bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum randomness and unpredictability
Authors: Jaeger Gregg
Published: December 2016

Quantum mechanics is a physical theory supplying probabilities corresponding to expectation values for measurement outcomes. Indeed, its formalism can be constructed with measurement as a fundamental process, as was done by Schwinger, provided that individual measurements outcomes occur in a random way. The randomness appearing in quantum mechanics, as with other forms of randomness, has often been considered equivalent to a form of indeterminism. Here, it is argued that quantum randomness should instead be understood as a form of unpredictability because, amongst other things, indeterminism is not a necessary condition for randomness. For concreteness, an explication of the randomness of quantum mechanics as the unpredictability of quantum measurement outcomes is provided. Finally, it is shown how this view can be combined with the recently introduced view that the very appearance of individual quantum measurement outcomes can be grounded in the Plenitude principle of Leibniz, a principle variants of which have been utilized in physics by Dirac and Gell‐Mann in relation to the fundamental processes. This move provides further support to Schwinger's “symbolic” derivation of quantum mechanics from measurement.
Room temperature ultraviolet light‐emitting ZnO vertical nanowires prepared by electrochemical growth
Authors: Izaki Masanobu , Komori Jun , Shimizu Kairi , Koyama Takayuki , Shinagawa Tsutomu
Published: December 2016

The <0001>‐oriented ZnO layer and vertical nanowires (vnws) were prepared on the <111>‐Au/Si wafer and <0001>‐Ga:ZnO(GZO) substrates by electrodeposition in zinc nitrate solutions, and the photoluminescence characteristics were estimated at room temperature. The lattice mismatch was estimated to be 12.9–14.8% and 0.4–1.1% for the <111>‐Au/Si wafer and <0001>‐GZO substrates by X‐ray diffraction techniques. The <0001>‐ZnO layer prepared in the 80 mmol L−1 zinc nitrate solution emitted strong visible light originating from native defects, and the <0001>‐ZnO‐vnws prepared in the 8 and 0.8 mmol L−1 zinc nitrate solutions showed a strong ultraviolet light emission due to the recombination of bound excitons, irrespective of the substrate. Excellent ultraviolet light emission has been realized for the <0001>‐ZnO‐vnws prepared on the <0001>‐GZO substrate in the 0.8 mmol L−1 zinc nitrate solution.
Analysis of the losses of industrial‐type PERC solar cells
Authors: Saint‐Cast Pierre , Werner Sabrina , Greulich Johannes , Jäger Ulrich , Lohmüller Elmar , Höffler Hannes , Preu Ralf
Published: December 2016

The loss analysis of state‐of‐the‐art p‐type Czochralski‐grown silicon passivated emitter and rear solar cells (PERC) fabricated in a manner close to industrial production is presented in this paper. The 6‐inch solar cells are featuring a homogeneous emitter on the front side, an Al2O3 passivation layer and local contacts on the rear side. The peak energy conversion efficiencies obtained are 21.1% for a standard antireflection coating (ARC) and 21.4% for a double‐layer ARC. The loss analysis is based on an extended characterization of the solar cells and of special samples, which allow the separation of the contributions of each region of the solar cell including metallization. Their impact is determined experimentally on the open‐circuit voltage, the short‐circuit current density, and the fill factor. Based on the measurements, the devices are numerically simulated. The free energy losses are analyzed using the simulation model. Based on the results from the loss analysis, it is found that the integration of a selective emitter structure and the further improvement of the rear surface would allow for efficiencies above 22% in the short term.
Electron g‐factor fluctuations in highly n‐doped GaAs at high temperatures detected by ultrafast spin noise spectroscopy
Authors: Kuhn Hendrik , Lonnemann Jan Gerrit , Berski Fabian , Hübner Jens , Oestreich Michael
Published: December 2016

Recent spin noise spectroscopy measurements showed at low temperatures unexpected large g‐factor fluctuations in highly n‐doped bulk GaAs which were attributed to intrinsic g‐factor fluctuations due to the stochastic nature of the doping distribution. In this publication, we extend these low temperature magnetic field dependent spin noise measurements from 20 up to 260 K. A global fit of all magnetic field and temperature dependent measurements with just three common fit parameters yields good qualitative agreement with the stochastic doping model taking into account the dominating electron momentum scattering by ionized impurities and electron–plasmon scattering which contribute about equally. The magnetic field dependent Larmor precession of the electron spin yields for the studied doping concentration of cm a reduction of the electron Landé g‐factor due to bandgap renormalization of . However, the analysis also reproduces the previously observed quantitative difference between the measured g‐factor fluctuations and predictions by the semiclassical stochastic doping model.
Mapping of Au/a‐IGZO Schottky contacts by using scanning internal photoemission microscopy
Authors: Shiojima Kenji , Shingo Masato
Published: December 2016

