bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome reveal novel candidate genes with susceptibility to bovine Staphylococcus aureus subclinical mastitis
Authors: Song Minyan , He Yanghua , Zhou Huangkai , Zhang Yi , Li Xizhi , Yu Ying
Published: July 2016

Subclinical mastitis is a widely spread disease of lactating cows. Its major pathogen is Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In this study, we performed genome-wide integrative analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptional expression to identify candidate genes and pathways relevant to bovine S. aureus subclinical mastitis. The genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of peripheral blood lymphocytes in cows with S. aureus subclinical mastitis (SA group) and healthy controls (CK) were generated by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation combined with microarrays. We identified 1078 differentially methylated genes in SA cows compared with the controls. By integrating DNA methylation and transcriptome data, 58 differentially methylated genes were shared with differently expressed genes, in which 20.7% distinctly hypermethylated genes showed down-regulated expression in SA versus CK, whereas 14.3% dramatically hypomethylated genes showed up-regulated expression. Integrated pathway analysis suggested that these genes were related to inflammation, ErbB signalling pathway and mismatch repair. Further functional analysis revealed that three genes, NRG1, MST1 and NAT9, were strongly correlated with the progression of S. aureus subclinical mastitis and could be used as powerful biomarkers for the improvement of bovine mastitis resistance. Our studies lay the groundwork for epigenetic modification and mechanistic studies on susceptibility of bovine mastitis.
An interdisciplinary approach to study individuality in biological and physical systems functioning
Authors: Mygal V. P. , But A. V. , Mygal G. V. , Klimenko I. A.
Published: July 2016

Signals of system functioning of different nature are presented in the parameter space (state-velocity-acceleration) as a trajectory of dynamic events. Such signals geometrization allows to reveal the hidden spatio-temporal correlation in dynamics of systems functioning. It is shown that the nature of relationship between the dynamic parameters of signal determines the natural cycle of sensor functioning. Its restructuring displays the inherited features of systems functioning in signature package. The universal differential-geometry parameters and new integrative indexes of system functioning are used to analyze the signatures of biological and physical signals.
Host plant affects the sexual attractiveness of the female white-spotted longicorn beetle, Anoplophora malasiaca
Authors: Yasui Hiroe , Fujiwara-Tsujii Nao
Published: July 2016

Anoplophora malasiaca (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a serious pest that destroys various landscape and crop trees in Japan. We evaluated the precopulatory responses of three different A. malasiaca populations collected from mandarin orange, willow and blueberry trees. Most of the males accepted mates from within the same host plant population as well as females from the willow and blueberry populations. However, significant number of males from the blueberry and willow populations rejected females from the mandarin orange population immediately after touching them with their antennae. Because all three of the female populations produced contact sex pheromones on their elytra, the females of the mandarin orange population were predicted to possess extra chemicals that repelled the males of the other two populations. β-Elemene was identified as a key component that was only found in mandarin orange-fed females and induced a rejection response in willow-fed males. Our results represent the first example of a female-acquired repellent against conspecific males of different host plant populations, indicating that the host plant greatly affects the female’s sexual attractiveness.
Direct interaction with ACR11 is necessary for post-transcriptional control of GLU1-encoded ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase in leaves
Authors: Takabayashi Atsushi , Niwata Akihiro , Tanaka Ayumi
Published: July 2016

Because it plays an essential role in nitrogen (N) assimilation and photorespiration, the glutamine synthetase (GS)/glutamate synthase (GOGAT) system is widely accepted as occupying a central position in leaf N metabolism. However, the regulation of GOGAT at the post-transcriptional level is poorly understood. Here, we show that ACR11, an ACT (acronym for aspartate kinase, chorismate mutase, and TyrA) domain-containing family protein, interacts with Glu1-encoded ferredoxin (Fd)-GOGAT in Arabidopsis chloroplasts. In addition, Arabidopsis acr11 mutants have lost the capability to control Fd-GOGAT levels in response to light/dark diurnal cycles, nitrogen inputs, and changes in photorespiratory activity. Considering that ACR11 has putative glutamine-binding domains, our results indicate that ACR11 is necessary for post-transcriptional control of leaf Glu1-encoded Fd-GOGAT. This regulation takes place through direct interaction of ACR11 and Fd-GOGAT, possibly in an allosteric manner.
Universality of the electrical transport in granular metals
Authors: Bakkali Hicham , Dominguez Manuel , Batlle Xavier , Labarta Amílcar
Published: July 2016

