diet, and mobility, often underpinned by small comparative studies of associated faunal material. In recent years, the value of studying the isotope data of faunal materials in their own right has been recognized, allowing for detailed research into animal diets, changes in animal management, mobility, environment, and procurement, and what this may mean for human–animal relationships in the past. This entry provides examples of recent studies that highlight the potential for stable carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and radiogenic strontium isotope studies, in combination with zooarchaeological investigation.
Working memory and fluid intelligence as predictors of work engagement—Testing preliminary models
Authors: Kulikowski Konrad , Orzechowski Jarosław
Published: November 2018

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between working memory capacity, fluid intelligence (Gf), and work engagement within the framework of the job demands–resources theory. Multioccupational employees (N = 175 in Study 1 and N = 383 in Study 2) completed sets of Gf, complex span, and n‐back tests, along with job resources and work engagement surveys. Structural equation modeling with latent variables and bootstrapping procedures revealed that complex span was indirectly positively related to work engagement via job resources, and n‐back was indirectly positively related to work engagement via job complexity. Moreover, the one common factor g composed of Gf, n‐back, and complex span was positively indirectly related to work engagement via job resources and job complexity. These results highlight that the cognitive capacities of employees should be given greater consideration as cognitive personal resources in models aimed at accounting for employee work engagement.
Radial Compressive Mechanical Behavior of 2D Plain‐Woven SiCf/SiC Cladding Tube
Authors: He Zongbei , Zhang Ruiqian , Fu Daogui , Chen Zhaoke , Li Ming , Qiu Shaoyu
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the 2D plain‐woven SiCf/SiC cladding tube is fabricated by CVI process and its radial compressive mechanical behavior is studied. Under the action of radial compressive load, the hoop stress and interlaminar shear stress are non‐negligible for the SiCf/SiC cladding tube, and the main failure modes consist of bending fracture and interlamination delamination which are resulted from the hoop stress and the interlaminar shear stress, respectively. Based on the ISO 2739–2012 standard, the radial crushing strength can be determined for the tube with failure mode of bending fracture, and for the SiCf/SiC cladding tubes investigated in this paper, the radial crushing strength is ranged from 330 to 361 MPa. But, when the delamination failure is triggered during the test, the crushing strength is failed to be acquired. Moreover, for the bending fracture case, the relationship between the radial crushing strength and the hoop tensile strength can be built by two methods.
Gram‐Scale Production of Graphene Powder via a Quasi‐physical Process and Its Application in Electrode Material for Lithium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Zhang Yin , Zhu Xi , Xu Minwei , Zhou Chao , Song Xiaoping , Yang Sen
Published: November 2018

Graphene powder is an attractive conducting additive for the electrodes of lithium‐ion battery (LIB). However, the practical application of graphene is hampered by the lack of reliable methods for its production. Here, the authors report a promising method for the synthesis of graphene powder, which exhibits the functionalities both in gram‐scale production and high‐quality products. As a validation, the authors show that the introduced graphene matrix can greatly improve the electrochemical activity and cycle stability of the Co3O4 nanoparticles. Typically, when 40 wt% of graphene is introduced, the obtained Co3O4/graphene nanocomposite can stably cycle up to more than 50 cycles with a reversible capacity above 530 mAh g−1. Simultaneously, a limited initial irreversible capacity less than 40 mAh g−1 is also achieved. The attainment of such properties in Co3O4/graphene nanocomposite offers the prospects for the practical applications of graphene in industry for better LIBs.
A Quasi‐Solid‐State Flexible Fiber‐Shaped Li–CO2 Battery with Low Overpotential and High Energy Efficiency
Authors: Zhou Jingwen , Li Xuelian , Yang Chao , Li Yinchuan , Guo Kunkun , Cheng Jianli , Yuan Dingwang , Song Chenhui , Lu Jun , Wang Bin
Published: November 2018

The rapid development of wearable electronics requires a revolution of power accessories regarding flexibility and energy density. The Li–CO2 battery was recently proposed as a novel and promising candidate for next‐generation energy‐storage systems. However, the current Li–CO2 batteries usually suffer from the difficulties of poor stability, low energy efficiency, and leakage of liquid electrolyte, and few flexible Li–CO2 batteries for wearable electronics have been reported so far. Herein, a quasi‐solid‐state flexible fiber‐shaped Li–CO2 battery with low overpotential and high energy efficiency, by employing ultrafine Mo2C nanoparticles anchored on a carbon nanotube (CNT) cloth freestanding hybrid film as the cathode, is demonstrated. Due to the synergistic effects of the CNT substrate and Mo2C catalyst, it achieves a low charge potential below 3.4 V, a high energy efficiency of ≈80%, and can be reversibly discharged and charged for 40 cycles. Experimental results and theoretical simulation show that the intermediate discharge product Li2C2O4 stabilized by Mo2C via coordinative electrons transfer should be responsible for the reduction of overpotential. The as‐fabricated quasi‐solid‐state flexible fiber‐shaped Li–CO2 battery can also keep working normally even under various deformation conditions, giving it great potential of becoming an advanced energy accessory for wearable electronics.
A Quantum‐Mechanical Map for Bonding and Properties in Solids
Authors: Raty Jean‐Yves , Schumacher Mathias , Golub Pavlo , Deringer Volker L. , Gatti Carlo , Wuttig Matthias
Published: November 2018

