bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of bias voltage and sputter mode on the coating properties of TiAlSiN
Authors: Tillmann W. , Dildrop M.
Published: September 2017

Silicon offers promising opportunities to improve the characteristics of thin coatings. By adding silicon to TiAlN, the oxidation resistance as well as the tribological properties can be increased and improved. To analyze the influence of the silicon content on the coating properties of TiAlSiN, it is necessary to keep the ratio of the other coating elements constant by using the right target configuration. Within this study, TiAlSiN coatings were deposited on hot work steel AISI H11 by using magnetron sputtering (Cemecon CC800/9 sinox ML). This steel was previously plasma nitrided to increase the hardness and hence the carrying load of the substrate, avoiding shell egg effect during the analysis. Different sputter modes were used to analyze the possibility to produce TiAlSiN by utilizing a pure low conductive silicon target. The bias voltages were systematically varied to see their influence on the structure and chemical compositions of the coating which were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). Furthermore, the roughness of the surface of the coatings was measured by an optical three‐dimensional surface analyzer. The results of this study serve as a basis for further investigations regarding the variation of the silicon content of TiAlSiN coatings.
In‐situ heated stage scanning electron microscope analysis and characterisation of recrystallization behaviour of a 7000 series alloy with nickel additions
Authors: Taylor S. , Janik V. , Grimes R. , Dashwood R.
Published: September 2017

Observation of microstructural evolution and processes are typically observed by means of “snap shots” where a sample is removed from a thermal cycle and then analysed using varying microscopy techniques. Advanced techniques such as hot stage electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) and fore scattered detection (FSD) allow for direct in‐situ observation of these processes to give better and more accurate analysis. This paper investigates two 7000 series alloys with a 1.6 wt% nickel addition and compares the recrystallization behaviours of both. Recrystallization was observed to occur at a higher rate and at a lower initiation temperature of 277 °C in sheet rolled from the original smaller 10 kg cast of material compared to the higher temperature of 285 °C in sheet from a second larger 60 kg cast. In‐situ back scattered scans of both alloys microstructures were observed to be near identical to bulk back scattered scans taken from samples recrystallized externally, validating the accuracy of the observed results.
Tautomerism of amidoximes and other oxime species
Authors: Novikov Alexander S. , Bolotin Dmitrii S.
Published: September 2017

The tautomerism of the aliphatic MeC(NH2)═NOH and the aromatic PhC(NH2)═NOH amidoximes in protic (H2O, MeOH) and aprotic (Me2CO, Me2SO, and CHCl3) solvents was studied by density functional theory calculations at the M06‐2X/6‐311+G(d,p) level of theory. In both types of solutions, these species exist in 3 tautomeric forms, viz, (Z)‐ or (E)‐amidoximes, and (Z)‐aminonitrone. The (Z)‐form is the dominant, and energy gap between the (Z)‐ and (E)‐tautomers of the amidoximes slightly depends on the nature of a solvent and significantly higher than that for other oxime species. For the amidoximes, the zwitterionic (Z)‐aminonitrone form is stabilized by protic solvents. The oxime‐nitrone energy gap is reduced by electron‐donor substituents at the oxime moiety at different types of oxime species.
Thickness dependence of structural relaxation in spin‐cast polynorbornene films with high glass transition temperatures (>613 K)
Authors: Lewis Elizabeth A. , Vogt Bryan D.
Published: September 2017

The isothermal structural relaxation (densification) of a family of glassy polynorbornene films with high glass transition temperatures (Tg > 613 K) is assessed via spectroscopic ellipsometry. Three polymers were examined: poly(butylnorbornene) (BuNB), poly(hydroxyhexafluoroisopropyl norbornene) (HFANB), and their random copolymer, BuNB‐r‐HFANB. The effective aging rate, β(T), of thick (∼1.2 μm) spun cast films of BuNB‐r‐HFANB is approximately 10−3 over a wide temperature window (0.49 < T/Tg < 0.68). At higher temperatures, these polymers undergo reactions that more dramatically decrease the film thickness, which prohibits erasing the process history by annealing above Tg. The aging rate for thick BuNB‐r‐HFANB films is independent of the casting solvent, which infers that rapid aging is not associated with residual solvent. β (at 373 K) decreases for films thinner than ∼500 nm. However, the isothermal structural relaxation of thin films of BuNB‐r‐HFANB exhibits nonmonotonic temporal evolution in thickness for films thinner than 115 nm film. The thickness after 18 h of aging at 373 K can be greater than the initial thickness. The rapid aging of these polynorbornene films is attributed to the unusual rapid local dynamics of this class of polymers and demonstrates the potential for unexpected structural relaxations in membranes and thin films of high‐Tg polymers that could impact their performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 53–61
Patterns of unmet supportive needs and relationship to quality of life in Chinese cancer patients
Authors: Zhu Lei , Yao Juntao , Schroevers Maya J. , Zhang Hongmei , Xie Juan , Liu Ailan , Fleer Joke , Ranchor Adelita V. , Song Zhangjun
Published: September 2017

Objective

This study aimed to (1) identify distinct patterns of unmet needs in Chinese cancer patients; (2) examine whether sociodemographic and medical characteristics distinguished these patterns; and (3) examine whether people with distinct patterns reported differential quality of life (QoL).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study recruited 301 cancer patients from 2 hospitals in China. The 34‐item Supportive Care Needs Survey Short‐Form was used to measure unmet needs across 5 domains: physical and daily living, psychological, patient care and support, health systems and information, and sexuality. Latent class analysis was performed to identify patterns of unmet needs across these domains.

