bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Part I State Obligations and Rights Protected, Ch.II Civil and Political Rights, Art.7: Right to Personal Liberty
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter looks at Article 7 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which refers to the core human value of individual liberty and is based on a dual structure. As highlighted by the Inter-American Court, it contains two types of rules. The first type is general and provides for the right to personal liberty and security. The second type is specific and composed of a set of rights and guarantees aiming at protecting the right not to be deprived of liberty unlawfully (Article 7-2) or arbitrarily (Article 7-3), including for debt (Article 7-7), to be informed of the reasons of the detention and to be notified of the charges brought against the detainee (Article 7-4), to judicial control of the deprivation of liberty (Article 7-5), and to contest the lawfulness of the arrest (Article 7-6). Article 7 is also invoked in many cases of enforced disappearances, which by their very nature involve an arbitrary denial of physical liberty of the victims; incommunicado detentions; deprivation of liberty in the context of migration or extradition; deprivation of liberty of juveniles, or institutionalization of children; and arbitrary detention in situations of enslavement and human trafficking, even when caused by a private person or paramilitary forces. This provision may also play a role in cases dealing with the broader concept of individual autonomy and self-determination.
Part I State Obligations and Rights Protected, Ch.II Civil and Political Rights, Art.10: Right to Compensation
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter describes Article 10 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which protects the right to “compensation” for persons convicted as a result of a miscarriage of justice. While Article 8 protects the right to a fair trial, the drafters of the Convention have chosen to devote a separate provision to the specific issue of compensation, following the recognition of the principle of criminal legality (Article 9). Although autonomous, the right to compensation for a miscarriage of justice is intimately related to other rights protected by the ACHR, notably Articles 8 and 25 (right to a judge; right to judicial guarantees) and Article 63-1 on reparation for violations of the rights of the ACHR. Article 10 is not included in the list of non-derogable rights under Article 27-2 of the ACHR. This implies that in time of war, public danger, or any other emergency threatening its independence or security, a State Party may take measures derogating from its obligations the provision.
Part I State Obligations and Rights Protected, Ch.II Civil and Political Rights, Art.19: Rights of the Child
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter investigates Article 19 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which protects the rights of the child, and emphasizes their right to “measures of protection” required by their condition as minor. The protective measures must be put in place and implemented by the child's family, society, and the State. Article 19 of the ACHR offers special protection to children because of their vulnerability, which requires enhanced and adjusted measures of protection. As expressed by the Inter-American Court, the special protection due to children is based on their “weakness, immaturity or inexperience,” and special measures are needed to foster “the harmonious development of their personality and the enjoyment of their recognized rights.” The raison d'être of this special protection lies, as the Inter-American Court emphasizes, in the fact that children, unlike adults, progressively exercise their rights, in the sense that their autonomy develops gradually
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VII Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, s.1 Organization, Article 35
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter evaluates Article 35 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 35 of the ACHR is the same provision as Article 2-2 of the Statute of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and is also found in Article 1-2 of the Rules of Procedure of the Commission. In requiring that the Commission must represent “all the member countries” of the Organization of American States (OAS), Article 35 of the Convention underlines the independence of the members toward their own State. Given that there are only seven members and thirty-five States members of the OAS, this clarification was required. This provision must be read in conjunction with Article 36 that indicates that the members of the Commission are elected in their personal capacity and not as representatives of their government. Overall, “these provisions at once isolate the commissioners from their governments and legitimize the actions of the Commission as actions of the OAS itself.”
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VII Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, s.1 Organization, Article 38
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter looks at Article 38 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 38 of the ACHR is intended to cover the special case of a vacancy that occurs under exceptional conditions, such as death, removal, or early resignation. Article 38 of the ACHR and Article 11 of the Statute of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights organize the rules governing this type of early election. Providing for this type of situation is common in international institutions of this type. Articles 33-1 and 34 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), for example, provide for the same type of rules obeying the same rationale. Considering that the Commission is composed of only seven members and taking account the heavy workload of this institution, such provision allowing to organize fast replacement is fully relevant. Indeed, Article 38 was used in practice in several cases.
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VII Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, s.2 Functions, Article 42
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores Article 42 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which is a procedural and institutional provision. It requires the States Parties to the Convention to transmit to the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights copies of the reports and studies that they submit to other inter-American bodies each year. Although this provision appears to be a marginal procedural provision, it reflects the longstanding position of American States on the nature of economic, social, and cultural rights (ESCR). Indeed, according to that position, the nature of the economic, social, and cultural rights is perceived to be different from that of civil and political rights and therefore, does require different and specific mechanisms of overview. Article 42 is intimately and inherently connected to Article 26; formally speaking, the “implicit rights” mentioned in Article 42 are those quoted in Article 26.
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VII Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, s.4 Procedure, Article 49
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter evaluates Article 49 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 49 of the ACHR complements Article 48-1(f), addressing the noncontentious procedure that may be applied in an individual petition or interstate communication. It describes the steps to be followed by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights when a friendly settlement is reached by the parties. Under Article 49 of the ACHR, the Commission must approve the amicable settlement. To do so, it has to verify that the conditions of validity are met, in particular as regards the consent of the parties and the content of the agreement, which must be fully compatible with human rights. Therefore, the approval procedure described briefly under Article 49 (and detailed under Article 40-5 of the Commission's Rules of Procedure) is far from purely formal or technical. Quite the opposite, the noncontentious phase is the subject of a particular attention by the Commission that provides not only an assessment of the terms of the agreement, but also of its status of implementation by the State's authorities.
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.VIII Inter-American Court of Human Rights, s.2 Jurisdiction and Functions, Article 64
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter evaluates Article 64 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 64 of the ACHR confers on the Inter-American Court, under certain personal and material conditions, the competence to render advisory opinions. This is therefore outside the realm of litigation, in that it is not a matter of deciding a dispute relating to the application or interpretation of the Convention but rather of answering a question in abstracto relating to human rights. Article 64 creates a particularly ambitious and original mechanism, bringing together both classical and innovative aspects. The advantage of this mechanism is that it can play a role in preventing violations of the Convention, if it is actually used. From its first opinion, the Inter-American Court laid down the purposes of this particular procedure. It is aimed to assist States in their implementation of the ACHR, and to assist other Organization of American States (OAS) member States not bound by the Convention and OAS organs. The advisory procedure before the Inter-American Court has, actually, no equivalent in comparison with other international courts and tribunals.
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.IX Common Provisions, Article 71
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter explores Article 71 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). After the question of immunities and privileges (Article 70), the issue of incompatibilities is dealt with in Article 71. The link with the previous provision is obvious. The aim is to ensure proper, fair, and independent functioning of the organs. Immunities and privileges are intended to protect them from any pressure when they are engaged on business with their mandates, while Article 71 addresses more directly the institutional independence of experts. Further in the ACHR, this independence is consolidated by Article 73 (disciplinary regime). Moreover, the incompatibilities are linked to the issue addressed by Article 72 of the “remuneration” (“emoluments”) of the tasks carried out by the two bodies (the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and the Inter-American Court).
Part II Means of Protection, Ch.IX Common Provisions, Article 72
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter studies Article 72 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR), which deals with a fundamental tool for the effective functioning of any institution, that is, its financing. Article 72 provides that members of the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights and judges of the Inter-American Court shall receive “emoluments … with due regard for the importance and independence of their office.” In addition, it establishes the general framework for the preparation of the Court's budget. Under Article 72, the Inter-American Court plays an important role in the drafting of its budget. This element is obviously crucial to ensuring the independence of the inter-American judiciary with respect to the States Parties to the ACHR, but also with respect to the other organs of the Organization of American States (OAS).
Part III General and Transitory Provisions, Ch.X Signature, Ratification, Reservations, Amendments, Protocols, and Denunciation, Article 74
Authors: Ludovic Hennebel , Hélène Tigroudja
Published: January 2022

