bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raman detection and identification of normal and leukemic hematopoietic cells
Authors: Managò Stefano , Mirabelli Peppino , Napolitano Michela , Zito Gianluigi , De Luca Anna C.
Published: December 2017

The analysis of leukocytes of peripheral blood is a crucial step in hematologic exams commonly used for disease diagnosis and, typically, requires molecular labelling. In addition, only a detailed, laborious phenotypic analysis allows identifying the presence and stage of specific pathologies such as leukemia. Most of the biochemical information is lost in the routine blood tests. In the present study, we tackle 2 important issues of label‐free biochemical identification and classification of leukocytes using Raman spectroscopy (RS). First, we demonstrate that leukocyte subpopulations of lymphocytes (B, T and NK cells), monocytes and granulocytes can be identified by the unsupervised statistical approach of principal component analysis and classified by linear discriminant analysis with approximately 99% of accuracy. Second, we apply the same procedure to identify and discriminate normal B cells and transformed MN60 lymphocyte leukemic cell lines. In addition, we demonstrate that RS can be efficiently used for monitoring the cell response to low‐dose chemotherapy treatment, experimentally eliciting the sensitivity to a dose‐dependent cell response, which is of fundamental importance to determine the efficacy of any treatment. These results largely expand established Raman‐based research protocols for label‐free analysis of white blood cells, leukemic cells and chemotherapy treatment follow‐up.
Definitive thermochemistry and kinetics of the interconversions among conformers of n‐butane and n‐pentane
Authors: Tóbiás Roland , Császár Attila G. , Gyevi‐Nagy László , Tasi Gyula
Published: December 2017

The focal‐point analysis (FPA) technique is used for the definitive characterization of conformational interconversion parameters, including activation energy barriers, activation free energies, and kinetic rate coefficients at 298 K, of two n‐alkanes, n‐butane, and n‐pentane, yielding the first complete analysis of their interconversion kinetics. The FPA implementation developed in this study is based on geometry optimizations and harmonic frequency computations carried out with density functional theory methods and single‐point energy computations up to the CCSD(T) level of electronic structure theory using atom‐centered Gaussian basis sets as large as cc‐pV5Z. The anharmonic vibrational computations are carried out, at the MP2/6‐31G* level of theory. Reflecting the convergence behavior of the Gibbs free‐energy terms and the interconversion parameters, well‐defined uncertainties, mostly neglected in previous theoretical studies, are provided. Finally, the effect of these uncertainties on the concentrations of the conformers of n‐butane and n‐pentane is examined via a global Monte–Carlo uncertainty analysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Male reproductive tract and spermatozoa ultrastructure in the grasshopper Orphulella punctata (De Geer, 1773) (Insecta, Orthoptera, Caelifera)
Authors: Silva Daniela Santos Martins , Cossolin Jamile Fernanda Silva , Pereira Marcelo Ribeiro , Lino‐Neto José , Sperber Carlos Frankl , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: December 2017

Identification Orphulellini grasshoppers (Acrididae: Gomphocerinae) species has been difficult due to high polymorphism rate. Orphulella Giglio‐Tos, 1894 is a genus with widespread geographical distribution and poor descriptions. Orphulella punctata (De Geer, 1773) has an extensive record of occurrence and available information about the phallic complex, however, there is poor data describing other parts of the male reproductive tract. The objective of this study was characterizes the internal organs of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of O. punctata. Orphulella punctata testes are of Fountain type, each having only four follicles. Spermatozoa into the seminal vesicle are arranged in bundles with c.a. 2320 µm length, with a nucleus 110 µm long. The spermatozoa are covered by a glycocalyx, the nucleus is cylindrical with condensed chromatin and connected to the flagellum by a dense and lamellar centriole adjunct. The axoneme have 9 + 9 + 2 pattern and present two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. A fibrous net and two flat membranous cisternae fill the space between the axoneme and mitochondrial derivatives. This is the first description of the reproductive system of a Gomphocerinae representative.
Improved seasonal prediction of UK regional precipitation using atmospheric circulation
Authors: Baker L. H. , Shaffrey L. C. , Scaife A. A.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study is to further our understanding of whether skilful seasonal forecasts of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation can be downscaled to provide skilful seasonal forecasts of regional precipitation. A simple multiple linear regression model is developed to describe winter precipitation variability in nine UK regions. The model for each region is a linear combination of two mean sea‐level pressure (MSLP)‐based indices which are derived from the MSLP correlation patterns for precipitation in northwest Scotland and southeast England. The first index is a pressure dipole, similar to the North Atlantic Oscillation but shifted to the east; the second index is the MSLP anomaly centred over the UK. The multiple linear regression model describes up to 76% of the observed precipitation variability in each region and gives higher correlations with precipitation than using either of the two indices alone. The Met Office's seasonal forecast system (GloSea5) is found to have significant skill in forecasting the two MSLP indices for the winter season, in forecasts initialized around the start of November. Applying the multiple linear regression model to the GloSea5 hindcasts is shown to give improved skill over the precipitation forecast by the GloSea5, with the largest improvement in Scotland.
Progenitor cells from different zones of human cartilage and their correlation with histopathological osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Mantripragada Venkata P. , Bova Wesley A. , Boehm Cynthia , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Obuchowski Nancy A. , Midura Ronald J. , Muschler George F.
Published: December 2017

