bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Time”‐Parallel diffusion‐based correlation operators
Authors: Weaver Anthony T. , Gürol Selime , Tshimanga Jean , Chrust Marcin , Piacentini Andrea
Published: April 2018

Correlation operators based on the solution of an implicitly formulated diffusion equation can be implemented numerically using the Chebyshev iteration method. The attractive properties of the algorithm for modelling correlation functions on high‐performance computers have been discussed in a recent paper. The current paper describes a straightforward variant of that algorithm that allows the matrix–vector products involved in the sequential pseudo‐time diffusion process to be performed in parallel. Contrary to the original algorithm, which requires solving, in sequence, linear systems involving a symmetric positive‐definite (SPD) matrix, the “time”‐parallel algorithm requires solving a single linear system involving a non‐symmetric positive‐definite (NSPD) matrix. The key information required by the Chebyshev iteration for solving the NSPD problem is an estimate of the extreme eigenvalues of the NSPD matrix. For the problem under consideration, the extreme eigenvalues of the NSPD matrix are the same as those of the original SPD matrix, and can be pre‐computed using a Lanczos algorithm applied to the latter. The convergence properties of the algorithm are studied from a theoretical perspective and using numerical experiments with a diffusion‐based covariance model in a variational data assimilation system for the global ocean. Results suggest that time‐parallelization can reduce the run‐time of an implicit diffusion‐based correlation operator by greater than a factor of two. It can be implemented practically using a hybrid parallelization approach that combines Message Passing Interface tasks in the spatial domain with Open Multi‐Processing threads spanning the pseudo‐time dimension. The sensitivity of the results to preconditioning, to the choice of first guess and to the stopping criterion is discussed.
Developing a sustainability reporting assessment tool for higher education institutions: The University of California
Authors: Sepasi Sahar , Rahdari Amir , Rexhepi Gadaf
Published: April 2018

Businesses have integrated sustainability reporting into their corporate responsibility efforts. However, universities, as the hubs of sustainability awareness, have been struggling with reporting their sustainability practices. The purpose of this study is to examine sustainability assessment tools in higher education institutions and develop a sustainability reporting assessment tool suitable for evaluating sustainability reporting in these institutions. The study attempts to fill the research lacuna in sustainability reporting in these institutions. In doing so, this study proposes a tool for assessing sustainability reporting in higher education institutions and applies the framework to the University of California. The result of the study shows that University of California is performing stronger in environmental and educational dimensions while social and governance/economic dimensions are lagging behind. Finally, it is concluded that assessment tools have failed to recognize reporting as an integral part of sustainability in universities and sustainability reporting among these institutions is still embryonic.
Joint analysis of left‐censored longitudinal biomarker and binary outcome via latent class modeling
Authors: Li Menghan , Kong Lan
Published: April 2018

Joint latent class modeling is an appealing approach for evaluating the association between a longitudinal biomarker and clinical outcome when the study population is heterogeneous. The link between the biomarker trajectory and the risk of event is reflected by the latent classes, which accommodate the underlying population heterogeneity. The estimation of joint latent class models may be complicated by the censored data in the biomarker measurements due to detection limits. We propose a modified likelihood function under the parametric assumption of biomarker distribution and develop a Monte Carlo expectation‐maximization algorithm for joint analysis of a biomarker and a binary outcome. We conduct simulation studies to demonstrate the satisfactory performance of our Monte Carlo expectation‐maximization algorithm and the superiority of our method to the naive imputation method for handling censored biomarker data. In addition, we apply our method to the Genetic and Inflammatory Markers of Sepsis study to investigate the role of inflammatory biomarker profile in predicting 90‐day mortality for patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia.
Ain't it “suite”? Bundling in the PC office software market
Authors: Gandal Neil , Markovich Sarit , Riordan Michael H.
Published: April 2018

Research Summary: We examine the importance of office suites for the evolution of the personal computer (PC) office software market in the 1990s. An estimated discrete‐choice model reveals a positive correlation of consumer values for spreadsheets and wordprocessors, a bonus value for suites, and advantages for Microsoft products. We employ the estimates to simulate various hypothetical market structures to evaluate the profitability, welfare, and competitive effects of suites under alternative correlation assumptions. We find that firms benefit greatly from bundling components (i.e., a spreadsheet and a word processor) when the correlation of consumer preferences over the components in the bundle is positive. Our work adds another aspect to the recent work in the strategy literature that examines benefits from bundling when there are complementary relationships across the products in the bundle.

Managerial Summary: Our research helps managers understand the conditions under which product bundling is likely to be most profitable. We show that one key to enhanced profitability is the correlation in consumer preferences over the individual products. We consider the performance implications of bundling under a variety of alternative market structures and competitive environments. Our analysis reveals that firms benefit greatly from bundling when the correlation of consumer valuations over the products is positive. Consumers benefit as well. Hence, bundling is a win‐win for firms and their customers. Since profits increase by more than consumer surplus, bundling leads to increased value capture by the firms. Consequently, it may be profitable for firms to invest in actively increasing the correlation in consumer preferences over products in the bundle.
A Novel Thermoresponsive Catalytic Membrane with Multiscale Pores Prepared via Vapor‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Xie Rui , Luo Feng , Zhang Lei , Guo Shi‐Fei , Liu Zhuang , Ju Xiao‐Jie , Wang Wei , Chu Liang‐Yin
Published: April 2018

