bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A universal yield stress equation for electrorheological fluids
Authors: Chung Pil Seung , Jhon Myung S. , Choi Hyoung Jin
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigate the universality of the yield stress [τyE0, where E0 is electric field strength] for examining electrorheological (ER) fluids both experimentally and theoretically. We found that the published experimental data for the yield stress of ER fluids for various materials and measurement conditions obey a yield stress scaling equation. In other words, the ER yield stress data in the literature collapse onto a universal correlation: τ̂=1.313Ê3/2tanhÊ using scaled variables τ̂≡τyE0/τyEc and Ê≡E0/Ec. Here, Ec is critical electric field strength. Although this expression is attractive for experimentalists, this empirical equation has not been derived from first principles. We introduce a mesoscopic elementary region concept and justify this universal correlation for the first time. We decompose the ER system into a finite number of elementary regions and introduce “glueons,” which adhere to neighboring elementary regions resulting in fibrillary structures. We investigated the limiting case when the elementary region size is reduced to zero (continuum limit) and used a reaction-diffusion model to calculate glueon concentration. In modeling the reaction term (generation of glueons), we used a linear model by recognizing that the electric field activates glueons, i.e., the number of glueons increases as the electric field strength increases. In our preliminary study, we were able to justify a universal correlation by solving the glueon concentration equation using a simple geometry. The novelty of this work is the development of universality for the ER yield stress and derivation of a universal scaling equation.
Study on human brain protection from electromagnetic radiation of mobile phone by plasma
Authors: Lv Xingwang , Liu Yuhuan , Guo Chaoxiang , Zou Huchuan , Dan Min , Liu Minghai
Published: August 2024

The propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves (EMW) in plasma with the plural dielectric properties (real and imaginary parts of the relative dielectric constant) were investigated in the virtual human brain (VHB) model by the full-wave solution. Simulation results indicate that the value of the electric and magnetic field amplitude of EMW with the frequency of 5 GHz and the value of specific absorption ratio within VHB can be reduced by more than 60% and 80%, respectively. After the secondary absorption of the plasma layer, the reflected wave amplitude is attenuated by 33.066 dB. The amplitude attenuation of EMW from 2.45 to 6 GHz can be exceeded 10 dB. Compared to the traditional absorbing materials for the electromagnetic protection, the plasma layer, as an absorbing medium, possesses wide frequency characteristics. These results have important reference value for reducing the high-frequency electromagnetic radiation to VHB.
Premixing degree-dependent reaction mechanisms of premixed Ni/Al nanolaminates under shock loading
Authors: Xie Yifan , Zhu Kexin , Xue Fengning , Shao Jian-Li , Chen Pengwan
Published: August 2024

Understanding the intermetallic reaction is critical for reactive metal systems, among which Ni/Al nanolaminates have attracted extensive interest. A long-standing open question is how nanostructure such as premixed interlayer affects the reaction process. Here, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effects of premixing degree on the shock-induced reaction mechanisms and reactivity for premixed Ni/Al nanolaminates. The multiple exothermic processes are identified, namely, the Ni–Al mixing driven by diffusion, the B2-NiAl crystallization in premixed interlayer, and the grain coarsening driven by grain boundary migration. Intriguingly, it is found that the specific exothermic processes depend strongly on the premixing degree. As the premixing degree increases, the B2-NiAl crystallization and the grain coarsening appear sequentially. The maximum crystallinity and grain size increase linearly and exponentially with premixing degree, respectively. Furthermore, inspired by the differences in exothermic processes, the intrinsic mechanism for the weakening effects of premixed interlayer on reactivity is elucidated. The B2-NiAl crystallization in premixed interlayer decreases the reaction heat and further the final adiabatic temperature, while the appearance of grain coarsening produces additional heat and alleviates the weakening effect. These findings can provide valuable insights into the nanostructure–reactivity relationship for reactive intermetallic materials.
Compressibility effect on flow characteristics over a circular cylinder at Reynolds number of 3900
Authors: Xue Kuiju , Li Qinling , Zhao Liangyu
Published: August 2024

