bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minkowski Solutions of IIB Supergravity
Authors: Apruzzi Fabio , Geipel Jakob C. , Legramandi Andrea , Macpherson Niall T. , Zagermann Marco
Published: February 2018

We classify Minkowski4 solutions of IIB supergravity with an symmetry geometrically realized by an S2‐foliation in the remaining six dimensions. For the various cases of the classification, we reduce the supersymmetric system of equations to PDEs. These cases often accommodate systems of intersecting branes and half‐maximally supersymmetric AdS5, 6, 7 solutions when they exist. As an example, we analyze the AdS6 case in more detail, reducing the supersymmetry equations to a single cylindrical Laplace equation. We also recover an already known linear dilaton background dual to the (1, 1) Little String Theory (LST) living on NS5‐branes, and we find a new Minkowski5 linear dilaton solution from brane intersections. Finally, we also discuss some simple Minkowski4 solutions based on compact conformal Calabi‐Yau manifolds.
Extent of lymph node dissection improves survival in prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy without lymph node invasion
Authors: Preisser Felix , Bandini Marco , Marchioni Michele , Nazzani Sebastiano , Tian Zhe , Pompe Raisa S. , Fossati Nicola , Briganti Alberto , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Heinzer Hans , Huland Hartwig , Graefen Markus , Tilki Derya , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To assess the effect of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) extent on cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients without lymph node invasion (LNI) treated with radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End results (SEER) database (2004–2014), we identified patients with D'Amico intermediate‐ or high‐risk characteristics who underwent RP with PLND, without evidence of LNI. First, multivariable logistic regression models tested for predictors of more extensive PLND, defined as removed lymph node count (NRN) ≥75th percentile. Second, Kaplan‐Meier analyses and multivariable Cox regression models tested the effect of NRN ≥75th percentile on CSM. Finally, survival analyses were repeated using continuously coded NRN.

Results

In 28 147 RP and PLND patients without LNI, 67.3% versus 32.7% exhibited D'Amico intermediate‐ or high‐risk characteristics. The median NRN was 6 (IQR 3‐10), the 75th percentile defined patients with NRN ≥11. Patients with NRN ≥11 had higher rate of cT2/3 stage (29.8 vs 26.1%), GS ≥8 (25.7 vs 22.4%), and respectively more frequently exhibited D'Amico high‐risk characteristics (34.6 vs 32.1%). In multivariable logistic regression models predicting the probability of more extensive PLND (NRN ≥11), higher biopsy GS, higher cT stage, higher PSA, more recent year of diagnosis, and younger age at diagnosis represented independent predictors. At 72 months after RP, CSM‐free rates were 99.5 versus 98.1% for NRN ≥11 and NRN ≤10, respectively and resulted in a HR of 0.50 (P = 0.01), after adjustment for all covariates. Similarly, continuously coded NRN achieved independent predictor status (HR: 0.955, P = 0.01), where each additional removed lymph node reduced CSM risk by 4.5%.

Conclusion

More extensive PLND at RP provides improved staging information and consequently is associated with lower CSM in D'Amico intermediate‐ and high‐risk PCa patients without evidence of LNI. Hence, more extensive PLND should be recommended in such individuals.
Do you feel lucky? or do you want to identify and manage safety critical equipment?
Authors: Broadribb Michael P. , Freiburger Eric
Published: February 2018

This article will discuss a method to identify a manageable number of Safety Critical Equipment or Element (SCE) items, and approaches for successfully managing inspection, testing and preventive maintenance (ITPM) tasks for SCE.

Today's process safety practices are invariably the result of hard lessons learned by industry from major accidents. Process safety management systems are generally credited with reducing major accident risk in process industry operations. The prevention and mitigation of major accidents relies upon appropriate layers of protection or barriers working on demand. These barriers include:

Plant: Hardware, such as process equipment, control systems, dikes,

Process: Administrative and procedural controls

People: Competent workforce, supervision, communication, and so forth.

The Plant is generally the most reliable of these barriers. To ensure that the equipment prevents and mitigates major accidents it needs to be highly reliable. Some companies in the process industries have started to apply criticality ranking for process safety purposes in order to identify and manage certain equipment that requires a high reliability. The identification and management of SCE has represented a challenge to many companies. A major issue has been an overwhelming number of SCE items, as the SCE designation has often been assigned to equipment that may not be truly safety critical. This has culminated in a failure to perform all ITPM tasks when due. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 37:340–346, 2018
Functionalization of a nanostructured hydroxyapatite with Cu(II) compounds as a pesticide: in situ transmission electron microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopy observations of treated Vitis vinifera L. leaves
Authors: Battiston Enrico , Salvatici Maria C , Lavacchi Alessandro , Gatti Antonietta , Di Marco Stefano , Mugnai Laura
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated a biocompatible material for plant protection with the aim of reducing the amount of active substance applied. We used a synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) that has been studied extensively as a consequence of its bioactivity and biocompatibility. An aggregation between HA nanoparticles and four Cu(II) compounds applied to Vitis vinifera L. leaves as a pesticide was studied. Formulations were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy and applied in planta to verify particle aggregation and efficiency in controlling the pathogen Plasmopara viticola.