This chapter reviews Article 74 of the American Convention on Human Rights (ACHR). Article 74 of the ACHR illustrates a clear manifestation of the conventional freedom of States, namely, that the negotiation phase of the ACHR is distinct from that of the commitment to be bound by it. The States which participated in the preparatory work for the ACHR formally adopted the final text on November 22, 1969. However, this adoption should not be confused with an undertaking to be bound within the meaning of Article 74. This subsequent stage requires their consent to be formalized in accordance with the rules laid down in the provision. Article 74 is therefore a key provision of the inter-American system. The ACHR binds only those States that have expressly followed the procedures set out in this provision.
Authorization and Supervision of Crowdfunding Service Providers
Authors: Louisse Marije , Pasaribu Adam
Published: January 2022

This chapter discusses the provisions of the Crowdfunding Regulation governing the new authorisation for crowdfunding service providers to provide crowdfunding services in the EU. It elaborates on the crowdfunding services that may be provided and the scope of the authorisation, the authorisation process, and the cross-border provision of crowdfunding services. In addition, the chapter looks at the supervision by the competent authorities, including the exercise of supervisory powers and powers to impose sanctions, and the obligations of the crowdfunding service provides towards competent authorities. Ultimately, the authorisation and supervision framework in the Crowdfunding Regulation is clearly inspired by MiFID II. The chapter then assesses how the authorisation for crowdfunding service providers contributes towards market access for crowdfunding service providers under other EU and national law instruments.
Civil and Commercial Jurisdiction in Crowdfunding-Related Litigation
Authors: Ortolani Pietro
Published: January 2022

