bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liraglutide changes postprandial responses of gut hormones involved in the regulation of gallbladder motility
Authors: Nerild Henriette H. , Brønden Andreas , Gether Ida M. , Hellmann Pernille H. , Baekdal Mille , Gillum Matthew P. , Svenningsen Jens S. , Hartmann Bolette , Rathor Naveen , Kudiyanur Muniraju Hanna Angelene , Rehfeld Jens F. , Holst Jens J. , Vilsbøll Tina , Sonne David P. , Knop Filip K.
Published: February 2023

Aim

Liraglutide treatment is associated with gallbladder‐related disorders and has been shown to delay postprandial gallbladder refilling. The gut hormones cholecystokinin (CCK), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2), are known to regulate gallbladder motility and may be implicated in gallbladder‐related disorders associated with liraglutide treatment.

Materials and Methods

In a double‐blind, 12‐week trial, 52 participants [50% male, age 47.6 ± 10.0 years, body mass index 32.6 ± 3.4 kg/m2 (mean ± standard deviation)] with obesity were randomized 1:1 to once‐daily subcutaneous liraglutide (escalated from 0.6 mg to 3.0 mg once‐daily) or placebo. During liquid meal tests performed at baseline, after the first dose and following 12 weeks of treatment, we evaluated postprandial gallbladder dynamics and plasma responses of CCK, FGF19 and GLP‐2.

Results

Liraglutide reduced postprandial FGF19 after the first dose [area under the curve (AUC)0‐240 min 24.8 vs. 48.0 min × ng/ml, treatment ratio (TR) (95% confidence interval) 0.52 (0.39; 0.69)] and following 12 weeks of treatment [AUC0‐240 min 33.7 vs. 48.5 ng/ml × min, TR 0.69 (0.52; 0.93)]. Liraglutide also reduced postprandial GLP‐2 responses (AUC0‐240 min 3650 vs. 4894 min × pmol/L, TR 0.75 (0.62; 0.90)] following the first dose as well as after 12 weeks [AUC0‐240 min 3760 vs. 4882 min × pmol/L, TR 0.77 (0.60; 0.99)]. Liraglutide increased postprandial responses of CCK after the first dose [AUC0‐240 min 762 vs. 670 min × pmol/L; TR 1.14 (0.97; 1.33)] and following 12 weeks of treatment [AUC0‐240 min 873 vs. 628 min × pmol/L; TR 1.39 (1.12; 1.73)].

Conclusion

Compared with placebo, treatment with liraglutide decreased postprandial FGF19 and GLP‐2 concentrations and increased postprandial CCK concentrations, which may explain the delayed postprandial gallbladder refilling observed in individuals with obesity treated with liraglutide.
A micro perspective on r > g
Authors: Iacono Roberto , Palagi Elisa
Published: February 2023

By exploiting large‐scale administrative data on income and estimated personal wealth in Norway from 2010 to 2018, this paper establishes the first micro‐level analysis of the difference between the real return on wealth and the real growth rate of total pre‐tax income, across the entire net wealth distribution. We show that for the top 40% of the distribution, the aggregate of 1.8% underestimates its micro counterpart , while the opposite happens for the bottom 60%. Moreover, for the bottom 50% of the net wealth distribution, it is indeed the case that . In addition, we run a simulation exercise demonstrating that the full distribution of —which has been shown to be positively associated with the position in the net wealth distribution—delivers a higher predictive power for the study of wealth inequality than simply focusing on the aggregate . All results are robust to the exclusion of imputed rents from the income definition.
Competitive interactions under current climate allow temperate tree species to grow and survive in boreal mixedwood forest
Authors: Soubeyrand Maxence , Gennaretti Fabio , Blarquez Olivier , Bergeron Yves , Taylor Anthony R. , D'Orangeville Loïc , Marchand Philippe
Published: February 2023

With climate change, climatic optima are shifting poleward more rapidly than tree migration processes, resulting in a mismatch between species distributions and bioclimatic envelopes. Temperate hardwood tree species may take advantage of the release of climate constraints and forest management to migrate into the boreal forest. Here, we use the SORTIE‐ND forest simulation model to determine the potential for the persistence of three temperate species (sugar maple, red maple and yellow birch) when introduced at seedling stage in typical balsam fir–paper birch (BF–PB) bioclimatic domain stands of eastern Canada, quantifying the consequences on the native species composition. SORTIE‐ND is a spatially explicit, individual‐based forest stand model that simulates tree growth, regeneration and mortality. We performed a novel parameterization of the SORTIE‐ND tree growth equation allowing for the inclusion of climate modifiers on tree growth. After validating our model with data from permanent forest inventory plots, we modeled the dynamics of unharvested stands at different successional stages, as well as post‐harvest stands, after the addition of sugar maple, red maple and yellow birch seedlings at different densities. Our results show that current BF–PB domain climate conditions do not limit growth and survival of temperate species in boreal stands. Of the temperate species introduced, sugar maple had the lowest ability to grow and survive by the end of the simulation. Species assemblages of host stands were impacted by the presence of temperate species when the addition of seedlings was above 5000 temperate seedlings per hectare at the beginning of the simulation. For stands that were recently clear cut, temperate seedlings were unable to grow due to intense competition from aspen regeneration. Our results suggest that both current climate and competitive interactions between temperate species and boreal species should not impede the ability of temperate species to grow and survive in the BF–PB domain.
To Score or Not to Score: Factors Influencing Performance and Feasibility of Automatic Content Scoring of Text Responses
Authors: Zesch Torsten , Horbach Andrea , Zehner Fabian
Published: February 2023