Cell‐based therapies development for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) requires an understanding of the disease progression and attributes of the cells resident in cartilage. This study focused on quantitative assessment of the concentration and biological potential of stem and progenitor cells resident in different zones of cartilage displaying macroscopic Outerbridge grade 1–2 OA, and their correlation with OA progression based on established histologic scoring system. Lateral femoral condyles were collected from 15 patients with idiopathic OA and varus knees undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Superficial(Csp, top ∼ 500 µm) and deep cartilage(Cdp) was separated. Chondrogenic Connective Tissue Progenitors (CTP‐C) were assayed by standardized Colony‐Forming‐Unit assay using automated image analysis (ColonyzeTM) based on ASTM standard F‐2944‐12. Cell concentration (cells/mg) was significantly greater in Csp (median: 7,000; range: 3,440–17,600) than Cdp (median: 5,340; range: 3,393–9,660), p = 0.039. Prevalence (CTPs/million cells) was not different between Csp (median: 1,274; range: 0–3,898) and Cdp (median:1,365; range:0–6,330), p = 0.42. In vitro performance of CTP‐C progeny varied widely within and between patients, manifest by variation in colony size and morphology. Mean histopathological Mankin score was 4.7 (SD = 1.2), representing mild to moderate OA. Tidemark breach by blood vessels was associated with lower Csp cell concentration (p = 0.02). Matrix degradation was associated with lower Cdp cell and CTP‐C concentration (p = 0.015 and p = 0.095, respectively), independent of articular surface changes. These findings suggest that the initiation of OA may occur in either superficial or deep zones. The pathological changes affect CTP‐Cs in Csp and Cdp cartilage zones differently. The heterogeneity among the available CTP‐Cs in Csp and Cdp suggests performance‐based selection to optimize cell‐sourcing strategies for therapy. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1728–1738, 2018.
An audit of medication information in electronic discharge summaries for older patients discharged from medical wards at a regional hospital
Authors: Wilkin Mary E. , Knight Anne T. , Boyce Laura E.
Published: December 2017

Background

Continuity of medication management relies on accurate and complete medication information being communicated at transitions of care. Polypharmacy and older age are risk factors for medication‐related events on discharge from hospital.

Aim

To determine the type and number of discrepancies in the medication information included in electronic discharge summaries prepared for older patients discharged from the medical wards of a regional hospital when compared to the National Inpatient Medication Chart (NIMC) or discharge prescription used for medication supply.

Method

Patients aged 65 years or older, taking three or more regular medications, and who were discharged from the medical wards with an NIMC or discharge prescription, and an electronic discharge summary, were identified, and discrepancies between the two sources of information recorded. A severity assessment code matrix was used to assess the potential clinical significance of the discrepancies.

Results

Fifty patients were included in the audit. Sixty‐eight percent (34) of the discharge summaries contained one or more discrepancies with a total of 107 discrepancies identified. Almost half (43%) of the discrepancies related to medications prescribed being omitted from the electronic discharge summary. Of the discrepancies, 29% were classified as having moderate potential clinical significance, and 50% as having minor clinical significance.

Discussion

This audit demonstrated that the majority of electronic discharge summaries supplied by the hospital contained discrepancies. Improved communication between healthcare providers at transitions of care is needed in rural settings.
Polyamines regulating phytic acid degradation in mung bean sprouts
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wang Pei , Yang Runqiang , Gu Zhenxin
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Polyamines are essentially involved in cell division and differentiation. Transport of polyamines is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent, while phytic acid is the major reserve of phosphate essential to the energy‐producing machinery of cells. Thus polyamines might enhance phytic acid degradation during mung bean germination. In this study, different polyamines (putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm)) and dicyclohexylamine (DCHA, an inhibitor of Spd synthesis) were applied to investigate the function of polyamines on phytic acid degradation.

