bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpha oscillations in left perisylvian cortices support semantic processing and predict performance
Authors: Rempe Maggie P , Spooner Rachel K , Taylor Brittany K , Eastman Jacob A , Schantell Mikki , Embury Christine M , Heinrichs-Graham Elizabeth , Wilson Tony W
Published: January 2022

Semantic processing is the ability to discern and maintain conceptual relationships among words and objects. While the neural circuits serving semantic representation and controlled retrieval are well established, the neuronal dynamics underlying these processes are poorly understood. Herein, we examined 25 healthy young adults who completed a semantic relation word-matching task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG data were examined in the time–frequency domain and significant oscillatory responses were imaged using a beamformer. Whole-brain statistical analyses were conducted to compare semantic-related to length-related neural oscillatory responses. Time series were extracted to visualize the dynamics and were linked to task performance using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that participants had significantly longer reaction times in semantic compared to length trials. Robust MEG responses in the theta (3–6 Hz), alpha (10–16 Hz), and gamma (64–76 Hz and 64–94 Hz) bands were observed in parieto-occipital and frontal cortices. Whole-brain analyses revealed stronger alpha oscillations in a left-lateralized network during semantically related relative to length trials. Importantly, stronger alpha oscillations in the left superior temporal gyrus during semantic trials predicted faster responses. These data reinforce existing literature and add novel temporal evidence supporting the executive role of the semantic control network in behavior.
Categorising Endoscopic Severity of Crohn’s Disease Using the Modified Multiplier SES-CD [MM-SES-CD]
Authors: Narula Neeraj , Pray Cara , Wong Emily C L , Colombel Jean-Frederic , Marshall John K , Daperno Marco , Reinisch Walter , Dulai Parambir S
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

Current endoscopic scoring indices such as the Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease [SES-CD] quantify the degree of mucosal inflammation in Crohn’s disease [CD] but lack prognostic potential. The Modified Multiplier of the SES-CD [MM-SES-CD] quantifies the endoscopic burden of CD and can be accessed online [https://www.mcmasteribd.com/mm-ses-cd]. This analysis aims to establish MM-SES-CD thresholds that classify CD endoscopic burden into inactive/very mild, mild, moderate, and severe disease based on the probability of achieving endoscopic remission [ER] on active therapy at 1 year.

Methods

This post-hoc analysis included pooled data from three CD clinical trials [n = 350 patients, baseline SES-CD ≥3 with ulceration]. Disease category severity was determined using the maximum Youden Index. Achievement of ER between severity categories was compared using chi square tests. Time to clinical remission [CR] was compared using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Results

MM-SES-CD severity categories were established as very mild/remission [score <14], mild [≥14 to <31], moderate [≥31 to <45], and severe [≥45], which were predictive of 1-year ER [50%, 30.3%, 21.7%, 8.8%, respectively, p <0.001]. Lower MM-SES-CD scores had numerically higher rates of 1-year clinical remission [CR], and time to 1-year CR was superior to those with higher scores [p = 0.0492]. MM-SES-CD thresholds for achieving 1-year ileal ER among 75 patients with isolated ileal disease were established as mild [score <14], moderate [≥14 to <33], and severe [≥33], which were predictive of 1-year ER [66.7%, 33.3%, 13.3%, respectively, p = 0.027].

Conclusions

We have established numerical MM-SES-CD cut-offs that categorise endoscopic disease severity and have demonstrated that they are prognostic for 1-year ER and CR.
Financial Frictions and Firm Informality: A General Equilibrium Perspective
Authors: Franjo Luis , Pouokam Nathalie , Turino Francesco
Published: January 2022

This paper assesses the extent to which financial development and informality are related, and how this relation translates into differences in GDP and TFP across countries. To this end, we develop a quantitative life-cycle general equilibrium model of occupational choice with imperfect tax enforcement, in which informal entrepreneurs have no access to credit and face an endogenous probability of being caught for tax evasion. Our quantitative analysis shows that the degree of financial frictions of a country is crucial in shaping the firm’s incentives to evade taxation, a feature that, in the aggregate, results into a non-linear relationship between financial development and both the size of informality and GDP per capita. We test these model’s predictions with cross-country data and find supporting evidence in favour of both non-linearities.
Pulmonary metastasectomy for metastatic head and neck cancer prolongs survival significantly compared to non-surgical therapy
Authors: Schlachtenberger Georg , Doerr Fabian , Menghesha Hruy , Heldwein Matthias B , Lauinger Patrick , Wolber Philipp , Klussmann Jens Peter , Wahlers Thorsten , Hekmat Khosro
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is an established procedure for selected patients with metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC). Non-surgical therapy in the form of chemo- and immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors and radiation therapy are also treatment options. There are no randomized controlled trials comparing PM with non-surgical therapy. Here, we retrospectively compare the long-term survival of patients, undergoing PM with patients receiving non-surgical therapy.

