bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the deep‐level defects in CdZnTe crystals grown by travelling heater method
Authors: Zhou Boru , Jie Wanqi , Wang Tao , Xu Lingyan , Yang Fan , Yin Liying , Fu Xu , Nan Ruihua
Published: February 2017

The variation of deep level defects along the axis of CZT:In ingots grown by Travelling Heater Method was investigated by the means of thermally stimulated current (TSC) spectra. Models for the reaction among different defects In, Tei, and VCd were used to analyze the variation of deep level defects along the growth direction. It was found that the density of In dopant‐related defects is lower in the tip, but those of Te antisites and Te interstitials are higher in the tip. The density of cadmium vacancy exhibits an initial increase followed by a decrease from the tip to tail of the ingot. In PL spectra, the intensities of (D0, X), (DAP) and Dcomplex peaks obviously increase from the tip to the tail, due to the increase of the density of In dopant‐related defects (), Cd vacancies, and impurities. The low concentration of net free holes was found by Hall measurements, and high resistivity with p‐type conduction was demonstrated from I–V analysis. The mobility for electrons was found to increase significantly from 634 ± 26 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the tip to 860 ± 10 cm2 V−1 s−1 in the tail, due to the decrease of the deep level defect densities.
Skin-Derived Precursors as a Source of Progenitors for Corneal Endothelial Regeneration
Authors: Inagaki Emi , Hatou Shin , Higa Kazunari , Yoshida Satoru , Shibata Shinsuke , Okano Hideyuki , Tsubota Kazuo , Shimmura Shigeto
Published: February 2017

Corneal blindness is the fourth leading cause of blindness in the world. Current treatment is allogenic corneal transplantation, which is limited by shortage of donors and immunological rejection. Skin-derived precursors (SKPs) are postnatal stem cells, which are self-renewing, multipotent precursors that can be isolated and expanded from the dermis. Facial skin may therefore be an accessible autologous source of neural crest derived cells. SKPs were isolated from facial skin of Wnt1-Cre/Floxed EGFP mouse. After inducing differentiation with medium containing retinoic acid and GSK 3-β inhibitor, SKPs formed polygonal corneal endothelial-like cells (sTECE). Expression of major corneal endothelial markers were confirmed by Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative Real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Western blots confirmed the expression of Na, K-ATPase protein, the major functional marker of corneal endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of zonular occludens-1 and Na, K-ATPase in cell-cell junctions. In vitro functional analysis of Na, K-ATPase pump activity revealed that sTECE had significantly high pump function compared to SKPs or control 3T3 cells. Moreover, sTECE transplanted into a rabbit model of bullous keratopathy successfully maintained corneal thickness and transparency. Furthermore, we successfully induced corneal endothelial-like cells from human SKPs, and showed that transplanted corneas also maintained corneal transparency and thickness. Our findings suggest that SKPs may be used as a source of autologous cells for the treatment of corneal endothelial disease.
Greater sage‐grouse in Montana: Mapping archetype viewpoints across stakeholder groups using Q methodology
Authors: Peters D'jeane T. , Ward Lucas
Published: February 2017

We conducted a Q‐method‐based study to examine patterns of agreement and disagreement across stakeholder groups regarding greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) management in Montana, USA, between 2010 and 2014. Tested groups consisted of government natural resource managers, advocacy groups, landowners, and concerned citizens. We asked 49 representatives of 14 different stakeholder agencies to complete a Q‐method assessment of their viewpoints on greater sage‐grouse management in Montana. We identified the substantively different ways that stakeholders organized their views on 2 issues: 1) What is the condition of greater sage‐grouse in Montana? (i.e., the problem); and 2) What should be done about it? (i.e., the solution). We identified 3 “archetypes” (or factors in Q‐method terminology): Limit Development, Local Governance, and Limit Regulation—each of which prioritized a different set of management values. We found that viewpoints toward climate change and predators were issues that created divisions among archetypes regarding sources of greater sage‐grouse mortality, whereas the issues of sod‐busting (breaking up new ground for cultivation) and concerns for the economic impacts of listing as an endangered species could be starting points for building consensus among stakeholder groups. Not only did Q methodology reveal the issues that divided the 3 archetypes and those issues that served as common ground, it also identified stakeholders whose viewpoints made them well‐suited to act as agents of consensus or translators during contentious decision‐making processes. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Religion in Western Society
Authors: Hunt Stephen J.
Published: February 2017

This book offers a comprehensive account of the nature and expression of contemporary forms of religion in Western societies. Drawing both on recent original work and classical and contemporary conceptual frameworks, it examines the beliefs, practices, patterns of organisation and significant trends in both mainstream and fringe religions including cults and quasi-religions. Competing arguments and theories about key developments are treated fully and fairly and there is a clear sense throughout of the social context. The approach is broadly sociological and the well-paced, jargon-free writing style and clearly sectioned chapters make this an ideal text for teaching and study purposes, both in sociology and religious studies. Amongst the themes and concerns covered are:

- What we mean in the first place by religion

- Secularisation and new expressions of religiosity

- The effect of religion on society and the relationship between religion and social change

- The links between belief, belonging and social identity

- Contemporary Christianity and the religions of ethnic minorities in the West

- Globalisation, religious pluralism and postmodernity
Potential therapeutic role of punicalagin against mechanical-trauma-induced stress urinary incontinence via upregulation of Nrf2 and TGF-β1 signaling
Authors: Tang Jianming , Liu Cheng , Min Jie , Hu Ming , Li Yang , Hong Li
Published: February 2017

Introduction and hypothesis

We investigated the effect of punicalagin (PUN; 2,3-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-gallagyl-D-glucose), on mechanical-trauma-induced stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in mouse and the mechanisms underlying any effects.