RESULTS

Spd exhibited the best effect at the same concentration. Simultaneously, exogenous Spd improved sprout growth and enhanced the accumulation of gibberellin acid 3 (GA3), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin (CTK). This must be due to the increased endogenous polyamine contents. Apart from dramatically reducing phytic acid content, Spd resulted in the up‐regulation of PA, PAP, MIPP and ALP transcript levels and the enhancement of phytase and acid phosphatase activities. However, DCHA application caused the opposite results, because it decreased endogenous polyamine contents. Furthermore, Spd alleviated the DCHA‐induced inhibitory effect to some extent.

CONCLUSION

Overall, polyamines, especially Spd, could accelerate phytic acid degradation in mung bean sprouts by inducing the synthesis of endogenous polyamines and phytohormones and enhancing the growth of sprouts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of microfiltration and heat treatment on the microbiological characteristics, phenolic composition and volatile compound profile of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice
Authors: Colantuono Antonio , Vitaglione Paola , Manzo Nadia , Blaiotta Giuseppe , Montefusco Immacolata , Marrazzo Andrea , Pizzolongo Fabiana , Romano Raffaele
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Since processing technology and storage may influence the sensory and nutritional value as well as the shelf life of pomegranate juice (PJ), mild technologies based on microfiltration may be a promising alternative to heat treatments for fruit juice preservation. In this study, physicochemical and microbiological properties of raw (RPJ), microfiltered (MPJ) and cloudy pasteurized (PPJ) PJ were compared over a period of 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Data demonstrated that microfiltration was comparable to pasteurization in guaranteeing microbiological stability of the juice, avoiding spoilage of the final product. After treatment, PPJ showed the highest amounts of gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid derivatives (EAs). During storage, the amount of ellagitannins, EAs and GA similarly decreased in all types of juice. Trends towards variations of monomeric anthocyanins in MPJ and variations of polymeric and copigmented anthocyanins in both MPJ and PPJ were found over storage.

CONCLUSION

The optimization of pretreatments and filtration parameters can lead to the industrial scale‐up of microfiltration technology for the development of high‐quality non‐heat‐treated PJ. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea subsp. edulis (Turcz. ex Herder) Hultén.) berries and changes in their ingredients across different locations
Authors: Senica Mateja , Bavec Martina , Stampar Franci , Mikulic‐Petkovsek Maja
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Interest in organic blue honeysuckle berries has increased in recent years. They are rich in various health‐promoting compounds which are sensitive to different environmental factors and are modified during the growing season.

RESULTS

Honeysuckle berries from different locations differed significantly in their contents of primary and secondary metabolites. The location Ogulin, with the highest altitude and consequently high UV radiation, had the highest phenolic content (259.85 mg per 100 g). Additionally, Vukovski Vrh, with the lowest temperature, had the highest ascorbic acid content (36.83 mg per 100 g), while Šmartno pri Litiji and Višnja Gora, with the highest precipitation, had the highest organic acid contents (885.85 and 850.01 mg per 100 g respectively). A combination of stressful environmental conditions of temperature, water source and light intensity led to the highest saponin content in Višnja Gora (695 mg per 100 g), the highest tannin content in Dolnje Impolje (134 mg per 100 g) and the highest sugar content (2585.45 mg per 100 g) in Vučetinac.

CONCLUSION

The contents of bioactive substances were influenced by various environmental factors such as temperature, UV radiation, altitude, light intensity and fruit ripening stage. Different compounds respond distinctly to different environmental factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation of sinapic acid from broccoli using molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Hosny Heba , El Gohary Nesrine , Saad Engy , Handoussa Heba , El Nashar Rasha M.
Published: December 2017

A molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized for the purpose of sinapic acid isolation from Egyptian nutraceutical Botrytis italica, L. (broccoli) due to its prominent medicinal and wide pharmacological activities. A computational study was first developed to determine the optimal template to functional monomer molar ratio. Based on the computational results, five polymers were synthesized using a bulk polymerization method with sinapic acid as the template molecule. Evaluation of the synthesized polymers binding performance was carried out using batch rebinding assay, which revealed that the molecularly imprinted polymer of molar ratio (1:4:20), template to functional monomer (4‐vinyl pyridine) to crosslinker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) was of optimum performance, thus, this polymer was applied for sinapic acid isolation from closely related analogues. This represents a more practical approach to isolate sinapic acid from different natural extracts selectively.
Epidemiology of Parkinson's Disease—East Versus West
Authors: Abbas Masoom M. , Xu Zheyu , Tan Louis C.S.
Published: December 2017

Background

The cause of PD at present remains unknown. A number of epidemiological studies have been conducted across the globe to ascertain the disease burden and the possible risk factors. In this review, we analyze the various studies from East and West with an aim to observe the important similarities and differences in the disease occurrence and risk factor profile.