The compressibility effect of flow over a circular cylinder has been investigated using wall-resolved large eddy simulation. The Reynolds number in terms of the freestream quantities and the cylinder diameter is fixed at 3900 while varying the freestream Mach number from 0.01 to 0.5. Mesh quality, numerical scheme, and subgrid-scale model are carefully verified prior to the detailed flow study. Results such as Mach number effects on the drag coefficient, the shape of the mean streamwise velocity profile in the near-wake, the length of the recirculation zone, and shear layer instability are provided. Although compressibility suppresses the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and mixing process within the shear layer, it increases the velocity fluctuation in the boundary layer and the pressure difference between the freestream and recirculation zone, which intensifies the wake oscillation, shedding amplitude, thus shortens the recirculation zone significantly with the Mach number up to 0.5. This phenomenon is different from that found in lower Reynolds number cases where the length of the recirculation zone elongates as the Mach number increases. The deficit of the velocity profile shape in the near-wake depends on the length of the recirculation zone. Furthermore, inside the wake zone and near the cylinder back wall, two pairs of recirculation bubbles emerge as the Mach number increases.
A numerical investigation on the effects of passenger movement on droplet dispersion in a high-speed train compartment
Authors: Wu Fan , Fan Zhiqiang , Dong Hang , Ma Shan , Xu Renze , Li Hengkui
Published: August 2024

Cough droplets pose significant risks to human respiratory health, potentially leading to severe infections in indoor environments. In the confined and densely populated high-speed train compartment, passenger movement is unavoidable and follows a fixed path. This movement impacts the designed airflow and, consequently, influences the dispersion of cough droplets. In this study, a validated computational fluid dynamics overset mesh method was adopted to implement passenger movement along the aisle, and the impact of passenger movement on droplet dispersion inside a high-speed train compartment was investigated. The results show that the wake flow generated by moving passengers can carry cough droplets along the direction of movement. The timing and speed of passenger movement play a pivotal role in the extent of droplet dispersion. Premature and delayed interactions with the droplet cloud diminish engagement due to inadequate and excessive dispersion, respectively. When a passenger begins walking at the 10th second, droplet transfer in the direction of movement peaks, reaching up to 4.9 times that of the stationary case in the area of seat 13A, with droplet transmissions extending up to 6 m. The walking speed affects the intensity of the wake flow. A walking speed of 1.0 m/s or higher results in the noticeable transmission of droplets in the direction of the walking passenger. These findings underscore the necessity for incorporating human movement dynamic in the development of ventilation strategies and public health guidelines to mitigate airborne transmission risks in enclosed public spaces.
Numerical simulation of wake flow around two square cylinders through passive control method
Authors: Kalsoom Shazia , Abbasi Waqas Sarwar , Manzoor Raheela , Fiidow Mohamed Abubakar , Siddique Imran
Published: August 2024

Two-dimensional numerical simulations are performed to study the effect of height of control plates placed at the downstream location in a vertical direction of a channel for flow past two inline square cylinders. The numerical method used is the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and Reynolds number is kept constant at Re = 150 (Re = Uinf d/ν) for fixed gap spacing g = 3.5 (g = s/d). The height of the control plate varies from h = 0.1 to 8. First, the validity of code for the present problem and suitable grid points are checked along the selection of uniform inflow velocity. After that verification, the numerical simulations are performed to obtain the results under the effect of height of control plates using the passive control method. Calculated results are, in terms of vorticity contour, drag and lift coefficients, pressure contour, energy spectrum, and force statistics. Under the discussion of vorticity contour visualization, we obtained six types of flow mode and named them according to flow behavior and their characteristics. In pressure contour, it is visualized that the maximum pressure occurred at near the upstream position of the first cylinder as well as the upper and lower edge of the main cylinder as compared to the downstream cylinder and control plate, but at some position inside the domain, pressure contour contained negative values as well in between the gap of two square cylinders and control plate. In force statistics, we computed the values of Cdmean, Cdrms, Clrms, and St. Mean drag coefficients for both upstream cylinder (C1) and downstream cylinder (C2) are increased as the height of the control plate increased from 0.1 to 1.5, but as the height of the control plate reached its maximum value, the value of Cdmean turned toward the decline. The maximum value of Cdmean obtained at h = 2.25 and the minimum value occurred at h = 8. For cylinder C2, negative values for some selected heights such as h = 0.1–1.25 and h = 4–8 are also observed because of thrust. The value of the Strouhal number for both the cylinders C1 and C2 are similar at h = 0.1–4.5, but at h = 5, the values of the Strouhal number differ for both cylinders, but at the largest values of control plate's height, i.e., h = 6–8, the Strouhal number contains zero values for both cylinders C1 and C2. At these zero values of the Strouhal number, in vorticity contour jet type of flow mode is observed at h = 6–8, as a new flow mode, which is not identified before in the passive control method for flow past two or more square cylinders.
An artificial neural network model for recovering small-scale velocity in large-eddy simulation of isotropic turbulent flows
Authors: Tan Jiangtao , Jin Guodong
Published: August 2024

