bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial
Authors: Lim Kenneth Y T , Ferreira Catia
Published: February 2019

This issue represents the concluding half of an effort to commemorate the occasion and aims to document both the present and emerging state-of-the-art, covering the adoption, design, enaction, scaling and translation of immersive and/or mixed-reality environments for learning, and in other contexts of education.We believe we have achieved our goal. It is our privilege to present you - in this second and concluding part of a two-part special issue of the Journal - four academic papers which together paint a colorful canvas on just how far we have come, from those early tentative steps during which we explored the nexus between immersive environments and learning a decade ago.
Active Safety Bicyclist Test Targets Recommendation
Authors:   Active Safety Systems Standards Committee
Published: February 2019

The goal of the Bicyclist Test Mannequin Task Force is to develop standard specifications/requirements for bicyclist test mannequins (one adult and one child) that are representative of real bicyclists to the sensors used in Bicyclist Detection systems and can be used for performance assessment of such in-vehicle systems (including warning and/or braking) in real world test scenarios/conditions. This version of the document only includes the recommended bicyclist mannequin characteristics for vision, Lidar, and/or 76 to 78 GHz radar-based Bicyclist Pre-Collision systems.
Zelfdoding en de waarde van een rationeel leven
Authors: Jongepier Fleur
Published: February 2019

Suicide and the value of a rational life

In recent Kantian discussions about suicide, it is not uncommon to find relatively ‘mild’ approaches towards suicide. Even though as a rule suicide is still impermissible, some argue that there may be circumstances that can make suicide morally permissible. If a person suffers such that she cannot be considered to have a rational life any more, suicide is no longer immoral because the object of the moral duty is no longer present. In this paper, I investigate this argumentative strategy by exploring what it might mean to have a ‘rational life’. I argue that on a minimal conception, people who suffer unbearably still lead rational lives and suicide is thus not morally justified. On substantial conceptions, however, not only does having a rational life become a contingent affair, it also leads to a more liberal approach towards suicide than ‘mild Kantians’ may be prepared to accept.
Vrouwen en mannen naar een nieuw type leiderschap
Authors: van Dijk-Groeneboer Monique
Published: February 2019

Women and men towards a new type of leadership

In the Netherlands emancipation has had a lot of attention in the last decades of the former century. Nowadays, often is thought the inequality be­tween men and women at the workplace is solved. Nevertheless, despite the high amount of for instance female students, in higher positions in organizations and academies female leaders still are a minority. More important, their qualities to lead are underestimated, as well by men as by themselves. In today’s world, a combination of feminine and masculine leadership is the best way to manage the modern fluid network organizations, and androgyn leaders are highly searched for.
De behoeften aan openheid, lotgenotencontact en gespecialiseerde counseling voor donorkinderen1
Authors: Schrijvers Anne , Bos Henny , van Rooij Floor , Gerrits Trudie , van der Veen Fulco , Mochtar Monique , Visser Marja
Published: February 2019

