bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two cases of different genetic variants of alveolar capillary dysplasia associated with left-sided obstructive CHDs
Authors: Diaz-Frias Josue , Mark Paul R. , Aregullin E. Oliver
Published: March 2021

Alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of the pulmonary veins is an uncommon disorder that affects the lung vasculature development in the neonatal period and leads to pulmonary hypertension. We describe two patients with alveolar capillary dysplasia associated with left-sided obstructive heart defects with two different genetic variants. Our cases highlight the importance of early recognition of this disease in the setting of persistent and supra-systemic pulmonary hypertension despite surgical correction of the associated lesions. Identification of these cases will facilitate the development of a multidisciplinary approach and provide guidance to the affected families.
United States response to the COVID-19 pandemic, January–November 2020
Authors: Alexander Mathew , Unruh Lynn , Koval Andriy , Belanger William
Published: March 2021

As of November 2020, the United States leads the world in confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths. Over the past 10 months, the United States has experienced three peaks in new cases, with the most recent spike in November setting new records. Inaction and the lack of a scientifically informed, unified response have contributed to the sustained spread of COVID-19 in the United States. This paper describes major events and findings from the domestic response to COVID-19 from January to November 2020, including on preventing transmission, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, ensuring sufficient physical infrastructure and healthcare workforce, paying for services, and governance. We further reflect on the public health response to-date and analyse the link between key policy decisions (e.g. closing, reopening) and COVID-19 cases in three states that are representative of the broader regions that have experienced spikes in cases. Finally, as we approach the winter months and undergo a change in national leadership, we highlight some considerations for the ongoing COVID-19 response and the broader United States healthcare system. These findings describe why the United States has failed to contain COVID-19 effectively to-date and can serve as a reference in the continued response to COVID-19 and future pandemics.
Evidence of Genetic Overlap Between Circadian Preference and Brain White Matter Microstructure
Authors: García-Marín Luis M. , Alcauter Sarael , Campos Adrian I. , Mulcahy Aoibhe , Kho Pik-Fang , Cuéllar-Partida Gabriel , Rentería Miguel E.
Published: March 2021

Several neuroimaging studies have reported associations between brain white matter microstructure and chronotype. However, it is unclear whether those phenotypic relationships are causal or underlined by genetic factors. In the present study, we use genetic data to examine the genetic overlap and infer causal relationships between chronotype and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures. We identify 29 significant pairwise genetic correlations, of which 13 also show evidence for a causal association. Genetic correlations were identified between chronotype and brain-wide mean, axial and radial diffusivities. When exploring individual tracts, 10 genetic correlations were observed with mean diffusivity, 10 with axial diffusivity, 4 with radial diffusivity and 2 with mode of anisotropy. We found evidence for a possible causal association of eveningness with white matter microstructure measures in individual tracts including the posterior limb and the retrolenticular part of the internal capsule; the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum and the posterior, superior and anterior regions of the corona radiata. Our findings contribute to the understanding of how genes influence circadian preference and brain white matter and provide a new avenue for investigating the role of chronotype in health and disease.
Widespread Wildfire as a Proxy for Resource Strain
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: March 2021

Researchers have found a strong correlation between the number of days with widespread, synchronous fire danger and resource allocation across the western United States.
Accuracy of breast MRI in evaluating nodal status after neoadjuvant therapy in invasive lobular carcinoma
Authors: Abel Mary Kathryn , Greenwood Heather , Kelil Tatiana , Guo Ruby , Brabham Case , Hylton Nola , Wong Jasmine , Alvarado Michael , Ewing Cheryl , Esserman Laura J. , Boughey Judy C. , Mukhtar Rita A.
Published: March 2021

Neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer can downstage axillary lymph nodes and reduce extent of axillary surgery. As such, accurate determination of nodal status after neoadjuvant therapy and before surgery impacts surgical management. There are scarce data on the diagnostic accuracy of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for nodal evaluation after neoadjuvant therapy in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), a diffusely growing tumor type. We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage 1–3 ILC who underwent pre-operative breast MRI after either neoadjuvant chemotherapy or endocrine therapy at our institution between 2006 and 2019. Two breast radiologists reviewed MRIs and evaluated axillary nodes for suspicious features. All patients underwent either sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection. We evaluated sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, and overall accuracy of the post-treatment breast MRI in predicting pathologic nodal status. Of 79 patients, 58.2% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 41.8% neoadjuvant endocrine therapy. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of MRI were significantly higher in the neoadjuvant endocrine therapy cohort than in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy cohort (66.7 vs. 37.9%, p = 0.012 and 70.6 vs. 40%, p = 0.007, respectively), while overall accuracy was similar. Upstaging from clinically node negative to pathologically node positive occurred in 28.0 and 41.7%, respectively. In clinically node positive patients, those with an abnormal post-treatment MRI had a significantly higher proportion of patients with ≥4 positive nodes on pathology compared to those with a normal MRI (61.1 versus 16.7%, p = 0.034). Overall, accuracy of breast MRI for predicting nodal status after neoadjuvant therapy in ILC was low in both chemotherapy and endocrine therapy cohorts. However, post-treatment breast MRI may help identify patients with a high burden of nodal disease (≥4 positive nodes), which could impact pre-operative systemic therapy decisions. Further studies are needed to assess other imaging modalities to evaluate for nodal disease following neoadjuvant therapy and to improve clinical staging in patients with ILC.
Shared genetic etiology between Parkinson’s disease and blood levels of specific lipids
Authors: Xicoy Helena , Klemann Cornelius JHM , De Witte Ward , Martens Marijn B , Martens Gerard JM , Poelmans Geert
Published: March 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the formation of Lewy bodies. The mechanisms underlying these molecular and cellular effects are largely unknown. Previously, based on genetic and other data, we built a molecular landscape of PD that highlighted a central role for lipids. To explore which lipid species may be involved in PD pathology, we used published genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to conduct polygenic risk score-based analyses to examine putative genetic sharing between PD and blood levels of 370 lipid species and lipid-related molecules. We found a shared genetic etiology between PD and blood levels of 25 lipids. We then used data from a much-extended GWAS of PD to try and corroborate our findings. Across both analyses, we found genetic overlap between PD and blood levels of eight lipid species, namely two polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA 20:3n3-n6 and 20:4n6), four triacylglycerols (TAG 44:1, 46:1, 46:2, and 48:0), phosphatidylcholine aa 32:3 (PC aa 32:3) and sphingomyelin 26:0 (SM 26:0). Analysis of the concordance—the agreement in genetic variant effect directions across two traits—revealed a significant negative concordance between PD and blood levels of the four triacylglycerols and PC aa 32:3 and a positive concordance between PD and blood levels of both PUFA and SM 26:0. Taken together, our analyses imply that genetic variants associated with PD modulate blood levels of a specific set of lipid species supporting a key role of these lipids in PD etiology.
A facile calcination conversion of groundwater treatment sludge (GTS) as magnetic adsorbent for oxytetracycline adsorption
Authors: Khan Asghar , Huo Yang , Qu Zhan , Liu Yanwen , Wang Zhihua , Chen Yu , Huo Mingxin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, groundwater treatment sludge (GTS) was recycled as a magnetic adsorbent via a facile calcination process without adding any reductant. The prepared magnetic adsorbents (MAs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnenometer (VSM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results showed that GTS comprised 33.2% Fe, 1.4% Al and 6.2% Si, and exhibited a weak saturation magnetization of 0.0008 emu/g. Without NaOH, the GTS calcinated at 700 and 500 °C were well magnetized with Ms of 20.1 and 7.1 emu/g, separately, but exhibited a low Ms of 0.43 emu/g at 300 °C. By adding NaOH powder, the Ms of GTS apparently increased to 4.9 emu/g after calcination at 300 °C, and further to 8.5 emu/g at 500 °C. In GTS, about 96.1% Fe was involved in ferrihydrite form. The Ms of calcinated GTS was accompanied with the phase transformation of ferrihydrite to maghemite. Si/Al oxides in GTS coordinated on the surface sites of ferrihydrite and inhibited the conjunction and phase transformation of adjacent ferrihydrite particles, but were effectively desorbed as in the presence of NaOH. Na500, preparing by calcinating GTS at 500 °C with NaOH, showed an optimal total surface sites (Hs) of 0.65 mmol/g. Oxytetracycline (OTC) was used as a target for studying the adsorption characteristics of synthetic magnetic adsorbents and a high adsorption capacity of oxytetracycline of 862.1 mg/g in comparison with the other calcinated GTS, and the adsorption data was consistent with the Langmuir model. By adding 6 g/L Na-500, approximately 100% of oxytetracycline and tetracycline and nearly 40% total organic carbon were removed from real pharmaceutical wastewater. With the method, GTS can be converted in mass production to magnetic adsorbent that exhibits effective application in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
Comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes of kenaf cytoplasmic male sterile line and its maintainer line
Authors: Tang Danfeng , Wei Fan , Zhou Ruiyang
Published: March 2021

