bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional characterization of the Curli adaptor protein CsgF
Authors: Schubeis Tobias , Spehr Johannes , Viereck Janika , Köpping Laura , Nagaraj Madhu , Ahmed Mumdooh , Ritter Christiane
Published: February 2018

Curli are functional amyloids that form a major part of the biofilm produced by many enterobacteriaceae. A multiprotein system around the outer membrane protein CsgG is in charge of the export and controlled propagation of the main Curli subunits, CsgA and CsgB. CsgF is essential for the linkage of the main amyloid‐forming proteins to the cell surface. Here, we present a profound biochemical and biophysical characterization of recombinant CsgF, highlighted by a solution NMR structure of CsgF in the presence of dihexanoylphosphocholine micelles. Interestingly, CsgF contains large unstructured domains and does not show a globular fold. The data presented shed new light on the molecular mechanism of Curli amyloid surface attachment.
Postseafloor Spreading Volcanism in the Central East South China Sea and Its Formation Through an Extremely Thin Oceanic Crust
Authors: Zhao Minghui , He Enyuan , Sibuet Jean‐Claude , Sun Longtao , Qiu Xuelin , Tan Pingchuan , Wang Jian
Published: February 2018

P wave velocity models were obtained by forward and inverse modeling from 38 ocean bottom seismometers deployed in the central East subbasin of the South China Sea (SCS). Four types of crust have been defined: (a) thin oceanic crust (<5 km), (b) typical oceanic crust (5–6 km), (c) thick oceanic crust hosting postspreading volcanoes (>6 km) with significant intrusive roots, and (d) thick oceanic crust with enhanced spreading features (>6 km) but without significant roots. Within the central East subbasin, the thin oceanic crust, only identified inside an 80 km wide zone, is located within an overall 150 km wide domain characterized by N055° seafloor spreading trends. The postspreading volcanoes were formed during a N‐S tensional episode around 6–10 Ma, several millions of years after seafloor spreading ceased in the SCS. Seafloor spreading (N055° and N145°) and postspreading (N000° and N090°) features are observed in the morphology of some of these volcanoes. The rupture of the brittle thin oceanic crust was focused where the crust was the weakest, i.e., at the intersection of the extinct spreading ridge with former fracture zones. From geological and geophysical arguments, we suggest that the postspreading volcanism might have been influenced by the Hainan plume activity through a buoyancy‐driven partial melting mechanism.
Temporal Stress Changes Caused by Earthquakes: A Review
Authors: Hardebeck Jeanne L. , Okada Tomomi
Published: February 2018

Earthquakes can change the stress field in the Earth's lithosphere as they relieve and redistribute stress. Earthquake‐induced stress changes have been observed as temporal rotations of the principal stress axes following major earthquakes in a variety of tectonic settings. The stress changes due to the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku‐Oki, Japan, earthquake were particularly well documented. Earthquake stress rotations can inform our understanding of earthquake physics, most notably addressing the long‐standing problem of whether the Earth's crust at plate boundaries is “strong” or “weak.” Many of the observed stress rotations, including that due to the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, indicate near‐complete stress drop in the mainshock. This implies low background differential stress, on the order of earthquake stress drop, supporting the weak crust model. Earthquake stress rotations can also be used to address other important geophysical questions, such as the level of crustal stress heterogeneity and the mechanisms of postseismic stress reloading. The quantitative interpretation of stress rotations is evolving from those based on simple analytical methods to those based on more sophisticated numerical modeling that can capture the spatial‐temporal complexity of the earthquake stress changes.
Out‐of‐Plane Seismic Reflections Beneath the Pacific and Their Geophysical Implications
Authors: Schumacher Lina , Thomas Christine , Abreu Rafael
Published: February 2018

We detect seismic P wave arrivals that reach the surface from a different horizontal direction than the theoretical back azimuth of the earthquake. Slowness, back azimuth, and traveltime of observed out‐of‐plane signals are measured with array methods in relation to the main phases that travel along the great circle path. This directivity information is used to back trace the wave through a 1‐D velocity model to its scattering or reflection location. The focus of this study lies on out‐of‐plane signals reflected once beneath the Pacific at a depth greater than 800 km. Data analysis is carried out for a broad frequency range (band‐pass filter with corner periods of 0.5–5 s up to 5–50 s) to enable the detection of different structures and heterogeneities. In addition to mapping seismic heterogeneities in the lower mantle, we also qualitatively analyze waveforms and polarities of these signals to understand the nature of the structure. The observed 21 reflections with a reflection depth between 800 and 2,200 km illuminate heterogeneities in the mid‐ and lower mantle. Back‐traced locations show shallowest depths around Hawaii and increase in depth to the north and southwest. Analysis of the polarities indicates low velocities for the imaged structure, and complexity of waveforms argues for a likely thermochemical origin. Additional 11 deep reflections/scatterers with depth larger than 2,200 km suggest internal heterogeneities or a presence of the D'' reflector.
Secondary Gravity Waves in the Winter Mesosphere: Results From a High‐Resolution Global Circulation Model
Authors: Becker Erich , Vadas Sharon L.
Published: February 2018