In this article, we systematize the factors influencing performance and feasibility of automatic content scoring methods for short text responses. We argue that performance (i.e., how well an automatic system agrees with human judgments) mainly depends on the linguistic variance seen in the responses and that this variance is indirectly influenced by other factors such as target population or input modality. Extending previous work, we distinguish conceptual, realization, and nonconformity variance, which are differentially impacted by the various factors. While conceptual variance relates to different concepts embedded in the text responses, realization variance refers to their diverse manifestation through natural language. Nonconformity variance is added by aberrant response behavior. Furthermore, besides its performance, the feasibility of using an automatic scoring system depends on external factors, such as ethical or computational constraints, which influence whether a system with a given performance is accepted by stakeholders. Our work provides (i) a framework for assessment practitioners to decide a priori whether automatic content scoring can be successfully applied in a given setup as well as (ii) new empirical findings and the integration of empirical findings from the literature on factors that influence automatic systems' performance.
Couple relational ethics: From theory to lived practice
Authors: Fishbane Mona DeKoven
Published: February 2023

Distressed couples often become polarized and caught up in power struggles, with competing claims and perspectives. When escalated, partners may become reactive and unkind. The competitive‐individualistic worldview of the Euro‐American culture feeds polarization between partners. This article explores relational views of the self and relational ethics developed in philosophy, psychology, feminist theory, neurobiology, and couple and family therapy that counter this individualistic view. A major focus is on the ways in which partners impact each other's identity and well‐being for better or worse, and the ethical responsibility this entails. The discussion addresses couple relational ethics within the larger sociocultural context that privileges power and competition. The paper offers applications to couple relationships and couple therapy, with interventions to promote mutual responsibility, fairness, dialogue, and care—helping partners to identify their higher values and interact with greater intentionality. A case example is offered to illustrate therapeutic techniques to enhance relational ethics in couples.
Biodiversity finance: A call for research into financing nature
Authors: Karolyi G. Andrew , Tobin‐de la Puente John
Published: February 2023

Biodiversity conservation will supersede climate change risk mitigation and adaptation as the next grand challenge for sustainable finance. Closing the financing gap between what is currently spent and what is needed to be spent over the next 10 years to mobilize private investment to maintain ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, and the services they provide, is estimated to exceed hundreds of billions per year. Yet there are no studies in the top tier journals in finance that have framed the risks related to biodiversity loss, how those risks might be priced, or how the private financing flows need to be intermediated. We lay out one framework and outline important open research questions for financial economists to pursue.
Day‐night variation of microbial organic matter use in sediments of a saline shallow lake
Authors: Boadella Judit , Rodríguez‐Baliu Clara , Butturini Andrea , Romaní Anna M.
Published: February 2023

Knowledge of microbial functioning linked to dissolved organic matter (DOM) in hypersaline lakes is limited. This study aimed to understand this relationship in surface and subsurface sediments and how it is affected by daytime and night‐time variability.

A sampling regime, including daytime and night‐time measurements, was designed to record aerobic respiration, extracellular enzyme activity (β‐glucosidase, leu‐aminopeptidase and phosphatase), prokaryotic cell density and viability, content of pigment and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and organic matter weight in the surface and subsurface sediments. The main physicochemical characteristics and optical properties of DOM in the surface and interstitial waters were determined.

Larger differences were detected in biofilm microbial activity between surface and subsurface sediments than between day and night, as a result of higher prokaryotic cell density and higher availability of fresh DOM at the surface, possibly released from primary production. Redox conditions, pH and DOM quantity and quality were strongly correlated with enzyme activity and variability in respiration, and might determine (through modifying nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability) how microbes use organic compounds differently at the two sediment depths.

Low prokaryotic viability indicated that the microbial community was stressed in both surface and subsurface sediments. By contrast, higher EPS and pigment content and lower metabolic efficiency at the surface layer indicated harsher conditions compared to the subsurface layer. Pigment presence and variation in daily oxygen levels in the subsurface layer indicate that the two sediment depths are interconnected.

