bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembly of Ag6 Clusters into Nanowires for Nonenzymatic Electrochemical Sensing of Glucose
Authors: Gao Xiaohui , Lin Hancheng , Li Ping , Chen Wei
Published: May 2018

Self‐assembly of metal nanoclusters into 3D ordered superstructures and the exploration of their electrochemical properties are highly significant for fundamental research and practical application. In this study, atomically precise Ag6(NALC)5 nanoclusters are successfully synthesized and their structure is determined carefully. It is interesting that the prepared Ag6(NALC)5 nanoclusters can be self‐assembled into ultrafine nanowires, long ribbons, and finally 3D porous network in the mixed solution of water and ethanol, which can be attributed to the solvent polarity, static electricity interaction between ligands, and the possible Van der Waals attractions. Such assembly phenomenon lays a foundation for the future fabrication of silver clusters‐based nanodevices. In addition, the synthesized silver nanoclusters can be used for electrochemical sensing of glucose with high detection sensitivity, selectivity, and low limit of detection. This work is expected to be helpful for the synthesis of atomically precise metal nanoclusters and their applications in fabrication of nanodevices for chemical sensors.
Impact of a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator on high‐dose ibuprofen therapy in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Bruch Brittany A. , Singh Sachinkumar B. , Ramsey Laura J. , Starner Timothy D.
Published: May 2018

Background

This study was undertaken to determine if a clinically relevant drug‐drug interaction occurred between ibuprofen and lumacaftor/ivacaftor.

Methods

Peak ibuprofen plasma concentrations were measured prior to and after lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation. A Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used to compare the values.

Results

Nine patients were included in the final analysis. Peak ibuprofen plasma concentrations decreased an average of 36.4 mcg/mL after initiation of lumacaftor/ivacaftor with a relative reduction of 41.7%. The average peak plasma concentration was 84.2 mcg/mL (SD = 10.9) prior to lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation and 47.9 mcg/mL (SD = 16.4) following initiation (P = 0.0039). Peak concentrations occurred at an average of 100 min (SD = 30) and 107 min (SD = 40) prior to and following lumacaftor/ivacaftor initiation, respectively.

Conclusions

We suggest a clinically relevant drug‐drug interaction exists between ibuprofen and lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Lumacaftor may cause subtherapeutic ibuprofen plasma concentrations due to the induction of CYP enzymes and increased metabolism of ibuprofen. Based on this analysis, we have modified our use of ibuprofen in several patients after evaluation of this drug‐drug interaction.
Parallel chromatography and in situ scattering to interrogate competing protein aggregation pathways
Authors: Gomes Diana , Kalman Rebecca K. , Pagels Rebecca K. , Rodrigues Miguel A. , Roberts Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

Protein aggregation can follow different pathways, and these can result in different net aggregation rates and kinetic profiles. α‐chymotypsinogen A (aCgn) was used as a model system to quantitatively and qualitatively assess an approach that combines ex situ size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) with in situ laser scattering (LS) to monitor aggregation vs. time. Aggregation was monitored for a series of temperatures and initial dimer (ID) levels for starting conditions that were primarily (> 97%) monomer, and under initial‐rate conditions (limited to low monomer conversion—less than 20% monomer mass loss), as these conditions are of most to interest to many pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications. SEC results show that modest decreases of ID levels can greatly reduce monomer loss rates, but do not affect the effective activation energy for aggregation. The normalized aggregation rates determined from LS were typically ∼ 1 order of magnitude higher than the corresponding rates from SEC. Furthermore, LS signals vs. time became variable and highly nonlinear with decreasing ID level, temperature, and/or total protein concentration. Temperature‐cycling LS experiments showed this corresponded to conditions where dimer/oligomer “seeding” was suppressed, and high levels of reversible oligomers (“prenuclei”) were formed prior to “nucleation” and growth of stable aggregates. In those conditions, aggregation rates inferred from LS and SEC are greatly different, as the techniques monitor different stages of the aggregation process. Overall, the results illustrate an approach for interrogating non‐native protein aggregation pathways, and potential pitfalls if one relies on a single method to monitor aggregation—this holds more generally than the particular methods here.
Statin use, high cholesterol and prostate cancer progression; results from HCaP‐NC
Authors: Allott Emma H. , Farnan Laura , Steck Susan E. , Song Lixin , Arab Lenore , Su L. Joseph , Fontham Elizabeth T. H. , Mohler James L. , Bensen Jeannette T.
Published: May 2018

Background

Statin use is associated with lower advanced prostate cancer risk and reduced prostate cancer‐specific mortality, but prior studies were conducted mainly in white men. We examined the effect of statin use on risk of prostate cancer progression in a population‐based, minority‐enriched cohort.

Methods

We used data from prostate cancer cases (45% African American) diagnosed between 2004 and 2007 who participated in the Health Care Access and Prostate Cancer Treatment in North Carolina cohort (HCaP‐NC). We abstracted statin use at diagnosis. Men reported if they had ever been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine associations between statin use and risk of prostate cancer progression (biochemical recurrence or secondary treatment), overall and by race. In secondary analysis, we examined the association between high cholesterol and risk of progression, overall, and by statin use.