This study analyzes a new high‐resolution general circulation model with regard to secondary gravity waves in the mesosphere during austral winter. The model resolves gravity waves down to horizontal and vertical wavelengths of 165 and 1.5 km, respectively. The resolved mean wave drag agrees well with that from a conventional model with parameterized gravity waves up to the midmesosphere in winter and up to the upper mesosphere in summer. About half of the zonal‐mean vertical flux of westward momentum in the southern winter stratosphere is due to orographic gravity waves. The high intermittency of the primary orographic gravity waves gives rise to secondary waves that result in a substantial eastward drag in the winter mesopause region. This induces an additional eastward maximum of the mean zonal wind at z ∼ 100 km. Radar and lidar measurements at polar latitudes and results from other high‐resolution global models are consistent with this finding. Hence, secondary gravity waves may play a significant role in the general circulation of the winter mesopause region.
Effects of Greenhouse Gas Increase and Stratospheric Ozone Depletion on Stratospheric Mean Age of Air in 1960–2010
Authors: Li Feng , Newman Paul , Pawson Steven , Perlwitz Judith
Published: February 2018

The relative impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) increase and stratospheric ozone depletion on stratospheric mean age of air in the 1960–2010 period are quantified using the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry‐Climate Model. The experiment compares controlled simulations using a coupled atmosphere‐ocean version of the Goddard Earth Observing System Chemistry‐Climate Model, in which either GHGs or ozone depleting substances, or both factors evolve over time. The model results show that GHGs and ozone depleting substances have about equal contributions to the simulated mean age decrease, but GHG increases account for about two thirds of the enhanced strength of the lower stratospheric residual circulation. It is also found that both the acceleration of the diabatic circulation and the decrease of the mean age difference between downwelling and upwelling regions are mainly caused by GHG forcing. The results show that ozone depletion causes an increase in the mean age of air in the Antarctic summer lower stratosphere through two processes: (1) a seasonal delay in the Antarctic polar vortex breakup that inhibits young midlatitude air from mixing with the older air inside the vortex, and (2) enhanced Antarctic downwelling that brings older air from middle and upper stratosphere into the lower stratosphere.
Cyclone Activity in the Arctic From an Ensemble of Regional Climate Models (Arctic CORDEX)
Authors: Akperov Mirseid , Rinke Annette , Mokhov Igor I. , Matthes Heidrun , Semenov Vladimir A. , Adakudlu Muralidhar , Cassano John , Christensen Jens H. , Dembitskaya Mariya A. , Dethloff Klaus , Fettweis Xavier , Glisan Justin , Gutjahr Oliver , Heinemann Günther , Koenigk Torben , Koldunov Nikolay V. , Laprise René , Mottram Ruth , Nikiéma Oumarou , Scinocca John F. , Sein Dmitry , Sobolowski Stefan , Winger Katja , Zhang Wenxin
Published: February 2018

The ability of state‐of‐the‐art regional climate models to simulate cyclone activity in the Arctic is assessed based on an ensemble of 13 simulations from 11 models from the Arctic‐CORDEX initiative. Some models employ large‐scale spectral nudging techniques. Cyclone characteristics simulated by the ensemble are compared with the results forced by four reanalyses (ERA‐Interim, National Centers for Environmental Prediction‐Climate Forecast System Reanalysis, National Aeronautics and Space Administration‐Modern‐Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications Version 2, and Japan Meteorological Agency‐Japanese 55‐year reanalysis) in winter and summer for 1981–2010 period. In addition, we compare cyclone statistics between ERA‐Interim and the Arctic System Reanalysis reanalyses for 2000–2010. Biases in cyclone frequency, intensity, and size over the Arctic are also quantified. Variations in cyclone frequency across the models are partly attributed to the differences in cyclone frequency over land. The variations across the models are largest for small and shallow cyclones for both seasons. A connection between biases in the zonal wind at 200 hPa and cyclone characteristics is found for both seasons. Most models underestimate zonal wind speed in both seasons, which likely leads to underestimation of cyclone mean depth and deep cyclone frequency in the Arctic. In general, the regional climate models are able to represent the spatial distribution of cyclone characteristics in the Arctic but models that employ large‐scale spectral nudging show a better agreement with ERA‐Interim reanalysis than the rest of the models. Trends also exhibit the benefits of nudging. Models with spectral nudging are able to reproduce the cyclone trends, whereas most of the nonnudged models fail to do so. However, the cyclone characteristics and trends are sensitive to the choice of nudged variables.
Phagocyte Development
Authors: Patel Amit A , Yona Simon
Published: February 2018

Mature circulating white blood cells can be divided into two lineages: lymphoid and myeloid. The lymphoid lineage consists of T, B, NK and innate lymphoid cells, while the myeloid lineage includes functionally and morphologically distinct cell types including mononuclear phagocytes (monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages), granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, mast cells and eosinophils) and platelets. Granulocytes and mononuclear phagocytes are key players at all stages of the immune response from its genesis to its resolution, and come under the banner of phagocytes. Damaged or infected tissue releases chemoattractants that rapidly recruit these phagocytes to the site of injury. Once at the inflamed site, these cells coordinate and carry out immune functions, playing a key role in host defence. The recent past has seen major progress in our understanding of phagocyte developmental biology. Here, we discuss the latest advances in myeloid development, underpinning our current understanding of how these cells are generated and maintained.

Key Concepts

The myeloid lineage includes functionally and morphologically distinct cell types including mononuclear phagocytes (monocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages) and granulocytes (neutrophils, basophils, mast cells and eosinophils).

The majority of tissue resident macrophages are generated before birth and are long‐lived self‐maintained cells throughout adulthood.

Dendritic cells prime naïve T cells and are derived from a common precursor in the bone marrow that gives rise exclusively to this family of cells.

Monocytes are the principal circulating mononuclear phagocyte. Monocytes develop in the bone marrow from a common monocyte progenitor, once in the circulation classical monocytes have the potential to convert into nonclassical monocytes. Classical monocytes are known to repopulate resident mononuclear phagocyte populations and have potent effector functions during immunity.

Granulocyte subsets have a complex morphology with a segmented nucleus and each subset contains granules endowing them with a specific role in host defence.

Transcription and growth factors control and dictate the development of phagocytes.
Deafness
Authors: Terrinoni Alessandro , Melino Gerry , Serra Valeria , Alessandrini Marco , Napolitano Bianca , Ciccarone Silvana , Lanzillotta Alessia , Bruno Ernesto
Published: February 2018

Recent statistical data indicate that in western countries, at least 1:1000 suffer from congenital hearing impairment. Genetic factors are responsible for more than 60% of the congenital cases. However, hearing loss is a multifactorial disorder caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Molecular genetics of deafness has experienced remarkable progress in the last decade. Genes responsible for hereditary hearing impairment are being identified progressively. This article, reporting some syndromic conditions related to deafness, focuses on nonsyndromic hearing loss. Genes involved in this type of pathologic conditions have only recently begun to be identified. Owing to genetic heterogeneity, private nature of most mutations and large size of most deafness genes, the molecular diagnostic possibilities in recessive deafness are today available for a number of genes. Facility and benefits of genetic tracking should be an important public health issue, so that determinations of early diagnosis of hearing loss can be established.

Key Concepts

Deafness is the most common sensory deficit in humans, affecting 1 in 1000 newborn, and to date more than 23 different DFNB proteins have been discovered.

DFNB proteins can be classified into two classes: (1) genes regulating potassium homeostasis and (2) genes producing proteins that are important in the formation of stereocilia.

Mutation in the same gene can give rise to different phenotypes: we can have either deafness associated with a dermatologic disease or only deafness.

The same gene mutation can lead to different clinical presentations, indicating that the knowledge of molecular genetics has not reached the details of auditory neurological‐related physiology.

Owing to genetic heterogeneity, the molecular diagnostic possibilities in recessive deafness are still limited. However, facility and benefits of genetic tracking should make them an important public health issue.
Phylogenomics of Snakes
Authors: Streicher Jeffrey W , Ruane Sara
Published: February 2018

Reduced representation genome sequencing has ushered in new methods for understanding how life evolved on earth. These methods utilise genetic data in the form of dozens, hundreds or even thousands of loci to estimate phylogenetic relationships. This approach, often termed phylogenomic analysis, has the potential to resolve controversial evolutionary relationships, particularly among ancient, rapid radiations. Among vertebrates, phylogenomic analyses are increasingly applied to an iconic group of reptiles, snakes. Phylogenomic analyses of snakes have begun to shed light on long‐standing questions including relationships among snake families, their origin among squamate reptiles and putative causes of speciation within recent radiations. In addition, these methods may even be used to obtain genetic data from archival museum specimens. This emerging approach for understanding snake evolution will be improved by whole genome sequencing initiatives that include a diverse group of snake species.

Key Concepts

Snakes are important study systems for human physiology and medicine.

Snakes are important predators in ecosystems/important to maintaining ecosystem health.

Robust phylogenetic hypotheses are necessary to understand snake evolution.

Genome‐wide data offer unprecedented opportunities to resolve snake phylogeny and the tree of life.

Phylogenomic analyses of snakes will aid biologists and medical researchers worldwide.
Vitamin
E
Authors: Azzi Angelo
Published: February 2018

Vitamin E or RRR‐α‐tocopherol, as all vitamins, is indispensable for human life. Insufficient vitamin E availability results in a neurological condition, ‘ataxia with vitamin E deficiency’ (AVED), and vitamin E administration prevents the progression of the disease. Vitamin E is available especially in nuts, vegetable oils and greens. The reference daily intake for healthy adults is 15 mg and the maximum dose is 1000 mg daily. Many ailments, from cancer to atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases, had been proposed to be prevented or cured by vitamin E; however, recent studies have shown that only low‐grade chronic inflammation, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and immune response may benefit from vitamin E. The mechanism of action of this vitamin is still an object of debate, scientists being either in favour of an antioxidant mechanism or of an action of vitamin E on signal transduction and gene expression modulation.

Key Concepts

Low intake of vitamin E results in ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED).

Administration of α‐tocopherol protects against the progression of AVED.

Vitamin E does not prevent or cure cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Low‐grade inflammation and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD) are diminished by vitamin E.

Vitamin E improves the immune response, especially in the elderly.

A better knowledge of the mechanism of action of vitamin E would be useful to better use its potentials, established its correct dosage and the possible relation between genetic background of humans taking vitamin E and their response to this vitamin.
Fungal Ribotoxins
Authors: García‐Ortega Lucía , Palacios‐Ortega Juan , Martínez‐del‐Pozo Álvaro
Published: February 2018

Fungal ribotoxins constitute a family of extracellular ribonucleases with exquisite specificity against rRNA (ribonucleic acid). They induce apoptotic death of cells after inhibiting protein translation. Ribosomes become functionally incompetent because ribotoxins cleave one single phosphodiester bond, located at a unique and universally conserved loop, needed for elongation factors function. As secreted proteins, ribotoxins need to cross the membrane of their target cells in order to exert their catalytic activity, and they do it without receptor mediation. Using lipid model systems, it has been shown that they are able to enter cells with membranes enriched in acidic phospholipids. Both membrane‐interacting and ribosomal‐recognition activities are characterised by distinct structural features. Even though the natural function of ribotoxins is not known yet, their production by entomopathogenic fungi has suggested their insecticidal role. After decades of detailed study, the biotechnological potential of ribotoxins in pest control and as antitumour agents is becoming evident.

Key Concepts

Ribotoxins are extremely specific ribonucleases targeted against ribosomes.

Ribotoxins are produced by fungi, some of them entomopathogens.

They show a high degree of structural conservation, including the local arrangement of the active site residues.

Cleavage of a single rRNA phosphodiester bond leads to cell death by inhibiting translation.

Ribotoxins are cyclising RNases because they follow a general acid–base mechanism with production of a 2′,3′‐cyclic intermediate.

Ribotoxins must first enter their target cells to exert their lethal action.

Cell entrance is possible in cells with membranes enriched in acidic phospholipids and altered permeability.

Ribotoxins are optimal candidates to be employed as pest control agents and in antitumour immunotoxins.
A Self‐Powered Sensor Mimicking Slow‐ and Fast‐Adapting Cutaneous Mechanoreceptors
Authors: Chun Kyoung‐Yong , Son Young Jun , Jeon Eun‐Seok , Lee Sehan , Han Chang‐Soo
Published: February 2018

Highly efficient human skin systems transmit fast adaptive (FA) and slow adaptive (SA) pulses selectively or consolidatively to the brain for a variety of external stimuli. The integrated analysis of these signals determines how humans perceive external physical stimuli. Here, a self‐powered mechanoreceptor sensor based on an artificial ion‐channel system combined with a piezoelectric film is presented, which can simultaneously implement FA and SA pulses like human skin. This device detects stimuli with high sensitivity and broad frequency band without external power. For the feasibility study, various stimuli are measured or detected. Vital signs such as the heart rate and ballistocardiogram can be measured simultaneously in real time. Also, a variety of stimuli such as the mechanical stress, surface roughness, and contact by a moving object can be distinguished and detected. This opens new scientific fields to realize the somatic cutaneous sensor of the real skin. Moreover, this new sensing scheme inspired by natural sensing structures is able to mimic the five senses of living creatures.
A High‐Performance Optical Memory Array Based on Inhomogeneity of Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Pei Ke , Ren Xiaochen , Zhou Zhiwen , Zhang Zhichao , Ji Xudong , Chan Paddy Kwok Leung
Published: February 2018

Organic optical memory devices keep attracting intensive interests for diverse optoelectronic applications including optical sensors and memories. Here, flexible nonvolatile optical memory devices are developed based on the bis[1]benzothieno[2,3‐d;2′,3′‐d′]naphtho[2,3‐b;6,7‐b′]dithiophene (BBTNDT) organic field‐effect transistors with charge trapping centers induced by the inhomogeneity (nanosprouts) of the organic thin film. The devices exhibit average mobility as high as 7.7 cm2 V−1 s−1, photoresponsivity of 433 A W−1, and long retention time for more than 6 h with a current ratio larger than 106. Compared with the standard floating gate memory transistors, the BBTNDT devices can reduce the fabrication complexity, cost, and time. Based on the reasonable performance of the single device on a rigid substrate, the optical memory transistor is further scaled up to a 16 × 16 active matrix array on a flexible substrate with operating voltage less than 3 V, and it is used to map out 2D optical images. The findings reveal the potentials of utilizing [1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]benzothiophene (BTBT) derivatives as organic semiconductors for high‐performance optical memory transistors with a facile structure. A detailed study on the charge trapping mechanism in the derivatives of BTBT materials is also provided, which is closely related to the nanosprouts formed inside the organic active layer.
Superhierarchical Cobalt‐Embedded Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets as Two‐in‐One Hosts for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Shaohong , Li Jia , Yan Xue , Su Quanfei , Lu Yuheng , Qiu Jieshan , Wang Zhiyu , Lin Xidong , Huang Junlong , Liu Ruliang , Zheng Bingna , Chen Luyi , Fu Ruowen , Wu Dingcai
Published: February 2018

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, based on the redox reaction between elemental sulfur and lithium metal, have attracted great interest because of their inherently high theoretical energy density. However, the severe polysulfide shuttle effect and sluggish reaction kinetics in sulfur cathodes, as well as dendrite growth in lithium‐metal anodes are great obstacles for their practical application. Herein, a two‐in‐one approach with superhierarchical cobalt‐embedded nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets (Co/N‐PCNSs) as stable hosts for both elemental sulfur and metallic lithium to improve their performance simultaneously is reported. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that stable Co nanoparticles, elaborately encapsulated by N‐doped graphitic carbon, can work synergistically with N heteroatoms to reserve the soluble polysulfides and promote the redox reaction kinetics of sulfur cathodes. Moreover, the high‐surface‐area pore structure and the Co‐enhanced lithiophilic N heteroatoms in Co/N‐PCNSs can regulate metallic lithium plating and successfully suppress lithium dendrite growth in the anodes. As a result, a full lithium–sulfur cell constructed with Co/N‐PCNSs as two‐in‐one hosts demonstrates excellent capacity retention with stable Coulombic efficiency.
Geometrically Mediated Topographic Steering of Neurite Behaviors and Network Formation
Authors: Kuddannaya Shreyas , Tong Chong Swee , Fan Yantao , Zhang Yilei
Published: February 2018

The relationship between different mechanoregulatory factors and mechanisms by which neuronal development is regulated by diverse biophysical cues in the immediate vicinity of neural cells remains sparsely understood. Considering the extreme physical complexity of neuronal niches, it is imperative to look beyond the chemical cues for a holistic understanding in these lines. Here the role of geometrically diverse physical microcues is studied in morphologically regulating neurite branching, direction, growth, and network formation in nascent primary cortical neurons on a simple cytocompatible interface. The results indicate distinct differences in neurite branching, microgap sensing, and path‐finding tendencies in response to the underlying angled/curved cues on the micropatterned interface. While the microtraps along curved cues promote higher branching, the highly angled cues promote relatively lower branching with higher neurite lengths. In this study specific morphological changes induced by these cues on the collective conformity, branching, and mean length of neurites in both isolated neurons and neurons in networks are investigated. Finally, a model is proposed to study mechanoregulation of isolated neurons and neuronal networks in response to diverse physical cues. Overall, this platform aims to propel efficient morphological modulation for the study of neurodevelopmental anomalies or physical guidance inspired repair strategies.
The art and science of choosing efficacy endpoints for rare disease clinical trials
Authors: Cox Gerald F.
Published: February 2018

An important challenge in rare disease clinical trials is to demonstrate a clinically meaningful and statistically significant response to treatment. Selecting the most appropriate and sensitive efficacy endpoints for a treatment trial is part art and part science. The types of endpoints should align with the stage of development (e.g., proof of concept vs. confirmation of clinical efficacy). The patient characteristics and disease stage should reflect the treatment goal of improving disease manifestations or preventing disease progression. For rare diseases, regulatory approval requires demonstration of clinical benefit, defined as how a patient, feels, functions, or survives, in at least one adequate and well‐controlled pivotal study conducted according to Good Clinical Practice. In some cases, full regulatory approval can occur using a validated surrogate biomarker, while accelerated, or provisional, approval can occur using a biomarker that is likely to predict clinical benefit. Rare disease studies are small by necessity and require the use of endpoints with large effect sizes to demonstrate statistical significance. Understanding the quantitative factors that determine effect size and its impact on powering the study with an adequate sample size is key to the successful choice of endpoints. Interpreting the clinical meaningfulness of an observed change in an efficacy endpoint can be justified by statistical methods, regulatory precedence, and clinical context. Heterogeneous diseases that affect multiple organ systems may be better accommodated by endpoints that assess mean change across multiple endpoints within the same patient rather than mean change in an individual endpoint across all patients.
Handedness in gestural and manipulative actions in male hunter‐gatherer Aka pygmies from Central African Republic
Authors: Robira Benjamin , Pouydebat Emmanuelle , San‐Galli Aurore , Meulman Ellen J. M. , Aubaile Françoise , Breuer Thomas , Masi Shelly
Published: February 2018

Objectives

All human populations display a right‐biased handedness. Nonetheless, if studies on western populations are plenty, investigations of traditional populations living at subsistence levels are rare. Yet, understanding the geographical variation of phenotypes of handedness is crucial for testing evolutionary hypotheses. We aimed to provide a preliminary investigation of factors affecting handedness in 25 Aka pygmies from Central African Republic when spontaneously gesturing or manipulating food/tools (Nactions = 593).

Materials and methods

We recorded spontaneous behaviors and characterized individuals' hand preference using GLMM with descriptive variables as target position, task complexity (unimanual/bimanual), task nature (food/tool manipulation, gesture), and task physical/cognitive constraints (precision or power for manipulative actions and informative content for gestures).

Results

Individuals were lateralized to the right (93%,N = 15) when manipulating food/tools but not when gesturing. Hand preference was affected by target position but not by task complexity. While nonexplicitly informative gestures were more biased to the right compared to explicitly informative ones, no differences were found within food/tool manipulation (power or precision vs. none).

Discussion

Although we do not intend to assume generalizable results due to our reduced sample, our observations provide additional information on handedness in a contemporary traditional society. Especially, the study mainly evidenced considerable cultural effects in gestures while also supporting theories considering active tool manipulation as one of the overriding factor in human handedness evolution.
Gold Nanoclusters for Targeting Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus In Vivo
Authors: Xie Yangzhouyun , Liu Yong , Yang Junchuan , Liu Yuan , Hu Fupin , Zhu Kui , Jiang Xingyu
Published: February 2018

Widespread multidrug resistance caused by the abuse of antibiotics calls for novel strategies and materials. Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are scarcely explored for combating multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria in vivo. We herein synthesized a novel class of AuNCs, namely quaternary ammonium (QA) capped AuNCs (QA‐AuNCs) as potent antibiotics selectively targeting MDR Gram‐positive bacteria, including methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant Enterococci (VRE), in vivo. QA‐AuNCs kill bacteria through a combined physicochemical mechanism, and show excellent therapeutic effects in both a skin infection model and a bacteremia model induced by MRSA. In addition, owing to their intense fluorescence, QA‐AuNCs can be used for the discrimination of live/dead bacteria and bacteria counting, suggesting their potential for clinical theranostics.
Halogen Bond Catalyzed Bromocarbocyclization
Authors: Chan Yuk‐Cheung , Yeung Ying‐Yeung
Published: February 2018

A halogen bond catalyzed bromo‐carbocyclization of N‐cinnamyl sulfonamides and O‐cinnamyl phenyl ethers has been developed. N‐methyl 4‐iodopyridinium triflate is used as the halogen‐bonding organocatalyst and the reaction is highly chemoselective. This report represents the first proof‐of‐concept for halogen‐bonding organocatalyst‐promoted electrophilic halogenation. Mechanistic study suggests the autocatalytic nature of this reaction.
Direct Palladium‐Catalyzed β‐Arylation of Lactams
Authors: Chen Ming , Liu Feipeng , Dong Guangbin
Published: February 2018

A direct and catalytic method is reported here for β‐arylation of N‐protected lactams with simple aryl iodides. The transformation is enabled by merging soft enolization of lactams, palladium‐catalyzed desaturation, Ar−X bond activation, and aryl conjugate addition. The reaction is operated under mild reaction conditions, is scalable, and is chemoselective. Application of this method to concise syntheses of pharmaceutically relevant compounds is demonstrated.
Layered Nano‐TiO2 Based Treatments for the Maintenance of Natural Stones in Historical Architecture
Authors: Gherardi Francesca , Goidanich Sara , Dal Santo Vladimiro , Toniolo Lucia
Published: February 2018

Layered treatments of natural stones based on dispersions of experimental nano‐TiO2 and commercial TEOS showing photocatalytic and self‐cleaning properties were set up and tested. To enhance nano‐TiO2 efficacy, a surface pre‐treatment with tetraethyl orthosilicate was proposed to avoid the penetration of NPs into the crystalline porous substrates and to improve their adhesion to the stone. Two treatment applications (wet‐on‐wet and wet‐on‐dry) were compared, showing different results. A strong interaction Si−O−Ti was the key factor for the successful treatment, leaving the band gap and relevant properties of nano‐TiO2 unaltered. The layered treatments were tested on a porous calcarenite (Noto stone) and a very compact marble (Carrara marble). The combined SiO2‐nano‐TiO2 treatments can find application in suitable cases where a surface consolidation is needed, ensuring a depolluting and self‐cleaning durable activity.
Probing Substrate Diffusion in Interstitial MOF Chemistry with Kinetic Isotope Effects
Authors: Wang Chen‐Hao , Das Anuvab , Gao Wen‐Yang , Powers David C.
Published: February 2018

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered substantial interest as platforms for site‐isolated catalysis. Efficient diffusion of small‐molecule substrates to interstitial lattice‐confined catalyst sites is critical to leveraging unique opportunities of these materials as catalysts. Understanding the rates of substrate diffusion in MOFs is challenging, and few in situ chemical tools are available to evaluate substrate diffusion during interstitial MOF chemistry. Herein, we demonstrate nitrogen atom transfer (NAT) from a lattice‐confined Ru2 nitride to toluene to generate benzylamine. We use the comparison of the intramolecular deuterium kinetic isotope effect (KIE), determined for amination of a partially deuterated substrate, with the intermolecular KIE, determined by competitive amination of a mixture of perdeuterated and undeuterated substrates, to establish the relative rates of substrate diffusion and interstitial chemistry. We anticipate that the developed KIE‐based experiments will contribute to the development of porous materials for group‐transfer catalysis.
Effects of peroxide and phenolic cure systems on characteristics of the filled ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM)
Authors: Imanifar Marzieh , Ostad Movahed Saeed , Ahmadpour Ali
Published: February 2018

