bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a sustainability reporting assessment tool for higher education institutions: The University of California
Authors: Sepasi Sahar , Rahdari Amir , Rexhepi Gadaf 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBusinesses 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

AbstractA 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

AbstractHigh‐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

AbstractA 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

AbstractPhototheranostics, 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

AbstractAn 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

AbstractIntrinsically 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

AbstractPrereduction 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.
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

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionDespite 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

AbstractIntroductionIn 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.MethodsA retrospective database was completed including patients who underwent LTCBDE between 2007 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression.ResultsAfter 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).ConclusionThe 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

BackgroundThe 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.MethodA 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsVietnamese 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

OBJECTIVETo 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.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGICU in a tertiary referral center.PARTICIPANTSPatients admitted to the ICU over an 11-month period.METHODSVanA 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.RESULTSThe 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.CONCLUSIONSGenomic 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