The universality of the ac electrical transport in granular metals has been scarcely studied and the actual mechanisms involved in the scaling laws are not well understood. Previous works have reported on the scaling of capacitance and dielectric loss at different temperatures in Co-ZrO2 granular metals. However, the characteristic frequency used to scale the conductivity spectra has not been discussed, yet. This report provides unambiguous evidence of the universal relaxation behavior of Pd-ZrO2 granular thin films over wide frequency (11 Hz–2 MHz) and temperature ranges (40–180 K) by means of Impedance Spectroscopy. The frequency dependence of the imaginary parts of both the impedance Z″ and electrical modulus M″ exhibit respective peaks at frequencies ωmax that follow a thermal activation law, ωmax ∝ exp(T1/2). Moreover, the real part of electrical conductivity σ′ follows the Jonscher’s universal power law, while the onset of the conductivity dispersion also corresponds to ωmax. Interestingly enough, ωmax can be used as the scaling parameter for Z″, M″ and σ′, such that the corresponding spectra collapse onto single master curves. All in all, these facts show that the Time-Temperature Superposition Principle holds for the ac conductance of granular metals, in which both electron tunneling and capacitive paths among particles compete, exhibiting a well-characterized universal behavior.
Methodology for Quantitative Characterization of Fluorophore Photoswitching to Predict Superresolution Microscopy Image Quality
Authors: Bittel Amy M. , Nickerson Andrew , Saldivar Isaac S. , Dolman Nick J. , Nan Xiaolin , Gibbs Summer L.
Published: July 2016

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) image quality and resolution strongly depend on the photoswitching properties of fluorophores used for sample labeling. Development of fluorophores with optimized photoswitching will considerably improve SMLM spatial and spectral resolution. Currently, evaluating fluorophore photoswitching requires protein-conjugation before assessment mandating specific fluorophore functionality, which is a major hurdle for systematic characterization. Herein, we validated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a single-molecule environment to efficiently quantify the photoswitching properties of fluorophores and identified photoswitching properties predictive of quality SMLM images. We demonstrated that the same fluorophore photoswitching properties measured in PVA films and using antibody adsorption, a protein-conjugation environment analogous to labeled cells, were significantly correlated to microtubule width and continuity, surrogate measures of SMLM image quality. Defining PVA as a fluorophore photoswitching screening platform will facilitate SMLM fluorophore development and optimal image buffer assessment through facile and accurate photoswitching property characterization, which translates to SMLM fluorophore imaging performance.
Urothelial ATP exocytosis: regulation of bladder compliance in the urine storage phase
Authors: Nakagomi Hiroshi , Yoshiyama Mitsuharu , Mochizuki Tsutomu , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Komatsu Ryohei , Imura Yoshio , Morizawa Yosuke , Hiasa Miki , Miyaji Takaaki , Kira Satoru , Araki Isao , Fujishita Kayoko , Shibata Keisuke , Shigetomi Eiji , Shinozaki Youichi , Ichikawa Reiko , Uneyama Hisayuki , Iwatsuki Ken , Nomura Masatoshi , de Groat William C. , Moriyama Yoshinori , Takeda Masayuki , Koizumi Schuichi
Published: July 2016

The bladder urothelium is more than just a barrier. When the bladder is distended, the urothelium functions as a sensor to initiate the voiding reflex, during which it releases ATP via multiple mechanisms. However, the mechanisms underlying this ATP release in response to the various stretch stimuli caused by bladder filling remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate these mechanisms. By comparing vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT)-deficient and wild-type male mice, we showed that ATP has a crucial role in urine storage through exocytosis via a VNUT-dependent mechanism. VNUT was abundantly expressed in the bladder urothelium and when the urothelium was weakly stimulated (i.e. in the early filling stages), it released ATP by exocytosis. VNUT-deficient mice showed reduced bladder compliance from the early storage phase and displayed frequent urination in inappropriate places without a change in voiding function. We conclude that urothelial, VNUT-dependent ATP exocytosis is involved in urine storage mechanisms that promote the relaxation of the bladder during the early stages of filling.
Effect of paternal overweight or obesity on IVF treatment outcomes and the possible mechanisms involved
Authors: Yang Qingling , Zhao Feifei , Hu Linli , Bai Rui , Zhang Nan , Yao Guidong , Sun Yingpu
Published: July 2016

Leukocyte telomere lengths (LTLs) are shorter in obese compared with normal weight people. However, it is not known whether sperm telomere length (STL) is related to obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of men’s body mass index (BMI) on STL, embryo quality and clinical outcomes in couples undergoing IVF. In total, 651 couples were recruited, including 345 men with a normal BMI and 306 men with an overweight BMI (normal BMI group: 20–25 kg/m2; overweight BMI group: >28 kg/m2). We found that couples with male’s BMI over 28 kg/m2 exhibited a significantly lower fertilization rate, good-quality embryo rate and clinical pregnancy rate compared to their normal BMI counterparts. The mean STL in the overweight BMI group was also significantly shorter than that of the normal BMI group. The results also showed that individuals with higher BMI had higher ROS (Reactive oxygen species) content and sperm DNA fragmentation rate when compared with normal BMI individuals. Mitochondrial activity was also lower in the overweight BMI group than in the normal BMI group. This is the first report to find that STL is shorter in overweight/obese men, which may account for their poorer treatment outcomes in IVF cycles.
Midline thalamic neurons are differentially engaged during hippocampus network oscillations
Authors: Lara-Vásquez Ariel , Espinosa Nelson , Durán Ernesto , Stockle Marcelo , Fuentealba Pablo
Published: July 2016

