bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genesis of the Huanggoushan Pb–Zn–Au polymetallic deposit in southern Jilin Province, NE China: Constraints from fluid inclusions and C–H–O–S–Pb isotope systematics
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Gao , Wang Ke‐Yong , Wan Duo , Konare Yassa , Liang Yi‐Hong
Published: July 2019

The Huanggoushan Pb–Zn–Au deposit is located in the central part of southern Jilin Province in northeastern portion of the North China Craton. It experienced two types of mineralization, namely, stratabound Pb–Zn mineralization placed close to interlayer fracture zones of banded marble and veined Au mineralization controlled by NNE‐trending brittle–ductile shear zones. The Pb–Zn mineralization is characterized by a low‐temperature and low‐salinity H2O–NaCl system of hydrothermal fluids that yielded δD and δ18OH2Ovalues similar to those of meteoric water. The δ34S values of sulfide minerals in the Pb–Zn ores range from 14.8‰ to 17.1‰ with an average of 16.1‰, which reflects a sulfur origin in the seawater sulfate. The sulfur of Pb–Zn ores was most possibly transformed from that of sulfate S6+into the sulfide S2−by bacteriogenic sulfate reduction processes. Lead isotopic compositions of sulfides separated from the Pb–Zn ores show206Pb/204Pb ratios from 15.309 to 16.353,207Pb/204Pb ratios from 15.321 to 15.485, and208Pb/204Pb ratios from 34.883 to 35.550. By contrast, original medium‐high‐temperature hydrothermal fluids in stage I of the Au mineralization are represented by low‐salinity H2O–CO2–NaCl system with relatively higher δD and δ18OH2Ovalues, which indicates that original ore‐forming fluids were possibly sourced from the Mesozoic magmatic fluids. The δ13C values of fluid inclusions in hydrothermal quartz from Au ores range from −9.6‰ to −2.4‰, most values of which are similar to those of magmas. The sulfides in Au ores have relatively lower δ34S values of 1.0‰ to 8.0‰ than those of sulfides in the Pb–Zn ores. The various δ34S values of sulfides from the Au ores, similar to those of sulfides from the Mesozoic magmatic hydrothermal Au deposits in Heilongjiang—Jilin region, reflect a magmatic sulfur origin. Lead isotopic compositions of sulfides from the Au ores have relatively higher ratios, with206Pb/204Pb from 17.852 to 20.468,207Pb/204Pb from 15.591 to 15.833, and208Pb/204Pb from 37.051 to 38.899. Collectively, geology, fluid inclusions, and isotope geochemistry suggest that ore‐forming fluids of the Pb–Zn mineralization originated from heated seawater with sulfur and lead sourced from seawater sulfate and upper crust, respectively. Thus, the Pb–Zn mineralization can be classified as the Paleoproterozoic SEDEX Pb–Zn category. Whereas, the ore‐forming fluids and sulfur of Au mineralization were of the Mesozoic magmatic origin, with the lead materials from the Paleoproterozoic Zhenzhumen Formation. These features demonstrate that the Au minerlization was closely related to the Mesozoic magmatic‐hydrothermal activity and thus categorized as Mesozoic magmatic hydrothermal Au.
A National Hospital‐Based Study of Hospitalized Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis
Authors: Manno Valerio , Gerussi Alessio , Carbone Marco , Minelli Giada , Taruscio Domenica , Conti Susanna , Invernizzi Pietro
Published: July 2019

Epidemiological studies on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have been based primarily on tertiary referral case series. We aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence and describe comorbidities in hospitalized patients with PBC in Italy using a national hospital‐based data source. Data were extracted from the National Hospital Discharge Database, which includes all Italian individuals discharged from any hospital in the country. All adults diagnosed with biliary cirrhosis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, 571.6) as the primary or secondary diagnosis from 2011 to 2015 were included. To determine whether a comorbidity was either more or less frequent in PBC patients compared with the general hospitalized Italian population, the standardized hospitalization ratio (SHR) was calculated. A total of 5,533 incident cases were identified from 2011 to 2015, 3,790 of whom were females (68.5%; female to male [F:M] ratio, 2.2:1). Prevalent cases were 9,664, of whom 7,209 were females (74.6%; F:M ratio, 2.9:1). The incident rate was 1.03 × 100,000 in males and 1.92 × 100,000 in females; prevalence was 1.89 × 100,000 in males and 4.75 × 100,000 in females. Extrahepatic autoimmune diseases, malignant neoplasms of liver and intrahepatic biliary ducts, and malignant neoplasms of gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts were found more frequently in PBC patients than in the general hospitalized population (SHR > 100), whereas cerebrovascular diseases and ischemic heart diseases were less frequent in PBC individuals (SHR < 100). Conclusion: This national study provides a survey of comorbidities associated with PBC. Hospitalized patients with PBC are more likely to have extrahepatic autoimmune diseases, hepatocellular carcinoma, and biliary tract cancers and a low risk of cardiovascular events.
Methylation of HPV 16 and EPB41L3 in oral gargles: Associations with oropharyngeal cancer detection and tumor characteristics
Authors: Giuliano Anna R. , Nedjai Belinda , Lorincz Attila T. , Schell Michael J. , Rahman Shams , Banwait Rawinder , Boulware David , Sirak Bradley , Martin‐Gomez Laura , Abrahamsen Martha , Isaacs‐Soriano Kimberly A. , Wenig Bruce , Chung Christine H. , Caudell Jimmy
Published: July 2019

Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) incidence is increasing significantly among men and often requires intensive therapy causing significant morbidity. Early detection of OPC is needed, when monotherapy can be safely delivered with less treatment‐associated morbidity, while maintaining high cure rates. We conducted a study of 101 pretreatment male OPC cases matched 1:1 to 101 disease‐free controls for age and smoking history. Oral gargles were collected from cases and controls with additional biopsies or aspirates from cases. The HPV SPF10‐LiPA25 PCR assay was utilized for HPV genotyping. Methylation of three CpG sites (438, 427 and 425) in the EPB41L3 gene and methylation status of the L1 (6,367, 6,389), L2 (4,257, 4,262, 4,266, 4,269, 4,275, 4,282) and E2 (3,412, 3,415, 3,417, 3,433, 3,436) CpG sites of HPV 16 positive specimens was assessed by pyrosequencing. Significant correlations were observed between tumor and oral specimens for all methylation biomarkers (p < 0.01). EPB41L3 and HPV 16 L1, L2 and E2 methylation were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher among cases than controls, regardless of early vs. late disease. When HPV 16 genes and EPB41L3 methylation status were combined in a logistic regression analysis, a sensitivity of 70.3% and a specificity of 90.9% were observed for the detection of OPC from an oral gargle. Our data suggest that methylation biomarkers measured in oral gargles may have utility in identifying OPC early. Future studies are needed to replicate these findings and to inform additional biomarkers that can maximize specificity and sensitivity for early OPC detection.
Development and validation of a seven‐immune‐feature‐based prognostic score for oral squamous cell carcinoma after curative resection
Authors: Zhou Chen , Diao Pengfei , Wu Yaping , Wei Zicheng , Jiang Lei , Zhang Wei , Li Zhongwu , Ye Jinhai , Song Xiaomeng , Wu Heming , Jiang Hongbing , Wang Yanling , Cheng Jie
Published: July 2019

Immune infiltrates have been increasingly recognized as robust prognostic factors for human cancer. Here, we developed and validated a seven‐immune‐feature‐based prognostic score (7IFBPS) for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) after curative resection. Fourteen immune features regarding detailed locations and densities of seven types of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells (TIIs) were characterized in clinical samples from 269 eligible patients in three independent cohorts by immunohistochemistry coupled with digital quantitation. Optimal cutoff values for individual immune features were yielded using X‐tile software. The 7IFBPS was constructed by Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression model in training cohort and verified in testing, validation and combined cohorts. Concordance index (C‐index), receiver operating characteristics and calibration curves were employed to define the performance of 7IFBPS in prognostic prediction. High CD3 IM (invasive margin), CD3 CT (center of tumor), CD8 CT, CD45RO IM, CD45RO CT, FOXP3 IM and FOXP3 CT significantly associated with improved survival. The 7IFBPS score was calculated using the formula: 1.041 × CD3 IM + 1.24 × CD3 CT + 1.701 × CD8 CT + 1.127 × CD45RO IM + 1.348 × CD45RO CT + 1.089 × FOXP3 IM + 1.483 FOXP3 CT. High 7IFBPS significantly associated with improved survival in all cohorts and served as an independent prognostic predictor. The C‐index of 7IFBPS for predicting survival was 0.668 (95% CI, 0.609–0.726). Calibration curves for survival probability showed good agreement between prediction by 7IFBPS and actual observation. Collectively, our findings established the 7IFBPS as a novel powerful prognostic classifier for resectable OSCC. It holds potentials to be incorporated into current prognostic regime to better patient stratification.
A prospective study of tea and coffee intake and risk of glioma
Authors: Cote David J. , Bever Alaina M. , Wilson Kathryn M. , Smith Timothy R. , Smith‐Warner Stephanie A. , Stampfer Meir J.
Published: July 2019

Tea and coffee have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Observational studies suggest that tea and coffee intake may reduce cancer risk, but data on glioma risk are inconclusive. We evaluated the association between tea, coffee and caffeine intake and glioma risk in the female Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII) and the male Health Professionals Follow‐Up Study (HPFS). Cumulative intake was derived from validated quadrennial food frequency questionnaires. Glioma cases were confirmed by medical record review. Multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratios of glioma by beverage intake category were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. We documented 554 incident cases of glioma (256 in NHS, 87 in NHSII and 211 in HPFS). Compared to <1 cup/week, higher tea consumption was borderline inversely associated with glioma risk in pooled cohorts (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–1.10 for >2 cups/day, p‐trend = 0.05), but not in women (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.47–1.18 for >2 cups/day, p‐trend = 0.11) or men (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.30–1.60 for >2 cups/day, p‐trend = 0.30) separately. Overall, we observed no significant associations between caffeinated, decaffeinated or total coffee intake and glioma risk. There were no material differences in the results with baseline values, 8‐year lagged responses, or when limited to glioblastoma (n = 362). In three large prospective cohort studies, tea intake was borderline inversely associated with glioma risk. No significant associations were observed for coffee intake and glioma risk. These results merit further exploration in prospective studies.
Exposure to ambient air pollution and the incidence of lung cancer and breast cancer in the Ontario Population Health and Environment Cohort
Authors: Bai Li , Shin Saeha , Burnett Richard T. , Kwong Jeffrey C. , Hystad Perry , van Donkelaar Aaron , Goldberg Mark S. , Lavigne Eric , Weichenthal Scott , Martin Randall V. , Copes Ray , Kopp Alexander , Chen Hong
Published: July 2019