A novel thermoresponsive catalytic polyethersulfone membrane with multiscale pores is developed by constructing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) loaded poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanogels on pore walls of cellular pores as thermoresponsive gates and catalysts via vapor‐induced phase separation. The Ag NPs are stably immobilized on the PNIPAM nanogels by an in situ reduction method based on the versatile adhesion and reduction properties of polydopamine. The micrometer cellular pores decorated with Ag NPs loaded PNIPAM nanogels are formed throughout the membrane and act as numerous microreactors with a large pore surface. The proposed membrane exhibits both satisfactory thermoresponsive characteristics and stable catalytic properties. The effects of operation temperature and reactant concentration of feed solution on the catalytic properties are investigated systematically. The results show that the apparent kinetic rate constant of catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in water by reductant sodium borohydride (NaBH4), is ranging from 3.7 to 37.9 min‐1 at temperatures from 20 to 45 ºC and the molar ratio of NaBH4 to 4‐NP from 100:1 to 500:1. When the reactant concentration in feed solution fluctuates, the permeability or throughput of the membrane is simply adjusted by virtue of the thermoresponsive characteristics of membranes to achieve high catalytic conversion of reactant.
In Situ Electrochemically Derived Amorphous‐Li2S for High Performance Li2S/Graphite Full Cell
Authors: Ye Fangmin , Liu Meinan , Yan Xue , Li Jia , Pan Zhenghui , Li Hongfei , Zhang Yuegang
Published: April 2018

High‐capacity Li2S cathode (1166 mAh g−1) is regarded as a promising candidate for the next‐generation lithium ion batteries. However, its high potential barrier upon the initial activation process leads to a low utilization of Li2S. In this work, a Li2S/graphite full cell with the zero activation potential barrier is achieved through an in situ electrochemical conversion of Li2S8 catholyte into the amorphous Li2S. Theoretical calculations indicate that the zero activation potential for amorphous Li2S can be ascribed to its lower Li extraction energy than that of the crystalline Li2S. The constructed Li2S/graphite full cell delivers a high discharge capacity of 1006 mAh g−1, indicating a high utilization of the amorphous Li2S as a cathode. Moreover, a long cycle life with 500 cycles for this Li2S/graphite full cell is realized. This in situ electrochemical conversion strategy designed here is inspired for developing high energy Li2S‐based full cells in future.
A Novel High‐Capacity Anode Material Derived from Aromatic Imides for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yaru , Liu Zhen , Liu Huijun , Liu Huan , Li Bing , Guan Shiyou
Published: April 2018

A novel anode material for lithium‐ion batteries derived from aromatic imides with multicarbonyl group conjugated with aromatic core structure is reported, benzophenolne‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylimide oligomer (BTO). It could deliver a reversible capacity of 829 mA h g−1 at 42 mA g−1 for 50 cycles with a stable discharge plateaus ranging from 0.05–0.19 V versus Li+/Li. At higher rates of 420 and 840 mA g−1, it can still exhibit excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 88% and 72% after 1000 cycles, delivering capacity of 559 and 224 mA h g−1. In addition, a rational prediction of the maximum amount of lithium intercalation is proposed and explored its possible lithium storage mechanism.
Organic Dye Based Nanoparticles for Cancer Phototheranostics
Authors: Cai Yu , Si Weili , Huang Wei , Chen Peng , Shao Jinjun , Dong Xiaochen
Published: April 2018

Phototheranostics, which simultaneously combines photodynamic and/or photothermal therapy with deep‐tissue diagnostic imaging, is a promising strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Organic dyes with the merits of strong near‐infrared absorbance, high photo‐to‐radical and/or photothermal conversion efficiency, great biocompatibility, ready chemical structure fine‐tuning capability, and easy metabolism, have been demonstrated as attractive candidates for clinical phototheranostics. These organic dyes can be further designed and fabricated into nanoparticles (NPs) using various strategies. Compared to free molecules, these NPs can be equipped with multiple synergistic functions and show longer lifetime in blood circulation and passive tumor‐targeting property via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. In this article, the recent progress of organic dye‐based NPs for cancer phototheranostic applications is summarized, which extends the anticancer arsenal and holds promise for clinical uses in the near future.
Multistimuli Responsive Core–Shell Nanoplatform Constructed from Fe3O4@MOF Equipped with Pillar[6]arene Nanovalves
Authors: Wu Ming‐Xue , Gao Jia , Wang Fang , Yang Jie , Song Nan , Jin Xiaoyu , Mi Peng , Tian Jian , Luo Jiayan , Liang Feng , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: April 2018

An intelligent theranostic nanoplatform based on nanovalve operated metal–organic framework (MOF) core–shell hybrids, incorporating tumorous microenvironment‐triggered drug release, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance, sustained release, and effective chemotherapy in one pot is reported. The core–shell hybrids are constructed by an in situ growth method, in which Fe3O4 particles with superior abilities of MRI and magnetic separation form the core and UiO‐66 MOF with high loading capacity compose the shell, and then are surface‐installed with pillararene‐based pseudorotaxanes as tightness‐adjustable nanovalves. This strategy endows the system with the ability of targeted, multistimuli responsive drug release in response to pH changes, temperature variations, and competitive agents. Water‐soluble carboxylatopillar[6]arene system achieved sustained drug release over 7 days due to stronger host–guest binding, suggesting that the nanovalve tightness further reinforces the desirable release of anticancer agent over a prolonged time at the lesion site.
Tuning Surface Electronic Configuration of NiFe LDHs Nanosheets by Introducing Cation Vacancies (Fe or Ni) as Highly Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Yanyong , Qiao Man , Li Yafei , Wang Shuangyin
Published: April 2018

