bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of smooth surface of RuO2 bottom electrode on Al2O3 buffer layer and characteristics of RuO2/TiO2/Al2O3/TiO2/RuO2 capacitors
Authors: Sawada Tomomi , Nabatame Toshihide , Dao Thang Duy , Yamamoto Ippei , Kurishima Kazunori , Onaya Takashi , Ohi Akihiko , Ito Kazuhiro , Takahashi Makoto , Kohama Kazuyuki , Ohishi Tomoji , Ogura Atsushi , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: August 2017

Ruthenium oxide (RuO2) thin films, which are deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) with a Ru(EtCp)2 precursor and oxygen plasma, exhibit a smoother surface [root mean square (RMS) roughness <1 nm] on ionic Al2O3 and TiO2 buffer layers than on a covalent SiO2 buffer layer (RMS roughness of RuO2: 2.5 nm). The Al2O3 and TiO2 buffer layers which have some charges enable us to prolong the duration time of the Ru(EtCp)2 precursor on the buffer layer and cause the nucleation of RuO2 to occur uniformly. The RuO2 film deposited on the Al2O3 buffer layer by PE-ALD (hereafter “PE-ALD-RuO2”) was used as the bottom electrode for a metal-insulator-metal with a TiO2/Al2O3/TiO2 (TAT) insulator. RuO2/TAT/RuO2 capacitors on the Al2O3 and TiO2 buffer layers had a low enough leakage current density (J) (on the order of ∼10−8 A/cm2), unlike RuO2/TAT/RuO2 capacitors on the SiO2 buffer layer and TiN/TAT/TiN capacitors. These results suggest that the different J properties must be related to the surface roughness of the bottom electrode rather than the work function of RuO2 and TiN. Furthermore, the overall dielectric constant of TAT in RuO2/TAT/RuO2 capacitors reasonably ranged from 50 to 30 as the Al2O3 interlayer thickness increased from 0 to 5 nm. During conductive-atomic force microscopy measurements, the TAT/TiN stack structure exhibited several leakage points, while no such leakage points were observed in the case of TAT/RuO2 on the Al2O3 buffer layer. Thus, PE-ALD-RuO2 on the Al2O3 buffer layer is a candidate bottom electrode material for future dynamic random access memory.
Complete Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Staphylococcus aureus Strain HG001
Authors: Caldelari Isabelle , Chane-Woon-Ming Béatrice , Noirot Céline , Moreau Karen , Romby Pascale , Gaspin Christine , Marzi Stefano
Published: August 2017

Staphylococcus aureus
is an opportunistic Gram-positive pathogen responsible for a wide range of infections from minor skin abscesses to life-threatening diseases. Here, we report the draft genome assembly and current annotation of the HG001 strain, a derivative of the RN1 (NCT8325) strain with restored
rbsU
(a positive activator of SigB).
Public health for paediatricians: engaging young people from marginalised groups
Authors: Rigby Emma , Starbuck Lindsay
Published: August 2017

Young people from marginalised groups can be excluded from health services because of reduced access, increased stigma and health inequalities. In addition, the stress associated with discrimination and stigma can have serious effects on individual health. This article explores how stigma affects young people’s access to services and how health professionals can improve their practice and support for marginalised young people to achieve the best possible health outcomes. A better understanding of local populations of young people and their needs is key to improving services and support. Working in partnership with voluntary and community sector organisations is also important. In addition, improvements can be made by promoting better communication with young people and providing extra support to help them follow treatment plans.
Valsalva haemorrhagic retinopathy in pregnancy after yoga
Authors: El-Khayat Abdul Rahman
Published: August 2017

A 35-year-old pregnant Caucasian woman at 27 weeks gestation presented with sudden onset painless loss of vision and a large floater in her left eye while doing yoga. She was found to have a dense vitreous haemorrhage with a small preretinal haemorrhage. Ultrasound imaging confirmed the haemorrhage and showed no other retinal damage. She was diagnosed with valsalva haemorrhagic retinopathy and was treated conservatively. After 5 months of follow-up, this woman had had a normal delivery and her haemorrhages and vision loss had resolved.
Modelling the health impact and cost-effectiveness of lymphatic filariasis eradication under varying levels of mass drug administration scale-up and geographic coverage
Authors: Stone Christopher M , Kastner Randee , Steinmann Peter , Chitnis Nakul , Tanner Marcel , Tediosi Fabrizio
Published: August 2017

Background

A global programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (GPELF) is underway, yet two key programmatic features are currently still lacking: (1) the extension of efforts to all lymphatic filariasis (LF) endemic countries, and (2) the expansion of geographic coverage of mass drug administration (MDA) within countries. For varying levels of scale-up of MDA, we assessed the health benefits and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) associated with LF eradication, projected the potential savings due to decreased morbidity management needs, and estimated potential household productivity gains as a result of reduced LF-related morbidity.

Methods

We extended an LF transmission model to track hydrocele and lymphoedema incidence in order to obtain estimates of the disability adjusted life years (DALYs) averted due to scaling up MDA over a period of 50 years. We then estimated the ICERs and the cost-effectiveness acceptability curves associated with different rates of MDA scale-up. Health systems savings were estimated by considering the averted morbidity, treatment-seeking behaviour and morbidity management costs. Gains in worker productivity were estimated by multiplying estimated working days lost as a result of morbidity with country-specific per-worker agricultural wages.