A 2D map is created for solid‐state materials based on a quantum‐mechanical description of electron sharing and electron transfer. This map intuitively identifies the fundamental nature of ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding in a range of elements and binary compounds; furthermore, it highlights a distinct region for a mechanism recently termed “metavalent” bonding. Then, it is shown how this materials map can be extended in the third dimension by including physical properties of application interest. Finally, it is shown how the map coordinates yield new insight into the nature of the Peierls distortion in phase‐change materials and thermoelectrics. These findings and conceptual approaches provide a novel avenue to tailor material properties.
Solid and Solid‐Like Composite Electrolyte for Lithium Ion Batteries: Engineering the Ion Conductivity at Interfaces
Authors: Chen Xubin , Vereecken Philippe M.
Published: November 2018

The development of solid composite electrolytes or solid composite electrolytes (SCEs) consisting of an ionic conductor and a dielectric matrix offers an elegant strategy to enhance the ionic conductivity of electrolytes by engineering the interface conduction. At the conductor/matrix interface, the ionic conductivity can be enhanced by the enriched charge carrier concentration and/or the changed molecular structure of the ionic conductor. This review deals with the interfacial ion conduction mechanisms of the inorganic particle‐based SCE, polymer‐SCE, and ionic liquid electrolyte‐based SCE (ILE‐SCE). In the first part of this review, an overview is given of the space‐charge theory developed to describe the increased vacancy concentration at the interface of inorganic particle‐based SCE. In the second part, the proposed interface interactions and structural changes associated with interface conduction for the polymer‐SCE and ILE‐SCE are reviewed. For the ILE‐SCE, the preparation methods and interface characterization are discussed together with the proposed conductivity models. The use of mesoporous matrix materials with high internal surface area for ILE‐SCE is reviewed here for the first time.
Nanomechanical Properties of Epitaxial Silicene Revealed by Noncontact Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Nogami Makoto , Fleurence Antoine , Yamada‐Takamura Yukiko , Tomitori Masahiko
Published: November 2018

Silicene, the graphene‐like allotrope of silicon, has a great potential for the development of novel silicon‐based nanotechnologies. Its unique buckling makes the atomic structure of this silicon 2D material particularly flexible and tunable. The nanomechanical properties of silicene are investigated by probing epitaxial silicene on ZrB2 by atomic‐resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy. Δf–distance curve and scan direction dependence of topographic images point out, respectively, the out‐of‐plane and in‐plane flexibility of the Si honeycomb structure. A contrast visible only in dissipation images reveals the stress distribution across the periodic domain structure texturing the silicene sheet.
Ultralow Specific Contact Resistivity in Metal–Graphene Junctions via Contact Engineering
Authors: Passi Vikram , Gahoi Amit , Marin Enrique G. , Cusati Teresa , Fortunelli Alessandro , Iannaccone Giuseppe , Fiori Gianluca , Lemme Max C.
Published: November 2018

A systematic investigation of graphene edge contacts is provided. Intentionally patterning monolayer graphene at the contact region creates well‐defined edge contacts that lead to a 67% enhancement in current injection from a gold contact. Specific contact resistivity is reduced from 1372 Ω µm for a device with surface contacts to 456 Ω µm when contacts are patterned with holes. Electrostatic doping of the graphene further reduces contact resistivity from 519 to 45 Ω µm, a substantial decrease of 91%. The experimental results are supported and understood via a multiscale numerical model, based on density functional theory calculations and transport simulations. The data are analyzed with regards to the edge perimeter and hole‐to‐graphene ratio, which provides insights into optimized contact geometries. The current work thus indicates a reliable and reproducible approach for fabricating low resistance contacts in graphene devices. A simple guideline for contact design that can be exploited to guide graphene and 2D material contact engineering is provided.
Visualized Detection of Polyelectrolytes via 1D Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wu Yuxin , Shen Huaizhong , Zhang Kai , Zhang Junhu , Yang Bai
Published: November 2018