Being a donor-child: wishes for parental support, peer support and counseling

Most studies on donor-conceived offspring have shown that secrets in families about the genetic origin of the child can harm the parent-child relationship and as a consequence early disclosure of donor conception is recommended. Data on whether donor-conceived offspring appreciate guidance to cope with their questions and feelings related to being a donor-child are not available. We held semi-structured in-depth interviews with male and female donor-conceived offspring (Mage = 26.9, range 17-41) born within father-mother (n = 11), two-mother (n = 7), or single mother families (n = 6). The majority of donor offspring (n = 20) were descendants of anonymous donors. The interviews were fully transcribed and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Donor-conceived offspring would have appreciated openness from their parents about being a donor-child and wished that their parents would have received specialist guidance before donor sperm treatment. They valued the availability of peer contact to exchange stories and would have liked assistance in getting access to trustful information about characteristics and identifying information of their donor. Donor-conceived offspring wished to know where to find counsellors for guidance when needed. Donor-conceived offspring missed guidance by their parents, appreciated peer-support and the availability of guidance by counsellors for themselves. Our findings demonstrate that peer support and guidance by counsellors for donor-conceived offspring should be available for those who need it. The findings also support counselling to intended parents before donor sperm treatment.
The role of low-level clouds in the West African monsoon system
Authors: Kniffka Anke , Knippertz Peter , Fink Andreas H.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Realistically simulating the West African monsoon system still poses a
substantial challenge to state-of-the-art weather and climate models. One
particular issue is the representation of the extensive and persistent
low-level clouds over southern West Africa (SWA) during boreal summer. These
clouds are important in regulating the amount of solar radiation reaching the
surface, but their role in the local energy balance and the overall monsoon
system has never been assessed. Based on sensitivity experiments using the
ICON model for July 2006, we show for the first time that rainfall over SWA
depends logarithmically on the optical thickness of low clouds, as these
control the diurnal evolution of the planetary boundary layer, vertical
stability and finally convection. In our experiments, the increased
precipitation over SWA has a small direct effect on the downstream Sahel, as
higher temperatures due to increased surface radiation are accompanied by
decreases in low-level moisture due to changes in advection, leading to
almost unchanged equivalent potential temperatures in the Sahel. A systematic
comparison of simulations with and without convective parameterization
reveals agreement in the direction of the precipitation signal but larger
sensitivity for explicit convection. For parameterized convection the main
rainband is too far south and the diurnal cycle shows signs of unrealistic
vertical mixing, leading to a positive feedback on low clouds. The results
demonstrate that relatively minor errors, variations or trends in low-level
cloudiness over SWA can have substantial impacts on precipitation. Similarly,
they suggest that the dimming likely associated with an increase in
anthropogenic emissions in the future would lead to a decrease in summer
rainfall in the densely populated Guinea coastal area. Future work should
investigate longer-term effects of the misrepresentation of low clouds in
climate models, e.g. moderated through effects on rainfall, soil moisture and
evaporation.
Raspberry Pi based Smart Sensing Platform for Drinking Water Quality Monitoring System: A Python Framework Approach
Authors: Khatri Punit , Gupta Karunesh Kumar , Gupta Raj Kumar
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Drinking or potable water quality monitoring is essential for mankind as it affects the human health directly or indirectly. This work reports a smart sensing platform for potable water quality monitoring. Five water quality parameters (pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Oxidation Reduction Potential, Electrical Conductivity, and Temperature) have been selected to monitor the water quality. The selection of water quality parameters is made based on guidelines of the Central Pollution and Control Board, New Delhi, India. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is developed to provide an interactive Human Machine Interface for the end user. Python programming language is used for GUI development, data acquisition and for data analysis. Fuzzy computing technique is employed for decision making to categorize the water quality in different classes like bad, poor, satisfactory, good and excellent. The system has been tested for various water resources and results have been displayed.
The lived city: everyday experiences, urban scenarios, and topological networks
Authors: Lindón Alicia
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The general subject of this text is the contemporary city, understood as a lived territory: it develops a theoretical–methodological approach to the sociospatial construction of urban territory that integrates both the material and the nonmaterial. The sociospatial construction of the lived city is approached via an articulated set of analytical levels. Accordingly, the first part presents the level of the spatial practices and the urban imaginaries that accompany them. The second part integrates the incorporated affectivity that acts and territorializes itself in the everyday life of the city. The third part considers urban scenarios as situational articulations of the subjects of the two previous parts. Individual topological networks are then incorporated as sequences of urban scenarios that integrate the subjects' biography, leading on to the crisscrossing of different topological networks in an approximation of the lived city in all its fragmented, dense, and fluid complexity.
Between Hobbes and Locke
Authors: Chatterjee Jacob Donald
Published: February 2019

This article presents a new understanding of how the context of Restoration debates around toleration, magisterial authority and political obligation impinged upon Locke’s mature thought. It proposes that prominent Anglican clergymen, by utilising Hobbist ideas in their arguments for religious conformity, transformed the debate around toleration. In particular, Samuel Parker’s Discourse of Ecclesiastical Politie’s potent mix of Hobbism, theological moralism and Scholastic natural law led to important nonconformists, such as Owen and Ferguson, reshaping their arguments in response. They were forced to make an argument upon first principles as to precisely why Parker’s naturalistic account of ecclesiastical authority was inadequate to justify their own particular view of religious institutions. Crucially, the specific features of Parker’s argument, led to John Humfrey, a largely overlooked figure, developing a set of ideas that preconfigured Locke’s later thought. This article then highlights Locke’s creative engagement with the ideas of his time, by charting the changes to Locke’s ecclesiology and view of natural law from 1667-1674, alongside the similar conceptual shifts made by Humfrey.
Phenological asynchrony between the fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus and early maturing peach cultivars could contribute to pesticide use reduction
Authors: Araujo Emily S. , Paiva Leticia R. , Alves Sidney G. , Bevacqua Daniele , Nava Dori E. , Lavigne Claire , García Flavio R. M.
Published: February 2019

Phenological asynchrony between fruit crops and pests consists of a discrepancy between the period of fruit susceptibility and that of high pest abundance in the orchards. Therefore, it may be used for reducing pesticide applications. We assayed the potential phenological asynchrony between peach cultivars with different growing cycles and the Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae). To this end, we assessed fruit infestation by A. fraterculus at harvest for one growing season (2012-2013) in early, average and late maturing peach cultivars. Moreover, the fruit infestation was checked for non-cultivated native and non-cultivated wild exotic plant hosts around the peach orchards of the experimental area during 2013 and 2014. In addition, we monitored A. fraterculus abundance weekly during three consecutive growing seasons, S1 (2011-2012), S2 (2012-2013) and S3 (2013-2014), to assess phenological asynchrony between peach cultivars and A. fraterculus. In particular, we checked the influence of meteorological variables on A. fraterculus abundance, and tested if A. fraterculus abundance at the time when fruits are susceptible differed among cultivars. Eventually we discuss the possibility of sustainable management of peach in southern Brazil. This study constitutes a first assessment of the periods of crop vulnerability and pest presence in peach orchards in South of Brazil and provides necessary information for taking advantage of the phenological asynchrony phenomenon for this pest-crop association.
The Impact of January Events on Stock Performance in the Egyptian Stock Market
Authors: Abdelzaher Mai Ahmed
Published: February 2019