The midline thalamus is reciprocally connected with the medial temporal lobe, where neural circuitry essential for spatial navigation and memory formation resides. Yet, little information is available on the dynamic relationship between activity patterns in the midline thalamus and medial temporal lobe. Here, we report on the functional heterogeneity of anatomically-identified thalamic neurons and the differential modulation of their activity with respect to dorsal hippocampal rhythms in the anesthetized mouse. Midline thalamic neurons expressing the calcium-binding protein calretinin, irrespective of their selective co-expression of calbindin, discharged at overall low levels, did not increase their activity during hippocampal theta oscillations, and their firing rates were inhibited during hippocampal sharp wave-ripples. Conversely, thalamic neurons lacking calretinin discharged at higher rates, increased their activity during hippocampal theta waves, but remained unaffected during sharp wave-ripples. Our results indicate that the midline thalamic system comprises at least two different classes of thalamic projection neuron, which can be partly defined by their differential engagement by hippocampal pathways during specific network oscillations that accompany distinct behavioral contexts. Thus, different midline thalamic neuronal populations might be selectively recruited to support distinct stages of memory processing, consistent with the thalamus being pivotal in the dialogue of cortical circuits.
Deterministic distribution of four-photon Dicke state over an arbitrary collective-noise channel with cross-Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Mei-Yu , Yan Feng-Li , Gao Ting
Published: July 2016

We present two deterministic quantum entanglement distribution protocols for a four-photon Dicke polarization entangled state resorting to the frequency and spatial degrees of freedom, which are immune to an arbitrary collective-noise channel. Both of the protocols adopt the X homodyne measurement based on the cross-Kerr nonlinearity to complete the task of the single-photon detection with nearly unit probability in principle. After the four receivers share the photons, they add some local unitary operations to obtain a standard four-photon Dicke polarization entangled state.
Thermogelling Polymers: A Cutting Edge Rheology Modifier
Authors: Liow Sing Shy , Dou Qingqing , Kai Dan , Karim Anis Abdul , Zhang Kangyi , Loh Xian Jun
Published: July 2016

Thermogels are stimuli-responsive soft materials which undergo sol–gel transition with temperature changes. The gel is fluid at room temperature and can be blended with therapeutics by mixing. The higher physiological temperature that a gel encounters upon injection results in gelation due to the presence of thermosensitive polymers. The degradation of the gel allows sustained release of therapeutics localized to the site of interest. Thermogel properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, biological functionalization, mechanical properties and the therapeutic release profile, can be fine-tuned via the substitution and modification of components in these diblock and triblock copolymer systems. This chapter examines the key concepts behind the technology development of these thermogels to successfully translate thermogels for therapeutic conveyance and tissue repair and replacement.
Pectin As a Rheology Modifier: Recent Reports on Its Origin, Structure, Commercial Production and Gelling Mechanism
Authors: Chan Siew Yin , Choo Wee Sim , Young David James , Loh Xian Jun
Published: July 2016

Pectins (also known by the singular pectin) are a diverse family of biopolymers with a complex range of structures. Their common feature is a polysaccharide backbone of 1,4-linked α-d-galacturonic acids. Pectins are derived from dicotyledonous and some monocotyledonous plants and make up one third of the cell wall materials. Pectin has been widely used as a gelling and stabilizing agent in food, as an incipient ingredient in pharmaceuticals, in personal care products and in other polymer products. It is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Commercial pectin is extracted using acids from by-products of the food industry such as citrus peel, apple pomace and sugar beet pulp. There are two types of pectin: high methoxyl (HM) pectin with a degree of methylation (DM) > 50% and low methoxyl (LM) pectin. LM pectins are usually manufactured from HM pectins by de-esterification. HM pectins gel by cross-linking homogalacturonan residues through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces between the methoxyl groups, assisted by a high sugar concentration and low pH. In contrast, LM pectins gel by forming ionic linkages via calcium bridges between two carboxyl groups from two different chains in close proximity, known as the ‘egg-box’ model. The viscoelastic behavior of both gels depends on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Chemical modifications of pectin such as alkylation, amidation and thiolation have been used to manipulate hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity and adhesion.
Encapsulation of a [Dy(OH2)8]3+ cation: magneto-optical and theoretical studies of a caged, emissive SMM
Authors: Al Hareri M. , Gavey E. L. , Regier J. , Ras Ali Z. , Carlos L. D. , Ferreira R. A. S. , Pilkington M.
Published: July 2016

The magnetization dynamics of an emissive [Dy(OH2)8]3+ complex with local pseudo D4d symmetry encapsulated within a supramolecular cage have been unraveled by magneto-optical and ab initio studies.
Experimental and molecular dynamics studies of anthraquinone dyes in a nematic liquid-crystal host: a rationale for observed alignment trends
Authors: Sims Mark T. , Abbott Laurence C. , Cowling Stephen J. , Goodby John W. , Moore John N.
Published: July 2016

