bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Clauses (Articles 16–23)
Authors: Brand Ronald A , Coffee Michael S , Herrup Paul
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses the general clauses presented in the Hague Convention’s Articles 16–23. The General Clauses chapter of the Convention contains eight articles that have the potential for a major impact on the outcome of specific requests for recognition or enforcement. The articles primarily revolve around transitional rules determining when Convention provisions will apply to the recognition and enforcement of judgments based on the date when the Convention has the effect between the State of origin and the requested State. In Articles 17–19, the Convention authorizes certain declarations by States that will tailor the application of specific Convention rules under specific circumstances. The chapter also details the function of Articles 20–23.
Final Clauses (Articles 24–32)
Authors: Brand Ronald A , Coffee Michael S , Herrup Paul
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on Chapter IV of the Hague Judgments Convention, which is also known as the chapter of Final Clauses. The provisions set out the rules applicable to the Convention as a treaty. Article 24 addresses how States may sign, ratify, accept, approve, or accede to the Convention, while Article 25 allows States with two or more territorial units to tailor the application of the Convention with respect to those units. Moreover, Articles 26 and 27 contain rules applicable to any Regional Economic Integration Organization (REIO). The chapter cites the provisions and features within the Convention’s Articles 28–32.
Final Comments and Thoughts About the Future
Authors: Brand Ronald A , Coffee Michael S , Herrup Paul
Published: June 2024

This concluding chapter looks into the significance of the 2019 Hague Judgments Convention. It acknowledges that the Convention is an important positive development for transnational litigation since it provides a framework in one document for the recognition and enforcement of a significant number of foreign country judgments. Moreover, the Convention represents a general improvement by replacing the current patchwork of confusing and often conflicting local, bilateral, and regional mechanisms with a global instrument for the regulation of judgments. The Convention framework represents a good deal of compromise, and compromise comes with limitations. The chapter considers the significant flaws of the Convention that makes it anachronistic and inadequate in some aspects of future development.
Offer and Acceptance
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on offer (ījāb) and acceptance (qabūl), which reflected the subsequent codifications of Islamic contract law. According to Kāsānī and Ibn Qudāma, a contract is fundamentally an agreement expressed through words or actions with clear evidence of ījāb and qabūl. Thus, the modes for the expression of offer and acceptance range between sigha qawliya (through words) and al-dalālāt al-hāliyya (understood from a situation or conduct). The chapter explains that ījāb and qabūl should coincide in the same session (majlis) as the contract does not conclude with the change of majlis. It elaborates on the concepts of khiyārāt relating to termination and the possibility of a contract.
Legal Capacity (Ahliyya)
Authors: Ercanbrack Jonathan G
Published: June 2024

This chapter tackles the significance of legal capacity in understanding Islamic law, contract law, and criminal law. The Arabic term for legal capacity is ahlīya, which primarily refers to the competence of a human being to acquire rights and obligations. Additionally, the theological foundations of ahlīya should be considered before examining the legal bases of ahlīya, due to the rights and obligations to which ahlīya gives effect. The chapter expounds on the forms and impediments of legal capacity. It also looks into women’s legal capacity because of jurists’ unspoken and yet distinctive treatment of women’s capacity, referencing that a woman’s responsibility to testify is unequal compared to men’s.
The Role of Intent (Niyya)
Authors: Ercanbrack Jonathan G
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses the role of intent, which defines the will to be directed towards an act for a specific purpose. The primary means of discovering intent include manifesting signs and forms of legal expression, such as through individuals’ speech acts and writings. Moreover, the intent (nīyya) is a fundamental concept of the whole Islamic religious law, be it concerned with worship or with the law in the narrow sense, which is also indicated by the opening placement of a ḥadīth in the authoritative ḥadīth compendium of al-Bukharī. The chapter tackles the role of intent in the Fiqh of Worship, which is also known as al-ʿabādāt. It explains that the law of social transactions (fiqh al-muʿamalāt) constitutes the rule that regulates civil actions unlike the actions directed to the worship of God.
Maḥal Alʿaqd
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: June 2024

This chapter explains that a maḥal al ʿaqd or maʿqūd is the subject matter of a contract, which could be defined by its movability and tangibility. It elaborates on the conditions that create contractual certainty which is the foundational principle for an agreement to qualify as valid and for the ensuing rights and liabilities to be enforceable. According to Islamic jurists (fuqahā), the conditions vary between the māl mutaqawwam (legal), existent, seller’s ownership, seller’s possession, delivery, and precisely determined (maʿlūm). The chapter discusses how the prohibition of an object becoming the subject matter of a contract may be excused by ʿurf (custom). It elaborates on how gharar (contractual uncertainty) is a hurdle to a valid contract, especially when the conditions of the maḥal al ʿaqd are not clear and the contract’s effects and results are not evident.
Rights Conferred on Shareholders by the Companies Act 2006
Authors: Collingwood Timothy
Published: June 2024