Lung and female breast cancers are highly prevalent worldwide. Although the association between exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lung cancer has been recognized, there is less evidence for associations with other common air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3). Even less is known about potential associations between these pollutants and breast cancer. We conducted a population‐based cohort study to investigate the associations of chronic exposure to PM2.5, NO2, O3 and redox‐weighted average of NO2 and O3 (Ox) with incident lung and breast cancer, using the Ontario Population Health and Environment Cohort (ONPHEC), which includes all long‐term residents aged 35–85 years who lived in Ontario, Canada, 2001–2015. Incident lung and breast cancers were ascertained using the Ontario Cancer Registry. Annual estimates of exposures were assigned to the residential postal codes of subjects for each year during follow‐up. We used Cox proportional‐hazards models adjusting for personal‐ and neighborhood‐level covariates. Our cohorts for lung and breast cancer analyses included ~4.9 million individuals and ~2.5 million women, respectively. During follow‐up, 100,146 incident cases of lung cancer and 91,146 incident cases of breast cancer were diagnosed. The fully adjusted analyses showed positive associations of lung cancer incidence with PM2.5 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.02 [95% CI: 1.01–1.05] per 5.3 μg/m3) and NO2 (HR = 1.05 [95% CI: 1.03–1.07] per 14 ppb). No associations with lung cancer were observed for O3 or Ox. Relationships between PM2.5 and NO2 with lung cancer exhibited a sublinear shape. We did not find compelling evidence linking air pollution to breast cancer.
Psychology in the Czech lands: Bohemia, Czechoslovakia, and the Czech Republic
Authors: Klicperová‐Baker Martina , Hoskovcová Simona , Heller Daniel
Published: July 2019

The article provides a comprehensive review of Czech psychology—its history and its current state. It enumerates significant psychologists who were Czech, born in Bohemia or who were instrumental for the development of psychology in the region. The article also enumerates Czech psychological associations along with their main representatives, journals, and academic facilities involved in education and research in psychology. It is pointed out that the origins of psychology as a science are in the Central Europe—the first laboratory of W. Wundt was in Leipzig, Germany; S. Freud was born in Bohemia, in the Moravian city of Příbor and he practiced in Vienna, Austria. The Czech capital Prague will also become the capital of the psychological science in 2020 when it will be hosting the 32nd International Congress of Psychology (ICP 2020).
Effect of phosphomolybdic acid on the catalytic behavior of bifunctional Pt‐Cr/nanocrystalline Y zeolite in hydroisomerization of n‐octane
Authors: Afzali Zahra , Vaezi Mohammad Reza , Aghabarari Behzad , Martinez Huerta Maria Victoria
Published: July 2019

In this study, Y zeolite nanocrystals were synthesized without an organic template and were used as a support for bifunctional nanocatalysts in the hydroisomerization of n‐octane. Different types of catalysts were synthesized by loading Pt, Cr, and phosphomolybdic acid (HPMo) on Y zeolite nanocrystal supports and were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The Cr‐Pt/HPMo‐Y nanocatalyst with a surface area of approx. 600 m2/g showed the best performance in the hydroisomerization of n‐octane. The optimization of n‐octane hydroisomerization over bifunctional nanocatalysts supported on nanocrystalline Y zeolite, in the presence of H2 gas, was applied based on the response surface methodology (RSM) and Box–Behnken design (BBD) template. The effect of three different process variables on the yield of iso‐alkanes as the purpose process was determined. Experiments were carried out using a fixed‐bed microreactor under different ranges of weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) (A = 0.5–1.5 hr−1), H2 to n‐C8 molar ratio (B = 1:1–3:1), and reaction temperature (C = 200–300°C). The RSM proved that the temperature variable had the greatest impact on the hydroisomerization reaction yield.
Dysfunctional striatal dopamine signaling in Huntington's disease
Authors: Koch Ellen T. , Raymond Lynn A.
Published: July 2019

Dopamine signaling in the striatum is critical for a variety of behaviors including movement, behavioral flexibility, response to reward and many forms of learning. Alterations to dopamine transmission contribute to pathological features of many neurological diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene. The striatum is preferentially degenerated in HD, and this region receives dopaminergic input from the substantia nigra. Studies of HD patients and genetic rodent models have shown changes to levels of dopamine and its receptors in the striatum, and alterations in dopamine receptor signaling and modulation of other neurotransmitters, notably glutamate. Throughout his career, Dr. Michael Levine's research has furthered our understanding of dopamine signaling in the striatum of healthy rodents and HD mouse models. This review will focus on the work of his group and others in elucidating alterations to striatal dopamine signaling that contribute to pathophysiology in HD mouse models, and how these findings relate to human HD studies. We will also discuss current and potential therapeutic interventions for HD that target the dopamine system, and future research directions for this field.
The Tail Effect of Some Prepared Cationic Surfactants on Silver Nanoparticle Preparation and Their Surface, Thermodynamic Parameters, and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Shaban Samy M. , Aiad Ismail , Yassin Fathi A. , Mosalam Ahmed
Published: July 2019