Kenaf is a great source of bast fiber and possesses significantly industrial interests. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is the basis of heterosis utilization in kenaf. Chloroplast, an important organelle for photosynthesis, could be associated with CMS. To understand the phylogenetic position and molecular basis of kenaf CMS from the perspective of chloroplast, the chloroplast (cp) genomes of the CMS line P3A and its maintainer line P3B were characterized and their comparative analysis was also performed. In this study, the chloroplast genomes of P3B and P3A were sequenced with 163,597 bp and 163,360 bp in length, respectively. A total of 131 genes including 85 protein coding genes (PCGs), 38 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 8 ribosome RNA (rRNA) genes were annotated in P3B, while 132 genes containing 83 PCGs, 41 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes were found in P3A. The phylogenetic tree revealed that kenaf was closely related toHibiscus syriacusandAbelmoschus esculentus. Further analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertion and deletion (InDel) showed that compared with P3B, a total of 22 SNPs and 53 InDels were detected in gene coding region, gene intron, and intergenic regions of P3A. Remarkably, a total of 9 SNPs including 6 synonymous SNPs and 3 nonsynonymous SNPs were found inpsbK,atpA,rpoC2,atpB,rpl20,clpP,rpoA, andycf1. The present study provided basic information for further study of kenaf CMS mechsnism.
Radiative flow of non Newtonian nanofluids within inclined porous enclosures with time fractional derivative
Authors: Arafa Anas A. M. , Rashed Z. Z. , Ahmed Sameh E.
Published: March 2021

An unsteady convection-radiation interaction flow of power-law non-Newtonian nanofluids using the time-fractional derivative is examined. The flow domain is an enclosure that has a free surface located at the top boundaries. Also, the geometry is filled by aluminum foam as a porous medium and the overall thermal conductivity as well as the heat capacity are approximated using a linear combination of the properties of the fluid and porous phases. Additionally, the dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity of the mixture are expressed as a function of velocity gradients with a fractional power. Marangoni influences are imposed to the top free surface while the bottom boundaries are partially heated. Steps of the solution methodology are consisting of approximation of the time fractional derivatives using the conformable definition, using the finite differences method to discretize the governing system and implementation the resulting algebraic system. The main outcomes reveled that as the fractional order approaches to one, the maximum values of the stream function, the bulk-averaged temperature and cup-mixing temperature are reduces, regardless values of the time.
Designing positive electrodes with high energy density for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Okubo Masashi , Ko Seongjae , Dwibedi Debasmita , Yamada Atsuo
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate a machine-learning analysis of large-capacity/high-voltage battery cathodes, which quantitatively evaluates the importance of ever-attempted technical solutions.
Bottom-up assembly of bimetallic nanocluster catalysts from oxide-supported single-atom precursors
Authors: Sarma Bidyut B. , Agostini Giovanni , Farpón Marcos G. , Marini Carlo , Pfänder Norbert , Prieto Gonzalo
Published: March 2021

Oxidative re-dispersion of two metals (Pd and Pt), as single-atoms, within nanometer distances on a common oxide carrier (MgO) delivers, upon reductive agglomeration, small (ca. 1 nm) bimetallic cluster catalysts with remarkable stability.
Two viewpoints based real‐time recognition for hand gestures
Authors: Krishan Kumar Amit , Kaushal Kumar Abhishek , Guo Shuli
Published: March 2021

It is extremely challenging to accomplish excellent accuracy for gesture recognition using an approach where complexity in computation time for recognition is less. This study compares accuracy in hand gesture recognition of a single viewpoint set‐up with proposed two viewpoint set‐up for different classification techniques. The efficacy of the presented approach is verified practically with various image processing, feature extraction and classification techniques. Two camera system make geometry learning and three‐dimensional (3D) view feasible compared to a single camera system. Geometrical features from additional viewpoint contribute to 3D view estimation of the hand gesture. It also improves the classification accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method show escalation in recognition rate compared to the single‐camera system, and also has great performance using simple classifiers like the nearest neighbour and decision tree. Classification within 1 s is considered as real‐time in this study.
Analysis of the radiated electric field strength from in‐house G.fast2 data carrying wire‐line telecommunication network
Authors: Milanovic Josip , Budisa Domagoj
Published: March 2021

G.fast profile 212a technology is the perfect choice for an operator offering a broadband service, as it operates using the existing copper telecommunications infrastructure (cables) already installed in user premises. Unfortunately, such telecommunications infrastructure is not designed to transmit data at high frequencies used by G.fast technology, resulting in radiation during signal transmission. This radiation can have a direct impact on the performance and reliability of radio services operating in the same frequency range. In order to limit such radio interference, International Telecommunication Union proposed radiation limits for wired telecommunications networks. This paper provides a comparison between ITU‐T K.60 Recommendation with the measurements of the electric field radiation from the telecommunications network when the G.fast profile 212a signal is transmitted through different types of telecommunications cables. The aim of this comparison is to assess whether the radiation from the telecommunications network in this study meets the radiation limits defined in ITU‐T K.60 Recommendation and, therefore, whether this radiation can be a source of interference to radio services operating in the same frequency range. In addition, this paper provides an analysis of the impact of cable construction on the total irradiated field from the in‐house part of the telecommunications network.
Convective core sizes in rotating massive stars
Authors: Martinet S. , Meynet G. , Ekström S. , Simón-Díaz S. , Holgado G. , Castro N. , Georgy C. , Eggenberger P. , Buldgen G. , Salmon S. , Hirschi R. , Groh J. , Farrell E. , Murphy L.
Published: March 2021

Context. Spectroscopic studies of Galactic O and B stars show that many stars with masses above 8 M⊙ have been observed in the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram just beyond the main-sequence (MS) band, as predicted by stellar models computed with a moderate overshooting. This may be an indication that the convective core sizes in stars in the upper part of the HR diagram are larger than predicted by these models.