Results

Our projections indicate that a massive scaling-up of MDA could lead to 4.38 million incremental DALYs averted over a 50-year time horizon compared to a scenario which mirrors current efforts against LF. In comparison to maintaining the current rate of progress against LF, massive scaling-up of MDA—pursuing LF eradication as soon as possible—was most likely to be cost-effective above a willingness to pay threshold of US$71.5/DALY averted. Intensified MDA scale-up was also associated with lower ICERs. Furthermore, this could result in health systems savings up to US$483 million. Extending coverage to all endemic areas could generate additional economic benefits through gains in worker productivity between US$3.4 and US$14.4 billion.

Conclusions

In addition to ethical and political motivations for scaling-up MDA rapidly, this analysis provides economic support for increasing the intensity of MDA programmes.
New Explicit Integration Algorithms with Controllable Numerical Dissipation for Structural Dynamics
Authors: Du Xiaoqiong , Yang Dixiong , Zhou Jilei , Yan Xiaoliang , Zhao Yongliang , Li Shi
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a new family of explicit time integration algorithms with controllable numerical dissipation for structural dynamic problems by utilizing the discrete control theory. Firstly, the equilibrium equation of the implicit Yu-[Formula: see text] algorithm is adopted, and the recursive formulas of velocity and displacement for the explicit CR algorithm are used in the algorithms. Then, the transfer function and characteristic equation of the algorithms with integration coefficients are obtained by the [Formula: see text] transformation. Furthermore, their integration coefficients are derived according to the poles condition. It was indicated that the proposed algorithms possess the advantages of second-order accuracy, self-starting, and unconditional stability for linear systems and nonlinear systems with softening stiffness. The numerical dissipation of the algorithms is controlled by the spectral radius at infinity [Formula: see text]. It was also shown that the proposed algorithms have the same poles as the Yu-[Formula: see text] algorithm, and thus the same numerical properties. Compared with the implicit Yu-[Formula: see text] algorithm, the proposed algorithms are explicit in terms of both the displacement and velocity formulas. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms in reducing the undesired participation of higher modes for solving the dynamic responses of linear and nonlinear systems has been demonstrated.
Hencky Bar-Net Model for Vibration of Rectangular Plates with Mixed Boundary Conditions and Point Supports
Authors: Zhang H. , Zhang Y. P. , Wang C. M.
Published: August 2017

This paper is concerned with the development of the Hencky bar-net model (HBM) for free vibration analyses of rectangular plates with mixed boundary conditions and point supports. The HBM is a two-dimensional discrete net system composed of rigid segments connected by frictionless hinges and rotational springs. In the model, bending is accommodated by rotational springs at each joint while the twisting by a diagonal spring system in each grid cell. The total mass of the plate is distributed as lumped mass at each joint and the continuous boundary stiffness of plate is simulated by springs located at the edge joints. Owing to the discrete property of HBM, it is able to readily handle any boundary conditions of plates including mixed boundary conditions and point supports. The HBM is herein used to solve some vibration problems of rectangular plates with mixed boundary conditions and point supports to demonstrate its accuracy and convenience for plate analyses.
AN ANALYSIS OF CLIMATE ADAPTATION BY LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THE ASIAN TROPICS
Authors: OU LUN , MENDELSOHN ROBERT
Published: August 2017

This paper explores how southeast Asia farmers adapt to climate change. We develop three models: a logit model of livestock choice, an OLS model of total livestock value, and a multinomial logit model of species choice. The data were collected from five countries in Southeast Asia. We find that climate has a significant impact on farmers’ livestock choice. We use three climate projections to predict future impacts. Climate change would increase the probability of raising livestock. However, the total value of livestock owned per livestock farm will shrink 9%–10%. Climate change will cause farmers to choose smaller animals such as ducks, goats, and chicken rather than larger animals.
The Contextual Dynamics of Internet of Things Applications in Smart Public Bike Sharing Services
Authors: XU Xiangxuan
Published: August 2017

The past decade has witnessed the emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in public service innovation. As the technical characteristics of IoT technologies are rather identical around the globe, one might wonder whether the location still matters for their adoptions. Smart public bike sharing (PBS) scheme is one of the world’s most widespread public IoT applications. Prior studies of smart PBS schemes find the positive effects on the host city’s image and sustainable mobility. However, less attention has been paid to the impact of the host city’s context on the evolution of their service characteristics. The paper proposes a model that explicitly includes the contextual dynamics of public service innovations that utilize IoT. Then the model is used to analyze two empirical cases from Sweden and China, respectively. The results reveal that public motives, user preferences, and governance can impact the evolution of the service characteristics of smart PBS schemes, which is important for smart PBS planners, operators, and policymakers to consider. The best PBS scheme is the one that adapts to the characters of the host city and the changing needs of the users. Moreover, the study reflects the new complexities that arise for digital public services, such as the protection of data and privacy.
The strength of earthquake-generating faults
Authors: Copley Alex
Published: August 2017