This chapter reviews the allocation of court jurisdiction in the EU, for crowdfunding-related litigation. Importantly, the Crowdfunding Regulation allows the cross-border provision of crowdfunding services, but does not include any heads of jurisdiction for civil disputes arising out of such provision of services. In the absence of any relevant rules in the new Regulation, the allocation of jurisdiction among Member State Courts is regulated by the Brussels I bis Regulation. However, the recent case-law of the CJEU casts significant doubts as to whether the Brussels regime is indeed adequate to deal with this type of cases, also in light of the multiplication of available fora it potentially entails. The chapter applies the existing rules of EU civil procedure to the phenomenon of crowdfunding, assessing which national courts may be competent to hear disputes arising out of services and investments covered by the Crowdfunding Regulation.
The Use of Force after the UN Charter
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: January 2022

This chapter begins with the prohibition on the use of force contained in the UN Charter in 1945. It explores what constitutes as an illegal use of force under the UN Charter, looking at the exceptions to the prohibition, use of force in self-defence, authorization by the UN Security Council, and intervention by invitation. There is an examination of what constitutes a war of aggression and the crime of aggression. The Chapter ends with a consideration of the claim that force can be used for the purpose of humanitarian intervention.
War Powers in National Law
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: January 2022

This chapter looks at the War Powers Resolution, passed by the US Congress in the wake of the conflict in Viet Nam. It considers its application in recent years with regard to Kosovo, Libya and Yemen. There is a consideration of how similar legislation or traditions contain the Executive from using force abroad in states such as the United Kingdom and Japan. The Chapter then considers measures taken in time of War in the United States and the United Kingdom which relate to the internment of enemy aliens, trading with the enemy, and the denial of access to the courts by such enemy aliens. The Chapter ends with an examination of the law on treason in various states and the requirement under some laws that certain forms of treason require a formal State of War.
Warfare – the Conduct of Hostilities
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: January 2022

This chapter recounts how the law of armed conflict is seen as broken into what was known as Hague law and Geneva law. The Hague law covered the means and methods of warfare or the conduct of hostilities, while the Geneva law was said to be for the protection of the victims of war. It reviews claims that the laws of war entitle an individual to kill members of the enemy's armed forces as an exercise of the law of war authority or justified as a lawful act of war. The chapter challenges the assumption that international law or the 'law of war' authorizes in broad terms lethal force as a matter of first resort against an identified enemy. It highlights how the battlefield killing of a state’s soldiers in international armed conflict war by the armed forces of another state cannot be tried as murder as those who engage in such killings enjoy combatant immunity before the courts of the other state. Captured soldiers are interned as prisoners of war. In non-international armed conflict the situation is more complex as it is not always clear who can be targeted and who loses their protection as a civilian by directly partipating in hostilities. The chapter considers that the principle of necessity operates as a further restraint on violence. The Chapter ends with a description of which weapons are prohibited in times of armed conflict and explains that shortening a war can not justify massive aeriel bombardment of civilian areas or the use weapons of mass destruction.
Accountability for Violations of the Laws of War
Authors: Clapham Andrew
Published: January 2022

This chapter covers the trials and convictions of leaders for crimes against peace in Nuremberg and Tokyo after the Second World War. It also examines the reparations regimes set up with regard to Iraq in 1991 and the Eritrea-Ethiopia conflict in 1998. The chapter explains how the crime of aggression operates in the Statute of the International Criminal Court. It describes possibilities to demand various forms of accountability for breaching other rules of international law that are considered war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide. There is an almost complete listing of war crimes as well as an explanation of the significance of some war crimes being grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and Protocol I. The Chapter ends with a look at other forms of accountability beyond criminal prosecution, including the use of belligerent reprisals.
Ristau's International Judicial Assistance
Authors: Stewart David P , Bowker David W
Published: January 2022

Today’s legal practitioners who deal with cross-border disputes in civil and commercial matters work in an increasingly complex transnational legal environment. This book provides up-to-date background, explanations, and practical guidance on how to deal with the most important challenges and recent developments in the field, including choice of forum, choice of law, service of process, proof of foreign law, taking of evidence, and enforcement of judgments. A major focus is on the mechanisms for international judicial assistance, in particular those provided by regional and international arrangements such as the Hague Conventions on service, evidence, Apostilles, choice-of-court agreements and the enforcement of judgments, as well as the regional arrangements within the OAS and the EU. The book builds on Bruno Ristau’s classic multi-volume work International Judicial Assistance, updating its discussions of service of process and the taking of evidence, supplementing comparative background material, and adding several chapters to cover a more complete span of litigation topics and provide the practical guidance today’s practitioners need to navigate the field of international civil litigation.
Choice of Forum
Authors: Stewart David P , Bowker David W
Published: January 2022