Aims. Combining stellar evolution models and spectroscopic parameters derived for a large sample of Galactic O and B stars with the inclusion of brand-new information about their projected rotational velocities, we reexamine the question of the convective core size in MS massive stars.

Methods. We computed a grid of 120 different stellar evolutionary tracks with three initial rotations at solar metallicity (Z = 0.014), spanning a mass range from 7 to 25 M⊙, and combining different values for the initial rotation rate and overshooting parameter. For the rotating models, we considered two cases, one with a moderate and one with a strong angular momentum transport, the latter imposing a solid body rotation during most of the MS phase. We confront the results with two observed features: the position of the terminal age main sequence (TAMS) in the HR diagram and the decrease of the surface rotation when the surface gravity decreases at the end of the MS phase.

Results. We confirm that for stars more massive than about 8 M⊙, the convective core size at the end of the MS phase increases more rapidly with the mass than in models computed with a constant step overshoot chosen to reproduce the main sequence width in the low mass range (around 2 M⊙). This conclusion is valid for both the cases of non-rotating models and rotating models either with a moderate or a strong angular momentum transport. The increase of the convective core mass with the mass obtained from the TAMS position is, however, larger than the one deduced from the surface velocity drop for masses above about 15 M⊙. Although the observations that are available at present cannot determine the best choice between the core sizes given by the TAMS and the velocity drop, we discuss various methods of escaping this dilemma. At the moment, comparisons with eclipsing binaries seem to favor the solution given by the velocity drop.

Conclusions. While we confirm the need for larger convective cores at higher masses, we find tensions among different methods for stars more massive than 15 M⊙. The use of single-aged stellar populations (non-interacting binaries or stellar clusters) would be a great asset in resolving this tension.
Driven oscillations of a curved object under a laminar jet of water
Authors: Pagaud Francis , Delance Léa
Published: March 2021

By putting a ball on a flat surface under a jet of water, one may observe spontaneous oscillations of the ball of well-defined amplitude and frequency. As a simpler conformation, the study of a cylinder shows that the mere effect of the jet is sufficient to observe an oscillation for a certain range of parameters such as the curvature of the object and the characteristics of the jet. An empirical model of the forces strengthened by direct measurements of the forces and torque allowed us to predict a theoretical period of 0.64 s when the experimental one was 0.80 s. Further, the origin of the oscillation was determined to be a dynamic hysteresis of the torque as it is deflected on one side of the can even when the jet hits its center. This phenomenon results in a gain of energy that counterbalances the losses by friction and leads to oscillations. Domain of oscillation is also shortly addressed while improvements of the theoretical model and other experiments are suggested as well.
Two types of fog shapes above a cold evaporating liquid
Authors: Feasson A. , Taihi A. , Correge B.
Published: March 2021

When liquid nitrogen is poured into a mug, a mist forms above. This article explores the influence of air humidity on the cloud and the formation of these boundaries in a controlled environment. We have identified that both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleations occur during their formation. We highlight two types of ice clouds that differ only in the level of air humidity. Indeed, there is a critical humidity level at which one goes from a banded cloud to another without lower limit, extending to the cold liquid. We argue that this critical humidity level is related to the nitrogen flux.
Aux confins des paradoxes de la protection de l’enfance
Authors: Ghozlan Éric
Published: March 2021

La pandémie mondiale du coronavirus est une crise sanitaire et sociétale majeure qui nous confronte tous, sans distinction et de façon globale, à la maladie, à la crainte de la mort et interroge l’ensemble des pratiques professionnelles.

Des signifiants, donnant une interprétation confuse de la réalité se sont imposés avec fulgurance sur la scène sociétale : « confinement », « distanciation sociale », « gestes barrières », « masques », « gels hydro-alcooliques », imposant de nouvelles règles sociales comme impératives. Des injonctions sanitaires bouleversent nos habitudes et nos repères les plus fondamentaux dans une temporalité hésitante et indéfinie. Des incertitudes contradictoires ont été assénées par des experts à longueur de journée, dans l’immédiateté des chaines d’information continue, provoquant au mieux une anxiété diffuse parmi la population. Des pratiques professionnelles ont émergé, avec l’apparition de techniques numériques qui se sont révélées indispensables à la continuité de l’enseignement, ou de soins psychologiques.