Results suggest that surface and subsurface microbes have a distinct role in hypersaline shallow lake sediment. Microorganisms in surface sediments form a structured mat with high EPS and carotenoids and enhanced carbon metabolism. The mat also serves as a protection shield from light radiation, salinity and desiccation. At the subsurface, the lower availability of fresh organic compounds and oxygen reduces microbial biomass and activity which is, in turn, more efficient and focused on N and P acquisition.
A New Mapping Protocol for Laser Ablation (withFast‐Funnel) Coupled to aTime‐of‐FlightMass Spectrometer (LA‐FF‐ICP‐ToF‐MS) for the Rapid, Simultaneous Quantification of Multiple Minerals
Authors: Savard Dany , Dare Sarah , Bédard L. Paul , Barnes Sarah‐Jane
Published: February 2023

Althoughin situanalysis by LA‐ICP‐MS is considered a rapid technique with minimal sample preparation and data reduction, mapping areas of millimetres in size using a small beam (< 15 μm) can be time consuming (several hours) when a quadrupole ICP‐MS is used. In addition, fully quantitative imaging using internal standardisation by LA‐ICP‐MS is challenging in samples with more than one mineral phase present due to varying ablation rates. A new protocol for the quantification of multiple coexisting phases, mapped at a rate of about 12 mm2h‐1and a resolution of 12 μm × 12 μm per pixel, is presented. The protocol allows mapping of most atomic masses, ranging from23Na to238U, using a time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (ICP‐ToF‐MS, TOFWERK) connected to a 193 nm excimer laser. A fast‐funnel device was successfully used to increase the aerosol transport speed, reducing the time usually required for mapping by a factor of about ten compared with a quadrupole ICP‐MS. The lower limits of detection for mid and heavy masses are in the range 0.1–10 μg g‐1, allowing determination of trace to ultra‐trace elements. The presented protocol is intended to be a routine analytical tool that can provide greater access to the spatial distribution of major and trace elements in geological materials.
Mulching time of forest meadows influences insect diversity
Authors: Georgi Maria M. , Gärtner Stefanie M. , Förschler Marc I. , Buse Jörn , Fornoff Felix , Ssymank Axel , Oelmann Yvonne , Klein Alexandra‐Maria
Published: February 2023

The diversity in meadows is affected by numerous aspects, such as the amount and type of fertilisation and the timing and frequency of cutting. The effects of mowing on the diversity of plants and insects have been studied in detail. However, the effect of mulching (vegetation is cut, shredded, and left in place, instead of being removed) on insects in small forest meadows has received limited scrutiny to date.

In this study, we examined how different mulching times influenced insect diversity of forest meadows. We sampled insect larvae and observed flower‐visiting insects at 24 sites in the Northern Black Forest in south‐west Germany. We applied four treatments with six replicates each: (i) mulching in June, (ii) mulching in September, (iii) mulching in June and September, and (iv) no mulching as a control.

The overall larval community was dominated by Symphyta (45%, Hymenoptera) and Lepidoptera (44%). The flower‐visiting insect community was dominated by Syrphidae (80%, Diptera).

The insect larvae were negatively influenced by all mulching treatments. The abundance and species richness of flower visitors was reduced by mulching in June only and by mulching in both June and September.

Summary: Given that meadow management is required for conserving grassland diversity our results indicate that for insect larvae other mulching methods, than those we tested, such as mulching with an arthropod‐friendly mulching machine, strip‐mulching, or delayed mulching may help this crucial stage of insect development. For insect flower visitors mulching in September is beneficial.
A journey into the new employment service landscape of responsibilisation: Towards de‐personalisation of the caseworker–jobseeker relationship
Authors: Bengtsson Mattias , Jacobsson Kerstin , Wallinder Ylva
Published: February 2023

The article analyses a new culture of responsibilisation implicated in a recent management reform in the Swedish Public Employment Service. Based on an interview study and organisational documents, it is shown that the reform entails a new form of responsibilisation of jobseekers as well as caseworkers. As jobseekers are expected to ‘carry their own case’ through the administrative job‐search process, they are obliged to manage tasks that used to be in the caseworker's area of responsibility. Furthermore, caseworkers are expected to regulate themselves in new ways and change their mind‐set according to new organisational values and behavioural norms, requiring a restraining of their availability to clients. It is argued that the employment agency is increasingly turned into the agency of the active and responsible jobseeker, which entails one further shift towards individual responsibility in Swedish labour market policy and one further step towards the breakup of a personal caseworker–jobseeker relationship.
Teaching prototypes and pedagogical strategies in integrating Open Sim‐based virtual worlds in K‐12: Insights from perspectives and practices of teachers and students
Authors: Porat Erez , Shamir‐Inbal Tamar , Blau Ina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Virtual worlds (VWs) are immersive three‐dimensional environments, accessible simultaneously to multiple users, and described as shared, simulated spaces, whose inhabitants represented as avatars. VWs enable freedom of expression. Using VWs in educational contexts requires a shift from teacher‐centered instruction to facilitation of student‐centered learning practices.

Method

This study explores the degree of teacher centrality (Sage‐on‐the‐stage, Facilitator, Guide‐on‐the‐side, or Partner), pedagogical strategies used in the integration of an Open Sim‐based VW learning platform in face‐to‐face K‐12 classrooms, and consistency between the perspectives of teachers and students on these topics. We conducted semi‐structured interviews followed by observations of actual VW environments with 12 elementary teachers of different subject‐matters and 11 fifth and sixth graders who learn with VWs.