We have demonstrated scanning internal photoemission microscopy to characterize the degradation of Au/amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O Schottky contacts. After applying a reverse voltage stress of −30 V, the current–voltage characteristics became leaky and a local degradation of the contacts was clearly visualized in a photocurrent image, while no symptom of the degradation was observed in the optical microscope image. In addition, it was found that Schottky barrier height decreased by 0.1 eV in the degraded region. Thus, we conclude that this method gives quantitative and visual information on the underlying thin‐film transparency metal/semiconductor interfaces.
”Eau de graphene” from a KC8 graphite intercalation compound prepared by a simple mixing of graphite and molten potassium
Authors: Bepete George , Hof Ferdinand , Huang Kai , Kampioti Katerina , Anglaret Eric , Drummond Carlos , Pénicaud Alain
Published: December 2016

We synthesized KC8 by simply mixing molten potassium and graphite at 180 °C under inert atmosphere. The KC8 shows typical shiny bronze color, Raman characteristics and XRD pattern of an efficiently intercalated stage 1 GIC, and is of sufficient quality to produce fully exfoliated graphenide solutions in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and subsequently single layer graphene in water as ”eau de graphene” (EdG). The evolution of absorption and Raman spectroscopic signatures of the EdG as a function of processing conditions give key indications on the number of layers of the graphene flakes dispersed in EdG. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hexagonal graphene quantum dots
Authors: Ghosh S. , Schwingenschlögl U.
Published: December 2016

We study hexagonal graphene quantum dots, using density functional theory, to obtain a quantitative description of the electronic properties and their size dependence, considering disk and ring geometries with both armchair and zigzag edges. We show that the electronic properties of quantum dots with armchair edges are more sensitive to structural details than those with zigzag edges. As functions of the inner and outer radii, we find in the case of armchair edges that the size of the band gap follows distinct branches, while in the case of zigzag edges it changes monotonically. This behaviour is further analyzed by studying the ground state wave function and explained in terms of its localisation. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Quantifying indirect evidence in network meta‐analysis
Authors: Noma Hisashi , Tanaka Shiro , Matsui Shigeyuki , Cipriani Andrea , Furukawa Toshi A.
Published: December 2016

Network meta‐analysis enables comprehensive synthesis of evidence concerning multiple treatments and their simultaneous comparisons based on both direct and indirect evidence. A fundamental pre‐requisite of network meta‐analysis is the consistency of evidence that is obtained from different sources, particularly whether direct and indirect evidence are in accordance with each other or not, and how they may influence the overall estimates. We have developed an efficient method to quantify indirect evidence, as well as a testing procedure to evaluate their inconsistency using Lindsay's composite likelihood method. We also show that this estimator has complete information for the indirect evidence. Using this method, we can assess the degree of consistency between direct and indirect evidence and their contribution rates to the overall estimate. Sensitivity analyses can be also conducted with this method to assess the influences of potentially inconsistent treatment contrasts on the overall results. These methods can provide useful information for overall comparative results that might be biased from specific inconsistent treatment contrasts. We also provide some fundamental requirements for valid inference on these methods concerning consistency restrictions on multi‐arm trials. In addition, the efficiency of the developed method is demonstrated based on simulation studies. Applications to a network meta‐analysis of 12 new‐generation antidepressants are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Longitudinal beta‐binomial modeling using GEE for overdispersed binomial data
Authors: Wu Hongqian , Zhang Ying , Long Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2016

Longitudinal binomial data are frequently generated from multiple questionnaires and assessments in various scientific settings for which the binomial data are often overdispersed. The standard generalized linear mixed effects model may result in severe underestimation of standard errors of estimated regression parameters in such cases and hence potentially bias the statistical inference. In this paper, we propose a longitudinal beta‐binomial model for overdispersed binomial data and estimate the regression parameters under a probit model using the generalized estimating equation method. A hybrid algorithm of the Fisher scoring and the method of moments is implemented for computing the method. Extensive simulation studies are conducted to justify the validity of the proposed method. Finally, the proposed method is applied to analyze functional impairment in subjects who are at risk of Huntington disease from a multisite observational study of prodromal Huntington disease. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tuning the Phase and Shape of Copper Sulfide Nanostructures Using Mixed Solvent Systems
Authors: Khan Malik D. , Akhtar Javeed , Malik Mohammad A. , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: December 2016

Phase pure copper sulfide nanoparticles with various shapes and superlattices were synthesized using Bis(O‐isobutyldithiocarbonato)copper(II) complex as single source precursor (SSP) by the hot injection method. Optimization of reaction conditions provide mono‐disperse nanospheres, nanorods, hexagonal disks and cubic nanoparticles. Furthermore, self‐assembly of highly monodispersed nanoarrays were also obtained by tuning reaction parameters. The kinetics of decomposition of the SSP under the influence of activating and/or stabilizing agents is discussed.
Redox and pH Dual Responsive Polymer Based Nanoparticles for In Vivo Drug Delivery
Authors: Ang Chung Yen , Tan Si Yu , Teh Cathleen , Lee Jia Min , Wong Mun Fei Eddy , Qu Qiuyu , Poh Li Qing , Li Menghuan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Korzh Vladimir , Zhao Yanli
Published: December 2016

