The impact of law on moral and social norms: evidence from facemask fines in the UK

We measure the extent that a prevailing law can affect moral and social norms. We use variations in facemask fines in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study, as it presents us with many features of a natural experiment. Our analysis provides two important findings. First, we find that the legal status of a behaviour, that is whether the behaviour is illegal or not, is important in influencing stated compliance and moral and social norms. In contrast we find no evidence that a variation in penalties has any effect on stated compliance or moral or social norms. We consider these results are important for law makers and society, as both moral and social norms are known to be important drivers of social change, and our results show that legality influences both—thus highlighting an endogenous relationship between the law—and moral and social norms

Lignans from the Roots and Rhizomes of Clematis manshurica

Two new lignans, clemomanshurinane A and B, along with ten known compounds have been isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Clematis manshurica. The structures were elucidated on the basis of their physicochemical and spectroscopic evidence. Clemomanshurinane A and B, (+)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol and (+)-lariciresinol 4,4'-O-bis-β -D-glucopyranoside indicated inhibitory effects on COX-2 at final concentration of 10 −5 mol/l, with the inhibition rates 65.8%, 71.8%, 53.3%, and 60.3%, respectively

High body burdens of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in California women.

Following our first report on elevated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in California women, we expanded our investigation to include diverse groups of local women. We analyzed additional adipose and serum samples collected in the late 1990s from San Francisco Bay Area women participating in a breast cancer study and in a reproductive study, respectively. Adipose samples (n = 32) were analyzed by low-resolution mass spectrometry in negative-ion chemical ionization mode, whereas serum samples (n = 50) were analyzed by dual-column gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The results confirmed our earlier findings. Concentrations of 2,2,4,4 -tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in contemporary California women ranged between 5 and 510 ng/g lipid, with a median (16.5 ng/g lipid) 3-10 times higher than those reported from Europe. In contrast, PBDEs were not measurable in any of 420 archived serum samples collected in the 1960s from San Francisco Bay Area women participating in a study of child development. BDE-47 concentrations did not increase with age or with concentrations of a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB-153), suggesting other routes of exposure in addition to diet. Rising body burdens of endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as PBDEs may pose a potential public health threat

Why Human Health and Health Ethics Must Be Central to Climate Change Deliberations

Jerome Singh argues that health ethics principles must be afforded equal status to economics principles in climate change deliberations, and that the health community must play more of a leadership role

Levels and Concentration Ratios of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Serum and Breast Milk in Japanese Mothers

Blood and/or breast milk have been used to assess human exposure to various environmental contaminants. Few studies have been available to compare the concentrations in one matrix with those in another. The goals of this study were to determine the current levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Japanese women, with analysis of the effects of lifestyle and dietary habits on these levels, and to develop a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) with which to predict the ratio of serum concentration to breast milk concentration. We measured PBDEs and PCBs in 89 paired samples of serum and breast milk collected in four regions of Japan in 2005. The geometric means of the total concentrations of PBDE (13 congeners) in milk and serum were 1.56 and 2.89 ng/g lipid, respectively, whereas those of total PCBs (15 congeners) were 63.9 and 37.5 ng/g lipid, respectively. The major determinant of total PBDE concentration in serum and milk was the geographic area within Japan, whereas nursing duration was the major determinant of PCB concentration. BDE-209 was the most predominant PBDE congener in serum but not in milk. The excretion of BDE 209 in milk was lower than that of BDE 47 and BDE 153. QSAR analysis revealed that two parameters, calculated octanol/water partition and number of hydrogen-bond acceptors, were significant descriptors. During the first weeks of lactation, the predicted partitioning of PBDE and PCB congeners from serum to milk agreed with the observed values. However, the prediction became weaker after 10 weeks of nursing

Multidisciplinary Taiwan consensus for the use of conventional TACE in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Developed in early 1980s, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with Lipiodol was adopted globally after large-scale randomized control trials and meta-analyses proving its effectiveness were completed. Also known as “conventional TACE” (cTACE), TACE is currently the first-line treatment for patients with unresectable intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and delivers both ischemic and cytotoxic effects to targeted tumors. Although new technology and clinical studies have contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of when and how to apply this widely-adopted therapeutic modality, some of these new findings and techniques have yet to be incorporated into a guideline appropriate for Taiwan. In addition, differences in the underlying liver pathologies and treatment practices for transcatheter embolization between Taiwan and other Asian or Western populations have not been adequately addressed, with significant variations in the cTACE protocols adopted in different parts of the world. These mainly revolve around the amount and type of chemotherapeutic agents used, the type of embolic materials, reliance on Lipiodol, and the degree of selectiveness in catheter positioning. Subsequently, interpreting and comparing results obtained from different centers in a systematic fashion remain difficult, even for experienced practitioners. To address these concerns, we convened a panel of experts specializing in different aspects of HCC treatment to devise modernized recommendations that reflect recent clinical experiences, as well as cTACE protocols which are tailored for use in Taiwan. The conclusions of this expert panel are described herein

Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)1.