The experimental alignment trend of a set of anthraquinone dyes in a nematic host is rationalised by calculated molecular order parameters and transition dipole moments.
Intramolecular mobility of η5-ligands in chiral zirconocene complexes and the enantioselectivity of alkene functionalization by organoaluminum compounds
Authors: Parfenova Lyudmila V. , Zakirova Irina V. , Kovyazin Pavel V. , Karchevsky Stanislav G. , Istomina Galina P. , Khalilov Leonard M. , Dzhemilev Usein M.
Published: July 2016

Conformational behavior of chiral zirconocenes affects their activity and enantioselectivity.
Gold–alkynyls in catalysis: alkyne activation, gold cumulenes and nuclearity
Authors: Halliday Connor J. V. , Lynam Jason. M.
Published: July 2016

The use of cationic gold(i) species in the activation of substrates containing CC bonds has become a valuable tool for synthetic chemists, and the role of metal alkynyls and cumulenes in this chemistry is reviewed.
A cobalt(ii) iminoiodane complex and its scandium adduct: mechanistic promiscuity in hydrogen atom abstraction reactions
Authors: Kundu Subrata , Chernev Petko , Engelmann Xenia , Chung Chan Siu , Dau Holger , Bill Eckhard , England Jason , Nam Wonwoo , Ray Kallol
Published: July 2016

In addition to imidometal [Mn+NR] units, transient metal–iminoiodane [M(n−2)+−N(R)IPh] adducts have been demonstrated as a possible “second oxidant” responsible for the imido group transfer reactivity.
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) coated titanium oxide nanotube arrays with enhanced photo-electrochemical performance
Authors: Sun Mingxuan , Fang Yalin , Kong Yuanyuan , Sun Shanfu , Yu Zhishui , Umar Ahmad
Published: July 2016

In situ growth of g-C3N4 on the surface of TiO2 nanotube arrays (g-C3N4/TiO2) was achieved via the vapor-pyrolysis of melamine and a better photo-electrochemical performance was demonstrated.
Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide on silicon nanowire arrays for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Meng Huan , Fan Ke , Low Jingxiang , Yu Jiaguo
Published: July 2016

Silicon nanowire arrays decorated with reduced graphene oxide for PEC water splitting were prepared by a facile electrochemical reduction method.
Complexation of clofazimine by macrocyclic cucurbit[7]uril reduced its cardiotoxicity without affecting the antimycobacterial efficacy
Authors: Li Shengke , Chan Judy Yuet-Wa , Li Yan , Bardelang David , Zheng Jun , Yew Wing Wai , Chan Denise Pui-Chung , Lee Simon Ming Yuen , Wang Ruibing
Published: July 2016

We demonstrate for the first time that cucurbit[7]uril effectively increased the water-solubility and decreased cardiotoxicity of clofazimine.
Synthesis of hybrid nanocomposites of ZIF-8 with two-dimensional black phosphorus for photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Lian , Xu Qingchi , Xu Jun , Weng Jian
Published: July 2016

Novel hybrid nanocomposites of ZIF-8 with 2D black phosphorus are synthesized, and exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance.
Using ILD or ITD Cues for Sound Source Localization and Speech Understanding in a Complex Listening Environment by Listeners With Bilateral and With Hearing-Preservation Cochlear Implants
Authors: Loiselle Louise H. , Dorman Michael F. , Yost William A. , Cook Sarah J. , Gifford Rene H.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

To assess the role of interaural time differences and interaural level differences in (a) sound-source localization, and (b) speech understanding in a cocktail party listening environment for listeners with bilateral cochlear implants (CIs) and for listeners with hearing-preservation CIs.

Methods

Eleven bilateral listeners with MED-EL (Durham, NC) CIs and 8 listeners with hearing-preservation CIs with symmetrical low frequency, acoustic hearing using the MED-EL or Cochlear device were evaluated using 2 tests designed to task binaural hearing, localization, and a simulated cocktail party. Access to interaural cues for localization was constrained by the use of low-pass, high-pass, and wideband noise stimuli.

Results

Sound-source localization accuracy for listeners with bilateral CIs in response to the high-pass noise stimulus and sound-source localization accuracy for the listeners with hearing-preservation CIs in response to the low-pass noise stimulus did not differ significantly. Speech understanding in a cocktail party listening environment improved for all listeners when interaural cues, either interaural time difference or interaural level difference, were available.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study indicate that similar degrees of benefit to sound-source localization and speech understanding in complex listening environments are possible with 2 very different rehabilitation strategies: the provision of bilateral CIs and the preservation of hearing.
Brushless doubly‐fed induction machines for wind turbines: developments and research challenges
Authors: Strous Tim D. , Polinder Henk , Ferreira Jan A.
Published: July 2016

The brushless doubly‐fed induction machine (DFIM) provides an interesting alternative to the commonly applied conventional DFIM in modern multi‐megawatt (MW) wind turbines. This study presents a literature survey on the brushless DFIM. The evolution of the cascaded induction machine into the modern brushless DFIM is discussed, as well as several theories explaining this machines complex operating principles. Nowadays, brushless DFIM research is mainly focused on the development of a commercially competitive brushless DFIM‐based drive for multi‐MW wind turbine applications. An overview of the latest developments in the fields of brushless DFIM modelling, design, and control is provided. Based on this, a qualitative comparison is presented of the brushless DFIM and other well‐established generator systems for wind turbines and the challenges for future research are explored.
What environmental, social or economic factors identify high-value wetlands? Data-mining a wetlands database from south-eastern Australia
Authors: Venables Anne , Boon Paul I.
Published: July 2016

Large amounts of potentially useful information are collected by management agencies as they attempt to identify high-value wetlands and rank them for investment, protection or rehabilitation. Resource constraints frequently mean these information-rich databases are not fully interrogated, with the result that much of their expensively obtained information is only partially analysed or, worse, is not analysed at all. The present paper shows the benefit of rigorously interrogating such databases to identify wetlands of high social, economic or environmental value. Three data-mining methods, namely, univariate analysis, multivariate analysis and artificial neural networks (ANNs), were applied to a large (7.6 MB) but hitherto unanalysed database of 163 wetlands in the Gippsland region of south-eastern Australia. Simple statistical techniques, such as univariate analysis and binary logistic regression, identified high-value wetlands with a prediction accuracy of >90%, using only a small set of environmental indicators. Artificial neural network models with nine environmental-value inputs (six direct indicators plus three threat indicators) correctly also identified 90% of high-value wetlands. Outcomes generated by ANNs were in close agreement with those obtained with more traditional univariate and multivariate analyses. There seems little justification for undertaking economic assessments, and for environmental assessments the best indicators consistently included the presence of listed fauna or flora, vegetation intactness and the absence of hydrological modification. The overall approach, although developed from the analysis of a single (but large) wetland database of wetlands in south-eastern Australia, is likely to find conservation applications in many other regions of the Pacific.
A conserved amino acid residue critical for product and substrate specificity in plant triterpene synthases
Authors: Salmon Melissa , Thimmappa Ramesha B. , Minto Robert E. , Melton Rachel E. , Hughes Richard K. , O’Maille Paul E. , Hemmings Andrew M. , Osbourn Anne
Published: July 2016

Significance

The triterpenes are a large and highly diverse group of plant natural products. They are synthesized by cyclization of the linear isoprenoid 2,3-oxidosqualene into different triterpene scaffolds by enzymes known as triterpene synthases. This cyclization process is one of the most complex enzymatic reactions known and is only poorly understood. Here, we identify a conserved amino acid residue that is critical for both product and substrate specificity in triterpene synthases from diverse plant species. Our results shed new light on mechanisms of triterpene cyclization in plants and open up the possibility of manipulating both the nature of the precursor and product specificity, findings that can be exploited for the production of diverse and novel triterpenes.
Endogenous
N
-acyl taurines regulate skin wound healing
Authors: Sasso Oscar , Pontis Silvia , Armirotti Andrea , Cardinali Giorgia , Kovacs Daniela , Migliore Marco , Summa Maria , Moreno-Sanz Guillermo , Picardo Mauro , Piomelli Daniele
Published: July 2016

Significance

Healthy human skin quickly repairs itself when wounded. Skin healing is essential for survival, and it depends on a well-ordered sequence of molecular and cellular events that require the cooperation of several growth-promoting proteins released by skin cells or produced in the extracellular matrix. In the present study, we identify a family of lipid-derived molecules that accelerate the closure of self-repairing skin wounds. These endogenous substances promote migration of epidermal keratinocytes and differentiation of dermal fibroblasts by recruiting intracellular signals similar to those engaged by protein growth factors. Understanding this unprecedented mechanism of wound-healing control may guide new therapeutic approaches to the management of chronic wounds in patients with diabetes, bed-ridden elderly people with pressure ulcers, and immunosuppressed recipients of organ transplants.
Crack healing in Y-doped Cr2AlC-MAX phase coatings
Authors: Berger O. , Boucher R.
Published: July 2016

Self-healing materials facilitate a design concept which includes damage management, where damage that is inflicted during operation can be healed autonomously. It has been shown that the M n+1AX n phases Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC and Cr2AlC exhibit such behaviour. Cracks are filled and hence healed by oxidation products of the M and A elements in the MAX phase at the high operating temperatures in which they are used. After crack healing the fracture strength is recovered to the level of the virgin material. In this work, the Cr2AlC-MAX phase was shown to exhibit excellent self-healing properties. Cracks of maximum widths of approximately 500 nm and 4 μm could be healed after a 3–5 h anneal at 900 and 1200°C, respectively. In this system, the addition of Y on the rate of oxidation and on the self-healing behaviour was investigated.
On principal realization of modules for the affine Lie algebra 𝐴₁⁽¹⁾ at the critical level
Authors: Adamović Dražen , Jing Naihuan , Misra Kailash
Published: July 2016

We present complete realization of irreducible

A
1

(
1
)

A_1^{(1)}

–modules at the critical level in the principal gradation. Our construction uses vertex algebraic techniques, the theory of twisted modules and representations of Lie conformal superalgebras. We also provide an alternative Z-algebra approach to this construction. All irreducible highest weight

A
1

(
1
)

A_1^{(1)}

–modules at the critical level are realized on the vector space

M

1
2

+

Z

(
1

)

⊗
2

M_{\tfrac {1}{2}+\mathbb {Z}}(1)^{\otimes 2}

where

M

1
2

+

Z

(
1
)

M_{\tfrac {1}{2} + \mathbb {Z}}(1)

is the polynomial ring

C

[
α
(
−
1

/

2
)
,
α
(
−
3

/

2
)
,
…
]

{\mathbb {C}}[\alpha (-1/2), \alpha (-3/2),\dots ]

. Explicit combinatorial bases for these modules are also given.
The Digital Divide in Farming: A Problem of Access or Engagement?
Authors: Hennessy Thia , Läpple Doris , Moran Brian
Published: July 2016

This article explores farmers’ use of computers for farm business purposes by analyzing the computer access and usage decisions of almost 900 Irish farmers. The findings reveal that computer ownership is influenced by a combination of farm business and household characteristics, but that farm business characteristics dominate if the computer is used for the business. More detailed findings suggest that computers are most likely to be used on larger dairy farms, while farmers who are living alone have limited access to computers. Public policy needs to support the adoption of information technologies, and the role of computers in tackling social isolation and providing farm information is critically discussed.
Congestive heart failure information extraction framework for automated treatment performance measures assessment
Authors: Meystre Stéphane M , Kim Youngjun , Gobbel Glenn T , Matheny Michael E , Redd Andrew , Bray Bruce E , Garvin Jennifer H
Published: July 2016

Objective: This paper describes a new congestive heart failure (CHF) treatment performance measure information extraction system – CHIEF – developed as part of the Automated Data Acquisition for Heart Failure project, a Veterans Health Administration project aiming at improving the detection of patients not receiving recommended care for CHF.

Design: CHIEF is based on the Apache Unstructured Information Management Architecture framework, and uses a combination of rules, dictionaries, and machine learning methods to extract left ventricular function mentions and values, CHF medications, and documented reasons for a patient not receiving these medications.

Measurements: The training and evaluation of CHIEF were based on subsets of a reference standard of various clinical notes from 1083 Veterans Health Administration patients. Domain experts manually annotated these notes to create our reference standard. Metrics used included recall, precision, and the F1-measure.

Results: In general, CHIEF extracted CHF medications with high recall (>0.990) and good precision (0.960–0.978). Mentions of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction were also extracted with high recall (0.978–0.986) and precision (0.986–0.994), and quantitative values of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction were found with 0.910–0.945 recall and with high precision (0.939–0.976). Reasons for not prescribing CHF medications were more difficult to extract, only reaching fair accuracy with about 0.310–0.400 recall and 0.250–0.320 precision.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that applying natural language processing to unlock the rich and detailed clinical information found in clinical narrative text notes makes fast and scalable quality improvement approaches possible, eventually improving management and outpatient treatment of patients suffering from CHF.
Historical Development of the Law of the Sea
Authors: Treves Tullio
Published: July 2016

This chapter highlights, in the historic development of the law of the sea, the roots of the law as it currently stands and the questions still open today. It considers the early phases of the evolution of the law of the sea up to the end of the nineteenth century followed by, in more detail, developments that took place in the twentieth century up until the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea. This fundamental event in the history of the law of the sea in the twentieth century is the basis of the international law of the sea of today, and is dealt with in subsequent chapters of this Handbook.
The Archipelagic Regime
Authors: Davenport Tara
Published: July 2016

The archipelagic regime in Part IV of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) was aimed at resolving an issue that had long challenged the international community, namely, whether a group of islands should be considered a single entity and thus subject to a special regime distinct from the rules applicable to continental land masses and individual islands. This chapter examines the critical issues associated with the implementation of Part IV as well as future issues that may arise. It first discusses the development of the archipelagic regime. It then addresses the definition of an archipelago and an archipelagic State, archipelagic baselines, and archipelagic waters, respectively, and examines issues in implementation. It considers the issue of ‘dependent archipelagos’ and whether there is a lacuna in LOSC in this regard. The chapter concludes with a discussion on future areas of focus for the archipelagic regime.
Port and Coastal States
Authors: Molenaar Erik
Published: July 2016

This chapter discusses port States, coastal States and their jurisdictions. Seaports give access to the landmass of a State for persons and goods, and are therefore logical points of control for, inter alia, customs, immigration, sanitation and national security purposes. The spatial scope of a seaport includes the outermost permanent harbour works — but not offshore installations and artificial islands — as well as roadsteads that extend beyond the outer limit of the territorial sea, provided they are normally used for the loading, unloading and anchoring of ships. Port State jurisdiction can be defined as relating to activities and standards occurring within, or applicable to: the port; the maritime zones of other coastal States; areas beyond national jurisdiction (i.e. the high seas and the ‘Area’); and the maritime zones of the coastal State in which the port is located. Coastal States are universally understood to be States with a sea-coastline. A coastal State's jurisdiction relates to its own maritime zones, and encompasses the resources and activities therein as well as external impacts on them.
Flag States
Authors: Barnes Richard
Published: July 2016

This chapter discusses flag state jurisdiction as set forth in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC). It covers the development of flag state jurisdiction; registration and nationality; the operation of flag state jurisdiction; and flag state rights and duties.
Courts and Tribunals
Authors: Oxman Bernard
Published: July 2016

The settlement of disputes between States is generally not regulated by municipal law and municipal courts but by international law regulated by treaty. Because States are not subject to the jurisdiction of international tribunals absent express consent, an important function of dispute settlement clauses in treaties is to indicate whether such consent is granted and, if so, with respect to which disputes before which tribunals. This chapter discusses the following: the obligation of states to settle disputes peacefully; the duty to arbitrate or adjudicate disputes under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC); choice of forum for compulsory settlement of LOSC disputes; nature of dispute; procedural and substantive limitations on jurisdiction under Section 2 of Part XV of the LOSC; and institutional constraints on the exercise of jurisdiction.
The Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Papanicolopulu Irini
Published: July 2016

This chapter assesses the legal regime of the Mediterranean Sea. The legal regime of any given ocean or sea is a composite product, which includes the unilateral acts of States by which they establish maritime zones and regulate the exercise of their power therein; the bilateral agreements for the delimitation of maritime boundaries; and the multilateral legal instruments, which provide uniform substantial regulation and institutionalise cooperation. The chapter examines legal regime of the Mediterranean based on this division, looking first at the jurisdictional framework, then at the delimitation of maritime boundaries, and finally at the multilateral instruments adopted by coastal States in order to regulate a number of activities.
The Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Freestone David , Schofield Clive
Published: July 2016

This chapter assesses the legal regime of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. It first examines regional maritime claims before reviewing marine activities, environment, and resources within the Caribbean. It then considers the current status of the delimitation of maritime boundaries in the Caribbean Sea, through agreements as well as judicial settlement. It highlights remaining problems and provides some concluding observations.
Warming Waters and Souring Seas
Authors: Stephens Tim
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the impact of climate change and ocean acidification on the oceans and their implications for the international law of the sea. In particular, it assesses the implications of rising sea levels for territorial sea baselines, the seawards extent of maritime zones, and maritime boundaries. It also considers the restrictions placed by the UN Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) upon States in pursuing climate mitigation and adaptation policies, such as attempts to ‘engineer’ the global climate by artificially enhancing the capacity of the oceans to draw CO2 from the atmosphere. The chapter analyzes the role of the LOSC, alongside other treaty regimes, in addressing the serious threat of ocean acidification.
Military Operations
Authors: Kraska James
Published: July 2016