RESULTS

The XRD patterns showed different crystalline phases dependig on the Cu(II) compound formulated with HA particles, DLS showed that nanostructured particles are stable as aggregates out of the nanometer range and, in all formulations, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) microscopy showed large aggregates which were partially nanostructured and were recognized as stable in their micrometric dimensions. Such particles did not show phytotoxic effects after their application in planta.

CONCLUSION

A formulation based on HA and a soluble Cu(II) compound showed promising results in the control of the fungal pathogen, confirming the potential role of HA as an innovative delivery system of Cu(II) ions. The present work indicates the possibility of improving the biological activity of a bioactive substance by modifying its structure through an achievable formulation with a biocompatible material. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Moving back to “mamma”? Divorce, intergenerational coresidence, and latent family solidarity in Sweden
Authors: Albertini Marco , Gähler Michael , Härkönen Juho
Published: February 2018

One of the most obvious consequences of divorce is the moving out of one or both ex‐partners from the formerly common household. Here we focus on a particular postdivorce residential move, the return to the parental home in Sweden, where intergenerational coresidence is uncommon. We ask whether family dissolution increases the likelihood of intergenerational coresidence among separated/divorced individuals who have at least 1 child below age 18. Furthermore, we ask whether the strength of the effect depends on socio‐economic and geographical factors. Our analysis of 670,777 individuals from Swedish population register data shows that even if living with parents is, in absolute terms, not a common intergenerational support strategy, its likelihood increases considerably after a family dissolution. This event increases the probability of living with one's parents especially among men, those with low incomes, and those who live close to their parent(s). We discuss the implications of our findings for the literature on patterns of intergenerational support across Europe.
The role of mesoscale instabilities in the sting‐jet dynamics of windstorm Tini
Authors: Volonté Ambrogio , Clark Peter A. , Gray Suzanne L.
Published: February 2018

Sting jets (SJs) occur as an additional region of low‐level strong winds in some Shapiro–Keyser‐type extratropical cyclones. While SJs are widely accepted as being distinct from the warm and cold conveyor belts, the mechanisms responsible for their occurrence are still not fully understood. Here we determine the relative importance of the release of mesoscale instabilities and synoptic‐scale cyclone dynamics, so addressing an area of current debate. Numerical weather prediction simulations of a SJ‐containing windstorm are analysed and Lagrangian trajectories used to assess the evolution of, and mesoscale atmospheric instabilities (e.g. symmetric and inertial instabilities) in, the descending airstream. The SJ undergoes a two‐stage descent: cooling via sublimation followed by a large acceleration accompanied by instability release. Combined tilting and stretching of vorticity play a major role in the local onset of instability on the airstream. Vorticity and frontogenesis fields have a narrow slantwise banded structure in the cloud head and around the SJ; the descending SJ modifies the widespread frontolysis expected from the large‐scale dynamics alone in the frontal‐fracture region. A coarser‐resolution simulation also generates strong winds in the frontal‐fracture region, although these are significantly weaker than in the higher‐resolution simulation. The SJ airstream in the coarser‐resolution simulation undergoes a weaker descent without instability generation and descends in a widespread frontolytic region. Hence, while the SJ undergoes a process of destabilisation that enhances its descent and acceleration in the higher‐resolution simulation, enhancing the strong winds already generated by the synoptic‐scale cyclone dynamics, this destabilisation does not occur in the SJ produced by a coarser‐resolution simulation, resulting in weaker winds. This analysis reveals the synergy between the paradigms of SJ occurrence through the release of mesoscale instabilities and synoptic‐scale cyclone dynamics and demonstrates that the current debate may in part be a consequence of the model resolutions used by different studies.
Immediate mandibular reconstruction via patient‐specific titanium mesh tray using electron beam melting/CAD/rapid prototyping techniques: One‐year follow‐up
Authors: Farid Shehab Mohamed , Hamid Nabila Mohammed Abdel , Askar Nevien Abdullatif , Elmardenly Ahmed Mokhtar
Published: February 2018

Background

Immediate mandibular reconstruction was performed using a patient‐specific titanium mesh tray fabricated by electron beam melting (EBM) /rapid prototyping techniques.

Methods

Patient‐specific titanium trays were virtually designed and fabricated using EBM technology/rapid prototyping for patients requiring mandibular resection and immediate reconstruction using an iliac crest bone graft. Dental implants were placed in the grafted sites and the patients received prosthetic rehabilitation with a follow‐up of one year. Clinical data, postoperative bone formation and complications were evaluated.

