bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural behavior, FTIR spectra of five Algerian honeys, and sensory acceptance of margarine enriched with honey
Authors: Guenaoui Nawel , Ouchemoukh Salim , Amessis‐Ouchemoukh Nadia , Otmani Amar , Ayad Rabha , Sadou Dyhia , Pușcaș Andreea , Mureșan Vlad
Published: November 2023

This study examined the textural and rheological properties of Algerian honeys and margarines formulated with honey and their sensory acceptance. Textural analysis shows that all honeys and margarines enriched with honey are spreadable, easy to swallow by the consumer and to adhere to a surface (bread, teeth, tongue, etc.), and have suitable adhesiveness. The hardness and elasticity values reveal that H5 honey and its M5 margarine are less hard and regain their height more quickly. The rheological analysis reveals that all honeys and formulated margarines non‐Newtonian behavior at 25 and 45°C with a G′ > G″ for each type of honey except for H1 and all margarines elaborated with honey presenting a structure of a gel. Statistical analysis shows no significant differences (p > 0.05) in mean values of activation energy, suggesting that honeys and margarines need the same energy to flow. Chemometric analysis reveals strong similarities between (H3 and H5) and (M3 and M5). Sensory acceptance of margarines enriched with honey shows that M4 and M5 margarines are the most preferred by consumers with a satisfaction rate between 60% and 80%. In conclusion, margarine formulated with honey should be introduced to the market due to their good structural properties and high acceptance.
Consumer perception of whole watermelons
Authors: Liu Yaozheng , Keefer Heather , Watson Megan , Drake MaryAnne
Published: November 2023

There are many varieties of watermelons, providing distinct external and internal sensory attributes. This study used an online survey (n = 700) and focus groups (n = 25) to investigate consumer perception of whole watermelons. Rind color, sound of the melon, size, and price were the most important attributes for consumers when selecting a whole watermelon. Freshness was the most important whole watermelon characteristic, and watermelon freshness/quality was driven by sweetness, crispness, and juiciness. Consumers preferred seedless watermelons that had a light rind with dark green stripes, red flesh, an oval/oblong shape, firm and crisp flesh, a weight of approximately 2.2–5.5 kg, and labeling that described them as fresh, juicy, and sweet. Two consumer clusters were identified from quantitative survey data and were also representative of focus group participants: value consumers and watermelon enthusiasts. Watermelon enthusiasts were differentiated by a higher value for claims including local, product of USA, sustainably farmed, and organic. Watermelon purchase is quality driven: consumers will pay more for guaranteed sweetness and crispness.

Practical Application

The ideal watermelon for all consumers is one that is dark green with stripes, is medium sized and oblong in shape, has a minimal rind‐to‐flesh ratio, and boasts dark, vibrant red flesh that is sweet, crisp, and juicy. All consumers want a better guarantee on watermelon quality because it is hard to predict sensory quality when selecting a melon. This study demonstrated the intrinsic and external drivers of liking for fresh watermelons and summarized a consumer watermelon purchase and consumption journey map that can guide further research and development of watermelons and provide insights on how to increase watermelon sales.
Biodegradation of poly(ester‐urethane) coatings by Halopseudomonas formosensis
Authors: de Witt Jan , Molitor Rebecka , Gätgens Jochem , Ortmann de Percin Northumberland Claire , Kruse Luzie , Polen Tino , Wynands Benedikt , van Goethem Koen , Thies Stephan , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Wierckx Nick
Published: November 2023