Small-scale motions in turbulent flows play a significant role in various small-scale processes, such as particle relative dispersion and collision, bubble or droplet deformation, and orientation dynamics of non-sphere particles. Recovering the small-scale flows that cannot be resolved in large eddy simulation (LES) is of great importance for such processes sensitive to the small-scale motions in turbulent flows. This study proposes a subgrid-scale model for recovering the small-scale turbulent velocity field based on the artificial neural network (ANN). The governing equations of small-scale turbulent velocity are linearized, and the pressure gradient and the nonlinear convection term are modeled with the aid of the ANN. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) and filtered direct numerical simulation (FDNS) provide the data required for training and validating the ANN. The large-scale velocity and velocity gradient tensor are selected as inputs for the ANN model. The linearized governing equations of small-scale turbulent velocity are numerically solved by coupling the large-scale flow field information. The results indicate that the model established by the ANN can accurately recover the small-scale velocity lost in FDNS due to filtering operation. With the ANN model, the flow fields at different Reynolds numbers agree well with the DNS results regarding velocity field statistics, flow field structures, turbulent energy spectra, and two-point, two-time Lagrangian correlation functions. This study demonstrates that the proposed ANN model can be applied to recovering the small-scale velocity field in the LES of isotropic turbulent flows at different Reynolds numbers.
Scaling laws of droplets on vibrating liquid-infused surfaces
Authors: Li Ming-sheng , Wen Jun , Hu Hai-bao , Xie Luo , Ren Liu-zhen
Published: August 2024

Droplets oscillating on vibrating substrates are very interesting scientifically, with applications such as anti-icing, droplet transportation, and measuring dynamic surface tension. Reported here are the dynamics of droplets with different volumes on a vibrating smooth surface infused with liquid of different viscosities. The movement of the three-phase droplet contact line is used to quantify the droplet dynamics, and it is found that this movement is linearly proportional to the amplitude of the substrate and inversely proportional to the viscosity of the liquid infused therein. When the substrate viscosity is relatively low, the droplet volume also affects the contact-line movement. Scaling laws for the contact-line movement are derived involving the Ohnesorge number and the reciprocal of the capillary number. Also elucidated is the relationship between the resonance frequency and the substrate viscosity, and the characteristic droplet morphology under different substrate viscosities is extracted to describe the contact-line movement. Interestingly, the substrate viscosity is controlled in an innovative way to achieve almost the same contact-line movement on the present surface as on superhydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces.
Non-isothermal electroosmotic flow of a viscoelastic fluid through a porous medium in a microchannel
Authors: Hernández A. , Mora A. , Arce-Vazquez M. B. , de la Cruz-Alejo J. , Salazar-Pereyra M.
Published: August 2024

The influence of the temperature-dependent viscosity on the electroosmotic flow through a porous medium in a microchannel of parallel flat plates. At the end, an imposed electric field induces Joule heating and temperature gradients, modifying the viscosity of the fluid. The Phan-Thien–Tanner and Darcy–Forchheimer models describe the viscoelastic fluid through the porous media. Consequently, the electric double layer (EDL) overlaps at the center plane of the microchannel, causing an electrically charged porous matrix and modifying the zeta potential along the microchannel walls. Therefore, we define a zeta potential ratio of the porous matrix and that at the microchannel walls. Unlike similar investigations, the boundary condition for the zeta potential varies locally due to the temperature field, modifying the interaction among hydrodynamics, electrical, viscoelastic, thermal and porosity effects. A modified Péclet number is defined as a function of the porosity and thermal conductivity of the fluid and an effective charge density is determined based on the Poisson–Boltzmann equation, accounting for the pore size and the zeta potential ratio. The set of equations are solved numerically considering the lubrication approximation theory. We found that the influence of the temperature-dependent viscosity increases the shear stresses at the EDL region, particularly where the temperature rises to maximum values. Also, the overlapping of the EDL occurs mainly for low values of permeability. Finally, the pressure gradient involved in the Darcy law can be altered through the zeta potential ratio.
The role of animal products in balancing food baskets for Laos and the Pacific islands of Samoa and Vanuatu to minimise caloric and hidden hunger: a review
Authors: Wynn P. C. , Kongmanila D. , Bani S. , Pasefika-Seuao F.
Published: August 2024

The ability of farming communities worldwide to provide balanced diets for the growing world population is enunciated clearly in the second of the United Nation’s sustainable development goals, namely ‘End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture’. Success will be dependent on our ability to preserve the economic sustainability of livestock production in small-holder farming systems which will require regenerative approaches to reverse land degradation and retain biodiversity. Animal products are important components of world food baskets because their nutrient profile most closely resembles the dietary requirements of mankind. Key micronutrients, including iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, zinc and iodine, are more readily available from animal-sourced foods, which are critical for a balanced diet for those with higher nutrient requirements such as growing children and pregnant and lactating women. The developing Asian economy of Laos, together with that of the Pacific Island nations of Vanuatu and Samoa provide some interesting contrasts in servicing the nutritional needs of their predominantly rural populations as their respective governments address the issues of undernutrition and hidden hunger. The paper explores some of the challenges that governments face in sustaining resilient animal production to supply essential nutrients for food baskets across our region. These include the broader contexts of resource availability, education, cultural traditions, socioeconomic status, gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Programmable 2D materials through shape-controlled capillary forces
Authors: Eatson Jack L. , Morgan Scott O. , Horozov Tommy S. , A. Buzza D. Martin
Published: August 2024