Results

A symmetric appearance of facial contours was achieved. The titanium tray incorporated the particulate iliac crest bone graft that provided significant bone formation (mean 18.97 ± 1.45 mm) and predictable results. Stability of the dental implants was achieved.

Conclusion

The patient‐specific titanium meshes and immediate particulate autogenous bone graft showed satisfactory clinical and surgical results in improving patients’ quality of life and decreasing the overall treatment time with adequate functional rehabilitation.
Two‐Step Assembly of Thermoresponsive Gold Nanorods Coated with a Single Kind of Ligand
Authors: Iida Ryo , Mitomo Hideyuki , Niikura Kenichi , Matsuo Yasutaka , Ijiro Kuniharu
Published: February 2018

Gold nanorods (GNRs) coated with a single kind of ligand show thermoreponsive two‐step assembly to provide a hierarchical structure. The GNRs (33 nm in length × 14 nm in diameter) coated with a hexa(ethylene glycol) (HEG) derivative form side‐by‐side assemblies at 30 °C (TA1) as a steady state through dehydration. By further heating to over 40 °C (TA2), larger assemblies, which are composed of the side‐by‐side assembled units, are formed as hierarchical structures. The dehydration temperature of the HEG derivative varies depending on the free volume of the HEG unit, which corresponds to the curvature of the GNRs. Upon heating, dehydration first occurs from the ligands on the side portions with a lower curvature, and then from the ligands on the edge portions with a higher curvature. The different sized GNRs (33 × 8 and 54 × 15 nm) also show two‐step assembly. Both the TA1 and TA2 are dependent on the diameter of the GNRs, but independent of their length. This result supports that the dehydration is dependent on the free volume, which corresponds to the curvature. Anisotropic assembly focusing on differences in curvature provides new guidelines for the fabrication of hierarchical structures.
The influencing causes of software unavailability: A case study from industry
Authors: Ebad Shouki A.
Published: February 2018

Software unavailability can lead to disastrous consequences ranging from delays and cancellation to a loss of millions of dollars of technology. However, research on the causes that can make systems unavailable is still little. The aim of this paper is to investigate such causes in an industrial context using 2 qualitative approaches ((a) interview and (b) retrospective analysis) using archival data and records from a student information system. As a result, connectivity, human, hardware, storage, and software were found to be the important categories of causes for the unavailability. Besides, the critical lessons to be learned that relate to activities of software management and software business are also discussed. This includes vendor support, systems documentation, health check process, licensing, and software updating or upgrading. To strengthen the claim that our findings are promising, we compare our main findings with those of a previous study. This study can generally assist software engineering people including engineers, developers, project managers, vendors. Additionally, this paper dis cusses the threats to the study's validity and suggests open problems for future research.
Two‐dimensional rigid body spring method based micro‐mesoscale study of mechanical strengthening/damaging effects to concrete by frost action
Authors: Gong Fuyuan , Ueda Tamon , Zhang Dawei
Published: February 2018

Frost damage is an important issue for service life evaluation of concrete structures in cold regions. In fact, the frost action can have both strengthening and damaging effects on the mechanical properties of concrete material, depending on several environmental and material factors, and this complexity makes the damage evaluation more difficult in the real environment. This paper aims to develop a unified model through a micro‐mesoscale approach, which can quantitatively estimate and distinguish the strengthening/damaging effects by frost action. At microscale, the model takes into account the prestressed condition by internal pore pressures, as well as the change of effective elastic properties when ice forms in micropores. At mesoscale, the mechanical contribution of ice and liquid inside mesocracks is considered. Finally, the static mechanical behaviors of concrete under different situations are simulated based on a two‐dimensional discrete model rigid body spring method. The simulated results can clearly distinguish and separate each strengthening and damaging effect. The microice may enlarge the strengths by 50–110% while the mesocracks may reduce the strength by 40–80%, the effect of ice in mesocracks is also discussed. The final apparent performance depends on which strengthening/damaging effect is more dominant and is mainly controlled by the entrained air amount. Previous experiments are also used to verify the proposed model, and they are found in a good agreement.
Chronic lead exposure enhances the sympathoexcitatory response associated with P2X4 receptor in rat stellate ganglia
Authors: Zhu Gaochun , Chen Zhenying , Dai Bo , Zheng Chaoran , Jiang Huaide , Xu Yurong , Sheng Xuan , Guo Jingjing , Dan Yu , Liang Shangdong , Li Guilin
Published: February 2018