Nous questionnons ici, les effets dans le champ de la protection de l’enfance de cette crise sanitaire sans précédent, mais aussi des décisions politiques face à la complexité de l’organisation de la protection de l’enfance faisant intervenir de multiples acteurs, effets qui nous sont apparus comme paradoxaux pendant la durée du premier confinement et dont il faudra ensuite analyser les effets d’après-coup dans les mois à venir.
Advances in the role of auxin for transcriptional regulation of lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Qu Gaoyi , Peng Dan , Yu Ziqin , Chen Xinling , Cheng Xinrui , Yang Youzhen , Ye Tao , Lv Qiang , Ji Wenjun , Deng Xiangwen , Zhou Bo
Published: March 2021

Lignin is a natural polymer interlaced with cellulose and hemicellulose in secondary cell walls (SCWs). Auxin acts via its signalling transduction to regulate most of plant physiological processes. Lignification responds to auxin signals likewise and affects the development of anther and secondary xylem in plants. In this review, the research advances of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF)-dependent signalling pathways regulating lignin formation are discussed in detail. In an effort to facilitate the understanding of several key regulators in this process, we present a regulatory framework that comprises protein–protein interactions at the top and protein–gene regulation divided into five tiers. This characterises the regulatory roles of auxin in lignin biosynthesis and links auxin signalling transduction to transcriptional cascade of lignin biosynthesis. Our works further point to several of significant problems that need to be resolved in the future to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms through which auxin regulates lignin biosynthesis.
Migratory pattern and larval duration of an amphidromous goby (
Authors: Iida Midori , Kido Kyoka , Shirai Kotaro
Published: March 2021

The larval period is a critical stage for many aquatic organisms, because larvae are small, fragile, and have high mortality rates. Amphidromous fish spend their larval stages in the sea, and larval durations vary, possibly reflecting their dispersal tendencies. The genus Rhinogobius (suborder Gobioidei) is widely distributed throughout Asia and exhibits a variety of migratory patterns. Despite some studies of their migratory histories, larval durations of Rhinogobius species are uncertain. This study used analyses of otolith microstructure and trace-elemental chemistry to investigate habitat use throughout the life history of R. nagoyae. Twenty-six adult gobies were collected from seven rivers on Sado Island, in northern Japan, and otolith Sr : Ca ratios were quantified using electron microprobe analysis to infer amphidromous movement. All individuals showed shifts in Sr : Ca ratio across the otolith transect, which indicated movement between freshwater and saltwater. Marine larval duration was estimated by otolith increment counting, combined with Sr : Ca ratio. Larval duration ranged from 29 to 45 days (mean, 35.3), and there were no significant differences among rivers on the island. The relatively short larval duration of R. nagoyae, compared with other amphidromous fish such as ayu and galaxids, may reflect environmental factors such as island size, cool weather or species characteristics.
Fine-scale genetic structure of suckermouth Hypostomus ancistroides populations: the importance of Neotropical streams for fish conservation
Authors: Apolinário-Silva Caroline , Galindo Bruno Ambrozio , Nascimento Raul Henrique Cardoso , Frantine-Silva Wilson , Kotelok-Diniz Thais , Sofia Silvia Helena , Ferreira Dhiego Gomes
Published: March 2021

In the Neotropics, freshwater streams harbour high fish diversity and are constantly threatened by anthropogenic disturbance. However, there are few studies on the genetic diversity of fish populations inhabiting these streams. We aimed to assess, based on microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers, the population structure and genetic diversity of the suckermouth catfish, Hypostomus ancistroides, a Neotropical species widely distributed across the Upper Paraná River Basin in South America. Twenty-five locations were sampled, distributed across 18 sites in six tributary streams and another seven sites in the main river channel. Our analyses revealed a spatial heterogeneity in genetic diversity within the basin, indicating fine-scale genetic structuring. Samples from all streams showed exclusive haplotypes and private alleles, reinforcing the importance of preserving the tributaries for the conservation of the genetic diversity of the studied populations. The fine-scale genetic structuring of H. ancistroides is probably related to the limited displacement capacity of this species.
An earthquake, a damaged painting, an unknown motet, and a lost Petrucci edition
Authors: Bernstein Jane A , Slim H Colin
Published: March 2021