Intrinsically inferior electrocatalytic activity of NiFe layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanosheets is considered as a limiting factor to inhibit the electrocatalytic properties for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Proper defect engineering to tune the surface electronic configuration of electrocatalysts may significantly improve the intrinsic activity. In this work, the selective formation of cation vacancies in NiFe LDHs nanosheets is successfully realized. The as‐synthesized NiFe LDHs‐VFe and NiFe LDHs‐VNi electrocatalysts show excellent activity for OER, mainly attributed to the introduction of rich iron or nickel vacancies in NiFe LDHs nanosheets, which efficiently tune the surface electronic structure increasing the adsorbing capacity of OER intermediates. Density functional theory (DFT) computational results also further indicate that the OER catalytic performance of NiFe LDHs can be pronouncedly improved by introducing Fe or Ni vacancies.
Prereduction of Metal Oxides via Carbon Plasma Treatment for Efficient and Stable Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Yongqi , Ouyang Bo , Xu Kun , Xia Xinhui , Zhang Zheng , Rawat Rajdeep Singh , Fan Hong Jin
Published: April 2018

Prereduction of transition metal oxides is a feasible and efficient strategy to enhance their catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. Unfortunately, the prereduction via the common H2 annealing method is unstable for nanomaterials during the hydrogen evolution process. Here, using NiMoO4 nanowire arrays as the example, it is demonstrated that carbon plasma (C‐plasma) treatment can greatly enhance both the catalytic activity and the long‐term stability of transition metal oxides for hydrogen evolution. The C‐plasma treatment has two functions at the same time: it induces partial surface reduction of the NiMoO4 nanowire to form Ni4Mo nanoclusters, and simultaneously deposits a thin graphitic carbon shell. As a result, the C‐plasma treated NiMoO4 can maintain its array morphology, chemical composition, and catalytic activity during long‐term intermittent hydrogen evolution process. This work may pave a new way for simultaneous activation and stabilization of transition metal oxide‐based electrocatalysts.
High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells with Large Grain‐Size obtained by using the Lewis Acid‐Base Adduct of Thiourea
Authors: Wang Shuo , Ma Zirui , Liu Beibei , Wu Wenchao , Zhu Yu , Ma Ruixin , Wang Chengyan
Published: April 2018

Recently, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been rapidly developed, counting as the most promising alternative to the Si solar cells. The fabrication of perovskite films with controlled crystallinity and grain size is critical for highly efficient and stable solar cells. In this work, thiourea (TU) serving as a Lewis acid‐base adduct is introduced into the CH3NH3PbI3 precursor. A smooth and large grained perovskite crystal is obtained without the intermediate phase PbI2 · SC(NH2)2 using the ideal thiourea amount. Thiourea, through forming MAI · PbI2 · DMSO · thiourea in perovskite precursor solution, significantly impacts the perovskite crystallinity and morphology, as proved using X‐ray diffraction patterns and infrared spectroscopy. Light harvesting, suppressed defect state, and enhanced charge separation and transport of the perovskite absorber layer are improved. The optimum performance of perovskite solar cells with TU demonstrated a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.80%, an average steady‐state PCE of 18.60% and potent stability under ambient air.
UV‐Vis‐NIR‐Driven Plasmonic Photocatalysts with Dual‐Resonance Modes for Synergistically Enhancing H2 Generation
Authors: Wu Jinlei , Zhang Zhenyi , Liu Benkang , Fang Yurui , Wang Li , Dong Bin
Published: April 2018

Plasmonic noble‐metal nanostructures have been introduced into semiconductor photocatalytsts to enhance the efficiency of solar‐to‐fuels conversion. However, most researches in this field focus on the utilization of a single resonance mode of plasmonic noble‐metal to sensitize the photo‐activity of semiconductor. Here, a novel UV‐vis‐NIR‐driven plasmonic photocatalyst is developed through selective assembly of the Pt and CdS nanostructures onto the Au nanorods (NRs) via a controllable multi‐step wet‐chemistry route. By combining finite element simulations with transient absorption (TA) results, it is demonstrated that the dual‐resonance modes of anisotropic Au NRs can induce a unique synergistic effect between the plasmonic resonance energy transfer (RET) and hot electron transfer (HET) processes within the Au‐Pt‐CdS NRs. As such, upon simulated sunlight irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of Au‐Pt‐CdS NRs for H2 generation is higher than that of the optimal Pt‐loaded CdS nanoparticles (NPs) by almost one order of magnitude.
A Physical Modeling Study on Slag Behavior in the AOD Converter Process
Authors: Lundkvist Nicholas , Ni Peiyuan , Iguchi Manabu , Tilliander Anders , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: April 2018

