bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Sonoelastographic Assessment of the Normal Uterus Using Shear Wave Elastography: An Initial Experience
Authors: Manchanda Smita , Vora Zainab , Sharma Raju , Hari Smriti , Das Chandan Jyoti , Kumar Sunesh , Kachhawa Garima , Khan Maroof Ahmad
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To describe the sonoelastographic characteristics of the normal endometrium, myometrium, and cervix and to assess their variability with age and different menstrual phases.

Methods

A total of 56 women were enrolled in this prospective study, who underwent transvaginal ultrasound examinations, including B‐mode imaging and shear wave elastography. The elasticity parameters (in kilopascals) of the normal endometrium, myometrium, and cervix were studied. The variability of the mean elasticity value of the endometrium in different menstrual phases and age groups was analyzed. The variability of the mean elasticity of the cervix across different age groups was also studied.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 40 years (range, 25–69 years). The normal mean elasticity values ± SDs were 25.54 ± 8.56 kPa for the endometrium, 40.24 ± 8.59 kPa for the myometrium, and 18.90 ± 4.22 kPa for the cervix. A mean endometrial‐to‐myometrial elasticity ratio was calculated, which was found to be 0.65 ± 0.22. There was no significant difference in the mean endometrial elasticity values for women in different menstrual phases (P = .176) or in different age groups (P = .376). There was no significant difference in the mean cervical elasticity with age (P = .192).

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography is a promising adjunct to ultrasound for the evaluation of the uterus, and the results from this study may provide normal data, which may further help in diagnosing various uterine diseases.
Association of upper airway surgery and improved cardiovascular biomarkers and risk in OSA
Authors: Qian Yingjun , Zou Jianyin , Xu Huajun , Zhu Huaming , Meng Lili , Liu Suru , Yi Hongliang , Guan Jian , Yin Shankai
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To evaluate the association between upper airway surgery and changes of cardiological metabolic biomarkers and the overall cardiovascular risk in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to define factors associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

A total of 161 patients with newly diagnosed OSA who underwent classical or modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or without genioglossus advancement and hyoid suspension were included. The pre‐ and postoperative (at least 6 months later) assessments, including polysomnography, measurement of glucose and lipids, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular risk (as estimated by Framingham Risk Scores), were compared. We accounted for multiple comparisons with the use of the Benjamini‐Hochberg correction.

Results

The mean follow‐up time was 2.5 ± 1.9 years. The apnea hypopnea index decreased significantly in the entire cohort (mean changes with 95% confidence intervals were [−25.3 (−29.5, −21.0) events/hour, P < 0.001]. We also noted decreases in the age‐adjusted Framingham Risk Scores [−2.5% (−4.0%, −1.0%), P < 0.001] as well as single cardiometabolic biomarkers, including glucose [−0.50 (−0.70, −0.30) mmol/L, P < 0.001], total cholesterol [−0.46 (−0.65, −0.28) mmol/L, P < 0.001], triglycerides [−0.56, (−0.99, −0.14) mmol/L, P = 0.014], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [−0.27, (−0.43, −0.11) mmol/L, P = 0.002], apolipoprotein B [−0.10 (−0.14, −0.07) g/L, P < 0.001], systolic blood pressure [−3.58 (−6.02, −1.14) mmHg, P = 0.007], and diastolic blood pressure [−3.25 (−5.47, −1.02) mmHg, P = 0.008] after surgery. Patients with preoperative metabolic abnormalities exhibited better postoperative risk profiles changes (P < 0.001). In addition, associations were found between Δapolipoprotein B, Δsystolic blood pressure, and improvements in nocturnal oxygen level after surgery.

Conclusion

OSA‐related upper airway surgery was associated with improvements in cardiological metabolic biomarker levels and the overall cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with both OSA and metabolic disorders. The changes in biomarker levels may be associated with improved oxygen saturation after surgery.

Level of Evidence

4

Laryngoscope, 130:818–824, 2020
Analysis of the operative utilization of concurrent rhinoplasty and endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Kochhar Amit , Zhang Yanchen , Fisher Laurel , Byrne Patrick , Smith Stephanie Shintani , Ference Elisabeth H.
Published: May 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To quantify and analyze the concurrent performance of rhinoplasty (RP) (with or without septoplasty) and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Methods

Current Procedural Terminologycodes were used to extract cases of RP (n = 22,360), FESS (n = 99,173), and concurrent RP with FESS (RP + FESS) (n = 1,321) within the State Ambulatory Surgery Databases of California, Florida, Maryland, and New York from 2009 to 2011. Patient demographics, surgeon volume, charge, concurrent nasal procedures, and operating room (OR) time were compared.

Results

Among the 1,321 RP + FESS combination cases, a majority involved primary rhinoplasty (n = 697, 52.8%), followed by nasal valve repair (n = 563, 42.6%) and revision rhinoplasty (n = 61, 4.6%). High‐volume (n > 30), medium‐volume (n = 10–30), and low‐volume rhinoplasty surgeons (n ≤ 9) were observed to perform a similar number of FESS + RP combination surgeries (153, 152, and 155, respectively). A majority of RP + FESS involved two or fewer sinuses (65%). Mean OR time for RP + FESS was 189.4 ± 4.2 minutes, approximately 50 minutes shorter than the sum of standalone RP performed individually (138.8 ± 1.0 minutes) and standalone FESS (102.9 ± 0.4 minutes).