Responsive nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates as drug delivery vehicles in order to address biomedical diseases such as cancer. In this work, polymer‐based responsive nanoparticles prepared by a supramolecular approach are loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) for the cancer therapy. The nanoparticles contain disulfide bonds within the polymer network, allowing the release of the DOX payload in a reducing environment within the endoplasm of cancer cells. In addition, the loaded drug can also be released under acidic environment. In vitro anticancer studies using redox and pH dual responsive nanoparticles show excellent performance in inducing cell death and apoptosis. Zebrafish larvae treated with DOX‐loaded nanoparticles exhibit an improved viability as compared with the cases treated with free DOX by the end of a 3 d treatment. Confocal imaging is utilized to provide the daily assessment of tumor size on zebrafish larva models treated with DOX‐loaded nanoparticles, presenting sustainable reduction of tumor. This work demonstrates the development of functional nanoparticles with dual responsive properties for both in vitro and in vivo drug delivery in the cancer therapy.
A new platychelyid turtle (Pan‐Pleurodira) from the Late Jurassic (Kimmeridgian) of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: López‐Conde Oliver A. , Sterli Juliana , Alvarado‐Ortega Jesus , Chavarría‐Arellano María L.
Published: December 2016

Until recently, the record of Mesozoic turtles in Mexico has been restricted to the Cretaceous. New discoveries in the Sabinal Formation (Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca) have extended the record into the Kimmeridgian (Late Jurassic). The Sabinal Formation is part of the Tlaxiaco Basin, which was a depocenter of continental and marine sediments dominated by transgressive‐regressive marine conditions during the Jurassic–Cretaceous. The new turtle described here consists of an almost complete carapace associated with a plastron. Based on the unique combination of characters, this turtle is identified as a new species of Platychelyidae here namedNotoemys tlaxiacoensis. Platychelyid characters in this specimen include the presence of the sulcus between vertebral 3 and 4 located on neural 6, the presence of a central plastral fontanelle, and a pair of reduced mesoplastra. The occurrence of Kimmeridgian platychelyids in Mexico confirms that the Hispanic Corridor acted as a connection between Tethyan and Palaeopacific faunas.
Study on the Equilibrium of Slag and Hot Metal at Tapping with Respect to Sulfur
Authors: Condo Adolfo Firmino Timoteo , Lindström David , Sichen Du
Published: December 2016

The blast furnace slag and hot metal are collected from the industrial trials. The collected slag and hot metal samples are re‐melted in a graphite crucible and stirred to investigate the sulfur partition at different stirring times. The experimental oxygen potential is well controlled to simulate the blast furnace conditions. The results show evidently that sulfur is transferred from hot metal to slag, which lead to an increase in the sulfur partition from its initial value (t = 0 min) of 26–33 at 1743 K, and from 23 to 37 at 1773 K after 30 min of slag‐metal reaction. The results strongly indicate non‐equilibrium between slag and hot metal at tapping. The sulfide capacities of the slag with typical composition of the slag at tapping are determined. On the basis of the sulfide capacity data, the theoretical sulfur partition is evaluated. The theoretically calculated partition further supports the finding obtained in the stirring experiments. This finding would suggest the possibility of improvement to increase the usage of blast furnace slag in desulfurization.
Zum Ermüdungsverhalten von Grout‐Verbindungen bei unterschiedlichen Umgebungsbedingungen
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Raba Alexander , Bechtel Anne
Published: December 2016

Herrn Univ. Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Gerhard Hanswille zur Vollendung seines 65. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Grout‐Verbindungen sind ein häufig eingesetztes Konstruktionsdetail in Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen und ‐Plattformen. Sie stellen eine lastabtragende Verbindung zwischen gerammten Pfählen und Tragstruktur her. Bei aufgelösten Unterstrukturen befindet sich diese Verbindung üblicherweise unter Wasser. Ein möglicher Wassereinfluss auf das Ermüdungsverhalten des Konstruktionsdetails wurde in früheren Versuchen und den daraus abgeleiteten Bemessungsverfahren nicht berücksichtigt. Die in dieser Veröffentlichung beschriebenen versuchsgestützten Untersuchungen zeigen an klein‐ und großskaligen Versuchskörpern eine deutliche Reduktion der Lebensdauer bei Ermüdungsbeanspruchung unter Wasser gegenüber trockenen Umgebungsbedingungen. Neben einer Beeinflussung der Lebensdauer verändert das umgebende Wasser auftretende Schadensmechanismen in der Verbindung.

On the fatigue behaviour of grouted connections at varied ambient conditions. Grouted connections are a frequently used structural detail of offshore wind turbines and platforms for the load transferring connection between piles and support structure. At latticed substructures this connection is commonly located at mudline. However, a potential influence of the surrounding water on the connection's fatigue behaviour was neglected in earlier tests and consequential design methods. Herein described experimental investigations at small and large‐scale fatigue tests in submerged conditions, showed a significant reduction of endurable load cycles. In addition, the water impact caused varied damage mechanism in the connection.
Verschlüsse und Antriebe am Sperrwerk Greifswald
Authors: Heyder Frank , Hohberg Andreas , Lettner Christian
Published: December 2016