A water/oil physical model is built up to investigate the slag behavior under the side gas‐blowing condition of an AOD process. The critical side‐blowing air flow rates for the top oil entrainment and emulsification are investigated. In addition, the oil entrainment with the existence of solid particles is studied. Specifically, the influences of the tuyere size, oil viscosity, oil thickness, and volume fraction of solid particles in oil on the mixing phenomena are studied. It is found that oil viscosity is an important factor for the initial oil entrainment and emulsification. Oil thickness only has a slight influence on these phenomena. The critical air flow rate for both initial oil entrainment and emulsification increases slightly with an increased tuyere size from 2.0 to 3.2 mm. Empirical equations have been proposed to predict the critical air flow rate for the initial oil entrainment and emulsification. Furthermore, solid particles in oil are found to increase the critical air flow rate for an initial entrainment. This may be due to the increase of oil viscosity when solid particles exist in oil. In addition, a new model is developed to predict the oil viscosity when solid particles exist inside it.
Ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight: development of new model and assessment of performance of previous models
Authors: Hammami A. , Mazer Zumaeta A. , Syngelaki A. , Akolekar R. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To develop a new formula for ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight and evaluate the accuracy of this and all previous formulae in the prediction of birth weight.

Methods

The study population consisted of 5163 singleton pregnancies with fetal biometry at 22–43 weeks' gestation and live birth of a phenotypically normal neonate within 2 days of the ultrasound examination. Multivariable fractional polynomial analysis was used to determine the combination of variables that provided the best‐fitting models for estimated fetal weight (EFW). A systematic review was also carried out of articles reporting formulae for EFW and comparing EFW to actual birth weight. The accuracy of each model for EFW was assessed by comparing mean percentage error, absolute mean error (AE), proportion of pregnancies with AE ≤ 10% and Euclidean distance.

Results

The most accurate models, with the lowest Euclidean distance and highest proportion of AE ≤ 10%, were provided by the formulae incorporating ≥ 3 rather than < 3 biometrical measurements. The systematic review identified 45 studies describing a total of 70 models for EFW by various combinations of measurements of fetal head circumference (HC), biparietal diameter, femur length (FL) and abdominal circumference (AC). The most accurate model with the lowest Euclidean distance and highest proportion of AE ≤ 10% was provided by the formula of Hadlock et al., published in 1985, which incorporated measurements of HC, AC and FL; there was a highly significant linear association between EFW and birth weight (r = 0.959; P < 0.0001), and EFW was within 10% of birth weight in 80% of cases. The performance of the best model developed in this study, utilizing HC, AC and FL, was very similar to that of Hadlock et al.

Conclusion

Despite many efforts to develop new models for EFW, the one reported in 1985 by Hadlock et al., from measurements of HC, AC and FL, provides the most accurate prediction of birth weight and can be used for assessment of all babies, including those suspected to be either small or large. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
(q, t)-KZ equations for quantum toroidal algebra and Nekrasov partition functions on ALE spaces
Authors: Awata Hidetoshi , Kanno Hiroaki , Mironov Andrei , Morozov Alexei , Suetake Kazuma , Zenkevich Yegor
Published: April 2018

Abstract

We describe the general strategy for lifting the Wess-Zumino-Witten model from the level of one-loop Kac-Moody

$$ {U}_q{\left(\widehat{\mathfrak{g}}\right)}_k $$

U
q

g
^

k

to generic quantum toroidal algebras. A nearly exhaustive presentation is given for both

$$ {U}_{q,t}\left({\widehat{\widehat{\mathfrak{gl}}}}_1\right) $$

U

q
,
t

g
l

^

^

1

and

$$ {U}_{q,t}\left({\widehat{\widehat{\mathfrak{gl}}}}_n\right) $$

U

q
,
t

g
l

^

^

n

when the screenings do not exist and thus all the correlators are purely algebraic, i.e. do not include additional hypergeometric type integrations/summations.

Generalizing the construction of the intertwiner (refined topological vertex) of the Ding-Iohara-Miki (DIM) algebra, we obtain the intertwining operators of the Fock representations of the quantum toroidal algebra of type A

n
. The correlation functions of these operators satisfy the (q, t)-Knizhnik-Zamolodchikov (KZ) equation, which features the ℛ-matrix. The matching with the Nekrasov function for the instanton counting on the ALE space is worked out explicitly.

We also present an important application of the DIM formalism to the study of 6d gauge theories described by the double elliptic integrable systems. We show that the modular and periodicity properties of the gauge theories are neatly explained by the network matrix models providing solutions to the elliptic (q, t)-KZ equations.
Acute Pancreatitis After Laparoscopic Transcystic Common Bile Duct Exploration: An Analysis of Predisposing Factors in 447 Patients
Authors: Czerwonko Matias E. , Pekolj Juan , Uad Pedro , Mazza Oscar , Sanchez‐Claria Rodrigo , Arbues Guillermo , de Santibañes Eduardo , de Santibañes Martín , Palavecino Martín
Published: April 2018

Introduction

In laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE), the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP) is well recognized. The present study assesses the incidence, risk factors, and clinical impact of AP in patients with choledocholithiasis treated with LTCBDE.

Methods

A retrospective database was completed including patients who underwent LTCBDE between 2007 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression.