A critical decision in transnational commercial deals involves determining where any disputes that arise will be resolved. This chapter reviews and assesses the relative merits of the alternatives, including litigation in domestic courts (with differing national approaches to jurisdiction) or in the relatively new international commercial courts, in international commercial arbitration, in investor-state dispute settlement fora, or in international mediation. It addresses the nature, function, and enforceability of contractual forum selection clauses (including under the 2005 Hague Choice of Court Convention), the problems of parallel proceedings in competing national jurisdictions, and the special challenges of litigating against foreign states and their entities in U.S. courts under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.
Service of Process
Authors: Stewart David P , Bowker David W
Published: January 2022

Different domestic legal systems have different and sometimes incompatible rules for formally notifying parties of a particular legal proceeding or related event. This chapter reviews the differences in rules for “service of process” across national boundaries and the methods for resolving the resulting conflicts, in particular through such “international judicial assistance” conventions as the 1965 Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters. After a brief comparative introduction and a review of relevant U.S. rules and procedures, this chapter describes methods for accomplishing service despite differences in national rules, for example, through the Hague Service Convention, the 1979 Inter-American Convention on Letters Rogatory, or the European Union’s service rules. It also describes issues and evolving rules regarding service by email and other electronic methods.
Individual element sensitivity for stellar evolutionary isochrones
Authors: Worthey Guy , Shi Xiang , Pal Tathagata , Lee Hyun-chul , Tang Baitian
Published: January 2022

Stellar evolution calculations with variable abundance ratios were used to gauge the effects on temperatures, luminosities, and lifetimes in various phases. The individual elements C, N, O, Mg, Si, and Fe were included. Most of the effect relevant to integrated light models is contained in the temperature variable, as opposed to the time-scale or luminosity. We derive a recipe for including abundance-sensitive temperature effects that is applicable to existing isochrone grids. The resultant enhanced isochrones are incorporated into composite stellar population models and compared with galaxy data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. A severe oxygen–age degeneracy is apparent, 2–3 Gyr per 0.1 dex in [O/R], where R represents a heavy element such as Fe. Over the range of early-type galaxy velocity dispersion, the spans of all abundance ratios are reduced but the age range increases and becomes systematically older. Allowing Fe-peak elements the freedom to vary accentuates this increase of age span. Overall, these results sharpen the age–mass correlation known as downsizing but decrease the steepness of abundance ratio gradients. Both of these observations, in turn, imply a more robust contribution from gas-free mergers in the histories of typical elliptical galaxies.
Updated modelling and refined absolute parameters of the oscillating eclipsing binary AS Eri
Authors: Lampens P , Mkrtichian D , Lehmann H , Gunsriwiwat K , Vermeylen L , Matthews J , Kuschnig R
Published: January 2022

We present a new study of the Algol-type eclipsing binary system AS Eri based on the combination of the MOST and TESS light curves and a collection of very precise radial velocities obtained with the spectrographs HERMES operating at the Mercator telescope, La Palma, and TCES operating at the Alfred Jensch telescope, Tautenburg. The primary component is an A3 V-type pulsating, mass-accreting star. We fitted the light and velocity data with the package phoebe, and determined the best-fitting model adopting the configuration of a semi-detached system. The orbital period has been improved using a recent (O-C) analysis and the phase shift detected between both light curves to the value 2.6641496 ± 0.0000001 d. The absence of any cyclic variation in the (O-C) residuals confirms the long-term stability of the orbital period. Furthermore, we show that the models derived for each light curve separately entail small differences, e.g. in the temperature parameter Teff,2. The high quality of the new solutions is illustrated by the residuals. We obtained the following absolute component parameters: L1  = 14.125 L⊙, M1  = 2.014 M⊙, R1  = 1.733 R⊙, log g1  = 4.264, L2  = 4.345 L⊙, M2  = 0.211 M⊙, R2  = 2.19 R⊙, log g2  = 3.078  with Teff,2/Teff,1  = 0.662 ± 0.002. Although the orbital period appears to be stable on the long term, we show that the light-curve shape is affected by a years-long modulation which is most probably due to the magnetic activity of the cool companion.
An analytical, fully relativistic framework for tidal disruption event streams in Schwarzschild geometry
Authors: Dittmann Alexander J
Published: January 2022