Chronic lead exposure causes peripheral sympathetic nerve stimulation, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Purinergic receptors are involved in the sympathoexcitatory response induced by myocardial ischemia injury. However, whether P2X4 receptor participates in sympathoexcitatory response induced by chronic lead exposure and the possible mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the change of the sympathoexcitatory response induced by chronic lead exposure via the P2X4 receptor in the stellate ganglion (SG). Rats were given lead acetate through drinking water freely at doses of 0 g/L (control group), 0.5 g/L (low lead group), and 2 g/L (high lead group) for 1 year. Our results demonstrated that lead exposure caused autonomic nervous dysfunction, including blood pressure and heart rate increased and heart rate variability (HRV) decreased. Western blotting results indicated that after lead exposure, the protein expression levels in the SG of P2X4 receptor, IL‐1β and Cx43 were up‐regulated, the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) was activated. Real‐time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression of P2X4 receptor in the SG was higher in lead exposure group than that in the control group. Double‐labeled immunofluorescence results showed that P2X4 receptor was co‐expressed with glutamine synthetase (GS), the marker of satellite glial cells (SGCs). These changes were positively correlated with the dose of lead exposure. The up‐regulated expression of P2X4 receptor in SGCs of the SG maybe enhance the sympathoexcitatory response induced by chronic lead exposure.
Is Treatment With Dithiothreitol More Effective Than Sonication for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection?
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Cadossi Matteo , Giannini Sandro , Pignatti Giovanni , Marcacci Maurilio , Neri Maria Pia , Maso Alessandra , Storni Elisa , Gamberini Simonetta , Naldi Susanna , Torri Arianna , Zannoli Silvia , Tassinari Martina , Fantini Michela , Bianchi Giuseppe , Donati Davide , Sambri Vittorio
Published: February 2018

Background

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is among the most-severe complications of a total joint arthroplasty. Identification of the causal organism is of paramount importance for successful treatment, and sonication of implants may aid in this identification. Dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment has been proposed as an alternative to sonication to improve diagnosis, reduce costs, and improve reliability of the procedure, but its efficacy remains poorly characterized.

Questions/purposes

(1) Are DTT and sonication more sensitive and/or more specific than standard cultures of tissue samples for the diagnosis of PJI? (2) Which test (DTT or sonication) is more sensitive when the clinician does not suspect infection before surgery? (3) Which test (DTT or sonication) is more sensitive when the clinician suspects infection before surgery?

Methods

Two hundred thirty-two patients undergoing revision of a knee or hip arthroplasty were prospectively evaluated in this randomized study. Cultures were performed on five tissue samples from each patient and on fluid obtained by prosthesis treatment in patients randomly assigned to sonication (117 patients) or DTT (115 patients). The reference standard against which cultures (on tissue samples and on fluids from sonication or DTT) were compared was the Musculoskeletal Infection Society definition of PJI.

Results

Cultures on sonication and DTT fluids provided higher sensitivity (89% and 91%, respectively) than those on standard cultures of tissue samples (79%; p < 0.001). Among patients in whom infection was not suspected before surgery, the sensitivity of DTT was greater than that for sonication and cultures on tissue samples (100% versus 70% and 50%; p < 0.001). Among patients in whom infection was suspected before surgery, the sensitivity of DTT and sonication were not greater than that for standard cultures (89% and 94% versus 86%).

Conclusions

In this randomized study, we found no difference in sensitivity between DTT and sonication for the detection of PJI, and both of those tests were more sensitive than standard tissue cultures. Thus, cultures of sonication or DTT fluid should be considered important additional tools to standard cultures for definition of PJI and should be considered together with other criteria, especially in settings where infection is not suspected before revision surgery.

Level of Evidence Level I, diagnostic study.
Current Emergency Preparedness Resources and Capabilities Among Academic Health Systems in the United States
Authors: Biddinger Paul D. , Reisman David , Seger Robert F. , Prestipino Ann L. , Sinclair Julia , Wante Barry , Goralnick Eric , Kemen Katherine
Published: February 2018

Objective

Although hospital emergency preparedness efforts have been recognized as important, there has been growing pressure on cost containment, as well as consolidation within the US health care system. There is little data looking at what health care emergency preparedness functions have been, could be, or should be centrally coordinated at a system level.

Methods

We developed a questionnaire for academic health systems and asked about program funding, resources provided, governance, and activities. The questionnaire also queried managers’ opinions regarding the appropriate role for the system-level resources in emergency response, as well as about what is most helpful at the system-level supporting preparedness.

Results

Fifty-two of 97 systems (54%) responded. The most frequently occurring system-wide activities included: creating trainings or exercise templates (75%), promoting preparedness for employees in the system (75%), providing access to specific subject matter experts (73%), and developing specific plans for individual member entities within their system (73%). The top resources provided included a common mass notification system (71%), arranging for centralized contracts for goods and services (71%), and providing subject matter expertise (69%).

Conclusions

Currently, there is wide variation in the resources, capabilities, and programs used to support and coordinate system-level emergency preparedness among academic health systems. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:574–577)
Evaluation of a Novel Disaster Nursing Education Method
Authors: Levoy Kristin , DeBastiani Summer D. , McCabe Brian E.
Published: February 2018

Objective

A common method of disaster training is needed to improve disaster nursing education and facilitate better communication among interprofessional disaster responders. To inform the development of disaster nursing curricula, a novel disaster nursing education method consistent with Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN) framework was developed to improve disaster nursing competencies in a baccalaureate nursing program.