This chapter assesses the legal regime for military operations at sea under the UN Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC). It considers the rules that apply at the seam between peace and war, and how the provisions of the law of naval warfare interact with the law of the sea. It shows that the adoption of the LOSC did not entirely quell disagreements over the right to conduct military operations in areas under coastal State sovereignty or jurisdiction.
Reconfiguring the Un System of Collective Security
Authors: Blokker Niels
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines pacific settlement and collective security as the primary instruments of the United Nations for promoting and underwriting international security. It begins by focusing on the development of newer approaches to UN-centred collective security in the new millennium in response to increased security threats. The chapter discusses economic sanctions, consent-based peacekeeping, robust peace operations, the coercive responsibility to protect (R2P), and nuclear security. In particular, it considers the evolution of peacekeeping side by side with preventive diplomacy, as well as the increase in the number of UN operations after the end of the Cold War to resolve outstanding conflicts. It also evaluates the report prepared by Algerian diplomat Lakhdar Brahimi, chair of a high-level international panel appointed by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to make recommendations for changes in UN peacekeeping. The chapter concludes by considering the shift from collective security to global governance.
Use of Force
Authors: Weisburd Mark
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines restrictions on the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) capacity to act due to problems of admissibility or justiciability with respect to the use of force. It considers how the ICJ deals with cases requiring the exercise of non-legal judgement in relation to the UN Security Council’s authority. It also looks at disputes involving the use of force that can be decided only through the exercise of non-legal judgement. Five cases are highlighted: Corfu Channel (UK v. Albania), Nicaragua v. US, the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the legality of the threat or use of nuclear weapons, Oil Platforms (Iran v. US), and Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The chapter concludes by focusing on cases involving matters that are arguably within the province of the UN Security Council.
‘Failures to Protect’ in International Law
Authors: Nollkaemper André
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines failures by outside actors to protect populations from mass atrocities such as genocide and crimes against humanity. It begins by tracing the origins of ‘failures to protect critiques’, whereby many observers express moral outrage against bystander states which they believe should have done more. In this discourse, mass atrocities are attributed to a combination of acts by perpetrators and omissions by bystanders. The chapter analyses the legal basis for applying the ‘failure to protect critique’ to both perpetrators and bystanders. In particular, it discusses the extent to which international law allows holding individual bystander states responsible for a failure to protect. It also discusses the failure to protect-critique on the United Nations and other international organizations. The chapter suggests that international law justifies and even requires inaction among bystander states and international organizations when mass atrocities occur.
Intervention, Armed Intervention, Armed Attack, Threat to Peace, Act of Aggression, and Threat or Use of Force
Authors: Klabbers Jan
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the international law on the use of force and related terms such as intervention, armed intervention, armed attack, threat to peace, act of aggression, and threat of force. It considers the different ways in which the use of force can be classified and explains why this occurs. The discussion begins by analysing the variety of terms used in the UN Charter and other security arrangements. It then looks at the relevant practice of states when concluding agreements on the use of force, as well as the practice of the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice when dealing with interstate conflicts. The chapter concludes by evaluating the relationship between language and law with respect to the use of force.
The Prohibition of the Use of Force in Arbitrations and Fact-Finding Reports
Authors: Koutroulis Vaios
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the approach used by arbitral tribunals and commissions of inquiry or fact-finding missions with respect to rules governing the use of force after the adoption of the UN Charter in 1945, with emphasis on the right to self-defence and the conditions relating to its exercise. It assesses the legal significance of arbitral awards and fact-finding reports and considers how they have interpreted and applied jus contra bellum—the prohibition of the use of force in international relations and its exceptions. The chapter focuses on two significant arbitration precedents: the Eritrea Ethiopia Claims Commission and an arbitral tribunal constituted under Annex VII to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Finally, it discusses questions relating to the threshold for the application of jus contra bellum rules, namely Articles 2(4) and 51 of the UN Charter, and whether such rules are applicable to non-state actors.
The Resilience of the Restrictive Rules on Self-Defence
Authors: Kammerhofer Joerg
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the resilience of the treaty, and perhaps also customary, law on self-defence since 2001. It first considers ‘resilience’ in the context of the jus ad bellum and how law can be resilient vis-à-vis changing circumstance, opinions, interpretation, and state practice. It then looks at the indicators for and against resilience by analysing post-2001 developments, paying particular attention to three areas: jurisprudence, scholarly literature in international law, and state and institutional practice. The chapter also explains what ‘resilience’ can and cannot be, and how the law and its perceptions change—or remain the same. Two avenues on the question of what is resilient are evaluated: either the norm or its interpretation (perception) change. Finally, the chapter considers a number of cases in which the International Court of Justice has made pronouncements on and partial clarifications of important aspects of the law on self-defence since 2001.
Theatre of Operations
Authors: Martin Jean Christophe
Published: July 2016

This chapter explores ‘theatre of operations’ as a legal concept in international law, with emphasis on the geographical extent—‘boundaries of the battlefield’—of the use of force by belligerents. It addresses the meaning of ‘theatre of operations’ by considering two legal issues: the right of parties to an armed conflict to conduct military operations and the applicable law to armed operations carried out beyond the borders of a state. It examines the notion of the area of war in the context of jus in bello, jus ad bellum, and actions taken by the UN Security Council in response to armed conflicts, with reference to security and exclusion zones. It identifies ‘protected zones’ in which military operations are excluded based on the international law of armed conflicts and looks at issues raised by cyber warfare pertaining to the applicability of classic provisions of jus ad bellum and jus in bello.
National Liberation in the Context of Post- and Non-Colonial Struggles for Self-Determination
Authors: Chadwick Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the contemporary viability of self-determination and liberation conflicts in the context of the use of force and the limits placed on that force. Drawing on the parameters of restraint developed in humanitarian and human rights laws, it explores the role of force in the struggles for self-determination. The chapter begins with an assessment of the role played by coercion in the internal affairs of states, followed by a discussion on self-determination in relation to jus in bello, jus ad bellum, terrorism, and human rights. It then considers the normative and legal limits placed on force between states compared to the limits on force utilized within states between governments and non-state actors. The chapter concludes by analysing the extent to which existing rules are affected by international support for ‘legitimate’ revolutionary armed conflicts for self-determination.
Blockades and Interdictions
Authors: Heintschel von Heinegg Wolff
Published: July 2016

This chapter examines the rules and principles that govern a naval or aerial blockade or some other form of interference with foreign vessels and aircraft in the absence of an explicit authorization by the UN Security Council. After clarifying the concept of blockade under the jus ad bellum and the jus in bello, it considers blockades authorized as military enforcement measures. It also discusses some unresolved or even contested issues regarding the legality of blockades, with reference to blockades in situations other than international armed conflict and the principle of proportionality in relation to humanity. The scope of interdiction operations and its legal bases under international treaties are analysed next, together with maritime interdiction operations and the applicability of prize law during non-international armed conflicts. Finally, the chapter explores the right of individual or collective self-defence as a basis for interdiction operations.