This paper summarizes the observations and methods that have been used to study the strength of active earthquake-generating (seismogenic) faults. Indirect inferences based upon a range of geophysical and geological observations suggest that faults fail in earthquakes at shear stresses of less than
c.
50 MPa, equivalent to effective coefficients of friction of less than 0.3, and possibly as low as 0.05. These low levels of effective friction are likely to be the result of a combination of high pore fluid pressures, which could be local or transient, and the frictional properties of phyllosilicate-rich fault rocks. The dip angles of new faults forming in oceanic outer rises imply that intrinsically low-friction fault rocks must control the fault strength in at least that setting. When combined with the much higher fault strengths inferred from borehole studies and some laboratory measurements, the observations are most consistent with weak faults embedded in strong surroundings, providing a clear reason for the prevalence of fault reactivation. However, the conditions required for the formation of new faults, and the reasons for an apparent wide variability in the degree of fault healing through time, remain unknown.
Pollen-induced oxidative DNA damage response regulates miRNAs controlling allergic inflammation
Authors: Aguilera-Aguirre Leopoldo , Hao Wenging , Pan Lang , Li Xiaoxue , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo , Bacsi Attila , Radak Zsolt , Sur Sanjiv , Brasier Allan R. , Ba Xueqing , Boldogh Istvan
Published: August 2017

A mucosal oxidative burst is a hallmark response to pollen exposure that promotes allergic inflammatory responses. Reactive species constituents of oxidative stress signal via the modification of cellular molecules including nucleic acids. One of the most abundant forms of oxidative genomic base damage is 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG), which is removed from DNA by 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1). OGG1 in complex with 8-oxoG acts as a GDP-GTP exchange factor and induces acute inflammation; however, the mechanism(s) by which OGG1 signaling regulates allergic airway inflammation is not known. Here, we postulate that the OGG1 signaling pathway differentially altered the levels of small regulatory RNAs and increased the expression of T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines in ragweed pollen extract (RWPE)-challenged lungs. To determine this, the lungs of sensitized mice expressing or lacking OGG1 were challenged with RWPE and/or with OGG1’s excision product 8-oxoG. The responses in lungs were assessed by next-generation sequencing, as well as various molecular and histological approaches. The results showed that RWPE challenge induced oxidative burst and damage to DNA and activated OGG1 signaling, resulting in the differential expression of 84 micro-RNAs (miRNAs), which then exacerbated antigen-driven allergic inflammation and histological changes in the lungs. The exogenous administration of the downregulated let-7b-p3 mimetic or inhibitors of upregulated miR-23a or miR-27a decreased eosinophil recruitment and mucus and collagen production via controlling the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Together, these data demonstrate the roles of OGG1 signaling in the regulation of antigen-driven allergic immune responses via differential expression of miRNAs upstream of Th2 cytokines and eosinophils.
Laterality of Grooming and Tool Use in a Group of Captive Bonobos (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Brand Colin M. , Marchant Linda F. , Boose Klaree J. , White Frances J. , Rood Tabatha M. , Meinelt Audra
Published: August 2017

Humans exhibit population level handedness for the right hand; however, the evolution of this behavioral phenotype is poorly understood. Here, we compared the laterality of a simple task (grooming) and a complex task (tool use) to investigate whether increasing task difficulty elicited individual hand preference among a group of captive bonobos (Pan paniscus). Subjects were 17 bonobos housed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Laterality of grooming was recorded using group scans; tool use was recorded using all-occurrence sampling. Grooming was characterized as unimanual or bimanual, and both tasks were scored as right-handed or left-handed. Most individuals did not exhibit significant hand preference for unimanual or bimanual (asymmetrical hand use) grooming, although 1 individual was lateralized for each. For the 8 subjects who engaged in termite fishing enough for statistical testing, 7 individuals exhibited significant laterality and strong individual hand preference. Four subjects preferred their left hand, 3 preferred their right, and 1 had no preference. Grooming, a simple behavior, was not lateralized in this group, yet a more complex behavior revealed a strong individual hand preference, and these results are congruent with other recent findings that demonstrate complex tasks elicit hand preference in bonobos.
Multiple Juvenile Xanthogranuloma of the Eyelids
Authors: Mori Hidetsugu , Nakamichi Yuta , Takahashi Kanji
Published: August 2017

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare and benign tumor in infants. A solitary lesion on the eyelid has been reported in patients with JXG. We report a 15-year-old boy with multiple involvement of JXG on both eyelids. A mass on the left inner canthus was resected because of disturbance of the visual field and a risk of malignancy in terms of central ulceration in the lesion. The mass was examined by light microscopy. The mass had Touton giant cells with a wreath of nuclei surrounded by foamy histiocytes. No malignancy was observed. The mass showed no recurrence after resection.
Psychoedukation für Patienten und Angehörige: Eine psychotherapeutische Basisbehandlung bei schizophrenen Psychosen
Authors: Pitschel-Walz Gabriele , Bäuml Josef
Published: August 2017