Results

Four patterns of unmet needs were identified, differing in levels and nature of unmet needs. Participants in class 1 (47%) reported few unmet needs. Patients in class 2 (15%) had moderate levels of unmet needs, displaying similar levels across 5 domains. People in class 3 (25%) and class 4 (13%) reported similarly high levels on “psychological,” “health care system and information,” “physical and daily living,” and “patient care,” but differing in “sexuality,” with class 3 reporting low levels while class 4 high on “sexuality.” None of sociodemographic and medical characteristics distinguished these patterns significantly. Compared to other classes, people in class 1 reported highest levels of QoL.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the existence of 4 patterns of unmet supportive needs in Chinese cancer patients. Patients with few unmet needs reported the best QoL.
Epitaxial Growth of Urchin‐Like CoSe2 Nanorods from Electrospun Co‐Embedded Porous Carbon Nanofibers and Their Superior Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Wang Jinkai , Wang Hongkang , Cao Daxian , Lu Xuan , Han Xiaogang , Niu Chunming
Published: September 2017

A facile synthesis of porous graphitic carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with encapsulated Co nanoparticles (denote as Co@CNFs) via electrospinning and subsequent annealing is reported. The in situ generated Co nanoparticles (NPs) promote the CNF graphitization under a low temperature of 700 °C, which simultaneously results in the porous structure of the Co@CNFs with a large surface area (416 m2 g−1). Furthermore, urchin‐like CoSe2 nanorods are epitaxially grown from the Co@CNFs via a facile hydrothermal selenation, in which the embedded Co NPs serve as directing seeds and sacrificial Co‐source, and CoSe2 nanorods are rooted into the CNFs (denote as CoSe2@CNFs). When used as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the CoSe2@CNFs demonstrate superior lithium storage properties, delivering a high reversible capacity of 1405 mA h g−1 after 300 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1. The enhanced lithium storage performance can be attributed to the novel hybrid structure, namely, the porous and graphitic CNFs can not only facilitate the charge/ion transfer but also buffer the volume changes of the electrode during lithiation/delithiation processes. More importantly, a general strategy is provided to graphitize amorphous carbon materials via the use of in situ generated transition metal nanoparticles as catalyst.
Influence of southwest monsoon flow and typhoon track on Taiwan rainfall during the exit phase: modelling study of typhoon Morakot (2009)
Authors: Chen Yu‐Han , Kuo Hung‐Chi , Wang Chung‐Chieh , Yang Yi‐Ting
Published: September 2017

This paper studies the dramatic decadal increase of Taiwan rainfall in the typhoon exit phase. The exit phase is defined as the time interval between a typhoon centre leaving the Taiwan coast to reaching 100 km away from the nearest coastline. Typhoons which move across Taiwan's northern (track N), central (track C), or southern (track S) areas are selected for a statistical study. Taiwan hourly rainfall data at 21 surface gauge stations from the past 57 years are divided into two periods: 1960–1989 (P1) and 1987–2016 (P2). From P1 to P2, there are decadal increases of rainfall (∼60%) and rainfall intensity (∼30%, mm h−1) in the exit phase. There is also a decadal increase of the track C typhoons. The southwest monsoon water vapour flux (SWF) in a local region southwest of Taiwan, as computed from the JRA‐55 dataset, is substantially larger in the track C typhoons than that in the track N typhoons. Our analysis indicates that the increase of SWF leads to the increase of rainfall intensity. Moreover, both the enhanced SWF and the prolonged duration time contribute to the increased rainfall in the exit phase. Typhoon Morakot (2009), a track C typhoon with extremely slow speed in the exit phase, produced the record‐breaking rainfall. Model experiments and potential vorticity tendency diagnosis of typhoon Morakot are used to understand the dynamics of the increased duration time. The slowdown of typhoon motion is shown to be due to the asymmetric convection in the Taiwan Strait, which is produced by the interaction between typhoon circulation and southwest monsoon flow. The enhanced SWF and the prolonged duration time may explain the observation that the decadal rainfall increase is much larger than that of rainfall intensity in the exit phase.
The inherent matrix properties of lichen metabolites in matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Le Pogam Pierre , Boustie Joël , Richomme Pascal , Denis Antoine , Schinkovitz Andreas
Published: September 2017

Rationale

Light‐absorbing secondary metabolites from lichens were recently reported to exhibit promising Laser Desorption Ionization (LDI) properties, enabling their direct detection from crude lichen extracts. In addition, many of them display close structural homologies to commercial Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) matrices, which is incentive for the evaluation of their matrical properties. The current study systematically evaluated the matrix effects of several structural classes of lichen metabolites: monoaromatic compounds, quinone derivatives, dibenzofuran‐related molecules and the shikimate‐derived vulpinic acid. Their matrical properties were tested against a wide range of structurally diverse analytes including alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids and peptides.