Conclusions

RP + FESS more frequently involved fewer sinuses (compared with FESS alone) and was also less likely to involve revision rhinoplasty (compared with rhinoplasty alone); therefore, these cases may be selected for lower sinus disease burden and less complex rhinoplasty compared to standalone procedures. Procedures combining rhinoplasty and sinus surgery had a reduction in OR time compared to the hypothetical sum of two standalone procedures.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:E311–E319, 2020
Comparison of total and partial ossicular replacement prostheses in patients with an intact stapes suprastructure
Authors: Weiss Nora M. , DO Ha Vy , Großmann Wilma , Oberhoffner Tobias , Schraven Sebastian P. , Mlynski Robert A.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To compare the results of ossiculoplasty with two different partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) to ossiculoplasty with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) in patients with an intact stapes suprastructure.

Methods

All patients required primary or revision surgery for chronic middle ear disease and ossicular reconstruction with either a PORP or a TORP, as well as a with an intact stapes suprastructure. In total, 141 patients receiving classic tympanoplasty with PORP (N = 92), ossiculoplasty with PORP with ball joint (N = 22), or TORP (N = 27) between January 2011 and March 2017 were included in this study. The inclusion criterion was an intact stapes suprastructure. The underlying indication for surgery was either middle ear disease, such as cholesteatoma, or revision surgery for audiological improvement. The main outcome measures were four‐frequency pure tone average (0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz) at early and late follow‐up after ossiculoplasty, the effects of clinical factors including the underlying middle ear disease, and primary or revision surgery.

Results

All patients showed a significantly reduced air‐bone gap (ABG 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz) at late follow‐up (mean: 18 dB) compared to preoperative measurements (mean: 25.5 dB). A significantly better outcome in ABG closure was shown among patients with a preoperatively intact tympanic membrane, with an intact stapes suprastructure or without preexisting cholesteatoma. Outcome was not significantly influenced by the prosthesis‐type, the creation of an open mastoid cavity, the status of the mucosa, or the indication for surgery.

Conclusion

TORP with an intact stapes suprastructure is a safe procedure and provides audiological outcomes similar to PORP.

Level of Evidence

2C

Laryngoscope, 130:768–775, 2020
Donor site morbidity of vascularized bone grafts from the medial femoral condyle for osseous revascularization
Authors: Struckmann Victoria Franziska , Rusignuolo Giuseppe , Harhaus Leila , Trinler Ursula , Bickert Berthold , Kneser Ulrich , Kremer Thomas
Published: May 2019

Background

Vascularized bone grafts from the medial femoral condyle (MFC) are used to gain surgical revascularization of osseous defects. To date objective data regarding the donor site morbidity are limited. This study aims to evaluate the donor site associated outcome after MFC flap harvest.

Patients and Methods

From 2008 to 2016, 22 patients who underwent MFC bone flap harvest for osseous revascularization of 9 talus, 8 scaphoids, 2 metacarpals, 1 phalanx, 1 pilon tibiale, and 1 distal femur were included.

Outcome analysis was performed for the whole cohort as well as for two subgroups (recipient site upper [group A] and lower extremity [group B]) by the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), the OAK‐score of the Swiss Orthopedic Society and the visual analog scale (VAS). Additionally, a 3D gait analysis was performed for four patients.

Results

The mean flap size was 1 × 1 × 3 cm. No flap loss was observed. One minor surgical revision was performed due to donor site hematoma. Mean follow‐up was 35.8 (12–98) months. Mean LEFS‐score was 74.9 ± 9.5 (A: 74.3 ± 7.9; B: 75.6 ± 11.2, p > .05) and OAK‐score was 92.8 ± 9.4 (A: 93.2 ± 5.8; B: 92.4 ± 12.3, p > .05). At follow‐up examination, pain at rest was stated with 0.1 ± 0.2 (A: 0.1 ± 0.3; B 0 ± 0, p > .05) and with activity 0.6 ± 1.4 (A: 1.2 ± 1.8; B: 0 ± 0, p > .05) on VAS. The 3‐D gait analysis showed normative walking patterns.