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of the January25 revolution on stock performance in the Egyptian market during 2010–2012 by analyzing its effects on trading volume, market return fluctuation, and closing price. These variables are analyzed pre- and post-January25 revolution using the descriptive statistics group unit root test, cointegrating equation model, GARCH model, and ARCH model.  The results indicate that there is a significant positive relation between the January events and return fluctuation and no significant effect between the January events and trading volume; however, the trading volume decreased before, during, and after these events, and there is a significant negative relation between the January events and closing price.
El camí de la tasca a l’activitat en un context AICLE
Authors: Tapias Nadales Núria
Published: February 2019

Estudi dut a terme dins de l’equip col·laboratiu CLIL-SI, sobre el treball en petit grup en una aula AICLE de ciències en anglès. Parteix d’una perspectiva sociocultural de l’aprenentatge, parant especial atenció a la distinció entre tasca (material proposat pel docent) i activitat (allò que els alumnes fan per a realitzar la tasca de manera comunicativa) que proposa la Teoria de l’Activitat. L’objectiu és comprendre millor la dinàmica de grup en el desenvolupament d’una tasca AICLE, i observar les instàncies d’integració de continguts i llengua, per la qual cosa es descriuen i categoritzen les activitats que fan els alumnes. Això pot ser d’utilitat per a la reflexió de la pràctica docent, així com la formació del professorat.
Book Review: Aprendre en una altra llengua / Learning through another language / Aprender en otra lengua
Authors: Simon Auerbach Jill
Published: February 2019

Learning through another language is a multilingual (Catalan, Spanish and English) compendium of valuable contributions from leading investigators to further the understanding and practice of Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). The book offers an ample range of perspectives regarding CLIL learning and teaching. This review takes a look at how the collection deals with the following topics: the challenges involved in plurilinguistic education (chapters 1-4); the integration of content and language in the discourse of CLIL classrooms (chapters 5-7); and the need for in-service and pre-service teacher education and the role of collaboration among subject and linguistic specialists on the one hand, and investigators and practitioners on the other, in the successful implementation of CLIL programmes in the educational system (chapters 8-10).
Kifaya - Ei lita spire til Den arabiske våren
Authors: Baltzersen Ingrid
Published: February 2019

Kifaya-rørsla utfordra tidleg på 2000-talet tabuet i egyptisk politikk mot å direkte kritisera presidenten. Kva var bakgrunnen for at rørsla oppstod? Og korleis påverka rørsla det politiske klimaet i Egypt?
Playing 'the Sectarian Card' in a Sectarianized new Middle East
Authors: Valbjørn Morten , Hinnebusch Raymond
Published: February 2019

In this article, we are revisiting the classic debate on the durability anddynamics of Arab authoritarianism in light of the recent ‘sectarianization’of Middle East politics.
Klanlederens gravsted. Betydningen av territorialitet blant palestinere i Israel
Authors: Tuastad Dag
Published: February 2019

Dannelsen av Israel førte til at palestinsk klanterritorialitet fikk fornyet politisk betydning.
Imperialismo e dependência versus interdependência: o lado silenciado de um embate teórico
Authors: Hoeveler Rejane Carolina
Published: February 2019

O artigo tem por temática o embate teórico entre a teoria da dependência, em suas diversas variantes, e a teoria da interdependência, tal como elaborada por Joseph Nye e Robert Keohane, no contexto histórico internacional dos anos 1970. Objetiva, a partir de uma crítica marxista, demonstrar que a teoria da interdependência constituiu uma resposta às teorias da dependência e do imperialismo, analisando de que modo a constituição teórica do conceito de “interdependência complexa” visava invalidar seus pressupostos centrais. Trata também da atuação política de Nye e Keohane como intelectuais orgânicos, a partir de sua ativa participação em aparelhos privados de hegemonia como o Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) e a Trilateral Commission – a partir dos quais seus conceitos irradiaram-se em organismos internacionais como o Banco Mundial. Metodologicamente, o artigo procura cruzar a contextualização histórica das teorias da dependência e da interdependência com uma análise interna das mesmas.
A presença oculta do marxismo na Teoria de Relações Internacionais: Rosa Luxemburgo e o primeiro “grande debate”
Authors: Borba de Sá Miguel
Published: February 2019

O artigo trata do primeiro ‘Grande Debate’ da teoria de Relações Internacionais (RI) a partir de uma perspectiva inovadora: revisitando-o a partir das formulações teóricas e políticas de autores marxistas proeminentes, em especial, os escritos de Rosa Luxemburgo sobre pacifismo e seu envolvimento com movimentos anti-guerra de seu tempo. O objetivo é superar as abordagens que pretenderam denunciar o primeiro ‘Grande Debate’ como mera invenção retroativa ou puro “mito” (WILSON, 1988). Demonstra-se que o fracasso de tais tentativas pode ser revertido se lançarmos mão de uma abordagem “contextualista” (QUIRK & VIGNESWARAN, 2004) que justaponha o debate acadêmico ao debate histórico, político, realmente existente nas sociedades européias e norte-americanas no período que envolve as duas guerras mundiais do século XX. Conclui-se que inserção do ponto de vista marxista-luxemburguista sobre a problemática da guerra e da paz, produzida no mesmo momento histórico a que se refere o primeiro ‘Grande Debate’ de RI, tem o potencial de enfraquecer o poder controlador de agendas que tal discurso tradicionalmente exerceu sobre a disciplina.
Lucha hegemónica y élites políticas: rearticulaciones de fuerzas y desafíos al proceso de cambio en Bolivia y Venezuela.
Authors: Goulart Mayra , Delgado Ana Carolina Teixeira
Published: February 2019

