bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Petro-mineralogical controls on coda attenuation in volcanic rock samples
Authors: Di Martino María Del Pilar , De Siena Luca , Healy David , Vialle Stephanie 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYSeismic attenuation measurements, especially those obtained from coda decay analysis, are becoming a key data source for the characterization of the heterogeneous Earth due to their sensitivity to small-scale heterogeneities. However, the relation between the scattering attenuation measured from coda waves and physical rock properties is still unclear. The goal of this study is to identify the main petrophysical and mineralogical factors controlling coda attenuation in volcanic rocks at the laboratory scale, as a necessary step before modelling seismic waves in real volcanic media. Coda wave attenuation was estimated from ultrasonic S-wave waveforms. To quantify the heterogeneity of the rocks and link them with this attenuation parameter, we performed several categorizations of the pore and grain systems of volcanic samples. Considering that seismic attenuation in rock samples can be modelled using the framework of wave propagation in random media, a statistical analysis of shear wave velocity fluctuations was performed: this analysis gives correlation lengths ranging from 0.09 to 1.20 mm, which represents the length scale of heterogeneity in the samples. The individual evaluation of the pore space and mineral content revealed that the pores of the samples (characterized by large vesicles) have a bigger effect than the grains on the heterogeneity level. We have developed a framework where intrinsic properties of the host rocks drive seismic attenuation by correlating the petro-mineralogical characteristics obtained from image data processing and analysis, with the coda attenuation measured at ultrasonic frequencies. There is conclusive evidence that porosity alone is not the primary controller of coda attenuation: it is also changed by the alteration level (i.e. oxidation, coating of the vesicles, secondary minerals) and the size of grains and pores. Among all the parameters analysed, it appears that the pore space topology is the main contributor to scattering attenuation in the volcanic samples.
Behind the scenes with basophils: an emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Shah Hemali , Eisenbarth Stephanie , Tormey Christopher A , Siddon Alexa J 
Published: May 2021

SummaryThough basophils were originally viewed as redundant blood ‘mast cells’, the implementation of flow cytometry has established basophils as unique leukocytes with critical immunomodulatory functions. Basophils play an active role in allergic inflammation, autoimmunity, and hematological malignancies. They are distinguishable from other leukocytes by their characteristic metachromatic deep-purple cytoplasmic, round granules. Mature basophils are phenotypically characterized by surface expression of IL-3Rα (CD123); IL-3 drives basophil differentiation, degranulation, and synthesis of inflammatory mediators including type 2 cytokines. Basophil degranulation is the predominant source of histamine in peripheral blood, promoting allergic responses. Basophils serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity by secreting IL-4 which supports eosinophil migration, monocyte differentiation into macrophages, B-cell activation, and CD4 T-cell differentiation into Th2 cells. Further, basophilia is a key phenomenon in myeloid neoplasms, especially chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) for which it is a diagnostic criterion. Increased circulating basophils, often with aberrant immunophenotype, have been detected in patients with CML and other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The significance of basophils’ immunoregulatory functions in malignant and non-malignant diseases is an active area of research. Ongoing and future research can inform the development of immunotherapies that target basophils to impact allergic, autoimmune, and malignant disease states. This review article aims to provide an overview of basophil biology, identification strategies, and roles and dysregulation in diseases.
Internet use, employment performance and the health of Chinese residents
Authors: Yang Kewen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUsing data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey 2016, this study examines the effects of Internet use on Chinese resident health and the role of employment performance in this process. The results show that Internet use had a significant positive effect on the health of Chinese residents. After addressing potential endogeneity by applying appropriate instrumental variable estimation, the main findings remain robust. Heterogeneity analysis found that the Internet is conducive to improving the health of older, less-educated and female residents, which suggests that the Internet can narrow the health gap of residents with different ages, education levels and genders. Through the analysis of the impact mechanism, it was found that although Chinese residents can improve their health by enhancing their employment performance with the help of the Internet, the mediating effect accounts for &lt;20%, indicating that the role of employment performance in the process of improving the health of Chinese residents through Internet use is very limited. Finally, suggestions are given to promote the healthy development of China via the effects of Internet use.
Use of a Daratumumab-Specific Immunofixation Assay to Assess Possible Immunotherapy Interference at a Major Cancer Center: Our Experience and Recommendations
Authors: Kirchhoff Daniel C , Murata Kazunori , Thoren Katie L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
The incorporation of monoclonal antibodies, such as daratumumab, into multiple myeloma treatment regimens has led to the issue of false-positive interference in both serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and immunofixation (IF). The Hydrashift assay removes daratumumab interference from IF, allowing for correct interpretation. Here, we retrospectively examined the use of the Hydrashift assay at a large cancer center and provide guidelines on its most appropriate use.