We present an analytical and fully relativistic framework for studying the self-intersection of tidal disruption event (TDE) streams, restricting ourselves to the Schwarzschild spacetime. By taking advantage of the closed-form solution to the geodesic equations in the Schwarzschild metric, we calculate properties of the self-intersection without numerically evaluating the geodesic equations or making any post-Newtonian approximations. Our analytical treatment also facilitates geometric definitions of the orbital semimajor axis and eccentricity, as opposed to Newtonian formulas which lead to unphysical results for highly relativistic orbits. Combined with assumptions about energy dissipation during the self-intersection shock, our framework enables the calculation of quantities such as the fraction of material unbound during the self-intersection shock, and the characteristic semimajor axes and eccentricities of the material that remains in orbit after the collision. As an example, we calculate grids of post-intersection properties in stellar and supermassive black hole (SMBH) masses for disruptions of main-sequence stars, identifying regions where no material is ejected during self-intersection (e.g. SMBH mass $\lesssim 5\times 10^6\, {\rm M_\odot }$ for $1\, {\rm M_\odot }$ stars disrupted at the tidal radius), potentially explaining the TDEs observed by SGR/eROSITA that are visible in X-rays but not optical wavelengths. We also identify parameters for which the post-intersection accretion flow has low eccentricity (e ≲ 0.6), and find that the luminosity generated by self-intersection shocks only agrees with observed trends in the relationship between light curve decay time-scales and peak luminosities over a narrow range of SMBH masses.
X-ray and optical emission from large superbubbles including the stellar photoionization
Authors: Schneiter E M , Reyes-Iturbide J , Velázquez P F , Esquivel A
Published: January 2022

N70 is a giant superbubble (SB) produced by the stellar cluster LH 114. The dynamic of the stellar SB can be explained with hydrodynamic simulations. However, the explanation of the observed X-ray luminosity is still a matter of debate. Observations show that this kind of superbubbles exhibits X-ray luminosities of the order of 1035 erg s−1, which cannot be explained by only considering the mechanical luminosity of the stellar components. Instead, theoretical models predict luminosities one order of magnitude lower. In this work, we attempt to answer this discrepancy by including a core-collapse supernova explosion (SN) and the photons emitted by each of the stars involved. We find that a core-collapse SN, with an initial mass of 10 M⊙, can explain the missing X-ray emission, lasting approximately 1000 yr. Also, the radiation produces an enhancement of the filamentary superbubble morphology and it increases the SB radius by $\sim 23{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ with respect to the pure hydrodynamic case.
Type III CRISPR-based RNA editing for programmable control of SARS-CoV-2 and human coronaviruses
Authors: Lin Ping , Shen Guanwang , Guo Kai , Qin Shugang , Pu Qinqin , Wang Zhihan , Gao Pan , Xia Zhenwei , Khan Nadeem , Jiang Jianxin , Xia Qingyou , Wu Min
Published: January 2022

Gene-editing technologies, including the widespread usage of CRISPR endonucleases, have the potential for clinical treatments of various human diseases. Due to the rapid mutations of SARS-CoV-2, specific and effective prevention and treatment by CRISPR toolkits for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are urgently needed to control the current pandemic spread. Here, we designed Type III CRISPR endonuclease antivirals for coronaviruses (TEAR-CoV) as a therapeutic to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection. We provided a proof of principle demonstration that TEAR-CoV-based RNA engineering approach leads to RNA-guided transcript degradation both in vitro and in eukaryotic cells, which could be used to broadly target RNA viruses. We report that TEAR-CoV not only cleaves SARS-CoV-2 genome and mRNA transcripts, but also degrades live influenza A virus (IAV), impeding viral replication in cells and in mice. Moreover, bioinformatics screening of gRNAs along RNA sequences reveals that a group of five gRNAs (hCoV-gRNAs) could potentially target 99.98% of human coronaviruses. TEAR-CoV also exerted specific targeting and cleavage of common human coronaviruses. The fast design and broad targeting of TEAR-CoV may represent a versatile antiviral approach for SARS-CoV-2 or potentially other emerging human coronaviruses.
SEQUENCE SLIDER: integration of structural and genetic data to characterize isoforms from natural sources
Authors: Borges Rafael J , Salvador Guilherme H M , Pimenta Daniel C , dos Santos Lucilene D , Fontes Marcos R M , Usón Isabel
Published: January 2022