Methods

Ninety virgin female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups: five groups underwent vaginal distention (VD) for 1 h and leak-point pressure (LPP) was measured on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th day following (VD groups 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d). The sixth group was a noninstrumented control (NC) group. Then, 75 virgin female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: a VD group (that just underwent VD) and an NC group were orally administered saline every day for 7 days; and three VD + PUN groups that underwent VD and were orally administered PUN respectively at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg every day for 7 days. LPP was tested on the day 7, then all mice were sacrificed and their urethras and anterior vaginal walls harvested for Masson staining, immunohistochemistry study, Western blot analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

LPPs after VD were significantly lower than the NC group, and the LPPs of mice on days 14 and 28 day after VD were significantly higher than on the days 1, 3, and 7. PUN significantly improved VD-induced drops in LPP and alleviated VD-induced decrease of collagen I, collagen III, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and p-Smad3, nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) protein levels, and increase of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (OHdG) in urethra and anterior vaginal wall. PUN also up-regulated the expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), whereas protein levels of Smad 2, p-Smad2, and Smad3 were not changed.

Conclusions

PUN exerts certain therapeutic effect on mechanical-trauma-induced SUI in mice, which might be through the activation of TGF-β1/Smad3 and Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling activation.
Is leaf area of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) affected by mixture proportion and stand density?
Authors: Dirnberger Gerald , Kumer Angela-Elisabeth , Schnur Eduard , Sterba Hubert
Published: February 2017

Key message

Trees with otherwise equal dimensions have different leaf areas if they are located in different stand types. While leaf area of European larch is affected by mixture proportion, leaf area of Norway spruce is affected by stand density.

Context

Leaf area is a key parameter for evaluating growth efficiency of trees, and therefore needs to be measured as consistently and accurately as possible. This is even more important when comparing monospecific and mixed stands.

Aims

The aim of the study is to find combinations of parameters and allometric relationships that can be used to estimate accurately the leaf area of individual trees.

Methods

Allometries of the measured leaf area of 194 trees in 12 stands were analysed in order to find variables affecting leaf area. Existing functions from the literature were validated. Finally, models were fitted to find the most appropriate method for estimating leaf area of mixed and monospecific stands of Norway spruce and European larch.

Results

Allometric relationships of leaf area to other measurable characteristics of trees vary in different stand types. Besides individual tree dimensions such as diameter and crown surface area, leaf area of Norway spruce is related to stand density, whereas the leaf area of European larch is dependent on the admixture of Norway spruce in the stand.

Conclusion

In contrast to models for estimating individual tree leaf area of Norway spruce, models for leaf area of European larch have to consider mixture proportions in order to correctly interpret the growth efficiency of mixed stands.
Gender differences in the association between conduct disorder and risky sexual behavior
Authors: Brooks Holliday Stephanie , Ewing Brett A. , Storholm Erik D. , Parast Layla , D'Amico Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2017

Despite suggestions that there are gender differences in the association between conduct disorder (CD) and risky sexual behavior, limited empirical research has examined this question. Youth (N = 616) were recruited from four primary care clinics and completed questions related to risky sexual behavior, alcohol and marijuana use, and CD. Results of stratified multivariate models indicated that the association between CD and having four or more lifetime partners, having two or more partners in the last 3 months, and engaging in condomless sex was stronger among female youth. However, the association between CD and alcohol and other drug use before sex was stronger in male youth. This is an important contribution to our understanding of gender‐specific manifestations of conduct disorder, and has the potential to inform screening and brief intervention efforts for this population.
Gevrey regularizing effect for the (generalized) Korteweg-de Vries equation and nonlinear Schrödinger equations
Authors: De Bouard Anne , Hayashi Nakao , Kato Keiichi
Published: February 2017

This paper is concerned with regularizing effects of solutions to the (generalized) Korteweg-de Vries equation

\begin{cases}
∂_{t}u + ∂_{x}^{3}u =\lambda u^{p−1}∂_{x}u, & (t,x) \in ℝ \times ℝ, \\
u(0) = \phi , & x \in ℝ, &
\end{cases}

and nonlinear Schrödinger equations in one space dimension

\begin{cases}
i∂_{t}u + \frac{1}{2}∂_{x}^{2}u = G\left(u,\bar u\right), &(t,x) \in ℝ \times ℝ, \\
u(0) = \psi ,& x \in ℝ,
\end{cases}

where

p

is an integer satisfying

p ≥ 2

,

λ \in ℂ

and

G

is a polynomial of

\left(u,\bar u\right)

. We prove that if the initial function

ϕ

is in a Gevrey class of order 3 defined in Section 1, then there exists a positive time

T

such that the solution of (gKdV) is analytic in space variable for

t \in [−T, T]\backslash \{0\}

, and if the initial function

ψ

in a Gevrey class of order 2, then there exists a positive time

T

such that the solution of (NLS) is analytic in space variable for

t \in [−T, T]\backslash \{0\}

.