Findings

Although all teaching prototypes were present in the data, the most dominant teaching prototypes in the VW environment were ‘Guide‐on‐the‐side’ and ‘Facilitator’, while ‘Sage‐on‐the‐stage’ and ‘Partner’ were less frequent. The findings indicate that the most prevalent pedagogical strategies used to teach in VW‐enhanced classrooms were Experiential Learning, followed by Training practice and modeling, Project‐based learning, Game‐based learning, and Collaborative learning. Minor differences were found between the perspectives of teachers and students regarding teaching prototypes and the degree of teacher centrality in the classroom. Importantly, both teachers and students positioned students as the main designers of learning activities in the VW environment.

Implications

The findings of this pioneer research provide insights regarding the teaching prototypes and the degree of teacher centrality in the VW learning environment that can help improve teaching processes and professional training courses in virtual 3D environments.
Moving lab‐based in‐person training to online delivery: The case of a continuing engineering education program
Authors: Maware Catherine , Parsley David M. , Huang Kun , Swan Gerry M. , Akafuah Nelson
Published: February 2023

Background

Online learning has recently surged due to the COVID‐19 global pandemic. Because of the pandemic, many universities were forced to move to online learning, and various online teaching and learning environments emerged, both asynchronous and synchronous.

Objective

This study explores how a large university in the Southeastern United States of America converted an in‐person Lean Manufacturing professional course into synchronous online learning for industry participants.

Method

The study analysed the performance of 212 in‐person and 43 online industry participants and examined the views of online participants about the training. Paired t‐tests, one‐way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were utilized to evaluate the performance of the in‐person and online groups on the three competencies (Lean culture, problem‐solving and Lean systems).

Results and Conclusion

Both online and in‐person programs performed equally well in two Lean Manufacturing competencies: Lean systems and problem solving. The online program outperformed the in‐person program in the third competency, Lean culture. Overall, the participants had a positive experience with the structure and organization of the online program, and their impression of the online learning environment for the program was positive. The study findings indicated that Lean Manufacturing could be trained effectively online and in person. Best practices are suggested for the conversion of in‐person to synchronous online engineering continuing education programs.
Leveraging natural language processing to support automated assessment and feedback for student open responses in mathematics
Authors: Botelho Anthony , Baral Sami , Erickson John A. , Benachamardi Priyanka , Heffernan Neil T.
Published: February 2023

Background

Teachers often rely on the use of open‐ended questions to assess students' conceptual understanding of assigned content. Particularly in the context of mathematics; teachers use these types of questions to gain insight into the processes and strategies adopted by students in solving mathematical problems beyond what is possible through more close‐ended problem types. While these types of problems are valuable to teachers, the variation in student responses to these questions makes it difficult, and time‐consuming, to evaluate and provide directed feedback. It is a well‐studied concept that feedback, both in terms of a numeric score but more importantly in the form of teacher‐authored comments, can help guide students as to how to improve, leading to increased learning. It is for this reason that teachers need better support not only for assessing students' work but also in providing meaningful and directed feedback to students.

Objectives

In this paper, we seek to develop, evaluate, and examine machine learning models that support automated open response assessment and feedback.

Methods

We build upon the prior research in the automatic assessment of student responses to open‐ended problems and introduce a novel approach that leverages student log data combined with machine learning and natural language processing methods. Utilizing sentence‐level semantic representations of student responses to open‐ended questions, we propose a collaborative filtering‐based approach to both predict student scores as well as recommend appropriate feedback messages for teachers to send to their students.

Results and Conclusion

We find that our method outperforms previously published benchmarks across three different metrics for the task of predicting student performance. Through an error analysis, we identify several areas where future works may be able to improve upon our approach.
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of MTA1 enhanced RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells partly via increasing ROS activities
Authors: Feng Mingzhe , Liu Lin , Qu Zechao , Zhang Bo , Wang Yanjun , Yan Liang , Kong Lingbo
Published: February 2023

Metastasis‐associated protein 1 (MTA1), belonging to metastasis‐associated proteins (MTA) family, which are integral parts of nucleosome remodelling and histone deacetylation (NuRD) complexes. However, the effect of MTA1 on osteoclastogenesis is unknown. Currently, the regulation of MTA1 in osteoclastogenesis was reported for the first time. MTA1 knockout cells (KO) were established by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. RAW264.7 cells with WT and KO group were stimulated independently by RANKL to differentiate into mature osteoclasts. Further, western blotting and quantitative qRT‐PCR were used to explore the effect of MTA1 on the expression of osteoclast‐associated genes (including CTSK, MMP9, c‐Fos and NFATc1) during osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, the effects of MTA1 on the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in osteoclastogenesis was determined by 2′, 7′ ‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‐DA) staining. Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was assessed by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. Our results indicated that the MTA1 deletion group could differentiate into osteoclasts with larger volume and more TRAP positive. In addition, compared with WT group, KO group cells generated more actin rings. Mechanistically, the loss of MTA1 increased the expression of osteoclast‐specific markers, including c‐Fos, NFATc1, CTSK and MMP‐9. Furthermore, the results of qRT‐PCR and western blotting showed that MTA1 deficiency reduced basal Nrf2 expression and inhibited Nrf2‐mediated expression of related antioxidant enzymes. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that MTA1 deficiency inhibited Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Taken together, the above increased basal and RANKL‐induced intracellular ROS levels, leading to enhanced osteoclast formation.
The adult outcome of childhood quasi‐autism arising following extreme institutional deprivation
Authors: Rodriguez‐Perez Maria , Kennedy Mark , Barker Edward D. , Kreppner Jana , Solerdelcoll Mireia , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J.S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Rutter and colleagues' seminal observation that extended early life exposure to extreme institutional deprivation can result in what he termed quasi‐autism (QA), informed both our understanding of the effects of adversity on development and the nature of autism. Here we provide the first detailed analysis of the adult outcomes of the group of institutionally deprived‐then‐adopted children identified as displaying QA.

Methods

Twenty‐six adult adoptees identified with QA in childhood (Childhood QA+) were compared to 75 adoptees who experienced extended institutional deprivation (>6 months) but no QA (Childhood QA−), and 116 adoptees exposed to Low/No institutional deprivation. The outcomes were child‐to‐adult developmental trajectories of neuro‐developmental symptoms (autism, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), disinhibited social engagement (DSE) and cognitive impairment), adult functioning, life satisfaction and mental health.

Results

Childhood QA+ was associated with elevated and persistent trajectories of broad‐based autism‐related difficulties, ADHD and DSE symptoms and low IQ, as well as adult mental health difficulties and functional impairment, including high rates of low educational attainment and unemployment. Life satisfaction and self‐esteem were unaffected. Autism‐related communication problems, in particular, predicted negative adult outcomes. Childhood QA+ was still associated with poor outcomes even when ADHD, DSE and IQ were controlled.

Conclusions

Early and time‐limited institutional deprivation has a critical impact on adult functioning, in part via its association with an early established and persistent variant of autism, especially related to communication difficulties. Apparent similarities and differences to non‐deprivation related autism are discussed.
MLVA genotyping of Moritella viscosa reveals serial emergence of novel, host‐specific clonal complexes in Norwegian salmon farming
Authors: Sørgaard Martin , Sveinsson Karoline , Patel Sonal , Nilsen Hanne K. , Olsen Anne Berit , Vaagnes Øyvind , Colquhoun Duncan J. , Gulla Snorre
Published: February 2023

A Multi‐Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) genotyping scheme was developed for the epidemiological study of Moritella viscosa, which causes ‘winter ulcer’ predominantly in sea‐reared Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). The assay involves multiplex PCR amplification of six Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) loci, followed by capillary electrophoresis and data interpretation. A collection of 747 spatiotemporally diverse M. viscosa isolates from nine fish species was analysed, the majority from farmed Norwegian salmon. MLVA distributed 76% of the isolates across three major clonal complexes (CC1, CC2 and CC3), with the remaining forming minor clusters and singletons. While 90% of the salmon isolates belong to either CC1, CC2 or CC3, only 20% of the isolates recovered from other fish species do so, indicating a considerable degree of host specificity. We further highlight a series of ‘clonal shifts’ amongst Norwegian salmon isolates over the 35‐year sampling period, with CC1 showing exclusive predominance prior to the emergence of CC2, which was later supplanted by CC3, before the recent re‐emergence of CC1. Apparently, these shifts have rapidly swept the entire Norwegian coastline and conceivably, as suggested by typing of a small number of non‐Norwegian isolates, the Northeast Atlantic region as a whole.
Assessment of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pretreatment effects on functional and structural properties of protein isolate from sprouted mung bean
Authors: Vahed Shohreh , Ahangar Hossein Abbastabar , Nourani Moloud , Dinani Somayeh Taghian , Nasr‐Esfahani Mojtaba
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pretreatment on the functional properties of sprouted mung bean protein isolate (SMPI). Here, the effects of EHD voltage and time on the extraction yield (EY), protein solubility (PS), water‐holding capacity (WHC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), foaming capacity, and foaming stability of SMPI were evaluated. The results confirmed that the extracted SMPI at the EHD voltage of 20 kV had the highest EY, PS, WHC, OAC, and foaming properties. Furthermore, the EHD time of 40 min resulted in the production of SMPI with significantly high ES, PS, WHC, and foaming properties. The results of environmental scanning electron microscopy showed that increasing the EHD time to 40 min broke the protein cell structure. The more breaking occurs in the cell walls, the more protein extraction. Therefore, the application of EHD pretreatment as a green technique improves the functional properties of SMPI. EHD technique can be used as an applied and simple technique to improve the functional and structural properties of mung bean protein isolate in the food industry.