Proteins isolated from natural sources can be composed of a mixture of isoforms with similar physicochemical properties that coexist in the final steps of purification. Yet, even where unverified, the assumed sequence is enforced throughout the structural studies. Herein, we propose a novel perspective to address the usually neglected sequence heterogeneity of natural products by integrating biophysical, genetic and structural data in our program SEQUENCE SLIDER. The aim is to assess the evidence supporting chemical composition in structure determination. Locally, we interrogate the experimental map to establish which side chains are supported by the structural data, and the genetic information relating sequence conservation is integrated into this statistic. Hence, we build a constrained peptide database, containing most probable sequences to interpret mass spectrometry data (MS). In parallel, we perform MS de novo sequencing with genomic-based algorithms to detect point mutations. We calibrated SLIDER with Gallus gallus lysozyme, whose sequence is unequivocally established and numerous natural isoforms are reported. We used SLIDER to characterize a metalloproteinase and a phospholipase A2-like protein from the venom of Bothrops moojeni and a crotoxin from Crotalus durissus collilineatus. This integrated approach offers a more realistic structural descriptor to characterize macromolecules isolated from natural sources.
CRISPR–Cas9-mediated nuclear transport and genomic integration of nanostructured genes in human primary cells
Authors: Lin-Shiao Enrique , Pfeifer Wolfgang G , Shy Brian R , Saffari Doost Mohammad , Chen Evelyn , Vykunta Vivasvan S , Hamilton Jennifer R , Stahl Elizabeth C , Lopez Diana M , Sandoval Espinoza Cindy R , Deyanov Alexander E , Lew Rachel J , Poirer Michael G , Marson Alexander , Castro Carlos E , Doudna Jennifer A
Published: January 2022

DNA nanostructures are a promising tool to deliver molecular payloads to cells. DNA origami structures, where long single-stranded DNA is folded into a compact nanostructure, present an attractive approach to package genes; however, effective delivery of genetic material into cell nuclei has remained a critical challenge. Here, we describe the use of DNA nanostructures encoding an intact human gene and a fluorescent protein encoding gene as compact templates for gene integration by CRISPR-mediated homology-directed repair (HDR). Our design includes CRISPR–Cas9 ribonucleoprotein binding sites on DNA nanostructures to increase shuttling into the nucleus. We demonstrate efficient shuttling and genomic integration of DNA nanostructures using transfection and electroporation. These nanostructured templates display lower toxicity and higher insertion efficiency compared to unstructured double-stranded DNA templates in human primary cells. Furthermore, our study validates virus-like particles as an efficient method of DNA nanostructure delivery, opening the possibility of delivering nanostructures in vivo to specific cell types. Together, these results provide new approaches to gene delivery with DNA nanostructures and establish their use as HDR templates, exploiting both their design features and their ability to encode genetic information. This work also opens a door to translate other DNA nanodevice functions, such as biosensing, into cell nuclei.
Acute kidney injury increases risk of kidney stones—a retrospective propensity score matched cohort study
Authors: Cheikh Hassan Hicham I , Murali Karumathil , Lambert Kelly , Lonergan Maureen , McAlister Brendan , Suesse Thomas , Mullan Judy
Published: January 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common. An episode of AKI may modify the risk of developing kidney stones by potential long-term effects on urine composition. We aimed to investigate the association between AKI and the risk of kidney stone presentations.

Methods

The retrospective cohort study used patient data (1 January 2008–31 December 2017), from an Australian Local Health District, which included AKI diagnosis, demographics, comorbidities and kidney stone admissions. Time-varying Cox proportional hazards and propensity-matched analysis were used to determine the impact of AKI on the risk of kidney stones. To address possible population inhomogeneity in comparisons between no AKI and hospitalized AKI, sub-group analysis was done comparing inpatient and outpatient AKI versus no AKI, to assess consistency of association with future stones. Sensitivity analysis was undertaken to capture the impact of a known AKI status and AKI severity.

Results

Out of 137 635 patients, 23 001 (17%) had an AKI diagnosis and 2295 (2%) had kidney stone presentations. In the unadjusted analysis, AKI was associated with kidney stones, with AKI used as a time-varying exposure, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.50)]. Both inpatient-AKI (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01–1.39) and outpatient-AKI (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.30–1.94) were significantly associated with future stones compared to no AKI subjects. This association persisted in the adjusted analysis (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.26–1.66), propensity-matched dataset (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.40–1.99) and sensitivity analysis. There was a dose-response relationship with higher stages of AKI being associated with a greater risk of kidney stones.

