bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated transcriptome and metabolome reveal that SlSYTA modulates ROS responses driving resistance defense in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Tian Shaorui , Liu Changyun , Luo Futing , Qiao Gang , Dong Jie , Wang Qin , Wen Yuxia , Wei Xuefeng , Pan Qi , Ma Xiaozhou , Sun Xianchao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Synaptotagmin A (SYTA), renowned for its indispensable role in mammalian vesicle trafficking, has recently captured attention in plant biology owing to its potential regulatory functions. This study meticulously delves into the involvement of Solanum lycopersicum SlSYTA in plant immunity, focusing on its response to an array of pathogens affecting tomatoes. Our comprehensive inquiry uncovers that SlSYTA overexpression heightens susceptibility to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Phytophthora capsici, Botrytis cinerea, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, whereas RNA interference (RNAi) plants show a robust and encompassing resistance to these pathogens. Remarkably, our findings shed light on SlSYTA's negative regulation of pivotal aspects of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) defense, notably hindering the reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, impeding stomatal closure, and curtailing callose deposition. Through meticulous scrutiny via transcriptome and metabolome analyses, our studies reveal SlSYTA's profound impact on diverse plant defense pathways, specifically influencing phenylpropanoid metabolism, hormone signaling, and oxidative phosphorylation, primarily via NADPH synthesis modulation in the pentose phosphate pathway, and ultimately interplay within ROS signaling. Collectively, our research presents groundbreaking insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms governing plant immunity, emphasizing the significant role of SlSYTA in orchestrating plant responses to biotic stress.
Epicardial and endocardial surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: outcomes from CASE-AF Registry
Authors: Mitrovic Ivana , Eszlari Edgar , Cvorak Adi , Liebold Andreas , Rastan Ardawan , Grubitzsch Herko , Knaut Michael , Fischlein Theodor , Ouarrak Taoufik , Senges Jochen , Hanke Thorsten , Doll Nicolas , Eichinger Walter 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The German CArdioSurgEry Atrial Fibrillation Registry is a prospective, multicentric registry analysing outcomes of patients undergoing surgical ablation for atrial fibrillation as concomitant or stand-alone procedures. This data sub-analysis of the German CArdioSurgEry Atrial Fibrillation Registry aims to describe the in-hospital and 1-year outcomes after concomitant surgical ablation, based on 2 different ablation approaches, epicardial and endocardial surgical ablation.

METHODS
Between January 2017 and April 2020, 17 German cardiosurgical units enrolled 763 consecutive patients after concomitant surgical ablation. In the epicardial group, 413 patients (54.1%), 95.6% underwent radiofrequency ablation. In the endocardial group, 350 patients (45.9%), 97.7% underwent cryoablation. 61.5% of patients in the epicardial group and 49.4% of patients in the endocardial group presenting with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pre-, intra- and post-operative data were gathered.

RESULTS
Upon discharge, 32.3% (n = 109) of patients after epicardial surgical ablation and 24.0% (n = 72) of patients after endocardial surgical ablation showed recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The in-hospital mortality rate was low, 2.2% (n = 9) in the epicardial and 2.9% (n = 10) in the endocardial group. The overall 1-year procedural success rate was 58.4% in the epicardial and 62.2% in the endocardial group, with significant symptom improvement in both groups. The 1-year mortality rate was 7.7% (n = 30) in epicardial and 5.0% (n = 17) in the endocardial group.

CONCLUSIONS
Concomitant surgical ablation is safe and effective with significant improvement in patient symptoms and freedom from atrial fibrillation. Adequate cardiac rhythm monitoring should be prioritized for higher quality data acquisition.
Expanded perspectives: integrating clinicians’ insights for comprehensive patient-reported outcomes in value-based healthcare
Authors: Barello Serena , Bergamaschi Roberto , Provenzi Livio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The manuscript explores value-based healthcare (VBHC) and its role in assessing healthcare quality beyond clinical metrics. It identifies four value types: personal, technical, allocative, and societal. Emphasizing the integration of diverse stakeholder perspectives, including patients, families, and clinicians, the study highlights the importance of patient- and family-reported measures (PROMs and PREMs) and clinician input. Clinicians’ insights on treatment feasibility and effectiveness are crucial for a holistic understanding of healthcare quality. The manuscript advocates for combining machine learning with participatory approaches to enhance data analysis and continuous quality improvement in VBHC, driving better outcomes for patients and communities.
