bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of shot peening on corrosion behavior of low alloy steel
Authors: Qiao Mingliang , Hu Jing , Guo Kai , Wang Qingfeng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Surface modification is an important technique for maintaining relatively favorable mechanical properties to surface properties and corrosion resistance. In this study, Surface shot peening technology is applied to low alloy steel production nanocrystallines. The microstructure near the surface layer was characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. The corrosion behavior of the shot-treated surface layer was analyzed by polarization and pitting test, and the surface morphology of the corroded sample was observed by a scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the surface layer of the alloy after shot peening can be divided into three parts: equiaxed nanoparticle layer (NG), ultrafine grain layer (FG) and elongated fine grain layer (EG). Surface nanocrystallization improved the potential polarization behavior of low alloy steel in 3.5% NaCl solution. The microhardness of the near surface region showed a significant increase compared to the as-received steel sample, showing a more stable electrochemical performance. Shot peening also significantly reduced the pitting rate and maximum pitting depth in 10% FeCl3 solution. The surface nano-layer structure produced by the shot peening process could provide more nucleation sites, thereby improving the uniformity and compactness of the passivation film, resulting in better corrosion resistance. The above experimental results clearly showed that the overall and local corrosion resistance of the low alloy carbon steel in the chloride ion-containing solution can be improved by shot peening.
A generic method to control hysteresis and memory effect in Van der Waals hybrids
Authors: Ahmed Tanweer , Islam Saurav , Paul Tathagata , Hariharan N , Elizabeth Suja , Ghosh Arindam 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The diverse properties of two-dimensional materials have been utilized in a variety of architecture to fabricate high quality electronic circuit elements. Here we demonstrate a generic method to control hysteresis and stable memory effect in Van der Waals hybrids with a floating gate as the base layer. The floating gate can be charged with a global back gate-voltage, which it can retain in a stable manner. Such devices can provide a very high, leakage-free effective gate-voltage on the field-effect transistors due to effective capacitance amplification, which also leads to reduced input power requirements on electronic devices. The capacitance amplification factor of ∼10 can be further enhanced by increasing the area of the floating gate. We have exploited this method to achieve highly durable memory action multiple genre of ultra-thin 2D channels, including graphene, MoS2, and topological insulators at room temperature.
Study of laser cladding Fe–Co duplex coating on copper substrate
Authors: Xu Peixin , Sun Yufu , Qiao Yazheng , Du Xueshan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Fe-Co duplex coating has been successfully deposited onto pure copper surface by Nd:YAG laser cladding. The morphology and microstructure were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties of the samples have been evaluated by microhardness measurement and wear properties. Experimental results showed that the coating was free of cracks and voids, and good metallurgical bonded to the substrates. The surface of the Fe–Co duplex coating was mainly composed of α-Co solid solution, CoCx, Fe0.64Ni0.36 and a number of carbides. The microhardness of the Co-based coating reached 438.6 HV0.2, which was about 5 times of Cu substrate (90.5 HV0.2). The wear test showed the average wear rate of Fe-Co duplex coating was 19.8% of that of copper matrix. The hardness and wear resistance of the Fe-Co duplex coating was significantly improved.
Observation of 5f intermediate coupling in uranium x-ray emission spectroscopy
Authors: Tobin J G , Nowak S , Yu S-W , Alonso-Mori R , Kroll T , Nordlund D , Weng T-C , Sokaras D 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The first observation of Intermediate Coupling effects in the occupied 5f states has been made using x-ray Emission Spectroscopy (XES). In the past, the impact of Intermediate Coupling of the 5f states in actinides has long been observed and quantified, using x-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to probe the unoccupied 5f states, providing great insight into the enigma of 5f electronic structure. However, no measure of its effects in the occupied states had been reported before this. Moreover, because the 5f occupied states in UF4 are almost completely of 5f5/2 character, the observed effect in XES is twice that in XAS for UF4.
Primary Breast Augmentation with Autologous Fat Grafting Alone: Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction Using the BREAST-Q
Authors: Deschler Alexis , Stroumza Nathaniel , Pessis Rachel , Azuelos Arié , Atlan Michael 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Autologous fat grafting (AFG) for primary aesthetic breast augmentation has grown in popularity over recent years but patient satisfaction has never been objectively evaluated.