Psychoedukation für Patienten und Angehörige - als Familienintervention oder bifokal umgesetzt - stellt eine kurz- und langfristig wirksame Behandlungsmethode bei Schizophrenie dar. Die Rückfallraten werden reduziert, das krankheitsbezogene Wissen, die Compliance, das psychosoziale Funktionsniveau und auch die Lebensqualität werden verbessert. Aus Sicht der Betroffenen sind die Kompetenzerweiterung, die therapeutische Beziehung und der Austausch in der Gruppe wichtige Wirkfaktoren der Psychoedukation. Angehörige erleben eine emotionale Entlastung, auch wenn objektive Belastungen fortbestehen. Neue Entwicklungen in Forschung und Praxis beziehen sich auf ergänzende Psychoedukationsmodule, auf Anpassungen bewährter Programme für spezifische Zielgruppen, auf neuartige, psychoedukativ orientierte Informationsvermittlungsformen, wie Peer- to-Peer-Gruppen, Videos oder Internetinterventionen, sowie auf neue Zielkriterien. Trotz großen wissenschaftlichen Engagements und ausreichender Evidenz ist noch nicht sichergestellt, dass psychoedukative Gruppen für Patienten und Angehörige tatsächlich flächendeckend sowohl im stationären als auch im komplementären und ambulanten Bereich routinemäßig durchgeführt werden. Dieser Artikel soll dazu animieren, sich für die praktische Umsetzung der Psychoedukation in der Schizophreniebehandlung unter Einbeziehung der Angehörigen zu engagieren.
A Rare Syndrome Resembling Scleroderma: Huriez Syndrome
Authors: Çelik Nil Su , Yaşar Şirin , Aytekin Sema , Güneş Pembegül
Published: August 2017

Huriez syndrome, also referred to as “sclerotylosis,” is a rare autosomal dominant genodermatosis characterized by the triad of congenital scleroatrophy of the distal extremities, palmoplantar keratoderma, and hypoplastic nails. The development of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in the scleroatrophic area is also a distinctive feature of the syndrome. Early diagnosis is important due to the early onset, mostly in the third to fourth decades of life, and aggressive progress of SCC, which occurs in around 15% of affected individuals. Our patient had palmoplantar keratoderma, scleroatrophy of the hands, and hypoplastic nails. Her mother and father had a second-degree blood relation. Two of her siblings had similar complaints and findings. She showed no sign of actinic keratosis or SCC, and was called for regular follow-ups. With this case, we want to emphasize that Huriez syndrome is a rare genodermatosis, mimicking scleroderma-like acrosclerosis, and early diagnosis is critical for recognizing and preventing the development of SCC.
A Novel Missense Variant in the PVRL4 Gene Underlying Ectodermal Dysplasia-Syndactyly Syndrome in a Turkish Child
Authors: Dardour Leila , Cosyns Katrien , Devriendt Koenraad
Published: August 2017

Ectodermal dysplasia-syndactyly syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder caused by mutations in PVRL4 coding for nectin-4. Five different mutations in the PVRL4 gene, including 3 homozygous missense mutations, have been reported. Here, we present an unreported missense variant (c.247C>T, p.His83Tyr) in a consanguineous Turkish family.
Lithium Sensitivity of Store Operated Ca2+ Entry and Survival of Fibroblasts Isolated from Chorea-Acanthocytosis Patients
Authors: Pelzl Lisann , Elsir Bhaeldin , Sahu Itishri , Bissinger Rosi , Singh Yogesh , Sukkar Basma , Honisch Sabina , Schoels Ludger , Jemaà Mohamed , Lang Elisabeth , Storch Alexander , Hermann Andreas , Stournaras Christos , Lang Florian
Published: August 2017

Background: The widely expressed protein chorein fosters activation of the phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K) pathway thus supporting cell survival. Loss of function mutations of the chorein encoding gene VPS13A (vacuolar protein sorting-associated protein 13A) causes chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc), a neurodegenerative disorder paralleled by deformations of erythrocytes. In mice, genetic knockout of chorein leads to enhanced neuronal apoptosis. PI3K dependent signalling upregulates Orai1, a pore forming channel protein accomplishing store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Increased Orai1 expression and SOCE have been shown to confer survival of tumor cells. SOCE could be up-regulated by lithium. The present study explored, whether SOCE and/or apoptosis are altered in ChAc fibroblasts and could be modified by lithium treatment. Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from ChAc patients and age-matched healthy volunteers. Cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i) was estimated from Fura-2-fluorescence, SOCE from increase of [Ca2+]i following Ca2+ re-addition after Ca2+-store depletion with sarcoendoplasmatic Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor thapsigargin (1 µM), and apoptosis from annexin-V/propidium iodide staining quantified in flow cytometry. Results: SOCE was significantly smaller in ChAc fibroblasts than in control fibroblasts. Lithium (2 mM, 24 hours) significantly increased and Orai1 blocker 2-Aminoethoxydiphenyl Borate (2-APB, 50 µM, 24 hours) significantly decreased SOCE. Annexin-V-binding and propidium iodide staining were significantly higher in ChAc fibroblasts than in control fibroblasts. In ChAc fibroblasts annexin-V-binding and propidium iodide staining were significantly decreased by lithium treatment, significantly increased by 2-APB and virtually lithium insensitive in the presence of 2-APB. Conclusions: In ChAc fibroblasts, downregulation of SOCE contributes to enhanced susceptibility to apoptosis. Both, decreased SOCE and enhanced apoptosis of ChAc fibroblasts can be reversed by lithium treatment.
Accumulation of Smooth Muscle 22α Protein Accelerates Senescence of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via Stabilization of p53 In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Miao Sui-Bing , Xie Xiao-Li , Yin Ya-Juan , Zhao Li-Li , Zhang Fan , Shu Ya-Nan , Chen Rong , Chen Peng , Dong Li-Hua , Lin Yan-Ling , Lv Pin , Zhang Dan-Dan , Nie Xi , Xue Zhen-Ying , Han Mei
Published: August 2017