In recent years, self-assembly has emerged as a powerful tool for fabricating functional materials. Since self-assembly is fundamentally determined by the particle interactions in the system, if we can gain full control over these interactions, it would open the door for creating functional materials by design. In this paper, we exploit capillary interactions between colloidal particles at liquid interfaces to create two-dimensional (2D) materials where particle interactions and self-assembly can be fully programmed using particle shape alone. Specifically, we consider colloidal particles which are polygonal plates with homogeneous surface chemistry and undulating edges as this particle geometry gives us precise and independent control over both short-range hard-core repulsions and longer-range capillary interactions. To illustrate the immense potential provided by our system for programming self-assembly, we use minimum energy calculations and Monte Carlo simulations to show that polygonal plates with different in-plane shapes (hexagons, truncated triangles, triangles, squares) and edge undulations of different multipolar order (hexapolar, octopolar, dodecapolar) can be used to create a rich variety of 2D structures, including hexagonal close-packed, honeycomb, Kagome, and quasicrystal lattices. Since the required particle shapes can be readily fabricated experimentally, we can use our colloidal system to control the entire process chain for materials design, from initial design and fabrication of the building blocks, to final assembly of the emergent 2D material.
Superionic iron hydride shapes ultralow-velocity zones at Earth’s core–mantle boundary
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Wenzhong , Li Yunguo , Wu Zhongqing
Published: August 2024

Seismological studies have exposed numerous ultralow velocity zones (ULVZs) exhibiting extraordinary physical attributes at Earth’s core–mantle boundary, yet their compositions and origins remain controversial. Water–iron reaction can generate unique phases under lowermost-mantle conditions and likely plays a crucial role in forming ULVZs. Through first-principles molecular dynamic simulations with machine learning techniques, we determine that iron hydride, the product of water–iron reaction, is stable as a superionic phase at the core–mantle boundary. This superionic iron hydride has much slower velocities and a higher density than the ambient mantle under lowermost-mantle conditions. Accumulation of iron hydride, created through either a chemical reaction between subducted water and iron or solidification of core material entrained in the lower mantle by convection, can explain the seismic observations of ULVZs particularly those associated with subduction. This work suggests that water may have a substantial role in creating seismic heterogeneities at the core–mantle boundary.
Predicting protein conformational motions using energetic frustration analysis and AlphaFold2
Authors: Guan Xingyue , Tang Qian-Yuan , Ren Weitong , Chen Mingchen , Wang Wei , Wolynes Peter G. , Li Wenfei
Published: August 2024

Proteins perform their biological functions through motion. Although high throughput prediction of the three-dimensional static structures of proteins has proved feasible using deep-learning-based methods, predicting the conformational motions remains a challenge. Purely data-driven machine learning methods encounter difficulty for addressing such motions because available laboratory data on conformational motions are still limited. In this work, we develop a method for generating protein allosteric motions by integrating physical energy landscape information into deep-learning-based methods. We show that local energetic frustration, which represents a quantification of the local features of the energy landscape governing protein allosteric dynamics, can be utilized to empower AlphaFold2 (AF2) to predict protein conformational motions. Starting from ground state static structures, this integrative method generates alternative structures as well as pathways of protein conformational motions, using a progressive enhancement of the energetic frustration features in the input multiple sequence alignment sequences. For a model protein adenylate kinase, we show that the generated conformational motions are consistent with available experimental and molecular dynamics simulation data. Applying the method to another two proteins KaiB and ribose-binding protein, which involve large-amplitude conformational changes, can also successfully generate the alternative conformations. We also show how to extract overall features of the AF2 energy landscape topography, which has been considered by many to be black box. Incorporating physical knowledge into deep-learning-based structure prediction algorithms provides a useful strategy to address the challenges of dynamic structure prediction of allosteric proteins.
Communities, Mines, and Distributive Politics
Authors: Amengual Matthew
Published: August 2024