Das Sperrwerk Greifswald an der Mündung des Ryck in den Greifswalder Bodden bildet den Kern des Sturmflutschutzes für Greifswald. Durch einen Hauptverschluss als Drehsegment und zwei Nebenverschlüssen als Schiebetore können 60 m Fluss und Uferbereich zwischen den angrenzenden Deichen im Sturmflutfall verschlossen werden. Der Hauptverschluss wurde als Drehsegment konzipiert, um den Schifffahrtsweg so wenig wie möglich einzuschränken. In Ruheposition liegt das Drehsegment in einer Mulde in der Bodenplatte unterhalb des Flussgrundes. Bei Sturmflutwarnung wird das Drehsegment über zwei Hydraulikzylinder um 90° in die Staustellung gedreht. Die Nebenverschlüsse sichern die Promenadenbereiche links und rechts vom Ryck. Sie wurden als Schiebetore ausgebildet, die normalerweise in Kammern im benachbarten Deich stehen und bei Sturmflutwarnung über Elektromotoren ausgefahren werden. Haupt‐ und Nebenverschlüsse wurden als geschweißte räumliche Schalentragwerke ausgebildet und mit FEM‐Software als jeweils ein Bauteil bemessen. Die besondere Herausforderung dieses Bauvorhabens war das Zusammenwirken von Wasser‐ und Spezialtiefbau, Betonbau, Stahlbau, Maschinenbau und Elektrotechnik.

Gates and drives of the Greifswald flood barrier – contemporary steel construction for hydraulic gates – Part 1: Design and structural analysis. The Greifswald flood barrier at the river Ryck at Baltic Sea is the essential part of flood barrier activities ensuring the safety of the city of Greifswald in case of wind‐induces flooding. The main gate is a segment gate in the river, spanning 21 m, accompanied by two 19 m spanning secondary gates formed by sliding doors covering the waterfronts. The segment gate in the rivers ensures minimum interruption of the navigation. In normal position, the segment rests in a recess of the foundation slab. In case of a flood warning, huge hydraulic rams turn the segment into the 90° close position. The sliding doors allow its storage in adjacent chambers, fully covered by the embankments, and roll into its close position driven by electric engines. Both main segment gate and secondary sliding gates are spatial welded steel constructions designed as one unit by finite element software. The most challenging part of the project turned out to be the coordination of knowledge and specialists in water construction, special heavy construction, concrete technology, mechanical and electrical engineering.
Die überarbeitete DASt‐Richtlinie 022 zum rissfreien Verzinken
Authors: Feldmann Markus , Schaffrath Simon , Schäfer Dirk
Published: December 2016

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Gerhard Hanswille zur Vollendung seines 65. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Unter ungünstigen Bedingungen kann das Feuerverzinken von großen, tragenden Stahlbauteilen Rissbildung nach sich ziehen, was aufgrund der Standsicherheitsrelevanz zu einer Reihe von Forschungsarbeiten geführt hat. Die Ergebnisse sind in 2009 in die DASt‐Richtlinie 022 zum rissfreien Feuerverzinken eingeflossen. Nach sieben Jahren erfolgreicher Anwendung ist die DASt‐Richtlinie 022 nun überarbeitet worden. Der Beitrag erläutert die Änderungen und Ergänzungen, die sich neben Vereinfachungen im Regeltext und der Handhabung der Norm in erster Linie auf neue Ergebnisse zu Kaltverformungen, des Flussmittelgehalts und der Ausbildung von Fachwerkkonstruktionen auf die Rissanfälligkeit beim Feuerverzinken beziehen. Darüber hinaus sind nunmehr erstmalig Regeln für das Feuerverzinken im Hochtemperaturbereich (530 °C bis 620 °C) aufgenommen worden. Hinweise auf verbesserte Angaben zu Mindestgrößen von Durchlauföffnungen runden den Aufsatz ab.

The revised guideline DASt‐Richtlinie 022 on preventing cracks during hot dip galvanizing. Hot dip galvanizing of structural steel elements may lead to cracking if the conditions are not favourable. Due to the safety relevance a series of research work has been carried out the results of which led to the DASt‐Richtlinie 022 on the prevention of cracking during hot dip galvanizing. After seven years of successful use the DASt‐Richtlinie 022 now has been revised. The paper explains the changes and amendments of this German code. Apart from simplification, the alternations refer to new results on the crack‐susceptibility of cold forming, the salt‐content of the flux and the layout of lattice girders. Moreover, for the first time now, rules on hot dip galvanizing in the high temperature range (530 °C to 620 °C) have been developed. Finally recommendations on ventilation hole‐diameters are given.
What Have Remittances Done to Development? Evidence from the Caribbean Community and Common Market
Authors: Lim Sokchea , Simmons Walter O.
Published: December 2016

This paper analyzes the long-run impact of remittances on socio-economic development in the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) between 1970 and 2013. We find that remittances have improved the health indicators, reducing infant and child mortality, and food deficit and improving life expectancy, and sanitation and water sources, especially in the rural areas. However, remittance inflows have no significant impact on education and communication infrastructure. Neither do they contribute to any demographic changes.
Development of oncolytic virotherapy for the treatment of oral cancer – At the waiting stage for clinical use
Authors: Yura Yoshiaki , Hamada Masakazu
Published: December 2016