Results

After exclusion criteria, 447 patients were identified. There were 70 patients (15.7%) who showed post‐procedure hyperamylasemia, including 20 patients (4.5%) who developed post‐LTCBDE AP. Of these, 19 were edematous and one was a necrotizing pancreatitis. Patients with post‐LTCBDE AP were statistically more likely to have leukocytosis (p < 0.004) and jaundice (p = 0.019) before surgery and longer operative times (OT, p < 0.001); they were less likely to have incidental intraoperative diagnosis (p = 0.031) or to have biliary colic as the reason for surgery (p = 0.031). In the final multivariate model, leukocytosis (p = 0.013) and OT (p < 0.001) remained significant predictors for AP. Mean postoperative hospital stay (HS) was significantly longer in AP group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The risk of AP is moderate and should be considered in patients with preoperative leukocytosis and jaundice and exposed to longer OT. AP has a strong impact on postoperative HS.
“I feel that life is meaningless”: Vietnamese adolescents' experiences of and reflections about interpersonal violence
Authors: Le M. T. H. , Holton S. , Kirkman M. , Fisher J.
Published: April 2018

Background

The experiences of and reflections on interpersonal violence and victimisation among adolescents living in low- and middle-income countries are poorly understood. The aim was to describe Vietnamese adolescents’ reflections on their experiences of victimisation.

Method

A self-completed, cross-sectional survey investigating exposure to violence among high school students in Hanoi, Vietnam was conducted during 2013–2014. The last section invited participants to write about any of the matters covered in the questionnaire. Thematic analysis was conducted on these free-text comments.

Results

A total of 73/76 eligible students participated in the pilot and 1616/1745 in the main survey. Of these, a total of 239 records with free-text comments were analysed. Students described experiences of violence occurring at home, at school and in the community. Experiences of violence led to sadness, loneliness, having extremely negative thoughts about the value of life, and suicidal ideas. Adolescents’ experiences occurred in the context of poor parent–adolescent and teacher–student relationships, particularly concerning dissatisfaction with academic performance. Adolescents wanted to be trusted, to be given more autonomy, and to improve their relationships with parents and teachers.

Conclusions

Vietnamese adolescents experience various forms of victimisation, which are detrimental to their health and wellbeing. Understanding of their experiences of and perceptions of violence and its impact on their health and wellbeing is important in the prevention of violence against young people in Vietnam.
Defining the Role of the Environment in the Emergence and Persistence of vanA Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) in an Intensive Care Unit: A Molecular Epidemiological Study
Authors: Lee Andie S. , White Elizabeth , Monahan Leigh G. , Jensen Slade O. , Chan Raymond , van Hal Sebastiaan J.
Published: April 2018

OBJECTIVE

To describe the transmission dynamics of the emergence and persistence of vanA vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) in an intensive care unit (ICU) using whole-genome sequencing of patient and environmental isolates.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

ICU in a tertiary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients admitted to the ICU over an 11-month period.

METHODS

VanA VRE isolated from patients (n=31) were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Environmental samples from bed spaces, equipment, and waste rooms were collected. All vanA VRE-positive environmental samples (n=14) were also sequenced. Data were collected regarding patient ward and bed movements.

RESULTS

The 31 patient vanA VRE isolates were from screening (n=19), urine (n=4), bloodstream (n=3), skin/wound (n=3), and intra-abdominal (n=2) sources. The phylogeny from sequencing data confirmed several VRE clusters, with 1 group accounting for 38 of 45 isolates (84%). Within this cluster, cross-transmission was extensive and complex across the ICU. Directionality indicated that colonized patients contaminated environmental sites. Similarly, environmental sources not only led to patient colonization but also to infection. Notably, shared equipment acted as a conduit for transmission between different ICU areas. Infected patients, however, were not linked to further VRE transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Genomic sequencing confirmed a predominantly clonal outbreak of VRE with complex transmission dynamics. The environmental reservoir, particularly from shared equipment, played a key role in ongoing VRE spread. This study provides evidence to support the use of multifaceted strategies, with an emphasis on measures to reduce bacterial burden in the environment, for successful VRE control.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:668–675
An Exploration of the Factors Associated with Burnout Among NSW Secondary School Counsellors
Authors: King Catherine , Subotic-Kerry Mirjana , O'Dea Bridianne
Published: April 2018

School counsellors play an important role in supporting student mental health but face several challenges that may increase their vulnerability to burnout. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with burnout among school counsellors in secondary schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted to measure demographics, school counsellor background, school context, school counselling practice, openness towards evidence-based practices, and use of online resources. The final sample consisted of the 125 participants who responded they had (n= 65) or had not (n= 60) experienced burnout. Most participants were female (86%), with an average of 9 years’ experience (SD= 7.0). Burnout was associated with lower workload manageability, lower satisfaction with school mental healthcare, greater impact of work stress upon wellbeing, and greater frequency of providing care outside of school hours. No other significant associations were found. This study reinforces that school counsellors are vulnerable to burnout and that measuring job overload may help to identify those at increased risk. School counsellors may also benefit from additional support for students who require care beyond school hours. Greater awareness about the risks of burnout, coupled with efforts to improve resource allocation within the school setting, may improve school counsellors’ sustainability and optimise the mental healthcare available to students.
Changes of grain production potential in farming–pastoral ecotone: a case study in West Jilin, China
Authors: Li Fei , Zhang Shuwen , Zhang Yijing , Yang Haijuan , Yang Jiuchun
Published: April 2018