Conclusion

After MFC flap harvest knee function and gait pattern were almost unimpaired. Donor site morbidity can be considered as being of minor concern in the decision‐making for this microvascular procedure.
Magnetic composites based on bovine serum albumin and poly(aspartic acid)
Authors: Ghilan Alina , Chiriac Aurica P. , Nita Loredana E.
Published: May 2019

In this investigation, magnetic polymer composites were developed by using a magnetic field‐assisted strategy. To create the composite, an interpolymeric complex based on bovine serum albumin and poly(aspartic acid) used as a polymer matrix was mixed with pre‐synthesized magnetite nanoparticles and then exposed to a high‐frequency magnetic field. The formation of such composite was confirmed by FTIR‐spectra, scanning electron micrographs, dynamic light scattering measurements, and magnetic susceptibility analysis. The results revealed that the materials have a superparamagnetic behavior and an average hydrodynamic size ranging from 220 to 580 nm. The polymer matrix improved the colloidal stability of the magnetic filler. The proposed composites are expected to be promising candidates for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1409–1415 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Alteplase Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: Two Case Reports and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ryman Klayton M. , Pace Wilson D. , Smith Shawn , Fontaine Gabriel V.
Published: May 2019

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) during pregnancy is a rare but serious complication. Intravenous alteplase is the only medication approved for hyperacute treatment of AIS; however, it has not been evaluated prospectively in pregnancy. Pregnancy was an exclusion criterion in prospective AIS studies and was only recently removed as a relative contraindication in the 2018 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke guidelines. Due to the exclusion of pregnant women from randomized controlled trials, the safety of fibrinolytic therapy in pregnant patients is not well established. In this review, we report the use of intravenous alteplase for AIS in two pregnant patients, with temporally associated clinical improvement and without complications to either the mother or fetus. Additionally, we summarize a systematic review of the literature for both intravenous and intra‐arterial alteplase use for AIS in pregnant patients. A total of 31 cases met inclusion criteria for this review of assessment of safety and efficacy of alteplase use in pregnancy. Existing case reports and guidelines support the use of alteplase for AIS in pregnant patients without contraindications.
Psychosocial interventions for advanced cancer patients: A systematic review
Authors: Teo Irene , Krishnan Anirudh , Lee Geok Ling
Published: May 2019

Objective

Psychosocial care for advanced cancer encompasses a wide range of interventions that help patients make life‐changing decisions, manage debilitating symptoms, confront impending mortality, and improve other patient outcomes. Psychosocial care is becoming increasingly available to advanced cancer patients; however, an overview of the various types of interventions is lacking.

Methods

The current review systematically examined randomised‐controlled trials of psychosocial interventions for advanced cancer patients from January 2007 to June 2018. MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were searched, and a total of 68 studies were included in the review.

Results

We found a range of psychosocial interventions studies and grouped them based on six theoretical/clinical approaches: cognitive behavioural therapy based; meaning enhancing; dignity, life review, and narrative; other counselling; education only; and music, writing, and others. The different psychosocial interventions had significantly varied characteristics (eg, format, duration, and resources used) to address issues faced by advanced cancer patients. There is compelling evidence for the use of meaning‐centred psychotherapy to improve meaning and quality of life and use of question prompt lists and communication skills training to improve communication with health care providers.

Conclusions

Some psychosocial interventions are further along in establishing evidence for effectiveness. Our findings demonstrate a growing capacity within the field to meet the psychosocial needs of advanced cancer patients. Lessons and direction in clinical practice and future research endeavours are discussed.
Neural feedback is insufficient in preterm infants during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist
Authors: Nam Soo Kyung , Lee Juyoung , Jun Yong Hoon
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To investigate the effects of changing assistance levels on respiratory patterns, including peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), overassistance, work of breathing, and discomfort in preterm infants during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA).

Working hypothesis

Once the lungs reach optimal inflation, negative feedback suppresses neural respiratory drive and therefore, the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) such that the lungs are protected from overinflation and breathing work is reduced.

Study design

A prospective study was conducted in 14 preterm infants (median postconceptional age of 32.1 weeks) who received at least 24 hours of ventilatory support for respiratory distress.

Methodology

Increasing and decreasing NAVA levels (from 0.5 to 4.0 cmH2O/µV with an interval of 0.5 cmH
2O/µV) were applied for 10 minutes each. Data recorded for the last 5 minutes of each NAVA level were analyzed. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded and premature infant pain profiles were calculated.

Results

An inflection point for PIP was not evident during increasing and decreasing assistance. Increasing NAVA levels caused greater variability in PIP and a higher proportion of the excessive tidal volume of more than 10 mL/kg. Peak Edi and discomfort scale decreased shortly after a small change in NAVA levels during increasing assistance. However, during decreasing assistance, peak Edi and discomfort scale remained low until a large reduction in NAVA levels.

Conclusion

Although NAVA can effectively alleviate the respiratory muscle work and discomfort, the neural feedback for protection from lung overinflation seems to be insufficient in preterm infants.
Concentration–QT Modeling Following Inhalation of the Novel Inhaled Phosphodiesterase‐4 Inhibitor CHF6001 in Healthy Volunteers Shows an Absence of QT Prolongation
Authors: Jolling Koen , Äbelö Angela , Luyckx Nicolas , Nandeuil Marie‐Anna , Govoni Mirco , Cella Massimo , Lindauer Andreas
Published: May 2019