Methods

A comprehensive search of descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies was undertaken. The descriptive studies and meta‐analysis providing the standardised population rates were selected. The demographics, ethnicity and geographical differences between East and West were analysed. In analytical epidemiology, more established and well‐studied non‐genetic risk factors for PD were reviewed utilising the prospective cohort studies, case control studies and meta‐analysis where available.

Results and Conclusion

PD is more common with increasing age and shows male predominance, which is more obvious in Western studies. The PD prevalence and incidence rates are slightly lower in the East compared to the West. Incidence studies on different ethnic populations in the same country have also found a lower occurrence of PD amongst Easterners compared to Westerners. Setting methodological differences aside, studies from East and West suggest a role for both environmental and genetic risk factors in PD causation. Smoking, caffeine intake and pesticide exposure are well‐established risk factors across regions. There is a robust data for dairy product consumption, urate levels and physical activity in the West while studies on certain risk factors like head injury and alcohol show conflicting and mixed results.
Extracting unresolved coupling constants from complex multiplets by a real‐time J‐upscaled SERF experiment
Authors: Buchberger Kathrin , Walenta Martin , Zangger Klaus
Published: December 2017

The measurement of small homonuclear coupling constants is often prevented by either their small size and/or overlap with other signal splittings. Here, we present a real‐time method to extract such couplings without interference from other splittings, with a resolution that is beyond conventional NMR spectra. In this real‐time J‐upscaled SERF experiment, homonuclear coupling is removed by slice‐selective pure shift NMR, whereas scalar coupling to only one selected signal is reintroduced by selective refocusing. The remaining couplings are enhanced by real‐time J‐upscaling during interruptions of the FID data acquisition. The resulting spectrum is not only simplified by the restriction of the scalar coupling but also its resolution enhanced. This improved resolution results from a reduction of signal broadening due to magnetic field inhomogeneities from 2 different sources: slice‐selective excitation and the spin‐echo type J‐upscaling element.
Comparison of rank aggregation methods based on inherent ability
Authors: Xiao Yu , Deng Ye , Wu Jun , Deng Hong‐Zhong , Lu Xin
Published: December 2017

Ranking is a common task for selecting and evaluating alternatives. In the past few decades, combining rankings results from various sources into a consensus ranking has become an increasingly active research topic. In this study, we focus on the evaluation of rank aggregation methods. We first develop an experimental data generation method, which can provide ground truth ranking for alternatives based on their “inherent ability.” This experimental data generation method can generate the required individual synthetic rankings with adjustable accuracy and length. We propose characterizing the effectiveness of rank aggregation methods by calculating the Kendall tau distance between the aggregated ranking and the ground truth ranking. We then compare four classical rank aggregation methods and present some useful findings on the relative performances of the four methods. The results reveal that both the accuracy and length of individual rankings have a remarkable effect on the comparison results between rank aggregation methods. Our methods and results may be helpful to both researchers and decision‐makers.
Time‐domain integration methods of exponentially damped linear systems
Authors: Wang Meng‐Fu , Wang Zhi‐Hui
Published: December 2017

In this paper, three new kinds of time‐domain numerical methods of exponentially damped systems are presented, namely, the simplified Newmark integration method, the precise integration method, and the simplified complex mode superposition method. Based on the traditional Newmark integration method and transforming the equation of motion with exponentially damping kernel functions into an equivalent second‐order equation of motion by using the internal variables technique, the simplified Newmark integration method is developed by using a decoupling technique to reduce the computer run time and storage. By transforming the equation of motion with exponentially damping kernel functions into a first‐order state‐space equation, the precise integration technique is used to numerically solve the state‐space equation. Based on a symmetric state‐space equation and the complex mode superposition method, a delicate and simplified general solution of exponentially damped linear systems, completely in real‐value form, is developed. The accuracy and efficiency of the developed numerical methods are compared and discussed by two benchmark examples.
Algebraic multigrid methods for dual mortar finite element formulations in contact mechanics
Authors: Wiesner T. A. , Popp A. , Gee M. W. , Wall W. A.
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes novel strategies to enable multigrid preconditioners within iterative solvers for linear systems arising from contact problems based on mortar finite element formulations. The so‐called dual mortar approach that is exclusively employed here allows for an easy condensation of the discrete Lagrange multipliers. Therefore, it has the advantage over standard mortar methods that linear systems with a saddle‐point structure are avoided, which generally require special preconditioning techniques. However, even with the dual mortar approach, the resulting linear systems turn out to be hard to solve using iterative linear solvers. A basic analysis of the mathematical properties of the linear operators reveals why the naive application of standard iterative solvers shows instabilities and provides new insights of how contact modeling affects the corresponding linear systems. This information is used to develop new strategies that make multigrid methods efficient preconditioners for the class of contact problems based on dual mortar methods. It is worth mentioning that these strategies primarily adapt the input of the multigrid preconditioners in a way that no contact‐specific enhancements are necessary in the multigrid algorithms. This makes the implementation comparably easy. With the proposed method, we are able to solve large contact problems, which is an important step toward the application of dual mortar–based contact formulations in the industry. Numerical results are presented illustrating the performance of the presented algebraic multigrid method.
Maternal liver transplant: Another cause of discordant fetal sex determination using cell‐free DNA
Authors: Neofytou Maria , Brison Nathalie , Van den Bogaert Kris , Dehaspe Luc , Devriendt Koen , Geerts Anja , Vermeesch Joris R.
Published: December 2017

