bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the Evolution of Resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to the Cry1F Protein in Argentina
Authors: Vassallo Carlos N , Figueroa Bunge Florencia , Signorini Ana M , Valverde-Garcia Pablo , Rule Dwain , Babcock Jonathan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated crops in Argentina. Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a common maize pest capable of causing significant yield losses and is most destructive in late-planted maize in subtropical regions, going through five to six generations per growing season. The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) trait Herculex I Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred (HX I, event DAS-Ø15Ø7-1), expressing Cry1F protein, was launched in the 2005–2006 season in Argentina and was widely adopted because of the high level of efficacy against S. frugiperda, as well as other pests such as Diatraea saccharalis (J.C. Fabricius). However, increased late-season plantings, limited adoption of refuge, and properties of S. frugiperda biology (high number of generations and migratory behavior) have led to high S. frugiperda exposure to Cry1F and resistance selection pressure. Field efficacy monitoring has been conducted throughout the main maize production areas in Argentina from 2009 to 2016. Laboratory monitoring has been conducted throughout the same areas from 2010 to 2015. Here, we describe changes in field efficacy of HX I and the results of laboratory-based susceptibility monitoring conducted using purified Cry1F protein. Increases in larval survival and crop damage were evident throughout the 2012–2016 period and spanned the majority of maize production areas in Argentina. Over the same period, random larval collections showed increasing survivorship on diet containing purified Cry1F protein. These field and laboratory studies confirmed that resistance to Cry1F has developed and is now widely distributed in S. frugiperda populations in Argentina.
Situations of Risk and Humanitarian Emergencies
Authors: Motz Stephanie 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 11 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 11 CRPD is a unique human right, which for the first time creates obligations in situations of risk, including humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters, and permits of no derogation in times of emergency. Since the adoption of Article 11, important policy developments have taken place regarding persons with disabilities in situations of conflict or disaster. For instance, persons with disabilities have been expressly referred to in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–30, the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action, the Sphere Handbook, and the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief.
Liberty and Security of the Person
Authors: Perlin Michael , Szeli Eva 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 14 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which deals with the fundamental right to liberty and security. It traces the legislative history of Article 14 and, in an analysis of its provisions and interpretations, seeks to understand its application in light of these complexities. The right to liberty of person and the right to security of person have been described as two aspects of the same right, physical liberty being the substantive aspect and security the means of protection or the procedural aspect. The ‘liberty and security’ clause of this article empowers the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ‘to question governments on a broad range of potential violations, including civil commitment proceedings, compulsory medical treatment, and conditions inside medical and detention facilities’.
Living Independently and Being Included in the Community
Authors: Fiala-Butora János , Rimmerman Arie , Gur Ayelet 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). ‘Living independently and being included in the community’, is one of the most important rights in the CRPD, since choice, freedom, and inclusion are considered as prerequisites for exercising all other rights. To facilitate such autonomy and participation, it requires ratifying states to ensure that people with disabilities have the opportunity to choose where and with whom they live; and that they have access to the range of services necessary to support community living and to prevent isolation or segregation. Living independently does not mean living alone; rather, it means exercising freedom of choice and control over decisions affecting one’s life with the same level of independence and interdependence within society on an equal basis with other.
Respect for Privacy
Authors: Land Molly , Giannoumis Anthony , Kitkowska Aga , Mikhaylova Maria 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines the legal and normative obligations of states under Article 22 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to protect individuals with disabilities against unlawful and arbitrary interference with their privacy, both in general and in particular with respect to their personal, health, and rehabilitation information. For persons with disabilities, the right to privacy plays a particularly important role in helping to guarantee rights such as the rights to equality, to freedom from discrimination, to employment, and to education, among others. This is because the right to privacy provides individuals with the right to control information about themselves, including information related to their disability status. The ability to control and limit discovery and disclosure of one’s disability status is essential in helping to protect the individual from discrimination and stigma.
Participation in Political and Public Life
Authors: Plessis Ilze Grobelaar Du , Njau Jehoshaphat 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 29 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Like all rights provided for under international human rights law, political and public life participation is to be recognized, enjoyed, and exercised without exclusions and/or restrictions. The Working Group to the Ad Hoc Committee of the draft Convention was given a mandate to draft Article 29 CRPD in line with the universal human rights treaties, to provide a protection mechanism that would ensure that persons with disabilities are entitled to the same entitlement to participate in political and public life in the same manner as other persons without disabilities.