Nous étudions, dans cet article, certains effets régularisants pour les solutions de l’équation de Korteweg-de Vries (généralisée)

\begin{cases}
∂_{t}u + ∂_{x}^{3}u =\lambda u^{p−1}∂_{x}u, & (t,x) \in ℝ \times ℝ, \\
u(0) = \phi , & x \in ℝ, &
\end{cases}

et des équations de Schrödinger monodimensionnelles

\begin{cases}
i∂_{t}u + \frac{1}{2}∂_{x}^{2}u = G\left(u,\bar u\right), &(t,x) \in ℝ \times ℝ, \\
u(0) = \psi ,& x \in ℝ,
\end{cases}

où

p

est un entier supérieur ou égal à 2,

λ ∈ ℂ

et

G

est un polynôme en

(u,\bar u)

. Nous montrons que, lorsque la donnée initiale

ϕ

appartient à la classe de Gevrey définie dans la première partie, il existe un temps

T

tel que la solution de (gKdV) est analytique en espace pour

t \in [−T, T]\backslash \{0\}

; de même, lorsque la donnée initiale

ψ

appartient à une certaine classe de Gevrey d’ordre 2, il existe un temps

T

tel que la solution de (NLS) est analytique en espace pour

t \in [−T, T]\backslash \{0\}

.
Sur l’équation générale $u_t = a(., u, φ(., u)_x)_x + ν$ dans $L^1$ : II. Le problème d’évolution
Authors: Bénilan Philippe , Touré Hamidou
Published: February 2017

We consider in this article, the general equation

u_t = a(., u, φ(., u)_x)_x + v

of parabolic type, which may degenerate into first order hyperbolic type for some values of

(x, u)

. Under very general assumptions on the data, we prove existence, uniqueness and continuous dépendance results for mild solution of associated Cauchy Problem or Boundary Value Problems. With additionnai assumptions on the data, we show that this mild solution is an “entropy solution”. We study uniqueness of a weak solution and existence of strong solution.

Nous étudions dans cet article l’équation générale

u_t = a(., u, φ(., u)_x)_x + v

de type parabolique pouvant dégénérer en hyperbolique du premier ordre pour certaines valeurs de

(x, u)

. Utilisant la théorie des semi-groupes non linéaires dans

L^1

, nous établissons des résultats d’existence, d’unicité et de dépendance continue par rapport aux données, d’une « bonne solution » du problème de Cauchy ou de problèmes aux limites associés à cette équation sous des hypothèses très générales sur les données. Avec des hypothèses complémentaires, nous montrons que cette « bonne solution » est « solution entropique », nous étudions l’unicité des solutions faibles et l’existence de solution forte.
Nonlinear oblique boundary value problems for Hessian equations in two dimensions
Authors: Urbas John
Published: February 2017

We study nonlinear oblique boundary value problems for nonuniformly elliptic Hessian equations in two dimensions. These are equations whose principal part is given by a suitable symmetric function of the eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix
D
2
u
of the solution
u
. An interesting feature of our second derivative estimates is the need for certain strong structural hypotheses on the boundary condition, which are not needed in the uniformly elliptic case. Restrictions of this type are natural in our context; we present examples showing that second derivative bounds may fail if we do not assume such conditions.
A note on compactness-type properties with respect to Lorentz norms of bounded subsets of a Sobolev Space
Authors: Solimini Sergio
Published: February 2017

Some properties of “concentration-compactness type” are proved to the aim of characterizing the behaviour of bounded sequences of functions in a Sobolev Space with respect to Lorentz norms. Such properties are shown to exist as far as the embedding is not optimal with respect to the secundary index.

Des propriétés « du type concentration-compacité » sont démontrées dans le but de caractériser le comportement de suites bornées de fonctions dans un Espace de Sobolev relativement aux normes de Lorentz. Ces propriétés sont prouvées tant que le plongement n’est pas optimal par rapport à l’exposant secondaire.
Non-uniqueness of solutions of nonlinear heat equations of fast diffusion type
Authors: Rodriguez Ana , Vazquez Juan Luis
Published: February 2017

We study the existence of infinitely many solutions for the Cauchy problem associated with the nonlinear heat equation

u_t = (u^{m − 1}u_x)_x

in the fast diffusion range of exponents

−1 < m ≤ 0

with initial data

u_0 ≥ 0

,

u_0 ≢ 0

. The issue of non-uniqueness arises because of the singular character of the diffusivity for

u ≈ 0

. The precise question we want to clarify is: can we have multiple solutions even for initial data which are far away from the singular level

u = 0

, for instance for

u_0 (x) ≡ 1

? The answer is, rather surprisingly, yes. Indeed, there are infinitely many solutions for every given initial function. These properties differ strongly from other usual types of heat equations, linear or nonlinear.