Social movements and interest groups of a variety of types increasingly engage in direct contestation, mobilizing to influence the activities of firms and making unmediated claims for the redistribution of the gains from economic activity. Such direct contestation between societal actors and firms unleashes distributive and regulatory politics that shape local development. Why does pressure sometimes result in expanded access to essential public goods, services, and economic opportunities and sometimes does not? This book develops a theory of direct contestation that explains the varying distributive consequences of the conflicts that entangle many firms. The theory is grounded in case studies of mining conflicts in Bolivia and Peru. By tracing the processes that pushed firms to take different types of distributive actions in detail, the book reveals the central roles of social structures and firm strategies in shaping the consequences of direct contestation. This work advances scholarship on social movements and organizations, private politics, distributive politics, as well as studies of mining conflicts in Latin America.
The New Local Politics of Natural Resources
Authors: Amengual Matthew
Published: August 2024

This chapter situates the general theory of direct contestation in the context of natural resource politics. The resource curse and the difficulties governing natural resource extraction at the local level are well known. Dominant theories in this literature analyze the politics of distributing the economic gains generated by resource extraction, focusing on how patronage and rent seeking divert revenues from productive use. These theories often treat states as the primary actor involved in distribution and regulation. This chapter recounts how changes in the politics of natural resource industries, including mining, have made firms an increasingly important distributive actor at the local level. It then describes the rise of mining conflicts in Latin America during the commodity boom of the early 2000s, which created the conditions for direct contestation. The chapter concludes with a first analysis of the case study mines. Drawing on survey data, it shows variation in the distributive politics that arise when firms face social pressure. These analyses set up the detailed case studies in the following chapters.
Multiple conditional randomization tests for lagged and spillover treatment effects
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhao Qingyuan
Published: August 2024

We consider the problem of constructing multiple independent conditional randomization tests using a single dataset. Because the tests are independent, the randomization p-values can be interpreted individually and combined using standard methods for multiple testing. We give a simple, sequential construction of such tests and then discuss its application to three problems: Rosenbaum’s evidence factors for observational studies, lagged treatment effects in stepped-wedge trials, and spillover effects in randomized trials with interference. We compare the proposed approach with some existing methods using simulated and real datasets. Finally, we establish a more general sufficient condition for independent conditional randomization tests.
The quality-of-life impact of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) on patients’ lives: an interpretative descriptive qualitative study
Authors: O’Reilly Pauline , Walsh Sarah , Bunker Christopher B , Ryan Sheila , Natella Pierre-André , Colin Audrey , Simpson Jacqueline , Barry Louise A , Meskell Pauline , Dodiuk-Gad Roni , Coffey Alice , Savarimalai Rajamanikandan , Fortune Donal G , Ingen-Housz-Oro Saskia
Published: August 2024

Background

Much has been documented about the physical sequelae of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). While less documented, it is recognized that patients can have long-lasting psychological sequelae. There is a lack of qualitative research on the quality of life (QoL) experiences of adults who have been diagnosed with SJS/TEN.

Objectives

To explore the experiences of adults who had SJS/TEN and how these experiences relate to their QoL.

Methods

Using an interpretative descriptive qualitative study, a purposive sample of 18 adults with SJS/TEN were interviewed using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Two themes were constructed, each with two categories. Theme 1 (Psychosocial Impacts) included the categories ‘The self and others’ and ‘A changed perspective on life’. Theme 2 (Chronicity of Sequelae) comprised the categories ‘Multi-organ involvement’ and ‘Further consequences of TEN’.

Conclusions

Findings highlighted that SJS/TEN had a significant impact on the different QoL experiences of participants including psychological, physical, social, educational and occupational. Many expressed challenges they faced following discharge from hospital, including gaps in psychological care, navigating disjointed care pathways and lack of coordinated care. If SJS/TEN is viewed as a chronic condition, it is important that researchers and clinicians study the long-term effects of SJS/TEN on people’s lives to aid in developing a plan of care to enhance the QoL for this cohort. Psychological and QoL assessments following discharge from hospital require consideration.
Patients with Morgellons disease have a lower quality of life than patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis
Authors: Gipple Mackenzie O , Dhami Ramneek K , Latour Emile , Keller Jesse J
Published: August 2024

Morgellons disease (MD) greatly affects a patient’s quality of life (QoL). Therefore, we aimed to measure the disease burden of MD on QoL and compare it with well-funded dermatological conditions, including prurigo nodularis (PN), atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis. This qualitative cross-sectional survey, comprising Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and 5-D itch scale questionnaires, was distributed to patients with untreated MD seen at the Oregon Health and Science University Dermatology clinic from July 2022 to July 2023. When comparing mean scores across dermatological conditions, MD had significantly higher DLQI scores than PN, AD and psoriasis, and significantly higher PSQI scores than AD and psoriasis.
Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of amelanotic/hypopigmented primary cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Sturm Richard A , Smit Darren J , Duffy David L , McLean Catriona , Scolyer Richard A , McArthur Grant A , Papenfuss Anthony T , Stark Mitchell S , Soyer H Peter , Mar Victoria J
Published: August 2024

Background

Approximately 2–20% of cutaneous melanomas (CMs) are diagnosed as amelanotic/hypopigmented melanoma (AHM) and represent a challenge for early diagnosis.