Objectives
The aim of the present study was to use the standardized BREAST-Q questionnaire to evaluate satisfaction in patients who had received primary aesthetic breast augmentation with AFG alone.

Methods
All recipients of primary aesthetic breast augmentation by AFG performed between 2013 and 2017 in our plastic surgery department were included. The primary endpoint was assessment of patient satisfaction with the standardized breast augmentation BREAST-Q questionnaire. Three additional questionnaires were used to evaluate patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Results
In total, 42 patients (84 breasts) underwent breast augmentation by AFG. Mean patient age was 34 years (range, 23-53 years). The mean volume of reinjected fat was 312.2 mL per breast (range, 130-480 mL). We observed significant improvement in all BREAST-Q postoperative items (excluding physical well-being) with a mean increase of 39 points (95% confidence interval: 28.97, 49.03; P &lt; 0.001) regarding patient satisfaction with breasts. Overall, 82% of patients were satisfied with the result of their liposuction. Minor complications were encountered in 6 of our patients (14%).

Conclusions
Breast augmentation by AFG enhances patient satisfaction as measured by the BREAST-Q. This procedure has a high satisfaction rate and improves quality of life. Breast augmentation by AFG is a valid surgical option for moderate breast augmentation but is not an alternative to implants in large breast augmentation.