The surface parameters of some cationic surfactants having different hydrophobic alkyl chains were assessed in aqueous solution using different techniques; surface tension, ultraviolet‐Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and conductivity measurements. The obtained critical micelle concentration (CMC) for N‐(2‐((3,4‐dimethoxybenzylidene)amino)ethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyloctan‐1‐aminium bromide (DBAO), N‐(2‐((3,4‐dimethoxybenzylidene)amino)ethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyldodectan‐1‐aminium bromide (DBAD), and N‐(2‐((3,4‐dimethoxybenzylidene)amino)ethyl)‐N,N‐dimethylhexadectan‐1‐aminium bromide (DBAH) in aqueous solution using three techniques are nearly the same. Increasing the hydrophobic chain length enhances micelle formation. Raising the solution temperature from 25 to 65 °C also shows the same trend. The thermodynamic calculations outlined the adsorption propensity of the surfactants at the surface compared to their affinity to form micelles. Both micellization and adsorption processes are enhanced with both the hydrocarbon elongation and with raising the solution temperature. The effect of the surfactant tail on the preparation process of the silver nanoparticles (AgNP) was assessed and confirmed using transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and UV–Vis spectra. Increasing the surfactant tail leads to a smaller particle size with a narrow distribution. The stability of the prepared AgNP is enhanced with hydrophobic surfactant tail elongation as proved with increasing the zeta‐potential of the prepared AgNP colloid. The foaming power, interfacial tension, and emulsification stability of the DBAO, DBAD, and DBAH surfactants were determined. The DBAO, DBAD, and DBAH surfactants showed good antimicrobial activities against both bacteria (Gram positive and negative) and fungi, which have been enhanced because of incorporation of AgNP.
Vegetation recovery on neighboring tidal flats forms an Achilles' heel of saltmarsh resilience to sea level rise
Authors: Zhu Zhenchang , van Belzen Jim , Zhu Qin , van de Koppel Johan , Bouma Tjeerd J.
Published: July 2019

Coastal wetlands such as saltmarshes are valued as prominent buffering ecosystems to global climate change and sea level rise (SLR), yet their long‐term persistence may also be threatened by these global change stressors. While saltmarshes are increasingly thought to be resilient to SLR owing to high vertical marsh adaptability, their long‐term stability remains uncertain due to our poor understanding of marsh resilience at the marsh‐tidal flat interface, where wave disturbance can progressively shift vegetated marsh toward a bare tidal flat state. Here, we explore how SLR affects vegetation recoverability on tidal flats using cordgrass, a globally common saltmarsh foundation species, as a model plant. Combined field and model results demonstrate that small increases in wave forcing due to raised water depth over tidal flats can dramatically weaken or even block vegetation recovery from eroding marsh edges, through hampering seed persistence. Vegetation recovery on tidal flats next to the marsh edge thus represents an unrecognized Achilles' heel of marsh resilience to SLR, which if ignored may cause underestimation of marsh vulnerability. These findings are highly relevant for a more comprehensive assessment of marsh susceptibility to SLR in systems where seeds play an essential role in revegetation of tidal flats, and highlight the importance of maintaining either a wave‐protected or well‐elevated tidal flat near the marsh edge that allows for quick vegetation recovery for supporting resilient marshes.
Advances in Ex Situ Tissue Optical Clearing
Authors: Matryba Paweł , Kaczmarek Leszek , Gołąb Jakub
Published: July 2019

Examination of whole organs with subcellular resolution in health, disease, and during development is necessary to decipher their biological complexity. However, until recently, this has been virtually impossible due to the natural opacity of organ tissue. Recent progress in tissue optical clearing (TOC) has overcome this limitation by turning organs into transparent, light‐permitting specimens. At least 20 original TOC methods have been developed in less than a decade, which were followed by hundreds of attempts that were aimed at their optimization and practical application. The majority of proof‐of‐concept studies have focused on the brain. However, it is apparent that TOC might be equally valuable when applied to peripheral organs or even the whole body. The progress in TOC for peripheral organs is delineated in an organ‐by‐organ fashion and whole‐body clearing approaches are discussed. Additionally, physical and optical approaches for TOC affecting the optical properties of the samples and image quality are discussed to explore their advantages, limitations, and future possibilities.
Tennessee BH safety net expansion allows more consumers free service access
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

More Tennesseans will receive free mental health services courtesy of a proposal by Gov. Bill Lee and the legislative approval of $5 million in new state funding to provide safety net services to them. Officials estimate that about 7,000 more Tennesseans will receive such services, they announced July 1.
Study finds BH education, training needed in nursing homes
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

While the proportion of nursing home admission among residents with behavioral health disorders is increasing, a report published last month in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that access to services for this population is generally considered inadequate.
APA calls for humane care for asylum seekers at U.S. border
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: July 2019