Objectives

To investigate loss-of-function mutations in key pigmentation genes in matched germline and AHM, as well as pigmented melanoma (PM), tumour DNA samples.

Methods

Analysis of clinical and histopathological characteristics – together with whole-exome sequencing data of 34 fresh frozen primary CMs, graded according to the amount of pigmentation present – was performed. Together with germline and somatic variant analysis, 30 samples had previously been analysed for copy number aberration (CNA) changes. This study focused on germline and somatic variants in the coding region of 16 genes known to be associated with albinism/hypopigmentation or variation in human pigmentation in all samples. Chromosomal regions encompassing these 16 genes were examined for DNA copy loss or gain.

Results

The finding that red hair-related MC1R and TYR R402Q loss-of-activity gene variant alleles and genotypes are associated with AHM was confirmed. Germline AHM-related gene variants were enriched in 70% (n = 7/10) of patients with AHM vs. 8% (n = 2/24) of those with PM. This surprisingly high frequency of rare germline variants in people with AHM constitutes the ‘first hit’ and confirms that those with AHM are more likely to be albinism allele carriers than individuals with PM. Next, in CNA analysis of each tumour sample, 50% (n = 4/8) of AHM samples with a pigmentation gene variant had loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in the region containing the corresponding gene and 25% (n = 2/8) had LOH in chromosomal regions of two AHM-related genes.

Conclusions

This study proposes that the likely molecular mechanism for the development of amelanogenesis in AHM is carriage of an albinism/hypopigmentation allele followed by LOH of the corresponding gene in the tumour.
Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia in an infant: diagnosis and management quandaries
Authors: Goldsweig Bracha , Turk Yilmaz Rukiye Sena , Ravindranath Waikar Apoorva , Brownstein Catherine , Carpenter Thomas O
Published: August 2024

Vignette

Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) is typically a benign condition characterized by elevated serum calcium, low urinary calcium excretion, and non-suppressed circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), usually requiring no intervention. FHH is inherited in an autosomal-dominant manner. Three subtypes are described, representing variants in genes with critical roles in extracellular calcium-sensing. FHH1, due to heterozygous inactivating variants in the calcium-sensing receptor gene (CASR), accounts for the majority of cases. FHH2, due to variants in GNA11, encoding the α-subunit of the downstream signaling protein, G11, is the rarest form of FHH. FHH3, resulting from variants in AP2S1, may present with a more pronounced phenotype than FHH1 or FHH2. We describe herein a newborn girl presenting with in utero femoral fractures, hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and elevated circulating PTH. She was diagnosed with mild hyperparathyroidism and provided supplemental phosphate upon hospital discharge. However, serum calcium and PTH remained elevated at 5 mo of age. The combination of low-calcium formula and cinacalcet improved the biochemical profile. No pathogenic variants in the coding region of CASR were identified; subsequent whole exome sequencing revealed a G- > T transition at c.44 (p.R15L) in AP2S1. Family studies identified this variant in the father and an affected brother. The mother was unexpectedly found to be hypocalcemic and was diagnosed with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. This case demonstrates successful treatment of FHH3 using a low-calcium formula to limit dietary calcium availability and cinacalcet to modify PTH levels.
Jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with profound anemia
Authors: Huynh Amelia T , Rust Ann
Published: August 2024

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon tumors typically found in the stomach, with an even rarer appearance in the jejunum. These tumors are often discovered incidentally, given their nonspecific presentation. We present a case of chronic iron deficiency anemia in a patient with symptomatic GIST involving the proximal jejunum requiring robot-assisted resection with primary anastomosis. Pathological examination of the excised GIST revealed positive immunoreactivity for cKIT, DOG1, and CD37. This case highlights the importance of considering GIST as a differential diagnosis for chronic anemia and emphasizes the critical role of CT imaging in its detection and management.
Joint Venture Disputes in the Energy and Natural Resource Sectors
Authors: Martin A Timothy , Gilbert John , Roberts Peter
Published: August 2024