Conclusions

In a large cohort of patients, AKI is associated with a greater risk of kidney stones, which increases with higher stages of AKI. This association should be examined in other cohorts and populations for verification.
The cyclicality of job search effort in matching models
Authors: Çenesiz M Alper , Guimarães Luís
Published: January 2022

The canonical matching model is the workhorse model of the labour market but lacks a proper amplification mechanism for productivity shocks. One way to amplify the effects of shocks is to allow workers to endogenously adjust their job search effort: as search effort is procyclical in the canonical model, volatilities increase. Yet, the empirical literature points against procyclical search effort, raising doubts of how acyclical (or countercyclical) search effort can coincide with volatile labour market variables in matching models. We show that they can coincide in a model with procyclical value of leisure and alternating-offer wage bargaining.
Genomic Analysis of Community Transmission Networks for MRSA Among Females Entering a Large Inner-city Jail
Authors: Popovich Kyle J , Thiede Stephanie N , Zawitz Chad , Payne Darjai , Aroutcheva Alla , Schoeny Michael , Green Stefan J , Snitkin Evan S , Weinstein Robert A
Published: January 2022

Background

It is unclear if there are differences in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) risk between sexes in high-risk populations.

Methods

Females incarcerated at the Cook County Jail were enrolled within 72 hours of intake. Surveillance cultures (nares, throat, groin) were collected to determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization. A survey was administered to identify colonization predictors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of colonization at intake. Genomic sequencing was performed on MRSA colonization and archived clinical isolates.

Results

Two hundred fifty women were enrolled (70% African American, 15% Hispanic), with 70% previously in jail. The prevalence of MRSA colonization at intake was 20%, with 42% of those colonized solely in the throat or groin. Univariate predictors of MRSA colonization at entrance were illicit drug use, unstable housing, engaging in anal sex, recent exchange of sex for drugs/money, and a higher number of recent sexual partners. With multivariate adjustment for race/ethnicity, use of needles for illicit drugs was a significant predictor of MRSA. Use of illicit drugs was also associated with inclusion in a genomic cluster. Nares colonization was significantly associated with not being in a genomic cluster (18.8% vs 78.6%; P < .001), whereas exclusive extranasal colonization was associated (odds ratio, 15.89; P < .001).

Conclusions

We found that a high proportion (20%) of females entered jail colonized with MRSA, suggesting that previously reported sex disparities of a lower risk in women may not apply to high-risk populations. Our findings suggest high-risk activities or venues in the community for MRSA, with potential for directing sex-specific interventions.
Three Issues in the Law of Contractual Discretion
Authors: Varuhas Jason N E
Published: January 2022

The new law of contractual discretion is developing apace. This article addresses three major issues in this dynamic field. First, the article propounds an analytical framework for understanding the nature and practice of reasonableness review in the contractual setting, based on doctrinal exegesis of the full run of cases on contractual discretion. Significantly, the analysis demonstrates that review of contractual discretion is characterised by a ‘variable intensity’ approach: the intensity with which courts scrutinise exercises of discretion is dependent on a series of contextual factors. Second, the article analyses the genus of the implied term, which imposes legal constraints on contractual decision-makers, arguing that the term is properly conceptualised as a term implied in law. Third, the article addresses the remedial consequences of non-compliance with implied fetters, identifying three different remedial models in the case law. The article challenges the common assertion that damages are the invariable remedy, arguing that an impugned exercise of discretion may be void or voidable.
Investigation of buckling of rectilinear beams with additional constraint at an arbitrary internal point
Authors: Ryzhak E I
Published: January 2022

The problems of stability and instability (buckling) of compressed rectilinear beams are considered. The beams are treated as one-dimensional elastic bodies possessing stiffnesses of two kinds: the stiffness with respect to extension–compression and the stiffness with respect to bending. The ends of beams are hinged, but along with traditional setting of a problem, characterized by one movable hinge and a given compressive load, the problem with both immovable end hinges fixing the ends of a beam in a compressed state, is considered. In addition to the ends, the beams are assumed to be constrained in a certain way at some internal point located at an arbitrary specified distance from one of the ends. These constraints are supposed to prohibit either lateral displacements with free rotation (a hinge), or rotation with free lateral displacements. Analytical solutions for all four types of problems regarding the onset of instability are obtained and examined with respect to the position of additional constraint. It turned out that results for the cases of one movable end hinge with given compressive load and of fixed end hinges, coincide. In the case of additional hinge, its middle position provides maximal value of the critical force, whereas its limiting end position corresponds to its minimal value. As for the case of additional constraint prohibiting rotation, its middle position corresponds to minimal value of the critical force, whereas its maximal value is attained at a certain internal point of a beam located approximately at the distance of one-sixth of its length from one of the ends.
Kawasaki Disease with Peripheral Gangrene in Children: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Sidharth   , Mahajan Akanksha , Maheshwari Anu , Meena Himanshu , Mahto Deonath , Mukherjee Sharmila Banerjee , Seth Anju
Published: January 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel vasculitis of childhood particularly affecting the coronary arteries and leads to aneurysms in 15–25% of untreated patients. It is a rare cause of peripheral limb gangrene in children under 5 years. Most of the cases in literature are reported during infancy. The median age of KD in patients with gangrene is 3 months and the median time for onset of signs of ischaemic necrosis is 2–4 weeks after the diagnosis and often leads to amputation of the affected limb. Even with early treatment, salvaging the limb is difficult and often not successful. There is an acute risk of mortality and long-term morbidity if the underlying inflammatory process is not identified and treated in a timely manner. We present four cases of KD, who had peripheral limb gangrene at the time of presentation. Initial workup for infective aetiology and pro-coagulant state were negative. Diagnosis of peripheral limb gangrene secondary to atypical KD was made on the basis of echocardiography and laboratory findings.
The GacA-GacS Type Two-Component System Modulates the Pathogenicity of Dickeya oryzae EC1 Mainly by Regulating the Production of Zeamines
Authors: Chen Yufan , Li Yanchang , Zhu Minya , Lv Mingfa , Liu Zhiqing , Chen Zhongqiao , Huang Ying , Gu Weihan , Liang Zhibin , Chang Changqing , Zhou Jianuan , Zhang Lian-Hui , Liu Qiongguang
Published: January 2022