METHODS

All HNC patients with pulmonary metastases were included, if the primary HNC was treated curatively and distant metastases, apart from the lungs were excluded. The pulmonary metastases were confirmed by biopsy as metastases of the HNC primary tumour in the non-surgical therapy group. To further clarify that PM prolonged survival, a propensity score-matched analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Between January 2010 and December 2020, 62 HNC patients with isolated pulmonary metastases were included in our analysis. Thirty-three underwent PM and 29 received non-surgical therapy. Histology, tumour stage and localization of the primary HNC did not differ between groups. The number of metastases, age and ASA classification did also not differ between the groups. Patients undergoing PM showed significantly better 1- (n = 31; 93.5% vs n = 19; 65.5%; P = 0.006), 3- (n = 17; 72.2% vs n = 9; 30.4%; P = 0.004) and 5-year (n = 10; 53.4% vs n = 4; 20.0%; P = 0.001) survival rates, compared to patients receiving non-surgical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pulmonary metastatic HNC undergoing PM had a significantly better overall survival compared to patients receiving non-surgical therapy. Therefore, selected patients should undergo PM to improve survival.
Heart–brain interactions in cardiac and brain diseases: why sex matters
Authors: Rossi Alexia , Mikail Nidaa , Bengs Susan , Haider Ahmed , Treyer Valerie , Buechel Ronny Ralf , Wegener Susanne , Rauen Katrin , Tawakol Ahmed , Bairey Merz C Noel , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Gebhard Catherine
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular disease and brain disorders, such as depression and cognitive dysfunction, are highly prevalent conditions and are among the leading causes limiting patient’s quality of life. A growing body of evidence has shown an intimate crosstalk between the heart and the brain, resulting from a complex network of several physiological and neurohumoral circuits. From a pathophysiological perspective, both organs share common risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking or dyslipidaemia, and are similarly affected by systemic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system. In addition, there is an increasing awareness that physiological interactions between the two organs play important roles in potentiating disease and that sex- and gender-related differences modify those interactions between the heart and the brain over the entire lifespan. The present review summarizes contemporary evidence of the effect of sex on heart–brain interactions and how these influence pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment responses of specific heart and brain diseases.
Comparisons ofin situ Vp/Vs ratios and seismic characteristics between northern and southern California
Authors: Lin Guoqing , Peng Zhigang , Neves Miguel
Published: January 2022

We present our estimations and comparisons of the in situ Vp/Vs ratios and seismicity characteristics for the Parkfield segment of the San Andreas fault in northern California and the San Jacinto Fault Zone and its adjacent regions in southern California. Our results show that the high-resolution in situ Vp/Vs ratios are much more complex than the tomographic Vp/Vs models. They show similar variation patterns to those in the tomographic Vp models, indicating that Vp/Vs ratios are controlled by material properties but are also strongly influenced by fluid contents. In Parkfield, we observe velocity contrasts between the creeping and locked sections. In southern California, we see small-scale anomalous Vp/Vs variation patterns, especially where fault segments intersect, terminate and change orientations. In addition, our investigation confirms that the seismicity in Parkfield is more repeatable than in southern California. However, the earthquakes in the southernmost portion of the San Andreas fault, the trifurcation area of the San Jacinto Fault Zone and the Imperial fault are as much likely falling into clusters as those in Parkfield. The correlation of highly similar events with anomalous in situ Vp/Vs ratios supports the important role of fluids in the occurrence of repeating earthquakes. The high-resolution Vp/Vs ratio estimation method and the corresponding results are helpful for revealing roles of fluids in driving earthquake, fault interaction and stress distribution in fault zones.
Breastfeeding Patterns in Mothers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Pilot Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tandon Parul , Lee Eugenia , Jogendran Rohit , Kroeker Karen I , Dieleman Levinus A , Halloran Brendan , Wong Karen , Berga Keri-Ann , Huang Vivian
Published: January 2022

Background

Breastfeeding practices in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain unknown. We aimed to characterize these practices and describe factors that may lead to early discontinuation.

Methods

This was a pilot, prospective, longitudinal study enrolling mothers with IBD from 2014 to 2017. Patients completed surveys on breastfeeding at time of delivery and up to 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding discontinuation rates were reported for all patients with IBD and compared between patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Reproductive knowledge was defined using the Crohn’s and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge score. The Mann-Whitney U test assessed for differences between continuous variables, whereas categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test.

Results

A total of 74 mothers with IBD were included, 47 with ulcerative colitis and 27 with Crohn’s disease. Breastfeeding rates in mothers with IBD was 94.6% at delivery, 73.9% at 3 months postpartum, 55.2% at 6 months postpartum, and 30.1% at 12 months postpartum. The most common reasons for discontinuing breastfeeding before 6 months postpartum included perceived insufficient milk production and concerns of infant medication exposure through breast milk. Compared with those who continued breastfeeding beyond 6 months postpartum, those who discontinued had lower median Crohn’s and Colitis Pregnancy Knowledge scores (14.0 vs 9.0; P = .04).