Oncolytic virotherapy originated from the finding that virus‐infected tumor cells are destroyed by the cytopathic effects of viruses. Cell death induced by viral infections in tumor tissues also promotes inherent tumor immunity in cancer patients. Several DNA and RNA viruses have been proposed as candidates for this treatment through in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials. Oral cancer is often accompanied by lymph node metastasis, resulting in worse patient prognoses. Some oncolytic viruses have been investigated for their therapeutic effects on patients with advanced head and neck cancer, including oral cancer. Oncolytic virotherapy is expected to become a treatment modality that will be essential for controlling chemoradio‐resistant oral cancer.
ON THE STRUCTURE OF GRAPHS WHICH ARE LOCALLY INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM A LATTICE
Authors: BENJAMINI ITAI , ELLIS DAVID
Published: December 2016

For each integer $d\geqslant 3$, we obtain a characterization of all graphs in which the ball of radius $3$ around each vertex is isomorphic to the ball of radius 3 in $\mathbb{L}^{d}$, the graph of the $d$-dimensional integer lattice. The finite, connected graphs with this property have a highly rigid, ‘global’ algebraic structure; they can be viewed as quotient lattices of $\mathbb{L}^{d}$ in various compact $d$-dimensional orbifolds which arise from crystallographic groups. We give examples showing that ‘radius 3’ cannot be replaced by ‘radius 2’, and that ‘orbifold’ cannot be replaced by ‘manifold’. In the $d=2$ case, our methods yield new proofs of structure theorems of Thomassen [‘Tilings of the Torus and Klein bottle and vertex-transitive graphs on a fixed surface’, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc.323 (1991), 605–635] and of Márquez et al. [‘Locally grid graphs: classification and Tutte uniqueness’, Discrete Math.266 (2003), 327–352], and also yield short, ‘algebraic’ restatements of these theorems. Our proofs use a mixture of techniques and results from combinatorics, geometry and group theory.
New scheme to trigger fusion in a compact magnetic fusion device by combining muon catalysis and alpha heating effects
Authors: Moustaizis S.D. , Lalousis P. , Hora H. , Henis Z. , Eliezer S. , Ploumistakis I.
Published: December 2016

The application of laser pulses with psec or shorter duration enables nonthermal efficient ultrahigh acceleration of plasma blocks with homogeneous high ion energies exceeding ion current densities of

$10^{12}~\text{A}~\text{cm}^{-2}$

. The effects of ultrahigh acceleration of plasma blocks with high energy proton beams are proposed for muon production in a compact magnetic fusion device. The proposed new scheme consists of an ignition fusion spark by muon catalyzed fusion (

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CF) in a small mirror-like configuration where low temperature D–T plasma is trapped for a duration of

$1~\unicode[STIX]{x03BC}\text{s}$

. This initial fusion spark produces sufficient alpha heating in order to initiate the fusion process in the main device. The use of a multi-fluid global particle and energy balance code allows us to follow the temporal evolution of the reaction rate of the fusion process in the device. Recent progress on the ICAN and IZEST projects for high efficient high power and high repetition rate laser systems allows development of the proposed device for clean energy production. With the proposed approaches, experiments on fusion nuclear reactions and

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CF process can be performed in magnetized plasmas in existing kJ

$/$

PW laser facilities as the GEKKO-LFEX, the PETAL and the ORION or in the near future laser facilities as the ELI-NP Romanian pillar.
Uptake and Beliefs Regarding Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Among Childcare Center Staff, Administrators, and Parents
Authors: Rebmann Terri , Loux Travis M. , Daly Brendan
Published: December 2016

Surveys were distributed to parents and childcare agency staff to determine seasonal influenza vaccine uptake. Multivariate logistic regressions identified vaccination determinants. Overall, 351 parents and staff participated (response rate, 32%). One-half (168 [48%]) received vaccine. Vaccination predictors included healthcare provider or employer recommendation, perceived seriousness, and no vaccine fear.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:367–370
Comparing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection Prevention Programs Between Veterans Affairs Nursing Homes and Non–Veterans Affairs Nursing Homes
Authors: Mody Lona , Greene M. Todd , Saint Sanjay , Meddings Jennifer , Trautner Barbara W. , Wald Heidi L. , Crnich Christopher , Banaszak-Holl Jane , McNamara Sara E. , King Beth J. , Hogikyan Robert , Edson Barbara S. , Krein Sarah L.
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVE

The impact of healthcare system integration on infection prevention programs is unknown. Using catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) prevention as an example, we hypothesize that US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes have a more robust infection prevention infrastructure due to integration and centralization compared with non–VA nursing homes.

SETTING

VA and non-VA nursing homes participating in the AHRQ Safety Program for Long-Term Care collaborative.