Results

Of 669 men, 244 (36%) were statin users at diagnosis. During 3.8 years median follow‐up, 138 men experienced prostate cancer progression. There was no association between statin use and risk of progression, either overall (HR 1.03; 95%CI 0.72‐1.46) or stratified by race. High cholesterol was inversely associated with risk of progression, particularly among statin users (HR 0.43; 95%CI 0.20‐0.94; p‐interaction = 0.22) and in men with higher perceived access to care (HR 0.57; 95%CI 0.36‐0.90; p‐interaction = 0.03). Study limitations included a relatively small sample size, short follow‐up, and lack of data regarding post diagnosis statin use.

Conclusions

Statin use at diagnosis was not associated with prostate cancer progression in the population‐based, minority‐enriched HCaP‐NC. Greater healthcare engagement, including actively controlling serum cholesterol, may be linked to better prostate cancer‐specific outcomes.
Fiprole insecticide resistance of Laodelphax striatellus: electrophysiological and molecular docking characterization of A2′N RDL GABA receptors
Authors: Sheng Cheng‐Wang , Casida John E , Durkin Kathleen A , Chen Feng , Han Zhao‐Jun , Zhao Chun‐Qing
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Phenylpyrazole (fiprole) insecticides, including ethiprole, fipronil and flufiprole with excellent activity on rice planthoppers, are very important in Asia but resistance has developed after decades of use. The molecular mechanism of fipronil‐ but not ethiprole‐resistance has been previously studied in rice planthoppers. In our laboratory, a small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus strain with ethiprole‐resistance was cultured and the molecular mechanisms of ethiprole resistance and of cross‐resistance among fiprole insecticides were investigated.

RESULTS

Ethiprole‐resistant L. striatellus has >5000‐fold resistance compared to the susceptible strain, and exhibits around 200‐fold cross‐resistance with fipronil and flufiprole. RDL genes were isolated from susceptible and ethiprole‐resistant L. striatellus and expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Electrophysiological studies showed fiprole insecticides inhibited γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐induced current with IC50 = 0.1–1.4 μM to LsRDL‐S homomers. In LsRDL‐R with A2′N mutation, only 1–13% inhibition was observed on treatment with 10 μM ethiprole, fipronil or flufiprole. Homology models indicate A2′N mutation allows crosslinking hydrogen bonding between Asn sidechains at the 2′ position around the channel pore, blocking insecticides from interacting near this position. In contrast, insecticides showed favorable binding near A2′ in wild‐type L. striatellus.

CONCLUSION

Cross‐resistance is increasing for fiprole insecticides in L. striatellus and management strategies are necessary to minimize resistance. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Coaxial Quantum Well Wires in Magnetic/Nonmagnetic Heterostructures
Authors: Sangtawee Jakkrit , Srikom Watcharakorn , Amthong Attapon
Published: May 2018

We propose a coaxial cylindrical quantum well wire which is composed of layers of a dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) and a nonmagnetic semiconductor (NMS). Using effective mass approximation, we present a numerical calculation of the eigenenergies and eigenstates of electrons in the heterostructure. The variation of the spin‐dependent energy levels is influenced by the giant Zeeman splitting and potential energies due to a vector potential for sufficiently low and high magnetic fields, respectively. It is found that crossing and anticrossing behaviors of energy levels can be controlled by the thickness of a NMS layer. The ballistic transport of the structure is also investigated. The ranges of the Fermi energy for obtaining full spin polarization are suggested in this work.
The Principle of Adaptive Excitation for Photoluminescence Imaging of Silicon: Theory
Authors: Heinz Friedemann D. , Zhu Yan , Hameiri Ziv , Juhl Mattias , Trupke Thorsten , Schubert Martin C.
Published: May 2018

An approach that determines the charge carrier lifetime from photoluminescence (PL) imaging that is virtually not affected by lateral charge carrier drift and diffusion and image smearing due to photon scattering is proposed. The approach attempts to create a laterally uniform charge carrier density within a sample with non‐homogeneous recombination properties via illumination with spatially varying intensity. Lateral excess charge carrier drift and diffusion is inherently absent in this situation. Furthermore, as a homogeneous PL intensity is monitored, any optical artefact induced by photon scattering in the investigated wafer or the detection charge‐coupled device is strongly suppressed compared to conventional PL imaging. Using numeric simulations of different lifetime distribution scenarios, including one based on measured micro‐photoluminescence (μ‐PL) lifetime data, we demonstrate the feasibility of this proposed “Adaptive Excitation Photoluminescence Imaging” (Ax‐PLI) method.
Does the presence of water clusters induce the binding affinity of CK2 halogen ligands?: A quantum chemical perspective study
Authors: Deepa Palanisamy , Vijaya Pandiyan B. , Kolandaivel Ponmalai
Published: May 2018