El inicio del siglo XXI en Sudamérica se caracterizó por la emergencia de gobiernos “progresistas”. En Venezuela y Bolivia, estos gobiernos han logrado obtener mayorías sucesivas en el Congreso, impulsando a los “procesos de cambio” pero reduciendo la representación de grupos de interés minoritarios. En este artículo nuestro objetivo es contrastar las experiencias venezolana y boliviana, poniendo en relieve la reconfiguración de sus élites y fuerzas político-sociales que los condicionaron. Como hipótesis central, argumentamos que la polarización entre gobierno y oposición, crucial en los dos casos, asume características distintas respecto a los grados de pluralidad interna de ambos bloques.
Imperialismo faraônico e exploração econômica no Levante do Bronzo Tardio
Authors: Frizzo Fábio
Published: February 2019

O artigo tem como objetivo principal demonstrar a lógica da exploração econômica na periferia levantina do império faraônico do Reino Novo. A literatura especializada questiona os interesses econômicos do imperialismo egípcio por meio de análises que pensam as vantagens materiais apenas pelo ponto de vista do fluxo maciço de matérias-primas em direção ao centro imperial. Buscaremos apontar, por outro lado, que os benefícios econômicos envolviam relações mais amplas, como o estabelecimento de uma estrutura de domínio e exploração com redes de relações entre as diferentes elites imperiais, que garantiam a manutenção do domínio faraônico na região do Levante. Isto pode ser comprovado através de três conjuntos de evidências: 1) a correspondência diplomática, tanto entre os reis de mesmo status, quanto naquela entre o faraó e os governantes vassalos; 2) pela análise do funcionalismo do aparelho estatal egípcio destinado à fiscalização e manutenção imperial; 3) pelo estudo da arquitetura egípcia na região da Síria-Palestina.  Em síntese, os diferentes mecanismos de exploração econômica faraônica no Levante foram importantes não apenas para manter as elites do centro imperial, mas levaram a um aprofundamento da relação de classe no interior da periferia.
The Amarna Diplomacy in IR Perspective –	A System of States in the Making
Authors: Aissaoui Alex
Published: February 2019

The Amarna diplomacy (ca. 1365–1330 BCE) has been of interest for specialists ever since the discovery of the Amarna letter collection in the late 19th century. While it can be considered as one of the great archaeolo-gical discoveries of all time, it has largely remained out of academic purview in the field of International Relations (IR). IR scholarship continues to turn to the Greco-Roman experience in its attempt to delineate the chronological framework of the discipline. Far from being an anecdote in international history, this article aims to analyze what the letters convey for a student of world politics. What comes out of these missives through textual analysis of the primary sources is not only the various demands, wishes and security concerns of the actors involved but also classical IR themes such as power balancing, security dilemma and international anarchy. While there are question marks and lacunas, this paper asserts that the ancient Near Eastern world constituted an international arena where we see the makings of a genuine system of states more than a millennium before the writings of Thucydides. The Amarna letters, although incomplete, are a gateway to gain deeper synergy between IR theory and international history.
Investimento externo chinês na América Latina e no Sudeste Asiático: uma análise de escopo, valores e setores-alvo
Authors: Hendler Bruno , Rodrigues Bernardo Salgado
Published: February 2019

O artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise quantitativa e qualitativa dos fluxos de investimento externo direto (IED) da China em países da América do Sul e do Sudeste (SE) Asiático. A hipótese do trabalho é que os fluxos de IED correspondem a uma lógica de Estado que não obedece, necessariamente, ao imperativo de lucros de curto prazo, uma vez que parte significativa do capital tem origem em fundos e empresas controlados por agentes do governo chinês, e as principais atividades de destino estão ligadas a setores tidos como estratégicos para desenvolvimento e segurança da China no longo prazo. O método da pesquisa está dividido em três partes: levantamento quantitativo dos valores e natureza (pública ou privada) dos fluxos de IED da China em países da AL e SE Asiático; exame quantitativo das principais atividades econômicas ligadas a esses IED’s; e cruzamento de dados entre valores, natureza e atividade econômica para propor uma análise qualitativa da relevância dos referidos investimentos para a lógica de Estado da China. Por fim, busca-se refletir sobre as diferenças e semelhanças do perfil de investimento chinês na AL e no SE Asiático, de forma a contribuir para o debate acerca dos impactos da ascensão chinesa nos países em desenvolvimento.
Models, explanation, and the pitfalls of empirical testing
Authors: Lima Enzo Lenine
Published: February 2019