METHODS

Nursing homes provided baseline information about their infection prevention programs to assess strengths and gaps related to CAUTI prevention via a needs assessment questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 353 of 494 nursing homes from 41 states (71%; 47 VA and 306 non-VA facilities) responded. VA nursing homes reported more hours per week devoted to infection prevention-related activities (31 vs 12 hours; P<.001) and were more likely to have committees that reviewed healthcare-associated infections. Compared with non-VA facilities, a higher percentage of VA nursing homes reported tracking CAUTI rates (94% vs 66%; P<.001), sharing CAUTI data with leadership (94% vs 70%; P=.014) and with nursing personnel (85% vs 56%, P=.003). However, fewer VA nursing homes reported having policies for appropriate catheter use (64% vs 81%; P=.004) and catheter insertion (83% vs 94%; P=.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Among nursing homes participating in an AHRQ-funded collaborative, VA and non-VA nursing homes differed in their approach to CAUTI prevention. Best practices from both settings should be applied universally to create an optimal infection prevention program within emerging integrated healthcare systems.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:287–293
Effective Antibiotic Conservation by Emergency Antimicrobial Stewardship During a Drug Shortage
Authors: Hsueh Kevin , Reyes Maria , Krekel Tamara , Casabar Ed , Ritchie David J. , Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Hays Amanda J. , Lane Michael A. , Durkin Michael J.
Published: December 2016

We present the first description of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) used to successfully manage a multi-antimicrobial drug shortage. Without resorting to formulary restriction, meropenem utilization decreased by 69% and piperacillin-tazobactam by 73%. During the shortage period, hospital mortality decreased (P=.03), while hospital length of stay remained unchanged.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:356–359
Earliest occurrence of lophogastrid mysidacean arthropods (Crustacea, Eucopiidae) from the Anisian Luoping Biota, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Feldmann Rodney M. , Schweitzer Carrie E. , Hu Shixue , Huang Jinyuan , Zhou Changyong , Zhang Qiyue , Wen Wen , Xie Tao , Schram Frederick R. , Jones Wade T.
Published: December 2016

Tiny, pelagic arthropods from the Anisian Luoping Biota exposed in two quarries near Luoping, Yunnan Province, China, represent the numerically most abundant organisms in the assemblage. They form the basis for definition of two, and possibly three, species referred to the order Lophogastrida, family Eucopiidae.Yunnanocopia grandisnew genus new species andY.longicaudan. gen. new species represent the oldest occurrence of mysidaceans in the fossil record. Their anatomy allies them with the Ladinian speciesSchimperella acanthocercusTaylor, Schram, and Shen, 2001, from Guizhou Province, China, which previously was thought to be the oldest lophogastrid, and with extant species of Eucopiidae. Their appearance in the Anisian represents one additional element of the early faunal radiation within the Luoping Biota following the end-Permian extinction event. Presence of well-preserved oostegites, along with other morphological features, documents a conservative bauplan expressed in Eucopiidae.
Special Section: Addressing Behaviours of Concern
Authors: Arthur-Kelly Michael
Published: December 2016

It is a singular pleasure to introduce this issue of AJSE with a special section on addressing behaviours of concern. Our first paper comes from George Sugai and his colleagues, and both reprises and extends the excellent material George shared with us at the 2015 National Conference in Fremantle. As you read this paper, note the focus on key principles for capacity building in complex systems of support and consider the direct implications for your work in schools and jurisdictions. Our second paper is contributed by Hank Bohanon and colleagues and articulates how these principles and related aspects of implementation science underpin school improvement in secondary settings and the various ways this can occur to ensure a comprehensive approach to positive behaviour support.
Incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms
Authors: Htun H M , Mui S L , Williams C , Hans P S
Published: December 2016

Objective:

To determine the frequency of incidental findings found on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms, and to determine how to best manage these when found.

Method:

A retrospective review was conducted of internal auditory meatus magnetic resonance imaging scans during a three-month period in the radiology department at a UK district general hospital.

Results:

A total of 109 scans were reviewed. Of these, 92.7 per cent showed no retrocochlear pathology, 0.9 per cent showed vestibular schwannoma, 6.4 per cent revealed vascular loops, and 2.8 per cent showed incidental findings that warranted further action and investigation. Of the scans, 40.4 per cent showed other incidental pathologies such as age-related ischaemic changes, and sinus disease that required no further intervention. Of the magnetic resonance imaging scans reviewed, 49.5 per cent were entirely normal.

Conclusion:

Almost half of the scans investigating audiovestibular symptoms showed incidental findings. Otolaryngologists should have an understanding of the significance of the most commonly encountered incidental findings, and should counsel patients appropriately and refer them onward when necessary.
Effectiveness of transperforation myringoplasty in bilateral chronic otitis media patients undergoing contralateral tympanoplasty
Authors: Ihsan A T , Ranjana K
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Bilateral tympanic membrane perforation closure is usually performed by otosurgeons in two sittings. However, in this study, transperforation myringoplasty was performed alongside contralateral tympanoplasty in a single sitting. The effectiveness of transperforation myringoplasty procedure and the benefits of single sitting bilateral surgery were evaluated.

Methods:

A prospective study of 50 selected patients with mucosal-type bilateral chronic otitis media was conducted. All patients underwent transperforation myringoplasty on the side that met the inclusion criteria and tympanoplasty on the contralateral side. Graft uptake and hearing improvement were evaluated after 6 months.

Results:

At the 6-month follow up, the graft uptake rate was 82 per cent, the hearing gain was 11.5 dB and the air–bone gap gain was 11.6 dB.