The organic/inorganic hybrid 1D photonic crystal is applied for visible and label‐free detection of charged substances. Exposure to aqueous solutions of various polyelectrolytes alters the swelling ratios of quaternized polymer layers due to the ionic interaction. Visible detection is thus attained along with a shift of the photonic stop band. Especially, by virtue of the diverse degrees and speeds of the shift, polyanions with different concentrations and molecular weights can be differentiated. Likewise, natural polyelectrolytes, such as proteins, have different solution pH values and isoelectric points. Thus, different charged properties yield three kinds of proteins that can be distinguished by the device via reflectance spectra. It is worth noting that biomarkers of illness with different concentrations can also be detected via the naked eye, without any labels. Fortunately, the detection sensitivity basically satisfies the usage requirement. Due to the convenience, flexibility, low power consumption and visibility, the label‐free sensor is suitable for daily life.
Validation of a Terminally Amino Functionalized Tetra‐Alkyl Sn(IV) Precursor in Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of SnO2 Thin Films: Study of Film Growth Characteristics, Optical, and Electrical Properties
Authors: Zanders David , Ciftyurek Engin , Hoppe Christian , de los Arcos Teresa , Kostka Aleksander , Rogalla Detlef , Grundmeier Guido , Schierbaum Klaus Dieter , Devi Anjana
Published: November 2018

Tin(IV) oxide is a promising semiconductor material with leading‐edge properties toward chemical sensing and other applications. For the growth of its thin films, metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) routes are advantageous due to their excellent scalability and potential to tune processing temperatures by careful choice of the reactants. Herein, a new and highly efficient MOCVD process for the deposition of tin(IV) oxide thin films employing a terminally amino alkyl substituted tin(IV) tetra‐alkyl compound is reported for the first time. The liquid precursor, tetrakis‐[3‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)propyl] tin(IV), [Sn(DMP)4], is thermally characterized in terms of stability and vapor pressure, yielding highly pure, polycrystalline tin(IV) oxide thin films with tunable structural and morphological features in the presence of oxygen. Detailed X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis reveals the presence of oxygen vacancies and high amounts of chemisorbed oxygen species. Based on these promising features, the MOCVD process is optimized toward downscaling the thickness of tin(IV) oxide films from 25 to 50 nm to study the impact of incipient surface morphological changes occurring after initial thin‐film formation on the electrical properties as investigated by van der Pauw (vdP) resistivity measurements. Optical bandgaps of thin films with varying thicknesses are estimated using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy.
Metalorganic Quantum Dots and Their Graphene‐Like Derivative Porous Graphitic Carbon for Advanced Lithium‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor
Authors: Li Guangchao , Yin Zhoulan , Guo Huajun , Wang Zhixing , Yan Guochun , Yang Zhewei , Liu Yong , Ji Xiaobo , Wang Jiexi
Published: November 2018

Lithium‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (LICs) are considered as a promising candidate in energy storage systems. Taking the factor of sluggish kinetics behavior, battery‐type anode plays a significant role in improving the performance of LICs. Here, onion‐shaped graphene‐like derivatives are synthesized via carbonization of metalorganic quantum dots (MQDs) accompanied with in situ catalytic graphitization by reduced metal. Notably MQDs, exhibiting water‐soluble character and ultrafine particles (2.5–5.5 nm) morphology, are prepared by the amidation reaction. The carbonized sample exhibits highly graphitic tendency with graphitization degree up to 95.6%, and shows graphene‐like porous structure, appropriate amorphous carbon decoration characteristic, as well as N‐doping and defective nature. When employed as anode material in LICs, it shows high energy density of 83.7 Wh kg–1 and high power density of 6527 W kg–1 when the mass ratio of cathode to anode is 1:1 and the operating voltage ranges from 2.0 to 4.0 V. It also possesses the long cyclic stability with the energy density retention maintains at 97.3% after 10 000 cycles at 5.0 A g–1. In addition, the energy density is further increased by altering cathode/anode mass ratio and extending working voltage. This work provides a novel strategy to develop unique carbon materials for energy storage.
Extended differentiation of veins and stomata is essential for the expansion of large leaves in Rheum rhabarbarum
Authors: Cardoso Amanda A. , Randall Joshua M. , Jordan Gregory J. , McAdam Scott A. M.
Published: November 2018

Premise of the Study

The densities of veins and stomata govern leaf water supply and gas exchange. They are coordinated to avoid overproduction of either veins or stomata. In many species, where leaf area is greater at low light, this coordination is primarily achieved through differential cell expansion, resulting in lower stomatal and vein density in larger leaves. This mechanism would, however, create highly inefficient leaves in species in which leaf area is greater at high light. Here we investigate the role of cell expansion and differentiation as regulators of vein and stomatal density in Rheum rhabarbarum, which produces large leaves under high light.