Level of Evidence: 4
Insights into the persistence and phenotypic effects of the endogenous and cryptic plasmid pMF1 in its host strain Myxococcus fulvus 124B02
Authors: Chen Xiao-jing , Zhang Zheng , Li Ya-jie , Zhuo Li , Sheng Duo-hong , Li Yue-zhong 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTMany endogenous plasmids carry no noticeable benefits for their bacterial hosts, and the persistence of these ‘cryptic plasmids’ and their functional impacts are mostly unclear. In this study, we investigated these uncertainties using the social bacterium Myxococcus fulvus 124B02 and its endogenous plasmid pMF1. pMF1 possesses diverse genes that originated from myxobacteria, suggesting a longstanding co-existence of the plasmid with various myxobacterial species. The curing of pMF1 from 124B02 had almost no phenotypic effects on the host. Laboratory evolution experiments showed that the 124B02 strain retained pMF1 when subcultured on dead Escherichia coli cells but lost pMF1 when subcultured on living E. coli cells or on casitone medium; these results indicated that the persistence of pMF1 in 124B02 was environment-dependent. Curing pMF1 caused the mutant to lose the ability to predate and develop fruiting bodies more quickly than the pMF1-containing strain after they were subcultured on dead E. coli cells, which indicated that the presence of pMF1 in M. fulvus 124B02 has some long-term effects on its host. The results provide some new insights into the persistence and impacts of cryptic plasmids in their natural bacterial cells.
Protection of Unregistered Distinctive Signs within Unfair Competition Law: the Polish Perspective
Authors: Żelechowski Łukasz 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The protection of unregistered distinctive signs is essentially non-standardised at the international and EU level. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the legal framework relating to the protection of trade names, unregistered trade marks and geographical indications from the perspective of Polish law in which protection of unregistered distinctive signs is predominantly available based on unfair competition law. The analysis takes account of the respective EU legislation, notably the Unfair Market Practices Directive and its impact on combatting unfair competition caused by use of distinctive signs under Polish law, as well as interactions with the national and EU legislation in other areas such as trade mark law and the protection of registered designations of origin and geographical indications. Comparative remarks are occasionally included. The paper also examines the issue of the nature of civil law protection of unregistered distinctive signs under Polish unfair competition law, which is the subject of divergent views among Polish scholars. With regard to the perplexing question of whether provisions of unfair competition law could constitute a basis for distinguishing exclusive rights to unregistered distinctive signs or whether they provide ‘merely’ tortious protection that does not presuppose the existence and infringement of such rights, this paper puts forward arguments in support of the latter qualification.
Understanding the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific: US–China strategic competition, regional actors, and beyond
Authors: He Kai , Li Mingjiang 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
As a geographical concept, ‘Indo-Pacific’ has existed for decades. As a political and strategic concept, it has since 2010 gradually become established in the foreign policy lexicon of some countries, especially Australia, India, Japan and the United States. However, China seems to be reluctant to identify itself as part of the Indo-Pacific; Chinese leaders believe that the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy aims to contain China's rise. While the battle between the two geographical concepts ‘Indo-Pacific’ and ‘Asia–Pacific’ may be fairly easily settled in the future, US–China strategic competition has just begun. Will the Indo-Pacific become a battlefield for US–China rivalry? How will China cope with the US ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP) strategy? How will other regional actors respond to the US–China strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific? What are the strategic implications of the ‘Indo-Pacific’ concept for regional order transformation? How will the Indo-Pacific be institutionalized, economically, politically and strategically? This article introduces the January 2020 special issue of International Affairs, which aims to address those questions, using both country-specific and regional perspectives. Seven articles focus on the policy responses of major players (Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan and ASEAN) to the US FOIP strategy and related US–China rivalry in the region. A further three articles examine the profound implications of Indo-Pacific dynamics for regional institution-building and for geopolitical and geo-economic architecture.
Tactics of cancer invasion: solitary and collective invasion
Authors: Nagai Tomoaki , Ishikawa Tomohiro , Minami Yasuhiro , Nishita Michiru 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMuch attention has been paid on the mechanism of cancer invasion from the viewpoint of the behaviour of individual cancer cells. On the other hand, histopathological analyses of specimens from cancer patients and of cancer invasion model animals have revealed that cancer cells often exhibit collective invasion, characterized by sustained cell-to-cell adhesion and polarized invasion as cell clusters. Interestingly, it has recently become evident that during collective invasion of cancer cells, the cells localized at invasion front (leader cells) and the cells following them (follower cells) exhibit distinct cellular characteristics, and that there exist the cells expressing representative proteins related to both epithelial and mesenchymal properties simultaneously, designated as hybrid epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-induced cells, in cancer tissue. Furthermore, the findings that cells adopted in hybrid EMT state form clusters and show collective invasion in vitro emphasize an importance of hybrid EMT-induced cells in collective cancer invasion. In this article, we overview recent findings of the mechanism underlying collective invasion of cancer cells and discuss the possibility of controlling cancer invasion and metastasis by targeting this process.
Out of Sight—Out of Mind: Impact of Cascade Reporting on Antimicrobial Usage
Authors: Liao Siyun , Rhodes Judith , Jandarov Roman , DeVore Zachary , Sopirala Madhuri M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a paucity of data evaluating the strategy of suppressing broader-spectrum antibiotic susceptibilities on utilization. Cascade reporting (CR) is a strategy of reporting antimicrobial susceptibility test results in which secondary (eg, broader-spectrum, costlier) agents may only be reported if an organism is resistant to primary agents within a particular drug class. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of ceftriaxone-based cascade reporting on utilization of cefepime and clinical outcomes in patients with ceftriaxone-susceptible Escherichia and Klebsiella clinical cultures.

Methods
We compared post-CR (July 2014–June 2015) with baseline (July 2013–June 2014), evaluating utilization of cefepime, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, ampicillin derivatives, fluoroquinolones, piperacillin/tazobactam, ertapenem, and meropenem; new Clostridium difficile infection; and length of stay (LOS) after the positive culture, 30-day readmission, and in-hospital all-cause mortality.

Results
Mean days of therapy (DOT) among patients who received any antibiotic for cefepime decreased from 1.229 days during the baseline period to 0.813 days post-CR (adjusted relative risk, 0.668; P &lt; .0001). Mean DOT of ceftriaxone increased from 0.864 days to 0.962 days, with an adjusted relative risk of 1.113 (P = .004). No significant differences were detected in other antibiotics including ertapenem and meropenem, demonstrating the direct association of the decrease in cefepime utilization with CR based on ceftriaxone susceptibility. Average LOS in the study population decreased from 14.139 days to 10.882 days from baseline to post-CR and was found to be statistically significant (P &lt; .0001).