We take as initial data an arbitrary function in

L_{\mathrm{loc}}^{1}\:(\mathrm{R})

. We prove that when the initial data have infinite integral on a side, say at

x = ∞

, then we can choose either to have infinite mass for all small times at least on that side, and the choice is then unique, or finite mass, and then we need to prescribe a flux function with diverging integral at

t = 0

, being otherwise quite general. Moreover, a new parameter appears in the solution set. The behaviour on both ends,

x = ∞

and

x = −∞

is similar and independent.

Nous étudions l’existence d’une infinité de solutions pour le problème de Cauchy associé à l’équation de la chaleur non linéaire

u_t = (u^{m − 1}u_x)_x

dans le rang d’exposants

− 1 < m ≤ 0

, avec donnée initiale

u_0 ≥ 0

et non triviale. La possibilité de non-unicité apparaît à cause de la singularité de la diffusivité

u^{m − 1}

pour

u \sim 0

. La question précise que nous voulons clarifier peut être formulée comme suit : est-il possible d’avoir une multiplicité de solutions même pour une donnée initiale qui est partout loin du niveau singulier

u = 0

? La réponse (plutôt surprenante) est OUI, il y a toujours non unicité, et même une infinité de solutions pour chaque donnée initiale

u_0

. Ces propriétés diffèrent notablement de celles des autres équations de la chaleur linéaires ou non linéaires qu’on a étudiées.

On prend des données initiales

u_{0} \in L_{\mathrm{loc}}^{1}\:(\mathrm{R})

. Quand l’intégrale de

u_0

diverge en

x = +∞

on a ou bien le choix d’une masse infinie de ce côté pour tout temps petit (et ce choix est unique) ou bien d’une masse finie toujours, et alors on a besoin d’imposer une fonction de fluxe

f(t)

à l’infini avec intégrale divergente en

t = 0

, autrement arbitraire. L’ensemble des solutions montre encore un paramètre supplémentaire. Le comportement pour

x = − ∞

est similaire et indépendant.
Second order nonpersistence of the sine Gordon breather under an exceptional perturbation
Authors: Denzler Jochen
Published: February 2017

We consider the only nontrivial perturbation of the sine Gordon equation of the type

u_{tt} − u_{xx} + \operatorname{sin} u = εΔ(u) + O(ε^2)

under which persistence of the unperturbed breather family cannot be ruled out by first order perturbation theory. We show that in this case, nonpersistence can be proved by second order perturbation theory. A resonant interaction of the second order perturbation function with the first order perturbation of the breathers is responsible for this phenomenon. Number theoretic techniques make the final analysis manageable.

On discute de la seule perturbation

u_{tt} − u_{xx} + \operatorname{sin} u = εΔ(u) + O(ε^2)

non triviale de l’équation sinus-Gordon pour laquelle il est impossible de conclure, sur la base de la seule équation du premier ordre en

ε

, que l’ensemble des solutions « breather » (« respirateur ») ne soit pas conservé. Dans ce cas, on se sert de l’équation du second ordre en e pour démontrer que cet ensemble n’est pas conservé. C’est une résonance du second ordre de la perturbation de l’équation avec le premier ordre de la perturbation des solutions « breather », qui est responsable pour ce phénomène. Pour réussir aux évaluations finales, on utilise des résultats de la théorie des nombres.
Connectivity properties of the range of a weak diffeomorphism ()
Authors: Giaquinta Mariano , Souček Jiří , Modica Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

We discuss connectivity properties of the range of Sobolev maps, and of weak diffeomorphisms or equivalently of elastic deformations.

On présente des résultats sur la connexion de l’image d’un difféomorphisme faible.
Topological solutions in the self-dual Chern-Simons theory: existence and approximation
Authors: Spruck Joel , Yang Yisong
Published: February 2017

In this paper a globally convergent computational scheme is established to approximate a topological multivortex solution in the recently discovered self-dual Chern–Simons theory in

\mathbf R^2

. Our method which is constructive and numerically efficient finds the most superconducting solution in the sense that its Higgs field has the largest possible magnitude. The method consists of two steps: first one obtains by a convergent monotone iterative algorithm a suitable solution of the bounded domain equations and then one takes the large domain limit and approximates the full piane solutions. It is shown that with a special choice of the initial guess function, the approximation sequence approaches exponentially fast a solution in

\mathbf R^2

. The convergence rate implies that the truncation errors away from local regions are insignificant.

Nous présentons dans cet article un algorithme qui converge globalement vers une solution qui est un multi-tourbillon topologique dans la théorie auto-duale de Chern–Simons sur

\mathbf R^2

. Notre méthode, qui est constructive et numériquement efficace fournit la solution la plus superconductrice, en ce sens que son champ de Higgs a norme maximum. Nous procédons de la manière suivante : nous obtenons d’abord une solution appropriée des équations dans le cas d’un domaine borné en utilisant une itération monotone convergente, puis en passant à la limite du grand domaine, nous approximons la solution dans tout le plan. Nous montrons que pour un choix particulier de la fonction initiale, la suite d’approximations converge exponentiellement vers une solution dans