Concentration‐QTcF data obtained from two phase I studies in healthy volunteers treated with a novel phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibitor currently under development for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were analyzed by means of mixed‐effects modeling. A simple linear mixed‐effects model and a more complex model that included oscillatory functions were employed and compared. The slope of the concentration‐QTcF relationship was not significantly greater than 0 in both approaches, and the simulations showed that the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval around the mean ΔΔQTcF is not expected to exceed 10 ms within the range of clinically relevant concentrations. An additional simulation study confirmed the robustness of the simple linear mixed‐effects model for the analysis of concentration‐QT data and supported the modeling of data obtained from studies with different designs (parallel and crossover).
Diallyl disulfide attenuation effect on transcriptome in rat liver cells against cadmium chloride toxicity
Authors: Cobb‐Abdullah Ahkinyala , Lyles Leonard Roy , Odewumi Caroline O , Latinwo Lekan M , Badisa Veera Ld , Abazinge Michael
Published: May 2019

In this report, liver cells were treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and diallyl disulfide (DADS), a major compound from garlic to attenuate the toxic effect of Cd on transcriptome. The viability of Cd treated cells was reduced to 19.9% ± 2.4% in comparison to the untreated cells, whereas the viability of DADS pretreated cells was increased to 48.6% ± 2%. The attenuation effect of DADS was studied at shorter period (6 hours). Transcriptome analysis of CdCl2 alone treated cells resulted in 2119 and 982 (up and down) regulated genes (≥ 2 or ≤ 2‐fold), whereas pretreated cells with DADS resulted in 2597 and 1784 genes. These genes were known to function in many important biological processes. Affymetrix array analysis was validated by the pathway specific PCR array that exhibited the same trend of expression. The current study clearly shows the DADS attenuation effect on transcriptome in CdCl2‐treated rat liver cells.
More on gravitational memory
Authors: Mao Pujian , Wu Xiaoning
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Two novel results for the gravitational memory effect are presented in this paper. We first extend the formula for the memory effect to solutions with arbitrary two surface boundary topology. The memory effect for the Robinson-Trautman solution is obtained in its standard form. Then we propose a new observational effect for the spin memory. It is a time delay of time-like free falling observers.
Interpreting the electron EDM constraint
Authors: Cesarotti Cari , Lu Qianshu , Nakai Yuichiro , Parikh Aditya , Reece Matthew
Published: May 2019

Abstract

The ACME collaboration has recently announced a new constraint on the electron EDM, |d

e
| < 1.1 × 10−29
e cm, from measurements of the ThO molecule. This is a powerful constraint on CP-violating new physics: even new physics generating the EDM at two loops is constrained at the multi-TeV scale. We interpret the bound in the context of different scenarios for new physics: a general order-of-magnitude analysis for both the electron EDM and the CP-odd electron-nucleon coupling; 1-loop SUSY, probing sleptons above 10 TeV; 2-loop SUSY, probing multi-TeV charginos or stops; and finally, new physics that generates the EDM via the charm quark or top quark Yukawa couplings. In the last scenario, new physics generates a “QULE operator”

$$ \left({q}_f{\overline{\sigma}}^{\mu \nu }{\overline{u}}_f\right)\kern0.5em \cdotp \kern0.5em \left(\ell {\overline{\sigma}}_{\mu \nu}\overline{e}\right) $$

q
f

σ
¯

μ
ν

u
¯

f

·

ℓ

σ
¯

μ
ν

e
¯

, which in turn generates the EDM through RG evolution. If the QULE operator is generated at tree level, this corresponds to a previously studied leptoquark model. For the first time, we also classify scenarios in which the QULE operator is generated at one loop through a box diagram, which include (among others) SUSY and leptoquark models. The electron EDM bound is the leading constraint on a wide variety of theories of CP-violating new physics interacting with the Higgs boson or the top quark. We argue that any future nonzero measurement of an electron EDM will provide a strong motivation for constructing new colliders at the highest feasible energies.
Antenatal Presentation of TMEM5 Gene-Associated Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Expanding the Phenotypic and Genotypic Spectrum
Authors: Arora Veronica , Puri Ratna-Dua , Bijarnia-Mahay Sunita , Verma I. C.
Published: May 2019

We describe a clinicoautopsy phenotype of an occipital skull defect, ventriculomegaly, agenesis of corpus callosum and Dandy Walker Malformation (DWM) with a novel single base insertion in the TMEM5 gene, known to cause Walker Warburg syndrome. The clinical features of DWM extends the phenotype, while the pathogenic variant observed expands the mutational spectrum of the syndrome. This case highlights the importance of detailed postnatal phenotyping after a pregnancy is discontinued for an antenatallly detected malformation. Fetal samples must also be preserved for genetic tests to allow an etiological diagnosis in these situations. It is important for the fetal medicine specialists to remember to test for single gene disorders, after a normal chromosomal microarray especially in case of recurrence of a disease in a family.
Religious Culture and Violence in Traditional China
Authors: ter Haar Barend
Published: May 2019