Conclusions
In conclusion, we demonstrated significant association of decreased cefepime utilization with the implementation of a CR based on ceftriaxone susceptibility. We demonstrated the safety of deescalation, with LOS being significantly lower during the post-CR period than in the baseline period, with no change in in-hospital mortality.
Bible, Empire, Liberalism, and Racial Capitalism
Authors: Davidson Steed Vernyl 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The article examines how liberal discourses and practices become central to modern European empire. Liberalism as a discourse of uplift and progress resonates with the goals of Christian evangelism to make the world a better place. This article explores two different poles of the Bible in the midst of empire—the polarities of justification and resistance. The first part of the article examines how race and capital form strong motivations for empire that set the stage for the second section, which describes how the Bible provides justification for empire. At the heart of the article is the notion of the Bible’s function as a mechanism for the manufacturing of consent to empire at home and abroad. The final section of the article offers a treatment of Rastafari textual traditions that function as an overt rejection of the Bible as an example of the disruption of the logic of empire.
The Effect of Cervicodorsal Hemivertebra Resection on Head Tilt and Trunk Shift in Children With Congenital Scoliosis
Authors: Burkhardt Benedikt W. , Meyer Carolin , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Pitzen Tobias R. , Ruf Michael 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Congenital scoliosis due to hemivertebra of the cervicodorsal spine is a rare disorder. It might be accompanied by impaired cosmetic appearances such as head tilt and trunk shift. Little is known about the effect of correction of the major curve on head tilt and trunk shift in children. The purpose of this study was to assess radiographic changes of head tilt and trunk shift following posterior hemivertebra resection (PHVR).

Methods:
Retrospectively, all children who underwent PHVR at the cervicodorsal spine (C6-Th6) with pedicle screw fixation with a minimum radiographic follow-up of 1 year were identified for further assessment. A total of 5 radiographic parameters were assessed on preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up radiographs. (1) Head tilt was defined as the angle between the horizontal line and the line through both molars of the maxillary, (2) trunk shift as the angle between the line of the center of C7 to the sacrum and the central sacral vertical line, (3) Cobb angle was used to assess the major curve, (4) cranial, and (5) caudal compensatory curvature.

Results:
Seven boys and 10 girls with a mean age of 9.0 years at surgery were evaluated. The mean radiographic follow-up was 89.5 months (range: 12 to 166 mo). The mean head tilt reoriented from 6.9 to 1.9 degrees (P<0.001); trunk shift improved from 4.3 to 2.5 degrees after surgery (P=0.100). There was a significant correlation between head tilt and trunk shift on preoperative and postoperative radiographs (P=0.030/0.031). The major curve, and compensatory curvatures were all significantly corrected (P<0.001). Head reorientation was significantly influenced by patient age at surgery. Repeated procedures due to decompensation of the compensatory curvature were performed in 2 cases.

Conclusions:
PHVR and pedicle screw fixation is an effective treatment for patients with congenital scoliosis. Surgery achieves a significant correction of the major curve and reorientation of the head postoperatively, and till the last follow-up.

Level of Evidence:
Level IV.
Compliance With Evidence-Based Processes of Care After Transitions Between Staff Intensivists
Authors: Angriman Federico , Pinto Ruxandra , Friedrich Jan O. , Ferguson Niall D. , Rubenfeld Gordon , Amaral Andre Carlos Kajdacsy-Balla 
Published: January 2020

Objectives:
We sought to evaluate the impact of transitions of care among staff intensivists on the compliance with evidence-based processes of care.

Design:
Cohort study using data from the Toronto Intensive Care Observational Registry.

Setting:
Seven academic ICUs in Toronto, Ontario.

Patients:
Critically ill mechanically ventilated adult patients.