Discretionary justice in antitrust
Authors: Waller Spencer Weber 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this essay, I rely on the work of the great administrative law scholar Kenneth Culp Davis on discretionary justice to propose reforms of the obligations of the antitrust enforcement agencies to explain their overall priorities and certain key individual decisions where the agencies have thoroughly investigated a matter, but chosen not to proceed further. Finally, I respond to some of the criticisms of the movement for a more democratic antitrust regime, and conclude that most of the critiques reflect more of a preference for more laissez-faire market and legal outcomes, and indicate the need for more respect for democratic processes, rather than less.
Adaptive crossover-based marine predators algorithm for global optimization problems
Authors: Yasear Shaymah Akram 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) is a swarm intelligence algorithm developed based on the foraging behavior of the ocean’s predators. This algorithm has drawbacks including, insufficient population diversity, leading to trapping in local optima and poor convergence. To mitigate these drawbacks, this paper introduces an enhanced MPA based on Adaptive Sampling with Maximin Distance Criterion (AM) and the horizontal and vertical crossover operators – i.e., Adaptive Crossover-based MPA (AC-MPA). The AM approach is used to generate diverse and well-distributed candidate solutions. Whereas the horizontal and vertical crossover operators maintain the population diversity during the search process. The performance of AC-MPA was tested using 51 benchmark functions from CEC2017, CEC2020, and CEC2022, with varying degrees of dimensionality, and the findings are compared with those of its basic version, variants, and numerous well-established metaheuristics. Additionally, 11 engineering optimization problems were utilized to verify the capabilities of the AC-MPA in handling real-world optimization problems. The findings clearly show that AC-MPA performs well in terms of its solution accuracy, convergence, and robustness. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm demonstrates considerable advantages in solving engineering problems, proving its effectiveness and adaptability.
Introduction
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This introductory chapter discusses the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), which marked a significant milestone in the global fight against organized crime. It explains how organized crime grew internationally after technological, political, and global changes affected the potential to commit crime across borders. Thus, the Convention primarily aims to promote cooperation to prevent and combat transnational organized crime more effectively. Thus, UNTOC encourages States to adopt comprehensive countermeasures against organized crime in an effort to achieve some harmonization between national anti-organized crime laws. The chapter highlights how criminal justice is acknowledged by most countries as a cornerstone of national sovereignty.
Scope of Application
Authors: Calderoni Francesco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter notes the scope of application of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) according to Article 3. It provides a wide framework for international cooperation against a variety of criminal acts. The wording of the provisions specifies that the treaty applies to the Convention's four established offences and serious crimes with transnational nature and involvement of an organized criminal group. However, the Convention does not provide any clarification on how to determine the involvement of an organized criminal group. Several delegations expressed their preference for a more explicit reference to terrorism within the scope of the Convention, but some States disagreed with the notion due to concerns of lacking definitions of terrorist crimes and the possible extension of the Convention to controversial issues.
Protection of Sovereignty
Authors: Calderoni Francesco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter cites how Article 4 of United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) highlighted sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-intervention in domestic affairs as fundamental principles of international criminal law. The provision aims to ensure the principles’ consistency within the measures involved in the implementation of the Convention. Article 4 is largely influenced by the provisions provided in the 1998 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and the 1988 Drug Trafficking Convention. Moreover, UNTOC continues the trend of expanding the scope of international treaties in criminal matters to encompass several ordinary crimes. The chapter then elaborates on the interpretation of the paragraphs in Article 4.
Criminalization of Participation in an Organized Criminal Group
Authors: Calderoni Francesco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter looks into Article 5 taking the role as one of the core articles of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) that promoted some level of harmonization and cooperation. It aims to criminalize participation in an organized criminal group as defined in Article 2(a). The compromise solution between common law and civil law traditions resulted in requiring States Parties to criminalize either or both of two distinct types of conduct, amenable to the two legal traditions. Moreover, the compromise solution was directly inspired by the European Union Joint Action 733 of 1998. The limitation of Article 5 revolves around its wording since State Parties can maintain their traditional approaches, which may hinder international cooperation and harmonization.