Methods

Rheum rhabarbarum plants were grown under full sunlight and 7% of full sunlight. Leaf area, stomatal density, and vein density were measured from leaves harvested at different intervals.

Key Results

Leaves of R. rhabarbarum expanded at high light were six times larger than leaves expanded at low light, yet vein and stomatal densities were similar. In high light‐expanded leaves, minor veins were continuously initiated as the leaves expanded, while an extended period of stomatal initiation, compared to leaves expanded at low light, occurred early in leaf development.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that R. rhabarbarum adjusts the initiation of stomata and minor veins at high light, allowing for the production of larger leaves uncoupled from lower vein and stomatal densities. We also present evidence for an independent control of vein and stomatal initiation, suggesting that this adjustment must involve some unknown developmental mechanism.
Indium(III) Triflate‐Catalyzed Glycosylation through an Ambient Activation of Glycosyl Fluoride
Authors: Sim Jaehoon , Kim Seok‐Ho , Hur Joonseong , Lim Changjin , Kim Hyun Su , Suh Young‐Ger
Published: November 2018

A highly efficient catalytic glycosylation using glycosyl fluoride in the presence of a mild and non‐toxic Lewis acid, indium(III) triflate, was achieved. The facile and convenient glycosylation procedure does not require pre‐activation steps, pre‐distillation, or cumbersome work‐up process, and it was compatible with a broad range of alcohol acceptors under ambient conditions. Furthermore, the stereoselective C‐glycosylation smoothly proceeded under the same conditions.
Synthesis of γ‐Boryl‐Substituted Homoallylic Alcohols with anti Stereochemistry Based on a Double‐Bond Transposition
Authors: Miura Tomoya , Nakahashi Junki , Sasatsu Takanori , Murakami Masahiro
Published: November 2018

The stereoselective synthesis of anti isomers of γ‐boryl‐substituted homoallylic alcohols is disclosed. (E)‐1,2‐Di(boryl)alk‐1‐enes undergo Ru‐catalyzed double‐bond transposition with control of the geometry. The in situ generated (E)‐1,2‐di(boryl)alk‐2‐enes add to aldehydes in a stereospecific manner. The alkenylboron group within the product is amenable to a variety of synthetic derivatizations.
Aromatic Charge Resonance Interaction Probed by Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Chatterjee Kuntal , Matsumoto Yoshiteru , Dopfer Otto
Published: November 2018

Charge resonance is a strong attractive intermolecular force in aromatic dimer radical ions. Despite its importance, this fundamental interaction has not been characterized at high resolution by spectroscopy of isolated dimers. We employ vibrational infrared spectroscopy of cold aromatic pyrrole dimer cations to precisely probe the charge distribution by measuring the frequency of the isolated N−H stretch mode (νNH). We observe a linear correlation between νNH and the partial charge q on the pyrrole molecule in different environments. Subtle effects of symmetry reduction, such as substitution of functional groups (here pyrrole replaced by N‐methylpyrrole) or asymmetric solvation (here by an inert N2 ligand), shift the charge distribution toward the moiety with lower ionization energy. This general approach provides a precise experimental probe of the asymmetry of the charge distribution in such aromatic homo‐ and heterodimer cations.
Ibudilast Inhibits Chemokine Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts and Exhibits Immunomodulatory Activity in Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Clanchy Felix I. L. , Williams Richard O.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Ibudilast is a well‐tolerated, orally available phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor used to treat asthma and stroke. Since PDE4 inhibition suppresses inflammatory mediator production and cell proliferation in leukocytes, ibudilast may be a valuable therapy for the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to assess the therapeutic potential of ibudilast by measuring its capacity to modulate inflammation in human leukocytes and RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) and in experimental arthritis.

Methods

Using standard curve quantitative polymerase chain reaction, the effect of ibudilast on gene expression in activated human leukocytes and RASFs was measured. Ibudilast was used to treat DBA/1 mice with collagen‐induced arthritis, and an adoptive transfer model was used to assess its tolerogenic capacity.