Impranil® DLN‐SD is a poly(ester‐urethane) (PEU) that is widely used as coating material for textiles to fine‐tune and improve their properties. Since coatings increase the complexity of such plastic materials, they can pose a hindrance for sustainable end‐of‐life solutions of plastics using enzymes or microorganisms. In this study, we isolated Halopseudomonas formosensis FZJ due to its ability to grow on Impranil DLN‐SD and other PEUs as sole carbon sources. The isolated strain was exceptionally thermotolerant as it could degrade Impranil DLN‐SD at up to 50°C. We identified several putative extracellular hydrolases of which the polyester hydrolase Hfor_PE‐H showed substrate degradation of Impranil DLN‐SD and thus was purified and characterized in detail. Hfor_PE‐H showed moderate temperature stability (Tm = 53.9°C) and exhibited activity towards Impranil DLN‐SD as well as polyethylene terephthalate. Moreover, we revealed the enzymatic release of monomers from Impranil DLN‐SD by Hfor_PE‐H using GC‐ToF‐MS and could decipher the associated metabolic pathways in H. formosensis FZJ. Overall, this study provides detailed insights into the microbial and enzymatic degradation of PEU coatings, thereby deepening our understanding of microbial coating degradation in both contained and natural environments. Moreover, the study highlights the relevance of the genus Halopseudomonas and especially the novel isolate and its enzymes for future bio‐upcycling processes of coated plastic materials.
Halopseudomonas species: Cultivation and molecular genetic tools
Authors: Kruse Luzie , Loeschcke Anita , de Witt Jan , Wierckx Nick , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Thies Stephan
Published: November 2023

The Halopseudomonas species, formerly classified as Pseudomonas pertucinogena lineage, form a unique phylogenetic branch within the Pseudomonads. Most strains have recently been isolated from challenging habitats including oil‐ or metal‐polluted sites, deep sea, and intertidal zones, suggesting innate resilience to physical and chemical stresses. Despite their comparably small genomes, these bacteria synthesise several biomolecules with biotechnological potential and a role in the degradation of anthropogenic pollutants has been suggested for some Halopseudomonads. Until now, these bacteria are not readily amenable to existing cultivation and cloning methods. We addressed these limitations by selecting four Halopseudomonas strains of particular interest, namely H. aestusnigri, H. bauzanensis, H. litoralis, and H. oceani to establish microbiological and molecular genetic methods. We found that C4‐C10 dicarboxylic acids serve as viable carbon sources in both complex and mineral salt cultivation media. We also developed plasmid DNA transfer protocols and assessed vectors with different origins of replication and promoters inducible with isopropyl‐β‐d‐thiogalactopyranoside, l‐arabinose, and salicylate. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the simultaneous genomic integration of expression cassettes into one and two attTn7 integration sites. Our results provide a valuable toolbox for constructing robust chassis strains and highlight the biotechnological potential of Halopseudomonas strains.
Anaerobic glucose uptake in Pseudomonas putidaKT2440 in a bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Pause Laura , Weimer Anna , Wirth Nicolas T. , Nguyen Anh Vu , Lenz Claudius , Kohlstedt Michael , Wittmann Christoph , Nikel Pablo I. , Lai Bin , Krömer Jens O.
Published: November 2023

Providing an anodic potential in a bio‐electrochemical system to the obligate aerobe Pseudomonas putida enables anaerobic survival and allows the cells to overcome redox imbalances. In this setup, the bacteria could be exploited to produce chemicals via oxidative pathways at high yield. However, the absence of anaerobic growth and low carbon turnover rates remain as obstacles for the application of such an electro‐fermentation technology. Growth and carbon turnover start with carbon uptake into the periplasm and cytosol. P. putida KT2440 has three native transporting systems for glucose, each differing in energy and redox demand. This architecture previously led to the hypothesis that internal redox and energy constraints ultimately limit cytoplasmic carbon utilization in a bio‐electrochemical system. However, it remains largely unclear which uptake route is predominantly used by P. putida under electro‐fermentative conditions. To elucidate this, we created three gene deletion mutants of P. putida KT2440, forcing the cells to exclusively utilize one of the routes. When grown in a bio‐electrochemical system, the pathway mutants were heavily affected in terms of sugar consumption, current output and product formation. Surprisingly, however, we found that about half of the acetate formed in the cytoplasm originated from carbon that was put into the system via the inoculation biomass, while the other half came from the consumption of substrate. The deletion of individual sugar uptake routes did not alter significantly the secreted acetate concentrations among different strains even with different carbon sources. This means that the stoichiometry of the sugar uptake routes is not a limiting factor during electro‐fermentation and that the low rates might be caused by other reasons, for example energy limitations or a yet‐to‐be‐identified oxygen‐dependent regulatory mechanism.
Hydrocarbon Generation Characteristics of Coal‐measure Source Rocks and their Contribution to Natural Gas: A Case Study of Middle and Lower Jurassic Targets from the Southern Junggar Basin Margin
Authors: YU Miao , GAO Gang , LIU Miao , MA Wanyun , TIAN Anqi , FAN Keting , GUO Liulinbo , HE Dan , ZHANG Youjin
Published: November 2023