Methods

Triplicate automatic positive‐ion mode MALDI analyses were carried out and ionization efficiencies were compared with those of structurally related reference matrices (i.e. DHB, HCCA, dithranol and usnic acid) in terms of (i) analyte absolute intensities and (ii) Matrix Suppressing Effect (MSE) scores.

Results

Monoaromatic lichen metabolites revealed matrical properties similar to those of DHB when obtained under comparable experimental conditions. Likewise, anthraquinone metabolites triggered ionization of tested analytes in a similar way to the structurally related dithranol. Finally, dibenzofuran derivatives displayed a broad ionization profile, reminiscent of that of (+)‐usnic acid.

Conclusions

Lichen metabolites exhibit interesting MALDI matrix properties, especially for medium and low molecular weight analytes. For many of the tested molecules, matrix ion formation was very limited. This proof‐of‐concept study paves the way for follow‐up investigations to assess the matrix properties of lichen metabolites against a wider array of analytes as well as adapting experimental settings to individually optimize the performance of successfully tested candidates.
Sequential geophysical and flow inversion to characterize fracture networks in subsurface systems
Authors: Mudunuru Maruti Kumar , Karra Satish , Makedonska Nataliia , Chen Ting
Published: September 2017

Subsurface applications, including geothermal, geological carbon sequestration, and oil and gas, typically involve maximizing either the extraction of energy or the storage of fluids. Fractures form the main pathways for flow in these systems, and locating these fractures is critical for predicting flow. However, fracture characterization is a highly uncertain process, and data from multiple sources, such as flow and geophysical are needed to reduce this uncertainty. We present a nonintrusive, sequential inversion framework for integrating data from geophysical and flow sources to constrain fracture networks in the subsurface. In this framework, we first estimate bounds on the statistics for the fracture orientations using microseismic data. These bounds are estimated through a combination of a focal mechanism (physics‐based approach) and clustering analysis (statistical approach) of seismic data. Then, the fracture lengths are constrained using flow data. The efficacy of this inversion is demonstrated through a representative example.
Analysis of ToF‐SIMS spectra of poly(2‐vinylpyridine) and poly(4‐vinylpyridine) with density functional theory calculations
Authors: Wong Chi Pui Jeremy , Ng Kai‐Mo , Weng Lu‐Tao , Lun Yeung King , Chan Chi Ming
Published: September 2017

The time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) positive and negative ion spectra of poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP) and poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) were analyzed using density functional theory calculations. Most of the ions from these structural isomers shared the same accurate mass, but had different relative abundance. This could be attributed to the fact that from a thermodynamics perspective, the disparity in the molecular structures can affect the ion stability if we assume that they shared the same mechanistic pathway of formation with similar reaction kinetics. The molecular structures of these ions were assigned, and their stability was evaluated based on calculations using the Kohn‐Sham density functional theory with Becke's 3‐parameter Lee‐Yang‐Parr exchange‐correlation functional and a correlation‐consistent, polarized, valence, double‐zeta basis set for cations and the same basis set with a triple‐zeta for anions. The computational results agreed with the experimental observations that the nitrogen‐containing cations such as C5H4N+ (m/z = 78), C8H7N+· (m/z = 117), C8H8N+ (m/z = 118), C9H8N+ (m/z = 130), C13H11N2+ (m/z = 195), C14H13N2+ (m/z = 209), C15H15N2+ (m/z = 223), and C21H22N3+ (m/z = 316) ions were more favorably formed in P2VP than in P4VP due to higher ion stability because the calculated total energies of these cations were more negative when the nitrogen was situated at the ortho position. Nevertheless, our assumption was invalid in the formation of positive ions such as C6H7N+˙ (m/z = 93) and C8H10N+ (m/z = 120). Their formation did not necessarily depend on the ion stability. Instead, the transition state chemistry and the matrix effect both played a role. In the negative ion spectra, we found that nitrogen‐containing anions such as C5H4N− (m/z = 78), C6H6N− (m/z = 92), C7H6N− (m/z = 104), C8H6N− (m/z = 116), C9H10N− (m/z = 132), C13H11N2− (m/z = 195), and C14H13N2− (m/z = 209) ions were more favorably formed in P4VP, which is in line with our computational results without exception. We speculate that whether anions would form from P2VP and P4VP is more dependent on the stability of the ions.
Re: Cut‐off value of nuchal translucency as indication for chromosomal microarray analysis. I. Maya, S. Yacobson, S. Kahana, J. Yeshaya, T. Tenne, I. Agmon‐Fishman, L. Cohen‐Vig, M. Shohat, L. Basel‐Vanagaite and R. Sharony. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 50: 332–335.
Authors: Cuckle H.
Published: September 2017

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2017; 50: 332–335
Hydrogen‐rich superconductors at high pressures
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Xue , Gao Guoying , Li Yinwei , Ma Yanming
Published: September 2017