\mathbf R^2

. La rapidità de la convergence entraîne que les erreurs dues à la troncation hors des régions locales sont négligeables.
Regulatory power, post-crisis transatlantic disputes, and the network structure of the financial industry
Authors: Quaglia Lucia
Published: February 2017

The international financial crisis was followed by waves of domestic regulatory reforms, first and foremost, in the United States and the European Union. Post-crisis financial regulation was sometimes different across jurisdictions. Moreover, the United States and the European Union sought in various ways to (re)assert their regulatory power not only vis-à-vis the market, but also with regard to other jurisdictions, which often resisted the projection of regulatory power beyond national borders. Consequently, a handful of important post-crisis transatlantic regulatory disputes emerged concerning E.U. rules on hedge funds, U.S. rules on bank structure and E.U. and U.S. rules on over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives. These disputes mainly involved the terms of access to each other's markets, the equivalence between domestic rules, and the extraterritorial effects of those rules. Some of these disputes were also intra-E.U. disagreements, whenever the preferences of the United Kingdom were different from those of Continental countries and similar to those of the United States. The network structure of the financial industry and the patterns of financial interdependence across the Atlantic amplified the extra territorial effects of domestic reforms, but at the same time triggered an active involvement of the transnational financial industry in the management and, eventually, the settlement of these disputes.
What's New in the Clinical Management of Disorders of Social Cognition?
Authors: McDonald Skye
Published: February 2017

Social cognition refers to the ability to use social cues to infer the meaning and intentions behind the behaviour of others in order to respond in a socially adaptive manner. It is increasingly recognised that disorders of social cognition, including problems with emotion perception, theory of mind, conversational inference, morality judgements, decision making and social inhibition, characterise many developmental and psychiatric disorders and are highly relevant to many with acquired brain injuries or diseases, especially the frontotemporal dementias. This review provides an introduction and overview of the papers in this special edition on social cognition and places these in the context of other recent research. In doing so, several current issues in the clinical management of social cognition are delineated. Given that social cognition seems to be a sensitive predictor of psychosocial function, the assessment of social cognition is seen by many clinicians to be important although which profession is responsible is yet to be resolved. Issues in how social cognition are assessed are discussed, including the importance of context to social cognition, its interactive nature and the need to recognise influences such as family upbringing, gender and emotional state on social cognitive performance. There also needs to be development of tests that address all aspects of social cognition, including decision making and inhibition. Finally, this review discusses intervention research. Interventions are especially well developed in relation to schizophrenia, and less well developed in brain injury. These appear to be generally effective although treatments for emotional self-awareness are yet to be developed.
Lack of Benefit With Combination Therapy for Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Njoku Jessica C. , Van Schooneveld Trevor C. , Rupp Mark E. , Olsen Keith M. , Qiu Fang , Meza Jane L. , Hermsen Elizabeth D.
Published: February 2017

Limited data exist regarding combination therapy for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). After adjusting for confounders in a cohort of patients with CDI and≥1 year old, combination therapy was not associated with significant differences in clinical outcomes, but it was associated with prolonged duration of therapy (1.22 days; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.44 days; P=.02).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:602–605
The Effect of Universal Decolonization With Screening in Critical Care to Reduce MRSA Across an Entire Hospital
Authors: Bradley Craig W. , Wilkinson Martyn A. C. , Garvey Mark I.
Published: February 2017

OBJECTIVE

To describe the effect of universal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) decolonization therapy in a large intensive care unit (ICU) on the rates of MRSA cases and acquisitions in a UK hospital.

DESIGN

Descriptive study.

SETTING

University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust is a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom, that provides clinical services to nearly 1 million patients every year.

METHODS

A break-point time series analysis and kernel regression models were used to detect significant changes in the cumulative monthly numbers of MRSA bacteremia cases and acquisitions from April 2013 to August 2016 across the UHB system.

RESULTS

Prior to 2014, all ICU patients at UHB received universal MRSA decolonization therapy. In August 2014, UHB discontinued the use of universal decolonization due to published reports in the United Kingdom detailing the limited usefulness and cost-effectiveness of such an intervention. Break-point time series analysis of MRSA acquisition and bacteremia data indicated that break points were associated with the discontinuation and subsequent reintroduction of universal decolonization. Kernel regression models indicated a significant increase (P<.001) in MRSA acquisitions and bacteremia cases across UHB during the period without universal decolonization.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that routine decolonization for MRSA in a large ICU setting is an effective strategy to reduce the spread and incidence of MRSA across the whole hospital.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:430–435
Boundary-layer development and gravity waves in conventionally neutral wind farms
Authors: Allaerts Dries , Meyers Johan
Published: February 2017