In order to study the hydrocarbon generation (HCGE) characteristics of coal‐bearing basins, the coal‐measure source rocks of the Middle Jurassic–Lower Jurassic (MLJ) of the piedmont thrust belt in the southern margin of the Junggar Basin in Northwest China are taken as research objects. More than 60 MLJ samples were collected from outcrops and wells. Total organic carbon (TOC), rock pyrolysis (Rock–Eval), organic petrological, vitrinite reflectance (%Ro), and hydrous pyrolysis were performed to analyze the relevant samples. The pyrolysis gases and liquid products were measured, and then the chemical composition, as well as carbon isotopes of the gases, were analyzed. The results indicate that the MLJ source rocks have the capacity for large‐scale gas generation. In addition, for coal‐measure source rocks, the heavier the carbon isotope of kerogen (δ13Ckerogen), the lower the liquid hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon gas yield, and the easier it is to produce non‐hydrocarbon gas. It is worth noting that when the δ13Ckerogen in organic matter (OM) is relatively heavier, the fractionation of its products may become weaker in the evolutionary process. The vital contribution of the MLJ source rock to natural gas resources in the study area was further confirmed by comparing it with the Jurassic source gas.
Early Triassic Volcanic Rocks in the Western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone: Implications for the Opening of the Neo‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: HE Juan , LI Yalin , HOU Yunling , ZHOU Aorigele , WEI Yushuai , CHEN Xi , DAI Jingen
Published: November 2023

In this study, zircon U‐Pb dating of volcanic rocks from the Zhongba ophiolite of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone (YZSZ) in southern Xizang (Tibet) yielded an age of 247 ± 3 Ma. According to whole rock geochemical and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopic data, the Early Triassic samples could be divided into two groups: Group 1 with P‐MORB affinity, showing initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70253–0.70602, εNd(t) values of 4.2–5.3, (206Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 16.353–18.222, (207Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 15.454–15.564, and (208Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 35.665–38.136; Group 2 with OIB affinity, showing initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70249–0.70513, εNd(t) values of 4.4–4.9, (206Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 17.140–18.328, (207Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 15.491–15.575, and (208Pb/204Pb)t ratios of 36.051–38.247. Group 2 rocks formed by partial melting of the mantle source enriched by a former plume, and assimilated continental crustal material during melt ascension. The formation of Group 1 rocks corresponds to the mixing of OIB melts, with the same components as Group 2 and N‐MORBs. The Zhongba Early Triassic rocks belong to the continental margin type ophiolite and formed in the continental–oceanic transition zone during the initial opening of the Neo‐Tethys in southern Xizang (Tibet).
Latent profiles of regulatory flexibility in alcohol use disorder: Associations with delay discounting and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress
Authors: Dwyer Candice L. , Craft William H. , Tomlinson Devin C. , Tegge Allison N. , Kim‐Spoon Jungmeen , Bickel Warren K.
Published: November 2023

Background

Regulatory flexibility (RF) involves three distinct components of self‐regulation: context sensitivity, repertoire, and feedback responsiveness. Subgroups based on differences in RF have been identified in a general sample and are differentially associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, potential RF profiles have not been examined in individuals with substance use disorders. This study examined RF subtypes in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and their associations with psychosocial outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) and delay discounting (a core feature of addiction).