Objective—

Smooth muscle (SM) 22α, an actin-binding protein, displays an upregulated expression as a marker during cellular senescence. However, the causal relationship between SM22α and senescence is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of SM22α in angiotensin II (Ang II)–induced senescence of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Approach and Results—

We prepared a model of VSMC senescence induced by Ang II and found that the expression of SM22α in VSMCs was increased in response to chronic Ang II treatment. Overexpression of SM22α promoted Ang II–induced VSMC senescence, whereas knockdown of SM22α suppressed this process. Moreover, this effect of SM22α was p53 dependent. Increased SM22α protein obstructed ubiquitination and degradation of p53 and subsequently improved its stability. Furthermore, SM22α inhibited phosphorylation of Mdm2 (mouse double minute 2 homolog), an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, accompanied by a decreased interaction between Mdm2 and p53. Using LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, we found that PI3K/Akt-mediated Mdm2 phosphorylation and activation was inhibited in senescent or SM22α-overexpressed VSMCs, in parallel with decreased p53 ubiquitination. We further found that SM22α inhibited activation of PI3K/Akt/Mdm2 pathway via strengthening actin cytoskeleton. In the in vivo study, we showed that the disruption of SM22α reduced the increase of blood pressure induced by Ang II, associated with decreased VSMC senescence through a mechanism similar to that in VSMCs in vitro.

Conclusions—

In conclusion, these findings suggest that the accumulation of SM22α promotes Ang II–induced senescence via the suppression of Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53 in VSMCs in vitro and in vivo.
Philosophy with Children: A Rights-based Approach to Deliberative Participation
Authors: Cassidy Claire
Published: August 2017

In advancing children’s rights, and human rights more broadly, this article supports the view that participation through deliberation by children is desirable. Practising Philosophy with Children, through an approach such as Community of Philosophical Inquiry, is proposed as a powerful way forward as a rights-based means of supporting children to deliberate about matters affecting them in society. In considering that children are educated about, through and for rights, an example of children’s philosophical dialogue is provided to illustrate children deliberating on rights issues, and how teachers might use such dialogue to influence their teaching in this area. The suggestion is that participating in practical philosophy enables children to practise human rights behaviour as a means of participating beyond consultation exercises and as an approach to facilitating their engagement with ideas and issues that are important to the promotion of rights for all.
Children’s Participation Rights in Film Classification Systems
Authors: Covell Tim
Published: August 2017

Film classification helps countries meet their obligations to protect children under Article 17(e) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Classifying films is an administrative proceeding that affects children, by limiting and setting conditions on what they can view. Therefore, children should have their interests represented or otherwise participate, as required by Article 12. This paper researches the degrees and methods of child participation in film classification systems, primarily by a survey of agencies. Based on data from 22 agencies in 17 countries, 73 per cent have some degree of child participation. This ranges from providing a website for children, to children’s panels reviewing and discussing classification for pre-screened films. Comparison with other international data sets suggests countries with a high degree of child participation in film classification are those which are generally making good progress implementing children’s rights.
Norwegian Children’s Rights in Sport and Coaches’ Understanding of Talent
Authors: Ellingsen Jan Emil , Danielsen Anne G.
Published: August 2017

Little research has focused on and tried to understand the link between children’s participation in sports and their human rights. In Norway, children’s leisure athletics and sports participation are regulated through rules of sport (crs), voted in the Executive Board of the Norwegian Olympic and Paraolympic Committee and Confederation of Sports (“Idrettstinget”). Thecrsrepresent formal legislation rooted in theunConvention on the Rights of the Child, binding for all Norwegian sport coaches in their work with children until the age of 13. This qualitative study investigates coaches’ views of talent and talent development, and examines their views in the children’s rights perspective. The study is based on interviews with eight professional coaches in football (soccer), gymnastics, swimming and skiing. In important areas the coaches’ views are consistent with children’s rights; however, there are also coaches who speak out in violation of the rights.
Tales of the Apocalypse: The Child’s Right to a Secure Climate
Authors: McGillivray Anne
Published: August 2017

All rights of children equate with the right to a life-sustaining biosphere. Climate change disproportionately harms children and profoundly threatens their future. Dystopian futures portrayed in cli-fi films illustrate the dangers but also may contribute to paralysis in the face of rapidly increasing global warming. Intergenerational equity frames our duty to future generations. A child-led lawsuit, if successful, will hold the state to its duty to safeguard natural resources. A new corporate paradigm is essential. Central to all strategies is hearing the child.
Devotion and Dominion
Authors: Gillet Valérie
Published: August 2017