The hydrogen‐rich superconductors stabilized at high‐pressure conditions have been the subject of topic interests. There is an essential hope that hydrogen‐rich superconductors are promising candidates of room‐temperature superconductors. Recent advances in first‐principles crystal structure prediction techniques have opened up the possibility of reliable prediction of superconductive structures, and subsequent superconductivity calculations based on phonon‐mediated superconducting mechanism revealed a general appearance of high temperature superconductivity in pressurized hydrides. Theory‐orientated experiments at high pressure discovered a number of hydrogen‐rich superconductors, among which sulfur hydrides exhibit a remarkably high superconducting critical temperature reaching 203 K. In this review, we discuss the emerging research activities towards hydrogen‐rich superconductors at high pressures and outlook the future direction in the field. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2018, 8:e1330. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1330

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
An alternative minimally invasive technique for genetic sampling of bats: Wing swabs yield species identification
Authors: Player Delanie , Lausen Cori , Zaitlin Beryl , Harrison Jori , Paetkau David , Harmston Erin
Published: September 2017

Bat species are traditionally identified morphologically, but in some cases, species can be difficult to differentiate. Wing punches (biopsies) of wing or tail membranes are commonly used to collect tissue for DNA analysis, but less invasive techniques are preferable. As such, DNA acquired using buccal and wing swabs or from fecal pellets are increasingly being employed. We compared a dry swabbing technique with the wing biopsy technique for DNA collection. We compared species identification between tissue biopsies and wing swabs collected from bats in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, between April and November, 2014, and September and October 2015. Species identification was achieved with varying methods of field collection and lab processing. DNA was extracted, sequenced, and compared with reference sequences and field identifications. We concluded that wing swabs are an effective way to identify bat species genetically and far less invasive than biopsy techniques. These methods should be considered for genetically sampling bats, especially during seasons when wounds from biopsy are slow to heal. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Macroscopic damage laws based on analysis of microscopic unit cells
Authors: Brünig Michael , Hagenbrock Vanessa , Gerke Steffen
Published: September 2017

The paper deals with the influence of the stress state on the damage and fracture behavior of ductile metals. A continuum damage model is discussed taking into account the effect of the stress triaxiality and the Lode parameter on damage criteria and on evolution equations of damage strains. To get insight in the complex damage and failure mechanisms on the micro‐level and their effect on the macroscopic behavior of material samples series of three‐dimensional micro‐mechanical numerical analyses of void containing unit cells have been performed with special focus on shear dominated loading cases. In the present analysis periodic boundary conditions have been used to model the deformation behavior of the unit cells. Numerical results are compared with those based on symmetry boundary conditions. The results are also used to develop equations for stress‐state‐dependent damage criteria and to propose evolution equations of damage strains also depending on the current stress state. The effect of the respective boundary conditions on damage equations on the macro‐scale is critically discussed.
Análisis evaluativo a los procesos de marketing en la internacionalización de las pequeñas y medianas empresas de alimentos de Medellín
Authors: Cepeda Palacio Samuel David , Velásquez Estrada Libardo José , Marín Gómez Beatriz Eugenia
Published: September 2017

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar las estrategias de marketing empleadas por las pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes) de alimentos de la ciudad de Medellín (Colombia) en sus procesos de internacionalización, con el fin de dar cuenta del contexto encontrado por tales compañías al expandir sus operaciones a los mercados extranjeros. Por medio de una metodología con aproximación evaluativa se presenta una investigación de corte cualitativo, la cual, a través de la aproximación a los ejes de análisis requeridos (insumos, procesos y productos), logra desarrollar un sistema de 4 categorías emergentes que muestran la realidad del proceso de incursión, los recursos disponibles, los obstáculos y los problemas de información enfrentados por dichas empresas al internacionalizarse.
Morphine exposure and maternal deprivation during the early postnatal period alter neuromotor development and nerve growth factor levels
Authors: de Oliveira Carla , Scarabelot Vanessa L. , Vercelino Rafael , Silveira Natalia P. , Adachi Lauren N.S. , Regner Gabriela G. , Silva Lisiane S. , de Macedo Isabel Cristina , de Souza Andressa , Caumo Wolnei , Torres Iraci L.S.
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to verify whether repeated morphine administration and maternal deprivation in early life alter neurobehavioral development and central nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. A total of 58 male Wistar rat pups were used in our study. From postnatal day 1 (P1), litters were daily deprived of their mother for 3 h; this was continued for the first 10 days of life. Animals were divided into 5 groups: total control (C), did not receive any intervention; saline (S), received saline solution; morphine (M), received morphine; deprived‐saline group (DS), were subjected to maternal deprivation and received saline solution; and deprived‐morphine (DM), were subjected to maternal deprivation and received morphine. From P8, newborns received subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine or saline (5 μg) once daily for 7 days. Righting reflex, negative geotaxis and gait were chosen as postural parameters to evaluate neuromotor reflexes. In the righting reflex test, a delay in the development of animals was evidenced in the M group. Performance of negative geotaxis was slower in the M and DM groups. In the gait test, all groups showed a daily improvement in performance in terms of locomotion frequency. An increased frequency of rearing was observed in the M, DS, and DM groups from P16 to P20. The DM group presented an increase in NGF levels in the brainstem. An increase in cerebral cortex NGF levels in the M, DS, and DM groups was observed as well. Our results suggest that changes in environmental conditions and the disruption of mother–infant interactions during the neonatal period can produce changes in the neurobiology, physiology, and emotional behavior of rats. This finding has important implications for the maternal‐neonate interaction needed for normal brain development in newborns.
The Concept of an International Institutional Bypass
Authors: Prado Mariana Mota , Hoffman Steven J.
Published: September 2017