Liability of Legal Persons
Authors: Weißer Bettina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The chapter expounds on the liability of legal persons as indicated by Article 10 of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). Legal persons play an important role in the commission of organized crimes, especially when crimes are often committed through or under the cover of legal entities. However, since several States Parties do not provide for criminal liability of legal persons, the Convention does not require legal entities to be held criminally liable. Thus, UNTOC requires alternative solutions to be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive. Meanwhile, the men’s rea requirement is derived from the specifics of the respective offence committed by the (natural or legal) person.
Establishment of Criminal Record
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses Article 22 of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). It explains how the article aims to assist criminal justice authorities in obtaining all the necessary information to gain the full possible picture of the alleged offender and their prior offence. Moreover, the provision suggests that States Parties adopt measures allowing them to make the offender’s previous convictions in another State cognizable in proceedings relating to an offence covered by UNTOC. The chapter explains that Article 22 has similar intentions to the provisions of the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances. It also considers the article’s interpretation of its obligation and elements.
Secretariat
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter elaborates on the duties of a secretariat of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). It explains how the Secretary-General of the United Nations provides secretariat services to assist the Conference of the Parties. The secretariat function was given to the Secretary-General of the United Nations due to concerns over the budgetary implications of designating the CICP as the secretariat. Meanwhile, according to the subparagraphs of Article 33, the secretariat must assist States Parties upon request in providing the Conference of the Parties with information about the implementation of the Convention and other programmes. The chapter clarifies that early drafts did not contain a specific provision to establish a secretariat of the Convention.
Signature, Ratification, Acceptance, Approval and Accession
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter covers Article 36 of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). It explains the process by which States, and regional economic integration organizations can become Parties and bound to UNTOC. Moreover, States and regional economic integration organizations can join by ratification, acceptance, approval, and accession. The chapter cites that ratification was the standard feature of most international treaties. Thus, the signature of UNTOC must be followed by ratification, acceptance, or approval before becoming formally bound by the Convention. The chapter references the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances for its provisions on signature, ratification, and accession.
Amendment
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines the process to make amendments according to Article 39 of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC). The process is based on the general rules for formal changes to international treaties, which are established from the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The chapter details the procedure to submit, circulate and adopt amendments to UNTOC while addressing the subsequent concern of the entry into force of amendments. It explains how Article 39 includes the voting rights of regional economic integration organizations when proposals for amendments are put to a vote at the Conference of the Parties (CoP). Moreover, the amendment into force will be binding if State Parties expressed consent to be bounded.
Use of Terms
Authors: McAdam Marika 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter assesses Article 3 of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. Article 3(a) offers the first universally agreed definition of ‘trafficking in persons’, setting out the conduct to be criminalized in Article 5. Emerging as it did from the evolution of international law on both slavery and trafficking in women and children, the definition fuses the ‘process’ captured in legislation abolishing the slave trade, with the exploitative ‘result’ introduced by international instruments on trafficking of women and children preceding the Protocol. The resulting definition distinguishes between trafficking of adults and trafficking of children, the former comprised of three elements (an act, a means, and an exploitative purpose), and the latter only requiring two elements (an act and an exploitative purpose). Article 3(b) then clarifies that consent of the victim to the intended exploitation is irrelevant where specified ‘means’ have been used to traffic adults. Consent is always irrelevant in the case of child victims (defined in art 3(d) as persons under 18 years of age).
Scope of Application
Authors: McAdam Marika 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on Article 4 of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, which determines the activities and circumstances to which the Protocol applies. The Protocol applies to the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of trafficking in persons, as well as attempts, participation as an accomplice, and organizing and directing other persons, where the offences are transnational in nature and involve an organized crime group. The focus on transnational offences involving organized criminal groups stands to reason in light of the stated purpose of the Convention and its Protocols to promote international cooperation against organized crime. Article 34(2) of UNTOC states that offences should be established in domestic law independent of transnationality or the involvement of an organized crime group. Accordingly, neither transnationality nor the involvement of organized crime need to be proven to achieve a conviction for trafficking in persons.