Interventions:
We explored the effects of the weekly transition of care among staff intensivists on compliance with three evidence-based processes of care (spontaneous breathing trials, lung-protective ventilation, and neuromuscular blocking agents). Two practices that are less guided by evidence (early discontinuation of antibiotics and extubation attempts) served as positive controls. We conducted the analysis using generalized estimating equations to account for clustering at the patient level.

Measurements and Main Results:
The cohort consisted of 10,570 patients admitted between June 2014 and August 2018. Compliance varied for each practice (63.6%, 42.5%, and 21.1% for lung-protective ventilation, spontaneous breathing trials, and neuromuscular blockade, respectively). There was no effect of transitions of care on compliance with spontaneous breathing trials (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.95–1.07), lung-protective ventilation (odds ratio, 1.07, 95% CI, 0.90–1.26), or neuromuscular blockade use (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.75–1.20). However, early antibiotic discontinuation was more likely (odds ratio, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06–1.42) and extubation attempts were less frequent (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.65–0.93) after a transition of care.

Conclusions:
We observed no significant impact of transitions of care between individual staff physicians on evidence-based processes of care for mechanically ventilated adult patients. However, transitions were associated with a lower likelihood of extubation and higher odds of earlier discontinuation of antibiotics.
Renal Function–Adjusted d-Dimer Levels in Critically Ill Patients With Suspected Thromboembolism*
Authors: Schefold Joerg C. , Gerber Joël L. , Angehrn Michelle C. , Müller Martin , Messmer Anna S. , Leichtle Alexander B. , Fiedler Georg M. , Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. , Pfortmueller Carmen A. 
Published: January 2020

Objectives:
Diagnosing thromboembolic disease typically includes d-dimer testing and use of clinical scores in patients with low to intermediate pretest probability. However, renal dysfunction is often observed in patients with thromboembolic disease and was previously shown to be associated with increased d-dimer levels. We seek to validate previously suggested estimated glomerular filtration rate–adjusted d-dimer cutoff levels. Furthermore, we strive to explore whether the type of renal dysfunction affects estimated glomerular filtration rate–adjusted d-dimer test characteristics.

Design:
Single-center retrospective data analysis from electronic healthcare records of all emergency department patients admitted for suspected thromboembolic disease.

Setting:
Tertiary care academic hospital.

Subjects:
Exclusion criteria were as follows: age less than 16 years old, patients with active bleeding, and/or incomplete records.

Interventions:
Test characteristics of previously suggested that estimated glomerular filtration rate–adjusted d-dimer cutoff levels (> 333 µg/L [estimated glomerular filtration rate, > 60 mL/min/1.73 m2], > 1,306 µg/L [30–60 mL/min/1.73 m2], and > 1,663 µg/L [< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2]) were validated and compared with the conventional d-dimer cutoff level of 500 µg/L.

Main Results:
A total of 14,477 patients were included in the final analysis, with 467 patients (3.5%) diagnosed with thromboembolic disease. Renal dysfunction was observed in 1,364 (9.4%) of the total population. When adjusted d-dimer levels were applied, test characteristics remained stable: negative predictive value (> 99%), sensitivity (91.2% vs 93.4%), and specificity (42.7% vs 50.7%) when compared with the conventional d-dimer cutoff level to rule out thromboembolic disease (< 500 µg/L). Comparable characteristics were also observed when adjusted d-dimer cutoff levels were applied in patients with acute kidney injury (negative predictive value, 98.8%; sensitivity, 95.8%; specificity, 39.2%) and/or “acute on chronic” renal dysfunction (negative predictive value, 98.0%; sensitivity, 92.9%; specificity, 48.5%).

Conclusions:

d-Dimer cutoff levels adjusted for renal dysfunction appear feasible and safe assessing thromboembolic disease in critically ill patients. Furthermore, adjusted d-dimer cutoff levels seem reliable in patients with acute kidney injury and “acute on chronic” renal dysfunction. In patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the false-positive rate can be reduced when estimated glomerular filtration rate–adjusted d-dimer cutoff levels are applied.