Methods
38 patients with distinct daratumumab peaks on their SPEP were selected and were used to quantify the daratumumab peak on SPEP using the Sebia Phoresis software. A retrospective review of all Hydrashift assays ordered at our institution from July 2018 to March 2020 was performed. Data collected included patient clone type, IF migration patterns, and Hydrashift result. Serial quantification of SPEP results was performed as the corresponding IF transitioned from a true positive to a false positive.

Results
Daratumumab adds a maximum magnitude of 0.20 g/dL on SPEP. Serial SPEP quantification showed IF transitioned from true positive to false positive when M-spikes ranged from 0.09 g/dL to 0.11 g/dL. Over 20 months, our laboratory performed 280 Hydrashift assays on 96 patients, 43/96 of whom had comigrating daratumumab/IgG-K IF bands.

Conclusions
The Hydrashift assay is typically unnecessary in patients with large M-spikes, &gt;0.25 g/dL, regardless of clone type. When patient history is available, we recommend the Hydrashift assay be used in patients with comigrating daratumumab/IgG-K bands with M-spikes of &lt;0.25 g/dL.
Understanding the Relationship Between Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Damage, Varietal Resistance, and Cover Crop Use in Organic Sweetpotato
Authors: Pellegrino Alyssa M , Woodley Alex L , Huseth Anders S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
North Carolina is the largest producer of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatus L.) in the United States but only a small percentage of total production is organic. Transition to organic sweetpotato production has been limited, in part due to a lack of effective non-chemical strategies to control wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae). To help bridge this knowledge gap, this study focused on documenting the relationship between wireworm damage to sweetpotato roots and the use of cover crops, a common way to maintain soil health in organic production. This study also tested a wireworm-resistant variety (Monaco) against the widely cultivated susceptible variety (Covington). Two different field studies were used to test the interaction between cover crops and insect-resistant sweetpotato varieties. We first examined a reduced-till cover crop system where cover crop residue remained on the soil surface when transplanting sweetpotato. The following year, we tested a fully incorporated cover crop system with spring termination and intensive tillage before sweetpotato transplanting. To complement these field studies, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to compare the efficacy of the wireworm-resistant variety with two susceptible sweetpotato varieties. Results show that varietal resistance had a strong effect on the amount of wireworm damage observed, with susceptible sweetpotato having more direct wireworm damage than the resistant variety. The effect of the cover crop was not found to be significant in any trial. This study provides important context about the role of varietal resistance in organic production and relatively low risk of cover crop use.
Intrapelvic entrapment of sacral nerve roots by abnormal bundles of the piriformis muscle: description of an extra-spinal cause of sciatica and pudendal neuralgia
Authors: Sermer Corey , Li Adrienne L K , Fernandes Gustavo L , Ribeiro Augusta M , Polesello Giancarlo , Tokechi Denise , Cancelliere Laura , Lemos Nucelio 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Piriformis syndrome is a well-known extra-spinal cause of sciatica characterized by the entrapment of the sciatic nerve by variant bundles of the piriformis muscles in the deep gluteal space. In this case series, we describe the entrapment of intrapelvic portions of the sacral nerve roots by a variant bundle of the piriformis muscle originating medially to the sacral foramina, the surgical technique for the laparoscopic treatment of this condition, and the outcomes of the first eight cases treated with this technique. Five female and three male patients presenting with sciatica, pudendal pain and lower urinary tract symptoms underwent a laparoscopic exploration of the intrapelvic portion of the sacral nerve roots and transection of the abnormal piriformis bundle. Surgical technique is demonstrated in the Supplementary Video. Clinical success was achieved in seven of the eight patients, with a reduction of pain numeric rating scale from 8.5 (±1.2; 7–10) pre-operatively to 2.1 (±2.6; 0–7), 1-year following surgery. In conclusion, entrapment of intrapelvic portions of the sacral nerve roots by variant bundles of the piriformis originating medially to the sacral foramina are an extraspinal cause of sciatica, which can be treated though a laparoscopic approach.
Functional traits influence plant survival depending on environmental contexts and life stages in an old-growth temperate forest
Authors: Jiang Feng , Jin Guangze 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aims
Functional traits are usually used to predict plant demographic rates without considering environmental contexts. However, previous studies have consistently found that traits have low explanatory power for plant demographic rates. We hypothesized that accounting for environmental contexts instead of focusing on traits alone could improve our understanding of how traits influence plant demographic rates.