The basis of Chinese religious culture, and with that many aspects of daily life, was the threat and fear of demonic attacks. These were inherently violent and could only be counteracted by violence as well - even if this reactive violence was masked by euphemisms such as execution, expulsion, exorcisms and so on. At the same time, violence was a crucial dimension of the maintenance of norms and values, for instance in sworn agreements or in beliefs about underworld punishment. Violence was also an essential aspect of expressing respect through sacrificial gifts of meat (and in an earlier stage of Chinese culture also human flesh) and through a culture of auto-mutilation and ritual suicide. At the same time, conventional indigenous terms for violence such as bao 暴 were not used for most of these practices since they were not experienced as such, but rather justified as positive uses of physical force.
The General Reader and the Academy
Authors: Tether Leah
Published: May 2019

Penguin Classics have built their reputation as one of the largest and most successful modern imprints for 'classic' texts on the notion of 'the general reader'. Following an interrogation of this idea, Leah Tether investigates the publication of medieval French literature on this list and shines a light on the drivers, motivations, negotiations and decision-making processes behind it. Focusing on the medieval French texts published between c.1956 and 2000, Tether demonstrates that, rather than Penguin's frequently cited 'general reader', a more academic market may have contributed to ensuring the success of these titles.
Recognition and Enforcement of State Contract Awards in the United States: A Restatement
Authors: Delaume Georges R.
Published: May 2019

There is an abundant literature on the subject of state contract awards, including matters concerning recognition and enforcement, and related issues of sovereign immunity. For the most part, however, the studies that have been published tend to focus on spectacular situations involving bitter and protracted litigation in the aftermath of such well-known awards as those between the SEEE and Yugoslavia, SPP and Egypt, and LIAMCO and Libya.
Whose Child Is This? Reflections on the Speaking Voice in Isaiah 9:5
Authors: Roberts J. J. M.
Published: May 2019

In his 1947 article, “Das judäische Königsritual,” Gerhard von Rad argued that the Judean enthronement ritual was heavily dependent on the corresponding Egyptian ritual. He argued persuasively that theof Ps 2:7, theof 2 Kgs 11:12, and theof Ps 89:40 were all simply different designations of the same reality, the Judean counterpart of the Egyptiannḫb.t, the royal protocol that the deity writes and presents to the new king along with the crown at the time of the latter's coronation. The Egyptian protocol contained the five names of the new pharaoh's titulary and the legitimation of his rule by the deity's acknowledgment of the king as the deity's child. Von Rad argued that both of these elements also appeared in the Judean ritual. Ps 2:7 quotes from the protocol marking Yahweh's legitimation of the new Davidic king as God's son, while Isa 9:5 reflects the king's divine sonship as well as his five-fold royal titulary.
The Clothing of the Primordial Adam as a Symbol of Apocalyptic Time in the Midrashic Sources
Authors: Rubin Nissan , Kosman Admiel
Published: May 2019

One relates to existential reality through the lenses that one's culture supplies. The culture of each society, in turn, includes the way it relates to time and, as a result, to history. Time as a physical quantity would appear to be a neutral concept, but its measurement is arbitrary. Time is certainly not neutral in any culture. It assumes various qualities, depending on the symbolic meaning that persons attribute to it. One therefore finds different approaches to history or to the writing of history in different cultures. The Greeks in the Classical and Hellenistic eras and the Romans in the ancient world attempted to write history for its own sake and to satisfy intellectual curiosity. On the other hand, the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians wrote chronographies, but not history in the western sense. Ancient Israel lies between these: one finds historiography in the Bible, but not history for its own sake. The Bible presents a view of divine providence in history, with God's essence being visible through historical deeds. Great importance thus attaches to remembrance through various rituals, in prayers and in celebrations on the Shabbat, festive days, and mourning and fast days. These do not, however, require those remembering to be historians. On the contrary, a society that molds its members in accordance with unequivocal memory patterns does not permit them to examine its history in a critical fashion; it constructs in them a collective memory, which transmits a single incontestable message.
Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay): Protocol of Brasilia for the Settlement of Disputes
Authors: Alhadeff Evelina Teubal
Published: May 2019

The Protocol of Brasilia on dispute resolution, together with the Treaty of Asuncion for the Constitution of a Common Market among Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay (Mercosur) [30 I.L.M. 1044 (1991)] and the Protocol of Ouro Preto on the Institutional Structure of Mercosur [34 I.L.M. 1244 (1995)], forms part of the basic legal framework for the process of economic integration in the Southern cone of Latin America.
South Africa: International Law Provisions of 1996 Constitution
Authors: Dugard John
Published: May 2019

In 1993 the South African Parliament adopted an Interim Constitution which came into effect on April 27, 1994 [33 I.L.M. 1043 (1994)]. This Constitution, which brought to an end 40 years of apartheid, was negotiated by political groups which in most instances were unelected and simply reflected the political realities of the time. For this reason it was approved only as an Interim Constitution pending the adoption of a final Constitution by a democratically elected Parliament sitting as a Constitutional Assembly. However, as the 1993 Interim Constitution was a political compromise between rival groups, it was agreed that the final Constitution would have to comply with 34 Constitutional Principles contained in the 1993 Constitution and that a Constitutional Court would be empowered to pronounce on the compliance of the final Constitution with these principles.
Anguilla-Antigua and Barbuda-Aruba-Bahamas-Barbados-Bermuda-British Virgin Islands-Cayman Islands-Dominica-Grenada-Guyana-Jamaica-Montserrat-Netherlands Antilles-Saint Kitts and Nevis-Saint Lucia-Saint Vincent and the Grenadines-Suriname-Trinidad and Tobago-Turks and Caicos Islands: Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control in the Caribbean Region
Authors: Kimball Lee A.
Published: May 2019