In 1519 Girolamo Alibrandi completed an altarpiece depicting the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple for the Compagnia of the Church of Santa Maria Candelora dei Verdi in Messina. The painting celebrates the service of Candlemas, the titular feast of the church and confraternity. One arresting detail, an open music book, appears in the lower-right quadrant of the work. Despite considerable damage sustained by the altarpiece in Messina’s 1908 earthquake, enough of the text and musical notation in the book is decipherable, allowing us to reconstruct the beginning of a hitherto unknown four-voice setting of Nunc dimittis. No concordant source of this motet has been found, but the artist’s accurate depiction of the music book enables us to identify it as a lost edition issued by Ottaviano Petrucci sometime before the end of 1504. Furthermore, the format, mise-en-page and text underlay suggest that the volume portrayed in the painting was a lauda edition—the kind of publication marketed for and used by confraternities such as the Compagnia della Candelora in Messina.
Predicted Input of Uncultured Fungal Symbionts to a Lichen Symbiosis from Metagenome-Assembled Genomes
Authors: Tagirdzhanova Gulnara , Saary Paul , Tingley Jeffrey P , Díaz-Escandón David , Abbott D Wade , Finn Robert D , Spribille Toby
Published: March 2021

Basidiomycete yeasts have recently been reported as stably associated secondary fungal symbionts of many lichens, but their role in the symbiosis remains unknown. Attempts to sequence their genomes have been hampered both by the inability to culture them and their low abundance in the lichen thallus alongside two dominant eukaryotes (an ascomycete fungus and chlorophyte alga). Using the lichen Alectoria sarmentosa, we selectively dissolved the cortex layer in which secondary fungal symbionts are embedded to enrich yeast cell abundance and sequenced DNA from the resulting slurries as well as bulk lichen thallus. In addition to yielding a near-complete genome of the filamentous ascomycete using both methods, metagenomes from cortex slurries yielded a 36- to 84-fold increase in coverage and near-complete genomes for two basidiomycete species, members of the classes Cystobasidiomycetes and Tremellomycetes. The ascomycete possesses the largest gene repertoire of the three. It is enriched in proteases often associated with pathogenicity and harbors the majority of predicted secondary metabolite clusters. The basidiomycete genomes possess ∼35% fewer predicted genes than the ascomycete and have reduced secretomes even compared with close relatives, while exhibiting signs of nutrient limitation and scavenging. Furthermore, both basidiomycetes are enriched in genes coding for enzymes producing secreted acidic polysaccharides, representing a potential contribution to the shared extracellular matrix. All three fungi retain genes involved in dimorphic switching, despite the ascomycete not being known to possess a yeast stage. The basidiomycete genomes are an important new resource for exploration of lifestyle and function in fungal–fungal interactions in lichen symbioses.
Berger’s Inequality in the Presence of Upper Sectional Curvature Bound
Authors: Kokarev Gerasim
Published: March 2021

We obtain inequalities for all Laplace eigenvalues of Riemannian manifolds with an upper sectional curvature bound, whose rudiment version for the 1st Laplace eigenvalue was discovered by Berger in 1979. We show that our inequalities continue to hold for conformal metrics, and moreover, extend naturally to minimal submanifolds. In addition, we obtain explicit upper bounds for Laplace eigenvalues of minimal submanifolds in terms of geometric quantities of the ambient space.
Evolution of Aid in the EU
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the evolution of (non-crisis) aid in the EU-27 since 1992, which serves as a basis to assess the similarities and differences between the practices of granting aid in EU Member States. Aggregate data for the EU-27 as a whole suggests that Member States have given a smaller percentage of their GDP as aid over time, which might be regarded as reflective of the view that they are accepting the need for its reduction and its control in the single European market. While declining in the first half of the 1990s, aid levels peaked in 1997, only to be reduced by 1999. This can be explained based on the new regulations that were pursued during the time period, which resulted in broader definitions by the Commission and tighter control.
Criterion of Advantage
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter
Published: March 2021

This chapter explores the notion of advantage, which is key in State aid law. To qualify a measure as State aid, an advantage should be established, that is, an economic benefit that an undertaking would not have obtained in the absence of State intervention. The notion of advantage crystallizes the distinct and complex issues raised in State aid law and reflects the difficulties in assessing a sound balance between political interest, economic constraints, and legal requirements. In this regard, the intervention of public authorities in economic transactions or the support for services of general interest is one of the ever-growing areas which leaves room for debate. The chapter then looks at the subtle issues of the market economy operator test and the services of public interest.
Public Procurement and State Aid
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the relationship between public procurement and State aid. The symbiotic relation of public procurement with State aid regulation reveals the commonality of features inherent to the notion of public sector. This notion, in its incarnations, is pivotal for the applicability of both public procurement and State aid regulation. The symbiosis of the two regimes also reveals the flexibility embedded in the public procurement acquis, which is translated as discretion conferred to contracting authorities to introduce public policy considerations in dispersing public services. In parallel to the flexibility of public procurement, State aid regulation projects flexibility either as regional development considerations, or as part of a national EU-wide industrial policy. On the other hand, the conceptual interrelation of public procurement with the financing of services of general interest reveals the policy and jurisprudence links between public procurement and State aid, which show that the two regimes are mutually exclusive.
Introduction: EU State Aid Litigation in a Quasi-Federal System
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter
Published: March 2021