This article presents and analyses a corpus of thirty Tamil inscriptions located in the region of the Kāvēri river related to a Pāṇḍyan king called Māṟañcaṭaiyaṉ Varaguṇa Mahārāja. This king, identified as Varaguṇa II whose reign may have begun around 862 A.D., appears to have conquered the Kāvēri region and maintained his sovereignty over this highly coveted territory over a period of 13 years, starting in his 4th regnal year. Almost half of the epigraphs gathered in this corpus record donations by the king himself, and, if the places where they were engraved seem to echo a sacred pattern found in the Tamil hymns of Bhakti, bestowing upon Varaguṇa an aura of king-devotee, these gifts, inserted in a network of significantly powerful locations in the socio-political and religious context of the 9th century, become “gifts of power”.
Presentation and the Ontology of Consciousness
Authors: Livingston Paul M.
Published: August 2017

The idea that we can understand key aspects of the metaphysics of consciousness by understanding conscious states as having apresentationalcharacter plays an essential role in the phenomenological tradition beginning with Brentano and Husserl. In this paper, the author explores some potential consequences of this connection for contemporary discussions of the ontology of consciousness in the world. Drawing on Hintikka’s analysis of epistemic modality, the author argues that the essential presentational character of consciousness can be seen as accounting for the familiar failure of substitutivity of identicals in intensional contexts of conscious presentation and further provides for an ontology of conscious presentation that avoids metaphysically problematic commitments to “special” intentional objects. The author next considers how the irreducibility of intensional contexts, if grounded in the presentational character of consciousness, also may provide for a kind of irreducibility of the “first-person” perspective to third-person or objective description across possible worlds. Finally, drawing on Chalmers’ “two-dimensionalist” semantic framework, the author argues that attention to the presentational aspect of consciousness as thus understood, while it provides significant motivation for the existence of the “hard problem” of the irreducibility of consciousness to physical and structural description, is nevertheless consistent with a globally monist, rather than dualist, ontology.
Guidelines on severity assessment and classification of genetically altered mouse and rat lines
Authors: Zintzsch Anne , Noe Elena , Reißmann Monika , Ullmann Kristina , Krämer Stephanie , Jerchow Boris , Kluge Reinhart , Gösele Claudia , Nickles Hannah , Puppe Astrid , Rülicke Thomas
Published: August 2017

Genetic alterations can unpredictably compromise the wellbeing of animals. Thus, more or less harmful phenotypes might appear in the animals used in research projects even when they are not subjected to experimental treatments. The severity classification of suffering has become an important issue since the implementation of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Accordingly, the breeding and maintenance of genetically altered (GA) animals which are likely to develop a harmful phenotype has to be authorized. However, a determination of the degree of severity is rather challenging due to the large variety of phenotypes. Here, the Working Group of Berlin Animal Welfare Officers (WG Berlin AWO) provides field-tested guidelines on severity assessment and classification of GA rodents. With a focus on basic welfare assessment and severity classification we provide a list of symptoms that have been classified as non-harmful, mild, moderate or severe burdens. Corresponding monitoring and refinement strategies as well as specific housing requirements have been compiled and are strongly recommended to improve hitherto applied breeding procedures and conditions. The document serves as a guide to determine the degree of severity for an observed phenotype. The aim is to support scientists, animal care takers, animal welfare bodies and competent authorities with this task, and thereby make an important contribution to a European harmonization of severity assessments for the continually increasing number of GA rodents.
Food Insecurity and Social Capital Among Middle School Students
Authors: Willis Don E. , Fitzpatrick Kevin M.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the relationship between social capital, poverty, limited food accessibility, and food insecurity among fifth to seventh graders ( N = 317), ages 10 to 14, attending a middle school in Northwest Arkansas. Using survey data that overcomes methodological limitations of previous research on youth food insecurity, we answer the following questions: Does social capital have a direct impact on youth food insecurity? And, does social capital buffer the influence of negative circumstances on youth food insecurity? The broader theoretical question asks “In places where there is an abundance of natural, economic, and technological resources, what stands in the way of consistent access to food for everyone?” Regression analysis finds that various indicators of social capital have a significant relationship with food insecurity even after controlling for multiple sociodemographic and circumstantial factors. In addition, significant moderating effects reveal the unique capability of two-parent households to buffer the impact of poverty and limited accessibility.
Security Glitches
Authors: Adelman Rebecca A.
Published: August 2017