Results

Ibudilast inhibited the expression of TNF, IL12A, and IL12B and the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12)/23p40 from leukocytes, and reduced the expression of CCL5 and CCL3 in activated RASFs. Treatment of experimental arthritis with ibudilast resulted in a reduction in IL‐17–producing cells and inhibition of disease progression. When combined with a TNF inhibitor, ibudilast caused marked suppression of active disease. Exposure of leukocytes from type II collagen–immunized DBA/1 mice to ibudilast in vitro attenuated their ability to adoptively transfer arthritis to DBA/1J‐PrkdcSCID mice, providing evidence of an immunomodulatory effect.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that ibudilast reduces the expression and/or secretion of inflammatory mediators from activated human leukocytes and RASFs, inhibits Th17 cell responses in vivo, and improves established arthritis. Given the established safety profile of ibudilast in humans, its clinical evaluation in RA, either alone or in combination with a TNF inhibitor, should be considered.
Inter‐annual variations of precipitation over the monsoon transitional zone in China during August–September: Role of sea surface temperature anomalies over the tropical Pacific and North Atlantic
Authors: Zhao Wei , Chen Wen , Chen Shangfeng , Yao Shuai‐Lei , Nath Debashis
Published: November 2018

The present study investigates inter‐annual variations of precipitation during transitional periods (August–September) of the rainy season over the monsoon transitional zone (MTZ) in China. More precipitation tends to occur over the MTZ during August–September when a significant anticyclonic anomaly simultaneously appears over the western North Pacific (WNP). Prominent southerly wind anomalies induced by the anticyclonic anomaly over the WNP contribute to more precipitation over the MTZ via transporting abundant water vapor northward. Sea surface temperature (SST) cooling in the tropical central‐eastern Pacific and SST warming in the northern tropical Atlantic (NTA) are crucial to the formation of the anticyclonic anomaly over the WNP. In addition, it is showed that the significant impact of the SST warming in the NTA on the WNP anticyclonic anomaly is independent of the SST cooling in the tropical central‐eastern Pacific. Atmospheric general circulation model experiments demonstrate that the SST warming over the NTA can produce an anticyclonic anomaly over the WNP via modulation of the Walker circulation with upward motion anomalies over the NTA and downward motion anomalies over the tropical central Pacific. The resultant negative precipitation anomalies over the tropical central Pacific further trigger an anticyclonic anomaly over the WNP via a Gill‐type atmospheric response. The results suggest that SST anomalies in the tropical central‐eastern Pacific and the NTA play a key driver for inter‐annual variations of precipitation over the MTZ in China during August–September.
The diagnosis conundrum: Comparison of crowdsourced and expert assessments of toddlers with high and low risk of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Myers Emily , Stone Wendy L. , Bernier Raphael , Lendvay Thomas , Comstock Bryan , Cowan Charles
Published: November 2018

As the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) becomes a greater public health concern, access to professionals and expert assessment becomes increasingly more challenging. Novel techniques to improve efficiency of assessment of young children with social communication concerns are desperately needed to address significant barriers to accessing diagnostic evaluations. Utilizing crowdsourcing technology, we compared ratings by experts and crowdworkers of social communication behaviors in videos of 18‐month‐old children. Of note, 563 crowdworkers and 24 expert responses were collected in approximately 7 hr and 57 days, respectively. Summed scores of social communication behaviors observed by crowdworkers showed high correlation to those of experts. These data introduce a novel and perhaps efficient way in which to examine of social communication impairments in toddlers. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1629–1634. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

This research compared crowdsourced assessments of social communication behaviors to assessments by experts, for toddlers whose behaviors ranged in severity from typical to atypical. Results showed that crowdsourced rankings of social communication behavior significantly correlate with those of experts.
Regression in autism spectrum disorder: Reconciling findings from retrospective and prospective research
Authors: Pearson Niamh , Charman Tony , Happé Francesca , Bolton Patrick F. , McEwen Fiona S.
Published: November 2018

The way in which the behavioral manifestations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) emerge in infancy is variable. Regression—loss of previously acquired skills—occurs in a subset of children. However, the etiology and significance of regression remains unclear. Until recently, investigation of regression relied on retrospective report by parents or examination of home videos from early in life. However, home videos and retrospective report of the nature and timing of regression, and association with factors such as illness or immunization, is potentially subject to bias. The advent of prospective studies of infant siblings at familial high‐risk of ASD has the potential to document regression as it occurs. Recent research has suggested that subtle loss of skills occurs in a larger proportion of children with ASD than previously assumed; however, there are few reports of clear‐cut regressions, such as that involving dramatic loss of language and other established skills, in the prospective literature. This could be because of the following: clear‐cut regression occurs less commonly than parent report suggests, study design limits the potential to detect regression, or there are differences between multiplex and simplex families in the rate of de novo genetic mutations and therefore regression risk. This review will bring together literature from retrospective and prospective research and attempt to reconcile diverging findings, with a specific focus on methodological issues. Changing conceptualizations of regression will be discussed, as well as etiological factors that may be associated with regression. The main challenges that need to be addressed to measure regression in prospective studies will be set out. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1602–1620. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Regression—a loss of previously established skills—occurs in a subset of children with ASD. Parental recall is not always accurate but studying younger siblings of children with ASD, 10–20% of whom will develop ASD, should make it possible to measure regression as it occurs. Clear‐cut regression, like loss of language, has not often been reported in infant sibling studies, but recent research suggests that gradual loss of social engagement might be more common. This review looks at the evidence for regression from infant sibling studies and asks how study design affects the likelihood of capturing regression.
Penalized likelihood and multiple testing
Authors: Cohen Arthur , Kolassa John , Sackrowitz Harold B.
Published: November 2018