While neutral atmospheric boundary layers are rare over land, they occur frequently over sea. In these cases they are almost always of the conventionally neutral type, in which the neutral boundary layer is capped by a strong inversion layer and a stably stratified atmosphere aloft. In the current study, we use large-eddy simulations (LES) to investigate the interaction between a large wind farm that has a fetch of 15 km and a conventionally neutral boundary layer (CNBL) in typical offshore conditions. At the domain inlet, we consider three different equilibrium CNBLs with heights of approximately 300 m, 500 m and 1000 m that are generated in a separate precursor LES. We find that the height of the inflow boundary layer has a significant impact on the wind farm flow development. First of all, above the farm, an internal boundary layer develops that interacts downwind with the capping inversion for the two lowest CNBL cases. Secondly, the upward displacement of the boundary layer by flow deceleration in the wind farm excites gravity waves in the inversion layer and the free atmosphere above. For the lower CNBL cases, these waves induce significant pressure gradients in the farm (both favourable and unfavourable depending on location and case). A detailed energy budget analysis in the turbine region shows that energy extracted by the wind turbines comes both from flow deceleration and from vertical turbulent entrainment. Though turbulent transport dominates near the end of the farm, flow deceleration remains significant, i.e. up to 35 % of the turbulent flux for the lowest CNBL case. In fact, while the turbulent fluxes are fully developed after eight turbine rows, the mean flow does not reach a stationary regime. A further energy budget analysis over the rest of the CNBL reveals that all energy available at turbine level comes from upwind kinetic energy in the boundary layer. In the lower CNBL cases, the pressure field induced by gravity waves plays an important role in redistributing this energy throughout the farm. Overall, in all cases entrainment at the capping inversion is negligible, and also the work done by the mean background pressure gradient, arising from the geostrophic balance in the free atmosphere, is small.
Large eddy simulation of propeller wake instabilities
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Mahesh Krishnan
Published: February 2017

The wake of a five-bladed marine propeller at design operating condition is studied using large eddy simulation (LES). The mean loads and phase-averaged flow field show good agreement with experiments. Phase-averaged and azimuthal-averaged flow fields are analysed in detail to examine the mechanisms of wake instability. The propeller wake consisting of tip and hub vortices undergoes streamtube contraction, which is followed by the onset of instabilities as evident from the oscillations of the tip vortices. Simulation results reveal a mutual-induction mechanism of instability where, instead of the tip vortices interacting among themselves, they interact with the smaller vortices generated by the roll-up of the blade trailing edge wake in the near wake. It is argued that although the mutual-inductance mode is the dominant mode of instability in propellers, the actual mechanism depends on the propeller geometry and the operating conditions. The axial evolution of the propeller wake from near to far field is discussed. Once the propeller wake becomes unstable, the coherent vortical structures break up and evolve into the far wake, composed of a fluid mass swirling around an oscillating hub vortex. The hub vortex remains coherent over the length of the computational domain.
Parental Deception: Perceived Effects on Parent-Child Relationships
Authors: Cargill Joscelyn R. , Curtis Drew A.
Published: February 2017

Deception research has recently begun to examine its occurrence within parent-child relationships. The use and consequence of parental deception on the parent-child relationship remains unclear. The current study examined the effects of parental lies on the parent-child relationship. Questionnaires were provided to 276 participants that asked them to indicate their satisfaction with their parents, what kinds of lies parents have told, the seriousness of the lies, and how the lies affected their relationship. Findings revealed a negative correlation between parental deception and satisfaction, and parents were rated most likely to use white lies than any other types. The implications of the use of deception within parent-child relationships are discussed.
Financial Imbalance, Gender Roles, and Conflict Among Male-Male Couples
Authors: Hall Casey D. , Goldenberg Tamar , Andes Karen , Finneran Catherine , Stephenson Rob
Published: February 2017

While the influence of socioeconomic status and financial balance on conflict in female-male relationships has been widely examined, less is known about these phenomena in male-male relationships. This study consists of qualitative individual in-depth interviews with 20 self-identified gay/bisexual men to examine perceptions of financial roles within relationships, and the influence on relationship control and conflict. For some participants, financial roles were static, while others experienced dynamic roles across and within relationships. Some participants characterised financial imbalance using gendered constructs, ascribing masculine and feminine terms to financial roles. Overall, financial inequalities resulted in perception of power imbalance and conflict.
North Atlantic controlled depositional cycles in MIS 5e layered sediments from the deep Dead Sea basin
Authors: Palchan Daniel , Neugebauer Ina , Amitai Yael , Waldmann Nicolas D. , Schwab Markus J. , Dulski Peter , Brauer Achim , Stein Mordechai , Erel Yigal , Enzel Yehouda
Published: February 2017

The drilled Inter-Continental Drilling Project core at the deeps of the Dead Sea reveals thick sequences of halite deposits from the last interglacial period, reflecting prevailing arid conditions in the lake’s watershed. Here, we examine sequences of intercalating evaporates (halite or gypsum) and fine-detritus laminae and apply petrographic, micro-X-ray fluorescence, and statistical tools to establish in high-temporal resolution the hydroclimatic controls on the sedimentation in the last interglacial Dead Sea. The time series of the thickness of the best-recovered core sections of the layered halite, detritus, and gypsum reveals periodicities of ~11, 7–8, and 4–5 yr, pointing to a North Atlantic control and possibly solar influence on the hydrology of the Dead Sea watershed during the regionally arid period of the last interglacial period. Similar periodicities were detected in the last glacial and modern sedimentary sequences of the Dead Sea and other archives of the central Levant, indicating a persistent impact of the solar cycles on regional hydrology, possibly through the effects of the North Atlantic Oscillation.
Quaternary marine terrace chronology, North Canterbury, New Zealand, using amino acid racemization and infrared-stimulated luminescence
Authors: Oakley David O.S. , Kaufman Darrell S. , Gardner Thomas W. , Fisher Donald M. , VanderLeest Rebecca A.
Published: February 2017

Extensive marine terraces along the North Canterbury coast of the South Island of New Zealand record uplift in this tectonically active area. Although the terraces have been studied previously, applications of Quaternary geochronological techniques to the region have been limited. We use infrared-stimulated luminescence (IRSL), amino acid racemization (AAR), and radiocarbon to determine ages of terraces at three locations—Glenafric, Motunau Beach, and Haumuri Bluff. We develop an AAR calibration curve for the mollusk speciesTawera spissafrom sites of known age, including the sedimentary sequence of the Whanganui Basin. Bayesian model averaging of the results is used to estimate ages of marine shells from the North Canterbury terraces. By using both IRSL and AAR, we are able to confirm ages using two independent dating methods and to identify one IRSL result that is likely in error. We develop new age estimates for the marine terraces of North Canterbury and propose correlations between sites. This terrace chronology differs significantly from most previous studies, highlighting the importance of numerical dating. The most extensive terraces are from marine isotope stages (MISs) 5a and 5c, with partial reoccupation of one terrace during MIS 3, whereas MIS 5e terraces are notably lacking among those dated.
Unearthing the Hidden Welfare State: Race, Political Attitudes, and Unforeseen Consequences
Authors: Callaghan Timothy , Olson Adam
Published: February 2017

This paper incorporates the role of race into our understanding of the hidden welfare state by exploring the implications of racialization of hidden welfare state programs for mass attitudes. We explain how traditional welfare programs have been racialized historically and the implications of that racialization on attitudes towards welfare programs. We then discuss how the same fate could befall hidden programs for the poor if “unearthed” as hidden welfare state scholars have suggested. Finally, we carry out an experiment racializing a hidden welfare state program in the same way that traditional welfare state programs have been racialized historically. Our analysis finds that only when the hidden welfare state program is described using traditional racial stereotypes, support for the program drops significantly among racially resentful. Our findings suggest that the inclusion of race into the hidden welfare state narrative alters our understanding of attitudes towards some of these programs.
EXPLICIT ZERO-COUNTING THEOREM FOR HECKE–LANDAU ZETA-FUNCTIONS
Authors: GRZEŚKOWIAK MACIEJ
Published: February 2017

We give an explicit upper bound for the number of zeros of Hecke–Landau zeta-functions in a rectangle.
ON KILLERS OF CABLE KNOT GROUPS
Authors: DUTRA EDERSON R. F.
Published: February 2017

A killer of a group$G$is an element that normally generates$G$. We show that the group of a cable knot contains infinitely many killers such that no two lie in the same automorphic orbit.
A study of associations between early DHA status and fatty acid desaturase (FADS) SNP and developmental outcomes in children of obese mothers
Authors: Andersen Karina R. , Harsløf Laurine B. S. , Schnurr Theresia M. , Hansen Torben , Hellgren Lars I. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Lauritzen Lotte
Published: February 2017

DHA from diet or endogenous synthesis has been proposed to affect infant development, however, results are inconclusive. In this study, we aim to verify previously observed fatty acid desaturase gene cluster (FADS) SNP-specific associations with erythrocyte DHA status in 9-month-old children and sex-specific association with developmental outcomes. The study was performed in 166 children (55 % boys) of obese mothers. Erythrocyte fatty acid composition was analysed in blood-samples obtained at 9 months of age, and developmental outcomes assessed by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire at 3 years. Erythrocyte DHA level ranged from 4·4 to 9·9 % of fatty acids, but did not show any association withFADSSNP or other potential determinants. Regression analysis showed associations between erythrocyte DHA and scores for personal–social skills (β1·8 (95 % CI 0·3, 3·3),P=0·019) and problem solving (β3·4 (95 % CI 1·2, 5·6),P=0·003). A tendency was observed for an association in opposite direction between minor alleles (G-variant) of rs1535 and rs174575 and personal–social skills (P=0·062 and 0·068, respectively), which became significant when the SNP were combined based on their previously observed effect on erythrocyte DHA at 9 months of age (β2·6 (95 % CI 0·01, 5·1),P=0·011). Sex–SNP interaction was indicated for rs174575 genotype on fine motor scores (P=0·016), due to higher scores among minor allele carrying girls (P=0·043), whereas no effect was seen among boys. In conclusion, DHA-increasingFADSSNP and erythrocyte DHA status were consistently associated with improved personal–social skills in this small cohort of children of obese mothers irrespective of sex, but the sample was too small to verify potential sex-specific effects.
Sovereign Default Risk and the U.S. Equity Market
Authors: Jeanneret Alexandre
Published: February 2017

This paper develops a two-country asset pricing model with defaultable firms and governments. This model shows that higher sovereign credit risk in a country depresses equity prices internationally and increases their volatility. The effect is strongest during adverse economic conditions and when firms are close to financial distress. A structural estimation provides evidence that sovereign default risk in Europe affects European and U.S. stock markets through the threat of an economic slowdown.
Fasciola hepaticainfections in cattle and the freshwater snailGalba truncatulafrom Dakhla Oasis, Egypt
Authors: Arafa W.M. , Hassan A.I. , Snousi S.A.M. , El-Dakhly Kh.M. , Holman P.J. , Craig T.M. , Aboelhadid S.M.
Published: February 2017