The GacS-GacA type two-component system (TCS) positively regulates pathogenicity-related phenotypes in many plant pathogens. In addition, Dickeya oryzae EC1, the causative agent of soft rot disease, produces antibiotic‐like toxins called zeamines as one of the major virulence factors that inhibit the germination of rice seeds. The present study identified a GacS-GacA type TCS, named TzpS-TzpA, that positively controls the virulence of EC1, mainly by regulating production of the toxin zeamines. RNA-seq analysis of strain EC1 and its tzpA mutant showed that the TCS regulated a wide range of virulence genes, especially those encoding zeamines. Protein-protein interaction was detected between TzpS and TzpA through the bacterial two-hybrid system and pull-down assay. In trans expression of tzpA failed to rescue the defective phenotypes in both the ΔtzpS and ΔtzpSΔtzpA mutants. Furthermore, TzpA controls target gene expression by direct binding to DNA promoters that contain a Gac-box motif, including a regulatory RNA rsmB and the vfm quorum-sensing system regulator vfmE. These findings therefore suggested that the EC1 TzpS-TzpA TCS system mediates the pathogenicity of Dickeya oryzae EC1 mainly by regulating the production of zeamines.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Applying ALARA Principles in the Design of New Radiological Facilities
Authors: Baker Samuel I. , Kamboj Sunita
Published: January 2022

The application of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) principles to the design of new radiological facilities at Argonne National Laboratory provides a consistent radiation safety basis for future facility operations. This paper discusses the criteria for controlling radiation exposure and the techniques applied to meet those criteria for two new facilities. Argonne is a US Department of Energy (US DOE) laboratory, and the criteria are specified in the DOE Rule found at 10 CFR 835. The worst case radionuclides and their source strengths are chosen. Local shielding is specified to reduce dose rates to less than 50 μSv h−1at 30 cm from the shielding, thus avoiding the creation of a radiation area. Version 6 of the Los Alamos National Laboratory radiation transport code MCNP is then used to calculate the dose rates elsewhere. Based on the results of the calculations, design modifications are made to meet the design objectives criteria.
Association of Gallbladder Volume and Wall Thickness With Acute Appendicitis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Yalcin Ahmet , Demir Berrin , Demir Muhammed , Firinci Binali , Polat Gokhan , Pirimoglu Berhan , Sade Recep
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Ultrasonography in a child with suspected appendicitis is primarily performed to detect inflamed appendix, whereas secondary findings are important in patients with a nonvisualized appendix. The aim of this study is to evaluate the gallbladder wall thickness and volume in patients with suspected appendicitis and search an association between these parameters and appendicitis.

Methods

Between January 2018 and August 2018, 113 patients with suspected appendicitis were included in this prospective study. Gallbladder and right lower quadrant were evaluated in separate sessions by different radiologists. The wall thickness along with the width, length, and height of the gallbladder was measured and recorded for each patient. Assessment of the appendix was classified as acute appendicitis, normal, and equivocal. Statistically significant association was sought between the thickness of the gallbladder wall and diagnosis of appendicitis.

Results

Gallbladder wall thickness was significantly higher in patients without appendicitis (P = 0.017), whereas significantly increased gallbladder volume was observed in patients with appendicitis (P = 0.004). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed gallbladder wall thickness threshold of 0.5 mm with a sensitivity of 83.3, specificity of 93.9, and volume threshold of 41.6 mL with a sensitivity of 100 and a specificity of 0.69.

Conclusions

Gallbladder wall thickness and volume measurements were associated with the diagnosis of appendicitis in pediatric patients.