Conclusions

Though most mothers with IBD initiate breastfeeding at time of delivery, about half continue beyond 6 months postpartum. Common reasons for this include perceived insufficient milk production and medication concerns. Larger studies are required to validate our findings in more generalizable settings such as primary and secondary care.
INSPECT: A Retrospective Study to Evaluate Long-term Effectiveness and Safety of Darvadstrocel in Patients With Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease Treated in the ADMIRE-CD Trial
Authors: Panés Julian , Bouma Gerd , Ferrante Marc , Kucharzik Torsten , Nachury Maria , de la Portilla de Juan Fernando , Reinisch Walter , Selvaggi Francesco , Tschmelitsch Jörg , Brett Neil R , Ladouceur Martin , Binek Matthias , Hantsbarger Gary , Campbell-Hill Sarah , Karki Chitra , Buskens Christianne
Published: January 2022

Background

The efficacy of a single administration of darvadstrocel (expanded allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) for treating complex perianal fistulas in patients with Crohn’s disease was demonstrated in a randomized, double-blind trial (ADMIRE-CD [Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Induction of Remission in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn\'s Disease] trial). The current chart review study (INSPECT [A retrospectIve chart review study evaluatINg the longer-term effectiveneSs of darvadstrocel in PatiEnts who CompleTed ADMIRE-CD]) evaluated the longer-term effectiveness and safety of darvadstrocel.

Methods

Eligible patients had completed at least 52 weeks in the ADMIRE-CD trial. Data on clinical remission and fistula relapse outcomes were collected retrospectively at 104 and 156 weeks after treatment. Adverse events of special interest (tumorigenicity and ectopic tissue formation) were collected up to 208 weeks after treatment.

Results

Eighty-nine patients were included (43 darvadstrocel patients, 46 control subjects). At 52, 104, and 156 weeks posttreatment, clinical remission was observed in 29 (67.4%) of 43, 23 (53.5%) of 43, and 23 (53.5%) of 43 darvadstrocel-treated patients, compared with 24 (52.2%) of 46, 20 (43.5%) of 46, and 21 (45.7%) of 46 control subjects, respectively. In patients with clinical remission at week 52, this remission was sustained at 104 and 156 weeks after treatment in 19 (65.5%) of 29 and 16 (55.2%) of 29 darvadstrocel-treated patients and in 17 (70.8%) of 24 and 13 (54.2%) of 24 control subjects, respectively. Time to fistula relapse and incidence of fistula relapse or new fistula occurrence were not significantly different between groups. Tumorigenicity was reported for 1 (2.2%) patient in the control group (malignant epidermoid carcinoma). No ectopic tissue formation was reported.

Conclusions

Real-world follow-up of patients from the ADMIRE-CD trial indicates that clinical remission of complex perianal fistulas can be sustained in the long term irrespective of whether it is achieved through darvadstrocel administration or maintenance treatment regimens and confirms a favorable long-term safety profile of darvadstrocel.
The avoidance of unwanted catch and cooperation: the case of the British Columbia groundfish trawl fishery
Authors: Grønbæk L , Lindroos M , Munro G , Pintassilgo P , Turris B
Published: January 2022

This paper focuses on a particularly successful avoidance of unwanted catch of protected, endangered, and threatened (PET) species in the form of ecologically important sponge and coral, to be found off Canada's Pacific coast. The fishery causing the unwanted catch—the British Columbia groundfish trawl fishery. A campaign to protect the sponge/coral led by environmental NGOs (ENGOs) resulted in the industry's access to the key California market being threatened. For reasons explained, the national resource manager's ability to take effective direct action had become severely compromised. The groundfish trawl fishing industry responded to the economic threat with a bottom up approach to the unwanted catch problem, by negotiating a habitat agreement with a consortium of ENGOs, with the blessing and full support of the national resource manager. The agreement, now in its tenth year of operation, has proved to be a remarkable success in avoidance of unwanted catch. The paper argues that the success rests fundamentally upon the fact that the fishers have been and are playing a stand alone stable cooperative game, which has led them in turn to play stable cooperative games with both the national resource manager and the ENGO consortium. The paper analyses the factors leading to the stand alone stable cooperative fisher game, doing so by necessity through the lens of game theory.
Heartmate 3 implantation in small patients: CT-guided chest diameter assessment
Authors: Van Puyvelde Joeri , Jacobs Steven , Vlasselaers Dirk , Meyns Bart
Published: January 2022