Protein–ligand interaction is the key factor in modeling of drugs and water molecules act as a bridge in linking protein and ligand, which was clearly depicted by Deepa (Cryst. Growth Des. 2017, 17, 1299). This work is intended toward the significance of water cluster in the midst of ligand binding. Further the idea was accounted to have in‐depth analysis of the individual water molecules that interact with each part of the ligand, since in reality only very few crystal water molecules bind with the CK2 ligands. Further, bulk solvent effects have been modeled using Tomasi's polarized continuum model at M06‐2X/def2‐QZVP levels of theory has increased the stability of the complexes. The strength of individual water molecules and their binding nature with ligand will be depicted in detail by interaction energy and two body interaction energy calculations at M06‐2X/def2‐QZVP level of theory. The impact of noncovalent interactions (Hydrogen, σ‐hole and Π‐hole bonding) in bridging between water cluster cavity and ligand were deeply analysed using structural properties (bond distance and bond angle), 2DNCI plot, AIM and NBO analyses. The HOMO, LUMO energy values are discussed in detail for both monomer (ligand) and complexes (ligand with water clusters). It is expected that this study paves a novel path for the scientific community in modeling drugs with the clear understanding of the impact of water molecules on ligand.
Mechanical properties and characteristic of surface treated bamboo fiber reinforced PP/PS blends
Authors: Tang Gang , Gu Bangping , Hu Xiong , Wei Gaofeng , Claramunt Christophe , Liu Chengliang
Published: May 2018

Bamboo fiber (BF) as organic filler is characterized by mechanical properties analysis and morphology examination for polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) matrix blends. Effects of different filler content on tensile strength, flexural properties, and impact strength are proposed. It is observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies that addition of BF is beneficial in increasing mechanical strength via increasing the interface dispersed phase. The optimum tensile properties and impact properties of BF content were at 40 wt% for PP/PS/BF composite on melt mixing conditions. The results showed a significant improvement in mechanical properties of PP/PS/BF ternary blend composite. Comparing with untreated BF, content of carbon and nitrogen of treated BF decreased to 66.57 and 2.31%, oxygen content increased to 21.07%, and silicon content increased from 0 to 10.04%. The element ratio of O/C, N/C, and Si/C changed to 31.65, 3.47, and 15.08, respectively.
Influence of ionic interfacial layers on electronic properties of Alq3/Si(100) interface
Authors: Mazur P. , Sito J. , Grodzicki M. , Lament K. , Crofton M. , Ciszewski A.
Published: May 2018

The electronic structures of Alq3/Si(100), Alq3/LiBr/Si(100), and Alq3/KCl/Si(100) systems are presented in this report. Their energy level diagrams were prepared and discussed. The formation of the LiBr and KCl interfacial layers between an Alq3 film and a Si(100) substrate results in a decrease of the energy barrier at the interface. The studies were carried out in situ in ultrahigh vacuum by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Alq3 as well as LiBr and KCl layers were vapour evaporated onto n‐type Si(100) crystal. The electron affinity of clean Si(100) surface was 4.0 eV, and the position of the valence band maximum was 0.7 eV below EF. The energetic distance between the valence band maximum of Si(100) and the highest occupied molecular orbital level were 1.5, 2.6, and 2.2 eV, for the Alq3/Si(100), Alq3/LiBr/Si(100), and Alq3/KCl/Si(100) systems, respectively.
Functional Ag‐Exchanged Zeolites as Biocide Agents
Authors: Cerrillo José Luis , Palomares Antonio Eduardo , Rey Fernando , Valencia Susana , Pérez‐Gago María Bernardita , Villamón Diana , Palou Lluís
Published: May 2018

Materials based on silver are used for controlling different pathogenic microorganisms. However, the influence of the silver carrier in the biocidal activity of the material has been scarcely reported. The present research is focused on studying the influence of zeolite properties on the biocidal activity of silver‐exchanged zeolites, acting as reservoirs of silver species. The biocidal action of Ag‐Faujasite (Ag‐FAU) and Ag‐Linde Type A (Ag‐LTA) zeolites, containing different silver contents, is studied against different types of bacteria and fungi. Importantly, zeolite structure is found to be a significant parameter for controlling the antibacterial activity of Ag‐exchanged zeolites. The results show that Ag‐FAU presents a higher activity than Ag‐LTA, because the topology of FAU combined with its highest Si/Al ratio favors the formation and release of silver species with important biocidal activity. Some insights on the bactericidal mechanism of Ag‐zeolites are envisaged by means of high resolution transmission electron microscopy, showing the multi‐targeted biocidal action of Ag species released from zeolites. Besides, it is shown that Ag‐zeolites are more active against bacteria than fungi. Antifungal activity is highly dependent on the fungi species and the structure of the zeolite is not as determinant as it is for the antibacterial activity.
Towards a theory of ecosystems
Authors: Jacobides Michael G. , Cennamo Carmelo , Gawer Annabelle
Published: May 2018

Research Summary:The recent surge of interest in “ecosystems” in strategy research and practice has mainly focused on what ecosystems are and how they operate. We complement this literature by considering when and why ecosystems emerge, and what makes them distinct from other governance forms. We argue that modularity enables ecosystem emergence as it allows a set of distinct yet interdependent organizations to coordinate without full hierarchical fiat. We show how ecosystems address multilateral dependences based on various types of complementarities—supermodular or unique, unidirectional or bidirectional—which determine the ecosystem's value‐add. We argue that at the core of ecosystems lie nongeneric complementarities, and the creation of sets of roles that face similar rules. We conclude with implications for mainstream strategy and suggestions for future research.