Practical Applications

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) is an environmentally friendly technique used to increase the heat and mass transfer rates in different processes. Sprout is one of the main mung bean products, an inexpensive source of proteins and nutrients for human health. In recent years, the consumption of sprouts has become more desirable due to their health benefits. Indeed, germination is a simple and effective process to transform raw seeds into useful products and enhance their nutritional quality. Moreover, germination increases the content of proteins, total dietary fiber, and phenolic compounds. Therefore, sprouts can be used as a more appropriate protein source, and it is better to extract proteins from sprouted seeds. Therefore, EHD is a green process with improved functional properties of sprouted mung bean protein isolate, which can be used as an ingredient in food products.
Severity of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in pregnant women and their neonates during the Omicron period compared to the pre‐Omicron period: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yamaguchi Takumi , Makino Yuto , Mabuchi Yuki , Okuda Keito , Hayashi Hiroe , Kato Noriko , Fujii Tomoaki , Hirate Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

Aim

To compare the clinical outcomes among women diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection during pregnancy, and their neonates, during the period when the Omicron variant predominated in Japan with those of the pre‐Omicron variant period.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective single‐center cohort study between August 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022. The cohort was divided into pre‐Omicron group (August 1, 2020 to November 30, 2021) and Omicron group (December 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022). The primary outcome was maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission during the perinatal period. The secondary outcomes were maternal oxygen administration before and after delivery, preterm birth (PTB), and low birth weight (LBW).

Results

During the study period, 81 pregnant women were admitted to the hospital with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (pre‐Omicron period, n = 28; Omicron period, n = 53). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the Omicron period was associated with lower risk of maternal ICU admission (adjusted‐odds ratio [aOR]: 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–1.23, p = 0.072), oxygen administration via a nasal cannula or mask (aOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.03–0.96, p = 0.045), PTB (aOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04–0.51, p = 0.002), and LBW (aOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.55, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Among pregnant women, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during the Omicron period was associated with reduced risk of maternal ICU admission, requiring supplemental oxygen, PTB, and LBW. This can be attributable to lower virulence of the Omicron variant and higher vaccination coverage during the Omicron period.
Investigation of predictive factors for the presence of voiding dysfunction after transvaginal mesh surgery—Can the flow curve shape on uroflowmetry be a predictor?
Authors: Watanabe Masaki , Takeyama Masami , Kuwata Tomoko , Kashihara Hiromi , Kato Chikako
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study established the prognostic significance of the uroflowmetry flow curve shape in the presence of voiding dysfunction following transvaginal mesh surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 439 symptomatic cystocele patients who underwent anterior wall repair with transvaginal mesh surgery. Uroflowmetry and postvoid residual were used to evaluate voiding function both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without postoperative voiding dysfunction, and the predictors of postoperative voiding dysfunction were analyzed. The shape of the urine flow curve was analyzed for its influence on the presence of postoperative voiding dysfunction.

Results

Thirty‐five participants were in the voiding dysfunction group, while 404 were in the nonvoiding dysfunction group. Multivariate analysis was conducted by adding an interrupted‐shaped curve to age, Qmax, and postvoid residual, which showed significant differences in univariate analysis, found that age 68 years or older (odds ratio [OR]: 7.68, 95%CI 1.02–58, p = 0.048), postvoid residual ≥110 mL (OR: 2.8, 95%CI 1.25–6.29, p = 0.013) and interrupted‐shaped curve (OR: 2.47, 95%CI 1.07–5.69, p = 0.034) were discovered to be independent risk factors for the presence of voiding dysfunction after transvaginal mesh surgery.

Conclusions

Following transvaginal mesh surgery for cystocele, three variables were found to be predictive of voiding dysfunction: the old age, excessive postvoid residual, and an interrupted‐shaped flow curve. The uroflowmetry flow curve shape has the potential to be a new predictor of postoperative voiding dysfunction.
Evaluation of a sensory and cognitive online training tool for odor recognition in professional coffee tasters
Authors: Steen Ida , Münchow Morten , Jensen Sidsel , Kjaer Troels W. , Waehrens Sandra S. , Bredie Wender L. P.
Published: February 2023

The sense of smell plays an essential role in the sensory evaluation of coffee. However, a precise sensory evaluation also requires good memory and the ability to stay focused and concentrated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an online sensory and cognitive training program on the odor recognition of 36 coffee aromas. A total of 44 coffee professionals participated in a randomized crossover trial. It consisted of an online training program with different sensory and cognitive tasks over two periods of 6 weeks. The participants were divided into three study groups for data analysis purposes: a Control‐first group (n = 16), a matching Intervention‐first group (n = 16), and a second Intervention‐first‐residual group (n = 12) to check for repeatability of the test results. On average, the participants improved their odor recognition score by 15% after 6 weeks of training (p < .01) and maintained a high‐performance level after the control period. A positive correlation between completed training and improvement was observed (p < .001). The participants significantly improved their ability to detect the 36 Le Nez du Café aromas commonly used in the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) exam systems.