This book provides the most comprehensive overview of judgments and arbitral awards in these sectors. It includes previously unpublished awards from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and courts from all over the world. The book presents an incisive review of model joint venture contracts, examining their impact on customary industry practice and case law. It offers a detailed discussion of the issues typically arising in joint venture disputes, along with examining trends in this area of international energy law, distilling lessons that can be learned for the future. The book is a valuable resource for those involved in negotiating, drafting, managing, and advising on energy and natural resource joint ventures. By identifying the key risk areas in such joint ventures, it will also serve as a critical point of reference for advocates, judges and arbitrators who deal with energy and natural resource disputes.
Model JOAs and Accounting Procedures
Authors: Timothy A
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the historical development and use of model joint operating agreements (JOAs) and accounting procedures in the energy sector. They have been developed primarily in the oil and gas sector, in particular the upstream sector, with some model agreements found in the mining sector. In many respects, these model agreements have reacted to and influenced the types of joint venture disputes found in the energy sector. They are thus an excellent reference for discerning customary industry practice (or trade usage) with regards to joint ventures. This survey references the key jurisdictions where these model contracts have been developed and explains how and why they were developed in the manner they were. This chapter also discusses the use of these model joint venture agreements in the midstream and downstream parts of the petroleum business, along with the natural resources and renewables sectors, where they exist.
Size of Share in the Joint Venture
Authors: Timothy A
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the different agreements and structures which can be used to record the key principles of how a joint venture is to be operated and governed, the size of each participating party’s interest in the joint ventures, and how disputes arise around the interest that the parties have in these joint ventures. The disputes discussed in this chapter have arisen in a range of circumstances. They demonstrate that events that can lead to a change in the participating share held by the joint venture parties can give rise to disputes. The performance of the joint venture, whether good or bad, can contribute to disputes arising.
Approval of Joint Venture Operations
Authors: Timothy A
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers the mechanisms by which the party that has undertaken the role of the operator in respect of a joint venture is properly authorized by all of the joint venture parties to conduct joint venture operations on behalf of those parties, and the consequences which could result from a failure to secure that authorization. Such a failure could expose the operator to a liability to pay the associated unauthorized costs, but it would also be a breach of the terms of the joint venture agreement, which could expose the operator to liability and to the risk of being removed from its position. The wider issue of the scope of the operator’s authority to act in the performance of the joint venture agreement is considered in Chapter 11.
Limitation of Liability and Indemnities
Authors: Timothy A
Published: August 2024

It is common practice in the energy sector to limit the operator’s liability in joint operating agreements (JOAs). The expectation of any operator is that it will not be exposed to an open-ended legal liability when it acts in that capacity and that its liability is limited to its proportionate share or participating interest in the JOA. This chapter examines how the liability of the operator is limited and indemnified by the joint venture parties in respect of any potential losses and liabilities. This is accomplished in JOAs with two components: (i) an exculpatory clause, which states that the operator is not responsible for any loss or liability (except for its share) resulting from it performing (or failing to perform) its duties and functions, and (ii) a reciprocal clause where the JOA parties (including the operator) indemnify the operator for any such loss or liability. Disputes often arise around when and how these clauses are triggered.
Transfer Rights
Authors: Timothy A
Published: August 2024

This chapter considers disputes that arise when a party attempts to transfer its interests in a joint venture and the other parties object. Property rights are typically freely alienable in most jurisdictions. However, industry joint venture agreements invariably place some form of contractual restriction on a party’s ability to assign or transfer its interest in the agreement and the underlying granting instrument. These often revolve around such matters as the qualifications of the transferee, government approvals or minimum interest thresholds. The most controversial restrictions, however, revolve around pre-emption rights, where the non-transferring parties have an option to purchase the transferring party’s interest. Many of the disputes discussed in this chapter deal with whether a pre-emption right covers an asset transfer, share transfer (or change in control) or both.
The Question of Whether Art 25 ICSID Convention Lays Down Independent Requirements for the Existence of an Investment
Authors: Petsche Markus
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the question of whether Art 25 ICSID Convention lays down independent requirements for the existence of an investment. Section II discusses the terminological framework of this question, critically analyses the prevailing conceptualization, and suggests ways to reframe the issue. Section III reviews arbitral case law, distinguishing three categories of decisions: decisions following the prevailing objective approach (which considers that the term ‘investment’ under Art 25 ICSID Convention has an independent meaning), decisions adopting the subjective approach (which denies the existence of such a meaning), and decisions following the rather ambiguous ‘typical-characteristics’ approach which could be viewed as belonging to either of the first two categories. Section IV provides a brief overview of scholarly opinions, showing that a significant majority of writers favour the objective approach. Section V assesses the arguments put forward in support of, and against, the two competing viewpoints and argues that the objective approach is more compelling.
Introduction
Authors: Bradlow Daniel D
Published: August 2024

This introductory chapter provides a background of how the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have been influential and controversial actors on the global stage for much of their history. They have been active participants in the governance of the global economy and the international financial system and have played prominent roles in the management of many international economic, financial, and monetary crises. However, there are relatively few general studies of the IMF and the World Bank as subjects of international law and of their international legal rights and responsibilities. This book seeks to fill this gap in the international legal literature. It focuses on the international legal implications of the structure, functions, and operational history of these international financial institutions.
International Finance and International Law before Bretton Woods
Authors: Bradlow Daniel D
Published: August 2024