Methods

In total, 89 undergraduate nursing students participated. Perceived disaster nursing knowledge, confidence, and training/response were assessed with 14 items before and after the education.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis showed 3 factors, knowledge, confidence, and training/response, explained 71% of variation in items. Nursing students showed large improvements in perceived disaster nursing knowledge (t=11.95,P<0.001, Cohen’sd=1.76), moderate increases in perceived confidence (t=4.54,P<0.001,d=0.67), and no change in disaster training and response (t=0.94,P=0.351,d=0.13).

Conclusions

Results show preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of disaster nursing education informed by HSEEP. This training has the potential to fill current practice gaps in disaster nursing knowledge and build confidence to use those skills in practice. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:703-710)
Path oscillations and enhanced drag of light rising spheres
Authors: Auguste Franck , Magnaudet Jacques
Published: February 2018

The dynamics of light spheres rising freely under buoyancy in a large expanse of viscous fluid at rest at infinity is investigated numerically. For this purpose, the computational approach developed by Mougin & Magnaudet (Intl J. Multiphase Flow, vol. 28, 2002, pp. 1837–1851) is improved to account for the instantaneous viscous loads induced by the translational and rotational sphere accelerations, which play a crucial role in the dynamics of very light spheres. A comprehensive map of the rise regimes encountered up to Reynolds numbers (based on the sphere diameter and mean rise velocity) of the order of $10^{3}$ is set up by varying independently the body-to-fluid density ratio and the relative magnitude of inertial and viscous effects in approximately 250 distinct combinations. These computations confirm or reveal the presence of several distinct periodic regions on the route to chaos, most of which only exist within a finite range of the sphere relative density and Reynolds number. The wake structure is analysed in these various regimes, evidencing the existence of markedly different shedding modes according to the style of path. The variation of the drag force with the flow parameters is also examined, revealing that only one of the styles of path specific to very light spheres yields a non-standard drag behaviour, with drag coefficients significantly larger than those measured on a fixed sphere under equivalent conditions. The outcomes of this investigation are compared with available experimental and numerical results, evidencing points of consensus and disagreement.
Factors influencing microhabitat selection and food preference of tree-dwelling earwigs (Dermaptera) in a temperate floodplain forest
Authors: Kirstová M. , Pyszko P. , Kočárek P.
Published: February 2018

The ecology of earwigs in natural forest ecosystems is poorly understood. We used sweeping to determine the population densities of adult earwigs, by sex and species, on ten tree species in a temperate floodplain forest in southern Moravia (Czech Republic). We also determined the relationships between the properties of tree species and earwig density and diet as indicated by digestive tract contents. The densities and diet composition of earwigs differed between the three detected earwig species [Apterygida media (Hagenbach, 1822), Chelidurella acanthopygia (Genè, 1832) and Forficula auricularia Linnaeus, 1758] and among tree species. Earwig densities were related to lichen coverage and fungal coverage on the trees. The diet of earwigs was associated with specific leaf area, herbivore damage to the leaves, and light exposure of the trees. A. media was the most abundant of the three earwig species. Although the contents of its digestive tract changed depending on available food resources, A. media appeared to preferentially consume soft-bodied insect herbivores and fungi associated with wounds caused by herbivores rather than plant material. Therefore, this species has the potential to help reduce the population densities of soft-bodied pests of forest trees.
The Winding Road to Evidence-Based Policy in Corrections: A Case Study of the Israel Prison Service
Authors: Weisburd David , Hasisi Badi
Published: February 2018

There has been a growing trend in recent years towards the adoption of evidence-based policy in a variety of fields, including criminal justice. The purpose of evidence-based policy is to guide the activities of organisations based on scientifically verified facts, enabling the development of effective and efficient policies. In this article, we introduce the commitment of the Israel Prison Service (IPS) to the implementation of evidence-based policy by detailing the processes and development of a large-scale research programme in the IPS. We illustrate how the cooperation and commitment of key individuals, including successive IPS Commissioners, have enabled the implementation of evidence-based policy in a hierarchal organisation. Within this context, we demonstrate how human agency is a key factor in the successful implementation of the policy in criminal justice settings. By following the different stages of development and implementation, the example of the IPS also highlights the importance of agencies taking ownership of science. We conclude by arguing that the road to evidence-based policy is a ‘winding road’, highlighting the key turning points that influenced the institutionalisation of the policy in the IPS.
The Sovereignty of Human Rights
Authors: Frost Sarah
Published: February 2018

A primary purpose of a human rights theory is to provide a foundation from which the actual and complete nature of human rights can be gleaned. Particularly for rights that are controversial or do not enjoy widespread consensus, a human rights theory provides a system for understanding what rights exist or should exist and what rights contain or should contain. The most predominant theories of human rights are based in law, politics and morality. Patrick Macklem's The Sovereignty of Human Rights proposes a new theory of human rights devised to bypass the shortcomings of those predominant theories. He argues that sovereignty is a better foundation for understanding human rights because sovereignty and its distribution in the international legal order has given rise to the need for certain rights to exist. The exercise of sovereign power by individuals also influences how human rights are implemented within state borders. He maintains that understanding the adverse effects of sovereignty and its distribution yields greater insight than other theories into why human rights exist, what they contain, and how they should be implemented.