Grain production potential is mainly influenced by agroclimate and land use. In the present study, substantial regional differences associated with the impact of climate change were found (i.e. the degree of climate-related impacts varied among regions). Currently, there is an urgent need for effective responses and adaptations to different agricultural districts and agricultural production modes. Therefore, the aim was to examine ecotones and explore trends and influential factors associated with grain production potential change. Using the Global Agro-ecological Zone model, the grain production potential of West Jilin, China under different conditions during various years were estimated, considering meteorological, soil, topographic, land use and other data. The results showed that total grain production potential (TGrPP) of West Jilin increased continuously from 1976 to 2013. The average annual increase in TGrPP was higher in period 1 (1976–2000) than period 2 (2000–2013). In period 1, grain production potential was influenced mainly by irrigation percentage changes, followed by land use change. The conversion of grassland to farmland was the most important land use change factor that was associated with increased grain production potential. Climate change affected grain production potential in period 1 negatively. In period 2, climate change had the largest impact and land use imparted the smallest effect on grain production potential. Finally, the decrease in irrigation percentage resulted in reduced grain production potential.
Innate valuation, existential framing, and one head for multiple moral hats
Authors: Beal Bree , Rochat Philippe
Published: April 2018

We support John Doris's criticism of “reflectivism” but identify three shortcomings: (1) his neglect of humans' evolved predispositions and tendencies, (2) his failure to appreciate that identity and responsibility arise first from parsing our world ontologically, in a process we call “existential framing,” and (3) a potentially alarming implication of his “dialogic” model of identity formation: if identity is negotiated across diverse social situations, why isn't dissociative identity disorder more common?
Moral agency among the ruins
Authors: Dunning David
Published: April 2018

Doris suggests thought-provoking directions for rehabilitating moral agency within a self that is unaware and incoherent. These directions suggest more radical proposals. First, moral reasoning may serve many different functions beyond merely expressing a person's values. Second, social collaboration may not focus on moral reasoning as much as it does on the “defeaters” of that agency. Ultimately, moral agency may not reside in the individual but in social communities or within external situations.
PERSPECTIVE: SOME CONCLUSIONS FROM MY LIFE IN HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
Authors: Banta H. David
Published: April 2018

I have worked in health technology assessment (HTA) since 1975, beginning in the United States Congress Office of Technology Assessment (OTA), where we were charged with defining “medical technology assessment”. My main concern in HTA has always been efficacy of healthcare interventions. After years in OTA, I was invited to the Netherlands in 1985, where the Dutch government invited me to head a special commission concerning future healthcare technology and HTA. From there, I became involved in over forty countries, beginning in Europe and then throughout the world. My most intense involvements, outside the United States and Europe, have been in Brazil, China, and Malaysia. During these 40-plus years, I have seen HTA grow from its earliest beginnings to a worldwide force for better health care for everyone. I have also had some growing concerns, outlined in this Perspective article. Within HTA, I am most disappointed by a narrow perspective of cost-effective analysis, which tends to ignore considerations of culture, society, ethics, and organizational and legal issues. In the general environment affecting HTA and health care, I am most concerned about the need to protect the independence of HTA activities from influences of the healthcare industries.
A detail shape grammar. Using Alberti's column system rules to evaluate the longitudinal elevation of the nave of Sant'Andrea church generation
Authors: D'Oliveira Quaresma Pedro Filipe Coutinho Cabral
Published: April 2018

This paper shows the way Leon Battista Alberti treatise De Re Aedificatoria column systematization shape grammar was built, and how the longitudinal elevation of the nave of the Sant'Andrea church was designed, evidencing some steps involved in the grammar construction process, its derivation, and the partial outputs gained from the grammar evaluation. The goal of this grammar is to infer Alberti's treatise rules through a computational approach evidencing its algorithmic nature, illustrating it, and understanding the De Re Aedificatoria rules that may be applied in the generation of some parts of buildings such as the Sant'Andrea church, showing a complementary method to archaeological, bibliographical, historical ones, among others, that have been used to understand the built environment. The rules provided by the grammar may be applied to an initial insertion point to produce a complete column and to a pre-existing plan or section element of a building generating its facade. It was proved, evaluating the grammar with a simple linear regression method, to what extent the treatise influenced the design of the facade in the study.
Rice and Social Differentiation on a Volcanic Island: An Archaeobotanical Investigation of Yerae-dong, Korea
Authors: Kim Minkoo , Oh Ranyeong , Bang Moonbae , Rha Jeong-Wook , Jeong Youjin
Published: April 2018

This article presents evidence for prehistoric rice cultivation on the island of Jeju (Jejudo), Korea. It also discusses sociopolitical contexts in which the people of this island decided to incorporate rice into their lifeways. Although Jejudo is culturally closely related to the southern region of the Korean peninsula, the nearest landmass to the island, their environmental conditions are radically different. Jejudo is not suitable for intensive rice cultivation. Archaeobotanical research at Yerae-dong nonetheless confirmed that rice was consumed earlier than the emergence of institutionalized social hierarchy on the island. The evidence for status competition and exchange networks contemporaneous with rice remains raises the suggestion that rice was initially incorporated as an exotic and luxurious food, rather than a daily necessity. The earliest rice on Jejudo is unlikely to have been transferred to the island as a result of tributary trade between ancient states. Rather, this study demonstrated that the main agents of rice cultivation were the emergent local elites who attempted to express status and consolidate hierarchy with foreign objects.
On age difference in joint lifetime modelling with life insurance annuity applications
Authors: Dufresne François , Hashorva Enkelejd , Ratovomirija Gildas , Toukourou Youssouf
Published: April 2018