Participation in Cultural Life, Recreation, Leisure, and Sport
Authors: Bantekas Ilias , Chow Pok Yin Stephenson , Karapapa Stavroula , Polymenopoulou Eleni 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The article covers many, sometimes disparate, issues, although the underlying entitlements are accessibility and availability. One of the cornerstones of Article 30 is access to culture, one of the least studied human rights and its content remains contested. Culture is subject to several limitations, such as censorship, freedom of expression constraints, sensitivities towards religions, and hate speech. Do these limitations apply to the right of access to culture of disabled persons in the same way as they do to their non-disabled counterparts? Paragraph 3 is perhaps the most contentious of all. It suggests that existing intellectual property laws should be construed in such a way as to avoid imposing any unreasonable or discriminatory barriers against persons with disabilities to the enjoyment of their right of access to cultural materials.
Statistics and Data Collection
Authors: Pedersen Mads , Ferretti Federico 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It explores how a provision on statistics and research data found its way into a human rights treaty for the first time in the history of international human rights law. It explores the provision’s link with Article 32 on international cooperation and Article 33 on national implementation and monitoring. The chapter also takes a look at the current deficits in statistics and research data on disability, and describes the initiatives taken to set out more robust statistical and research data on disability issues suitable for international comparison. Finally, it highlights some of the initiatives taken and describes best practices on using data as a tool to assess how human rights are lived and experienced by persons with disabilities, with a view to considering how statistics and research data can be used to monitor the implementation of the CRPD.
Report of the Committee
Authors: Treuthart Mary Pat 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 39 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 39 concerns two aspects of the monitoring and oversight function performed by treaty bodies: reporting and the issuance of general recommendations or comments. The CRPD reporting requirement to the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the Economic and Social Council is more than just a pro forma procedural matter. The record of events contained in the Committee’s biennial reports provides a vital connection between the States parties, the Committee, and the UNGA. The General Comments, with their elucidation of specific treaty provisions, serve to guide the practice of states parties with respect to the panoply of rights related issues that have an impact on persons with disabilities. More important, these General Comments signal areas that deserve greater attention overall and represent a robust interpretation of the CRPD to protect the human rights of individuals with disabilities.
Persistence of Candida auris on latex and nitrile gloves with transmission to sterile urinary catheters‡
Authors: Jabeen Kauser , Mal Pushpa Bhawan , Tharwani Areeba , Hashmi Mariam , Farooqi Joveria 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Candida auris’ ability to persist on contaminated gloves and transmit to urinary catheters was evaluated. 105 and 103 cfu/ml suspensions of eight Candida species including C. auris were inoculated on latex and nitrile gloves fingertips and touched on agar surface at different time intervals. Urinary catheter piece, touched by latex glove carrying Candida spp. suspensions at various time intervals, was cultured by roll-plate method. C.auris persisted on latex gloves at both 105 and 103 cfu/ml up to 3 minutes and could be transmitted from both wet and dry contaminated gloves to catheters. Proper glove use with strict hand hygiene should be advocated in settings with ongoing C.auris transmission.
Constraining the evolution of stellar rotation using solar twins
Authors: Lorenzo-Oliveira Diego , Meléndez Jorge , Yana Galarza Jhon , Ponte Geisa , dos Santos Leonardo A , Spina Lorenzo , Bedell Megan , Ramírez Iván , Bean Jacob L , Asplund Martin 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT
The stellar rotation versus age relation is commonly considered a useful tool to derive reliable ages for Sun-like stars. However, in the light of Kepler data, the presence of apparently old and fast rotators that do not obey the usual gyrochronology relations led to the hypothesis of weakened magnetic breaking in some stars. In this letter, we constrain the solar rotation evolutionary track using solar twins. Predicted rotational periods as a function of mass, age, [Fe/H], and given critical Rossby number (Rocrit) were estimated for the entire rotational sample. Our analysis favours the smooth rotational evolution scenario and suggests that if the magnetic weakened breaking scenario takes place at all, it should arise after Rocrit ≳ 2.29 or ages ≳5.3 Gyr (at 95 per cent confidence level).