Chapter 1 begins with a brief historical overview of those aspects of the pre-Second World War economic situation that provided the historical context for the Bretton Woods conference. It describes the law applicable to international finance during this period. The chapter focuses on the situation of sovereign borrowers for two reasons. The first is that the primary borrowers of the multilateral financing institutions that are the subject of this book are sovereigns or public sector entities with sovereign guarantees. The second is that prior to Bretton Woods, sovereign states were the only subjects of international law that borrowed on international financial markets. The chapter then looks at international monetary relations, before considering the efforts to establish institutions of global economic governance prior to Bretton Woods. Finally, it discusses how the environmental and social impacts of large projects and key macro-economic policies were handled in international law at the time.
The Rights to Life, Survival, and Development
Authors: Peleg Noam , Tobin John
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 6 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Rights to Life, Survival, and Development.
The Right Not to Be Separated from Parents
Authors: Tobin John , Cashmore Judy
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Right Not to Be Separated from Parents.
The Right to Social Security
Authors: Langford Malcolm , Khaliq Urfan
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 26 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Right to Social Security.
The Right to Rest, Leisure, Play, Recreation, and Participation in Cultural Life and the Arts
Authors: Lansdown Gerison , Tobin John
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with The Right to Rest, Leisure, Play, Recreation, and Participation in Cultural Life and the Arts.
Protection from Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Authors: Barrett Damon , Tobin John
Published: August 2024

This section is about Article 33 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child dealing with Protection from Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
Intellectual Property as Investment
Authors: Klopschinski Simon , Gibson Christopher S , Grosse Ruse-Khan Henning
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines under what circumstances intellectual property (IP) rights constitute a covered investment entitled to protection under international investment law. It addresses the pivotal role played by the domestic IP law of the host state, as well as any choice of law issues. Based on the overarching notion of territoriality and host state’s law in determining which economic assets—particularly intangibles—are afforded legal protection, the book’s thesis is that only intellectual property rights recognized in the host state’s domestic legal order may constitute an investment within the meaning of an international investment agreement (IIA). The chapter then explores evolving treaty practice concerning the definition of ‘investment’ as it relates to intellectual property. The reference to intellectual property in IIAs as a form of asset or property that may qualify as a protected investment is long-standing and consistent in investment law treaty practice. The chapter also assesses whether IIAs can oblige contracting states to introduce new IP rights into their domestic legal orders if those rights are referenced as investments in the IIA.
Relative Treatment Standards: National Treatment and Most-Favoured-Nation
Authors: Klopschinski Simon , Gibson Christopher S , Grosse Ruse-Khan Henning
Published: August 2024

This chapter discusses the relative standards of treatment that protect investors against discrimination, namely national treatment and most-favoured-nation (MFN)—the only standards which exists by and large as equivalent principles in international intellectual property (IP) and investment law. It provides a comparative review of the non-discrimination principles in international trade, investment, and IP law, and looks at the national treatment provisions in the Paris and Berne Conventions, as well as the TRIPS Agreement. The TRIPS Agreement also includes an MFN clause and a patent-specific non-discrimination rule. The chapter then studies how the core elements of a national treatment (and MFN) claim under an international investment agreement (IIA) apply to IP rights as protected investment, focusing on scope, comparability, the standard of treatment owed, and possible defences and justifications. An important part of this discussion forms the careful review of the potential role for the parallel standards in IP treaties, and IIA clauses that import specific exceptions from the non-discrimination principles in, for example, TRIPS into the IIA.
Absolute Standards of Treatment
Authors: Klopschinski Simon , Gibson Christopher S , Grosse Ruse-Khan Henning
Published: August 2024

This chapter assesses the absolute standards of treatment, focusing on the multifaceted fair and equitable treatment (FET) standard and the related concept of full protection and security (FPS). After considering trends in state and arbitral practice with regard to FET and FPS, it investigates how these investment standards apply to intellectual property (IP) rights as protected investments. The FET standard has developed into a multitude of elements or factors—such as the protection of legitimate expectations, stability, proportionality, transparency, as well as prohibitions of denial of justice, arbitrariness, and unjustified discrimination—many of which have been considered in the IP-related investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) Awards issued so far. The FPS standard on the other hand bears a specifically close relation to IP enforcement standards, such as those set out in Part III (Articles 41–61) of the TRIPS Agreement. The chapter then looks at the crucial issue of balancing investor protection with the state’s right to regulate—another aspect that was at the forefront of some of the so far existing IP ISDS cases.