Focusing on the paradoxes revealed in the multibillion dollar mistake of the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) and the expansive ambit of a leaked National Security Agency briefing on its approach to “identity intelligence,” this article analyzes security glitches arising from the state’s application of mechanized logics to security and visibility. Presuming that a digital-looking pattern would be more deceptive than designs inspired by natural forms, in 2004, the US Army adopted a pixelated “digital” camouflage pattern, a print that rendered soldiers more, rather than less, visible in the field; it acknowledged this error in 2012. Two years later, “Identity Intelligence: Image Is Everything” visualized the episteme of National Security Agency surveillance with an illustration detailing hundreds of different types of data—biometric, biographic, and contextual—that the agency believes it could exploit to identify and monitor “targets of interest.” These glitches originate in technofetishistic convictions about the nature of digital images and information, limited ways of imagining bodies and lives, and reductive understandings of complex relationships between power and perception. Together, they expose the paradoxes that arise as the state tries to extend its power over the body and the contingency of that power on the smallest of things.
The IMPROVE Guidelines (Ischaemia Models: Procedural Refinements Of in Vivo Experiments)
Authors: Percie du Sert Nathalie , Alfieri Alessio , Allan Stuart M , Carswell Hilary VO , Deuchar Graeme A , Farr Tracy D , Flecknell Paul , Gallagher Lindsay , Gibson Claire L , Haley Michael J , Macleod Malcolm R , McColl Barry W , McCabe Christopher , Morancho Anna , Moon Lawrence DF , O’Neill Michael J , Pérez de Puig Isabel , Planas Anna , Ragan C Ian , Rosell Anna , Roy Lisa A , Ryder Kathryn O , Simats Alba , Sena Emily S , Sutherland Brad A , Tricklebank Mark D , Trueman Rebecca C , Whitfield Lucy , Wong Raymond , Macrae I Mhairi
Published: August 2017

Most in vivo models of ischaemic stroke target the middle cerebral artery and a spectrum of stroke severities, from mild to substantial, can be achieved. This review describes opportunities to improve the in vivo modelling of ischaemic stroke and animal welfare. It provides a number of recommendations to minimise the level of severity in the most common rodent models of middle cerebral artery occlusion, while sustaining or improving the scientific outcomes. The recommendations cover basic requirements pre-surgery, selecting the most appropriate anaesthetic and analgesic regimen, as well as intraoperative and post-operative care. The aim is to provide support for researchers and animal care staff to refine their procedures and practices, and implement small incremental changes to improve the welfare of the animals used and to answer the scientific question under investigation. All recommendations are recapitulated in a summary poster (see supplementary information).
Improving the FLORIS wind plant model for compatibility with gradient-based optimization
Authors: Thomas Jared J , Gebraad Pieter MO , Ning Andrew
Published: August 2017

The FLORIS (FLOw Redirection and Induction in Steady-state) model, a parametric wind turbine wake model that predicts steady-state wake characteristics based on wind turbine position and yaw angle, was developed for optimization of control settings and turbine locations. This article provides details on changes made to the FLORIS model to make the model more suitable for gradient-based optimization. Changes to the FLORIS model were made to remove discontinuities and add curvature to regions of non-physical zero gradient. Exact gradients for the FLORIS model were obtained using algorithmic differentiation. A set of three case studies demonstrate that using exact gradients with gradient-based optimization reduces the number of function calls by several orders of magnitude. The case studies also show that adding curvature improves convergence behavior, allowing gradient-based optimization algorithms used with the FLORIS model to more reliably find better solutions to wind farm optimization problems.
Play, Learn, Connect: Older Adults' Experience With a Multiplayer, Educational, Digital Bingo Game
Authors: Seah Erik Tiong Wee , Kaufman David , Sauvé Louise , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2017

This mixed-methods study examined the social gameplay and learning experience of 50 adults aged 60 years or more during 4 weeks of playing a multiplayer, educational digital Bingo game with embedded learning content about nutrition and health. The first phase consisted of 4 weeks of gameplay with quantitative data collection using pretests and posttests; the second phase used postgame interviews of selected players to collect qualitative data. The results of this study showed significant improvement in players' scores for knowledge, social connectedness, and attitudes toward digital games from the pretest to the posttest. The interview data confirmed these increases and provided insights on the importance of learning, social connectedness, coplaying, and general enjoyment from playing a digital educational game. The results of this study were also consistent with earlier research studies on older adults' needs, experiences, and preferences for digital gameplay.
Arginine-modified dual emission photoluminescent nanocrystals for bioimaging at subcellular resolution
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yan Jin , Yang Qingchen , Yan Yuwei , Li Shichao , Wang Lijuan , Li Chenyu , Lei Bo , Yang Guang , He Wangxiao
Published: August 2017

Bioimaging at a subcellular resolution to label cytoplasm and nucleus in living cell by just one photoluminescent nanoparticle has great application potential in bioresearch, preclinical diagnosis, screening, and image-guided therapy of life-threatening diseases. Herein, we report a novel arginine (Arg) functionalized ultra-small lanthanide oxyfluoride nanocrystals (LaOF) for simultaneously targeted imaging cell cytoplasm and nucleus. As-prepared Arg-modified PAA capped LaOF: 45%Ce, 15%Tb nanocrystals (LaOF:Ce,Tb@PAA@Arg) possessed high water dispersibility, ultra-small size (∼5.7 nm) and double emissions (green and red) with high quantum yield (40%). Such functionalized nanocrystals presented high cellular biocompatibility and were successfully used to label living cells with very high contrast. These functionalized nanocrystals also exhibited significantly higher photostability and brightness as compared to commercial dyes. Such the ultra-small size, high photostability and intensity, double emissions, excellent biocompatibility and targeted ability, make as-prepared functionalized nanocrystals particularly promising for cellular and subcellular bioimaging applications.
Determinants and Impact of Performance-Related Pay Perception
Authors: Singh Punam , Mishra R. K.
Published: August 2017