In recent years, the Heartmate 3 (HM3) has largely replaced the use of other intracorporeal left ventricular assist devices in the adult field. Because the HM3 is larger than the Heartware Ventricular Assist Device, the general consensus was that for small patients, the Heartware Ventricular Assist Device was the most appropriate implantable device option. Our goal was to describe our experiences with the successful implantation of the HM3 in 2 children, aged 9 and 11. We report on the chest cavity dimensions, as measured on computed tomography, that can be used to assess the feasibility of HM3 implantation in small patients.
Immunogenicity of a Third Scheduled Dose of Rotarix in Australian Indigenous Infants: A Phase IV, Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Middleton Bianca F , Danchin Margie , Jones Mark A , Leach Amanda J , Cunliffe Nigel , Kirkwood Carl D , Carapetis Jonathan , Gallagher Sarah , Kirkham Lea-Ann , Granland Caitlyn , McNeal Monica , Marsh Julie A , Waddington Claire S , Snelling Thomas L
Published: January 2022

Background

Rotarix (GlaxoSmithKline) oral rotavirus vaccine is licensed as 2 doses in the first 6 months of life. In settings with high child mortality rates, clinical protection conferred by 2 doses of Rotarix is reduced. We assessed vaccine immune response when an additional dose of Rotarix was given to Australian Aboriginal children 6 to <12 months old.

Methods

ORVAC is a 2-stage, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Australian Aboriginal children 6 to <12 months old who had received 1 or 2 prior doses of Rotarix rotavirus vaccine were randomized 1:1 to receive an additional dose of Rotarix or matched placebo. The primary immunological end point was seroresponse defined as an anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin A level ≥20 AU/mL, 28–56 days after the additional dose of Rotarix or placebo.

Results

Between March 2018 and August 2020, a total of 253 infants were enrolled. Of these, 178 infants (70%) had analyzable serological results after follow-up; 89 were randomized to receive Rotarix, and 89 to receive placebo. The proportion with seroresponse was 85% after Rotarix compared with 72% after placebo. There were no occurrences of intussusception or any serious adverse events.

Conclusions

An additional dose of Rotarix administered to Australian Aboriginal infants 6 to <12 months old increased the proportion with a vaccine seroresponse.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02941107.
Strategic Litigation in International Criminal Justice
Authors: Jeßberger Florian , Steinl Leonie
Published: January 2022

This article inquires into strategic litigation in international criminal justice. Drawing on the findings of an empirical study, it sheds light on the practice and self-perception of Strategic Litigation NGOs (so-called SLiNGOs) who employ international criminal law not only as an advocacy tool but use litigation to target perpetrators of international crimes as part of a larger juridical–political strategy transcending the individual case. Following a brief reflection on the role and significance of NGOs in international criminal justice in general and an examination of the basic idea of strategic litigation, the article delves into an analysis of the concept of strategic litigation as employed by SLiNGOs as well as the various functions of strategic litigation specifically in the international criminal justice context. Relying on interviews with SLiNGO representatives, the authors examine whether SLiNGOs — in their self-perception — serve merely as ‘assistant prosecutors’ or rather as kickstarters, pacemakers and watchdogs of the enforcement of international criminal law. They further explore the counter-hegemonic potential of strategic litigation and SLiNGO’s attitudes towards international criminal justice as such. Analysing potential pitfalls and critiques directed at strategic litigation and the responses of SLiNGOs to such criticisms, the authors conclude that strategic litigation can indeed fill a gap in the current state-based system of international criminal justice and suggest an agenda for further research.
A New Approach to Disease, Risk, and Boundaries Based on Emergent Probability
Authors: Daly Patrick
Published: January 2022

The status of risk factors and disease remains a disputed question in the theory and practice of medicine and healthcare, and so does the related question of delineating disease boundaries. I present a framework based on Bernard Lonergan’s account of emergent probability for differentiating (1) generically distinct levels of systematic function within organisms and between organisms and their environments and (2) the methods of functional, genetic, and statistical investigation. I then argue on this basis that it is possible to understand disease in terms of biological or higher intra-level dysfunction, risk factors—including genetic risk factors—in terms of statistical inter-level conditioning of a given stage or developmental sequence of systematic functioning, and the empirical boundaries of disease in terms of the limits of both functional categorization (from an epistemic standpoint) and upper-level integration of lower-level processes and events (from an ontological standpoint).
Inflammation, Attention, and Processing Speed in Patients With Breast Cancer Before and After Chemotherapy
Authors: Belcher Elizabeth K , Culakova Eva , Gilmore Nikesha J , Hardy Sara J , Kleckner Amber S , Kleckner Ian R , Lei Lianlian , Heckler Charles , Sohn Michael B , Thompson Bryan D , Lotta Louis T , Werner Zachary A , Geer Jodi , Hopkins Judith O , Corso Steven W , Rich David Q , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Janelsins Michelle C
Published: January 2022

Background

Inflammation may contribute to cognitive difficulties in patients with breast cancer. We tested 2 hypotheses: inflammation is elevated in patients with breast cancer vs noncancer control participants and inflammation in patients is associated with worse attention and processing speed over the course of chemotherapy.