Managerial Summary:We consider what makes ecosystems different from other business constellations, including markets, alliances, or hierarchically managed supply chains. Ecosystems, we posit, are interacting organizations, enabled by modularity, not hierarchically managed, bound together by the nonredeployability of their collective investment elsewhere. Ecosystems add value as they allow managers to coordinate their multilateral dependence through sets of roles that face similar rules, thus obviating the need to enter into customized contractual agreements with each partner. We explain how different types of complementarities (unique or supermodular, generic or specific, uni‐ or bi‐directional) shape ecosystems and offer a “theory of ecosystems” that can explain what they are, when they emerge, and why alignment occurs. Finally, we outline the critical factors affecting ecosystem emergence, evolution, and success—or failure.
Revisiting the gender gap in CEO compensation: Replication and extension of Hill, Upadhyay, and Beekun's (2015) work on CEO gender pay gap
Authors: Gupta Vishal K. , Mortal Sandra C. , Guo Xiaohu
Published: May 2018

Research Summary: The increasing number of women chief executives motivates considerable interest in examining possible gender differences in CEO compensation. Recently, Hill, Upadhyay and Beekun reported that female CEOs receive greater compensation than male CEOs, which runs counter to common wisdom that the gender pay gap in the labor market favors men over women. With the goal of contributing to cumulative knowledge development in this area, we seek to reexamine Hill et al.'s finding about gender differences in CEO compensation by extending the analyses further in time, using a larger sample of firms and more rigorous empirical analyses. Our findings, which are robust to different statistical procedures and econometric specifications, do not reveal reliable evidence for differences in compensation paid to male and female CEOs.

Managerial Summary: For years, a lively debate has centered on the issue of gender pay gap. The ubiquity of the pay gap between men and women has recently been questioned by Hill et al. who identify the chief executive officer (CEO) role as a workplace position where women receive greater compensation than men. Our investigation examines whether women CEOs are indeed compensated substantively more than male CEOs. We seek to replicate earlier work by Hill and colleagues, using an expanded dataset over a longer period of time and with more rigorous analytical tools. We do not find reliable evidence for a difference in compensation paid to male and female CEOs, suggesting that claims about gender gap in CEO compensation favoring women over men may be premature.
“One‐for‐All” Strategy in Fast Energy Storage: Production of Pillared MOF Nanorod‐Templated Positive/Negative Electrodes for the Application of High‐Performance Hybrid Supercapacitor
Authors: Qu Chong , Liang Zibin , Jiao Yang , Zhao Bote , Zhu Bingjun , Dang Dai , Dai Shuge , Chen Yu , Zou Ruqiang , Liu Meilin
Published: May 2018

Currently, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are intensively studied as active materials for electrochemical energy storage applications due to their tunable structure and exceptional porosities. Among them, water stable pillared MOFs with dual ligands have been reported to exhibit high supercapacitor (SC) performance. Herein, the “One‐for‐All” strategy is applied to synthesize both positive and negative electrodes of a hybrid SC (HSC) from a single pillared MOF. Specifically, Ni‐DMOF‐TM ([Ni(TMBDC)(DABCO)0.5], TMBDC: 2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid, DABCO: 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]‐octane) nanorods are directly grown on carbon fiber paper (CFP) (denoted as CFP@TM‐nanorods) with the help of triethylamine and function as the positive electrode of HSC under alkaline electrolyte. Meanwhile, calcinated N‐doped hierarchical porous carbon nanorods (CFP@TM‐NPCs) are produced and utilized as the negative counter‐electrode from a one‐step heat treatment of CFP@TM‐nanorods. After assembling these two electrodes together to make a hybrid device, the TM‐nanorods//TM‐NPCs exhibit a wide voltage window of 1.5 V with a high sloping discharge plateau between 1‐1.2 V, indicating its great potential for practical applications. This as‐described “One‐for‐All” strategy is widely applicable and highly reproducible in producing MOF‐based electrode materials for HSC applications, which shortens the gap between experimental synthesis and practical application of MOFs in fast energy storage.
Atomic Insights into Phase Evolution in Ternary Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenides Nanostructures
Authors: Zou Yi‐Chao , Chen Zhi‐Gang , Liu Shijian , Aso Kohei , Zhang Chenxi , Kong Fantai , Hong Min , Matsumura Syo , Cho Kyeongjae , Zou Jin
Published: May 2018

Phase engineering through chemical modification can significantly alter the properties of transition‐metal dichalcogenides, and allow the design of many novel electronic, photonic, and optoelectronics devices. The atomic‐scale mechanism underlying such phase engineering is still intensively investigated but elusive. Here, advanced electron microscopy, combined with density functional theory calculations, is used to understand the phase evolution (hexagonal 2H→monoclinic T′→orthorhombic Td) in chemical vapor deposition grown Mo1−

x
W
x
Te2 nanostructures. Atomic‐resolution imaging and electron diffraction indicate that Mo1−

x
W
x
Te2 nanostructures have two phases: the pure monoclinic phase in low W‐concentrated (0 < x ≤ 10 at.%) samples, and the dual phase of the monoclinic and orthorhombic in high W‐concentrated (10 < x < 90 at.%) samples. Such phase coexistence exists with coherent interfaces, mediated by a newly uncovered orthorhombic phase Td′. Td′, preserves the centrosymmetry of T′ and provides the possible phase transition path for T′→Td with low energy state. This work enriches the atomic‐scale understanding of phase evolution and coexistence in multinary compounds, and paves the way for device applications of new transition‐metal dichalcogenides phases and heterostructures.
Curcuminoids combined with gefitinib mediated apoptosis and autophagy of human oral cancer SAS cells in vitro and reduced tumor of SAS cell xenograft mice in vivo
Authors: Hsiao Yung‐Ting , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Lin Jen‐Jyh , Huang Wen‐Wen , Peng Shu‐Fen , Chueh Fu‐Shin , Bau Da‐Tian , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: May 2018