Practical Applications

The new online training program is a promising tool for improving the odor recognition of coffee professionals. The sensory training can easily be accomplished as it is executable off‐site, is self‐instructive, and does not require any supervision. A further generalization of this new odor‐training program for noncoffee professionals may potentially train people with prolonged loss in olfactory function, such as observed in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.
Calibration and reliability testing of a novel asynchronous photographic plaque scoring system in young children
Authors: Avenetti David M. , Martin Molly A. , Gansky Stuart A. , Ramos‐Gomez Francisco J. , Hyde Susan , Van Horn Rebecca , Jue Bonnie , Rosales Genesis F. , Cheng Nancy F. , Shiboski Caroline H.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index for Maxillary Incisors (OHI‐MIS) is a novel plaque scoring system adapted for young children. This study describes calibration training and testing used to establish the inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability for OHI‐MIS measured from clinical photographs.

Methods

Two raters from the Coordinated Oral Health Promotion Chicago (CO‐OP) and one from the Behavioral EConomics for Oral health iNnovation (BEECON) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) underwent calibration with gold standard raters, followed by annual re‐calibration. Raters from CO‐OP also completed inter‐rater reliability testing; all three raters completed intra‐rater reliability testing rounds. Photographs were obtained from children aged 9–39 months.

Results

All three raters achieved greater than 0.77 Lin's Concordance Correlation (LCC) versus gold standard consensus during calibration. All three raters had LCC ≥0.83 at recalibration 1 year later. CO‐OP trial raters scored 604 photos (151 sets of 4 photographs); mostly both raters were somewhat/very confident in their scoring (≥89%), describing the most photos as “clear” (90% and 81%). The CO‐OP inter‐rater LCC for total OHI‐MIS score was 0.86, changing little when low quality or confidence photos were removed. All three raters demonstrated high intra‐rater reliability (≥0.83).

Conclusions

The OHI‐MIS plaque scoring system on photos had good reliability within and between trials following protocol training and calibration. OHI‐MIS provides a novel asynchronous plaque scoring system for use in young children. Non‐clinicians in field or clinical settings can obtain photographs, offering new opportunities for research and clinical care.
Explaining the variations in legal mobilization of environmental nongovernmental organizations in authoritarian China: A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Xiao Huina , Ding Chunyan
Published: February 2023

Despite the growing literature on legal mobilization under authoritarianism, the variations of legal mobilization in authoritarian regimes have been less studied. Drawing on a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis of 175 environmental public interest litigations from 2009 to 2019, as well as in‐depth interviews with environmental nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) representatives, this is the first article to present how organizational, political, legal, and social forces (which are demonstrated by six conditions: capacity, political embeddedness, political endorsement, access, legal stock, and alliance) combine to explain the variations of NGOs' environmental legal mobilization through the use of strategic and nonstrategic litigation in authoritarian China. Although the state's policy to pluralize regulatory actors to improve environmental governance has set up a relatively friendly institutional backdrop for environmental legal mobilization, this study finds that political forces such as the relationship between NGOs and the state and the ambivalent attitudes towards environmental protection between central and local government have significantly influenced the behavioral patterns of NGOs' legal mobilization. Moreover, this study uncovers four types of legal mobilization of Chinese environmental NGOs: allied mobilization, progressive mobilization, steered mobilization, and symbolic mobilization. This study enriches the understanding of the behavioral patterns of nonstate actors in legal mobilization in authoritarian regimes and beyond.
Jurisdictional games and decision making: The Belgian approach in dealing with migrant smuggling
Authors: de Massol de Rebetz Roxane
Published: February 2023

The article presents a case study focusing on the Belgian approach to deal with migrant smuggling and more broadly on the governance of migrants in transit on its territory. Drawing from the literature on jurisdiction and scales and combining it with the scholarship on bureaucrats' decision making, the article sheds light on the messy dynamics and realities of legal governance of migrants transiting through Belgium in their journey to the United Kingdom. By focusing on the multilayered nature of the issue, the distinct legal regimes and the various actors involved, the article argues that the jurisdictional separation of the realms of criminal and administrative law enables a decision to mobilize a set of law over or in combination with another. The article explores the situation at the local and national scales and, as jurisdictions overlap and competences are scattered between distinct entities and actors, specific attention is paid to “passing the buck” behaviors and discourses which have substantial consequences for the situation of migrants in transit in Belgium.
A global and historical exploration: Legislative reform in Muslim family laws in Muslim‐majority versus Muslim‐minority countries
Authors: Sezgin Yüksel
Published: February 2023