This chapter provides an overview of the EU State aid litigation in a quasi-federal system. Accordingly, a cursory look at the basic parameters of this hybrid system is helpful, in which judicial powers are shared between various actors and where effective judicial protection in line with Article 47 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the Union needs to be granted via the interplay of supranational and national judicial remedies. Generally, in EU competition law, this system is referred to as one of centralized and decentralized review and enforcement. Its essential characteristics are first and foremost designed to be mutually reinforcing and complementary in nature, but they also give rise to numerous issues of conflict of laws—both procedural and substantive—as well as issues of conflict of jurisdiction and competence between the supranational and the national legal orders.
Decentralized Judicial Review and Enforcement of EU State Aid Rules
Authors: Kreuschitz Viktor , Nehl Hanns Peter
Published: March 2021

This chapter assesses the enforcement of EU State aid rules. The Commission is not the only authority involved in the monitoring of State aid. As regards the supervision of Member States' compliance with their obligations under Articles 107 and 108 TFEU, the national courts also have an important role to play. The implementation of that system of control is a matter for both the Commission and the national courts, their respective roles being complementary but separate. Whilst assessment of the compatibility of aid measures with the common market falls within the exclusive competence of the Commission, subject to review by the Courts of the European Union, it is for national courts to ensure the safeguarding, until the final decision of the Commission, of the rights of individuals faced with a possible breach by State authorities of the prohibition laid down by Article 108(3) TFEU.
Ireland
Authors: Lucey Mary Catherine
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the transposition of the Antitrust Damages Directive in Ireland. It first considers the transposition procedure, focusing on regulations contained in Statutory Instrument (SI) European Union (Actions for Damages for Infringements of Competition Law) Regulations 2017, before discussing the regime set out in this implementing SI. It then describes the scope of the national regime on competition law and the implementing regulations that govern full compensation, disclosure of evidence, the effect of decisions by National Competition Authorities, limitation periods, joint and several liability, the issues of ‘passing on’, the presumption and quantification of damages by cartels, and consensual dispute resolution. Finally, the chapter analyses incorrect or incomplete transposition and possible legal disputes with regard to the Directive and the implementing regulations.
Portugal
Authors: Ferro Miguel Sousa
Published: March 2021

This chapter analyzes the transposition of the Antitrust Damages Directive in Portugal. It first provides a general overview of the transposition procedure, focusing on the unified Bill that was adopted by the Plenary of the Parliament on 20 April 2018 and configured as the Transposition Act. It then describes the scope of private enforcement of competition law in Portugal before considering specific issues that arose from the transposition of the Directive, such as those relating to rights to pre-trial discovery, partial centralization of private enforcement at the specialized Court, access to evidence, time-barring deadlines, protecting failed settlement talks, the binding force of public enforcement decisions, concepts of undertaking and parent company liability, the presumed proportion of responsibility for joint liability, the quantification of damages, the Portuguese opt-out regime (actio popularis), and the effect on trade between Member States.
Part III Tests of Abuse, 6 The Tests of Intent
Authors: Renato Nazzini
Published: March 2021

This chapter focuses on the test of intent under Article 102. Intent plays an important role in determining whether conduct runs counter to the purpose of Article 102. Abuse, however, remains an objective concept because evidence of subjective intent is never sufficient, by itself, to establish a prima facie case of abuse. The conduct must be capable in its market context of causing competitive harm. Furthermore, intent can be inferred from purely objective factors so that direct proof of subjective intent is not necessary. With these important qualifications, intent plays three roles in shaping the abuse tests under Article 102. First, intent constitutes the centre of gravity of the naked abuse test. Second, intent complements the test of foreclosure of as efficient competitors in predation to guard against a systematic risk of false convictions and over-deterrence. Third, intent guards against the risk of systematic false acquittals and under-deterrence in tying.
Part IV Analytic of the Concept of Dominance, 11 Collective Dominance
Authors: Renato Nazzini
Published: March 2021

This chapter addresses the concept of collective dominance. A closer analysis of the case law and its economic foundations shows that there are two distinct types of collective dominance that are governed by different legal tests. Non-oligopolistic collective dominance arises when structural or commercial links or direct or indirect contacts are sufficient for two or more undertakings to act on the market as a collective entity. Oligopolistic collective dominance arises when undertakings in a tight oligopoly have the ability and incentive to coordinate their behaviour by raising prices, restricting output, or reducing investment through repeated market interactions. Overall, the law on collective dominance is consistent with the objective of Article 102 and strikes the right balance between the risk of false convictions and over-deterrence and the need to ensure the effectiveness of Article 102 in addressing competitive harm caused by two or more undertakings which are jointly dominant.
Commencing Proceedings
Authors: Brealey Mark , George Kyla
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses the procedural rules that govern how different types of competition law claims are commenced. It first considers private actions in the High Court, where procedure is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR), as amended, and the procedure in the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), which is governed by the Competition Appeal Tribunal Rules 2015 (CAT Rules). It then examines private actions in the CAT as well as appeals to the CAT, focusing on issues relating to jurisdiction, procedure for commencing both individual claims and collective actions, appeals under the Competition Act 1998, appeals in telecommunications cases, proceedings under the Civil Aviation Act 2012, and appeal on merits. Finally, it explains judicial review both in the Administrative Court and in the CAT, taking into account applications for review of merger and market investigation decisions in the CAT as well as grounds of review.
Arbitration
Authors: Brealey Mark , George Kyla
Published: March 2021