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control in the Caribbean Region is the fourth in a series commencing in 1982 with the Paris Memorandum (Europe). The other two cover the Latin American (1992) and Asia Pacific (1993) regions, and further regional developments are in the offing. These documents represent an innovative exercise by port states at the regional level to guard against accidents and pollution caused by vessels that do not conform with generally accepted international rules and standards. Following the practice of the Paris MOU, most also ensure conformity with international standards for seafarers to ensure acceptable living and working conditions on board ships. Each MOU identifies the relevant rules by reference to specific conventions adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Guatemala-Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace, and the 10 Integral Agreements Covering Human Rights, Resettlement, Human Rights Violations, Indigenous Peoples, Social and Economic Issues, Civilian Power and the Armed Forces, Definitive Ceasefire, Constitutional and Electoral Reforms, the Legal Integration of Urng, and Implementation, Compliance and Verification
Authors: Arnson Cynthia
Published: May 2019

On December 29, 1996, the Guatemalan government and guerrillas of the Unidad Revoludonaria Nadonal Guatemalteca (Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity) (URNG) signed an “Accord for a Firm and Lasting Peace,” formally ending Central America's longest and bloodiest internal armed conflict. According to estimates by Guatemalan human rights groups, brutal counterinsurgency campaigns by the army and civil defense groups took over 100,000 lives, resulted in the “disappearance” of some 40,000 others, and produced hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons.
ICRC action during the Second World War
Authors: Bugnion François
Published: May 2019

Following allegations that appeared in the press last summer, calling into question the actions of some of its delegates during the Second World War, the ICRC resolved to shed full light on that period in its history. The allegations were based on a number of reports by agents of the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the predecessor of today's CIA, and suggested that ICRC delegates had been involved in activities that were inconsistent with the organization's humanitarian mandate.
1997: the year of a treaty banning anti-personnel mines?
Authors: Herby Peter
Published: May 2019

Following widespread disappointment with the modest amendments made in 1996 to Protocol II relating to landmines, of the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), hopes have risen that 1997 may see the adoption and signing of a new international treaty prohibiting the production, export, transfer and use of anti-personnel landmines. Although such a treaty might not attract universal adherence at the outset, it would nevertheless establish a significant international legal norm and represent a major advance towards the ICRC's goal of bringing the scourge of landmines to an end.
Making the distinctive emblem visible to thermal imaging cameras
Authors: Loye Dominique
Published: May 2019

Armed forces have for many years developed new methods of observation in order to increase their capacity to fight at any time of day or night and in any weather conditions. Some have thus equipped themselves with thermal imaging or infrared (IR) cameras, which make it possible to recognize and detect people and objects not only at night but also in poor daytime visibility conditions (for example, through smoke, foliage or light rain).
Wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) is genetically variable and distinct from crop varieties of proso millet
Authors: Colosi Joseph C. , Schaal Barbara A.
Published: May 2019

Proso millet occurs both as a crop and a weed in North America. In 1970, an olive-black seeded biotype called ‘wild proso millet’ was found as an aggressive weed in row crops in Minnesota and Wisconsin and has since spread over a large area. We used Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to assess genetic relationships among biotypes, measure genetic variation within wild proso millet across its range, and detect hybridization between wild proso millet and crop biotypes of proso millet. We found 97 RAPD genotypes among 398 individuals: 69 wild proso millet genotypes, 26 crop and crop-like weed genotypes, and two hybrid genotypes. Five RAPD markers consistently differentiated wild proso millet from crop cultivars and crop-like weeds. About 10% of the genotypes had at least one marker of the other type, suggesting possible hybridization between wild proso millet and crop biotypes. Most genotypes occurred in only one or two of the over 100 populations tested. The most widespread wild proso millet genotype occurred in 12 populations distributed in North Dakota, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. More genetic variation exists among populations of wild proso millet than expected for a plant that presumably experienced a severe genetic bottleneck only 20 generations ago. Hypermutation rates and crossing between wild proso millet and crop cultivars could not account for the degree of genetic variation found in wild proso millet. The pattern of genetic variation among wild proso millet populations suggests multiple introductions of wild proso millet to North America.
Biological control of plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoidesL.) in Argentina
Authors: Feldman Susana R.
Published: May 2019

Plumeless thistle is a European Asteraceae naturalized in Argentina, where it is a troublesome pasture and range weed. A European weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus) was imported for biocontrol of this thistle. Oviposition patterns, egg to adult survival, and the weevil's effect on the production of achenes by thistles were monitored over 2 yr. The oviposition period did not begin simultaneously in all thistle populations, but finished in late November. Egg to larvae survival was 63% and egg to adult survival was approximately 50%. No important egg predators were detected. The weevils destroyed 80% of the propagules per capitulum and showed a slight tendency to adapt to the plumeless thistle cycle.
Microbial degradation of imazaquin and imazethapyr
Authors: Flint Jerry L. , Witt William W.
Published: May 2019

Laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the processes of imazaquin and imazethapyr degradation in soil. Microbial degradation of14C-imazaquin and14C-imazethapyr was monitored by measuring14CO2evolution compared to nonsterile soil.14CO2evolution was greatest from carboxyl-labeled imazaquin and imazethapyr compared to ring-labeled imazaquin and imazethapyr. A corn root bioassay indicated nearly complete loss of herbicidal activity in nonsterile soil after 5 mo, but herbicide activity was reduced only 14% in sterile soil.14CO2evolution more than doubled when soil temperature increased from 15 to 30 C. Total CO2production responded similarly. Degradation of imazaquin and imazethapyr increased as soil moisture increased from 15% (-2.4 MPa) to 75% of field capacity (-0.03 MPa).
Banning 2,4-D and the phenoxy herbicides: potential economic impact
Authors: Szmedra Philip
Published: May 2019

In response to concern by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the health effects of farmworker exposure to 2,4-D and the phenoxy class of herbicides, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) initiated a benefits assessment in 1993 to determine the economic implications of a complete ban of these materials in agricultural and nonagricultural uses. About 55 million pounds of phenoxy herbicides are used annually in the United States, with 2,4-D comprising 86% of total use or about 47 million pounds of acid equivalent. The severest economic effects would be felt in major field crop applications and in alfalfa forage uses. The total loss of phenoxy herbicides in field crop applications could result in net societal losses, which combine producer and consumer effects of yield, cost, and price changes, approaching $1.2 billion. Greatest yield losses averaged over total planted acres under a total phenoxy herbicide loss scenario would be seen in peanut (13%), alfalfa (5.2%), barley (3.8%), sorghum (2.4%), and wheat (2.2%). Producers of orchard, vineyard, soft fruit, and nut crops could incur losses of $105 million. The estimated aggregate economic impact of losing phenoxy herbicides in the applications included in this paper is a loss of $1.3 billion. These estimates describe the yield and financial impacts of the initial production year after a cancellation. Subsequent years' losses and financial impacts would be less as farmers and markets adjust to the new production situation.
Physiological characteristics of a stem cut and blade delivery method of application
Authors: Wahlers Richard L. , Burton James D. , Maness Eleanor P. , Skroch Walter A.
Published: May 2019

Herbicide absorption and translocation patterns were determined following a wet blade method of application to dogfennel stems. Treatment consisted of severing stems with a pruning shear blade containing 5 μl of [14C]-triclopyr or [14C]-clopyralid solution. More than 73 or 82% of applied [14C]-triclopyr or [14C]-clopyralid was absorbed immediately, and uptake increased to more than 90%, 60 min after treatment. Both radiolabeled compounds appeared in the roots as soon as 12 h after treatment. By 48 h, 5 to 7% of the [14C] label was present in the roots, and 7 to 10% was exuded from the roots.
Characterization of cross-resistance patterns in acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor resistant wild oat (Avena fatua)
Authors: Bourgeois Luc , Kenkel Norm C. , Morrison Ian N.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine cross-resistance patterns among wild oat lines resistant to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors and to determine which, if any, cross-resistant type was more common than another. Discriminatory concentrations of two aryloxyphenoxy-propionates (APP) and three cyclohexanediones (CHD) were determined using a petri-dish bioassay. These concentrations were then applied to 82 resistant wild oat lines identified in previous studies. In addition, two resistant standards (UM1 and UM33) and a susceptible standard (UM5) were included in the experiments. Coleoptile lengths expressed as percentages of untreated controls were used to assess the level of resistance to each herbicide. Large variations were observed among wild oat lines and herbicides. However, cluster analysis summarized the relationship between the five herbicides (variables) and the wild oat lines into three main cross-resistance types. Type A included wild oat lines with high resistance to APP herbicides and no or low resistance to CHD herbicides. Types B and C included those with low to moderate resistant and high levels of resistance to all five herbicides, respectively. Type C was the most common cross-resistance type. Relationships among herbicides were determined using pairwise correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). All correlations were high between APP herbicides and between CHD herbicides but not between APP and CHD herbicides. The first two axes of the PCA accounted for 88.4% of the total variance, with the first axis correlated to the CHD herbicides and the second axis correlated to the APP herbicides. In the PCA, wild oat lines were segregated into the three types identified in the cluster analysis. Although CHD and APP herbicides bind at the same region on the ACCase, resistant wild oat lines respond differently to them.
Allelopathic activity of annual wormwood (Artemisia annua) and the role of artemisinin
Authors: Lydon John , Teasdale John R. , Chen Peter K.
Published: May 2019