The classical multiple testing model remains an important practical area of statistics with new approaches still being developed. In this paper we develop a new multiple testing procedure inspired by a method sometimes used in a problem with a different focus. Namely, the inference after model selection problem. We note that solutions to that problem are often accomplished by making use of a penalized likelihood function. A classic example is the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) method. In this paper we construct a generalized BIC method and evaluate its properties as a multiple testing procedure. The procedure is applicable to a wide variety of statistical models including regression, contrasts, treatment versus control, change point, and others. Numerical work indicates that, in particular, for sparse models the new generalized BIC would be preferred over existing multiple testing procedures.
Confidence regions for treatment effects in subgroups in biomarker stratified designs
Authors: Wan Fang , Kunz Cornelia U. , Jaki Thomas F.
Published: November 2018

Subgroup analysis has important applications in the analysis of controlled clinical trials. Sometimes the result of the overall group fails to demonstrate that the new treatment is better than the control therapy, but for a subgroup of patients, the treatment benefit may exist; or sometimes, the new treatment is better for the overall group but not for a subgroup. Hence we are interested in constructing a simultaneous confidence interval for the difference of the treatment effects in a subgroup and the overall group. Subgroups are usually formed on the basis of a predictive biomarker such as age, sex, or some genetic marker. While, for example, age can be detected precisely, it is often only possible to detect the biomarker status with a certain probability. Because patients detected with a positive or negative biomarker may not be truly biomarker positive or negative, responses in the subgroups depend on the treatment therapy as well as on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay used in detecting the biomarkers. In this work, we show how (approximate) simultaneous confidence intervals and confidence ellipsoid for the treatment effects in subgroups can be found for biomarker stratified clinical trials using a normal framework with normally distributed or binary data. We show that these intervals maintain the nominal confidence level via simulations.
Adjusting for selection bias in assessing treatment effect estimates from multiple subgroups
Authors: Glimm Ekkehard
Published: November 2018

This paper discusses a number of methods for adjusting treatment effect estimates in clinical trials where differential effects in several subpopulations are suspected. In such situations, the estimates from the most extreme subpopulation are often overinterpreted. The paper focusses on the construction of simultaneous confidence intervals intended to provide a more realistic assessment regarding the uncertainty around these extreme results. The methods from simultaneous inference are compared with shrinkage estimates arising from Bayesian hierarchical models by discussing salient features of both approaches in a typical application.
Role of the signal sequence in proteorhodopsin biogenesis in E. coli
Authors: Soto‐Rodríguez Jessica , Baneyx François
Published: November 2018

Blue‐absorbing proteorhodopsin (BPR) from marine bacteria is a retinal‐bound, light‐activated, outwards proton transporter containing seven α‐helical transmembrane segments (TMS). It is synthesized as a precursor species (pre‐BPR) with a predicted N‐terminal signal sequence that is cleaved to yield the mature protein. While optimizing the production of BPR in Escherichia coli to facilitate the construction of bioprotonic devices, we observed significant pre‐BPR accumulation in the inner membrane and explored signal sequence requirements and export pathway. We report here that BPR does not rely on the Sec pathway for inner membrane integration, and that although it greatly enhances yields, its signal sequence is not necessary to obtain a functional product. We further show that an unprocessable version of pre‐BPR obtained by mutagenesis of the signal peptidase I site exhibits all functional attributes of the wild‐type protein and has the advantage of being produced at higher levels. Our results are consistent with the BPR signal sequence being recognized by the signal recognition particle (SRP; a protein that orchestrates the cotranslational biogenesis of inner membrane proteins) and serving as a beneficial “pro” domain rather than a traditional secretory peptide.
Three‐dimensional printing biotechnology for the regeneration of the tooth and tooth‐supporting tissues
Authors: Ma Yue , Xie Li , Yang Bo , Tian Weidong
Published: November 2018