Methods

Individuals (n = 200) with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score of >16 (mean = 24.12 (±6.92)) were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk (mean = 37.26 years old (±11.41); 94 (47%) women). Participants completed the Context Sensitivity Index, the Flexible Regulation of Emotional Expression Scale, and the Coping Flexibility Scale to assess RF. Participants also completed an Adjusting Amount Delay Discounting Task and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS‐21). Latent profile analyses (LPA) were used to identify patterns in RF deficits. Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests were performed to examine differences in discounting rates and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress across RF profiles.

Results

The LPA revealed a 2‐profile characterization, including (1) context sensitive regulators (CSR; n = 39) and (2) moderate flexibility regulators (MFR; n = 161). CSR demonstrated significantly lower symptoms of depression (p = 0.004), anxiety (p < 0.001), and stress (p < 0.001) than MFR. CSR also displayed significantly lower AUDIT scores (p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Findings illustrate that among individuals with moderate–severe AUD, those high in context sensitivity coupled with moderate abilities in repertoire and feedback responsiveness have fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Together, context sensitivity may be an important and protective component of RF among individuals with AUD.
Modelling the progression of illicit substance use patterns from real‐world evidence
Authors: Tummala Hari Prabhath , Bies Robert R. , Ramanathan Murali
Published: November 2023

Aims

To investigate an innovative pharmacometrics approach that addresses the challenges of using real‐world evidence to model the progression of illicit substance use.

Methods

The modelling strategy analysed real‐world data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (AddHealth) survey using survival analyses and differential equations. Respondents were categorized into drug‐naïve, active users and nonusers. The transitions between categories were modelled using interval‐censored parametric survival analysis. The resulting hazard rate functions were used as time‐dependent rate constants in a differential equation system. Covariate models for sex and depression status were assessed.

Results

AddHealth enrolled 6504 American teenagers (median age 16 years, range 11–21 years); this cohort was followed with five interviews over a 22‐year period; the median age at the last interview was 38 years (range 34–45 years). The percentages of illicit drug users at Interviews 1–5 were 7.7%, 5.9%, 15.8%, 21.4% and 0.98%, respectively. The generalized gamma distribution emerged as the preferred model for the survival functions for transitions between categories. Age‐dependent prevalence was obtained from the differential equation system. Active drug use was more prevalent in males, increased in adolescence and college years, peaked at 24 years, and decreased to low levels by 35 years. Depression, which was more frequent in females, increased the drug‐naïve‐active user transition rates but not the active user‐nonuser and nonuser‐active user transition rates. The evidence did not support an interaction between sex and depression.

Conclusions

The model provided a satisfactory approximation for the age‐dependent progression of illicit substance use from preadolescence to early middle age.
Eribulin is an immune potentiator in breast cancer that upregulates human leukocyte antigen class I expression via the induction of NOD‐like receptor family CARD domain‐containing 5
Authors: Wada Asaka , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Kutomi Goro , Murata Kenji , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Mizue Yuka , Murai Aiko , Kyuno Daisuke , Shima Hiroaki , Minowa Tomoyuki , Sasaki Kenta , Kubo Terufumi , Kanaseki Takayuki , Tsukahara Tomohide , Nakatsugawa Munehide , Hashimoto Shinichi , Osanai Makoto , Torigoe Toshihiko , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: November 2023