This chapter addresses the rights conferred directly on shareholders by the Companies Act 2006 (CA 2006). It highlights the rights in relation to the variations of class rights, company meetings, inspection of registers, rectification of the register of members, and takeover offers under Part 28, Chapter 3 of CA 2006. It looks at the law, practice, and procedure relating to the exercise of such rights. The chapter discusses the rights that are conferred on individual shareholders by provisions in CA 2006 and may be enforced by an individual shareholder free of any restrictions under the rule in Foss v Harbottle. It reviews the principal rights concerned with the objection to a variation of class rights, the connection with company meetings, and inspection of registers.
Regulation of Procedural Aspects of Arbitration
Authors: Tan Paul , Goh Nelson , Lim Jonathan
Published: June 2024

This chapter covers the regulation of procedural aspects of arbitration. Although the IAA sets out a framework for international arbitrations seated in Singapore, it does not purport to deal with all the procedural issues that could potentially arise in international arbitration. This chapter covers three facets of procedure that arise in an arbitration. First, it addresses international arbitration rules that may be selected by the parties to apply in a Singapore- seated arbitration. Second, it examines ethical rules that may apply to the regulation of arbitration practitioners and arbitrators in Singapore. Third, it discusses recent developments on the practice of third- party funding and how they impact international arbitrations seated in Singapore.
The Effect, Interpretation, and Applicability of the Model Law
Authors: Tan Paul , Goh Nelson , Lim Jonathan
Published: June 2024

This chapter covers the effect, interpretation, and applicability of the Model Law in Singapore law with reference to Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IAA. In the discussion on Section 3 of the IAA, the chapter explains that Section 3 incorporates the Model Law into Singapore law, but excludes Chapter VIII of the Model Law from incorporation. It also discusses how conflicts between the Model Law and the IAA should be resolved, and when the Model Law should apply. In the discussion on Section 4 of the IAA, the chapter explains that reference may be made to UNCITRAL documents for the purposes of interpreting the Model Law. In the discussion on Section 5 of the IAA, the chapter explains that the Model Law and Part II of the IAA do not apply to arbitrations that are not “international” and only apply to non-international arbitrations if the parties agree in writing. The chapter also discusses what defines an “international” arbitration, including a flow chart that visually demonstrates whether an arbitration is “international”.
Number and Appointment of Arbitrators
Authors: Tan Paul , Goh Nelson , Lim Jonathan
Published: June 2024

This chapter examines Sections 9, 9A, and 9B of the IAA which provide for the number and appointment of arbitrators. Section 9 departs from the Model Law and provides that, if the number of arbitrators is not determined by the parties, there is to be a single arbitrator by default. Section 9A sets out the process for the appointment of a three-person tribunal, and similarly also changes the default from the Model Law with respect to the process of appointing the presiding arbitrator. Section 9B was a recent amendment that came into force in December 2020, and is intended to provide a default mechanism for appointment of arbitrators in multi-party arbitrations. Section 9B modifies the Model Law, which has no provisions specifically addressing the appointment of arbitrators in a multi-party scenario.
Disapplication of the Model Law and the IAA, the Application of Rules of Arbitration, and Conciliation
Authors: Tan Paul , Goh Nelson , Lim Jonathan
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses Sections 15, 15A, 16, and 17 of the IAA. Section 15 of addresses the situation where parties expressly agree to disapply the Model Law or the IAA. Section 15A clarifies the interplay between the various rules which may apply to an arbitration, as agreed to or adopted by the parties, and the Model Law and Part II of the IAA. Sections 16 and 17 address conciliation, which is an alternative dispute resolution process whereby the disputing parties seek to reach an agreed resolution with the help of an independent third- party conciliator.
Entitlement to the Grant and Ownership of Intellectual Property Rights: Jurisdiction
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter tackles the jurisdiction surrounding the entitlement to the grant and ownership of intellectual property rights. Since patents are awarded on a first-to-file basis, disputes concerning ownership often arise when someone gets hold of the information and files their own name before the inventor. Moreover, the Protocol on Recognition attached to the European Patent Convention contains special jurisdictional rules dealing with the issue of the right to the grant of a European patent. The chapter mentions that statutory provisions can provide for an automatic transfer of ownership. It also considers the parallel validity proceedings in relation to the validity of a European patent.
Infringement and Validity of Intellectual Property Rights: Jurisdiction
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses some jurisdictional cases concerned with issues of the validity and infringement of intellectual property rights. The rules on jurisdiction under the Brussels I Regulation/Lugano Convention determine the issues of infringement and validity and have separate rules for each issue. While national proceedings on validity often run in parallel with opposition proceedings, the process tends to take a long time. Thus, national courts dealing with validity have started to ask the parties to alert the European Patent Office to this so it can expedite its treatment of the relevant opposition proceedings. The chapter also looks into the application of Article 24 of the Lugano Convention 2007 and traditional English rules.
Reform of Jurisdiction
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter tackles the reform of the law about the international litigation of intellectual property disputes. Ambitious reform proposals are designed to operate on a worldwide stage that provides an independent regime of rules for intellectual property and private international law. Moreover, the reform includes the applicable law and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Meanwhile, the reform of the Brussels I Regulation and other EU instruments are intended to go wider and operate as a model for adoption by non-EU States. The chapter explores the jurisdiction and model of reform of the CLIP Principles for Conflict of Laws in Intellectual Property, American Law Institute Principles, and Brussels I Regulation.
Infringement: The Applicable Law
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter tackles the applicable law surrounding infringement. It starts with how the establishment of the Rome II Regulation simplified matters dealing with the choice of law for the infringement of intellectual property rights. The Rome II Regulation has a broad scope, which includes a new set of choice of law rules for non-contractual obligations that apply to all cases. The chapter also looks into the questions that arise in infringement cases and applicable law, which references the principle of territoriality. It covers the non-contractual obligations concerning intellectual properties where there is a contractual defence while referencing the Rome II Regulation.
Choice of Law and the Internet
Authors: Torremans Paul L C
Published: June 2024