Methods

Serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]–4, 6, 8, 10; tumor necrosis factor [TNF]–α) and soluble receptors [sTNFRI, II]) were measured in 519 females with breast cancer before and after chemotherapy and 338 females without cancer serving as control participants. Attention and processing speed were measured by Rapid Visual Processing (RVP), Backward Counting (BCT), and Trail Making-A (TMT-A) tests. Linear regression models examined patient vs control cytokines and receptor levels, adjusting for covariates. Linear regression models also examined relationships between patient cytokines and receptor levels and test performance, adjusting for age, body mass index, anxiety, depression, cognitive reserve, and chemotherapy duration. Statistical tests were 2-sided (α = .05).

Results

sTNFRI and sTNFRII increased over time in patients relative to controls, whereas IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 decreased. Prechemotherapy, higher IL-8 associated with worse BCT (β = 0.610, SE = 0.241, P = .01); higher IL-4 (β = −1.098, SE = 0.516, P = .03) and IL-10 (β = −0.835, SE = 0.414, P = .04) associated with better TMT-A. Postchemotherapy, higher IL-8 (β = 0.841, SE = 0.260, P = .001), sTNFRI (β = 6.638, SE = 2.208, P = .003), and sTNFRII (β = 0.913, SE = 0.455, P = .045) associated with worse BCT; higher sTNFRII also associated with worse RVP (β = −1.316, SE = 0.587, P = .03). At prechemotherapy, higher IL-4 predicted RVP improvement over time (β = 0.820, SE = 0.336, P = .02); higher sTNFRI predicted worse BCT over time (β = 5.566, SE = 2.367, P = .02). Longitudinally, increases in IL-4 associated with BCT improvement (β = −0.564, SE = 0.253, P = .03).

Conclusions

Generally, worse attention and processing speed were associated with higher inflammatory cytokines and receptors and lower anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients; future confirmatory studies are needed.
Counting Advanced Precancerous Lesions as True Positives When Determining Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Specificity
Authors: Ladabaum Uri , Church Timothy R , Feng Ziding , Ransohoff David F , Schoen Robert E
Published: January 2022

The landmark Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) decision memo on blood-based biomarkers to screen for colorectal cancer (CRC) sets thresholds of 74% or higher for sensitivity and 90% or higher for specificity for CRC. This approach does not consider detection of advanced precancerous lesions as true positives. We contrasted the impact of counting advanced precancerous lesions as true vs false positives and projected CRC outcomes under contrasting tests in a validated model. A test with the threshold performance set by CMS decreased CRC incidence by 30% and CRC mortality by 48% in individuals aged 45 years. If this test also detected advanced precancerous lesions with 30% sensitivity, CRC incidence decreased by 45% and mortality by 58%, but the CRC specificity of the test of only 88% would not satisfy the CMS threshold. CMS should reconsider its definition of threshold specificity for CRC screening biomarkers. Future coverage determinations on biomarkers to screen for cancer should consider detection of relevant precursor lesions and projected outcomes.
Sex Differences in the Relation Between Supervision and Injury Risk Across Motor Development Stages: Transitioning From Infancy Into Toddlerhood
Authors: Morrongiello Barbara A , Corbett Michael , Bryant, MA Lindsay , Cox, MA Amanda
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Addressing a notable gap in research on injuries during infancy, this longitudinal study examined sex differences in the relationship between parents’ typical levels of supervision and infants’ injuries across motor development stages.

Method

Parents were recruited and completed biweekly phone calls about their infant’s motor skills. Once the infant was able to sit up independently, then a home visit was scheduled. Applying a participant-event monitoring method, parents were taught to complete diary forms (injury, supervision), which they started doing once the child could move from their seated location on the floor in some way (e.g., roll, crawl). Recordings continued until a month after the child could walk independently. Data (injury, supervision) were averaged within each motor development stage (low, high), and associations across stages were examined.

Results

Model testing indicated that supervision level moderated the relation between injury rate across motor development stages, but the strength of this association varied by sex of the child. More intense supervision predicted lower injury rates for girls more so than for boys.

Conclusions

Although the emergence of motor milestones has been associated with increased risk of injury during infancy, the current findings indicate that greater supervision can reduce this risk. However, supervision alone is not as effective to moderate injury risk for boys as it is for girls. Thus, for boys, additional strategies (e.g., hazard removal) may also be warranted to maximize reduction in their risk of injury as they acquire increasing motor skills.
FRAGILE CULM 18 encodes a UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylase required for xylan biosynthesis and plant growth in rice
Authors: Ruan Nan , Dang Zhengjun , Wang Meihan , Cao Liyu , Wang Ye , Liu Sitong , Tang Yijun , Huang Yuwei , Zhang Qun , Xu Quan , Chen Wenfu , Li Fengcheng
Published: January 2022