In 2008, we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, this topic has received increasing attention, and many scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Thus, it is important to formulate on a regular basis updated guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Despite numerous reviews, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to evaluate autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. Here, we present a set of guidelines for investigators to select and interpret methods to examine autophagy and related processes, and for reviewers to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of reports that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a dogmatic set of rules, because the appropriateness of any assay largely depends on the question being asked and the system being used. Moreover, no individual assay is perfect for every situation, calling for the use of multiple techniques to properly monitor autophagy in each experimental setting. Finally, several core components of the autophagy machinery have been implicated in distinct autophagic processes (canonical and noncanonical autophagy), implying that genetic approaches to block autophagy should rely on targeting two or more autophagy-related genes that ideally participate in distinct steps of the pathway. Along similar lines, because multiple proteins involved in autophagy also regulate other cellular pathways including apoptosis, not all of them can be used as a specific marker for bona fide autophagic responses. Here, we critically discuss current methods of assessing autophagy and the information they can, or cannot, provide. Our ultimate goal is to encourage intellectual and technical innovation in the field

"Raise children to fight against aging": The determinants of elderly wellbeing in today's China

As the old Chinese saying goes, “raise children against aging” is used to describe the most desirable life arrangement for Chinese elderly people, as it reflects the core idea of filial piety that lies near the heart of the Confucian doctrine regulating society. In a fast-changing economy, are these traditional values still hold for Chinese elderly? Applying the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we explore the determinants of elderly’s wellbeing in modern China. We have a particular interest in whether living with their children, receiving pecuniary/material transfer or support from children or having more children significantly affects the wellbeing of the elderly. We find that these factors have no significance in affecting the wellbeing of the elderly in China. Furthermore, among the factors significantly determining the wellbeing of Chinese elderly people, pensions and health care are very important, particularly to the elderly in rural areas. Notably, gross domestic product (GDP) level of the province or municipality, where the elderly habitats have a significant impact on elderly’s wellbeing and this echoes with some contemporary research