Gefitinib has been used for cancer patients and curcumin (CUR), demethoxycurcumin (DMC), or bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) also shown to induce cancer cell apoptosis. However, no report shows the combination of gefitinib with, CUR, DMC, or BDMC induce cell apoptosis and autophagy in human oral cancer cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of gefitinib with or without CUR, DMC, or BDMC co‐treatment on the cell viability, apoptotic cell death, autophagy, mitochondria membrane potential (MMP), and caspase‐3 activities by flow cytometry assay and autophagy by acridine orange (AO) staining in human oral cancer SAS cells. Results indicated that gefitinib co‐treated with CUR, DMC, or BDMC decreased total viable cell number through the induction of cell apoptosis and autophagy and decreased the levels of MMP and increased caspase‐3 activities in SAS cells. Western blotting indicated that gefitinib combined with CUR, DMC, or BDMC led to decrease Bcl‐2 protein expression which is an antiapoptotic protein and to increase ATG5, Beclin 1, p62/SQSTM1, and LC3 expression that associated with cell autophagy in SAS cells. Gefitinib combined with CUR and DMC led to significantly reduce the tumor weights and volumes in SAS cell xenograft nude mice but did not affect the total body weights. Based on those observations, we suggest that the combination of gefitinib with CUR, DMC, and BDMC can be a potential anticancer agent for human oral cancer in future.
The Green-Schwarz mechanism and geometric anomaly relations in 2d (0,2) F-theory vacua
Authors: Weigand Timo , Xu Fengjun
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We study the structure of gauge and gravitational anomalies in 2d N = (0, 2) theories obtained by compactification of F-theory on elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau 5-folds. Abelian gauge anomalies, induced at 1-loop in perturbation theory, are cancelled by a generalized Green-Schwarz mechanism operating at the level of chiral scalar fields in the 2d supergravity theory. We derive closed expressions for the gravitational and the non-abelian and abelian gauge anomalies including the Green-Schwarz counterterms. These expressions involve topological invariants of the underlying elliptic fibration and the gauge background thereon. Cancellation of anomalies in the effective theory predicts intricate topological identities which must hold on every elliptically fibered Calabi-Yau 5-fold. We verify these relations in a non-trivial example, but their proof from a purely mathematical perspective remains as an interesting open problem. Some of the identities we find on elliptic 5-folds are related in an intriguing way to previously studied topological identities governing the structure of anomalies in 6d N = (1, 0) and 4d N = 1 theories obtained from F-theory.
Presentation, progression, and predictors of ovarian insufficiency in classic galactosemia
Authors: Frederick Allison B. , Zinsli Alison M. , Carlock Grace , Conneely Karen , Fridovich‐Keil Judith L.
Published: May 2018

Classic galactosemia (CG) is an inherited metabolic disorder that affects about 1 in 50,000 live births in the United States and many other countries. With the benefit of early detection by newborn screening and rapid dietary restriction of galactose, generally achieved by removing dairy from the diet, most affected infants are spared the acute and potentially lethal symptoms of disease. Despite early detection and life‐long dietary intervention, however, most patients grow to experience a constellation of long‐term complications that include premature ovarian insufficiency in the vast majority of girls and young women. Our goal in the study reported here was to define the presentation, progression, and predictors of ovarian insufficiency in a cohort of 102 post‐pubertal girls and women with CG. To our knowledge, this is the largest cohort studied to date. We found that 68% of the girls and women in our study achieved spontaneous menarche, while 32% achieved menarche only after starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Of those who achieved spontaneous menarche, fewer than 50% were still cycling regularly after 3 years, and fewer than 15% were still cycling regularly after 10 years. Of factors tested for possible association with spontaneous menarche, only detectable (≥ 0.04 ng/mL) plasma anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was significant. These results extend substantially from prior studies and confirm that detectable plasma AMH is a useful predictor of ovarian function in girls and women with CG.
Is the Satpura “Horst” in fact a Compressional Uplift?
Authors: Sheth Hetu
Published: May 2018

The >600-km-long Satpura mountain range of central India is usually considered as a horst, separated by normal faults from the Tapi and Narmada grabens. Numerous geological observations and seismicity suggest that a fundamentally different scenario is possible: the arcuate Satpura range may be a large-scale compressional uplift, riding over a north-dipping Satpura-Tapi boundary thrust, akin to the thrust-bounded regional-scale anticlines of the Columbia river flood basalt province. Erosion of the southern front of the Satpuras produces a large fault-line scarp, an illusory normal fault; close parallels exist in the Himalaya and Kachchh. The Satpura-Tapi boundary thrust is blind, buried under the post-Deccan Tapi alluvium, but periodically active, and the Tapi valley has significant seismic risk.
Chrome-diopside Megacryst-bearing Lamprophyre from the Late Cretaceous Mundwara Alkaline Complex, NW India: Petrological and Geodynamic Implications
Authors: Sharma Abhinay , Kumar Deepak , Sahoo Samarendra , Pandit Dinesh , Rao N. V. Chalapathi
Published: May 2018