This chapter details the choice of law surrounding the internet. It clarifies that the process is not fundamentally different whether contracts and infringement of an intellectual property right are conducted on the internet or in the real world. Despite the amendments, the Paris Convention of 1883, and the Berne Convention of 1886 as the basis of intellectual property conventions remained untouched. The chapter then elaborates on the notion of ubiquitous infringement in correlation with a de minimis rule and special cases. It discusses contributory liability on the internet, citing the case of eBay where it may not be directly infringing goods, but acts as an auction platform and third party for those who are liable.
Interpretation, enforceability, and effects of asymmetric jurisdiction clauses under English law
Authors: Marshall Brooke
Published: June 2024

This Chapter examines the principles of English law applicable to asymmetric jurisdiction clauses that, until Brexit, applied in a limited range of situations. Illustrating how asymmetric clauses are likely to be treated going forward, the Chapter analyses the English law relevant to their interpretation, enforceability and effects, along with relief for their breach. The extent to which the Braganza-Socimer implied term and the Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 are relevant to enforceability is examined, along with the relationship between severability and consideration. Analysis of effects encompasses the exclusive/non-exclusive dichotomy and extends to the ancillary procedural clauses generally accompanying asymmetric clauses: forum non conveniens or FNC waivers and concurrent proceedings provisions. The likelihood of an English court issuing an antisuit injunction or staying its proceedings on grounds of vexation or oppression and forum non conveniens, via case management, or on the basis that the proceedings before the court are an abuse of its processes is considered.
Conclusion
Authors: Marshall Brooke
Published: June 2024

This Chapter distills the book’s key conclusions and tenders, in light of them, suggestions to practitioners and scholars as to how asymmetric jurisdiction clauses and the law could be better designed. It proposes drafting for a sample asymmetric jurisdiction clause, which may be suitable for use by practitioners and their clients in Contracting States to 2005 Hague Choice of Court Convention, in the UK, and in the EU, including France. Reflections are offered for those charged with the review and potential revision of the EU’s Brussels I Recast Regulation. How the book should be read if the EU, one day, accepts the UK’s accession to the 2007 Lugano Convention is also mapped out.
Introduction
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: June 2024

Chapter 1 provides a background on issues raised by tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority by separating them into issues concerning jurisdiction, choice of law, and foreign judgments. It deals with the jurisdiction of English courts to hear and decide tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority. It also reviews the choice-of-law issues raised by tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority that pass the hurdles of the Crown and foreign act of state doctrines. The chapter considers tortious claims as different from other kinds of claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority. It describes tortious claims as belonging to private law even where their aim is to vindicate fundamental rights and control the exercise of executive authority.
Whose Act of State?
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: June 2024

Chapter 4 shows that public international law governs the issue of attribution of conduct to states and international organizations and explains the direct application of public international law to this issue. It deals with the issue of attribution of conduct from a private international law perspective, which is key for deciding whether an act of state doctrine or jurisdictional immunities apply. It also reviews the two approaches the English courts have adopted to the issue of attribution: the first approach is the application of English law and the second approach is the application of public international law. The chapter presents the lex fori approach to the issue of attribution of conduct and the public international law approach. It emphasizes that the public international law approach should be preferred because it is more in line with the reasons for the existence of the act of state doctrines and jurisdictional immunities.
Torts in Foreign Relations and Choice of Law
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: June 2024

Chapter 5 explores the theoretical justifications for the application of foreign law in general to tortious claims. It demonstrates that the explanation for subjecting such claims to the choice-of-law process lies in the fact that English law regards them as private law claims that concern personal wrongs of UK government officials and in Dicey’s equality principle. It also highlights the application of the lex loci delicti to tortious claims that rests on the principles of territoriality and pragmatism. The chapter presents the formalistic and substantive kinds of explanations to address why tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority are subjected to the choice-of-law process. It mentions three main justifications for the application of foreign law: the ideas of justice, convenience, fairness, and appropriateness; parties’ legitimate expectations; and decisional harmony.
Law Governing the Tortious Liability of the UK Government
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: June 2024

Chapter 6 looks at the tortious liability of the UK government. It shows that English law governs the issue of the UK government’s capacity to be liable in tort and the question of whether an allegedly wrongful act or the liability for an allegedly wrongful act is attributable to the Crown in right of the UK for the purposes of CPA 1947. It also points out that the case law provides little support for the application of foreign law to determine other conditions for imposing tortious liability on the UK government. The chapter discusses the issue of the UK government’s capacity to be liable in tort and the question of whether an allegedly wrongful act or the liability for an allegedly wrongful act are governed by English law. It outlines the legal nature of the UK government and its tortious liability under English law.
Law Governing Defences
Authors: Grušić Uglješa
Published: June 2024

Chapter 8 looks at the defences to tortious liability arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority. It shows that some defences are governed by English law and that the existence and operation of some defences reflect a conception of tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority as claims that concern public acts of the UK. It also demonstrates that the Crown act of state defence is not a defence to tortious liability, but a rule of subject-matter jurisdiction. The chapter talks about the law that prescribes the facts that are for the defendant to prove which, even if the claimant has established the elements of the cause of action, will negate the defendant’s prima facie liability. It reviews choice-of-law problems raised by tortious claims arising out of the external exercise of British executive authority by advancing four arguments.
Introduction to the second edition
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Besides macro-events like the now completed departure of the UK from the EU and the adoption of the DSM Directive, between the first and the present edition very significant developments have also occurred in the case law of the CJEU. First of all, objectively seminal judgments have been issued, including having regard to copyright protection of works of applied art, liability of internet platform operators, contractual restrictions to linking, digital exhaustion under the InfoSoc Directive, application of the EU Charter to the copyright field, and legislative freedom of EU Member States, as well as the very validity of Article 17 of the DSM Directive. Furthermore, some of the standards of interpretation relied upon by the CJEU in its copyright case law have gained more or less prominence compared to the analysis included in the first edition of this book, with the result that the relationship between them also warranted some fresh considerations. The Introduction details the main changes occurred between the first and second edition of the book, as well as main objectives and structure of the book.
Standards applied in CJEU copyright jurisprudence: A data-based case law analysis
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Chapter 2 focuses on the standards that the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has employed in its case law. It selects and illustrates the content of the policies and principles that the CJEU has used to develop its own understanding of EU copyright directives. The analysis thus considers general and special standards, the former being standards that the Court has applied transversally to different areas of copyright and the latter being relevant to specific areas, eg exclusive rights or exceptions and limitations. General standards include: guarantee of a high level of protection; the need to interpret certain concepts as autonomous concepts of EU law; effectiveness; proportionality; fair balance of different rights and interests; the requirement to interpret provisions in relevant directives in light of their wording and context, as well as the objectives pursed by the directive in question; and interpretation of relevant provisions in light of fundamental rights as also protected in the EU Charter. Special standards include the requirement of interpreting exclusive rights as having preventive nature and exceptions and limitations strictly. The second part of this chapter contains a statistical analysis referred to as ‘data-based case law’ (DBCL). Its main objective is to illustrate relations and correlations between the various standards employed in CJEU case law, considered in pairs. The DBCL may also serve to anticipate types of standards likely to be employed in relation to different areas of copyright in future cases.
Towards less flexibility: Harmonization techniques, EU supremacy, and the doctrine of EU pre-emption
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Following a discussion of EU supremacy, harmonization techniques, and the doctrine of EU pre-emption, Chapter 3 focuses on how Advocates General (AGs) and the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) have materially relied upon all this to hold that national approaches departing from the text of directives would be incompatible with EU law. Such a phenomenon has occurred in respect of exclusive rights and exceptions and limitations, as well as national legislative initiatives. The second part of the chapter considers a number of issues within the areas of exclusive rights and exceptions and limitations, the objective being to show how the Court has followed similar approaches and, in so doing, achieved greater harmonization than what would appear from a literal reading of the legislative provisions. If not an express ‘agenda’, there seem to be at least common patterns that the CJEU has been relying upon to construe its own copyright system, informed by a logic of high level of protection, more homogeneous approaches across the EU, and an overarching internal market-building rationale. The chapter concludes by considering the consequences of incorrect transpositions of EU directives at the level of individual EU Member States
The ‘high level of protection’ of exclusive rights
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Focusing on the construction of exclusive rights under copyright and related rights, Chapter 5 shows how the application, by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), of the standards discussed in Chapter 2 has led to common approaches—and overall broad scope—of the rights harmonized under the InfoSoc Directive (reproduction, communication/making available to the public and distribution). The analysis considers, first, the right of reproduction of authors and other rightholders. Then the discussion moves on to review the right of communication/making available to the public having regard to its constitutive requirements, as well as its application to linking and internet platform operators. Insofar as the latter is concerned, an analysis is also undertaken of the nature of Article 17 of the DSM Directive. After that, the right of distribution—including the vexed issue of its exhaustion in a digital/online context and the now different treatment of software vis-à-vis InfoSoc works—is reviewed. Given the abundance of CJEU case law on database and software, the final part of this chapter also details relevant decisions in these areas.
Exceptions and limitations in the EU copyright system: From ‘derogations’ to ‘user rights’
Authors: Rosati Eleonora
Published: June 2024