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can very accurately determine fetal sex during pregnancy. We present an exceptional case where NIPT contradicts the ultrasound‐based sex determination. The pregnant woman was recipient of a liver transplant from a male donor. Graft‐derived cell‐free DNA released into the maternal circulation clouded the NIPT‐based sex determination. Hence, NIPT is not advisable when the pregnant mother underwent an organ transplant.
Towards Understanding the Cross‐Sensitivity of In2O3 Based Ozone Sensors: Effects of O3, O2 and H2O Adsorption at In2O3(111) Surfaces
Authors: Berthold Theresa , Katzer Simeon , Rombach Julius , Krischok Stefan , Bierwagen Oliver , Himmerlich Marcel
Published: December 2017

The interaction of ozone, oxygen, and water molecules with the (111) surface of indium oxide grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy is investigated. In order to characterize the adsorption and charge transfer mechanisms taking place at ozone‐sensitive In2O3 films and to determine the effect of humidity, we study the chemical and electronic surface properties using photoelectron spectroscopy. Clean surfaces are prepared by vacuum annealing and subsequently exposed to O3, O2, or H2O in serial adsorption sequences. After ozone and oxygen interaction, the same adsorbate species are detected and both molecules reduce the surface electron density, resulting in a decrease of film conductance. However, the quantitative changes of adsorbate coverage, band bending, surface electron concentration, and work function indicate a much higher reactivity of the surface with ozone. In contrast, if the surface is exposed to water, the resulting adsorbates have a different spectroscopic signature and do not significantly alter surface band bending and electron concentration. The effects of ozone/oxygen interaction are weakened if the surface was pre‐exposed to water. These results indicate that water adsorbates occupy surface sites that are consequently not available for ozone interaction and that humidity influences the device sensitivity but not its selectivity toward oxidizing gases.
Dependence of near‐surface similarity scaling on the anisotropy of atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Stiperski Ivana , Calaf Marc
Published: December 2017

Turbulence data from the CASES‐99 field experiment, over comparatively horizontally homogeneous and flat terrain, are separated based on the anisotropy of the Reynolds stress tensor (into isotropic, two‐component axisymmetric and one‐component turbulence) and flux‐variance similarity scaling relations are tested. Results illustrate that different states of anisotropy correspond to different similarity relations, especially under unstable stratification. Experimental data with close to isotropic turbulence match similarity relationships well. On the other hand, very anisotropic turbulence deviates significantly from the traditional scaling relations. We examine in detail the characteristics of these states of anisotropy, identify conditions in which they occur and connect them with different governing parameters. The governing parameters of turbulence anisotropy are shown to be different for stable and unstable stratification, but are able to delineate clearly the conditions in which each of the anisotropy states occurs.
A Couple of Tripodal and Dipodal Fluorescent Sensors for Sequential “On‐Off‐On” Response to Cu2+ and ATP/ADP Recognition in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xia Peng , Su Zhenhong , Sun Jingyu , Li Duanzhuo , Huang Xiaohuan
Published: December 2017

A couple of tripodal (1) and dipodal (2) probes having tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine (tren) / N′‐Methyl‐2,2′‐diaminodiethylamine as core moiety, Boc‐L‐alanine as binding group and anthracene as signaling unit have been synthesized for the recognition of cations and anions. For 1 and 2, their recognition behaviors towards metal ions are similar, and both of them show selective recognition towards Cu2+ over other metal ions with a fluorescence “switch‐off” response. Notably, for in situ generated 1‐Cu2+ and 2‐Cu2+ ensembles, their responses towards polyphosphate anions are different. 1‐Cu2+ exhibits a more significant fluorescence “switch‐on” response towards ATP than other anionic species in aqueous solution (H2O/DMSO 9:1, HEPES buffer, 0.01 M, pH 7.4). While 2‐Cu2+ shows a better sensitivity to ADP than ATP under the same conditions. Sequential “on‐off‐on” fluorescence responses of 1 and 2 to Cu2+ and ATP/ADP are successfully applied in HeLa cells.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2004
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2004: VIII reports on sunset reviews of anti-dumping measures on oil country tubular goods from Argentina (US), and contains a cumulative index of published disputes.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:VIII reports on European Communities - Protection of Trademarks and Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs: Complaint by the United States.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2005
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. DSR 2005:XVII reports on United States – Countervailing Duty Investigation on Dynamic Random Access Memory Semiconductors (DRAMS) from Korea.
Dispute Settlement Reports 2006
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. Among others, DSR 2006:II reports on United States – Laws, Regulations and Methodology for Calculating Dumping Margins ('Zeroing').
Dispute Settlement Reports 2006
Authors: World Trade Organization
Published: December 2017