Although UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylases (UXSs) have been well studied with regard to catalysing the conversion of UDP-glucuronic acid into UDP-xylose, their biological roles in grasses remain largely unknown. The rice (Oryza sativa) genome contains six UXSs, but none of them has been genetically characterized. Here, we reported on the characterization of a novel rice fragile culm mutant, fc18, which exhibited brittleness with altered cell wall and pleiotropic defects in growth. Map-based cloning and transgenic analyses revealed that the FC18 gene encodes a cytosol-localized OsUXS3 and is widely expressed with higher expression in xylan-rich tissues. Monosaccharide analysis showed that the xylose level was decreased in fc18, and cell wall fraction determinations confirmed that the xylan content in fc18 was lower, suggesting that UDP-xylose from FC18 participates in xylan biosynthesis. Moreover, the fc18 mutant displayed defective cellulose properties, which led to an enhancement in biomass saccharification. Furthermore, expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism and phytohormone signal transduction was largely altered in fc18. Consistent with this, the fc18 mutant exhibited significantly reduced free auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) content and lower expression levels of PIN family genes compared with wild type. Our work reveals the physiological roles of FC18/UXS3 in xylan biosynthesis, cellulose deposition, and plant growth in rice.
Towards understanding inner nuclear membrane protein degradation in plants
Authors: Calvanese Enrico , Gu Yangnan
Published: January 2022

The inner nuclear membrane (INM) hosts a unique set of membrane proteins that play essential roles in various aspects of the nuclear function. However, overaccumulation or malfunction of INM protein has been associated with a range of rare genetic diseases; therefore, maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of INM proteins by active removal of aberrantly accumulated proteins and replacing defective molecules through proteolysis is of critical importance. Within the last decade, it has been shown that INM proteins are degraded in yeasts by a process very similar to endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD), which is accomplished by retrotranslocation of membrane substrates followed by proteasome-dependent proteolysis, and this process was named inner nuclear membrane-associated degradation (INMAD). INMAD is distinguished from ERAD by specific INM-localized E3 ubiquitin ligases and proteolysis regulators. While much is yet to be determined about the INMAD pathway in yeasts, virtually no knowledge of it exists for higher eukaryotes, and only very recently have several critical regulators that participate in INM protein degradation been discovered in plants. Here, we review key molecular components of the INMAD pathway and draw parallels between the yeast and plant system to discuss promising directions in the future study of the plant INMAD process.
A quantitative analysis of temperature-dependent seasonal dormancy cycling in buried Arabidopsis thaliana seeds can predict seedling emergence in a global warming scenario
Authors: Batlla Diego , Malavert Cristian , Farnocchia Rocío Belén Fernández , Footitt Steven , Benech-Arnold Roberto Luis , Finch-Savage William E
Published: January 2022

Understanding how the environment regulates seed-bank dormancy changes is essential for forecasting seedling emergence in actual and future climatic scenarios, and to interpret studies of dormancy mechanisms at physiological and molecular levels. Here, we used a population threshold modelling approach to analyse dormancy changes through variations in the thermal range permissive for germination in buried seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana Cvi, a winter annual ecotype. Results showed that changes in dormancy level were mainly associated with variations in the higher limit of the thermal range permissive for germination. Changes in this limit were positively related to soil temperature during dormancy release and induction, and could be predicted using thermal time. From this, we developed a temperature-driven simulation to predict the fraction of the seed bank able to germinate in a realistic global warming scenario that approximated seedling emergence timing. Simulations predicted, in accordance with seedling emergence observed in the field, an increase in the fraction of the seed bank able to emerge as a result of global warming. In addition, our results suggest that buried seeds perceive changes in the variability of the mean daily soil temperature as the signal to change between dormancy release and induction according to the seasons.
Jasmonate regulates seed dormancy in wheat via modulating the balance between gibberellin and abscisic acid
Authors: Nguyen Tran-Nguyen , Tuan Pham Anh , Ayele Belay T
Published: January 2022

Jasmonate (JA) regulates seed dormancy and germination; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Furthermore, it is unclear if JA is an essential regulator of dormancy and germination. We investigated whether the role of JA in regulating seed dormancy in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is mediated by modulation of gibberellin (GA)/abscisic acid (ABA) balance and if the reciprocal modulation of JA level and sensitivity is required for GA-mediated dormancy loss using physiological, pharmacological, and targeted transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches. JA-induced dormancy release in wheat seeds was associated with no change in GA level but up-regulation of GA signaling and ABA catabolism genes, and reduction of the ABA level. Although JA did not affect the expression levels of ABA signaling genes, up-regulation of germination-associated genes indicates a contribution of reduced ABA sensitivity to dormancy release. After-ripening-mediated dormancy loss was also associated with JA–GA synergistic and JA–ABA antagonistic interplays. The prevalence of no effect of GA, which effectively broke dormancy, on the JA-Ile level and expression patterns of JA biosynthesis/signaling and responsive genes reflects that GA-mediated dormancy release occurs independently of JA. Our study concludes that JA induces seed dormancy release in wheat via modulating ABA/GA balance; however, JA is not an essential regulator of dormancy and germination.
Investigation of Cases (III)
Authors: Sauer Ralf , Blanco Luis Ortiz
Published: January 2022