Formal models constitute an essential part of contemporary political science and International Relations. Their recent history is tightly tied to the developments of Rational Choice Theory, which is considered to be the only deductive theory in the social sciences. This unique character, especially its manifestation through mathematical symbolisms, has caused profound schisms and criticisms in the discipline. Formal models have constantly been accused of being built on unrealistic assumptions of human behaviour and social structure, rendering as a result either trivial predictions or no empirical prediction at all. Nevertheless these criticisms frequently ignore essential elements of the concept of explanation and how it is applicable to formal modelling. In this paper, I provide an approach to mathematical modelling that considers the challenges of designing and performing empirical tests of predictions generated by formal models. Rather than disqualifying or falsifying models, empirical tests are paramount to the tailoring of more grounded explanations of political phenomena and should be seen as a tool to enhance modelling. In this sense, I scrutinise two examples of formal modelling in IR, and derive lessons for the empirical testing of models in the discipline.
Os modelos formais constituem uma parte essencial da ciência política contemporânea e das Relações Internacionais. Sua história recente está fortemente ligada aos desenvolvimentos da teoria da escolha racional, que é considerada a única teoria dedutiva nas ciências sociais. Este caráter único, especialmente sua manifestação por meio de simbolismos matemáticos, causou profundas divisões e críticas na disciplina. Os modelos formais têm sido constantemente acusados de serem construídos com base em suposições irrealistas do comportamento humano e da estrutura social, resultando em previsões triviais ou nenhuma previsão empírica. No entanto, essas críticas frequentemente ignoram elementos essenciais do conceito de explicação e como o mesmo é aplicável à modelagem formal. Neste artigo, forneço uma abordagem à modelagem matemática que considera os desafios de conceber e executar testes empíricos de previsões geradas por modelos formais. Em vez de desqualificar ou falsificar modelos, os testes empíricos são fundamentais para a adaptação de explicações mais fundamentadas dos fenômenos políticos e devem ser vistos como uma ferramenta para aprimorar a modelagem. Nesse sentido, analiso dois exemplos de modelagem formal em RI e extraio lições para o teste empírico de modelos na disciplina.
 
Palavras-chave: modelos formais, teoria da escolha racional, teste empírico, explicação
La ecuación política exterior – Petrobras - África en los gobiernos del PT (2003-2014). Tres dimensiones para el análisis.
Authors: Pereyra Doval Gisela , Ceppi Natalia
Published: February 2019

Neste trabalho, exploraremos a equação política externa - Petrobras - África nos governos do PT (2003-2014) mediante três dimensões da análise: a dimensão histórica, a dimensão político-simbólica e econômico-comercial. Para isso, vamos recorrer às categorias analíticas da Economia Política Internacional e do Estado Logístico. O ponto de partida é que a transnacionalização das empresas reforça a presença do Estado; uma vez que são usados como plataforma para negociação e pressão. Nossa hipótese é que, durante as administrações do PT, o Estado usou amplamente seus poderes como promotor da Petrobras no exterior, a ponto de desfocar a linha imaginária que separa o Estado e a Empresa e que atribui a direcionalidade das questões políticas ao primeiro e as questões econômicas para o segundo. Ou seja, o Estado decidiu projetar-se através da presença da Petrobras em território estrangeiro. No período em estudo, o continente africano foi o cenário privilegiado do desempenho da Petrobras para o desenvolvimento das operações políticas e econômicas do Estado brasileiro. Por esse motivo, neste trabalho, nos concentraremos em analisar como se desenvolveram as relações entre África e o Brasil nas três dimensões anteriormente indicadas.
Radio Frequency in the Treatment of Lumbar Facet Joint Arthropathy: Indications and Technical Notes
Authors: El Helou Antonios , Fawaz Charbel , Adams Robert , Charest Dhany
Published: February 2019

Low back pain is one of the most reported symptoms in adult life. Different etiologies have been evoked. Degenerative disease of the spine is the most common cause. Facet joint arthropathy is the second leading cause of low back pain in degenerative disease. Failure of medical treatment will lead to more invasive therapeutic option. Radio frequency is a well-known therapeutic option for refractory low back pain related to facet arthropathy. We present our results analyzed retrospectively between January 2015 and March 2018. In addition, we describe our workflow, our procedure technique, and our results. According to our findings, 73% improved their VAS pain score by at least 50% over 3 months. Twenty-seven percent failed to improve with this procedure. There was a 20-point improvement on the SF-36 QOL; the overall satisfaction was high. When patients are selected carefully, radio-frequency ablation technique is a safe and efficient procedure. Its complication rate and cost are low. We recommend it as one of the therapeutic tools in the management of low back pain related to facet joint disease.
Chronic Pain, Dopamine and Depression: Insights from Research on Fibromyalgia
Authors: Ledermann Katharina , Martin-Sölch Chantal
Published: February 2019

There have been several indications that pain and reward are partly mediated by similar neural pathways in the central nervous system, and that these common pathways are related to both the dopamine (DA) and the opioid systems. Several studies have demonstrated the analgesic effects of rewarding stimuli or activities on positive affective states. On the other hand, chronic pain was shown to impair several aspects of reward processing by possibly altering pain-reward interactions. However, the precise mechanisms of the mutual pain-reward interaction are unclear and few studies have investigated the influence of pain on rewards and vice versa in humans. Therefore, we aim to summarize recent findings on the neuroanatomical and molecular chances associated with chronic pain conditions, particularly fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) with a focus on the dopamine system. Recent findings on the mechanisms involved in the alterations of the brain reward circuit in chronic pain and FMS as well as the role of DA in the pathophysiology of FMS and other chronic pain conditions will be discussed. Furthermore, we aim to discuss the interplay between the dopaminergic reward system and depression in chronic pain, as the prevalence of co-morbid depression in chronic pain is quite high.
Looking back and looking forward at Janelia
Authors: Rubin Gerald M , O'Shea Erin K
Published: February 2019