Following a brief summary of Macklem's argument, the review examines how his theory compares with the predominant theories of human rights, particularly in light of the shortcomings of those theories. The review outlines Macklem's position that the adverse effects of sovereignty can clarify the international community's understanding of why human rights are necessary and what forms of protection they include. The review then examines how Macklem's theory corresponds with traditional classifications of human rights, which depict such rights in terms of generations. Finally, the review concludes with reflections on the theory and poses new questions raised by Macklem's theory of human rights.
Development of tearing instability in a current sheet forming by sheared incompressible flow
Authors: Tolman Elizabeth A. , Loureiro Nuno F. , Uzdensky Dmitri A.
Published: February 2018

Sweet–Parker current sheets in high Lundquist number plasmas are unstable to tearing, suggesting they will not form in physical systems. Understanding magnetic reconnection thus requires study of the stability of a current sheet as it forms. Formation can occur due to sheared, sub-Alfvénic incompressible flows which narrow the sheet. Standard tearing theory (Furth et al. Phys. Fluids, vol. 6 (4), 1963, pp. 459–484, Rutherford, Phys. Fluids, vol. 16 (11), 1973, pp. 1903–1908, Coppi et al. Fizika Plazmy, vol. 2, 1976, pp. 961–966) is not immediately applicable to such forming sheets for two reasons: first, because the flow introduces terms not present in the standard calculation; second, because the changing equilibrium introduces time dependence to terms which are constant in the standard calculation, complicating the formulation of an eigenvalue problem. This paper adapts standard tearing mode analysis to confront these challenges. In an initial phase when any perturbations are primarily governed by ideal magnetohydrodynamics, a coordinate transformation reveals that the flow compresses and stretches perturbations. A multiple scale formulation describes how linear tearing mode theory (Furth et al. Phys. Fluids, vol. 6 (4), 1963, pp. 459–484, Coppi et al. Fizika Plazmy, vol. 2, 1976, pp. 961–966) can be applied to an equilibrium changing under flow, showing that the flow affects the separable exponential growth only implicitly, by making the standard scalings time dependent. In the nonlinear Rutherford stage, the coordinate transformation shows that standard theory can be adapted by adding to the stationary rates time dependence and an additional term due to the strengthening equilibrium magnetic field. Overall, this understanding supports the use of flow-free scalings with slight modifications to study tearing in a forming sheet.
How political trust matters in emergent democracies: evidence from East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Yap O. Fiona
Published: February 2018

How does political trust affect the competing pressures of policy versus political performance in emergent democracies? Studies suggest that political trust buffers against these pressures, but empirical evidence is lacking in regard to if or how, given the focus in the literature on mature democracies where democratic institutions and practices are unlikely to be upended by either policy or political underperformance. However, in emergent democracies where the risks of democratic reversal loom large, the distinction is highly relevant. This article investigates how political trust matters in emergent democracies, specifically, if political trust buffers against public pressures, and whether it is system-directed versus incumbent-directed, for East and Southeast Asia. The evidence from multiple waves of survey data provides three useful insights: first, it shows that political trust supersedes economic expectations in support for the democratising system; this supports political trust as a buffer for the political system and is system-directed. Second, political trust goes hand-in-hand with economic performance to explain support for the incumbent government. This finding clarifies that political trust does not buffer the government against public pressure for performance. Third, taken together, the results show that economic growth may keep a government in office but institution-building leads to political trust that undergirds the political system, so that institution-building is a priority for stability in emergent democracies. These results expand the political trust literature to underpin democratic progression and consolidation issues that are unique to emergent democracies.
Planning for healthy ageing: how the use of third places contributes to the social health of older populations
Authors: ALIDOUST SARA , BOSMAN CARYL , HOLDEN GORDON
Published: February 2018

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on creating age-friendly cities to accommodate the changing needs of older people and to promote their overall health and wellbeing. This paper focuses on some of the urban planning implications related to maintaining the social health, as a main component of overall health and wellbeing, of older people. Specifically, we look at the role and accessibility of third places (popular public places where many people go to socialise) in relation to older people living in different neighbourhood built-form patterns, and how these factors impact on the formation of absent, weak and strong social ties. The data draw upon interviews with 54 older people living in different neighbourhood built-form patterns on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. Our findings demonstrate the significant role third places have in affording older people opportunities to engage in the social lives of their local communities, thus contributing to their social health and overall wellbeing. This research supports previous studies relating to the accessibility of amenities by re-emphasising the importance of planning for the provision of third places that are conveniently located and easily accessible by older people. The paper concludes by arguing for the planning of transport and third-place interventions in Australia's sprawling suburban landscapes to allow older people more opportunities to be socially connected.
Correlation between measles vaccine doses: implications for the maintenance of elimination
Authors: McKee A. , Ferrari M. J. , Shea K.
Published: February 2018

Measles eradication efforts have been successful at achieving elimination in many countries worldwide. Such countries actively work to maintain this elimination by continuing to improve coverage of two routine doses of measles vaccine following measles elimination. While improving measles vaccine coverage is always beneficial, we show, using a steady-state analysis of a dynamical model, that the correlation between populations receiving the first and second routine dose also has a significant impact on the population immunity achieved by a specified combination of first and second dose coverage. If the second dose is administered to people independently of whether they had the first dose, high second-dose coverage improves the proportion of the population receiving at least one dose, and will have a large effect on population immunity. If the second dose is administered only to people who have had the first dose, high second-dose coverage reduces the rate of primary vaccine failure, but does not reach people who missed the first dose; this will therefore have a relatively small effect on population immunity. When doses are administered dependently, and assuming the first dose has higher coverage, increasing the coverage of the first dose has a larger impact on population immunity than does increasing the coverage of the second. Correlation between vaccine doses has a significant impact on the level of population immunity maintained by current vaccination coverage, potentially outweighing the effects of age structure and, in some cases, recent improvements in vaccine coverage. It is therefore important to understand the correlation between vaccine doses as such correlation may have a large impact on the effectiveness of measles vaccination strategies.
A prospective study of women with ASCUS or LSIL pap smears at baseline and HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive: a 3-year follow-up
Authors: Bruno M. T. , Ferrara M. , Fava V. , Barrasso G. , Panella M. M.
Published: February 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is used in the triage of women with a borderline smear result. The efficiency of testing women with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is less clear. For this reason we used a new HPV test that detects E6/E7 messenger RNA (mRNA), which might have a higher specificity. The objective of this prospective study was to assess whether HPV E6/E7 mRNA positivity in women with ASCUS and LSIL at baseline, is able to predict those women who have a high risk of developing a histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN2) or worse lesion. We took into consideration the women's age and HPV DNA genotype and followed them up for 3 years. Cervical samples from women with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) DNA-positive ASCUS (n = 90) or LSIL (n = 222) were tested for the presence of HR-HPV E6/E7 mRNA and the women were monitored for the development of histopathologically verified CIN2+. Thirteen patients with ASCUS and 17 with LSIL did not complete follow-up. All patients with LSIL and ASCUS, enrolled in this study, had confirmed lesions at the colposcopic examination. Follow-up was available for 312 women, 193 were positive in the HR-HPV DNA test and 93 had a HPV E6/E7 mRNA positive test. Finally, 22 women positive in the HPV DNA test for high-risk genotypes and with positive E6/E7 mRNA had a histologically confirmed CIN2+. Only two cases with negative HPV E6/E7 mRNA had CIN2+. The study shows that women positive in the HPV E6/E7 mRNA test have a greater risk of malignant progression of cervical lesions and therefore deserve greater attention and earlier check-ups.
Epidemiology of viral respiratory infections in Australian working-age adults (20–64 years): 2010–2013
Authors: Varghese B. M. , Dent E. , Chilver M. , Cameron S. , Stocks N. P.
Published: February 2018

Acute respiratory infections cause significant morbidity and mortality accounting for 5.8 million deaths worldwide. In Australia, influenza-like illness (ILI), defined as cough, fever and fatigue is a common presentation in general practice and results in reduced productivity and lost working days. Little is known about the epidemiology of ILI in working-age adults. Using data from the ASPREN influenza surveillance network in Australia (2010–2013) we found that working-age adults made up 45.2% of all ILI notifications with 55% of samples positive for at least one respiratory virus. Viruses most commonly detected in our study included influenza A (20.6%), rhinovirus (18.6%), influenza B (6.2%), human meta-pneumovirus (3.4%), respiratory syncytial virus (3.1%), para-influenza virus (2.6%) and adenovirus (1.3%). We also demonstrated that influenza A is the predominant virus that increases ILI (by 1.2% per month for every positive influenza A case) in working-age adults during autumn–winter months while other viruses are active throughout the year. Understanding the epidemiology of viral respiratory infections through a year will help clinicians make informed decisions about testing, antibiotic and antiviral prescribing and when the beginning of the ‘flu season’ can be more confidently predicted.
Factors in the decision by Swiss farmers to convert to organic farming
Authors: Home Robert , Indermuehle Annina , Tschanz Anna , Ries Elke , Stolze Matthias
Published: February 2018