This chapter describes inspections. The European Commission enjoys ‘considerable room for manoeuvre’ in deciding whether an inspection is warranted and is entitled in each case to choose among the various means of investigation, irrespective of its approach with respect to other undertakings. Article 20(1) of Regulation 1/2003 grants the Commission powers to conduct ‘all necessary inspections’ of undertakings. This concerns investigations at the undertaking's premises, land, and means of transport. Although the powers of inspection pursuant to Regulation 1/2003 are very similar to those stipulated in Article 14 of Regulation 17, there are a number of significant extensions, including the power to carry out inspections on domestic property. In addition, Regulation 1/2003 incorporates some of the case law on inspections developed under Regulation 17. According to Article 20(2), inspectors may examine the books and other records related to the business, ‘irrespective of the medium on which they are stored’. This and the related power ‘to take or obtain in any form copies of or extracts from’ such records provides the Commission with a legal basis allowing it to search and copy electronic data. The Commission is also entitled to seal any business premises and books or records for the period and to the extent necessary for the inspection, and to ask any representative or member of staff of the undertaking for explanations on facts or documents relating to the subject matter and purpose of the inspection and to record the answers.
Rejection of Complaints
Authors: Kellerbauer Manuel , Pablo Alfonso Lamadrid de
Published: January 2022

This chapter examines the rejection of complaints. Procedures can be commenced by a formal complaint. It is also possible that the European Commission initiates a procedure ex officio with regard to conduct that is the subject of a complaint at a later stage. In both cases, the procedure may conclude as requested by the complainants with a decision finding an infringement of Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), or else with a rejection of the complaint. In some cases, a procedure to establish the existence of an infringement following a complaint may give rise to a decision rendering commitments binding pursuant to Article 9 of Regulation 1/2003, a finding of inapplicability decision pursuant to Article 10 Regulation 1/2003, or possibly an informal settlement between the undertakings complained of and the Commission, as a consequence of which the complainant may be discontented if the result does not, or does not fully, respond to their concerns. In these cases, a rejection of the complaint is also necessary where the complainant continues to pursue their complaint. The procedure for the rejection of complaint should then be done in parallel with the Article 9 or Article 10 of the decision procedure.
Steps Following the Adoption of a Formal Decision.
Authors: Jörgens Konstantin , Blanco Luis Ortiz
Published: January 2022

This chapter assesses the steps following the adoption of a formal decision. The European Commission's activity does not cease with the adoption of formal decisions in matters referred to it for examination. In all such cases, the Commission monitors developments in order to ensure that the requirements of its decisions are complied with. In the case of infringement decisions, with the exception of purely declaratory decisions without pecuniary penalties, the Commission collects the fines and checks that its notices and orders, and the undertakings' obligations under its decision, are complied with. Files may be closed either because the matter has been disposed of formally by means of a decision or because the matter at issue is regarded by the Commission as no longer of importance at any stage of the procedure. The chapter then discusses the court proceedings concerning the application of EU competition law. Commission decisions in antitrust cases are subject to judicial review by the EU Courts.
Directives Under Article 106(3)
Authors: Sierra José Luis Buendía
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores the directives under Article 106(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). In order to fulfil the task of guardian that Article 106(3) TFEU entrusts to the European Commission, this institution has the power to address, ‘where necessary’, not only decisions but also directives to Member States. The two possible functions of directives under Article 106(3) TFEU are the creation of additional but accessory obligations, and the ‘specifying’ of the obligations under the Treaty. The former function means that directives under Article 106(3) may impose upon Member States certain additional obligations to the extent that these are intended to facilitate the Commission's task of ensuring Article 106(1) is respected. The other possible function of the Article 106(3) directives is that of specifying the obligations under the Treaty. These two dimensions mean that the Commission enjoys a certain degree of rule-making power, although this is subject to strict limits. The aim of the two recognized functions of the directives under Article 106(3) is to prevent future infringements.
Prior Control of New Notified Aid
Authors: Keppenne Jean Paul , Caviedes Carlos Urraca
Published: January 2022

This chapter examines the concept of ‘new aid’. Article 1(c) of the Procedural Regulation defines new aid as ‘all aid, that is to say, aid schemes and individual aid, which is not existing aid, including alterations to existing aid’. All measures to grant or alter aid must therefore be considered to be new aid, and their compatibility with the internal market should be checked by the European Commission before they can be granted. New aid has to be notified to the Commission before being granted. The Member States are also bound to submit any ‘plans to alter aid’ for a preliminary review by the Commission. When an aid scheme has been approved by the Commission, this approval covers future applications of that scheme, which do not therefore have to be examined afresh by the Commission. In its scheme approval decision, however, the Commission is entitled to make an exception to that rule and expressly lay down that certain cases of application should still be notified individually on the basis of Article 108(3) TFEU.
Implementation of the Commission’s Decisions
Authors: Keppenne Jean Paul , Caviedes Carlos Urraca
Published: January 2022