Methods
We used generalized linear mixed-effect models to analyse the effects of functional traits (related to leaf, stem, seed and whole plant), environmental gradients (soil nutrients, water and elevation) and their interactions on the survival dynamics of 14 133 saplings and 3289 adults in a 9-ha old-growth temperate forest plot.

Important Findings
We found that environmental variables, neighbour crowding and traits alone (i.e. main effects) influenced plant survival. However, the effects of the latter two variables varied between saplings and adults. The trait–environment interactions influenced plant survival, such that resource conservative traits increased plant survival under harsh conditions but decreased survival under mild conditions. The elevational gradient was the most important environmental factor driving these effects in our plot. Our results support the hypothesis that functional traits influence plant survival depending on environmental contexts in local communities. These results also imply that one species with limited trait variation cannot occupy all environments, which can promote species diversity.
Strategies for probing absorption and translocation of foliar-applied nutrients
Authors: Otto Rafael , Marques João Paulo Rodrigues , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson Wallace 
Published: May 2021

This article comments on:
Li C, Wu J, Pax F, Blamey F, Wang L, Zhou L, Paterson DJ, van der En A, Fernández V, Lombi E, Wang Y, Kopittke PM. 2021. Non-glandular trichomes of sunflower are important in the absorption and translocation of foliar-applied Zn. Journal of Experimental Botany 72, 5079–5092.
Recognized Investment Exchanges (RIEs) and Recognized Clearing Houses (RCHs)
Authors: Penn Bob , Forzani Alex , Allen & Overy LLP  
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter summarizes and discusses the UK regulatory framework for recognized investment exchanges (RIEs) and recognized clearing houses (RCHs) under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). It considers the framework in light of the current and forthcoming European legislation. It also examines the applicability of the framework to RIEs and RCHs in the context of the recast Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II), European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR) and the UK's departure from the European Union (Brexit). This chapter outlines the central role of exchanges and clearing houses in the operation of financial markets. It explains that the exchanges offer marketplaces for the trading of financial instruments, provide market data which facilitates trading, and establish standards for the offering of securities, while clearing houses manage the performance of financial contracts between the point of execution and final settlement and mitigating the risk and consequences of default.
Fintech and Financial Markets Infrastructure—A Legal and Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Perkins Joanna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter explores the potential and challenges faced by blockchain technology in the context of six key activities: payment services, securities trading, securities clearing, securities settlement, custody, and the trading of derivatives. It describes each of the six key activities and the law as it currently stands, the potential for technological change, and the ways in which the applicable law and regulation might need to be amended or supplemented. It also explains blockchain as a specific application of a technology known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) that relies on peer—to—peer networking, distributed data storage, and cryptography. This chapter refers to both the general technology and the specific application as DLT. It also mentions hash as the immutable cryptographic signature that records transactions in the blockchain.
Regulation and Consolidation of European Markets and Exchanges
Authors: Nobel Peter , Kaempf Markus 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter puts an emphasis on the regulation of marketed products, conduct of the issuers and operators, and the distribution of financial instruments. It mentions the basic provision on cross—border investment in the European Union (EU) that is found in Art 63 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which guarantees the free movement of capital. It also explains the difference of the freedom of movement of capital from all other economic freedoms provided by TFEU. This chapter describes how market participants from non—EU countries benefit from the freedom of movement of capital, which does not need any implementing legislation at member State level. It also discusses how the freedom of capital movement lays down a general prohibition that goes beyond the mere elimination of unequal treatment on grounds of nationality.
HCCH
Authors: Ribeiro-Bidaoui João 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter focuses on the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), a global intergovernmental organization which develops and services multilateral legal instruments, in response to global needs. The HCCH Principles affirm party autonomy as a basis for the choice of law in international contracts and strengthen legal certainty and predictability in cross-border commercial transactions. They are important to easing reform and harmonization initiatives concerning the rules applicable to international trade, and they operate as both a model choice of law regime and as a guide to ‘best practices’ in establishing and refining such a regime. The chapter considers the use of the HCCH Principles to date and foreshadows their potential uses in the future. It reviews the envisaged use of the Principles by legislators at national and international levels, international organizations, courts, arbitral tribunals, the commercial parties, and their legal counsel. The chapter then outlines the parties to whom the Principles may be promoted in a manner consistent with the Preamble and identifies specific means for promotion.
UNCITRAL