Conclusion:

This procedure offers perforation closure in a single sitting to patients with bilateral chronic otitis media who meet the inclusion criteria.
Prognostic factors for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and intravenous steroids
Authors: Hosokawa S , Sugiyama K , Takahashi G , Takebayashi S , Mineta H
Published: December 2016

Objective:

This study evaluated the prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss when treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and intravenous steroids.

Methods:

The clinical data for 334 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy and intravenous steroids at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. These data included the initial averaged five-frequency hearing level, patient age, interval between onset of symptoms and treatment, vertigo as a complication, and co-existence of diabetes mellitus.

Results:

The overall improvement rate was 69.2 per cent, including better improvement (25.5 per cent), good improvement (21.0 per cent) and fair improvement (22.7 per cent).

Conclusion:

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy appears to confer a significant additional therapeutic benefit when used in combination with steroid therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. If performed early, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may bring about hearing improvement in many patients who are unresponsive to initial therapy.
Racial disparities in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma survival
Authors: Megwalu U C , Saini A T
Published: December 2016

Objective:

To evaluate the impact of race on survival in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Methods:

The study cohort included 17 668 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma between 1988 and 2009, identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 18 database of the National Cancer Institute.

Results:

Black patients had lower overall survival than other racial groups (p < 0.001). Black patients had significantly worse overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.59) after adjusting for sex, marital status, age, year of diagnosis, multifocal disease and type of surgery. A subset analysis of Black patients revealed no significant difference in overall survival for total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy (p = 0.15).

Conclusion:

Black race is a negative prognostic factor in thyroid cancer, which cannot be explained by advanced disease stage. Further research on mechanisms by which race affects survival is needed to reveal areas of opportunity for interventions aimed at reducing health disparities in cancer care.
IS LEARNING A STANDARD VARIETY SIMILAR TO LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE?
Authors: Benmamoun Elabbas , Albirini Abdulkafi
Published: December 2016

This study examines heritage speakers’ knowledge of Standard Arabic (SA) and compares their patterns of SA acquisition to those of learners of SA as second/foreign language (L2). In addition, the study examines the influence of previously acquired language varieties, including Colloquial Arabic (QA), on SA acquisition.1To this end, the study compares 35 heritage speakers, 28 L2 learners, and 16 controls with respect to sentential negation, an area where SA and QA diverge significantly. The participants completed five oral tasks targeting negation of eight different clause types. The findings showed that L2 learners and heritage speakers performed comparably, encountered similar difficulties, and produced similar patterns of errors. However, whereas L2 learners did not display clear transfer effects from L1 (English), heritage speakers showed both positive and negative influence of L1 (QA). The results shed light on the dynamics of the interaction between the spoken heritage languages and their written standard counterparts with specific focus on diglossic contexts.
“Bypass the Lying Mouths”: How Does the CCP Tackle Information Distortion at Local Levels?
Authors: Gao Jie
Published: December 2016

The deliberate distortion of the work accomplishments of local governments is a growing concern for China's leaders in the reform era. How do they tackle this problem and gather reliable data? This study argues that the CCP has developed bypassing strategies to remedy the deficiencies of the statistical system which is vulnerable to artificial data distortion. By employing these strategies, authorities requiring authentic information can directly access the raw data, thereby bypassing lower-level officials who have incentives to distort performance information in the level-by-level reporting process. This study shows that the adoption of bypassing strategies enhances the capacity of the party-state to gather local intelligence. Although the strategies are limited in their ability to ensure the quality of certain types of data, their use should improve the quality of key information on the performance of local governments in the long term.
Changes in Physical Activity and Function with Transition to Retirement Living: A Pilot Study
Authors: Regan Kayla , Intzandt Brittany , Swatridge Karli , Myers Anita , Roy Eric , Middleton Laura E.
Published: December 2016

Cette étude pilote a examiné les changements dans l’activité physique et la fonction chez les personnes âgées se déplaçant de logements communautaires aux maisons de retraite. L’activité physique a été évaluée en utilisant un Actigraph (GT3X +) moniteur d’activité; l’activité physique par type a été rapportée avec le questionnaire CHAMPS de l’activité. La fonction physique a été évaluée en utilisant le Test de Fitness Senior. L’activité physique totale, objectivement contrôlée, a diminué après la transition (p = 0,02). Rapports d’activité physique par type ont indiqué que seules les activités de la vie quotidienne ont diminué (p <0,01), bien que l’exercice intentionnel s’est augmenté (p <0,03) avec la transition. L’endurance et la force sont également améliorés (p <0,05 et p <0,04). Résultats du projet pilote indiquent que des avantages physiques possibles profitent de la vie de la retraite, bien que les efforts visant à réduire le temps sédentaire sont nécessaires.
Concluding Thoughts: Boundary Crossings: Slavery and Freedom, Legality and Illegality, Past and Present
Authors: De La Fuente Alejandro , Gross Ariela
Published: December 2016