The rapid proliferation of international institutions has been a defining feature of the postwar international architecture. Since the end of the Second World War, the international system has seen the creation of thousands of international treaties and organizations that have established rules governing a multitude of issues that range from international security to human rights, and from international trade to the environment.
Regional Institutions as Bypasses of States in the Provision of Public Goods: The Case of West Africa
Authors: Ojomo Edefe
Published: September 2017

The idea of “West Africa” encompasses a medley of countries with diverse historical, political, and cultural features. However, their governance and development profiles are distinctly similar: the United Nations recognizes eleven of the fifteen members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as least developed countries. In this context, regional institutions are usually established to strengthen state capacity by providing resources to address national capacity deficits. Above all, they serve as systems of support that are supplementary to state institutions with distinct governance roles. However, regional institutions can—and should—play a second role: serving as alternatives to weak or fragile state institutions that are deficient in the supply of different public goods. By performing this second role, regional arrangements become international institutional bypasses.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Philips in Australia, 1945-1980
Authors: VAN DER ENG PIERRE
Published: September 2017

Philips Australia, the Australian subsidiary of Dutch MNE Philips Electronics, experienced difficulties during 1942–1943, when it came close to being nationalized as enemy property. In response, the company set out to improve its reputation in the local radio parts and electronics industry and in Australian markets. Its strategy of embedding itself in Australian society served the purpose of improving company performance and influencing the government policies that guided the rapid development of Australia’s postwar electronics industry. With this strategy, Philips Australia minimized the risks and maximized the commercial opportunities it faced. The firm localized senior management, maximized local procurement and local manufacturing, took a leading role in industry associations, engaged politically influential board members, and used marketing tools to build a strong brand and a positive public profile in Australia. However, the company became aware of the limitations of this strategy in 1973, when a new Labor government reduced trade protection. Increasing competition from Japanese electronics firms forced Philips Australia to restructure and downsize its production operations. Despite increasing reliance on imports from the parent company’s regional supply centers and efforts to specialize production on high-value added products, the firm saw its profitability and market share in Australia decrease.
Predicting Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Colonization and Associated Infection on Hospital Admission
Authors: Tseng Wen-Pin , Chen Yee-Chun , Yang Bey-Jing , Chen Shang-Yu , Lin Jr-Jiun , Huang Ya-Huei , Fu Chia-Ming , Chang Shan-Chwen , Chen Shey-Ying
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

Isolation of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) from patients in the community has been increasingly observed. A prediction model for MDR-GNB colonization and infection risk stratification on hospital admission is needed to improve patient care.

METHODS

A 2-stage, prospective study was performed with 995 and 998 emergency department patients enrolled, respectively. MDR-GNB colonization was defined as isolates resistant to 3 or more classes of antibiotics, identified in either the surveillance or early (≤48 hours) clinical cultures.

RESULTS

A score-assigned MDR-GNB colonization prediction model was developed and validated using clinical and microbiological data from 995 patients enrolled in the first stage of the study; 122 of these patients (12.3%) were MDR-GNB colonized. We identified 5 independent predictors: age>70 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–3.17]; 1 point), assigned point value in the model), residence in a long-term-care facility (OR, 3.64 [95% CI, 1.57–8.43); 3 points), history of cerebrovascular accidents (OR, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.24–4.01]; 2 points), hospitalization within 1 month (OR, 2.63 [95% CI, 1.39–4.96]; 2 points), and recent antibiotic exposure (OR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.16–4.11]; 2 points). The model displayed good discrimination in the derivation and validation sets (area under ROC curve, 0.75 and 0.80, respectively) with the best cutoffs of<4 and ≥4 points for low- and high-risk MDR-GNB colonization, respectively. When applied to 998 patients in the second stage of the study, the model successfully stratified the risk of MDR-GNB infection during hospitalization between low- and high-risk groups (probability, 0.02 vs 0.12, respectively; log-rank test, P<.001).

CONCLUSION

A model was developed to optimize both the decision to initiate antimicrobial therapy and the infection control interventions to mitigate threats from MDR-GNB.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1216–1225
Mary, a Pipeline to Aid Discovery of Optical Transients
Authors: Andreoni I. , Jacobs C. , Hegarty S. , Pritchard T. , Cooke J. , Ryder S.
Published: September 2017

The ability to quickly detect transient sources in optical images and trigger multi-wavelength follow up is key for the discovery of fast transients. These include events rare and difficult to detect such as kilonovae, supernova shock breakout, and ‘orphan’ Gamma-ray Burst afterglows. We present the Mary pipeline, a (mostly) automated tool to discover transients during high-cadenced observations with the Dark Energy Camera at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO). The observations are part of the ‘Deeper Wider Faster’ programme, a multi-facility, multi-wavelength programme designed to discover fast transients, including counterparts to Fast Radio Bursts and gravitational waves. Our tests of the Mary pipeline on Dark Energy Camera images return a false positive rate of ~2.2% and a missed fraction of ~3.4% obtained in less than 2 min, which proves the pipeline to be suitable for rapid and high-quality transient searches. The pipeline can be adapted to search for transients in data obtained with imagers other than Dark Energy Camera.
Late Pleistocene to Holocene history of Lake Warner and its prehistoric occupations, Warner Valley, Oregon (USA)
Authors: Wriston Teresa , Smith Geoffrey M.
Published: September 2017