The tooth and its supporting tissues are organized with complex three‐dimensional (3D) architecture, including the dental pulp with a blood supply and nerve tissues, complex multilayer periodontium, and highly aligned periodontal ligament (PDL). Mimicking such 3D complexity and the multicellular interactions naturally existing in dental structures represents great challenges in dental regeneration. Attempts to construct the complex system of the tooth and tooth‐supporting apparatus (i.e., the PDL, alveolar bone, and cementum) have made certain progress owing to 3D printing biotechnology. Recent advances have enabled the 3D printing of biocompatible materials, seed cells, and supporting components into complex 3D functional living tissue. Furthermore, 3D bioprinting is driving major innovations in regenerative medicine, giving the field of regenerative dentistry a boost. The fabrication of scaffolds via 3D printing is already being performed extensively at the laboratory bench and in clinical trials; however, printing living cells and matrix materials together to produce tissue constructs by 3D bioprinting remains limited to the regeneration of dental pulp and the tooth germ. This review summarizes the application of scaffolds for cell seeding and biofabricated tissues via 3D printing and bioprinting, respectively, in the tooth and its supporting tissues. Additionally, the key advantages and prospects of 3D bioprinting in regenerative dentistry are highlighted, providing new ideas for dental regeneration.
Influence of Nickel Layer on Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of CuS‐Polyacrylonitrile Fibers
Authors: Yim Yoon‐Ji , Baek Yun‐Mi , Park Soo‐Jin
Published: November 2018

In this study, highly conductive nickel/copper sulfide‐polyacrylonitrile (Ni/CuS‐PAN) fibers were prepared by electroless nickel plating on CuS‐PAN fibers. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of the Ni/CuS‐PAN fibers were investigated as a function of nickel‐plating time. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses were performed to examine the surface properties of the prepared Ni/CuS‐PAN. The surface morphology of the Ni/CuS‐PAN fibers was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The volume resistivity of the samples was measured using a four‐point probe electrical resistivity tester, and the EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI‐SE) was tested using an EMI shielding analyzer. The EMI‐SE of the Ni/CuS‐PAN fibers was significantly improved compared with those of the as‐received CuS‐PAN fibers. In addition, the EMI‐SE generally increased as the nickel‐plating time increased, with the highest EMI‐SE of the 50‐Ni/CuS‐PAN being approximately 45 dB at 2.05 GHz. The nickel layer was a key factor in determining the EMI‐SE of the Ni/CuS‐PAN fibers.
Teaching metabolism with scientific articles: A new approach
Authors: Cicuto Camila , Pazinato Maurícius , Torres Bayardo
Published: November 2018

Scientific articles have been explored as a didactic resource in the teaching of Biochemistry, as well as in other areas of science. This teaching strategy contributes to the learning and understanding of specific concepts, and development of the skills, necessary for the research training of students. The present study investigated the use of scientific articles in the Topics in Metabolism course, which was offered to Biochemistry graduate students, at the University of São Paulo. Instead of lectures and seminars, two main activities were used: directed study (DS) and discussion groups (DG). Both utilized and explored high impact publications with a recognized quality of intellectual production. In this active learning environment, the objective was to evaluate the perception of the students regarding the teaching strategy, and the level of effort each student expended to understand the course material. Data collection involved using the responses to open and closed questions, from two questionnaires. Then the Pirouette software was employed to perform the Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). The results indicated that 78% of the students had a positive perception of the teaching strategy and struggled less to understand the course material. On the other hand, 22% of the students had a less positive perception of the strategy and displayed a less intense course engagement. Ultimately, the results presented in the present study indicate that the adoption of this teaching strategy can help graduate students to develop the ability to read critically and thoroughly understand scientific materials, which are fundamental skills for future researchers. © 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(1):85–92, 2018.
Changes in survival and characteristics among older stroke unit patients—1994 versus 2012
Authors: Labberton Angela Susan , Rønning Ole Morten , Thommessen Bente , Barra Mathias
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Treatment on organized stroke units (SUs) improves survival after stroke, and stroke mortality has decreased worldwide in recent decades; however, little is known of survival trends among SU patients specifically. This study investigates changes in survival and characteristics of older stroke patients receiving SU treatment.

Materials & Methods

We compared 3‐year all‐cause mortality and baseline characteristics in two cohorts of stroke patients aged ≥60 consecutively admitted to the same comprehensive SU in 1994 (n = 271) and 2012 (n = 546).