The Dispute Settlement Reports of the World Trade Organization (WTO) include Panel and Appellate Body reports, as well as arbitration awards, in disputes concerning the rights and obligations of WTO members under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. These are the WTO authorized and paginated reports in English. An essential addition to the library of all practising and academic trade lawyers, and needed by students worldwide taking courses in international economic or trade law. Volumes IV to VI report on European Communities – Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.
Metaxonchium toroense n. sp. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Belondiridae) from Costa Rica, with the first molecular study of a representative of the genus
Authors: Varela-Benavides I. , Peña-Santiago R.
Published: December 2017

The new species Metaxonchium toroense n. sp. from natural habitats of Costa Rica is described, including light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular (D2–D3 28S rDNA) analyses. The new species is characterized by its general size, the dimensions and appearance of its lip region, the length of the odontostyle and its fusiform aspect, the length of the neck and its pharyngeal expansion, the reduction of the anterior genital branch to a very short uterine sac without any rudiment of ovary or oviduct, tripartite and non-echinophor posterior uterus, the somewhat posterior vulva position, the length and shape of the caudal region, and the absence of males. Molecular analyses, the first to be performed on a Metaxonchium species, show a close relationship of the new species with representatives of the genera Axonchoides and Syncheilaxonchium.
Immune complex detection in saliva samples: an innovative proposal for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis
Authors: Bosqui L. R. , Gonçalves A. L. R. , Gonçalves-Pires M. R. F. , Pavanelli W. R. , Conchon-Costa I. , Costa-Cruz J. M. , Costa I. N.
Published: December 2017

Human strongyloidiasis is caused by helminthStrongyloides stercoralis. It has a worldwide distribution, often neglected and cause of severe morbidity. The parasitological diagnosis is hindered by the low and irregular amount of larvae in feces. The goal of the present study was to detect IgG and IgG immune complex using conventional serum samples and saliva as alternative samples. We collected samples from 60 individuals, namely: group I composed of 30 healthy individuals; and group II composed of 30 individuals eliminatingS. stercoralislarvae in feces. We calculated the area under the curve, general index of diagnostic accuracy, Kappa index and determined the correlations between different diagnostic tests. The detection of IgG levels was performed by an immunoenzymatic assay with alkaline extract ofS. venezuelensislarvae as antigen. Positivity of anti-S. stercoralisIgG in serum samples from group I was 3·3%, and from group II 93·3%. The detection of immune complex indicated that group I exhibited 3·3% and group II 56·7%. In the saliva samples, IgG detection was 26·7% for group I and 43·3% for group II. Immune complex was detected in 20% of group I, and 30% of group II. IgG immune complex in conventional serum samples and saliva as alternative samples can be considered biomarkers for the diagnosis of active strongyloidiasis.
Introduction: Air Pollution in China
Authors: Aunan Kristin , Hansen Mette Halskov , Wang Shuxiao
Published: December 2017

This introduction provides an overview and analysis of key scientific data regarding air pollution in China. It constitutes a reference for understanding how policymakers, media and population in China make sense of and deal with air pollution, as discussed in the other articles of the section. We summarize the major characteristics and trends regarding air pollution in China, including its main sources and composition, levels of population exposure across the country, attributable mortality, and mitigation efforts. We also compare current levels of air pollution in China with other parts of the world and in a historical perspective. While the situation remains dire in many regions, particularly the Northeast, we conclude that there are signs of relief, or at least a halt to the increase in ambient air pollution levels. At the same time, critical issues regarding unequal levels of exposure remain, and health damaging levels of air pollution in cities will undoubtedly remain high for a long time to come. The rural population residing in areas close to industry and polluted cities and still depending on solid household fuels will likely be the worst off when it comes to air pollution exposure.
Armed Non-State Actors and Cultural Heritage in Armed Conflict
Authors: Lostal Marina , Hausler Kristin , Bongard Pascal
Published: December 2017