Complete Inactivation of Sebum-Producing Genes Parallels the Loss of Sebaceous Glands in Cetacea
Authors: Lopes-Marques Mónica , Machado André M , Alves Luís Q , Fonseca Miguel M , Barbosa Susana , Sinding Mikkel-Holger S , Rasmussen Marianne Helene , Iversen Maria Refsgaard , Frost Bertelsen Mads , Campos Paula F , da Fonseca Rute , Ruivo Raquel , Castro L Filipe C 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGenomes are dynamic biological units, with processes of gene duplication and loss triggering evolutionary novelty. The mammalian skin provides a remarkable case study on the occurrence of adaptive morphological innovations. Skin sebaceous glands (SGs), for instance, emerged in the ancestor of mammals serving pivotal roles, such as lubrication, waterproofing, immunity, and thermoregulation, through the secretion of sebum, a complex mixture of various neutral lipids such as triacylglycerol, free fatty acids, wax esters, cholesterol, and squalene. Remarkably, SGs are absent in a few mammalian lineages, including the iconic Cetacea. We investigated the evolution of the key molecular components responsible for skin sebum production: Dgat2l6, Awat1, Awat2, Elovl3, Mogat3, and Fabp9. We show that all analyzed genes have been rendered nonfunctional in Cetacea species (toothed and baleen whales). Transcriptomic analysis, including a novel skin transcriptome from blue whale, supports gene inactivation. The conserved mutational pattern found in most analyzed genes, indicates that pseudogenization events took place prior to the diversification of modern Cetacea lineages. Genome and skin transcriptome analysis of the common hippopotamus highlighted the convergent loss of a subset of sebum-producing genes, notably Awat1 and Mogat3. Partial loss profiles were also detected in non-Cetacea aquatic mammals, such as the Florida manatee, and in terrestrial mammals displaying specialized skin phenotypes such as the African elephant, white rhinoceros and pig. Our findings reveal a unique landscape of “gene vestiges” in the Cetacea sebum-producing compartment, with limited gene loss observed in other mammalian lineages: suggestive of specific adaptations or specializations of skin lipids.
FOXP1 circular RNA sustains mesenchymal stem cell identity via microRNA inhibition
Authors: Cherubini Alessandro , Barilani Mario , Rossi Riccardo L , Jalal Murtadhah M K , Rusconi Francesco , Buono Giuseppe , Ragni Enrico , Cantarella Giovanna , Simpson Hamish A R W , Péault Bruno , Lazzari Lorenza 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStem cell identity and plasticity are controlled by master regulatory genes and complex circuits also involving non-coding RNAs. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNAs generated from protein-coding genes by backsplicing, resulting in stable RNA structures devoid of free 5’ and 3’ ends. Little is known of the mechanisms of action of circRNAs, let alone in stem cell biology. In this study, for the first time, we determined that a circRNA controls mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) identity and differentiation. High-throughput MSC expression profiling from different tissues revealed a large number of expressed circRNAs. Among those, circFOXP1 was enriched in MSCs compared to differentiated mesodermal derivatives. Silencing of circFOXP1 dramatically impaired MSC differentiation in culture and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated a direct interaction between circFOXP1 and miR-17–3p/miR-127–5p, which results in the modulation of non-canonical Wnt and EGFR pathways. Finally, we addressed the interplay between canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. Reprogramming to pluripotency of MSCs reduced circFOXP1 and non-canonical Wnt, whereas canonical Wnt was boosted. The opposing effect was observed during generation of MSCs from human pluripotent stem cells. Our results provide unprecedented evidence for a regulatory role for circFOXP1 as a gatekeeper of pivotal stem cell molecular networks.
Multiplexed and tunable transcriptional activation by promoter insertion using nuclease-assisted vector integration
Authors: Brown Alexander , Winter Jackson , Gapinske Michael , Tague Nathan , Woods Wendy S , Perez-Pinera Pablo 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The ability to selectively regulate expression of any target gene within a genome provides a means to address a variety of diseases and disorders. While artificial transcription factors are emerging as powerful tools for gene activation within a natural chromosomal context, current generations often exhibit relatively weak, variable, or unpredictable activity across targets. To address these limitations, we developed a novel system for gene activation, which bypasses native promoters to achieve unprecedented levels of transcriptional upregulation by integrating synthetic promoters at target sites. This gene activation system is multiplexable and easily tuned for precise control of expression levels. Importantly, since promoter vector integration requires just one variable sgRNA to target each gene of interest, this procedure can be implemented with minimal cloning. Collectively, these results demonstrate a novel system for gene activation with wide adaptability for studies of transcriptional regulation and cell line engineering.
The utility of magnetic resonance imaging for noninvasive evaluation of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Brown Robert S , Sun Maryellen R M , Stillman Isaac E , Russell Teresa L , Rosas Sylvia E , Wei Jesse L 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Noninvasive quantitative measurement of fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD) would be desirable diagnostically and therapeutically but standard radiologic imaging is too variable for clinical usage. By applying a vibratory force, tissue shear wave stiffness can be measured by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) that may correlate with progression of kidney fibrosis. Since decreased kidney perfusion decreases tissue turgor and stiffness, we combined newly available three-dimensional MRE shear stiffness measurements with MR arterial spin labeling (ASL) kidney blood flow rates to evaluate fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Methods
Thirty individuals with diabetes and Stage 0–5 CKD and 13 control individuals without CKD underwent noncontrast MRE with concurrent ASL blood flow measurements.