Chapter 6 considers exceptions and limitations under the InfoSoc Directive and DSM Directive. The attention focuses on three areas in particular—parody, quotation, and private copying—in order to outline how the application of certain key standards—notably: (i) the one according to which concepts in EU directives that make no reference to the laws of individual EU Member States should be intended as autonomous concepts of EU law that must be given uniform application throughout the EU; (ii) strict interpretation of exceptions and limitations but also; (iii) effectiveness of exceptions and limitations and; (iv) achieving a fair balance in the protection of contrasting rights in light of the mandate of the EU Charter—have allowed the creation of an EU system of exceptions and limitations. In this sense, the role of the Court has been pivotal in strengthening the admittedly weak harmonizing force of the InfoSoc Directive. This chapter also discusses the nature and function of the three-step test as found in Article 5(5) of that directive, as well as the qualification of exceptions and limitations as ‘rights’ of users and the (im)possibility for individual Member States to exceed the closed catalogue under EU law.
Analysis of seven low-mass eclipsing binaries discovered by the Kepler mission
Authors: Özdarcan Orkun , Dal Hasan Ali , Sipahi Kılıç Esin , Tutar Özdarcan Demet , Yoldaş Ezgi
Published: June 2024

The discrepancy between the observed and the predicted radii in low-mass stars is a well-known and yet to be resolved problem. Although various theoretical approaches have been developed since the first appearance of the problem, there is still no satisfactory mechanism or model which could successfully reproduce observed radii. The stellar magnetic field is among proposed resolutions but has not been investigated comprehensively for detached eclipsing binary stars. In this study, we present analysis of seven low-mass Kepler eclipsing binaries, KIC 4484356, KIC 4678171, KIC 5300878, KIC 6147573, KIC 8543278, KIC 9762519, and KIC 9821078. We investigate the average amplitude of the rotational modulation signal observed at out-of-eclipse phases, which could be used as the proxy for the strength of the stellar magnetic field, and possible discrepancies between observed and theoretically calculated radii of the components of the target systems. Our findings indicate radius discrepancy for both components of KIC 4678171 and KIC 9821078. Moreover, secondary components of KIC 9762519 and KIC 8543278 appear to have quite inflated radii. However, results from this limited sample do not indicate any correlation between average amplitude of the rotation modulation signal and observed radius discrepancies.
Odd-Paired is Involved in Morphological Divergence of Snail-Feeding Beetles
Authors: Konuma Junji , Fujisawa Tomochika , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Kasahara Masahiro , Shibata Tomoko F , Nozawa Masafumi , Shigenobu Shuji , Toyoda Atsushi , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Sota Teiji
Published: June 2024