The occurrence of a rare mantle-derived chrome-diopside megacryst (∼8 mm), containing inclusions of olivine, in a lamprophyre dyke from the late Cretaceous polychronous (∼100 - 68 Ma) Mundwara alkaline complex of NW India is reported. The olivine inclusions are forsteritic (Fo: 85.23) in composition, and their NiO (0.09 wt%) and CaO (0.13 wt%) contents imply derivation from a peridotitic mantle source. The composition of the chrome diopside (Cr2O3: 0.93 wt ) (Wo45.27 En48.47 Fs5.07 and Ac1.18) megacryst is comparable to that occurring in the garnet peridotite xenoliths found in diamondiferous kimberlites from Archaean cratons. Single pyroxene thermobarometry revealed that this chrome diopside megacryst was derived from a depth range of ∼100 km, which is relatively much deeper than that of the chrome-diopside megacrysts (∼40-50 km) reported in spinel-lherzolite xenoliths from the alkali basalts of Deccan age (ca. 66-67 Ma) from the Kutch, NW India. This study highlights that pre-Deccan lithosphere, below the Mundwara alkaline complex, was at least ∼100 km thick and, likely, similar in composition to that of the cratonic lithosphere.
Local Site Effect Due to Past Earthquakes in Kolkata
Authors: Shiuly Amit , Sahu R. B. , Mandal Saroj , Roy Narayan
Published: May 2018

Kolkata, capital of West Bengal, India, presently congested with moderate to high rise buildings, has undergone low to moderate damages due to past earthquakes. The city is situated on the world’s largest delta island with soft thick alluvial soil layer. In this study, an attempt has been made to study ground response due to a number of past earthquakes, 1897 Shillong earthquake, 1964 Calcutta earthquake and 2011 Sikkim earthquake, for the purpose of preliminary microzonation of the Kolkata city. For this, synthetic ground motions have been generated at bedrock level by stochastic method. By using 1D wave propagation technique, the synthetic ground motion has been computed at surface level for 144 borehole locations in the city. Contours of PGA, PGV and PGD parameters in the city have been drawn for these three earthquakes. Response spectra for these three earthquakes have also been computed and an optimum response spectrum has been determined. A good correlation has been obtained with predicted ground motion at surface level of the city with the reported intensity and damages occurred in buildings of Kolkata during past earthquakes. The scenario of simulated ground motion for the past three earthquakes depicts that Kolkata city is very much prone to damages even due to moderate far and near source earthquakes.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Stability Analysis of Soil Slope — A Case Study
Authors: Kundu Jagadish , Sarkar Kripamoy , Singh P. K. , Singh T. N.
Published: May 2018

This paper deals with the soil slope stability analysis along the road section (National Highway-05) near Luhri area, Himachal Pradesh, India. The area constantly experiences local as well as regional slides which enhances the siltation, reduce carrying capacity of the Sutlej river with time and further increases the water level on the banks of the slope. High traffic congestion puts the area at high risk zone and therefore, stability analysis was done using probabilistic as well as deterministic approach under static conditions through limit equilibrium method (LEM) and finite element method (FEM). FEM was used for stability analysis, mainly to obtain deformational characteristics, under static conditions and compared with LEM results. The results of both the methods help in identifying the zones of vulnerability in the case study. Further, the values of safety factor obtained from both the methods are in close approximation. The study also reveals that the slope is critically stable and a remedial measure has been suggested by modifying the geometry of the slope, which needs proper protection from any external factors like rainfall and earthquakes that may cause unforeseeable circumstances.
Processes Controlling Groundwater Chemistry from Mulakalacheruvu Area, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, South India: A Statistical Approach Based on Hydrochemistry
Authors: Nagaraju A. , Balaji E. , Sun L. H. , Thejaswi A.
Published: May 2018

In India groundwater is an important source for domestic and agricultural purposes. Management of this resource is very important to meet the increasing demand of water. In this study, the ionic concentrations of groundwater from Mulakalacheruvu area, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, South India have been calculated during May 2014 and the major ionic concentrations have been analyzed by hydrochemcial and statistical methods in order to trace the main processes controlling the groundwater chemistry. The results have suggested that these groundwater samples belong to Na-HCO3 (18 samples), Ca-HCO3 (16 samples) and Mg-HCO3 (6 samples) types. The hydrochemical methods suggest that the rocks in the aquifer system are sources of the major ions in the groundwater, and the silicate is the main mineral phase. Three sources viz. mafic silicate, felsic silicates and easily soluble minerals have been identified as responsible for the chemical variations of the groundwater. Further, the source contributions of silicate minerals for the groundwater hydrochemistry have been analyzed. These results suggest that the hydrochemistry of the groundwater in the south-eastern area is mainly controlled by weathering of felsic silicate (61-100%), whereas the north-western area is principally contributed by mafic silicate minerals (48-100%).
Induced and Ambient Crustal Seismicity under the Ghawar Oil-Gas Fields, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Manoj , Elawadi Eslam , Mukhopadhyay Basab , Mogren Saad
Published: May 2018