Results

Three‐year survival was 53.9% in 1994 and 56.0% in 2012, and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.77–1.28). Adjusted 30‐day case fatality was slightly higher in 2012, 18.9% versus 16.2%, HR 1.68 (95% CI: 1.14–2.47). There were no significant between‐cohort differences in survival beyond 30 days. Patients in 2012 were older (mean age: 78.8 vs. 76.7 years) and more often admitted from nursing homes. There were higher rates of atrial fibrillation (33.7% vs. 21.4%) and malignancy (19.2% vs. 8.9%), and prescription of antiplatelets (46.9% vs. 26.2%) and warfarin (16.3% vs. 5.5%) at admission. Stroke severity was significantly milder in 2012, proportion with mild stroke 66.1% versus 44.3%.

Conclusions

Three‐year survival in older Norwegian stroke patients treated on an SU remained stable despite improved treatment in the last decades. Differences in background characteristics may explain this lack of difference; patients in 2012 were older, more often living in supported care, and had higher prestroke comorbidity; however, their strokes were milder and risk factors more often treated.
Recalcitrant Oral Pemphigus Vulgaris Treated With Rituximab
Authors: Sami Naveed
Published: November 2018

Introduction

The oral cavity is the most common area of mucosal involvement in pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Rituximab has been used in the treatment of severe and extensive PV. PV limited just to the oral cavity can be an initial manifestation of severe disease. This is a retrospective study of four PV patients who had treatment resistant oral PV and were treated with rituximab (lymphoma protocol).

Case Presentation

All four patients were young females who failed to respond to multiple oral conventional treatments for at least 12 months. All four patients had a complete response to rituximab. Two patients were able to discontinue systemic steroids.

Conclusion

Rituximab can be used as an effective rescue agent in the treatment of recalcitrant oral PV.
Towards Catalytic Antibiotics: Redesign of Aminoglycosides To Catalytically Disable Bacterial Ribosomes
Authors: Smolkin Boris , Khononov Alina , Pieńko Tomasz , Shavit Michal , Belakhov Valery , Trylska Joanna , Baasov Timor
Published: November 2018

The emergence of multidrug‐resistant pathogens that are resistant to the majority of currently available antibiotics is a significant clinical problem. The development of new antibacterial agents and novel approaches is therefore extremely important. We set out to explore the potential of catalytic antibiotics as a new paradigm in antibiotics research. Herein, we describe our pilot study on the design, synthesis, and biological testing of a series of new derivatives of the natural aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin B for their potential action as catalytic antibiotics. The new derivatives showed significant antibacterial activity against wild‐type bacteria and were especially potent against resistant and pathogenic strains including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Selected compounds displayed RNase activity even though the activity was not as high and specific as we would have expected. On the basis of the observed chemical and biochemical data, along with the comparative molecular dynamics simulations of the prokaryotic rRNA decoding site, we postulate that the rational design of catalytic antibiotics should involve not only their structure but also a comprehensive analysis of the rRNA A‐site dynamics.
Primary outcomes and mechanism of action of intravascular lithotripsy in calcified, femoropopliteal lesions: Results of Disrupt PAD II
Authors: Brodmann Marianne , Werner Martin , Holden Andrew , Tepe Gunnar , Scheinert Dierk , Schwindt Arne , Wolf Florian , Jaff Michael , Lansky Alexandra , Zeller Thomas
Published: November 2018

Objective

DISRUPT PAD II was designed to evaluate the safety and performance of intravascular lithotripsy (IVL), a novel approach using pulsatile sonic pressure waves, to modify intimal and medial calcium in stenotic peripheral arteries.

Background

Vascular calcification restricts vessel expansion, increases the risk of vascular complications, and may impair the effect of anti‐proliferative therapy.

Methods

Disrupt PAD II was a non‐randomized, multi‐center study that enrolled 60 subjects with complex, calcified peripheral arterial stenosis at eight sites. Patients were treated with IVL and followed to 12‐months. The primary safety endpoint was major adverse events (MAE) through 30 days. The primary effectiveness endpoint was patency at 12 months as adjudicated by duplex ultrasonography (DUS). Key secondary endpoints included acute procedure success, freedom from re‐intervention, and functional outcomes.

Results

Between June 2015 and December 2015, subjects with moderate or severe calcified arterial lesions were enrolled. The final residual stenosis was 24.2%, with an average acute gain of 3.0 mm. The 30‐day MAE rate was 1.7% with one grade D dissection that resolved following stent placement. Primary patency at 12 months was 54.5%, and clinically driven TLR at 12 months was 20.7%. Optimal IVL technique defined by correct balloon sizing and avoiding therapeutic miss, improved 12‐month primary patency and TLR outcomes to 62.9% and 8.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

IVL demonstrated compelling safety with minimal vessel injury, and minimal use of adjunctive stents in a complex, difficult to treat population.