Infection byFasciolaspecies was investigated in seven districts of Dakhla Oasis, Egypt, through abattoir inspection of cattle livers for adult worms and sedimentation of faecal samples from local cattle to detectFasciolaeggs. In addition, lymnaeid snails collected from the study area were examined microscopically for developmental stages ofFasciolaspp. Abattoir inspection revealed that 51 out of 458 cattle livers (11.1%) contained adult flukes, which were identified morphologically asFasciola hepatica.Examination of the cattle faecal samples revealed that 142 out of 503 (28.2%) containedFasciolaeggs. The collected snails, identified asGalba truncatulaandRadix natalensis,showed larval stages ofFasciolain 71 out of 731 (9.7%)G. truncatula, whileR. natalensisshowed no infection. Specific duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the mitochondrialcox1gene ofF. hepaticaandFasciola giganticawas carried out on DNA extracted from pooled infected snails and adult worms. TheF. hepaticasize amplicon (1031 bp) was obtained from both the infectedG. truncatulaand the adult worms isolated from cattle livers from different districts. The amplicon sequences were identical to the published sequences ofF. hepaticamitochondrialcox1gene. In conclusion, the zoonotic importance ofFasciolainfection and appropriate hygienic measures must be taken into consideration in Dakhla Oasis, Egypt.
A comparative study of voice outcomes and complication rates in patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty performed under local versus general anaesthesia: an Adelaide voice specialist's experience
Authors: Chandran D , Woods C , Ullah S , Ooi E , Athanasiadis T
Published: February 2017

Objective:

To compare clinical outcomes and complication rates in patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty performed under local versus general anaesthesia.

Methods:

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty performed by a single laryngologist in a tertiary Australian laryngology centre, between February 2013 and December 2014. Patient demographics, anaesthetic modality and complications were recorded. Voice Handicap Index 10 and the Grade, Breathiness, Roughness, Asthenia, Strain scale were evaluated.

Results:

Thirty-four laryngoplasties were performed under general anaesthesia and 41 under local anaesthesia, with mean patient ages of 59.5 and 68.8 years, respectively. Voice Handicap Index 10 scores were significantly improved post-injection (p< 0.001), with no significant difference between general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia (p> 0.05). All aspects of the Grade, Breathiness, Roughness, Asthenia, Strain scale showed significant improvement post-injection, except asthenia. There were seven (9.3 per cent) minor complications (five in the general anaesthesia group, two in the local anaesthesia group), all managed conservatively.

Conclusion:

Injection laryngoplasties performed under general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia offer similar voice outcomes, with comparable complication rates. Hence, development of a management algorithm for injection laryngoplasties performed under local anaesthesia is recommended.
Inter-observer variability between radiologists reporting on cerebellopontine angle tumours on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Teh S R , Ranguis S , Fagan P
Published: February 2017

Background:

Studies demonstrate the significance of intra- and inter-observer variability when measuring cerebellopontine angle tumours on magnetic resonance imaging, with measured differences as high as 2 mm.

Objective:

To determine intra- and inter-observer measurement variability of cerebellopontine angle tumours in a specialised institution.

Methods:

The magnetic resonance imaging maximal diameter of 12 randomly selected cerebellopontine angle tumours were independently measured by 4 neuroradiologists at a tertiary referral centre using a standard definition for maximal tumour diameter. Average deviation and intraclass correlation were subsequently calculated.

Results:

Inter-observer difference averaged 0.33 ± 0.04 mm (range, 0.0–0.8 mm). Intra-observer measurements were more consistent than inter-observer measurements, with differences averaging 0.17 mm (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.27–0.06, p = 0.002). Inter-observer reliability was 0.99 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.97–0.99), suggesting high reliability between the readings.

Conclusion:

The use of a standard definition for maximal tumour volume provided high reliability amongst radiologists' readings. To avoid oversizing tumours, it is recommended that conservative monitoring be conducted by the same institution with thin slice magnetic resonance imaging scans.
The criminalisation of paying for sex in England and Wales: how gender and power are implicated in the making of policy
Authors: Mulvihill Natasha
Published: February 2017

This article considers how gender and power are implicated in how prostitution policy is translated from initial proposal to enactment in law. The analysis brings together Freeman’s proposal for “policy translation” (2009) and Connell’s work on “hegemonic masculinity” (1987 with Messerschmidt 2005) to examine Hansard and other United Kingdom Parliament documents relating to Clause 13/14 of the Policing and Crime Bill 2008–2009, a proposal to criminalise the purchase of sex in England and Wales. It is argued here that hegemonic masculinity is implicated in how “responsibility” and “exploitation” in relation to sex purchase are disputed and defined within the Parliamentary debates on Clause 13/14, and this in turn informed the version of criminalisation that emerged as authoritative. This article reflects finally on how far mapping the translation of policy can elucidate the operation of gender and power within the policy process.