This symposium issue is first and foremost about crossing boundaries. The people readers have met in these pages—enslavers and enslaved, traders and purchasers, abolitionists and insurrectionaries—were mobile, and their mobility had consequences. The slave traders who changed flags as they moved across international waters are only the most visible exemplars of this phenomenon. Crossing geographic borders often meant crossing boundaries of race and status as well. All of these articles in one form or another address the question of what it means to cross lines: between “slave” and “free,” “legal” and “illegal,” “past” and “present.”
The New Abolitionism, International Law, and the Memory of Slavery
Authors: Gross Ariela J. , Thomas Chantal
Published: December 2016

Today, millions of migrant workers, some of them caught in debt bondage, some victims of fraud or forced migration, and others simply desperate for a better life elsewhere but instead finding themselves working for below subsistence wages or no pay at all, could be called modern-day slaves. Campaigns to end modern-day slavery have taken many forms. Most visibly, what is sometimes called “the new abolitionism,” constitutes a strand of modern antislavery and antitrafficking movements that draws often on the analogy between these workers’ plight and chattel slavery in the Atlantic world.
Jump from parallel to sequential proofs: exponentials
Authors: GIAMBERARDINO PAOLO DI
Published: December 2016

In previous works, by importing ideas from game semantics (notably Faggian–Maurel–Curien'sludics nets), we defined a new class of multiplicative/additive polarized proof nets, calledJ-proof nets. The distinctive feature of J-proof nets with respect to other proof net syntaxes, is the possibility of representing proof nets which are partially sequentialized, by usingjumps(that is, untyped extra edges) as sequentiality constraints. Starting from this result, in the present work, we extend J-proof nets to the multiplicative/exponential fragment, in order to take into account structural rules: More precisely, we replace the familiar linear logic notion of exponential box with a less restricting one (calledcone) defined by means of jumps. As a consequence, we get a syntax for polarized nets where, instead of a structure of boxes nested one into the other, we have one of cones which can bepartially overlapping. Moreover, we define cut-elimination for exponential J-proof nets, proving, by a variant of Gandy's method, that even in case of ‘superposed’ cones, reduction enjoys confluence and strong normalization.
‘La Nouvelle Activité des Trafiquants de Femmes’: France, Le Havre and the Politics of Trafficking, 1919–1939
Authors: MARSH KATE
Published: December 2016

This article examines how the ‘moral panic’ about sex trafficking during the interwar years manifested itself in Le Havre, a French port which, at the beginning of the twentieth century, had become synonymous with the illegal trade. Interrogating hitherto neglected material in departmental archives, it explores how the problem of the trafficking of women (la traite des femmes) changed after 1919, how the administrative consequences of directives by the League of Nations could influence behaviours in everyday life and how an episode of female migration from Eastern Europe interacted with French political agendas to magnify and, in some cases, generate a problem.
Organic strawberry in Mediterranean greenhouse: Effect of different production systems on soil fertility and fruit quality
Authors: Tittarelli F. , Ceglie F.G. , Ciaccia C. , Mimiola G. , Amodio M.L. , Colelli G.
Published: December 2016

In Europe, the lack of specific rules regulating organic vegetable production in protected conditions has led to the implementation of extremely diversified systems of production, at different level of intensification. In this study, we compared three strawberry organic production systems based on the following main criteria of soil fertility management: input substitution (SB), a simplified system of organic production that mimics conventional agricultural practices and two systems characterized by a more complex soil fertility management, based on the introduction, in the rotation of agroecological service crops (ASCs) and compost (AC), and of ASCs and cattle manure (AM). Strawberry yields, in the compared systems, were not significantly different in both years of our research, while, as a whole, the yield in 2013 (30.3 Mg ha−1) was significantly higher than in 2014 (28.9 Mg ha−1). Crop nitrogen (N) needs, during the entire cycle of production, were satisfied according to the same pattern by SB, AC and AM, while green manuring and organic amendments in AM and AC determined a higher soil organic N content, compared with SB. As far as the production quality is concerned, both AM and AC treatments yielded strawberry fruits similar to SB, but with better characteristics in terms of color and phenolic content. AM and AC did not differentiate statistically in the two year period of our research.
Comparing the Performance of Improved Classify-Analyze Approaches for	Distal Outcomes in Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Dziak John J. , Bray Bethany C. , Zhang Jieting , Zhang Minqiang , Lanza Stephanie T.
Published: December 2016

Abstract. Several approaches are available for estimating the relationship of latent class membership to distal outcomes in latent profile analysis (LPA). A three-step approach is commonly used, but has problems with estimation bias and confidence interval coverage. Proposed improvements include the correction method of Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH; 2004) , Vermunt’s (2010) maximum likelihood (ML) approach, and the inclusive three-step approach of Bray, Lanza, and Tan (2015) . These methods have been studied in the related case of latent class analysis (LCA) with categorical indicators, but not as well studied for LPA with continuous indicators. We investigated the performance of these approaches in LPA with normally distributed indicators, under different conditions of distal outcome distribution, class measurement quality, relative latent class size, and strength of association between latent class and the distal outcome. The modified BCH implemented in Latent GOLD had excellent performance. The maximum likelihood and inclusive approaches were not robust to violations of distributional assumptions. These findings broadly agree with and extend the results presented by Bakk and Vermunt (2016) in the context of LCA with categorical indicators.