This chapter assesses the implementation of the European Commission's decisions on aid schemes. Article 26 of the Procedural Regulation requires Member States to submit to the Commission annual reports on all existing aid schemes with regard to which no specific reporting obligations have been imposed in a conditional decision. Where, despite a reminder, the Member State concerned fails to submit an annual report, the Commission may propose appropriate measures with regard to the aid scheme in question. In addition, where the Commission has serious doubts as to whether decisions not to raise objections, positive decisions, or conditional decisions with regard to individual aid are being complied with, the Member State concerned, after having been given the opportunity to submit its comments, shall allow the Commission to undertake on-site monitoring. There are several options open to the Commission when it finds that one of its decisions has not been fully complied with. First, it can bring the matter directly before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) by applying for a declaration that such payment amounts to an infringement committed by the State. It may also initiate the formal examination procedure to examine the misuse of aid by the Member State. And finally, it may decide to block all new aid to a given undertaking on the grounds of past failures to recover incompatible aid from the same undertaking.
European Economic Area Competition Procedure
Authors: Beal Kieron
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores the general structure of the competition provisions and procedure, including the rules on State aid—applicable under the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) was established in 1960 by Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Its goal was to reduce or remove import duties, quotas, and other obstacles to trade in Western Europe and to uphold liberal, non-discriminatory practices in world trade. EFTA membership served as a platform for EFTA members to negotiate a specific agreement with Member States of the European Community for an extension of the internal market to those countries. The resultant EEA Agreement came into force on 1 January 1994. The EEA Agreement is an international treaty that is considered to be sui generis and which contains a distinct legal order of its own. The Agreement, whilst falling short of a customs union, has created the world's largest integrated economic area. The chapter then describes the substantive competition rules under the EEA Agreement, the procedure to be followed in their application, and the allocation of jurisdiction between the EU Commission and the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) in that application.
EU Competition Arbitration
Authors: Blanke Gordon
Published: January 2022

This concluding chapter discusses the role of arbitration as an alternative means of dispute resolution in the private enforcement of EU competition law. Arbitration is a private dispute resolution mechanism based on a contractual agreement between the parties, i.e. the arbitration agreement. Usually, apart from being private, arbitration proceedings are strictly confidential, thus protecting arbitrating parties from adverse publicity, which, in competition arbitration more specifically, may prevent an adverse impact on consumer behaviour and hence an unforeseen distortion of existing trade patterns. Depending on the parties' agreement, the proceedings may be institutional or ad hoc. Depending on the subject matter of the arbitration, the parties are free to choose an arbitrator or an arbitration tribunal with the requisite expertise and relevant experience in the industry sector concerned. This may be of particular importance in EU competition arbitration to the extent that an accurate definition of the product and geographic markets as well as the evaluation of economic evidence may require some form of pre-experience. The environment of private enforcement created by the modernization of EU competition law through the adoption of Regulation 1/2003 has also produced a positive impact on EU competition arbitration. The decentralization of the enforcement of EU competition law away from the public authorities to private actors implies by definition a more pronounced role for arbitration in the private enforcement of EU competition law.
Part I State Obligations and Rights Protected, Ch.II Civil and Political Rights, Art.4: Right to Life
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter evaluates Article 4 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which protects the right to life and aims to regulate the death penalty. The Inter-American Court has held that the right to life is fundamental to the ACHR since the preservation of life and the effective protection of life are prerequisites for the enjoyment of other rights and freedoms. According to Article 27-2 of the ACHR, the right to life shall not be suspended in time of war, public danger, or other emergency that threatens the independence and security of a State Party. It is also protected by the other international human rights norms. An analysis of the human rights treaties reveals that all recognize it, but there is a fairly wide disparity in the wording of the norms. All the instruments also contain specific provisions on capital punishment, a restriction that has long been accepted as a legal restriction on life, which is now tending toward abolition.
Part I State Obligations and Rights Protected, Ch.II Civil and Political Rights, Art.5: Right to Humane Treatment
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter details Article 5, the right to humane treatment, which is set out under Chapter II on Civil and Political Rights of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 5 of the ACHR synthesizes Articles 7 and 10 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), since it is addressed both to “everyone” and more specifically to persons deprived of their liberty. While it is clear that individuals deprived of their liberty are not the only potential victims of violations of their integrity, Article 5 of the ACHR reflects the particular vulnerability experienced by persons deprived of their liberty, which is often highlighted in the inter-American human rights case law. Moreover, by formally affirming the fundamental values of integrity (Article 5-1) and dignity (Article 5-2) of the human being, the inter-American text is more explicit than the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which does not explicitly refer to these fundamental values. In inter-American law, the prohibition of treatment contrary to the dignity and integrity of the human person, set forth in Article 5 of the ACHR, is also reaffirmed and clarified in the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture.