bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restorative Practices for Empowerment: A Social Work Lens
Authors: Lustick Hilary , Norton Christine , Lopez Sonia Rey , Greene-Rooks Jennifer H
Published: April 2020

Studies demonstrate that preventive practices, including restorative practices and social and emotional learning, reduce the need for suspension. However, emerging findings suggest that preventive practices perpetuate the same rates of racial disproportionality in suspension as traditional disciplinary codes; evidence of persistent racial disproportionality appears in research on restorative practices. The purpose of this study was to examine, through interviews with teachers and students, the successes and challenges of implementing community-building circles with attention to equity and inclusion. Authors found that both teachers and students experience these practices as transformative when enough trust is established to share openly; however, more training is necessary for this to be consistent across schools and classrooms. Considering the lack of discussion of implicit bias and cultural responsiveness embedded in the restorative practice trainings these teachers received, authors argue that social work professionals and concepts—namely, empowerment theory—can support teacher training and implementation of community-building circles.
Children’s Perspectives on a School-Based Social and Emotional Learning Program
Authors: Medin Eva , Jutengren Göran
Published: April 2020

Research has indicated that social and emotional learning (SEL) programs can offer benefits to students and school environments. However, students’ experiences of participation in such programs have not received as much attention. This focus group study describes elementary students’ (N = 23) experiences of and beliefs about participation in a school-based SEL program commonly used in Sweden, Life Skills Training. The results suggest questionable acceptability of the program by the students, indicating a clear belief that the school’s implementation of the program was due to their problematic behavior. Although students experienced the program content as predictable, consistent, and structured, there was great variation in their attitudes toward the program: Both strong negative and positive attitudes were revealed. The students also expressed discomfort with the personal nature of the discussions promoted by the program and uncertainty about its place in the school setting. These findings can inform SEL program implementation.
Influencing Social and Emotional Awareness and Empathy with a Visual Arts and Music Intervention for Adolescents
Authors: Mogro-Wilson Cristina , Tredinnick Lorin
Published: April 2020

Art and music create a powerful presence in the lives of youths. Skills gained from participating in the arts can better facilitate social and emotional learning (SEL) such as improving goal setting, increasing empathy, building relationships, and improving decision making. Connect with Kids, an SEL program that focuses on social and emotional skill building through the use of visual arts and music, was implemented in an urban high school in the Northeast. A total of 304 high school students participated in the study. Students from eight classrooms received the intervention (n = 143); students from another 10 classrooms (n = 161) comprised the comparison group and did not receive the intervention. The average youth was 14 years old, white, and female. Results indicated that the Connect with Kids program increased positive social and emotional behaviors among students compared with the comparison group. Examining the implications of the intervention advances gaps in the literature on SEL programs, supports integrating SEL programming on music and art in schools, and promotes continued program evaluation of unique SEL programming specifically for high school students.
Low Temperature Duration and Adult Rearing Regimes Affect Eclosion of Rhagoletis indifferens (Tephritidae: Diptera)
Authors: Neven Lisa G , Wakie Tewodros , Yee Wee L
Published: April 2020

Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran, is a quarantine pest of sweet cherries in the Pacific Northwest of the United States that overwinters as diapausing pupae. Eclosion responses of R. indifferens puparia to different low temperature durations and postdiapause conditions affect the pest status of the fly. Here, we determined the effects of holding R. indifferens puparia at 3°C for 0, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wk on adult eclosion times and rates at two simulated temperate and two simulated tropical climate treatments over 40 wk. When puparia were chilled 0, 1, or 2 wk, adult eclosion across the four climate treatments displayed a bimodal distribution with low eclosion at 3 wk and high eclosion at 23–35 wk. When puparia were chilled ≤ 10 wk, there was a weaker bimodal distribution. However, when puparia were chilled 15–30 wk, eclosion was more synchronous and occurred at 5–7 wk across the four postchill climate treatments. Eclosion was greater at a postdiapause temperature of 26°C than 23°C. Timing to 50% eclosion was faster at longer photoperiod (16:8 L:D) than shorter (12:12 L:D). The bimodality of eclosion in respect to the duration of low temperature exposure may be indicative of univoltine insect species with obligate diapause that may span over two seasons.
Modified SEC III protocol: vertical control related to patients’ compliance with the chincup
Authors: Montinaro Federica , Nucci Ludovica , Carfora Marco , d’Apuzzo Fabrizia , Franchi Lorenzo , Perillo Letizia
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To compare the short-term outcomes of modified SEC III protocol in growing patients in relation to their compliance with the chincup, matching them with an untreated Class III control group (CG).

Materials and Methods

Thirty-four patients (mean age of 8.6 ± 1.2 years) with Class III dentoskeletal malocclusion treated with the modified SEC III protocol and divided into group 1 (G1, 18 subjects), reporting good compliance and group 2 (G2, 16 subjects) not compliant with the chincup. The records were analysed before treatment (T1) and after the orthopaedic phase (T2), with an interval period of about 1.3 ± 0.5 years. The CG consisted of 16 untreated subjects with Class III dentoskeletal malocclusion (mean age of 8.3 ± 1.4 years). The statistical comparisons among the three groups were performed with ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc tests.

Results

Both G1 and G2, compared with CG, presented significant improvements in the sagittal skeletal relationships (ANB +2.5° and +2.5°, Wits +4.2° and +3.0°, respectively). G1 exhibited a significant more favourable control of vertical skeletal relationships when compared to G2 (Palatal Pl.–Mandibular Pl. −2.0°) that were associated with a statistically significant reduction of the gonial angle (ArGoMe −1.7°). Limitations of the study were its retrospective nature and the lack of evaluation of the long-term outcomes.

Conclusions

Both groups of treated patients showed favourable sagittal skeletal improvement compared with controls. The use of chincup in patients with good compliance produced significantly greater control of the skeletal vertical dimensions compared with patients not compliant with the chincup.
Aggregate size-dependence of bacterial community separation in a full-scale membrane bioreactor plant
Authors: Zhang Shaoqing , Li Bing , Yu Zhong , Meng Fangang
Published: April 2020

The size of bacterial aggregates can determine both nutrient removal and sludge/water separation in activated sludge processes. In this study, the bacterial community structures and network associations of different sized aggregates obtained from a full-scale membrane bioreactor plant over a one-year period were investigated. Our results showed that biodiversity of larger sized aggregates was significantly higher than that of smaller ones and that the bacterial compositions of different sized aggregates differed significantly from each other. Bacteria related to nutrient removal (e.g. denitrification, hydrolysis and fermentation) were found to be significantly more abundant in larger aggregates than smaller ones. Network analysis revealed significant difference in species–species interactions, topological roles of individual OTU and keystone populations among different sized aggregates. Moreover, the occurrence of keystone OTUs affiliated with denitrifiers (Thermomonas) in networks of large and medium aggregates may suggest that denitrification influences bacterial interactions in large and medium aggregates. Overall, our results indicate the aggregates size-dependence of bacterial community separation in activated sludge. The current findings not only can provide guidance for process design and operation optimization, but also highlight the necessity for paying more attentions to the aggregate-based community, metabolic function and gene expression of activated sludge in future studies.
Exacerbation of disease by intranasal liquid administration following influenza virus infection in mice
Authors: Lyu Yuanjun , Li Pengcheng , Yang Zifeng , Zhong Nanshan
Published: April 2020

Although numerous studies have clarified the synergistic pathogenesis in mouse models of influenza A virus (IAV)-associated dual infections, fewer studies have investigated the influence of intranasal liquid administration on the disease. This study explored the effects of intranasal PBS administration in mouse models of mimic IAV dual infection and the infectious dose of IAV that caused equivalent pathogenesis in different dual infection models. Weights, survival rates, virus loads, lung indexes and lung pathology were compared. We demonstrated that intranasal PBS administration following H1N1 or H3N2 infection increased weight loss, mortality, virus replication and lung damage. No difference was observed if the order was reversed or PBS was given simultaneously with IAV. To induce equivalent virulence, a 20-fold difference in the infectious dose was needed when the H3N2–PBS superinfection and H3N2–PBS coinfection or PBS–H3N2 superinfection groups were compared. Our study demonstrated that the unfavourable effect of intranasal liquid administration should not be neglected and that both the strain and infectious dose of IAV should be considered to avoid an illusion of synergistic pathogenicity when establishing IAV-associated dual infection model. A 20-fold lower dose than that of coinfection may be a better choice for secondary infection following IAV.
10. Exchange of contracts
Authors: Abbey Robert , Richards Mark
Published: April 2020

Exchange of contracts is the most critical stage in the conveyancing process as it represents the point at which the parties become legally bound to proceed. This chapter examines pre-exchange matters; the process by which contracts are actually exchanged; and matters that should be attended to immediately after exchange has taken place. It also considers the risk and responsibility for buildings insurance, and the consequences of the buyer occupying the property before completion.
15. Delays and remedies
Authors: Abbey Robert , Richards Mark
Published: April 2020

This chapter considers what can be done if a conveyancing contract is delayed, disputed or denied. A practitioner must be able to advise a client when a transaction goes wrong and remedies are sought to correct that wrong. The discussions cover late completion; conditions when time is of the essence for a conveyancing contract; consequences of delay; notices to complete; and remedies.
1. Introduction
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Mountford Lisa
Published: April 2020

This introductory chapter briefly sets out the volume’s purpose, which is to explain the legal, procedural and evidential rules governing how cases are dealt with by the criminal justice system. It then explains the philosophy of the text and its unique features; introduces the key personnel and organisations within the criminal justice system; introduces the Criminal Procedure Rules; explains the classification of offences according to their trial venue; summarizes the jurisdiction of the criminal courts; stresses the importance of the pervasive issue of human rights; and highlights professional conduct considerations in the context of criminal litigation.
8. The Decision to Prosecute and the Prosecution’s Duties of Disclosure of Evidence
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Mountford Lisa
Published: April 2020

This chapter first explains the role of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the factors that are taken into account when deciding to charge a suspect or to divert him from prosecution. It then examines the important obligations which are placed upon the CPS both at common law and under statute to serve pre-trial disclosure of evidence upon the defendant and their importance to the right to a fair trial. Defence disclosure obligations are also considered.
25. Prosecuting Young Offenders
Authors: Hannibal Martin , Mountford Lisa
Published: April 2020

Where a prosecution is commenced against a child aged 10 to 13 years or against a young person aged 14 to 17 years, the general rule is that he will be tried and sentenced in the youth court. The youth court adopts more informal and less adversarial procedures to deal with the needs and vulnerabilities of young defendants. However, there are exceptional situations (grave offences and dangerous offenders) where they will be tried in the Crown Court or when jointly charged with an adult sometimes in the adult magistrates’ court. This chapter discusses the rules for deciding where a young person is to be tried; the rules for trying a young person in the Crown Court; the rules for trying a young person in the adult magistrates’ court; the young defendant’s right to court bail; and the procedure in the youth court.
2. A Modern Litigation Approach
Authors: Cunningham-Hill Susan , Elder Karen
Published: April 2020

This chapter begins with a discussion of civil litigation reform. It focuses on the purpose of civil litigation. The application of the Civil Procedure Rules is detailed. Key features of civil practice in the courts, for example, the computation of time, are discussed. It considers the concept of the overriding objective and human rights and civil litigation.
9. Starting Your Court Action and Serving It on the Defendant
Authors: Cunningham-Hill Susan , Elder Karen
Published: April 2020

This chapter deals with the procedural steps, considerations, and issues that need to be addressed when commencing proceedings. These include the ‘tracks’ created by the Civil Procedure Rules (the small claims track, the fast track, and the multi-track). It details the documents needed to issue proceedings. These include parties and joinder and service provisions.
10. Defending a Claim
Authors: Cunningham-Hill Susan , Elder Karen
Published: April 2020

This chapter considers the options open to a defendant faced with a claim against him. It covers the emotional responses of the defendant, as well as the defendant’s pre-action position. It discusses the way in which a defendant may fund the litigation. It details the essential steps needed to respond to a claim; the substantive responses to the action; and tactical responses to the claim.
19. Trial, Settlement, and Appeals
Authors: Cunningham-Hill Susan , Elder Karen
Published: April 2020

Although a large percentage of civil cases are settled well in advance of trial, it remains important for legal representatives look to the possibility of running a case to trial. This chapter focuses on fast-track and multi-track cases that proceed to trial. It covers professional conduct issues; procedural and administrative preparation for trial; the day of the trial; judgment and appeals. It also discusses settlement without trial.
2. Financial services
Authors: Wright Kathryn , Firth Clare , Crompton Lucy , Fox Helen , Seabridge Frances , Wigglesworth Susan , Smart Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

This chapter first introduces the regulation of financial services. It puts the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA 2000) into context and explains the need for authorisation under the Act. It considers what is covered by the general prohibition as well as the meanings of ‘regulated activity’ and ‘specified investment’. The chapter then discusses the position of solicitors, specifically those who are regulated by the Law Society, a designated professional body. The FSMA 2000 has been amended by the Financial Services Act 2012. This introduced changes to the regulation of financial services, including the renaming of the Financial Services Authority as the Financial Conduct Authority.
8. Corporation tax
Authors: Wright Kathryn , Firth Clare , Crompton Lucy , Fox Helen , Seabridge Frances , Wigglesworth Susan , Smart Elizabeth
Published: April 2020

All companies incorporated in the UK which actively carry on business are liable to pay corporation tax (CT) on their taxable profits. This chapter considers the charge to CT with particular focus on calculating chargeable income profits and allowable deductions; the treatment of company capital gains and capital losses; trading loss relief; capital allowances; and close companies.
9. Directors and secretary
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: April 2020

This chapter considers the law relating to company officers. This is a combination of statute, common law, and regulations under a company’s articles of association. The discussions cover the division of powers within a company; appointment of directors, managing directors, alternate directors, and shadow directors; retirement of directors; removal of directors from office; powers of directors; directors’ duties; statutory controls on directors; the directors and protection of outsiders; and the company secretary.
12. Disposal of shares
Authors: Slorach J. Scott , Ellis Jason
Published: April 2020

This chapter considers the various ways in which a shareholder in a company may dispose of his interest in the company either during his lifetime or on death. It discusses the transfer of shares; transmission by operation of law; buy-back and redemption by a company; and financial assistance.
5. Deduction and Investigation of Title
Authors: Abbey Robert M. , Richards Mark B.
Published: April 2020

Deducing title is the process by which the seller demonstrates to the buyer that the seller owns the land and can convey it. Conversely, the process of investigating title is the means by which the buyer ensures that the seller does own the land, and can convey. This chapter discusses when these procedures are carried out and then considers in detail the methods for deducing and investigating title in both registered and unregistered land.
7. The purchase deed and mortgage
Authors: Abbey Robert M. , Richards Mark B.
Published: April 2020

The principal purpose of the purchase deed is to transfer the legal estate in the property from the seller to the buyer. The transfer of a legal estate is void unless it is made by deed. This chapter discusses types of purchase deed; joint representation of borrower and lender; commercial mortgages; the mortgage deed; and post-completion steps; and mortgage fraud.
10. Leaseholds and commonhold
Authors: Abbey Robert M. , Richards Mark B.
Published: April 2020

This chapter begins by considering leases, dealing with leases when acting for a lessee or lender, liability on covenants in leases, and lease variations. It then discusses new leases, existing leases, statutes and leases, and the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.
4. Overriding Objective and Human Rights
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

This chapter discusses the sources of procedural law, the general principles relevant to civil procedure established by the overriding objective, the European Convention on Human Rights, and some rules on how the courts approach construing the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR). The CPR and practice directions (PDs) are the procedural rules governing civil proceedings. The most important rule is the ‘overriding objective’ of dealing with claims justly and at proportionate cost. The most important Convention rights in civil litigation are the right to a fair trial, the right to respect for private and family life, and the right to freedom of expression.
7. Renewal of Process
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

After proceedings commence by issuing a claim form or other originating process, they must be brought to the attention of the defendants or respondents by service. Generally, originating process remains valid for the purpose of service for a period of four months. Service of proceedings marks a watershed in the litigation process. It is at this point that the defendant is put on formal notice that legal proceedings have been brought, and the time limit on service of proceedings is one which is relaxed with extreme caution. This chapter discusses periods of validity; power to renew; claims in respect of cargo carried by sea; multiple defendants; effect of stay; procedure on seeking an extension; and challenging an order granting an extension.
10. Alternative Dispute Resolution
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, plays a key role in reducing the costs of civil disputes by fomenting the early settlement of cases. This chapter discusses ADR processes; advantages or disadvantages of ADR and litigation; the cost of ADR; reference to ADR; and court involvement in ADR. Adjudicative ADR results in the third party neutral deciding the dispute or difference between the parties. Non-adjudicative ADR processes involve moving the parties towards reaching a compromise agreement between themselves. Rules of court require parties to consider using ADR. Sanctions may be imposed on parties who act unreasonably.
24. Summary Judgment
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

Summary judgment is used where a purported defence can be shown to have no real prospect of success and there is no other compelling reason why the case should be disposed of at trial. The procedure for entering summary judgment is not limited to use by claimants against defendants. Defendants may apply for summary judgment to attack weak claims brought by claimants. This chapter discusses time for applying for summary judgment; defendant’s application for summary judgment; excluded proceedings; orders available; amendment at hearing; other compelling reasons for a trial; directions on summary judgment hearing; and specific performance, rescission, and forfeiture in property cases.
37. Sanctions
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

A court can impose sanctions to ensure that its case management directions and orders are complied with, and to retain control over the conduct of litigation. These range from adverse interim costs orders through to striking out the whole or part of the defaulting party’s statement of case. This chapter discusses sanctions for non-compliance with pre-action protocols, with the Civil Procedure Rules 1998 (CPR), and with directions; application for sanctions; non-compliance with an unless order; striking out; less serious immediate sanctions; extending time and correcting errors; and relief from sanctions and setting aside.
43. Freezing Injunctions
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

This chapter discusses the rules on freezing injunctions. A freezing injunction is an interim order restraining a party from removing assets located within the jurisdiction out of the country, or from dealing with assets whether they are located within the jurisdiction or not. The order is usually restricted to assets not exceeding the value of the claim. The main purpose of a freezing injunction is to prevent the injustice of a defendant’s assets being salted away so as to deprive the claimant of the fruits of any judgment that may be obtained.
45. Norwich Pharmacal and Related Disclosure Orders
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

This chapter considers a number of other special forms of disclosure orders, the best known of which is the Norwich Pharmacal order. Norwich Pharmacal orders are primarily used for finding the identity of an unknown potential defendant. They can only be sought against a person who facilitated and got ‘mixed up’ in the wrongdoing. Norwich Pharmacal orders therefore cannot be made against ‘mere witnesses’. Pre-action disclosure orders bring forward the time when disclosure of documents takes place to the period before a claim is issued. Disclosure against non-parties enables the court to order a witness to produce documents in advance of the trial, thus avoiding adjournments when documents are produced at the last minute at trial.
48. Enforcement
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

Parties occasionally refuse to comply with the judgments and orders of the court. A range of enforcement procedures is available to ensure compliance. This chapter discusses enforcement of money judgments; enforcement of judgments for the delivery of goods; enforcement of judgments for the possession of land; contempt of court; and enforcement of foreign judgments.
50. Appeals
Authors: Sime Stuart
Published: April 2020

This chapter considers the structure of non-family civil appeals. It covers routes of appeal; permission to appeal; time for appealing; procedure on appealing; respondent’s notice; applications within appeals stay; striking out appeal notices and setting aside or imposing conditions; hearing of appeals; appeal court’s powers; appeals by way of case stated; and appeals to the Supreme Court.
1. Introduction
Authors: Webb Julian , Maughan Caroline , Maughan Mike , Keppel-Palmer Marcus , Boon Andrew
Published: April 2020

This Guide is concerned with the lawyers’ skills that underpin practice as a solicitor and which are introduced during the Legal Practice Course (LPC). It serves as a supplement rather than a substitute for skills training undertaken on the LPC. This introductory chapter briefly discusses the nature of legal skills training and then provides instructions on how to use the present Guide.
5. Legal research
Authors: Webb Julian , Maughan Caroline , Maughan Mike , Keppel-Palmer Marcus , Boon Andrew
Published: April 2020

This chapter discusses the skills needed to carry out legal research. It covers understanding the importance of legal research; establishing an overall strategy in undertaking legal research; using primary sources; doing library-based research; analysing the problem; reviewing the subject matter; searching primary and secondary sources; updating the search; using online databases; and reporting the results of research.
Taste for science, academic boundary spanning, and inventive performance of scientists and engineers in industry
Authors: Arts Sam , Veugelers Reinhilde
Published: April 2020

Matching survey data on PhD scientists and engineers currently working in an R&D job in industry with publications and patents, we study the relation between their individual motives and the rate and nature of their inventive output. We find that individuals with a strong taste for science, that is motivated by intellectual challenge, autonomy, and contribution to society, create more novel and impactful patents in industry. These individuals are also more involved in academic boundary spanning, proxied by scientific publications co-authored with academic scientists, and this boundary spanning partially mediates the effect of taste for science on impactful inventive output. In contrast, individuals with a strong taste for salary and career collaborate less with academic scientists, fully mediating the negative effect of taste for salary and career on impactful inventive output.
Vancomycin-induced ototoxicity in very-low-birthweight infants
Authors: Marissen Janina , Fortmann Ingmar , Humberg Alexander , Rausch Tanja K , Simon Arne , Stein Anja , Schaible Thomas , Eichhorn Joachim , Wintgens Jürgen , Roll Claudia , Heitmann Friedhelm , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang , Härtel Christoph ,   German Neonatal Network, Hepping Nico , Möller Jens , Emeis Michael , Böttger Ralf , Teig Norbert , Gudowius Peter , Hoehn xxx
Published: April 2020

Background

Vancomycin is an extensively used anti-infective drug in neonatal ICUs. However, exposure–toxicity relationships have not been clearly defined.

Objectives

To evaluate the risk profile for hearing deficits in vancomycin-exposed very-low-birthweight infants (VLBWI).

Methods

In a large cohort study of the German Neonatal Network (GNN; n = 16 967 VLBWI) we assessed the association of vancomycin treatment and pathological hearing tests at discharge and at 5 year follow-up. We performed audits on vancomycin exposure, drug levels, dose adjustments and exposure to other ototoxic drugs in a subgroup of 1042 vancomycin-treated VLBWI.

Results

In the GNN cohort, 28% (n = 4739) were exposed to IV vancomycin therapy. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, vancomycin exposure proved to be independently associated with pathological hearing test at discharge (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03–1.34, P = 0.016). Among vancomycin-treated infants, a cumulative vancomycin dose above the upper quartile (>314 mg/kg bodyweight) was associated with pathological hearing test at discharge (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.21–3.64, P = 0.009), whereas a vancomycin cumulative dose below the upper quartile was associated with a reduced risk of pathological tone audiometry results at 5 years of age (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, P = 0.02, n = 147).

Conclusions

Vancomycin exposure in VLBWI is associated with an increased, dose-dependent risk of pathological hearing test results at discharge and at 5 years of age. Prospective studies on long-term hearing impairment are needed.
HPLC-Based Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Alkaloids in Chewable Areca Products from Different Geographic Regions
Authors: Cao Mengru , Liu Yingkai , Yuan Hanwen , Qiu Yixing , Xie Qingling , Yi Pan , Tan Dianbo , Peng Yanmei , Wang Wei
Published: April 2020

Background

Chewable areca products are popular in Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and China. The major alkaloids present in areca products are guvacine, arecaidine, guvacoline, and arecoline which cause carcinogenicity and addiction.

Objective

The objective of this study was the quantitative analysis of the alkaloid content of areca chewable products from different countries and regions using HPLC-UV, as well as the benefit of their safety evaluation products.

Method

An HPLC-UV method was established for qualitative and quantitative analyses of 65 batches of areca chewable products from different countries and regions. Additionally, similarity evaluation of chromatographic fingerprints was applied for data analysis.

Results

These results reveal a significant variation in the levels of areca alkaloids among tested products, specifically guvacoline (0.060–1.216 mg/g), arecoline (0.376–3.592 mg/g), guvacine (0.028–1.184 mg/g), and arecaidine (0.184–1.291 mg/g). There were significant differences in the alkaloid content of areca chewable products from different producing areas.

Conclusions

The method will be useful in the safety evaluation of different areca chewable products.

Highlights

The established HPLC-UV method can be adopted for safety evaluation of areca chewable products from different countries and regions due to its general applicability.
Development and Fecundity of Orius minutus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and O. laevigatus Reared on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Rahman Md Arefur , Sarker Souvic , Ham Eunhye , Lee Jun-Seok , Lim Un Taek
Published: April 2020

The polyphagous predator Orius species is a dominant predator of thrips, mites, and aphids. Orius laevigatus (Fieber) is a well-known commercialized and effective biological control agent, whereas Orius minutus (L.) distributed widely over the world has not been commercialized. To assess potentials of developing O. minutus as a commercial biological control agent, we compared the biological parameters of O. minutus with O. laevigatus when reared on mixed stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch at 27.5°C. Nymphal development of O. laevigatus was shorter (11.30 d) than that of O. minutus (12.25 d), but there was no significant difference in survivorship between the two species. Also, no significant difference was found in either the preoviposition or oviposition periods, lifetime fecundity, or longevity between the two species. However, O. minutus eggs had a higher hatch rate (0.77) than O. laevigatus (0.71). In life table analysis, no difference was found in any parameters, i.e., R0, rm, λ, T, and DT, between O. laevigatus and O. minutus in two-tailed t-tests. In a predation bioassay, O. minutus consumed 1.39 times more adult T. urticae in 24 h than did O. laevigatus, although the predation rate on T. urticae eggs was similar between the two species. These results suggest that O. minutus native to Korea could be developed as a biological control agent against T. urticae.
Outcomes of periacetabular osteotomy for borderline hip dysplasia in adolescent patients
Authors: Swarup Ishaan , Zaltz Ira , Robustelli Stacy , Sink Ernest
Published: April 2020

Treatment of borderline acetabular dysplasia (lateral center edge angle ≥18°) remains controversial, and there is a paucity of literature focusing on outcomes in adolescent patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) as surgical management of borderline acetabular dysplasia in adolescent patients. We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data and included patients ≤ 21 years of age that underwent PAO for borderline acetabular dysplasia. All patients had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Outcomes were assessed using modified Harris Hip Scores (mHHS), Hip Outcome Scores (HOS) and international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33). Descriptive and univariate statistical analyses were performed. This study included 33 adolescent patients (35 hips) with symptomatic, borderline acetabular dysplasia. The majority of patients was female (32 patients, 97%); half of all patients reported a history of hip pain for over 1 year; and seven patients had previous hip arthroscopy. In addition to PAO, seven hips (20%) underwent a concurrent hip arthroscopy at the time of surgery. There were significant improvements in mean mHHS, HOS-activities of daily living (ADL), HOS-Sport and iHOT-33 scores after surgery (P < 0.01). Minimal clinically important difference in outcome scores was achieved for over 90% of patients at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Borderline acetabular dysplasia is a major cause of hip pain in adolescent patients. Patients with symptomatic borderline acetabular dysplasia report a significant benefit after a PAO to correct structural hip instability.
The International Criminal Court’s Selectivity and Procedural Justice
Authors: Kotecha Birju
Published: April 2020

Prosecution selectivity is one of the most intractable dilemmas in international criminal justice. It is of little surprise, then, that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) selection of cases has long been subject to critical debate. This article contributes to the literature by analysing the ICC’s selection procedure from the perspective of affected communities. Vis-à-vis this target audience, the article critiques the procedure’s effectiveness against a measure of perceived legitimacy. Using a Rawlsian model of imperfect procedural justice, the analysis explains the specific shortcomings of the Office of the Prosecutor’s (OTP) selection procedure in being sufficiently consistent, impartial and representative. In turn, this lack of procedural fairness may reduce the likelihood that the OTP selections are perceived as legitimate within affected communities. More broadly, the article argues that the OTP is unable to reach the ‘fairest’ possible prosecutorial decisions as to situations or cases — culminating in the conclusion that its selection procedure makes a limited (if any) contribution to the Court’s perceived legitimacy. The article triggers reflection on the Court’s relationship with target audiences and concludes by making practical recommendations directed at improving the OTP’s selection procedure.
Computational Image Analysis of T-Cell Infiltrates in Resectable Gastric Cancer: Association with Survival and Molecular Subtypes
Authors: Challoner Benjamin R , von Loga Katharina , Woolston Andrew , Griffiths Beatrice , Sivamanoharan Nanna , Semiannikova Maria , Newey Alice , Barber Louise J , Mansfield David , Hewitt Lindsay C , Saito Yuichi , Davarzani Naser , Starling Naureen , Melcher Alan , Grabsch Heike I , Gerlinger Marco
Published: April 2020

Background

Gastric and gastro-esophageal junction cancers (GCs) frequently recur after resection, but markers to predict recurrence risk are missing. T-cell infiltrates have been validated as prognostic markers in other cancer types, but not in GC because of methodological limitations of past studies. We aimed to define and validate the prognostic role of major T-cell subtypes in GC by objective computational quantification.

Methods

Surgically resected chemotherapy-naïve GCs were split into discovery (n = 327) and validation (n = 147) cohorts. CD8 (cytotoxic), CD45RO (memory), and FOXP3 (regulatory) T-cell densities were measured through multicolor immunofluorescence and computational image analysis. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was assessed. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

CD45RO-cell and FOXP3-cell densities statistically significantly predicted CSS in both cohorts. Stage, CD45RO-cell, and FOXP3-cell densities were independent predictors of CSS in multivariable analysis; mismatch repair (MMR) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) status were not statistically significant. Combining CD45RO-cell and FOXP3-cell densities into the Stomach Cancer Immune Score showed highly statistically significant (all P ≤ .002) CSS differences (0.9 years median CSS to not reached). T-cell infiltrates were highest in EBV-positive GCs and similar in MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient GCs.

Conclusion

The validation of CD45RO-cell and FOXP3-cell densities as prognostic markers in GC may guide personalized follow-up or (neo)adjuvant treatment strategies. Only those 20% of GCs with the highest T-cell infiltrates showed particularly good CSS, suggesting that a small subgroup of GCs is highly immunogenic. The potential for T-cell densities to predict immunotherapy responses should be assessed. The association of high FOXP3-cell densities with longer CSS warrants studies into the biology of regulatory T cells in GC.
Representative Bureaucracy and Public Hiring Preferences: Evidence from a Conjoint Experiment among German Municipal Civil Servants and Private Sector Employees
Authors: Jankowski Michael , Prokop Christine , Tepe Markus
Published: April 2020

Drawing on Weber, this study tests whether the normative principles of merit orientation and impartiality are more prevalent in shaping public hiring preferences among civil servants—both junior and senior—than among private sector employees. In a conjoint experiment, respondents are asked to compare two hypothetical applicants for an office job in a municipal administration and to decide which they would hire. The application profiles vary with respect to a set of meritocratic and nonmeritocratic attributes. The empirical findings suggest that first, in all three samples, hiring decisions are primarily based on meritocratic attributes. Second, there is evidence of ethnic discrimination in the private employee sample, while there is no such effect in either of the two civil servant samples. Third, private employees’ hiring preferences are influenced by personal political beliefs, while civil servants are less likely to let political attitudes affect their hiring choices. Thus, while civil servants hiring preferences are largely consistent with passive representation and nondiscrimination, support for a representative bureaucracy among citizens should be improved.
Radiation therapy combined with bone-modifying agents ameliorates local control of osteolytic bone metastases in breast cancer
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Makita Chiyoko , Manabe Yuki , Kajima Miki , Matsuyama Katsuya , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: April 2020

Bone-modifying agents (BMAs) are frequently used for the treatment of bone metastases. Both BMA and radiation therapy (RT) are effective; however, there are few studies that have evaluated the efficacy of the combination treatment. We evaluated the effectiveness of RT + BMA in breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone metastasis as compared to BMA alone. A total of 43 lesions in 25 patients were evaluated. The median follow-up period was 18 (range, 2–90) months. None of the lesions was treated with chemotherapy or molecular targeted drugs during the follow-up period for evaluating the local response. Patients with complete or partial response were considered as responders, while those with stable or progressive disease were considered as non-responders. The rate of response with RT + BMA was significantly higher than that with BMA alone (P = 0.001). The cumulative incidence rate of response at 6 months was 54.4% in the RT + BMA group and 27.5% in the BMA alone group. The median time to response was 4 (range, 2–11) months in the RT + BMA group and 6 (range, 4–16) months in the BMA alone group. The overall survival rate in the responder group (83.1% at 1 year) was significantly higher than that in the non-responder group (37.5% at 1 year) (P = 0.029). In conclusion, RT combined with BMA was found to be more effective than BMA alone for the treatment of osteolytic bone metastasis, which thereby improves the prognosis.
Preliminary survey of 3D image-guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer at representative hospitals in Asian countries
Authors: Okonogi Noriyuki , Wakatsuki Masaru , Mizuno Hideyuki , Fukuda Shigekazu , Cao Jianping , Kodrat Henry , Lau Fen Nee , Calaguas Miriam Joy , de los Reyes Rey H , Chansilpa Yaowalak , Uddin A F M Kamal , Adylkhanov Tasbolat , Cho Chul-Koo , Tsegmed Uranchimeg , Hoang Nguyen Cong , Ohno Tatsuya , Nakano Takashi , Kato Shingo ,   Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia
Published: April 2020

3D image-guided brachytherapy (3D-IGBT) has become a standard therapy for cervical cancer. However, the use of 3D-IGBT is limited in East and Southeast Asia. This study aimed to clarify the current usage patterns of 3D-IGBT for cervical cancer in East and Southeast Asia. A questionnaire-based survey was performed in 11 countries within the framework of the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia. The questionnaire collected the treatment information of patients with cervical cancer who underwent 3D-IGBT. The cumulative external beam radiotherapy and 3D-IGBT doses were summarized and normalized to a biological equivalent dose of 2 Gy per fraction (EQD2) using a linear-quadratic model. Of the 11 institutions representing the participating countries, six (55%) responded to the questionnaire. Overall, data of 36 patients were collected from the six institutions. Twenty-one patients underwent whole-pelvic irradiation and 15 underwent whole-pelvic irradiation with central shielding. Patients received a median of four treatment sessions of 3D-IGBT (range, 2–6). All 3D-IGBT sessions were computed tomography (CT)-based and not magnetic resonance image-based. The median doses to the high-risk clinical target volume D90, bladder D2cc, rectum D2cc and sigmoid colon D2cc were 80.9 Gy EQD2 (range, 58.9–105.9), 77.7 Gy EQD2 (range, 56.9–99.1), 68.0 Gy EQD2 (range, 48.6–90.7) and 62.0 Gy EQD2 (range, 39.6–83.7), respectively. This study elucidated the current patterns of 3D-IGBT for the treatment of cervical cancer in East and Southeast Asia. The results indicate the feasibility of observational studies of CT-based 3D-IGBT for cervical cancer in these countries.
Wing loading, not terminal velocity, is the best parameter to predict capacity of diaspores for secondary wind dispersal
Authors: Liang Wei , Liu Zhimin , Liu Minghu , Qin Xuanping , Baskin Carol C , Baskin Jerry M , Xin Zhiming , Wang Zhigang , Su Zhi , Zhou Quanlai
Published: April 2020

Lift-off velocity may be the most useful surrogate to measure the secondary dispersal capacity of diaspores. However, the most important diaspore attribute determining diaspore lift-off velocity is unclear. Furthermore, it is not known whether terminal velocity used to characterize the primary dispersal capacity of diaspores can also be used to predict their secondary wind dispersal capacity. Here, we investigate how diaspore attributes are related to lift-off velocity. Thirty-six species with diaspores differing in mass, shape index, projected area, wing loading, and terminal velocity were used in a wind tunnel to determine the relationship between diaspore attributes and lift-off velocity. We found that diaspore attributes largely explained the variation in lift-off velocity, and wing loading, not terminal velocity, was the best parameter for predicting lift-off velocity of diaspores during secondary wind dispersal. The relative importance of diaspore attributes in determining lift-off velocity was modified by both upwind and downwind slope directions and type of diaspore appendage. These findings allow us to predict diaspore dispersal behaviors using readily available diaspore functional attributes, and they indicate that wing loading is the best proxy for estimating the capacity for secondary dispersal by wind.
Ascorbate oxidation activates systemic defence against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola in rice
Authors: Singh Richard Raj , Verstraeten Bruno , Siddique Shahid , Tegene Adelahu Mekonene , Tenhaken Raimund , Frei Michael , Haeck Ashley , Demeestere Kristof , Pokhare Somnath , Gheysen Godelieve , Kyndt Tina
Published: April 2020

Ascorbic acid (AA) is the major antioxidant buffer produced in the shoot tissue of plants. Previous studies on root-knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne graminicola)-infected rice (Oryza sativa) plants showed differential expression of AA-recycling genes, although their functional role was unknown. Our results confirmed increased dehydroascorbate (DHA) levels in nematode-induced root galls, while AA mutants were significantly more susceptible to nematode infection. External applications of ascorbate oxidase (AO), DHA, or reduced AA, revealed systemic effects of ascorbate oxidation on rice defence versus RKN, associated with a primed accumulation of H2O2 upon nematode infection.

To confirm and further investigate these systemic effects, a transcriptome analysis was done on roots of foliar AO-treated plants, revealing activation of the ethylene (ET) response and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathways in roots, which was confirmed by hormone measurements. Activation of these pathways by methyl-JA, or ethephon treatment can complement the susceptibility phenotype of the rice Vitamin C (vtc1) mutant. Experiments on the jasmonate signalling (jar1) mutant or using chemical JA/ET inhibitors confirm that the effects of ascorbate oxidation are dependent on both the JA and ET pathways. Collectively, our data reveal a novel pathway in which ascorbate oxidation induces systemic defence against RKNs.