Performance-related pay (PRP) was introduced in central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) in India with the objective of establishing a performance-oriented culture. PRP is a newly implemented concept in Indian CPSEs. This article attempts to investigate the factors that influence PRP perception in Indian CPSEs and also to study the impact of PRP perception on job satisfaction and employee performance. The study examines the determinants of PRP perception with the help of multiple regression analysis. The study also explores the role of PRP perception as an intervening variable, and the hypotheses are tested using mediation. This study will help policy makers in developing a holistic and integrated compensation plan/system in public sector enterprises and will add to the little existing literature on determinants and impact of PRP perception in public enterprises.
Improved matrix pooling
Authors: Xiong Wenjun , Ding Juan , He Yuanzhen , Li Qizhai
Published: August 2017

Pooled testing is useful to identify positive specimens for large-scale screening. Matrix pooling is one of the commonly used algorithms. In this work, we investigate the properties of matrix pooling and reveal that the efficiency of matrix pooling is related with the magnitude of overlapping among groups. Based on this property, we develop a new design to further improve the efficiency while taking into account of testing error. The efficiency, pooling sensitivity and specificity of this algorithm are explicitly derived and verified through plasmode simulation of detecting acute human immunodeficiency virus among patients who were suspected to have malaria in rural Ugandan. We show that the new design outperforms matrix pooling in efficiency while retain the pooling sensitivity and specificity.
A cloud platform for space science mission concurrent design
Authors: Deng Li , Yang Zhen , Du Pengyu , Song You
Published: August 2017

Using concurrent design methodology, the duration of space science mission in conceptual design phase can be shortened. This approach requires hardware and software resources to support, such as professional design tools and concurrent design environment. Except for the professional groups, the general researchers such as teachers and students have no chance to access these resources. Nowadays, more and more researchers distributed in different locations join into the space science research. The need for an open concurrent design platform offering design tools and data sharing environment has increased. This article presents a Cloud Platform of Concurrent Design for Space Science Mission. This Cloud Platform of Concurrent Design for Space Science Mission uses the idea of Software as a service, in which five design and analysis tools are offered as services to satisfy the basic requirements for space science mission concurrent design in conceptual design phase. This cloud platform provides the access to space science mission concurrent design for expert and non-expert users using a thin client of web browser. This article presents the platform architecture of the Cloud Platform of Concurrent Design for Space Science Mission and five software offered as services. The services include spacecraft conceptual orbit design, structure design, payload coverage analysis, data transmission analysis, and virtual community. And the basic cloud service (computing and storage) is also briefly introduced. It is described in detail how these services can be leveraged by users to do the concurrent design for one space science mission.
Willingness to Expend Effort Toward Reward and Extreme Ambitions in Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Johnson Sheri L. , Swerdlow Benjamin A. , Treadway Michael , Tharp Jordan A. , Carver Charles S.
Published: August 2017

More than a dozen recent studies have shown that bipolar disorder and key outcomes within bipolar disorder are related to heightened willingness to pursue extremely ambitious life goals, as measured by the Willingly Approached Set of Statistically Unlikely Pursuits (WASSUP). Although it has been argued that this willingness to pursue difficult lifetime ambitions in bipolar disorder could reflect willingness to expend effort toward reward, this has not been tested to date. In this study, 50 individuals with bipolar I disorder were followed until they achieved remission. They then completed the Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT) and the WASSUP. Scores on the WASSUP Financial Success subscale, but not the Popular Fame subscale, were significantly associated with decision making on the EEfRT, even after controlling for significant effects of reward magnitude, gender, and age. These two indices appear to measure related facets of reward sensitivity.
Frontline Science: Leishmania mexicana amastigotes can replicate within neutrophils
Authors: Hurrell Benjamin P , Beaumann Manon , Heyde Sandrina , Regli Ivo B , Müller Andreas J , Tacchini-Cottier Fabienne
Published: August 2017

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease, causing a spectrum of clinical manifestations varying from self-healing to unhealing lesions that may be very difficult to treat. Emerging evidence points to a detrimental role for neutrophils during the first hours following infection with many distinct Leishmania species (spp.) at a time when the parasite is in its nonreplicative promastigote form. Neutrophils have also been detected at later stages of infection in unhealing chronic cutaneous lesions. However, the interactions between these cells and the replicative intracellular amastigote form of the parasite have been poorly studied. Here, we show that Leishmania mexicana amastigotes are efficiently internalized by neutrophils and that this process has only a low impact on neutrophil activation and apoptosis. In neutrophils, the amastigotes were found in acidified vesicles. Furthermore, within cutaneous unhealing lesions, heavily infected neutrophils were found with up to 6 parasites per cell. To investigate if the amastigotes could replicate within neutrophils, we generated photoconvertible fluorescent parasites. With the use of flow cytometry imaging and time-lapse microscopy, we could demonstrate that a subset of parasites replicated within neutrophils. Overall, our data reveal a novel role for neutrophils that can act as a niche for parasite replication during the chronic phase of infection, thereby contributing to disease pathology.