During the late Pleistocene, Warner Valley (Oregon, USA) was filled by Lake Warner; however, little is known about its rise and fall and how its changing lake levels effected the distribution of the valley’s earliest occupants. The discovery of Paleoindian projectile points along ancient shorelines of the lake spurred us to examine them for geochronological controls to aid in constructing the lake’s history. We found that Lake Warner filled the valley floor between ca. 30,000 and 10,300 cal yr BP, probably reaching its maximum ca. 17,000–16,100 cal yr BP before it began to recede. People arrived with Clovis and Western Stemmed Tradition (WST) projectile points before ca. 12,800 cal yr BP, around the time the lake stalled in its retreat. When the lake continued its decline, people using WST points followed it southward into the valley floor, where dune-and-slough topography began developing ca. 10,300 cal yr BP in response to episodic wetting and drying during the early Holocene. By the time Mazama tephra fell, ca. 7600 cal yr BP, the once large lake was divided into a series of small lakes, ponds, and sloughs that attracted people to their abundant resources of endemic fish and marsh plants.
STEEL SLAG AMENDMENT INCREASES NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY AND RICE YIELD IN A SUBTROPICAL PADDY FIELD IN CHINA
Authors: WANG WEIQI , SARDANS JORDI , WANG CHUN , ZENG CONGSHENG , TONG CHUAN , BARTRONS MIREIA , PEÑUELAS JOSEP
Published: September 2017

Rice is the main food for most of the human population, so sustainable rice production is very important for food security. The fertility of the soil in paddy fields is the key factor controlling rice growth and production. Steel slag amendment is becoming an effective method to increase the soil fertility, stabilize rice production and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in Asiatic paddy fields (i.e. Korea, Japan, Bangladesh and China). We studied the relationships of steel slag amendment with plant–soil nutrient allocation, stoichiometry and rice yield in a paddy field in subtropical China. Amendment was associated with higher soil N and P availability, lower available-N:available-P ratio and higher available Ca and Si concentrations. Increases in P, Ca and Mg availability were correlated with high yields. High yields under steel slag amendment were also associated with high foliar and stem N and P concentrations and lower N:P ratios and with high shoot/root N and P concentration ratios, traits that are typically associated with productive ecosystems able to support species with high growth rates. The positive correlation between steel slag application and yield was partially due to an indirect effect (35% of the total effect) of enhancement of soil Ca, Si and P availability, which were positively correlated with yield. Steel slag amendment in this paddy field increased plant growth and yield by enhancing nutrient availability, altering soil and plant stoichiometry and shifting stem:root nutrient allocation.
Multi-level obstruction in obstructive sleep apnoea: prevalence, severity and predictive factors
Authors: Phua C Q , Yeo W X , Su C , Mok P K H
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

To characterise multi-level obstruction in terms of prevalence, obstructive sleep apnoea severity and predictive factors, and to collect epidemiological data on upper airway morphology in obstructive sleep apnoea patients.

Methods:

Retrospective review of 250 obstructive sleep apnoea patients.

Results:

On clinical examination, 171 patients (68.4 per cent) had multi-level obstruction, 49 (19.6 per cent) had single-level obstruction and 30 (12 per cent) showed no obstruction. Within each category of obstructive sleep apnoea severity, multi-level obstruction was more prevalent. Multi-level obstruction was associated with severe obstructive sleep apnoea (more than 30 events per hour) (p = 0.001). Obstructive sleep apnoea severity increased with the number of obstruction sites (correlation coefficient = 0.303, p < 0.001). Multi-level obstruction was more likely in younger (p = 0.042), male (p = 0.045) patients, with high body mass index (more than 30 kg/m2) (p < 0.001). Palatal (p = 0.004), tongue (p = 0.026) and lateral pharyngeal wall obstructions (p = 0.006) were associated with severe obstructive sleep apnoea.

Conclusion:

Multi-level obstruction is more prevalent in obstructive sleep apnoea and is associated with increased severity. Obstruction at certain anatomical levels contributes more towards obstructive sleep apnoea severity.
Ways of seeing: The individual and the social in applied linguistics research methodologies
Authors: Benson Phil
Published: September 2017

Those who have advocated social approaches to applied linguistics have often been critical of the individualism of second language acquisition (SLA) research. This paper identifies the emergence of a more balanced view of the social and individual in recent work. Adopting Berger's (1972) metaphor of ‘ways of seeing’, it offers a history of applied linguistics based on three eras: the era of ‘the invisible learner’, the era of ‘learner-centredness’, and the era of ‘person-centredness’, which we may now be entering. It suggests dominant research methodologies have led to the particular ways of seeing language learners that are characteristic of each of the three eras. In spite of the critique of individualism, the preference for individual case studies in social approaches is leading to a new theoretical focus on the individual that may be best captured by the term ‘person-centredness’.
Crystallographic characterization of fluorapatite glass-ceramics synthesized from industrial waste
Authors: Loy Chee W. , Matori Khamirul A. , Zainuddin Norhazlin , Whitten Andrew E. , Rehm Christine , de Campo Liliana , Sokolova Anna , Schmid Siegbert
Published: September 2017