Body shape and size diversity and their evolutionary rates correlate with species richness at the macroevolutionary scale. However, the molecular genetic mechanisms underlying the morphological diversification across related species are poorly understood. In beetles, which account for one-fourth of the known species, adaptation to different trophic niches through morphological diversification appears to have contributed to species radiation. Here, we explored the key genes for the morphological divergence of the slender to stout body shape related to divergent feeding methods on large to small snails within the genus Carabus. We show that the zinc-finger transcription factor encoded by odd-paired (opa) controls morphological variation in the snail-feeding ground beetle Carabus blaptoides. Specifically, opa was identified as the gene underlying the slender to stout morphological difference between subspecies through genetic mapping and functional analysis via gene knockdown. Further analyses revealed that changes in opa cis-regulatory sequences likely contributed to the differences in body shape and size between C. blaptoides subspecies. Among opa cis-regulatory sequences, single nucleotide polymorphisms on the transcription factor binding sites may be associated with the morphological differences between C. blaptoides subspecies. opa was highly conserved in a wide range of taxa, especially in beetles. Therefore, opa may play an important role in adaptive morphological divergence in beetles.
Market accessibility, bond ETFs, and liquidity
Authors: Holden Craig W , Nam Jayoung
Published: June 2024

We develop a stylized model that generates the following empirical predictions: the less (more) accessible the underlying market is ex ante, the more its liquidity improves (deteriorates) when basket trading becomes available. We empirically test these predictions using corporate bonds before and after the introduction of exchange-traded funds. Consistent with the model’s prediction, liquidity improvement is larger for highly arbitraged, low-volume, and high-yield bonds, and for 144A bonds to which retail investor access is prohibited by law. Our article leads to a more nuanced understanding of the impact of basket security introduction than previous research suggested.
Distribution of some natural and artificial radionuclides in soil from the city of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs
Authors: Zlatanovska Irena , Stafilov Trajče , Šajn Robert , Gonovska Bojana Dimovska , Dimovska Snežana , Janusheski Jovan , Barandovski Lambe
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5 × 5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed. The aim of the study is a thorough investigation of the radioactivity level in soils of the town of Bitola (Macedonia) and its environs. Topsoil samples collected from 58 locations within a 5 × 5 km grid were analysed. Serving as a screening, gross alpha and beta activity measurements were performed using gas-flow proportional counter. Gamma-spectrometric measurements revealed the presence of three natural (40K, 226Ra, 232Th) and one artificial radionuclide (137Cs) in the samples. The activity concentrations of these radionuclides were consistent with the results of similar studies in neighbouring areas. Spatial distribution maps and factor analyses have revealed that the activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides are strongly influenced by geology and have no significant influence from human activities. A correlation of 137Cs activity concentrations with terrain elevation was also observed.
Searching the Pinus taeda Foliar Mycobiome for Emerging Pathogens Among Brown-Spot Needle Blight and Needlecast Outbreaks in the Southeast United States
Authors: Meinecke Colton D. , Niyas Afaq M. M. , McCarty Elizabeth , Quesada Tania , Smith Jason A. , Villari Caterina
Published: June 2024

Needle pathogens cause the discoloration, death, or premature abscission of conifer foliage, reducing growth and vigor, and repeated defoliation may eventually result in tree mortality. Since 2016, forest managers in the southeast United States have reported the increasing scale, frequency, and severity of needle disease outbreaks on the region's principal timber species, loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda L.). These recent outbreaks are raising concern throughout the region, as needle diseases are not traditionally considered a threat to P. taeda. Lecanosticta acicola (Thum.) Syd., the native causal agent of brown-spot needle blight, has been recovered from some outbreaks. However, the full array of fungi associated with symptoms has not been explored. In this research, P. taeda foliage was collected from affected stands throughout the region and analyzed to identify fungi associated with needle disease symptoms. We employed targeted molecular diagnostics to confirm the presence or absence of L. acicola and DNA metabarcoding to characterize the foliar mycobiome and screen for other potential pathogens. L. acicola was detected among symptomatic needles from multiple states, particularly in western portions of the P. taeda range, but rarely from stands in eastern states. Metabarcoding revealed pathogens in needles and identified associations among pathogenic fungi, differing symptoms (including needle discoloration and necrosis), and signs of fungal fruiting bodies. Additionally, the fungal community of needles varied with patterns of symptom presentation. This study is the first regionwide assessment of fungi associated with recent large-scale needle disease outbreaks on P. taeda and identifies multiple pathogens that warrant further study.
Combining Thermotherapy with Shoot Tip Culture or Cryotherapy for Improved Virus Eradication from In Vitro Actinidia macrosperma
Authors: Zhang A-Ling , Hao Mingxing , Shi Zhimin , Gao Zhixiong , Xu Yan , Liu Zhande
Published: June 2024