Insurance and annuity products covering several lives require the modelling of the joint distribution of future lifetimes. In the interest of simplifying calculations, it is common in practice to assume that the future lifetimes among a group of people are independent. However, extensive research over the past decades suggests otherwise. In this paper, a copula approach is used to model the dependence between lifetimes within a married couple using data from a large Canadian insurance company. As a novelty, the age difference and the gender of the elder partner are introduced as an argument of the dependence parameter. Maximum likelihood techniques are thus implemented for the parameter estimation. Not only do the results make clear that the correlation decreases with age difference, but also the dependence between the lifetimes is higher when husband is older than wife. A goodness-of-fit procedure is applied in order to assess the validity of the model. Finally, considering several annuity products available on the life insurance market, the paper concludes with practical illustrations.
Multi-functional D-bandI/Qmodulator/demodulator MMICs in SiGe BiCMOS technology
Authors: Carpenter Sona , He Zhongxia Simon , Zirath Herbert
Published: April 2018

This paper presents the design and characterization of a D-band (110–170 GHz) monolithic microwave integrated direct carrier quadrature modulator and demodulator circuits with on-chip quadrature local oscillator (LO) phase shifter and radio frequency (RF) balun fabricated in a 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS process withft/fmaxof 250 GHz/400 GHz. These circuits are suitable for low-power ultra-high-speed wireless communication and can be used in both homodyne and heterodyne architectures. In single-sideband operation, the modulator demonstrates a maximum conversion gain of 9.8 dB with 3-dB RF bandwidth of 33 GHz (from 119 GHz to 152 GHz). The measured image rejection ratio (IRR) and LO suppression are 19 dB and 31 dB, respectively. The outputP1dBis −4 dBm at 140 GHz RF and 1 GHz intermediate frequency (IF) and the chip consumes 53 mW dc power. The demodulator, characterized as an image reject mixer, exhibits 10 dB conversion gain with 23-dB IRR. The measured 3-dB RF bandwidth is 36 GHz and the IF bandwidth is 18 GHz. The active area of both the chips is 620 µm × 480 µm including the RF and LO baluns. A 12-Gbit/s QPSK data transmission using 131-GHz carrier signal is demonstrated on modulator with measured modulator-to-receiver error vector magnitude of 21%.
Coupled from the Start
Authors: Dirmeyer Paul
Published: April 2018

Atmosphere and land model development has historically been segregated but coupled processes crucial to prediction and extremes can be properly represented only with a holistic approach.
Spatial distribution of arable and abandoned land across former Soviet Union countries
Authors: Lesiv Myroslava , Schepaschenko Dmitry , Moltchanova Elena , Bun Rostyslav , Dürauer Martina , Prishchepov Alexander V. , Schierhorn Florian , Estel Stephan , Kuemmerle Tobias , Alcántara Camilo , Kussul Natalia , Shchepashchenko Maria , Kutovaya Olga , Martynenko Olga , Karminov Viktor , Shvidenko Anatoly , Havlik Petr , Kraxner Florian , See Linda , Fritz Steffen
Published: April 2018

Knowledge of the spatial distribution of agricultural abandonment following the collapse of the Soviet Union is highly uncertain. To help improve this situation, we have developed a new map of arable and abandoned land for 2010 at a 10 arc-second resolution. We have fused together existing land cover and land use maps at different temporal and spatial scales for the former Soviet Union (fSU) using a training data set collected from visual interpretation of very high resolution (VHR) imagery. We have also collected an independent validation data set to assess the map accuracy. The overall accuracies of the map by region and country, i.e. Caucasus, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Republic of Moldova, Russian Federation and Ukraine, are 90±2%, 84±2%, 92±1%, 78±3%, 95±1%, 83±2%, respectively. This new product can be used for numerous applications including the modelling of biogeochemical cycles, land-use modelling, the assessment of trade-offs between ecosystem services and land-use potentials (e.g., agricultural production), among others.
Recent advances in functional modification of separators in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: He Yibo , Qiao Yu , Zhou Haoshen
Published: April 2018

Recent advances in the development of the multi-functional separators for lithium–sulfur batteries.
Heat treatment effect on the mechanical properties, roughness and bone ingrowth capacity of 3D printing porous titanium alloy
Authors: Li Zuhao , Liu Chang , Wang Bingfeng , Wang Chenyu , Wang Zhonghan , Yang Fan , Gao Chaohua , Liu He , Qin Yanguo , Wang Jincheng
Published: April 2018

The weak mechanical strength and biological inertia of Ti–6Al–4V porous titanium alloy limit its clinical application in the field of orthopedics.
Establishment of transport channels with carriers for water in reverse osmosis membrane by incorporating hydrotalcite into the polyamide layer
Authors: Tian Xinxia , Wang Jian , Zhang Huifeng , Cao Zhen , Zhao Man , Guan Yipeng , Zhang Yushan
Published: April 2018