A series of phase transformations of a novel fluoroaluminosilicate glass forming a range of fluorapatite glass-ceramics on sintering are reported. The sintering process induces formation of fluorapatite, mullite, and anorthite phases within the amorphous silicate matrices of the glass-ceramics. The fluoroaluminosilicate glass, SiO2–Al2O3–P2O5–CaO–CaF2, is prepared from waste materials, such as rice husk ash, pacific oyster shells, and disposable aluminium cans. The thermally induced crystallographic and microstructure evolution of the fluoroaluminosilicate glass towards the fluorapatite glass-ceramics, with applications in dental and bone restoration, are investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and small-angle neutron-scattering techniques.
Mathematics in the spirit of Joe Keller
Authors: OCKENDON J. R. , SLEEMAN B. D.
Published: September 2017

Over the two days 2–3 March 2017, about 80 mathematicians and friends gathered in Cambridge to celebrate the life and work of Joseph Bishop Keller (1923–2016), one of the pre-eminent applied mathematicians of the 20th century. Joe, as he was known throughout the world, made pioneering contributions to a wide range of natural phenomena and developed fundamental mathematical techniques with which to understand them. Twenty-four talks were presented at the meeting, given by mathematicians who have either worked with Joe or have been influenced by his work. Rather than summarise each presentation, we have collated all the contributions under the headings of waves, fluids, solids, chemistry and biology, and finally some history.
The Ego Could Be Depleted, Providing Initial Exertion Is	Depleting
Authors: Dang Junhua , Liu Ying , Liu Xiaoping , Mao Lihua
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The ego depletion effect has been examined by over 300 independent studies during the past two decades. Despite its pervasive influence, recently this effect has been severely challenged and asserted to be a fake. Based on an up-to-date meta-analysis that examined the effectiveness of each frequently used depleting task, we preregistered the current experiment with the aim to examine whether there would be an ego depletion effect when the Stroop task is used as the depleting task. The results demonstrated a significant ego depletion effect. The current research highlights the importance of the depleting task’s effectiveness. That is to say, the “ego” could be “depleted,” but only when initial exertion is “depleting.”
Aerosols as a source of dissolved black carbon to the ocean
Authors: Bao Hongyan , Niggemann Jutta , Luo Li , Dittmar Thorsten , Kao Shuh-Ji
Published: September 2017

Dissolved black carbon (DBC) is the largest known slow-cycling organic carbon pool in the world’s oceans. Atmospheric deposition could significantly contribute to the oceanic DBC pool, but respective information is lacking. Here we estimate that, during the dust outbreak season, the atmospheric dry deposition of water-soluble black carbon (WSBC) is ~ 40% of the riverine input to the China coastal seas. The molecular composition of atmospheric WSBC determined by ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry, reveals similar soil-derived sources as for riverine discharge. WSBC is significantly positively correlated with water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in marine aerosols, and water-soluble black carbon contributes on average 2.8 ± 0.65% to the total WSOC. Based on this relationship, the global atmospheric deposition of DBC to the ocean is estimated to be 1.8 ± 0.83 Tg yr−1. Anticipated future changes in biomass burning and dust mobilization might increase these numbers, with consequences for regional ecosystems and global carbon reservoirs.
Hypoxia inducible factor HIF-1 promotes myeloid-derived suppressor cells accumulation through ENTPD2/CD39L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chiu David Kung-Chun , Tse Aki Pui-Wah , Xu Iris Ming-Jing , Di Cui Jane , Lai Robin Kit-Ho , Li Lynna Lan , Koh Hui-Yu , Tsang Felice Ho-Ching , Wei Larry Lai , Wong Chun-Ming , Ng Irene Oi-Lin , Wong Carmen Chak-Lui
Published: September 2017

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) possess immunosuppressive activities, which allow cancers to escape immune surveillance and become non-responsive to immune checkpoints blockade. Here we report hypoxia as a cause of MDSC accumulation. Using hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a cancer model, we show that hypoxia, through stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), induces ectoenzyme, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 2 (ENTPD2/CD39L1), in cancer cells, causing its overexpression in HCC clinical specimens. Overexpression of ENTPD2 is found as a poor prognostic indicator for HCC. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that ENTPD2 converts extracellular ATP to 5′-AMP, which prevents the differentiation of MDSCs and therefore promotes the maintenance of MDSCs. We further find that ENTPD2 inhibition is able to mitigate cancer growth and enhance the efficiency and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our data suggest that ENTPD2 may be a good prognostic marker and therapeutic target for cancer patients, especially those receiving immune therapy.
Coherent long-distance displacement of individual electron spins
Authors: Flentje H. , Mortemousque P.-A. , Thalineau R. , Ludwig A. , Wieck A. D. , Bäuerle C. , Meunier T.
Published: September 2017