Starting a new research campus is a leap of faith. Only later, in the full measure of time, is it possible to take stock of what has worked and what could have been done better or differently. The Janelia Research Campus opened its doors 12 years ago. What has it achieved? What has it taught us? And where does Janelia go from here?
Transition Metal Free Nucleophilic Benzylation of Nitroarenes. Umpolung of the Friedel Crafts Reaction
Authors: Kisiel Kacper , Brześkiewicz Jakub , Loska Rafał , Mąkosza Mieczysław
Published: February 2019

Benzyl chloride and its derivatives are efficiently deprotonated with strong bases to form α‐chlorocarbanions. These anions are long‐lived enough to enter VNS reactions with nitroarenes or nitroheteroarenes to give a variety of unsymmetrical o‐ and p‐nitrodiarylmethanes. Selectivity of the reaction can be controlled to some extent by changing metal counterions of the base.

magnified image
Anderson Localized Plasmon in Graphene with Random Tensile‐Strain Distribution
Authors: Duan Jiahua , Xiao Sanshui , Chen Jianing
Published: February 2019

Anderson localization, the unusual phenomenon discovered in a disordered medium, describes the phase transition from the extended to localized state. Owing to the interference in multiple elastic scattering, this concept is firstly demonstrated in an electron system, then to photon and matter waves. However, Anderson localization has not been observed for polaritonic waves with its unique features of strong field confinement and tunability. Here, Anderson localization of plasmon polaritons is experimentally reported in a flat graphene sheet simultaneously with homogenous charge carrier and random tensile‐strain distributions. By selectively choosing different disordered levels, the transition from quasi‐expansion to weak localization, and finally Anderson localization are observed. Relying on the infrared nanoimaging technique, the spatial dependence of the localization is further studied, and finally the transition window from weak to Anderson localization of graphene plasmon polaritons is identified with the aid of the scaling theory. The experimental approach paves a new way to study Anderson localization in other polaritonic systems such as phonon, exciton, magnon polaritons, etc.
Dual‐Carbon Enhanced FeP Nanorods Vertically Grown on Carbon Nanotubes with Pseudocapacitance‐Boosted Electrochemical Kinetics for Superior Lithium Storage
Authors: Hou Bao‐Hua , Wang Ying‐Ying , Ning Qiu‐Li , Liang Hao‐Jie , Yang Xu , Wang Jiawei , Liu Mingkai , Zhang Jing‐Ping , Wang Xinlong , Wu Xing‐Long
Published: February 2019

In order to develop the promising anode material for lithium‐ion batteries with high capacity, high rate performance, and long cycling stability, carbon‐coated FeP nanorods (FeP@C‐NR) vertically grown on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs), defined as CNTs⊥FeP@C‐NR, is successfully prepared via a simple two‐step process. This upgraded structure with slim FeP@C‐NR and dual‐carbon networks can not only buffer the huge volume change of the active materials during electrochemical reaction process to enhance the cycling stability but also accelerate the electrochemical kinetics. It is disclosed that such a unique structure exhibits a pseudocapacitance‐boosted ultrafast electrochemical kinetic and performs an excellent lithium storage performance. It delivers a high reversible capacity of ≈1130 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.05 A g−1, remarkable cycling stability of 1129 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, 1126 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 1 A g−1, and 350 mAh g−1 after 3000 cycles at 2 A g−1, and superior rate capability of 345 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1. Moreover, a CNTs⊥FeP@C‐NR//LiFePO4 full cell is assembled, which delivers a reversible capacity of 465 mA h g−1 after 60 cycles at 0.5 A g−1.
Socially Valued Roles, Self‐Determination, and Community Participation among Individuals Living with Serious Mental Illnesses
Authors: Millner Uma Chandrika , Woods Tracy , Furlong‐Norman Kathleen , Rogers E. Sally , Rice Dennis , Russinova Zlatka
Published: February 2019

Decades after deinstitutionalization, individuals living with serious mental illnesses remain isolated, socially disengaged, and devalued members of communities. Burgeoning research and services need conceptual clarity to improve such social conditions. This qualitative inquiry used grounded theory and participatory approaches to conduct an in‐depth exploration of community participation for individuals living with serious mental illnesses based on key stakeholder perspectives (n = 45). Results revealed that community participation is a multifaceted construct with layers of meaning for individuals living with serious mental illnesses. Overarching themes are contextualized in Self‐Determination Theory and presented with deidentified illustrations. Implications for services, research, and policy are discussed.
Effect of Light Exposure on the Quality and Phenol Content of Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil during 12‐Month Storage
Authors: de la Torre‐Robles Amelia , Monteagudo Celia , Mariscal‐Arcas Miguel , Lorenzo‐Tovar Maria Luisa , Olea‐Serrano Fátima , Rivas Ana
Published: February 2019