Eribulin inhibits microtubule polymerization and improves the overall survival of patients with recurrent metastatic breast cancer. A subgroup analysis revealed a low neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (<3) to be a prognostic factor of eribulin treatment. We thus hypothesized that eribulin might be related to the immune response for breast cancer cells and we analyzed the effects of eribulin on the immune system. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression was increased in clinical samples after eribulin treatment. In vitro assays revealed that eribulin treatment increased HLA class I expression in breast cancer line cells. RNA‐sequencing demonstrated that eribulin treatment increased the expression of the NOD‐like family CARD domain‐containing 5 (NLRC5), a master regulator of HLA class I expression. Eribulin treatment increased the NY‐ESO‐1‐specific T‐cell receptor (TCR) transduced T (TCR‐T) cell response for New York oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma 1 (NY‐ESO‐1) overexpressed breast cancer cells. The eribulin and TCR‐T combined therapy model revealed that eribulin and immunotherapy using TCR‐T cells has a synergistic effect. In summary, eribulin increases the expression of HLA class 1 via HLA class 1 transactivatior NLRC5 and eribulin combination with immunotherapy can be effective for the treatment of breast cancer.
Measuring ecosystem services and ecological sensitivity for comprehensive conservation in Giant Panda National Park
Authors: Li Cheng , Hou Rong , Bao Ziqiang , Wu Wei , Owens Jacob R. , Bi Wenlei , Xu Qiang , Gu XiaoDong , Xiang Zuofu , Qi Dunwu
Published: November 2023

China announced the development of its first 5 national parks in 2021, the primary objective of which is to conserve the natural state and integrity of natural ecosystems. As such, ecosystem services and biodiversity levels are crucial assessment factors for the parks. For Giant Panda National Park (GPNP), we evaluated ecological sensitivity based on water and soil erosion and rocky desertification; ecosystem services based on headwater conservation, soil and water conservation, and biodiversity conservation; and presence of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and sympatric species (e.g., takin [Budorcas taxicolor], Asiatic black bear [Ursus thibetanus]) habitat suitability derived from niche modeling to identify the ecosystem status and assess ecological problems within the park. From our results, we proposed ecologically critical areas to target to meet the park's goals. The suitable habitat for pandas and sympatric species encompassed 62.98% of the park and occurred mainly in the Minshan Mountains. One quarter of the total area (25.67%) contained areas important for ecosystem services. Ecologically sensitive and extremely sensitive areas covered 88.78% of the park and were distributed mainly in Qionglaishan and Minshan Mountains. This coverage indicated that there was much habitat for pandas and sympatric species but that the ecosystems in GPNP are vulnerable. Therefore, ecologically critical areas encompassed all suitable habitats for all the species examined and areas important and extremely important to ecosystem service provision,ecologically sensitive and extremely sensitive areas, encompassed 15.17% of panda habitat, accounted for 16.37% of the GPNP area, and were distributed mainly in the Minshan Mountains. Our results indicated where conservation efforts should be focused in the park and that by identifying ecologically critical areas managers can provide targeted protection for wildlife habitat and ecosystems and effectively and efficiently protect the composite ecosystem. Additionally, our methods can be used to inform development of new national parks.
Interpreting structural plasticity in the intact hemisphere after perinatal stroke
Authors: Martin Kelly C. , Turkeltaub Peter E.
Published: November 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Schnaufer et al. on pages 353–361 of this issue.
CDK5R1,GSE1,HSPG2andWDFY3as indirect epigenetic‐sensitive genes in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Infante Teresa , Pepin Mark E. , Ruocco Antonio , Trama Ugo , Mauro Ciro , Napoli Claudio
Published: November 2023

Background

Although mounting evidence supports that aberrant DNA methylation occurs in the hearts of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), noninvasive epigenetic characterization of AF has not yet been defined.

Methods

We investigated DNA methylome changes in peripheral blood CD4+T cells isolated from 10 patients with AF relative to 11 healthy subjects (HS) who were enrolled in the DIANA clinical trial (NCT04371809) via reduced‐representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS).