Controlling nanocircuits at the single electron spin level is a possible route for large-scale quantum information processing. In this context, individual electron spins have been identified as versatile quantum information carriers to interconnect different nodes of a spin-based semiconductor quantum circuit. Despite extensive experimental efforts to control the electron displacement over long distances, maintaining electron spin coherence after transfer remained elusive up to now. Here we demonstrate that individual electron spins can be displaced coherently over a distance of 5 µm. This displacement is realized on a closed path made of three tunnel-coupled lateral quantum dots at a speed approaching 100 ms−1. We find that the spin coherence length is eight times longer than expected from the electron spin coherence without displacement, pointing at a process similar to motional narrowing observed in nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The demonstrated coherent displacement will open the route towards long-range interaction between distant spin qubits.
Statistical modelling predicts almost complete loss of major periglacial processes in Northern Europe by 2100
Authors: Aalto Juha , Harrison Stephan , Luoto Miska
Published: September 2017

The periglacial realm is a major part of the cryosphere, covering a quarter of Earth’s land surface. Cryogenic land surface processes (LSPs) control landscape development, ecosystem functioning and climate through biogeochemical feedbacks, but their response to contemporary climate change is unclear. Here, by statistically modelling the current and future distributions of four major LSPs unique to periglacial regions at fine scale, we show fundamental changes in the periglacial climate realm are inevitable with future climate change. Even with the most optimistic CO2emissions scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6) we predict a 72% reduction in the current periglacial climate realm by 2050 in our climatically sensitive northern Europe study area. These impacts are projected to be especially severe in high-latitude continental interiors. We further predict that by the end of the twenty-first century active periglacial LSPs will exist only at high elevations. These results forecast a future tipping point in the operation of cold-region LSP, and predict fundamental landscape-level modifications in ground conditions and related atmospheric feedbacks.
Dichotomy between in-plane magnetic susceptibility and resistivity anisotropies in extremely strained BaFe2As2
Authors: He Mingquan , Wang Liran , Ahn Felix , Hardy Frédéric , Wolf Thomas , Adelmann Peter , Schmalian Jörg , Eremin Ilya , Meingast Christoph
Published: September 2017

High-temperature superconductivity in the Fe-based materials emerges when the antiferromagnetism of the parent compounds is suppressed by either doping or pressure. Closely connected to the antiferromagnetic state are entangled orbital, lattice, and nematic degrees of freedom, and one of the major goals in this field has been to determine the hierarchy of these interactions. Here we present the direct measurements and the calculations of the in-plane uniform magnetic susceptibility anisotropy of BaFe2As2, which help in determining the above hierarchy. The magnetization measurements are made possible by utilizing a simple method for applying a large symmetry-breaking strain, based on differential thermal expansion. In strong contrast to the large resistivity anisotropy above the antiferromagnetic transition at TN, the anisotropy of the in-plane magnetic susceptibility develops largely below TN. Our results imply that lattice and orbital degrees of freedom play a subdominant role in these materials.
Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger states-based blind quantum computation with entanglement concentration
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , Weng Jian , Lu Wei , Li Xiaochun , Luo Weiqi , Tan Xiaoqing
Published: September 2017

In blind quantum computation (BQC) protocol, the quantum computability of servers are complicated and powerful, while the clients are not. It is still a challenge for clients to delegate quantum computation to servers and keep the clients’ inputs, outputs and algorithms private. Unfortunately, quantum channel noise is unavoidable in the practical transmission. In this paper, a novel BQC protocol based on maximally entangled Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger (GHZ) states is proposed which doesn’t need a trusted center. The protocol includes a client and two servers, where the client only needs to own quantum channels with two servers who have full-advantage quantum computers. Two servers perform entanglement concentration used to remove the noise, where the success probability can almost reach 100% in theory. But they learn nothing in the process of concentration because of the no-signaling principle, so this BQC protocol is secure and feasible.
Characterization of tonsillar IL10 secreting B cells and their role in the pathophysiology of tonsillar hypertrophy
Authors: Sarmiento Varon Lindybeth , De Rosa Javier , Machicote Andrés , Billordo Luis Ariel , Baz Plácida , Fernández Pablo Mariano , Kaimen Maciel Isabel , Blanco Andrés , Arana Eloísa I.
Published: September 2017

The comprehension of unconventional immune functions of tonsillar B cells, their role in tolerance induction and protective immune responses, is crucial to unveil the dynamic interactions of the upper aero digestive tract with polymicrobial commensal flora and pathogens, in health and disease. Here, we describe the kinetics of IL10 intracellular expression and compare it with that of cytokines known to be produced by tonsillar B cells. Additionally, we detected a relevant proportion of IL17-expressing tonsillar B cells, which has not previously been reported. We immunophenotyped tonsillar IL10-expressing B cells (B10) and observed IL10 production in activated B cells at every developmental stage. Finally, we identified a relationship between decreased B10 percentages, increased proportion of the germinal centre (GC) population and hypertrophied tonsils (HT). Our findings provide greater insight into the role of B10 in GC reactions and characterized their involvement in the pathogenesis of tonsillar dysfunction.