This article presents the preliminary findings of a scoping study that Geneva Call is conducting to understand the existing dynamics between armed non-state actors (ANSAs) and cultural heritage. Geneva Call is a Swiss-based non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the respect of international humanitarian law by ANSAs. The study centres on three case studies—Syria, Iraq, and Mali—on which information has been obtained through desk and field research, interviews with ANSAs operating in those countries, and with leading organizations committed to the protection of cultural heritage, globally or regionally. The article first maps the various attitudes of ANSAs toward cultural heritage, highlighting both positive and negative examples from current practices. Then it analyzes the response of specialized organizations to the impact of ANSAs on cultural heritage and their level of engagement with these actors on cultural heritage issues. Finally, the conclusion offers some tentative recommendations to enhance the respect of cultural heritage by ANSAs in non-international armed conflicts.
Maternal obesity and excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy: effects on outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgical procedures
Authors: Tsang Rocky , Hilvers Pamela , Lupo Philip J. , Bronicki Ronald , McKenzie Dean , Checchia Paul A.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Maternal obesity is associated with an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. Obesity is also associated with a chronic inflammatory state and metabolic derangements that affect the newborn. The additional use of cardiopulmonary bypass during the neonatal period could impact the systemic inflammatory response in the immediate postoperative period that manifests as cardiac depression and multi-organ dysfunction. This study aimed to determine the association of maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy with the immediate postoperative morbidity of neonatal patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

A retrospective review of neonates who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass within the first 30 days of life at our institution between 2011 and 2013 was conducted. Postoperative variables investigated included the duration of length of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the ICU, peak vasoactive inotrope scores, and peak lactate level. Maternal obesity was defined as 1st trimester body mass index ⩾30 kg/m2. Excessive weight gain was defined as ⩾12 kg gained during pregnancy. In order to determine the association between maternal obesity or excessive weight gain and postoperative variables, we used multiple linear regression, adjusting for birth weight and risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score.

Results

Records from 58 mother–baby dyads were examined. After controlling for birth weight and risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery score, there were no significant associations between maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy versus all postoperative outcomes measured.

Conclusion

Despite the known negative impact of maternal obesity on perinatal outcomes, we were unable to find associations between maternal obesity and excessive weight gain during pregnancy versus postoperative outcomes.
Effects of cover crop termination and cotton planting methods on cotton production in conservation systems
Authors: Duzy Leah M. , Kornecki Ted S.
Published: December 2017

In conservation agriculture, cover crops are utilized to improve soil properties and to enhance cash crop growth. One important part of cover crop management is termination. With smaller profit margins and constraints on time and labor, producers are searching for ways to reduce time and labor required to terminate cover crops while maintaining or increasing profitability. This study examined the effect of 11 different combinations of terminating cereal rye (Secale cerealeL.) and planting cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) on population, seed cotton yield, total costs and net returns; and how combined operations affect labor, fuel consumption and carbon (CO2) emissions in a conservation system. Cereal rye followed by cotton was planted in central Alabama during the 2009–2011 crop years. Treatments included cotton planted directly into standing cereal rye, cover crops terminated at early milk growth stage using mechanical (roller or roller/crimper) with or without chemical termination (spraying) followed by cotton planting, and cover crop termination combined with cotton planting using spraying with or without rolling termination. While the 2011 crop year had the lowest plant populations, there was no year effect on seed cotton yields, total costs or net returns. Rolling with or without spraying yielded higher plant populations (26%), seed cotton yields (18.3%) and net returns (17.2%) than cotton planted into standing rye; however, rolling with or without spraying also had 23.8% higher costs due to increased fuel usage, machinery and labor hours, and yield varying costs. While rolling with spraying had slightly higher total costs compared with rolling alone (6.5%), plant populations, seed cotton yields and net returns were 11.42%, 6.4% and 6.5% higher, respectively. Converting from three separate operations for cover crop termination and cotton planting to rolling and spraying combined with planting, producers could potentially reduce CO2emissions from fuel use and labor hours associated with cover crop termination and cotton planting by up to 51%.
The Chicken or Egg Question of Adolescents’ Political Involvement
Authors: Šerek Jan , Machackova Hana , Macek Petr
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Research on the political behavior of young people often approaches psychological factors such as political efficacy or interest as antecedents of political participation. This study examines whether efficacy and interest are also outcomes of participation and if this effect differs across three types of political participation. Data from a two-wave longitudinal survey of 768 Czech adolescents (aged 14–17 years at Time 1, 54% females) was used. Findings support the proposition that psychological factors are affected by participatory experiences. Cross-lagged models showed longitudinal effects from participation to changes in psychological factors, but not effects in the opposite direction. Protest participation predicted higher interest and internal political efficacy, but lower external political efficacy, volunteering predicted higher external political efficacy, and representational participation had no effects on psychological factors. Overall, our findings point out the formative role of participatory experiences in adolescence and the diverse effects of different types of political participation on political development.
Reducing Adolescents’ Approval of Political Violence
Authors: Dahl Viktor
Published: December 2017