The Ghawar anticline (GA) is the super-giant anticline belonging to a set of giant anticlines called the Rayn anticlines (RA) developed in the Eastern Province (EP), Saudi Arabia. The RA is situated within the Arabian block microplate forming the distant foreland of the Zagros. For the first time, using the ‘Reviewed ISC Earthquake Catalogue’ for the period of 1970-2010, it is demonstrated that the EP crust is seismogenic down to a depth of ∼15 km or more and has a typical surface width of ∼220 km; this width is ostensibly six-times wider than that of GA. The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) Earthquake Network Catalogue is utilized to study local seismicity. The GA is locally seismically active such that 826 events have occurred during the period of 2005-2010, with a maximum magnitude of ML 4.24. Magnitude completeness (Mc) analysis, based on the assumption of self-similarity, suggests that all local earthquakes above a cut-off magnitude of ≥2.7 have been detected in EP. Certain basic estimates on the average depth of origin of the induced events and histogram plot on the frequency of induced and ambient (natural) seismicity are illustrated. The induced events came almost in equal proportions from the Uthmaniyah-Hawaiyah and Haradh production divisions belonging to the central and southern oil/gas Fields in GA. Poroelastic parameters of the reservoir are reviewed with respect to the induced seismicity. Focal-depth distribution of events along the strike direction of seismic zones follows the ‘En-Nala axis’ in the GA and is used, together with ISC data, to broadly define the seismogenic crust from a 3D-perspective. Seismic activity below both production divisions is supposedly triggered by hydrocarbon fluid-extraction; locally triggered seismicity shows better correlation to mutually opposite reverse faults transgressing the Haradh and Uthmaniyah-Hawaiyah production divisions under the influence of regional compressive stress oriented along N40°E. Results from four composite focal mechanism solutions also support this contention.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping along the National Highway-1D, between Kargil and Lamayuru, Ladakh Region, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Hussain Gulzar , Singh Yudhbir , Bhat Ghulam Mohd
Published: May 2018

Landslides commonly occurs in hilly areas and causes an enormous loss iof life and property every year. National highway-1D (NH-1D) is the only road link between the two districts (Kargil and Leh) of Ladakh region that connects these districts with Kashmir valley. The landslide failure record of the recent past along this sector of the highway is not available. The present study documents landslide susceptible zones and records occurrence of 60 landslides during the last 4 years showing an increasing trend in the occurrence of landslides over these years in this sector. The landslide susceptibility zonation map has been prepared based on the numerical rating of ten major factors viz. slope morphometry, lithology, structure, relative relief, land cover, landuse, rainfall, hydrological conditions, landslide incidences and Slope Erosion, categorised the area in different zones of instability based on the intensity of susceptibility. The landslide susceptibility map of the area encompassing 73.03 km2 is divided into 150 facets. Out of the total of 150 facets, 85 facets fall in low susceptibility zone covering 43.56 km2 which constitute about 59.65% of the total area under investigation with a record of 5 landslides; 40 facets fall in the moderate susceptibility zone covering 16.94km2 which constitutes about 23.19% of the study area with a record of 20 landslides; and 25 facets fall in the high susceptibility zone covering 12.53 km2 which constitute about 17.15% of the study area with a record of 35 landslides. Most of the facets which fall in HSZ are attributed to slope modification for road widening.
Detecting Clay Minerals in Hydrothermal Alteration Areas with Integration of ASTER Image and Spectral Data in Kösedag-Zara (Sivas), Turkey
Authors: Canbaz Oktay , Gürsoy Önder , Gökce Ahmet
Published: May 2018

Remote sensing technology and its terrestrial components are more useful than classical geological investigation in mineral exploration and mapping the hydrothermal alteration areas and help to investigate larger areas in short time. Intrusive and volcanic rocks, namely Kösedag syenite and Karatas volcanics in Kösedag (Zara) area shows argillic alteration zones. Two different test area were chosen and sampled for mineralogical studies. XRD-CF investigations showed that kaolinite and illite are the dominant clay minerals in test areas of A and B respectively. The spectroradiometer measurements were carried out 5 times on different surfaces of clayey samples with self-illuminated contact-probe lens within the wavelength range of 350-2500 nm. The spectroradiometer measurements used as endmember were resampled to ASTER short wave infrared (SWIR) bandwidths. Band ratio, principal component and decorrelation stretching analysis were performed to visualize the distribution of clay minerals. In spectral classification method, matched filtering (MF) was used for integrating the satellite image and spectroradiometer measurement data. It was concluded that co-interpretations of the band ratio, principal component, decorrelation stretching analysis, MF results and geological map are very useful in determining, classifying and mapping of the argillic alteration zones related to hydrothermal processes on ASTER image and they seem to be very useful to identify the target areas for mineral exploration.
How does economic research contribute to the management of forest ecosystem services?
Authors: Garcia Serge , Abildtrup Jens , Stenger Anne
Published: May 2018

Key message

More and more environmental and resource economists are taking a particular interest in research on forest ecosystem services (FES), especially in a context of climate change. Spatial and temporal issues are crucial to economic analyses and for the design of conservation policies. Interdisciplinary research involving ecological and economic disciplines is a prerequisite for the more effective management of forest ecosystems.

Context

Economists define non-market ecosystem services (ES) as public or common goods due to their characteristics of non-rivalry in terms of consumption and/or non-excludability. Just because they do not have a price does not mean that ES have no economic value because their social benefits are undoubtedly considerable. These features, associated with the market demand for timber and a poor climate risk assessment, may lead to the under-provision of non-market forest ES and the over-harvesting of timber.