Thirty‐five Muslim‐majority and 18 Muslim‐minority countries formally integrate Muslim Family Laws (MFLs) into their legal systems and enforce them through state courts. Both Muslim‐majority and Muslim‐minority governments have undertaken legislative reforms to alleviate the effects of religious laws on fundamental human rights, increase accountability and accessibility, and strengthen the rule of law within their MFL systems. Extant literature is silent on whether MFLs are more reformed or more human rights and the rule of law compliant in Muslim‐majority or Muslim‐minority countries. Utilizing a novel methodological tool, the MFL Index, this exploratory article surveys cross‐national and historical trends in MFL reform (1946–2016). It shows that Muslim‐majority and ‐minority governments have opted for different forms of legislative reform. Muslim‐majority countries favored substantive reform, while Muslim‐minority states prioritized exit reforms. The type and extent of reform were strongly associated with colonial heritage, secularism, women's activism, ethnoreligious diversity, and prevailing multicultural arrangements. These findings have implications for studying multicultural theory, human/women's rights, and democratization in the Muslim world and beyond.
Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects
Authors: Sanaei Ehsan , Albery Gregory F. , Yeoh Yun Kit , Lin Yen‐Po , Cook Lyn G. , Engelstädter Jan
Published: February 2023

Wolbachia are among the most prevalent and widespread endosymbiotic bacteria on Earth. Wolbachia's success in infecting an enormous number of arthropod species is attributed to two features: the range of phenotypes they induce in their hosts, and their ability to switch between host species. Whilst much progress has been made in elucidating their induced phenotypes, our understanding of Wolbachia host‐shifting is still very limited: we lack answers to even fundamental questions concerning Wolbachia's routes of transfer and the importance of factors influencing host shifts. Here, we investigate the diversity and host‐shift patterns of Wolbachia in scale insects, a group of arthropods with intimate associations with other insects that make them well suited to studying host shifts. Using Illumina multitarget amplicon sequencing of Wolbachia‐infected scale insects and their direct associates we determined the identity of all Wolbachia strains. We then fitted a generalized additive mixed model to our data to estimate the influence of host phylogeny and the geographical distribution on Wolbachia strain sharing among scale insect species. The model predicts no significant contribution of host geography but strong effects of host phylogeny, with high rates of Wolbachia sharing among closely related species and a sudden drop‐off in sharing with increasing phylogenetic distance. We also detected the same Wolbachia strain in scale insects and several intimately associated species (ants, wasps and flies). This indicates putative host shifts and potential routes of transfers via these associates and highlights the importance of ecological connectivity in Wolbachia host‐shifting.
The ArsQ permease and transport of the antibiotic arsinothricin
Authors: Paul Ngozi P. , Viswanathan Thiruselvam , Chen Jian , Yoshinaga Masafumi , Rosen Barry P.
Published: February 2023

The pentavalent organoarsenical arsinothricin (AST) is a natural product synthesized by the rhizosphere bacterium Burkholderia gladioli GSRB05. AST is a broad‐spectrum antibiotic effective against human pathogens such as carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacter cloacae. It is a non‐proteogenic amino acid and glutamate mimetic that inhibits bacterial glutamine synthetase. The AST biosynthetic pathway is composed of a three‐gene cluster, arsQML. ArsL catalyzes synthesis of reduced trivalent hydroxyarsinothricin (R‐AST‐OH), which is methylated by ArsM to the reduced trivalent form of AST (R‐AST). In the culture medium of B. gladioli, both trivalent species appear as the corresponding pentavalent arsenicals, likely due to oxidation in air. ArsQ is an efflux permease that is proposed to transport AST or related species out of the cells, but the chemical nature of the actual transport substrate is unclear. In this study, B. gladioli arsQ was expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to confer resistance to AST and its derivatives. Cells of E. coli accumulate R‐AST, and exponentially growing cells expressing arsQ take up less R‐AST. The cells exhibit little transport of their pentavalent forms. Transport was independent of cellular energy and appears to be equilibrative. A homology model of ArsQ suggests that Ser320 is in the substrate binding site. A S320A mutant exhibits reduced R‐AST‐OH transport, suggesting that it plays a role in ArsQ function. The ArsQ permease is proposed to be an energy‐independent uniporter responsible for downhill transport of the trivalent form of AST out of cells, which is oxidized extracellularly to the active form of the antibiotic.
Estimation of abundance and population dynamics of the Antarctic blue whale in the Antarctic Ocean south of 60°S, from 70°E to 170°W
Authors: Hamabe Kohei , Matsuoka Koji , Kitakado Toshihide
Published: February 2023

The Antarctic blue whale population size has decreased due to commercial whaling, and it is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Its population status has received widespread attention and the abundance of Antarctic blue whales has been estimated through surveys conducted by international and national programs. This study estimated the abundance of Antarctic blue whales south of 60°S from 70°E to 170°W using data collected during Japanese national surveys. Furthermore, using this information and existing abundance estimates from the IDCR‐SOWER surveys conducted by the International Whaling Commission, we estimated and forecasted the population trajectory of the Antarctic blue whale since the beginning of its exploitation using Bayesian state‐space surplus production models. The abundance estimate for 2009 was 476, 95% CI [242, 972], corresponding to 0.8%, 95% CI [0.3, 1.9] of the prewhaling levels, and the intrinsic growth rate in this population was low at 0.042, 95% CI [0.009, 0.093]. This analysis suggests that the population size in this region is lower than that during prewhaling. The input of new abundance estimates in the future is expected to accurately estimate population dynamics compared with the current assessment.