This chapter examines the role of arbitration in competition law as well as its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to resolving disputes compared to other approaches. It provides examples of competition law issues resolved through arbitration and how arbitration has been used by authorities such as the European Commission to police and enforce commitments. It also discusses the jurisdictional competence of arbitrators in relation to competition law disputes and issues, such as challenging the extent and validity of an arbitration clause. The chapter proceeds by analysing the arbitrability of competition law issues, the construction and use of arbitration clauses in competition cases, the doctrine of ‘separability’ and the illegality of agreement containing arbitration clause, and the anti-competitive effect of an arbitration agreement. Finally, it describes the practicalities of resolving competition law issues through arbitration, along with the rules governing appeals and enforcement of arbitral awards.
Corporate Governance and Disclosure
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This chapter describes corporate governance and disclosure in multinational enterprises (MNEs). Corporate governance is the system of rules and practices by which the corporation is directed and controlled. It is a multifaceted concept, emerging from divergent views over the corporation’s legitimate objectives and complex interactions between corporate behaviour and national cultural and social influences. Accordingly, MNE affiliates will encounter divergent corporate governance principles in their countries of operation. Corporate governance, influenced by economic globalization, appears to be moving towards a rough, and imperfect, consensus based on variants of the ‘enlightened shareholder value’ model. The chapter then focuses on the key issue of how to make the corporation accountable. Adequate corporate disclosure, based on corporate reports and independently audited accounts, remains ‘the bed-rock of company law’. The chapter considers developments in disclosure and accounting requirements, alongside accountability enhancing internal corporate governance structures. It assesses external accountability and oversight, including through regulatory bodies and professional standard setting agencies, as well as disclosure and accounting practices.
Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This chapter discusses the role of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in multinational enterprise (MNE) operations. The predominant issue remains the ability of developing countries to access, and benefit from, the transfer of technology. In more recent years, issues of distributional justice, sustainable development and human rights protection have also arisen in relation to IPRs held by MNEs. The chapter focuses on two selected areas that illustrate the evolving debate on IPRs and the power of global business. These include the right of access to patented medicines, especially in developing countries, and the role of IPRs in the control of biotechnology and cultural knowledge. The adoption of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the emergence of certain technologically more advanced developing countries, has emphasized the free exploitation of IPRs in global markets, and has raised questions as to the limits of such freedom. As the chapter shows, a delicate balancing act must be performed between the freedom of IPR owners to exploit their rights and the public interest in access to technology and know-how.
Human Rights
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This chapter evaluates another element of corporate social responsibility (CSR) applicable to multinational enterprises (MNEs): human rights. Historically, human rights have been used by corporations to protect their vital interests against state action, leading to human/civil rights protections for corporations. The chapter focuses on how far MNEs, and other business actors, should be responsible for human rights violations. This has been significantly influenced by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), endorsed in June of 2011 by the UN Human Rights Council, which implement the UN ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ framework. The UNGPs have created a framework for business and human rights that covers three pillars: the state duty to protect human rights, the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and access to remedy. The chapter then traces the development of concern for business and human rights, and discusses the justifications for holding businesses accountable for human rights violations, the establishment of business and human rights on the agenda of the UN and the principal areas in which business violations of human rights arise.
Investor–State Dispute Settlement
Authors: Muchlinski Peter T
Published: March 2021

This chapter studies investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) in International Investment Agreements (IIAs), the primary method of which is investor–state arbitration. It outlines the nature of investor–state disputes and the main types of dispute settlement techniques. The chapter also considers the principal characteristics of investor–state arbitration and examines arbitration under the Washington Convention on Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States 1965 (the ICSID Convention), which established the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). Most Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) refer to ICSID arbitration as the sole, or optional, method of dispute settlement. ICSID Tribunals have acted in a wide range of disputes, adopting expansive interpretations of personal and subject-matter jurisdiction. This has led to criticism that investor–state arbitration has become too pervasive and a threat to the states’ ‘right to regulate’, given the risk of high procedural costs and compensation. ‘New-generation’ IIAs have responded by limiting the jurisdiction of tribunals over investment disputes. Moreover, recourse to alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and dispute avoidance techniques is being encouraged. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) has also taken up ISDS reform and is in the process of formulating a multilateral reform package.