枸杞霜淇淋之開發

寧夏枸杞（Lycium barbarum）為多年生落葉灌木，其果實-枸杞子廣泛應用於傳統中藥治療上，亦為藥食同源食材，具益精明目、滋補肝腎功效。近代研究指出，每日2~3 mg玉米黃素和6~10 mg葉黃素能有效改善各種眼睛相關疾病。枸杞子顏色來自類胡蘿蔔素之玉米黃素，占總類胡蘿蔔素約56%，因此被認為是玉米黃素良好食物來源。本研究以枸杞子添加於霜淇淋中，開發具預防保健眼睛潛力之新風味霜淇淋。將新鮮枸杞子煮熟後再粉碎過濾，配合脫脂奶粉、鮮奶油、調味果糖、調味香草植物水萃液、調色食材、乳化劑、安定劑均質後製成霜淇淋霜料。以九分制消費者接受性試驗獲得較高分數之配方為4.20%枸杞、1.51%芳香植物、11.00%果糖及3.91%乳脂肪。產品口感細緻滑順、具層次風味。為回應潔淨標示消費潮流，以全脂鮮乳取代鮮奶油並減少添加物。九分制消費者接受性實驗品評結果顯示，最適配方與潔淨配標示配方在統計上具顯著差異；另用方向性對比法測試後，認為兩者無顯著差異。因此結論本研究開發之枸杞霜淇淋商業配方及潔淨標示配方可同時為消費者接受，經換算所得玉米黃素約為2 mg / 100 g，符合建議攝取量，可望提供健康中草藥嗜好性產品新選擇。Lycium barbarum is deciduous shrub with perennial rootstock. Lycium barbarum are generally applied for traditional Chinese medicine treatment. Thesis are also Homology of Medicine and Food, which can improve acuity of sight and nourish the liver and kidney. Recent studies indicated that a dose of 2~3 mg of zeaxanthin and 6~10 mg lutein a day will improve different types of eye diseases. Lycium barbarum is considered a good food sources of zeaxanthin because the color components of Lycium barbarum contains 56% zeaxanthin of total carotenoid. The purpose of this study was to develop of soft sever ice cream from Lycium barbarum which can prevent eye diseases and protect eyes. We used fresh boiled Lycium barbarum crushed and filtered We used fresh Lycium barbarum crushed and filtered in the cooked, with skim milk powder, cream, fructose, herbal extract, coloring ingredients, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and homogenized the soft ice cream mix. Statistically, per 9-Point Hedonic Scale which got the highest formula was: 4.20% of Lycium barbarum, 1.15% of herbal extract, 11.00% of fructose, and 3.91% of fat. The results suggested that the best formula tasted smooth and flavorful. In response to clean label consumption trends, used whole milk instead of cream and reduced additives, there is a significant difference with clean label. On the other hand, there isn't a significant difference in directional contrast. In conclusion, customers accepted the development of soft sever ice cream from Lycium barbarum industrial formula and clean label formula. After the conversion, the zeaxanthin is about 2 mg / 100 g. This study matched at the standard of advice. We expected to provide healthy Chinese medicine enthusiasts a new choice.目錄 中文摘要 i Abstract ii 目錄 iii 圖表目錄 vi 壹、前言 1 貳、文獻回顧 4 一、冰淇淋與霜淇淋概述 4 （一）冰淇淋 4 （二）霜淇淋 8 （三）霜淇淋產業現況 9 二、霜淇淋中各成分之使用量與功用 16 （一）脂肪 16 （二）非乳脂肪固形物 16 （三）甜味劑 17 （四）安定劑 17 （五）乳化劑 18 （六）總固形物 18 三、枸杞概述 19 （一）枸杞品種及分佈概況 19 （二）外觀 20 （三）醫藥價值 20 （四）營養價值 21 四、菊花 24 （一）菊花品種及分佈概況 24 （二）外觀 25 （三）醫藥價值 26 （四）營養價值 27 五、檸檬香茅 27 （一）檸檬香茅品種及分佈概況 27 （二）外觀 28 （三）化學組成 30 （四）用途 30 參、研究動機與目的 31 肆、研究架構 32 伍、材料與方法 34 一、材料 34 （一）主原料與副原料 34 （二）化學試劑 36 （三）儀器設備 37 二、實驗方法 38 （一）樣品製備 38 （二）枸杞霜淇淋製作 38 （三）特性分析 38 （四）微生物檢測[125-127] 41 （五）感官品評 42 （六）統計分析 48 陸、結果與討論 51 一、枸杞霜淇淋開發結果 51 （一）材料最適性 51 （二）物性分析 75 （三）微生物檢測 82 （四）感官品評 83 二、枸杞霜淇淋成本試算 86 柒、結論與未來展望 87 捌、參考文獻 88   圖表目錄 圖2-1、霜淇淋與冰淇淋製造流程[14] 5 圖2-2、枸杞果實（a）及乾品/原型藥材（b）[50] 20 圖2-3、玉米黃素（a）及葉黃素之化學結構式（b）[59,60] 24 圖2-4、杭菊（c）及乾品/原型藥材（d）[50] 26 圖2-5、檸檬香茅鮮草（e）及乾品（f）[50] 29 圖4-1、研究架構 33 圖5-1、乾燥寧夏枸杞原型藥材 34 圖5-2、乾燥杭菊/杭白菊原型藥材 35 圖5-3、乾燥檸檬香茅 35 圖5-4、食品感官分析方法分類[128] 43 圖6-1、萃取前粉碎（a）與萃取後粉碎（b） 52 圖6-2、乳脂肪比例與外觀差異 66 圖6-3、樣品實際色澤 69 圖6-4、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋及潔淨標示配方之融化速率趨勢圖 80 圖6-5、枸杞霜淇淋融化狀況 80 圖6-6、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋及潔淨標示配方色澤 81 圖6-7、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋感官特性評估（n=60） 83 圖6-8、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋產品特性評估（n=60） 84 表2-1、市售冰淇淋及相關冷凍甜點配方組成[15,20] 6 表2-2、霜淇淋與冰淇淋常用配方比例表[21-24] 7 表2-3、冰淇淋類別[17] 8 表2-4、全家超商歷年霜淇淋口味[27] 12 表2-5、統一超商歷年霜淇淋口味[28] 14 表2-6、枸杞不同藥用部位之類胡蘿蔔素含量[58] 22 表5-1、枸杞霜淇淋配方表 44 表5-2、消費者接受性試驗品評單（a） 45 表5-3、消費者接受性試驗品評單（b） 45 表5-4、枸杞霜淇淋消費者品評試驗品評單 46 表5-5、本研究開發之枸杞霜淇淋商業配方及潔淨標示配方整體喜好方向性對比品評單 47 表5-6、本研究開發之枸杞霜淇淋商業配方及潔淨標示配方之整體喜好樣品計畫 48 表6-1、枸杞前處理法之口感接受性試驗品評結果 53 表6-2、枸杞添加比例之風味接受性試驗品評結果 55 表6-3、檸檬汁添加比例之風味接受性試驗品評結果 57 表6-4、芳香植物搭配之風味接受性試驗品評結果 59 表6-5、芳香植物萃取液添加比例之風味接受性試驗品評結果 61 表6-6、脫脂奶粉添加比例之枸杞霜淇淋風味接受性試驗品評結果 63 表6-7、鮮奶油添加比例之枸杞霜淇淋風味接受性試驗品評結果 65 表6-8、果糖添加比例之風味接受性試驗品評結果 68 表6-9、色澤之接受性試驗品評結果 71 表6-10、CMC添加比例之枸杞霜淇淋口感接受性試驗品評結果 73 表6-11、本研究開發之枸杞霜淇淋與全脂鮮乳枸杞霜淇淋口感之消費者接受性試驗品評結果 74 表6-12、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋之一般成分試算 75 表6-13、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋及潔淨標示配方之物性結果 76 表6-14、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋及潔淨標示配方之霜淇淋融化紀錄 79 表6-15、本研究開發枸杞霜淇淋及潔淨標示配方色澤分析結果 81 表6-16、枸杞霜淇淋產品之微生物檢測結果 82 表6-17、鮮奶油枸杞霜淇淋與全脂鮮乳枸杞霜淇淋口感之消費者接受性試驗品評結果 8