Abstract. This study examines the role of peers in adolescents’ development of universalistic values and positive sentiments toward immigrants, and the extent to which a network of more universalistic or immigrant-friendly peers can reduce approval of violent political means among adolescents. Using longitudinal data on 997 adolescents, the study employed a social network approach to examine these aspects. Results showed no peer influence and peer selection effects for how adolescents develop universalistic values but that peers transfer positive immigrant sentiments to other adolescents over time and also that adolescents tend to select peers with similar sentiments toward immigrants. In addition, whereas peers’ positive sentiments toward immigrants were found not to reduce adolescents’ approval of violent political means over time, such a reducing effect was found for universalistic values. However, further studies are needed to better understand the role of peers with regard to mechanisms underlying adolescents’ development of political orientations.
ROS-induced cleavage of NHLRC2 by caspase-8 leads to apoptotic cell death in the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line
Authors: Nishi Kensuke , Iwaihara Yuri , Tsunoda Toshiyuki , Doi Keiko , Sakata Toshifumi , Shirasawa Senji , Ishikura Shuhei
Published: December 2017

Excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to cause apoptotic cell death. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby ROS induce apoptosis remain elusive. Here we show that the NHL-repeat-containing protein 2 (NHLRC2) thioredoxin-like domain protein is cleaved by caspase-8 in ROS-induced apoptosis in the HCT116 human colon cancer cell line. Treatment of HCT116 cells with the oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) induced apoptosis and reduced NHLRC2 protein levels, whereas pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine prevented apoptosis and the decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels seen in tBHP-treated cells. Furthermore, the ROS-induced decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels was relieved by the caspase inhibitor z-VAD-fmk. We found that the thioredoxin-like domain of NHLRC2 interacted with a proenzyme form of caspase-8, and that caspase-8 cleaved NHLRC2 protein at Asp580 in vitro. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated knockdown of caspase-8 blocked the ROS-induced decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels. Both shRNA and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated loss of NHLRC2 resulted in an increased susceptibility of HCT116 cells to ROS-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that excess ROS production causes a caspase-8-mediated decrease in NHLRC2 protein levels, leading to apoptotic cell death in colon cancer cells, and indicate an important role of NHLRC2 in the regulation of ROS-induced apoptosis.
Cross-boundary subsidy cascades from oil palm degrade distant tropical forests
Authors: Luskin Matthew Scott , Brashares Justin S. , Ickes Kalan , Sun I-Fang , Fletcher Christine , Wright S. Joseph , Potts Matthew D.
Published: December 2017

Native species that forage in farmland may increase their local abundances thereby affecting adjacent ecosystems within their landscape. We used two decades of ecological data from a protected primary rainforest in Malaysia to illutrate how subsidies from neighboring oil palm plantations triggered powerful secondary ‘cascading’ effects on natural habitats located >1.3 km away. We found (i) oil palm fruit drove 100-fold increases in crop-raiding native wild boar (Sus scrofa), (ii) wild boar used thousands of understory plants to construct birthing nests in the pristine forest interior, and (iii) nest building caused a 62% decline in forest tree sapling density over the 24-year study period. The long-term, landscape-scale indirect effects from agriculture suggest its full ecological footprint may be larger in extent than is currently recognized. Cross-boundary subsidy cascades may be widespread in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems and present significant conservation challenges.
Forest productivity in southwestern Europe is controlled by coupled North Atlantic and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillations
Authors: Madrigal-González Jaime , Ballesteros-Cánovas Juan A. , Herrero Asier , Ruiz-Benito Paloma , Stoffel Markus , Lucas-Borja Manuel E. , Andivia Enrique , Sancho-García Cesar , Zavala Miguel A.
Published: December 2017

The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) depicts annual and decadal oscillatory modes of variability responsible for dry spells over the European continent. The NAO therefore holds a great potential to evaluate the role, as carbon sinks, of water-limited forests under climate change. However, uncertainties related to inconsistent responses of long-term forest productivity to NAO have so far hampered firm conclusions on its impacts. We hypothesize that, in part, such inconsistencies might have their origin in periodical sea surface temperature anomalies in the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, AMO). Here we show strong empirical evidence in support of this hypothesis using 120 years of periodical inventory data from Iberian pine forests. Our results point to AMO+ NAO+ and AMO−NAO− phases as being critical for forest productivity, likely due to decreased winter water balance and abnormally low winter temperatures, respectively. Our findings could be essential for the evaluation of ecosystem functioning vulnerabilities associated with increased climatic anomalies under unprecedented warming conditions in the Mediterranean.