In recent years, kiwifruit viral diseases have become increasingly prevalent in kiwifruit-producing regions of China, significantly impacting both the yield and quality of kiwifruit. This has emerged as a significant constraint on the healthy and sustainable development of the kiwifruit industry. The use of virus-free propagation materials has been proven the most effective strategy for controlling plant viral diseases. In the present study, shoot tip culture, shoot tip cryotherapy, and their combinations with thermotherapy were established to eradicate Actinidia virus A (AcVA), Actinidia virus B (AcVB), and Actinidia chlorotic ringspot-associated virus (AcCRaV) from Actinidia macrosperma. Additionally, the impact of shoot tip size on virus eradication was evaluated. Among the three confirmed viruses, regardless of the procedure, AcVB was the easiest to eradicate, followed by AcVA and AcCRaV. Combining thermotherapy with shoot tip culture or cryotherapy resulted in a higher virus-free frequency (up to 27.3 and 50%, respectively) than shoot tip culture or cryotherapy alone (0 to 20%). Notably, the combination of thermotherapy and 0.5- to 1-mm shoot tip cryotherapy was shown to be the most effective protocol for virus eradication from A. macrosperma, which produced 50% of regenerated shoots free from all the tested viruses. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on virus elimination from kiwifruit infected with multiple viruses based on conventional shoot tip culture and shoot tip cryotherapy.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Carter Kimberly A.
Published: June 2024

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common and burdensome disorder characterized by chronic recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. IBS remains misunderstood, leading to delayed diagnosis, impaired quality of life, and substantial healthcare costs. Advancing clinicians' understanding of this complex biopsychosocial process, using a positive diagnostic strategy rather than a diagnosis of exclusion, and incorporating a multimodal treatment approach expedite time to diagnosis, facilitate symptom relief, and reduce financial expenditure.
Repurposing General Anesthetic Drugs to Treat Depression: A New Frontier for Anesthesiologists in Neuropsychiatric Care
Authors: Brenna Connor T. A. , Goldstein Benjamin I. , Zarate Carlos A. , Orser Beverley A.
Published: June 2024

During the last 100 years, the role of anesthesiologists in psychiatry has focused primarily on facilitating electroconvulsive therapy and mitigating postoperative delirium and other perioperative neurocognitive disorders. The discovery of the rapid and sustained antidepressant properties of ketamine, and early results suggesting that other general anesthetic drugs (including nitrous oxide, propofol, and isoflurane) have antidepressant properties, has positioned anesthesiologists at a new frontier in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, shared interest in understanding the biologic underpinnings of anesthetic drugs as psychotropic agents is eroding traditional academic boundaries between anesthesiology and psychiatry. This article presents a brief overview of anesthetic drugs as novel antidepressants and identifies promising future candidates for the treatment of depression. The authors issue a call to action and outline strategies to foster collaborations between anesthesiologists and psychiatrists as they work toward the common goals of repurposing anesthetic drugs as antidepressants and addressing mood disorders in surgical patients.
Risk of Acute Compartment Syndrome in Pediatric Patients With Tibial Tubercle Avulsion Fractures: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Bergen Michael A. , Vutescu Emil Stefan , McKinnon Samuel , Canastra Neal , Boulos Alexandre , Schiller Jonathan R. , Eberson Craig P. , Cruz Aristides I.
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Tibial tubercle avulsion fractures (TTAFs) represent 0.4% to 2.7% of pediatric physeal injuries. These injuries are thought to confer a risk of acute compartment syndrome (ACS), and these patients are often admitted for compartment monitoring and, in many cases, undergo prophylactic fasciotomy. This study sought to review our institution’s experience with TTAF and associated compartment syndrome in pediatric patients.

Methods:

All patients aged 8 to 18 years with TTAF at our institution from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, injury mechanism, fracture morphology, and postinjury course were reviewed. ACS was diagnosed by clinical exam or necessitating therapeutic compartment fasciotomy.

Results:

A total of 49 TTAFs in 47 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 14.5 ± 1.2 years (range: 11 to 17), and males were significantly older than females (14.6 ± 1.1 vs 13.3 ± 1.3 y, P = 0.01). The average body mass index was 27.1 ± 7.0, and males had a significantly lower body mass index than females (26.3 ± 6.5 vs 34.1 ± 8.5, P = 0.03). Basketball was the most common mechanism of injury (49%), followed by soccer (13%), football (11%), trampoline (6%), fall (6%), jumping (4%), lacrosse (4%), running (4%), and softball (2%). The Ogden fracture types were as follows: I: 10%; II: 16%; III: 41%; IV: 24%; V: 8%. Thirty-four patients (69%) were admitted to the hospital for at least one night after presentation. Forty-six (96%) underwent surgical fixation an average of 3.5 days after injury. No patients developed ACS during their post-injury or postoperative course. Three patients underwent the removal of hardware. No other complications were observed. The average follow-up duration was 238 days.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that the risk of ACS in pediatric patients with TTAF may be small enough to allow for same-day discharge after diagnosis or operative management in patients deemed to be sufficiently low risk by clinical judgment.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective comparative study.
Ten-Year Heterogeneity of Minimal Important Change and Patient Acceptable Symptom State After Lumbar Fusions
Authors: Toivonen Leevi A. , Laurén Jenna L.C. , Kautiainen Hannu , Häkkinen Arja H. , Neva Marko H.
Published: June 2024

Study Design.