Demonstrated economic benefits of conversion to organic agriculture, combined with solutions to technical and production-related problems, suggest that farmers in Switzerland should have converted in large numbers to organic production. However, the number of organic farms in Switzerland has remained virtually constant in the last 10 yr, so it appears there are other factors that influence the decision of whether or not to convert. Several studies have sought to identify the factors that influence the decisions by farmers whether or not to convert to organic, but have found a range of factors that appear to be context dependent, while others can be seen as context transcendent, which makes it difficult to draw generalizable conclusions. The aim of this study was to identify how Swiss farmers’ decisions reflect the interaction of perceptions, relationships, policies and economic factors, which either enable or provide barriers to conversion. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2015 with 39 farmers of mixed and arable farms in the German- (n= 24) and French-speaking (n= 15) parts of Switzerland. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed according to their content. The results show that the decision of whether or not to convert relies on belief that technical problems have been sufficiently solved, as well as a range of social factors. Farmers perceive social pressure for them to be productive, but non-organic farmers often incorrectly perceive organic farming as not being oriented toward production. Furthermore, ‘official’ advice, which could correct this misperception, is sought about how, rather than whether, to convert and typically comes after farmers have made their decision. Major barriers in an area with a low density of organic farms are the lack of supply and delivery points within an acceptable travel distance, and lack of peer networks to provide informal support. On the basis of these findings, we propose that strategies to encourage conversion should be based around two main pillars: investment to create a network of supply and delivery points in areas with low density of organic farms; and actions, such as information events, to encourage dialogue between conventional and organic farmers to counteract feelings of ‘usvsthem’.
Ideas, leaders, and institutions in 19th-century Chile
Authors: COUYOUMDJIAN JUAN PABLO , LARROULET CRISTIÁN
Published: February 2018

Institutions matter for economic growth. Thus, the leaders who help to develop institutions, and their ideas and beliefs, must play a central role in any narrative that seeks to explain such growth. This leads to the appearance of institutional entrepreneurs, who act in a given cultural and political environment. We focus on the problem of state building, where formal institutions designed by leaders must be consistent with a given society's existing informal institutions. We consider an analytical narrative focusing on the Chilean experience in the 19thcentury. This serves as an interesting quasi-natural experiment on the role of ideas, leaders, and institutions in the problem of economic growth and development.
China May Soon Surpass the United States in R
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: February 2018

A U.S. report on science and engineering indicators is largely correct about China making huge strides, a Chinese official said. However, he disputed funding amounts and downplayed Chinese research leadership.
Reactive gaseous mercury is generated from chloralkali factories resulting in extreme concentrations of mercury in hair of workers
Authors: Elgazali Abdelkarem A. S. , Gajdosechova Zuzana , Abbas Zaigham , Lombi Enzo , Scheckel Kirk G. , Donner Erica , Fiedler Heidelore , Feldmann Jörg , Krupp Eva M.
Published: February 2018

Occupational exposure of chloralkali workers to highly concentrated mercury (Hg) vapour has been linked to an increased risk of renal dysfunction and behavioural changes. It is generally believed that these workers are exposed to elemental Hg, which is used in abundance during the production process however, the lack in analytical techniques that would allow for identification of gaseous Hg species poses a challenge, which needs to be addressed in order to reach a consensus. Here, we present the results from simulated exposure studies, which provide sound evidence of higher adsorption rate of HgCl2 than Hg0 and its irreversible bonding on the surface of hair. We found that chloralkali workers were exposed to HgCl2, which accumulated in extremely high concentrations on the hair surface, more than 1,000 times higher than expected from unexposed subjects and was positively correlated with Hg levels in the finger- and toenails.
Nonmonotonic particle-size-dependence of magnetoelectric coupling in strained nanosized particles of BiFeO3
Authors: Goswami Sudipta , Bhattacharya Dipten , Ghosh Chandan K. , Ghosh Barnali , Kaushik S. D. , Siruguri V. , Krishna P. S. R.
Published: February 2018

Using high resolution powder x-ray and neutron diffraction experiments, we determined the off-centered displacement of the ions within a unit cell and magnetoelectric coupling in nanoscale BiFeO3 (≈20–200 nm). We found that both the off-centered displacement of the ions and magnetoelectric coupling exhibit nonmonotonic variation with particle size. They increase as the particle size reduces from bulk and reach maximum around 30 nm. With further decrease in particle size, they decrease precipitously. The magnetoelectric coupling is determined by the anomaly in off-centering of ions around the magnetic transition temperature (T
N
). The ions, in fact, exhibit large anomalous displacement around the T
N
which is analyzed using group theoretical approach. It underlies the nonmonotonic particle-size-dependence of off-centre displacement of ions and magnetoelectric coupling. The nonmonotonic variation of magnetoelectric coupling with particle size is further verified by direct electrical measurement of remanent ferroelectric hysteresis loops at room temperature under zero and ∼20 kOe magnetic field. Competition between enhanced lattice strain and compressive pressure appears to be causing the nonmonotonic particle-size-dependence of off-centre displacement while coupling between piezo and magnetostriction leads to nonmonotonicity in the variation of magnetoelectric coupling.