Results
MRE cortical shear stiffness at 90 Hz was decreased significantly below controls in all CKD stages of diabetic nephropathy. Likewise, ASL blood flow decreased progressively from 480 ± 136 mL/min/100 g of cortical tissue in controls to 302 ± 95, 229 ± 7 and 152 ± 32 mL/min/100 g in Stages 3, 4 and 5 CKD, respectively. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) surrogate for the measured glomerular filtration fraction [surrogate filtration fraction = estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)/ASL] decreased progressively from 0.21 ± 0.07 in controls to 0.16 ± 0.04 in Stage 3 and 0.10 ± 0.02 in Stage 4–5 CKD.

Conclusions
In this pilot study, MRI with ASL blood flow rates can noninvasively measure decreasing kidney cortical tissue perfusion and, with eGFR, a decreasing surrogate filtration fraction in worsening diabetic nephropathy that appears to correlate with increasing fibrosis. Differing from the liver, MRE shear stiffness surprisingly decreases with worsening CKD, likely related to decreased tissue turgor from lower blood flow rates.
Acute neurotoxicity following vincristine due to Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in a young child with medulloblastoma
Authors: Kissoon Trisha , Gururangan Sridharan , Sladky John 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Vincristine (VCR), a microtubule inhibitor that arrests the cell cycle by blocking metaphase of mitosis, is unique among the vinca alkaloids for causing polyneuropathy. Patients with increased risk of VCR neurotoxicity include the elderly and those with prior history of neuropathy-prone medical conditions. Identifying such risk factors prior to the development of neurotoxicity should be a goal prior to VCR administration. Clinicians should obtain a thorough medical and family history of neuropathies in any child scheduled to receive neurotoxic medications to avoid exacerbating an underlying disorder. We report a case of a young child with newly diagnosed medulloblastoma who started treatment on a VCR-containing chemotherapy regimen following surgery and craniospinal radiation. She subsequently developed severe peripheral polyneuropathy and new enhancement of the cranial and nerve roots following a relatively low cumulative dose of VCR and was diagnosed with previously unidentified Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMTD) Type 1A. This case highlights that an evaluation of risk factors should be completed prior to initiation of neurotoxic chemotherapies and advocates for testing for inherited neuropathies such as CMTD even in asymptomatic patients when hereditary neuropathy is suspected.
Ulva prolifera green-tide outbreaks and their environmental impact in the Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Zhang Yongyu , He Peimin , Li Hongmei , Li Gang , Liu Jihua , Jiao Fanglue , Zhang Jianheng , Huo Yuanzi , Shi Xiaoyong , Su Rongguo , Ye Naihao , Liu Dongyan , Yu Rencheng , Wang Zongling , Zhou Mingjiang , Jiao Nianzhi 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The Ulva prolifera green tides in the Yellow Sea, China, which have been occurring since 2007, are a serious environmental problem attracting worldwide attention. Despite extensive research, the outbreak mechanisms have not been fully understood. Comprehensive analysis of anthropogenic and natural biotic and abiotic factors reveals that human activities, regional physicochemical conditions and algal physiological characteristics as well as ocean warming and biological interactions (with microorganism or other macroalgae) are closely related to the occurrence of green tides. Dynamics of these factors and their interactions could explain why green tides suddenly occurred in 2007 and decreased abruptly in 2017. Moreover, the consequence of green tides is serious. The decay of macroalgal biomass could result in hypoxia and acidification, possibly induce red tide and even have a long-lasting impact on coastal carbon cycles and the ecosystem. Accordingly, corresponding countermeasures have been proposed in our study for future reference in ecosystem management strategies and sustainable development policy.
A useful approach to sensitivity and predictability studies in geophysical fluid dynamics: conditional non-linear optimal perturbation
Authors: Wang Qiang , Mu Mu , Sun Guodong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn atmospheric and oceanic studies, it is important to investigate the uncertainty of model solutions. The conditional non-linear optimal perturbation (CNOP) method is useful for addressing the uncertainty. This paper reviews the development of the CNOP method and its computational aspects in recent years. Specifically, the CNOP method was first proposed to investigate the effects of the optimal initial perturbation on atmosphere and ocean model results. Then, it was extended to explore the influences of the optimal parameter perturbation, model tendency perturbation and boundary condition perturbation. To obtain solutions to these optimal perturbations, four kinds of optimization approaches were developed: the adjoint-based method, the adjoint-free method, the intelligent optimization method and the unconstrained optimization method. We illustrate the calculation process of each method and its advantages and disadvantages. Then, taking the Zebiak–Cane model as an example, we compare the CNOPs related to initial conditions (CNOP-Is) calculated by the above four methods. It was found that the dominant structures of the CNOP-Is for different methods are similar, although some differences in details exist. Finally, we discuss the necessity and possible direction for designing a more effective optimization approach related to the CNOP in the future.