Hydrotalcite incorporated in polyamide layer of RO membrane facilitates the transport of water.
Synthesis and structural characterization of a novel dinuclear Cu(ii) complex: an efficient and recyclable bifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for the diastereoselective Henry reaction
Authors: Markad Datta , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: April 2018

Design and development of an efficient and recyclable bifunctional heterogeneous dinuclear Cu(ii) catalyst for the diastereoselective Henry reaction are reported.
Enhanced electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction through surface enrichment of platinum nanoclusters alloying with ruthenium in situ embedded in carbon
Authors: Li Kui , Li Yang , Wang Yuemin , Ge Junjie , Liu Changpeng , Xing Wei
Published: April 2018

PtRu alloy nanoparticles, surface-enriched with Pt nanoclusters and partially-embedded in carbon, act as the cost-effective and promising alternative to commercial Pt/C for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
A highly efficient dual-diazonium reagent for protein crosslinking and construction of a virus-based gel
Authors: Ma Dejun , Zhang Jie , Zhang Changyu , Men Yuwen , Sun Hongyan , Li Lu-Yuan , Yi Long , Xi Zhen
Published: April 2018

A highly efficient strategy is developed to construct a new hydrogel using tobacco mosaic virus and a new bench-stable diazonium reagent.
Cyrene as a bio-based solvent for HATU mediated amide coupling
Authors: Wilson Kirsty L. , Murray Jane , Jamieson Craig , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: April 2018

Cyrene was found to be an effective bio-based solvent for HATU mediated amide bond formation.
Superior alkaline hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis enabled by an ultrafine PtNi nanoparticle-decorated Ni nanoarray with ultralow Pt loading
Authors: Xie Lisi , Liu Qin , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Luo Yonglan , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2018

An ultrafine PtNi nanoparticle-decorated Ni nanosheet array with ultralow Pt loading acts as a superior hydrogen-evolving electrocatalyst.
Excimer based fluorescent pyrene–ferritin conjugate for protein oligomerization studies and imaging in living cells
Authors: Benni Irene , Trabuco Matilde Cardoso , Di Stasio Enrico , Arcovito Alessandro , Boffi Alberto , Malatesta Francesco , Bonamore Alessandra , De Panfilis Simone , de Turris Valeria , Baiocco Paola
Published: April 2018

Pyrene fluorescence changes upon ferritin self-assembly allowed to establish the kinetic and thermodynamic details of the archaeal ferritins oligomerization mechanism and was successfully visualizedin vitroby two photon fluorescence microscopy.
Fluorinated graphene/sulfur hybrid cathode for high energy and high power density lithium primary batteries
Authors: Peng Sikan , Yan Shaojiu , Wang Nan , Nan Wenzheng , Wang Jixian , Chen Xiang , Wang Chen , Qi Xin , Dai Shenglong
Published: April 2018

Fluorinated graphene (FG)/sulfur hybrid cathode with monoclinic sulfur enables the lithium primary battery exhibiting excellent capacity and rate performance.
Magnetic resonance imaging, gadolinium neutron capture therapy, and tumor cell detection using ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles coated with polyacrylic acid-rhodamine B as a multifunctional tumor theragnostic agent
Authors: Ho Son Long , Cha Hyunsil , Oh In Taek , Jung Ki-Hye , Kim Mi Hyun , Lee Yong Jin , Miao Xu , Tegafaw Tirusew , Ahmad Mohammad Yaseen , Chae Kwon Seok , Chang Yongmin , Lee Gang Ho
Published: April 2018

Ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticle colloids coated with PAA and Rho-PAA were synthesized and applied to T1 MRI, GdNCT and fluorescent tumor cell detection.
Tuning of the photophysical and electrochemical properties of symmetric and asymmetric conjugated thiophenoazomethines
Authors: Liu Shengzhen , Wu Ti , Zhu Qi , Pu Jialing , Chen Guangxue , Zhang Weimin , Li Zhongxiao
Published: April 2018

A synthetic route towards symmetric and asymmetric thiophenoazomethines was accomplished by reaction of the readily available amine with various aldehydes.
Solid fat content and bakery characteristics of interesterified beef tallow-palm mid fraction based margarines
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Shim Youn Young , Ma Xiang , Huang Huihua , Wang Yong
Published: April 2018

Palm mid fraction (PMF) was interesterified with edible beef tallow (BT) to investigate the effects on the solid fat content (SFC) and the bakery characteristics.
Green synthesis of amphiphilic carbon dots from organic solvents: application in fluorescent polymer composites and bio-imaging
Authors: Gu Jiangjiang , Li Xinle , Hu Donghua , Liu Yanfeng , Zhang Guiyang , Jia Xudong , Huang Wenyu , Xi Kai
Published: April 2018

We prepared several CDs via a recycle hydrothermal route, which could be applied for fluorescent polymer composites and bio-imaging.
Roll-to-roll continuous carbon nanotube sheets with high electrical conductivity
Authors: Zhang Songlin , Leonhardt Branden E. , Nguyen Nam , Oluwalowo Abiodun , Jolowsky Claire , Hao Ayou , Liang Richard , Park Jin Gyu
Published: April 2018

Highly electrically conductive, roll-to-roll continuous buckypaper (CBP) with stable performance was achieved by chemical doping and polymer coating (PEDOT:PSS).