Leaf tissue and leaf-tissue extracts from annual wormwood and pure artemisinin were evaluated for their effects on plant growth when incorporated into sandy loam soil. Dried leaf tissue was successively extracted with methylene chloride (MeCl2), ethanol (EtOH), and water, and the extracts and residue were reduced to dryness and stored at −20 C. Leaf tissue was incorporated in soil at rates equivalent to 0, 0.37, 0.73, or 1.1% (w/w) based on soil dry weight. Peat moss treated with extracts or artemisinin was incorporated into soil at a rate equivalent to the 0.73% (w/w) treatment. Inhibition of growth was species-specific; estimated reduction of dry weight by 0.73% (w/w) leaf tissue was 82, 49, 25, and 9% for redroot pigweed, common lambsquarters, soybean, and corn, respectively. The effects of the MeCl2extract, which contained all of the extractable artemisinin, on germination and growth of redroot pigweed were similar to that of leaf tissue. Annual wormwood leaf tissue and MeCl2-extract treatments were the only treatments that resulted in a reduction in seedling survival. Artemisinin at levels equivalent to that contained in the MeCl2extract and leaf-tissue treatments had significantly less effect on seedling survival, germination, and growth of redroot pigweed than the MeCl2extract. Furthermore, the aqueous extract, which did not contain artemisinin, and the extract residue had activities similar to that of the artemisinin treatment. Thus, the allelopathic effects of annual wormwood can not be attributed to artemisinin alone.
Glyphosate or sethoxydim for quackgrass (Elytrigia repens) control in two tillage regimes
Authors: Harker K. Neil , Born William H. Vanden
Published: May 2019

Field experiments were conducted at Lacombe and Ellerslie, Alberta, Canada, to study the interaction of tillage with glyphosate and sethoxydim on quackgrass shoot and rhizome biomass, rhizome bud viability, and crop yield. Glyphosate was most effective in the conventional tillage regime, whereas sethoxydim was effective only in conventional tillage. Tillage reduced viable rhizome buds more than shoot or rhizome biomass. The large tillage effect on quackgrass control with either herbicide would likely be diminished in zero tillage systems that employ preseeding burn-off or preharvest application of glyphosate. Under zero and conventional tillage, glyphosate at 220 g ha−1often was as effective as glyphosate at 880 g ha−1.A split application of glyphosate at 220 g ha−1in the fall and spring was as effective as a single 880 g ha−1treatment in conventional tillage, and sometimes more effective than 880 g ha−1in zero tillage. Glyphosate followed by sethoxydim was usually no better than glyphosate alone. Short-term split applications of sethoxydim offered no consistent advantage over single applications.
Corn (Zea mays) acetolactate synthase sensitivity to four classes of ALS-inhibiting herbicides
Authors: Wright Terry R. , Penner Donald
Published: May 2019

In vitro acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity from three commercial imidazolinone-resistant corn hybrids (ICI 8692 IT, Pioneer 3751 IR, and Ciba 4393 IMR) was compared to imidazolinone-sensitive isogenic hybrid controls for sensitivity to 11 herbicides representing four classes of ALS-inhibiting herbicide chemistry. Acetolactate synthase activity from Pioneer IR and Ciba IMR was cross-resistant to all four classes of ALS inhibitors, ranging from 48- to 5,000-fold. The ICI IT hybrid displayed only four- to eightfold resistance to the six imidazolinone herbicides and the pyrimidinylthiobenzoate herbicide, pyrithiobac, but no cross-resistance to the sulfonylurea and triazolopyrimidine sulfonanilide herbicides. The four- to eightfold enzyme resistance to imidazolinone herbicides provides whole-plant resistance; however, the sevenfold enzyme resistance to pyrithiobac was insufficient to afford whole-plant protection to a field application rate of the herbicide. A second imidazolinone-specific resistance allele,XI-12, currently under commercial development, was examined for the level of dominance at the enzyme level. In the heterozygous state, imazethapyr resistance was fivefold, compared to 250-fold in the homozygous condition, indicatingXI-12is a semidominant trait. No cross-resistance to nicosulfuron or primisulfuron was observed in the heterozygousXI-12hybrid extracts nor to nicosulfuron in theXI-12homozygote; however, a fivefold resistance to primisulfuron was detected in theXI-12homozygote.
Effect of moisture stress and glyphosate on adventitious shoot growth of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Authors: Tworkoski Thomas J. , Engle Michael E. , Kujawski Peter T.
Published: May 2019

The effect of reduced water availability on glyphosate efficacy and adventitious shoot growth in male and female clones of Canada thistle was studied. Water availability was regulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in hydroponically grown plants or by withholding water from soil-grown plants. In hydroponic media, there was 50% more adventitious shoot growth from male plants than from female plants. Both PEG and foliarly applied glyphosate reduced the number of adventitious shoots, regardless of gender. In soil, the same number of adventitious shoots formed on untreated male and female plants. However, when glyphosate was applied to plants growing under dry conditions, there was 75% more adventitious shoot growth from males than females. Distribution of glyphosate was similar in male and female plants. Approximately 23% of applied14C-glyphosate was transported throughout Canada thistle plants within 10 d of treatment regardless of gender or moisture condition. Gender differences in capacity for vegetative reproduction may alter the sex ratio of Canada thistle populations in the field following glyphosate application.