American Psychiatric Association (APA) officials on July 8 released a statement citing deep concern over recent reports regarding the conditions children and their families who are seeking asylum at the U.S. border are being held in, and the traumatic effects those conditions will have on their mental health.
Backward uniqueness of 3D MHD‐α model driven by linear multiplicative Gaussian noise
Authors: Zhang Rangrang
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we devote to proving the backward uniqueness property of the solution to three‐dimensional stochastic magnetohydrodynamic‐α model (3D stochastic MHD‐α model) driven by linear multiplicative Gaussian noise, which involves not only the study of multiplicative noise but also the challenging nonlinear drift terms.
MR signal changes in superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle‐labeled macrophages in response to X irradiation
Authors: Yamaguchi Masayuki , Ohnuki Kazunobu , Hotta Kenji , Fujii Hirofumi
Published: July 2019

To investigate whether MR signals associated with macrophages labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) change in response to X irradiation, we performed in vitro MRI of SPION‐labeled macrophage‐like J774A.1 cells that were subsequently X irradiated. We labeled the cells with ferucarbotran at a concentration of 10 μg iron/mL in culture medium for 16 h and subsequently performed X irradiation at doses of 0, 2, 10, or 20 Gy using a low‐energy X‐ray unit. On Days 3 and 6, we suspended the cells in agar at a concentration of 2 × 106 cells/mL and acquired multi‐gradient echo and multi‐spin echo images of the cell samples using a 3 T scanner to estimate R2* and R2. In addition, we microscopically investigated the relationship among the MR signal changes, intracellular SPIONs, and acidic organelles. Our data showed that X irradiation of labeled cells caused increased SPION deposition in lysosomes compared with the non‐irradiated control. On Day 3, R2* and R2 values in the 0 to 10 Gy irradiated samples were dose‐dependently increased 5.4‐ and 1.5‐fold compared with 17 ± 2 and 13 ± 1/s, respectively, in the non‐irradiated control; these values plateaued at more than 10 Gy. Although the increases in R2*, R2, and SPION deposition were still observed in the 10 and 20 Gy samples on Days 6 and 7, the 2 Gy samples showed recovery in these parameters as cell growth was restored. Acidic organelles were temporarily increased in the irradiated cells, which suggests that the reduction in lysosomal acidity was not attributable to SPION deposition. In conclusion, X irradiation of macrophages can cause SPION deposition and R2* and R2 elevation in a specific dose range. MRI of SPION‐labeled and subsequently X‐irradiated macrophages may be utilized as a novel technique for investigating macrophage responses to X irradiation.
Stabilized finite elements for time‐harmonic waves in incompressible and nearly incompressible elastic solids
Authors: Barbone Paul E. , Nazari Navid , Harari Isaac
Published: July 2019

The propagation of waves in elastic solids at or near the incompressible limit is of interest in many current and emerging applications. Standard low‐order Galerkin finite element discretization struggles with both incompressibility and wave dispersion. Galerkin least squares stabilization is known to improve computational performance of each of these ingredients separately. A novel approach of combined pressure‐curl stabilization is presented, facilitating the use of continuous, equal‐order interpolation of displacements and pressure. The pressure stabilization parameter is determined by stability considerations, while the curl stabilization parameter is determined by dispersion considerations. The proposed pressure‐curl–stabilized scheme provides stable and accurate results on a variety of numerical tests for incompressible and nearly incompressible elastic waves computed with linear elements.
Infants from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery (Northern Chile, Formative Period, 1000 BC–AD 600)
Authors: González‐Ramírez Andrea , Pacheco Miranda Aryel , Sáez Arturo , Arregui Wunderlich Iván
Published: July 2019

This study explores the age at death structure, skeletal lesions, and artificial cranial modification (ACM) on 35 nonadults until their 38 months of life recovered from the Tarapacá 40 cemetery, Northern Chile. Age estimations were based primarily on long bones dimensions, whereas skeletal lesions and ACM were recognized on dry bones and in mummified and bundled bodies. Measurements and observations in these later were performed by radiographies. Results show a distribution of ages at death clustered in three groups: around birth and second month of life, between 9 and 12 months of life, and between 18 and 26 months of life. The presence of physiological disruption indicators such as porotic hyperostosis, cribra orbitalia, criba femoris, periostitis and Harris lines, and ACM is described. Then, we discussed the observed age at death structure and the skeletal lesions as reflecting weaning process, and the links between the nature and timing of this practice with social organization of care labour, control over female sexuality, and socio‐economic transformations occurring during the Formative Period in Northern Chile.
Characterization and modeling of reverse‐bias breakdown in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 photovoltaic devices
Authors: Guthrey Harvey , Nardone Marco , Johnston Steve , Liu Jun , Norman Andrew , Moseley John , Al‐Jassim Mowafak
Published: July 2019

Partial shading of series‐connected thin‐film photovoltaic modules can force shaded cells into reverse bias, which can cause rapid and irreversible power loss and reduce the practical module lifespan. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in field‐deployed modules due to the myriad of environmental factors that can result in partial shading. In this work, we identify as‐grown nonuniformities in the Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber layers as the points of origin for the damage induced under reverse‐bias conditions. The structure and chemistry associated with inclusions and voids in the CIGS films cause these features to act as resistive heating elements in reverse‐bias conditions. This localized resistive heating provides the energy required to induce thermal runaway breakdown in the CIGS devices, resulting in damage to charge collection and reduced active area of a device. This mechanism is also described with a robust device model to connect the experimental observations with their physical origins.
Characterizing the inhibition of α‐synuclein oligomerization by a pharmacological chaperone that prevents prion formation by the protein PrP
Authors: Dong Chunhua , Garen Craig R. , Mercier Pascal , Petersen Nils O. , Woodside Michael T.
Published: July 2019

Aggregation of the disordered protein α‐synuclein into amyloid fibrils is a central feature of synucleinopathies, neurodegenerative disorders that include Parkinson's disease. Small, pre‐fibrillar oligomers of misfolded α‐synuclein are thought to be the key toxic entities, and α‐synuclein misfolding can propagate in a prion‐like way. We explored whether a compound with anti‐prion activity that can bind to unfolded parts of the protein PrP, the cyclic tetrapyrrole Fe‐TMPyP, was also active against α‐synuclein aggregation. Observing the initial stages of aggregation via fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy, we found that Fe‐TMPyP inhibited small oligomer formation in a dose‐dependent manner. Fe‐TMPyP also inhibited the formation of mature amyloid fibrils in vitro, as detected by thioflavin T fluorescence. Isothermal titration calorimetry indicated Fe‐TMPyP bound to monomeric α‐synuclein with a stoichiometry of 2, and two‐dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence NMR spectra revealed significant interactions between Fe‐TMPyP and the C‐terminus of the protein. These results suggest commonalities among aggregation mechanisms for α‐synuclein and the prion protein may exist that can be exploited as therapeutic targets.
Crystal structure of the N domain of Lon protease from Mycobacterium avium complex
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Shijun , Bi Fangkai , Guo Chenyun , Feng Liubin , Wang Huilin , Yao Hongwei , Lin Donghai
Published: July 2019

Lon protease is evolutionarily conserved in prokaryotes and eukaryotic organelles. The primary function of Lon is to selectively degrade abnormal and certain regulatory proteins to maintain the homeostasis in vivo. Lon mainly consists of three functional domains and the N‐terminal domain is required for the substrate selection and recognition. However, the precise contribution of the N‐terminal domain remains elusive. Here, we determined the crystal structure of the N‐terminal 192‐residue construct of Lon protease from Mycobacterium avium complex at 2.4 å resolution，and measured NMR‐relaxation parameters of backbones. This structure consists of two subdomains, the β‐strand rich N‐terminal subdomain and the five‐helix bundle of C‐terminal subdomain, connected by a flexible linker，and is similar to the overall structure of the N domain of Escherichia coli Lon even though their sequence identity is only 26%. The obtained NMR‐relaxation parameters reveal two stabilized loops involved in the structural packing of the compact N domain and a turn structure formation. The performed homology comparison suggests that structural and sequence variations in the N domain may be closely related to the substrate selectivity of Lon variants. Our results provide the structure and dynamics characterization of a new Lon N domain, and will help to define the precise contribution of the Lon N‐terminal domain to the substrate recognition.
Theoretical Design and Simulation Optimization of Photonic Crystal Cavity for Tetrahydrofuran Vapor Sensing
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Lv Jiangtao , E Siyu , Han Bo , Zhang Ya‐nan
Published: July 2019

A photonic crystal (PC) cavity with high quality factor (Q), wide measurement range, and high refractive index (RI) sensitivity is proposed and its possibility in tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapor sensing is theoretically demonstrated. The resonance characteristics of the PC cavity are simulated and optimized by using finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) is selected as an example to infiltrate into local air holes of the PC cavity. Since the RI of the CLC and consequently the resonance wavelength of the PC cavity would change with the variation of the THF vapor concentration, this proposed PC cavity can be used for THF vapor sensing. By optimizing structural parameters of several air holes, the simulation results show that the RI sensitivity can be up to 194 nm RIU−1, along with a high Q of 2 × 105 and a detection limit (DL) as low as 4 × 10−5 RIU. For the THF sensing, the theoretical sensitivity and detection limit of THF vapor concentration can be 0.128 nm · L mmol−1 and 0.06 mmol L−1, respectively. Besides, it was theoretically verified that the PC cavity sensor has the ability to maintain RI sensitivity over a wide refractive index range of 1.33–1.53, enabling it to measure more other parameters.
Strain Engineering and Electric Field Tunable Electronic Properties of Janus MoSSe/WX2 (X = S, Se) van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Yu Chen , Wang Zhiguo
Published: July 2019

Using first‐principles calculations, the electronic properties of Janus MoSSe/WX2 (X = S, Se) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are investigated. The results show that MoSSe/WS2 and MoSSe/WSe2 heterostructures have type‐II and type‐I band alignments with indirect band gaps of 1.50 and 1.52 eV, respectively. The electronic properties of MoSSe/WX2 vdW heterostructures can be tuned by an electric field and mechanical strain. A band alignment transition occurrs with the applied electric field, and the band gap changes. A type‐II to type‐I band alignment transition occurrs in the Janus MoSSe/WX2 heterostructure with a large strain. The band characteristics of MoSSe/WSe2 are sensitive to the electric field and mechanical strain. A positive electric field (from the bottom WX2 to the Janus MoSSe) induces an indirect‐to‐direct band gap transition in the MoSSe/WSe2 heterostructure. This work suggests that the Janus MoSSe/WX2 heterostructures have tunable electronic properties, making them promising candidates for nanoscale device applications.
An improved femtosecond laser‐ablation fluorination method for measurements of sulfur isotopic anomalies (∆33S and ∆36S) in sulfides with high precision
Authors: Velivetskaya Tatiana A. , Ignatiev Alexander V. , Yakovenko Victoria V. , Vysotskiy Sergey V.
Published: July 2019

Rationale

Measurements of the multiple sulfur isotopic composition (δ34S, δ33S and δ36S values) of ancient sedimentary sulfide are useful for clarifying and reconstructing the picture of the global sulfur cycle on the early Earth. The methods used for these measurements should provide a high level of precision for the determination of sulfur isotope mass‐independent anomalies (∆33S and ∆36S values). Here we propose some improvements to the earlier published femtosecond laser‐ablation fluorination method to make it suitable for measuring both ∆33S and ∆36S values in the Archean sedimentary sulfides with acceptable precision.

Methods

A new gas purification system for the laser‐ablation fluorination method has been developed. The design of this system is based on temperature‐controlled flow traps for cryogenic separation of SF6 gas from other fluorinated products produced by fluorination of sulfide minerals. Compared with the previous version of the purification system, the efficiency of SF6 purification was significantly improved, which in turn improved the precision of the method for in situ GC/IRMS measurements of 36S/32S ratios (and determination of ∆36S values).

Results

The improved method was tested using IAEA reference materials, as well as samples of natural pyrite with zero and non‐zero sulfur isotope anomalies. For samples of ~12–13 nmol SF6 (optimal size), the overall precision of the method is ±0.03‰ for ∆33S values and ±0.27‰ for ∆36S values. This level of precision is satisfactory to examine the sulfur isotope anomalies in the rock.

Conclusions

The improved femtosecond laser‐ablation fluorination method is applicable for in situ measurements of δ34S, ∆33S and ∆36S values in sulfide minerals.
Endobronchial one‐way valve for persistent air leak and lung volume reduction
Authors: Yu Wai Cho , Kwok Hau Chung , Chan Yu Hong , Ho Man Ying , Chan Ming Chiu , Yeung Yiu Cheong
Published: July 2019

There are randomized controlled study data showing that endobronchial one‐way valves (EBV) are useful for bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). There is also case series data showing EBV to be effective in stopping persistent air leaks complicating pneumothoraces. We describe a 66‐year‐old man with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who failed assessments for BLVR because of the inability to perform the carbon monoxide diffusion test but subsequently had EBV deployed to his right upper lobe bronchi for persistent air leak complicating a spontaneous pneumothorax. Afterwards, there was subjective improvement in breathlessness, exercise capacity, and reduced frequency of exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Lung function parameters showed marked improvement. This case suggests that patients with compatible spirometric lung volume and computed tomography findings should proceed with BLVR. In addition, one should be aware of the possibility of improved lung function in patients with pulmonary emphysema following implantation of EBV for persistent air leak.
The colors of heath flowering – quantifying spatial patterns of phenology in Calluna life‐cycle phases using high‐resolution drone imagery
Authors: Neumann Carsten , Behling Robert , Schindhelm Anne , Itzerott Sibylle , Weiss Gabriele , Wichmann Matthias , Müller Jörg
Published: July 2019

Recent developments in high‐resolution ecosystem mapping using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) open up promising perspectives for the monitoring of fine‐scale vegetation patterns and ecological functioning. In this study, we examine the potential of UAV imagery to track the structural composition and related phenological traits of the dwarf shrub Calluna vulgaris on a former military training area. On a European Natura 2000 heathland site, habitat management is shown to be evaluated on the basis of flowering dynamics and reproductive recovery as a proxy of functional changes that are generated after fire destruction. In particular, we utilize true color camera information and digital surface models to determine the spatiotemporal evolution of Calluna life‐cycle phases and flowering phenology 2 years after controlled burning. A stepwise methodological framework is presented that extracts Calluna pixels, spatially separates juvenile and mature life‐cycle phases, differentiates between generative and vegetative shoot extension and finally quantifies proportions of flowers, fruits and vegetative growth in two consecutive peak flowering periods. We show that Calluna life‐cycle phases can be spatially differentiated in pioneer, building and mature phases in UAV imagery. In the juvenile phase, regeneration from germination is low (<10%) and sprouting from the stem base dominates recovery patterns after fire management. The study further reveals that the distribution of flowering and fruiting during peak flowering time is spatially heterogeneous with high variations between years. In the fire unaffected mature phase, proportions of flowers and fruits are reduced indicating a decrease in reproductive capacity of unmanaged Calluna stands. A phenological phase shift is detected from flowering to fruiting that is related to an increase of Calluna growth height. The study shows that the functional patterns of growth and reproduction can be mapped for heathland ecosystems using simple true color drone cameras.
Help students, staff stay safe when using rideshare apps
Authors: Miles David
Published: July 2019

In the early morning hours of March 29, 2019, a female student at the University of South Carolina called for an Uber to pick her up. This student was waiting for the Uber to arrive when a black vehicle pulled up. Thinking this was her Uber ride, the unsuspecting student entered the vehicle.
New Cyclodepsipeptide Derivatives Revealed by Genome Mining and Molecular Networking
Authors: Paulo Bruno S. , Sigrist Renata , Angolini Célio F. F. , De Oliveira Luciana G.
Published: July 2019

Genome mining and molecular networking analyses have revealed a renewed capacity to uncover molecules and biosynthetic pathways from bacterial secondary metabolism. The present study describes the association of genome mining and molecular networking to correlate production of valinomycin cyclodepsipeptide derivatives by Streptomyces sp. CBMAI 2042. Additionally, expression of the entire gene cluster in a heterologous host successfully allowed the association of this biosynthetic assembly to the production of montanastatin, valinomycin and at least five structural analogues, revealing a plasticity of the modules and an interesting thioesterase activity capable of assembling two or three units of the tetradepsipeptide monomer.
Highly Active Ternary Nickel–Iron oxide as Bifunctional Catalyst for Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Dalai Namita , Mohanty Bishnupad , Mitra Arijit , Jena Bijayalaxmi
Published: July 2019

The development of noble metal free, robust catalyst is highly sought for commercialization of clean, renewable energy technology and to replace the fossil fuel‐based energy equipments. Herein, we report a highly efficient and stable ternary Nickel Iron oxide (NiFe2O4) electrocatalyst for bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline medium. The as‐synthesized NiFe2O4 has been confirmed by techniques like FESEM, HR‐TEM, powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectra analysis. NiFe2O4 demonstrate nanoparticle morphology with an average size of ∼10 nm. The synthesized NiFe2O4 electrocatalyst exhibit superior electrocatalytic efficiency for OER, and achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 290 mV, with smaller Tafel slope of 42 mV/dec. A stable performance of OER is obtained at 10 mA cm−2 for more than 8 h. The electrocatalytic activity of NiFe2O4 is comparable with benchmark electrocatalyst IrO2/C. Similarly, NiFe2O4 also shows superior HER activity in 1 M KOH. The enhanced bi‐functional activity of NiFe2O4 is thought to be the synergy between the multicomponent structure of NiFe2O4, high surface area, and stability leading to high electrical conductivity.
Preparation and Characterization of Thin‐Film Nanocomposite Membrane Incorporated with MoO3 Nanoparticles with High Flux Performance for Forward Osmosis
Authors: Amini Mojtaba , Shekari Zahra , Hosseinifard Mojtaba , Seidi Farzad
Published: July 2019

In this research, thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were developed using novel polyethersulfone– molybdenum oxide (PES–MoO3) nanocomposite substrate. The effects of MoO3 nanoparticles on the PES substrate morphologies, surface roughness, hydrophilicity, and water permeability were investigated by measuring the water contact angles, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. The MoO3 nanoparticle modified membranes were used in the forward osmosis (FO) process with both PRO mode (the membrane active layer facing draw solution) and FO (the membrane active layer facing feed solution) mode. The results indicated enhanced water permeability of the modified membranes upon the MoO3 addition, leading to significant enhancement in the water flux and the desalination performance.
The board chair effect across countries: An institutional view
Authors: Krause Ryan , Li Weiwen , Ma Xufei , Bruton Garry D.
Published: July 2019

Research Summary

Strategic leadership scholars have produced consistent evidence that the CEO effect on firm performance depends on the latitude of actions CEOs enjoy in their particular context. We argue that as the governance leaders of their firms, board chairs choose a firm's objectives more than they do its actions. As a result, the board chair effect should vary with latitude of objectives, rather than latitude of actions. We explore this possibility by comparing the board chair effect in two countries with relatively high latitude of objectives—Germany and China—with the board chair effect in two countries with relatively low latitude of objectives—the United States and United Kingdom. Results confirm that latitude of objectives influences the effect of board chair heterogeneity on firm performance.

Managerial Summary

Do board chairs matter to different degrees in different countries? Building on prior work showing that U.S. board chairs account for a significant portion of firm performance, we collected data on board chairs from four different countries to find out if this effect differs by institutional environment. We find that board chairs matter for firm performance across countries, but that board chairs in Germany and China exhibit a considerably larger effect on firm performance than do board chairs in the United States and United Kingdom. We interpret these findings as evidence that board chairs enjoy wider discretion with regard to organizational objectives in Germany and China than they do in the United States and United Kingdom.
History and the micro‐foundations of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Suddaby Roy , Coraiola Diego , Harvey Charles , Foster William
Published: July 2019

Research Summary

The capacity to manage history is an important but undertheorized component of dynamic capabilities. We argue that the capacity to manage the interpretation of the past, in the present for the future, is a critical ability that informs a firm's ability to successfully enact changes needed to adapt to disruptive technology. We identify and elaborate three specific cognitive interpretations of history—history as objective fact, history as interpretive rhetoric, and history as imaginative future‐perfect thinking—and demonstrate how these different views of history can be mobilized by managers to sense, seize, and reconfigure around opportunities made available by understanding the invisible thread of technology.

Managerial Summary

History is typically understood to be a constraint on a manager's ability to effect change. A firm's past is assumed to create inertia in routines and structures that compromise a firm's ability to change. We show how acquiring a broader understanding of the role of history can improve a manager's ability to enact organizational change. Studying the evolution of technology over time and across products allows managers to sense opportunities created by technological change. Using different narrations of the past as continuous or disruptive can improve a manager's ability to motivate or resist change. Using the past to construct convincing scenarios of the future, managers can enroll key stakeholders in the industry to support a strategic direction that advances the firm's strategic goals.