Repatriation of Victims of Trafficking in Persons
Authors: Lelliott Joseph 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter studies Article 8 of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. The repatriation provisions in Article 8 place several obligations on both receiving States and States of return. The Article affirms the obligation of States to receive back their nationals, as well as victims of trafficking with permanent residence at the time they entered the receiving State. States of return must also verify the residence status of victims and provide documents to facilitate return. Given that return of victims can entail significant danger, including re-victimization and stigmatization, return is subject to several, albeit limited, safeguards. Article 8 further maintains, rather weakly, that any return should ‘preferably be voluntary’, thus allowing for the forced expulsion of victims of trafficking. The content of this Article must be read in light of the Protocol’s saving clause under Article 14 and, in particular, its explicit reference to the principle of non-refoulement.
Relation with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime
Authors: Calderoni Francesco 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter explains Article 1 of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol. Article 1 uses verbatim the same language as Article 1 of the Trafficking in Persons Protocol and reference is made to the commentary on that Article. Jointly with Article 37 of UNOTC, the provision ensures the coordination between the Convention and its Protocols. Overall, it provides for the application of the Convention provisions to the Protocol whenever possible and with only the necessary adaptations due to the different topics. It also ensures that offences established according to criminalization provisions of the Protocols fall within the scope of application of the Convention.
Scope of Application
Authors: McAdam Marika 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines Article 4 of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol. The scope of application provision sets out that the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol applies to prevention, investigation, and prosecution of offences established in the Protocol, where such offences are transnational in nature and involve an organized criminal group. Its application to protection of the rights of smuggled people is not limited to those who have been smuggled transnationally by organized criminal groups. This provision firmly establishes the Protocol, alongside its sibling Protocols and parent Convention, as an instrument against transnational organized crime, not transnational irregular migration. Unlike its equivalent provision in the Trafficking in Persons Protocol, which refers to protection of ‘victims’ of that crime, the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol refers to the protection ‘of the rights of persons who have been the object of such offences’.
Information
Authors: Taylor Matthew R 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This chapter explores Article 10 of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol. The collection and sharing of accurate information on the routes, means, and methods of smuggling, as well as effective legislative and policy approaches, is key to the prevention and punishment of smuggling, as well as the protection of the rights and safety of smuggled migrants. In recognition of this, Article 10 of the Protocol encourages cooperation through information exchange on various matters related to implementation of the Protocol, consistent with domestic legislation and administrative systems. Article 10 complements a number of related obligations in UNTOC. These include Article 26 (enhanced cooperation with law enforcement authorities), Article 27 (law enforcement cooperation), Article 28 (information collection and exchange), Article 29 (training and technical assistance), and Article 30 (economic development and technical assistance).
Agreements and Arrangements
Authors: Lelliott Joseph 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article encourages States Parties to the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol to use bilateral and regional mechanisms to enhance cooperation amongst themselves in addressing the smuggling of migrants. It speaks to a significant facet of States’ efforts to prevent and suppress smuggling. Bilateral arrangements, which generally take the form of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and other less-formal types of agreement, are used for various purposes, such as joint operations. The article explains how bilateral agreements and understandings facilitate action against smuggling of migrants and provide avenues for States to discuss implementation and enforcement of the Protocol’s provisions. It reflects an understanding that the Protocol sets out minimum standards of cooperation.
Saving Clause
Authors: Lelliott Joseph 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article subjects States Parties to the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol and obligations under other treaties they are party to, including obligations derived from custom and general principles of international law. It places particular emphasis on the rules of international humanitarian, human rights, and refugee law. It also makes special mention of the fundamental principles of non-refoulement and non-discrimination, making it clear that smuggled migrants must benefit from their entitlements at international law. The article covers the rights of smuggled migrants that are often subordinated to the goals of deterring and punishing migrant smuggling and irregular migration. It requires that measures set out in the Protocol are interpreted and applied in a way that is not discriminatory to persons on the ground that they have been smuggled.
Settlement of Disputes
Authors: Schloenhardt Andreas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article provides several avenues for the settlement of disputes between States Parties over the interpretation or application of the Smuggling of Migrants Protocol. It encourages States Parties to settle their disputes through negotiations. If negotiations fail to produce an outcome, the dispute may be submitted to arbitration and if the arbitration did not result in an agreement within six months, it may refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The article permits States Parties to opt out of arbitration and ICJ processes by making a reservation, which may later be withdrawn by notification to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Its text is similar to the content of Article 35 of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).