Aims

In this article, we review research questions that are central to the enhancement of FES provision. Beyond the economic modelling of the joint provision of FES, we focus on issues related to the design of public policies to guide forest management. The objective is to provide crucial insights concerning the importance of a spatial and sustainable provision of FES.

Results

First, we provide an economic interpretation of the FES concept and a review of economic models of forest management. Second, we explain how spatial and temporal dimensions of FES can have major implications on their supply and demand. Both dimensions explain why FESs have to be taken into account in production decisions and public policies (including the design of payment for environmental services (PESs)).

Conclusion

A better understanding of FES provision and public policies to be enhanced is not possible without accounting for spatial and temporal dimensions. This helps to analyse the impact of intervention on FES and the cost-effectiveness of economic instruments, implying a coordinated effort to bring together ecological and economic data and models.
QUANTILE REGRESSION OF GERMAN STANDARD FARMLAND VALUES: DO THE IMPACTS OF DETERMINANTS VARY ACROSS THE CONDITIONAL DISTRIBUTION?
Authors: LEHN FRIEDERIKE , BAHRS ENNO
Published: May 2018

Because of considerably increased farmland prices, not only in Germany, the question arises whether farmland is still affordable for farmers. Hence, there is a call for price caps. If farmland prices are to be capped by political intervention, identifying the main farmland price determinants especially for the highest prices is essential. Using quantile regression for German standard farmland values, we find heterogeneous relationships across the estimated quantiles for several covariates. Nonagricultural factors are often more pronounced at the upper tail of the conditional distribution. We recommend focusing primarily on factors in the upper quantiles to prevent further farmland price increases.
The Criminal Is Political: Policing Politics in Real Existing Liberalism
Authors: DUFF KOSHKA
Published: May 2018

The familiar irony of ‘real existing socialism’ is that it never was. Socialist ideals were used to legitimize regimes that fell far short of realizing those ideals—indeed, that violently repressed anyone who tried to realize them. This paper suggests that the derogatory concept of ‘the criminal’ may be allowing liberal ideals to operate in contemporary political philosophy and real politics in a worryingly similar manner. By depoliticizing deep dissent from the prevailing order of property, this concept can obscure what I call the ‘legitimation gap’. This is the gulf between (a) liberal accounts of state legitimacy, and (b) the actual functioning of liberal states. Feminists have long pointed out that the exclusion of what is deemed ‘personal’ from political consideration is itself a political move. I propose that the construction of the criminal as a category opposed to the political works similarly to perpetuate unjust forms of social power.
Pursuing foreign investment for nationalist goals: Venezuela's hybrid resource nationalism
Authors: Rosales Antulio
Published: May 2018

Scholarship in international political economy (IPE) has noted the rise of resource nationalism in since the early 2000s. Despite the increased presence of state regulation in the resource sector, resource nationalism has not been incompatible with foreign investment. This article contributes to better understand resource nationalist policies that emerged in recent years and offers new theoretical insights to explain state-IOC relations by integrating obsolescing bargaining theories and constructivist approaches. Drawing on the case of Venezuela, this article explains how the Chávez regime pursued a hybrid model of control and welcoming of investments in the oil sector. The article argues that both bargaining insights and ideational considerations are important in explaining this model. In the context of high oil prices and sunk investments, it is unsurprising that a leftist government would seek to renegotiate contracts to seek better deals from extractive companies. Yet, focusing exclusively on those incentives misses important ideational drivers for the government to keep investors in the country. For Chávez's government, effecting changes in the oil policy was possible after waging an intense battle with its NOC, PDVSA, over control. Association with foreign investment became crucial to build its socialist model and to control its own company.
The Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Rest and Activity Questionnaire (MTBI-RAQ): A Pilot Study
Authors: Sullivan Karen A. , Cox Rebecca
Published: May 2018

Objective: To develop a tool for assessing intentions to continue or change activities for recovery following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and determine if they are dependent on injury context or activity type. Method: Adult volunteers with no (or no recent) history of mTBI were randomly allocated to one of two vignette conditions, each with a different injury context. The vignette described an mTBI due to a motor vehicle accident (MVA,n= 76) or sport (SPORT,n= 89). Volunteers reported their rest or activity plans for 39 behaviours comprising three behaviour types (cognitive, physical, and restful). Results: Compared to a cut-score representing no change, on average there was a significant (p<= .001) planneddecreasein physical and cognitive behaviours (MVAphysicalt(53) = 7.373; SPORTphysicalt(41) = 9.281; MVAcognitivet(41) = 9.367; SPORTcognitivet(51) = −3.521) and a significant plannedincreasein restful behaviours, such as sleep (MVArestfult(72) = 10.006; SPORTrestfult(86) = 9.566). An overall within-group effect for behaviour-type was not identified and there was no effect of condition (MVA vs. SPORT). Conclusion: The acute rest and activity plans for a simulated mTBI are behaviour specific and not dependent on context. An expectation for blanket-rest was not was observed but rest was planned for specific behaviours. This tool could be used to guide discussions with mTBI patients about their recovery so that their plans align with advice, and it could aid further research into the relation between intended and actual rest and activity and the effect on eventual outcomes.