The effects of three curing systems, peroxide, peroxide–phenolic combination, and phenolic on selected properties of cured carbon black‐filled ethylene–propylene–diene monomer rubber (EPDM) were investigated. The cured rubbers immersed in hot amine solution to evaluate their suitability for seal and gasket industry at elevated temperature and amine environments. These tests were essential for evaluating the durability of the gasket in a gas refinery. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectrums revealed that the phenolic crosslink was constructed between rubber macromolecules during the curing process. The changing curing system from peroxide to peroxide–phenolic and phenolic increased the glass transition temperature of the filled cured rubbers between 3 and 5 °C. There was not any significant difference between thermogravimetric analysis thermographs of the selected cured rubbers with various cure systems and the residues ranged between 45% and 47%. Unlike of peroxide curing system, a dual phase was observed from scanning electron microscopy micrographs for peroxide–phenolic and phenolic cure systems. The phenolic cure system was not beneficial for rubber curing although, it reduced scorch time of the curing process. For the most studied mechanical properties, phenolic cure system deteriorated mechanical properties for both, aged and unaged cured rubbers. Increasing the amount of diene monomer in EPDM structure was beneficial for phenolic rubber cure system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46213.
Facile fabrication of polyaniline/polypyrrole copolymer nanofibers with a rough surface and their electrorheological activities
Authors: He Kai , Qin Cheng , Wen Qingkun , Wang Chengwei , Wang Baoxiang , Yu Shoushan , Hao Chuncheng , Chen Kezheng
Published: February 2018

Hierarchical polyaniline/polypyrrole (PANI/PPy) copolymer nanofiber was prepared via a two‐step method and adopted as dispersing materials for electrorheological (ER) fluids. The first step was used to synthesize PANI nanofibers by a rapid mixing method. Subsequently, the PANI/PPy copolymer nanofibers with a rough surface were obtained using an in situ polymerization method continuously. The morphology of the resultant PANI/PPy copolymer nanofibers can be controlled by varying the amount of Py monomer in the secondary in situ polymerization method. The rough surface of PANI/PPy copolymer nanofibers were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The diameter of PANI/PPy nanofiber is within the range 100–200 nm. The obtained PANI/PPy copolymer particles all exhibit amorphous structure through X‐ray diffraction measurement. We also demonstrated that the hierarchical PANI/PPy copolymer nanofibers exhibited characteristic ER behaviors, which were investigated using a Haake rotational rheometer at various electric field strengths. The ER efficiency e for PANI‐1mLPPy and PANI‐2mLPPy ER fluids at shear rate 0.1 s−1 is 36.6 and 28.5 under electric field strength E = 3 kV/mm, respectively. Low leaking current density is observed even at high electric field strength and wide plateau region appeared, which show a strong ER activity for the PANI/PPy composite nanofibers. The results also indicate that the PANI/PPy composite particles have distinctly enhanced ER effect compared with the pure PANI and PPy particles under electric stimuli. The significantly improved ER property of PANI/PPy‐based ER fluid is ascribed to the enhanced interfacial polarization. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46289.
A pilot study of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin 5% for autism: Impact on autism spectrum and markers of neuroinflammation
Authors: Melamed Isaac R. , Heffron Melinda , Testori Alessandro , Lipe Kellie
Published: February 2018

Research has shown that a subset of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population presents with immune dysregulation. To explore this topic further, we investigated the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in children with ASD. In this study, participants were recruited based on a diagnosis of autistic disorder, Asperger's disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. Participants also showed evidence of immune dysfunction based on abnormal levels of specific biomarkers, including CD40 ligand (CD154), lymphocyte stimulation, and T or B cell dysfunction. Of 17 screened patients, 14 completed the trial and received IVIG treatment (1 g/kg dose) for ten 21‐day treatment cycles. The primary endpoint was disease improvement assessed using standardized cognitive and behavioral tests (Children's Communication Checklist [CCC‐2], Social Responsiveness Scale [SRS], Aberrant Behavior Checklist [ABC], Clinical Global Impressions‐Severity [CGI‐S] and ‐Improvement [CGI‐I], Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule [ADOS], and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test [PPVT]). Secondary endpoints included experimental biomarkers such as CD154, toll‐like receptor‐4, memory B cells, FOXP3, and lymphocyte stimulation. Significant improvements from baseline to study endpoint were observed in several subscales of the CCC‐2, SRS, CGI‐I, CGI‐S, and ADOS, including Associated Maladaptive Behaviors (P ≤ .043), Reciprocal Social Interaction (P = .015), Communication (P < .001), and Stereotyped Behaviors and Repetitive Interests (P ≤ .013). Statistically significant reductions were also seen in numerous secondary outcomes of immunological biomarkers indicative of neuroinflammation. IVIG was well tolerated; no subjects withdrew due to an adverse event, and clinical data showed no evidence of thromboembolic events. Autism Res 2018, 11: 421–433. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Since research has demonstrated a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and immune dysfunction, this study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion in children with ASD. Fourteen patients received IVIG treatment and were assessed using standardized cognitive and behavioral tests. Following treatment with IVIG, significant improvement was observed across several subscales of the clinical tests and significant reductions were seen in the markers of neuroinflammation. These data suggest that inflammatory etiologies may play a role in select cases of autism, and IVIG treatment may exert a positive impact on behaviors and markers of inflammation in ASD.
School dysfunction in youth with autistic spectrum disorder in Taiwan: The effect of subtype and ADHD
Authors: Chiang Huey‐Ling , Kao Wei‐Chih , Chou Mei‐Chun , Chou Wen‐June , Chiu Yen‐Nan , Wu Yu‐Yu , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen
Published: February 2018