Storage conditions influence the maximum time for which the composition and sensory characteristics of olive oils can be guaranteed. The purpose of this research was to study the quality and phenol content of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) after storage for 1 year in different types of containers under darkness or light. Three Spanish cultivars with quantitatively different phenol contents were selected for the study. Storage under light conditions impaired the physicochemical and sensorial properties of the three cultivars, and reduced total phenolics, but there was an increase in hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol concentrations. It also markedly decreased their total phenolic content, especially when kept in polyethylene containers exposed to light, with reductions ranging from 4.28% for vanillic acid in Picual oils stored in dark glass containers under dark conditions to 97.82% for ferulic acid in Arbequina oils stored in polyethylene containers under light conditions. There was a reduced concentration of flavonoid and lignan concentrations after 1 year of storage, with the greatest decrease (98.01% of initial content) being observed for in the flavonoid apigenin. These results indicate that EVOO should be stored in dark glass containers under dark conditions for the optimal preservation of its quality and phenol content.
The bridge between cognition and behavior in acquired brain injury: A graph theoretical approach
Authors: Jonker Frank , Weeda Wouter , Rauwerda Kim , Scherder Erik
Published: February 2019

Background

The assumption is that executive dysfunctions (EF), associated with frontal lobe injury, are responsible for behavioral disturbances. Some studies do not find a relationship between EF and behavior following frontal lobe lesions. Our main goal of this study was to use a novel statistical method, graph theory, to analyze this relationship in different brain injury groups; frontal lobe damage, non‐frontal lobe damage, and controls. Within the frontal group, we expect to find a pattern of executive nodes that are highly interconnected.

Methods

For each group, we modeled the relationship between executive functions and behavior as a network of interdependent variables. The cognitive tests and the behavioral questionnaire are the “nodes” in the network, while the relationships between the nodes were modeled as the correlations between two nodes corrected for the correlation with all other nodes in the network. Sparse networks were estimated within each group using graphical LASSO. We analyzed the relative importance of the nodes within a network (centrality) and the clustering (modularity) of the different nodes.

Results

Network analysis showed distinct patterns of relationships between EF and behavior in the three subgroups. The performance on the verbal learning test is the most central node in all the networks. In the frontal group, verbal memory forms a community with working memory and fluency. The behavioral nodes do not differentiate between groups or form clusters with cognitive nodes. No other communities were found for cognitive and behavioral nodes.

Conclusion

The cognitive phenotype of the frontal lobe damaged group, with its stability and proportion, might be theoretically interpreted as a potential “buffer” for possible cognitive executive deficits. This might explain some of the ambiguity found in the literature. This alternative approach on cognitive test scores provides a different and possibly complimentary perspective of the neuropsychology of brain‐injured patients.
Intertwined Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotube Microsphere as Polysulfide Grappler for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiang Kaixiong , Chen Manfang , Hu Jun , Wang Sicheng , Wen Xiaoyu , Zhu Yirong , Chen Han , Shu Hongbo
Published: February 2019

A kind of yarn‐like nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes microsphere (NSCNT) is synthesized in one‐step synthesis, and sulfur is added by melting immersion to form carbon nanotube microspheres/sulfur composites (NSCNT/S). The morphology, structure and electrochemical property of the obtained NSCNT/S are explored by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and electrochemical tests. The results show that NSCNT possesses a high N content and unique mesoporous carbon framework with large specific surface area of 1029 m2 g−1, which can not only favor rapid electron and Li‐ion transfer but also effectively mitigate dissolved polysulfides via strong chemical and physical adsorption. Due to the synergetic interaction of NSCNT, the NSCNT/S delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 1241.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and large rate capacity of 1175.5 mAh g−1 at 1 C with ultralow capacity decay of 0.1 % per cycle and high areal mass loading of 3.1 mg cm−2. This eco‐friendly NSCNT/S can offer an appealing improvement for the applications of high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries.
The Ethics of Net‐Risk Pediatric Research: Implications of Valueless and Harmful Studies
Authors: David Wendler
Published: February 2019

Net‐risk pediatric research encompasses interventions and studies that pose risks and do not offer a compensating potential for clinical benefit. These interventions and studies are central to efforts to improve pediatric clinical care. Yet critics argue that it is unethical to expose children to research risks for the benefit of unrelated others. While a number of ethical justifications have been proposed, none have received widespread acceptance. This leaves funders with uncertainty over whether they should support and institutional review boards with uncertainty over whether they should approve net‐risk pediatric research. To try to answer these questions, this article describes a justification that I previously proposed and considers two objections to it. This analysis reveals that the opportunity to contribute to a valuable project can justify exposing children to risks even though some trials turn out to be valueless and others turn out to be harmful. It follows that, to protect pediatric participants, institutional review boards need to assess whether trials have the potential to collect socially valuable information and whether they are likely to enroll and retain a sufficient number of participants.
Estimating feral cat densities using distance sampling in an urban environment
Authors: Hand Alexis
Published: February 2019

Synthesis and applications

Estimating feral cat population densities in urban environments can be difficult due to lack of public space and human interference. The purpose of this study was to use distance sampling in a citywide landscape to determine population size and areas of high abundance to inform trap–neuter–release management.