Cohort study.

Objective.

To evaluate heterogeneity (fluctuation) in minimal important change (MIC) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) for patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) through 10 years after lumbar fusion.

Summary of Background Data.

PROMs have become key determinants in spine surgery outcomes studies. MIC and PASS were established to aid PROM interpretations. However, their long-term stability has not yet been reported.

Methods.

A consecutive series of elective lumbar fusions were followed up using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Improvement was rated by a 4-point Likert scale into “improved” or “nonimproved.” Satisfaction-to-treatment was rated by the patients’ willingness to undergo surgery again. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis estimated MIC (95% confidence interval, CI) as the PROM change that best predicted improvement at distinct time-points. PASS (CI) was estimated as the lowest PROM score at which the patients were still satisfied. Heterogeneity across thresholds was evaluated using the DeLong algorithm.

Results.

MIC for ODI represented heterogeneity across 10 years, ranging from −21 (−24 to −16) at two years to −8 (−7 to −4) at five years, P<0.001. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) (0.79 to 0.85) indicated acceptable to excellent discrimination. Heterogeneity was not significant in the MICs for the pain scores. At one year, MIC for back pain was −24 (−38 to −15), AUC 0.77, and for leg pain, it was −26 (−44 to −8), AUC 0.78. No significant heterogeneity was observed in 10-year PASS scores. At 1-year, PASS for ODI was 22 (15 to 29), AUC 0.85. Similarly, the one-year PASS for back pain was 38 (20 to 56), AUC 0.81, and for leg pain, it was 49 (26 to 72), AUC 0.81.

Conclusions.

MIC for ODI fluctuated over 10 years after lumbar fusions. PASS values for all PROMs seemed most stable over time. Caution is needed when generic MIC values are used in long-term studies.

Level of Evidence.

Level III
Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Lu Jun
Published: June 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its high recurrence rate and lack of effective control drugs result in a 5-year survival rate of only about 10%. HCC is a tumor regulated by the immune system. Significant breakthroughs have occurred in treating solid tumors with immunotherapy in recent years. Various immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including combination therapies, have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in both clinical applications and research. Other immunotherapies, such as adoptive cell therapies and oncolytic viruses, are also emerging, offering hope for addressing long-term survival issues in HCC. This article reviews current commonly used immunotherapy strategies and the latest research findings for reference.
Mechanism of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation disorder in male infertility
Authors: Meng Kai , Liu Qian , Qin Yiding , Qin Wenjie , Zhu Ziming , Sun Longlong , Jiang Mingchao , Adu-Amankwaah Joseph , Gao Fei , Tan Rubin , Yuan Jinxiang
Published: June 2024

Male infertility has become a global concern, accounting for 20–70% of infertility. Dysfunctional spermatogenesis is the most common cause of male infertility; thus, treating abnormal spermatogenesis may improve male infertility and has attracted the attention of the medical community. Mitochondria are essential organelles that maintain cell homeostasis and normal physiological functions in various ways, such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Mitochondrial OXPHOS transmits electrons through the respiratory chain, synthesizes adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). These mechanisms are vital for spermatogenesis, especially to maintain the normal function of testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells. The disruption of mitochondrial OXPHOS caused by external factors can result in inadequate cellular energy supply, oxidative stress, apoptosis, or ferroptosis, all inhibiting spermatogenesis and damaging the male reproductive system, leading to male infertility. This article summarizes the latest pathological mechanism of mitochondrial OXPHOS disorder in testicular Sertoli cells and germ cells, which disrupts spermatogenesis and results in male infertility. In addition, we also briefly outline the current treatment of spermatogenic malfunction caused by mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders. However, relevant treatments have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, targeting mitochondrial OXPHOS disorders in Sertoli cells and germ cells is a research direction worthy of attention. We believe this review will provide new and more accurate ideas for treating male infertility.
Supporting Spiritual Care With the Saline Process™
Authors: Rowley Carol
Published: June 2024

Living one's Christian faith and providing appropriate spiritual care in professional nursing practice can seem challenging. The IHS Global® Saline Process™ course equips Christian healthcare workers with knowledge and tools to provide appropriate spiritual support and consider how God is calling them to share his truth and love. After participating in a Saline Process™ course, ongoing engagement helps clinicians grow in practicing what they have learned. Nurses Christian Fellowship International (NCFI) partners with IHS Global® to bring the Saline Process™ to Christian nurses and other clinicians around the world, building the community of providers offering whole-person care.