Authors: Castellani Luca , Emery Cyril 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter evaluates the relationship between the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) and the Hague Principles. The UNCITRAL texts, starting with the early drafts of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG), have provided solid ground in support of freedom of contract. In providing a uniform model applicable to multiple jurisdictions, the CISG ensures a high level of safeguard of parties’ wills. In particular, the CISG promotes the well-established principle of party autonomy by virtue of its Article 6, which allows parties to the contract to opt out entirely of its provisions and hence to choose another law more appropriate to their needs. Given UNCITRAL’s desire to further facilitate use of the CISG by traders and in light of its focus on freedom of contract and party autonomy, it is not surprising that the UNCITRAL Secretariat took a particular interest in the development by the Hague Conference on Private International Law of the Principles on Choice of Law in International Commercial Contracts (2015) and the related Commentary. The chapter then looks at UNCITRAL’s endorsement of the Hague Principles.
African Principles of Commercial Private International Law
Authors: Neels Jan L , Fredericks Eesa A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter addresses the relationship between the African Principles of Commercial Private International Law and the Hague Principles. The envisaged African Principles are essential in the development of an African free-trade area and common market. They are intended to form a set of model laws for use by the African Union or its Member States, which are provisionally called the African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Contracts of Sale; the African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts; the African Principles on the Law Applicable to Non-contractual Obligations; and the African Principles on Jurisdiction in International Civil and Commercial Cases. The Hague Principles will be the most important model for the choice of law sections of the African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Contracts of Sale and the African Principles on the Law Applicable to International Commercial Contracts. The Hague Principles, in the Preamble, indeed foresee the instrument being used as a model for regional instruments. The chapter then provides a few examples of the intended use of the Hague Principles in the African Principles, highlighting the added value of the Hague Principles as compared to the provisions in other regional, supranational, and international instruments.
Angola and Mozambique
Authors: Dias Rui , Nordmeier Carl Friedrich 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter explores Angolan and Mozambican perspectives on the Hague Principles. The rules of Angolan and Mozambican civil law, and with them private international law, currently in force correspond to the Portuguese rules as they stood in 1975. As to private international law, the 1966 Portuguese Civil Code (hereafter CC) contains a codification of this field of the law in Articles 15 to 65. Meanwhile, rules on international civil procedure are to be found in the Angolan and the Mozambican Civil Procedure Codes. They concern, inter alia, international jurisdiction and the enforcement of foreign judgments. Party autonomy is recognized as the principal connecting factor for contractual relationships (Art 41(1) CC). Nevertheless, the choice of law is not unlimited: it is necessary that either some of the elements of the contract having relevance in private international law are connected with the law chosen, or that the choice of the applicable law corresponds to a serious interest. It is clear from this backdrop that a set of rules, such as the Hague Principles, which present themselves as an embodiment of current best practices is well placed to help interpret, supplement, or develop the choice of law rules of the 1966 Civil Code.
Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremeskel Fekadu Petros 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter reflects on Ethiopian perspectives on the Hague Principles. Ethiopia does not have a codified law regulating matters of private international law, nor is there detailed case law from which one could derive key principles of the subject. While the shortage of private international law in Ethiopia is evident, the problem is most severe in the area of applicable law. In relation to party autonomy in choice of law, the Federal Supreme Court’s Cassation Division has handed down some interesting decisions, and these indeed have the force of law in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the approach of the Ethiopian courts in respect of party autonomy is not very developed and clear, including in the field of international commercial contracts. While it would be prudent for Ethiopian courts to refer to the Hague Principles as persuasive authority, this requires awareness of the existence of the Hague Principles. In the long term, the Hague Principles will surely find their way into Ethiopian law.
Asian Principles of Private International Law
Authors: Takasugi Naoshi , Elbalti Béligh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This chapter looks at the relationship between the Asian Principles of Private International Law (APPIL) and the Hague Principles. The APPIL are intended to be a non-binding instrument which includes a comprehensive set of principles on private international law (PIL) generally recognized among the different Asian jurisdictions. The main purpose of the APPIL is to provide guidance to possible future harmonization of PIL rules and principles in Asia. Compared to the Hague Principles which are limited only to the issue of choice law in international contracts based on the express or tacit will of the parties, the APPIL have much broader scope, including choice of law, international jurisdiction, the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, and judicial support to international arbitration. The chapter then outlines the history and the driving force behind the APPIL.