Line transect distance sampling was used to estimate density of the feral cat population in Windsor, Ontario from June to July 2014. Windsor has a human population of 217,188 and is about 146 km2in size. Most transects were placed along local roads.

Density was estimated at about 13.3 (95% CI 9.7–18.1) cats per km2, and an estimated population size of 1,858 cats (95% CI 1,361–2,537) cats with the highest relative density occurring in West and Central Windsor.

Urban wildlife managers could utilize these methods to monitor feral cat populations and evaluate the effectiveness of trap–neuter–release programs.
Structurally defined signaling in neuro‐glia units in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Boesmans Werend , Hao Marlene M. , Fung Candice , Li Zhiling , Van den Haute Chris , Tack Jan , Pachnis Vassilis , Vanden Berghe Pieter
Published: February 2019

Coordination of gastrointestinal function relies on joint efforts of enteric neurons and glia, whose crosstalk is vital for the integration of their activity. To investigate the signaling mechanisms and to delineate the spatial aspects of enteric neuron‐to‐glia communication within enteric ganglia we developed a method to stimulate single enteric neurons while monitoring the activity of neighboring enteric glial cells. We combined cytosolic calcium uncaging of individual enteric neurons with calcium imaging of enteric glial cells expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator and demonstrate that enteric neurons signal to enteric glial cells through pannexins using paracrine purinergic pathways. Sparse labeling of enteric neurons and high‐resolution analysis of the structural relation between neuronal cell bodies, varicose release sites and enteric glia uncovered that this form of neuron‐to‐glia communication is contained between the cell body of an enteric neuron and its surrounding enteric glial cells. Our results reveal the spatial and functional foundation of neuro‐glia units as an operational cellular assembly in the enteric nervous system.
Associations among Braak stage, Parkinsonian gait, cognition, and functional status in autopsy‐confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Mayo Ann M. , Peavy Guerry M.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Compromised functional abilities in older adults with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) represent a significant burden to families and frequently lead to institutionalization. Contributing factors to this compromise are poorly understood.

Methods

Using data collected at a first study visit, multiple regression modeling was used to examine the associations between Braak staged Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology, Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) status, Parkinsonian gait, cognition, and functional status from a cohort of 102 cases with an autopsy‐confirmed diagnosis of dementia stemming from combined Lewy body and AD pathology.

Results

On average, 60% of functional activities were compromised per case. Worse functional status was associated with older age at first study visit, compromised cognitive status, and Parkinsonian gait after controlling for gender, mental status, and other covariates. Worse cognitive status predicted worse functional status in both the low and high Braak groups.

Conclusions

Older persons with DLB presenting with moderately compromised cognition and Parkinsonian gait should be expected to have impaired functional abilities. Providing these patients with supportive environments may help them to remain independent for longer periods of time.
Effect of reading with direct or indirect light on the visually evoked flow response in the posterior cerebral artery
Authors: Balogh Eszter , Árokszállási Tamás , Csiba László , Oláh László
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Reading with direct light from computer monitors or tablets may cause visual fatigue and hamper reading comprehension. Our aim was to compare the blood flow response in the supplying artery of the visual cortex when reading from tablet screen or from paper. The neurovascular coupling was tested also after 15‐minute reading from either monitor or paper.

Methods

Flow velocity responses evoked by reading from paper and from monitor were measured by transcranial Doppler sonography in a random sequence in both posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) of 20 young healthy adults. Afterward, PCA flow response evoked by reading from paper was also investigated after 15 minutes reading on the same tablet or paper, in a random order.

Results

Reading from monitor with its own source of light and reading from paper with indirect light caused very similar PCA flow response. Moreover, the flow velocity increase, evoked by reading form paper did not differ after 15‐minute reading from monitor or from paper.

Conclusions

Reading with direct or indirect light produces similar flow response in the occipital cortex.
A 27.5‐43.5 GHz 65‐nm CMOS up‐conversion mixer with 0.42 dBm OP1dB for 5G applications
Authors: Chen Zhilin , Liu Zhiqing , Jiang Zhengdong , Liu Pengxue , Yu Yiming , Liu Huihua , Wu Yunqiu , Zhao Chenxi , Kang Kai
Published: February 2019

A 27.5‐ to 43.5‐GHz up‐conversion mixer is presented for fifth‐generation (5G) applications in 65‐nm CMOS process. A two‐path transconductance stage (TPTS) is demonstrated to improve the linearity. Compared with the conventional common‐source stage, this method enhances the output 1‐dB compression point (OP1dB) by 3.45 dB only at a cost of 1‐mW extra power. Moreover, the input and output baluns are using the fourth‐order transformer‐based resonators to realize a wideband impendence matching. With a power consumption of 14 mW, the proposed up‐conversion mixer achieves OP1dB of 0.42 dBm at 38 GHz. Simultaneously, the maximum conversion gain of −5 dB, local oscillator (LO)‐to‐intermediate frequency (IF) isolation of 43 dB and LO‐to‐radio frequency (RF) isolation of 40 dB are obtained.