School dysfunction is observed in youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the factors moderating their school dysfunction have not been well explored. This study investigated school functions in youths with ASD in Taiwan, stratified by personal characteristics including demographics, ASD subtypes, intelligence profiles, and the presence of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We recruited 160 youths (aged 6–18 years, 87.5% boys) with a clinical diagnosis of ASD and 160 age and gender‐matched typically developing (TD) youths. Their parents received a semi‐structured psychiatric interview for their ASD and ADHD diagnoses and reported their school functions. Youths with ASD were further grouped into low‐functioning autism (LFA, ASD with intellectual disability and developmental language delay, n = 44), high‐functioning autism (HFA, ASD with no intellectual disability, n = 55) and Asperger's syndrome (AS, ASD with neither language delay nor intellectual disability, n = 61). Compared to TD, ASD had worse school functions in the domains of academic performance, attitude toward schoolwork, social interaction, and behavioral problems except for no academic differences from TD in HFA and ASD without ADHD. Subgroup analysis revealed that HFA and AS had better academic performance but showed worse attitude toward school than LFA. Comorbidity of ADHD negatively impacted all domains of school functions. Besides autistic and ADHD symptoms, oppositional symptoms, lower intelligence, older age, and female gender in youths also predicted school dysfunction. Although youths with ASD have school dysfunction in several domains, this study specifically addresses the role of intelligence and comorbid ADHD on their school dysfunction. Autism Res 2018, 11: 857–869. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Impaired school functions varied in ASD youths with different characteristics. Youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encounter varying levels and domains of impaired performance at schools, such as lower academic performance, negative attitude toward school work, fewer reciprocal friendships, and more behavioral problems. Our results indicate that ASD youths without intellectual disability had better academic performance, but worse attitude toward school than those with intellectual disability. Co‐occurrence with ADHD is associated with school dysfunction. In summary, intelligence and comorbid ADHD influences several domains of school functions.
The impact on the family of the co‐existing conditions of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Petrou Alexandra M. , Soul Abigail , Koshy Beena , McConachie Helen , Parr Jeremy R.
Published: February 2018

We aimed to investigate whether the impact on families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with the number and/or type of emotional and behavioral co‐existing conditions that parents/carers of children with ASD reported as occurring frequently. In addition, we examined whether there was a greater impact on families if their child was male, had lower levels of language, had more severe autism symptomatology, and whether impact was associated with the number and/or type of co‐existing conditions. Families were recruited from large UK research databases. 420 parents/carers of children aged 3 years 2 months to 18 years 8 months completed the revised Impact on Family (IoF) Scale and reported on the frequency/rate of their child's co‐existing conditions. Parents/carers reported higher mean IoF scores if their child: had a greater number of frequent co‐existing conditions; had sleep problems; was only able to communicate physically; and had more severe autism symptomatology. The development and implementation of targeted treatment and management approaches are needed to reduce the impact of co‐existing conditions on family life.Autism Res2018, 11: 776–787. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is commonly associated with emotional and/or behavior conditions that affect family life. Parents/carers of children with ASD who: (a) reported a greater number of frequent co‐existing conditions, (b) had sleep problems, (c) were only able to communicate physically, and (d) had more severe symptoms characteristic of autism, reported a greater burden/strain on the family. Treatment approaches to target co‐existing conditions alongside characteristics of ASD are needed to reduce their impact on family life.
Anodic electro‐fermentation: Anaerobic production of L‐Lysine by recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Vassilev Igor , Gießelmann Gideon , Schwechheimer Susanne K. , Wittmann Christoph , Virdis Bernardino , Krömer Jens O.
Published: February 2018

Microbial electrochemical technologies (MET) are promising to drive metabolic processes for the production of chemicals of interest. They provide microorganisms with an electrode as an electron sink or an electron source to stabilize their redox and/or energy state. Here, we applied an anode as additional electron sink to enhance the anoxic metabolism of the industrial bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum through an anodic electro‐fermentation. In using ferricyanide as extracellular electron carrier, anaerobic growth was enabled and the feedback‐deregulated mutant Corynebacterium glutamicum lysC further accumulated L‐lysine. Under such oxidizing conditions we achieved L‐lysine titers of 2.9 mM at rates of 0.2 mmol/L/hr. That titer is comparable to recently reported L‐lysine concentrations achieved by anaerobic production under reductive conditions (cathodic electro‐fermentation). However unlike other studies, our oxidative conditions allowed anaerobic cell growth, indicating an improved cellular energy supply during anodic electro‐fermentation. In that light, we propose anodic electro‐fermentation as the right choice to support C. glutamicum stabilizing its redox and energy state and empower a stable anaerobic production of L‐lysine.