Results

An atrial‐specific PPI network revealed 18 hub differentially methylated genes (DMGs), wherein ROC curve analysis revealed reasonable diagnostic performance of DNA methylation levels found withinCDK5R1(AUC = 0.76;p = 0.049),HSPG2(AUC = 0.77;p = 0.038),WDFY3(AUC = 0.78;p = 0.029),USP49(AUC = 0.76;p = 0.049),GSE1(AUC = 0.76;p = 0.049),AIFM1(AUC = 0.76;p = 0.041),CDK5RAP2(AUC = 0.81;p = 0.017),COL4A1(AUC = 0.86;p < 0.001),SEPT8(AUC = 0.90;p < 0.001),PFDN1(AUC = 0.90;p < 0.01) andACOT7(AUC = 0.78;p = 0.032). Transcriptional profiling of the hub DMGs provided a significant overexpression ofPSDM6(p = 0.004),TFRC(p = 0.01),CDK5R1(p < 0.001),HSPG2(p = 0.01),WDFY3(p < 0.001),USP49(p = 0.004) andGSE1(p = 0.021) in AF patients vs HS.

Conclusions

CDK5R1,GSE1,HSPG2andWDFY3resulted the best discriminatory genes both at methylation and gene expression level. Our results provide several candidate diagnostic biomarkers with the potential to advance precision medicine in AF.
The age‐wage‐productivity puzzle: Evidence from the careers of top earners
Authors: Scarfe Rachel , Singleton Carl , Sunmoni Adesola , Telemo Paul
Published: November 2023

There is an inverted u‐shaped relationship between age and wages in most labor markets, but the effects of age on productivity are often unclear. We use panel data in a market of high earners, professional footballers (soccer players) in North America, to estimate age‐productivity and age‐wage profiles. We find stark differences; wages increase for several years after productivity has peaked, before dropping sharply at the end of a career. This poses the question: why are middle‐aged workers seemingly overpaid? We investigate a range of possible mechanisms that could be responsible, only finding evidence that tentatively supports a talent discovery theory.
A flexible framework to assess patterns and drivers of beta diversity across spatial scales
Authors: He Siwen , Qin Chunyan , Janne Soininen and
Published: November 2023

The patterns and underlying ecological (e.g. environmental filtering) and historical (e.g. priority effects) drivers of beta diversity are scale‐dependent, but generally difficult to distinguish and rarely explored with a sufficiently broad range of spatial scales. We propose a general scale‐explicit framework to assess and contrast the patterns and drivers of beta diversity across hierarchical spatial scales ranging from within fine‐scale ecoregion‐scale to among broad‐scale ecoregion‐scale. By applying this framework to aquatic macroinvertebrate datasets, we show that beta diversity generally increases with spatial extent. With an increasing spatial extent, beta diversity shifts from being more influenced by environmental filtering to being more influenced by recent historical factors (i.e. past beta diversity). Such recent historical effects may result from the past environmental variation rather than priority effects. We also found that the small‐scale and large‐scale environmental drivers act differently on beta diversity across spatial extents. Our research reveals a complex spatial‐scale dependence in beta diversity patterns and their drivers and provides a more holistic understanding of beta diversity dynamics. Our framework represents a flexible way to unravel the internal structure of beta diversity across scales by partitioning entire beta diversity variation into scale‐specific differences and may have broad application in community ecology, landscape planning and biodiversity conservation.
Does ESG reputational risk affect the efficiency and speed of adjustment of corporate investment?
Authors: Chasiotis Ioannis , Gounopoulos Dimitrios , Konstantios Dimitrios , Naoum Vasilios‐Christos , Patsika Victoria
Published: November 2023

This study explores the relationship between environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reputational risk and investment efficiency. We provide evidence that ESG reputational risk relates to higher corporate suboptimal investment (underinvestment) and a lower speed of adjustment back to the optimal investment level. Our findings hold for parametric and nonparametric estimations of underinvestment and are robust to several techniques that address endogeneity and self‐selection. Overall, our study highlights the important role of ESG reputational risk in determining corporate investment efficiency.
Universities in a contested space: The dominance of calculative accounting practices and the development of a research agenda
Authors: Hyndman Noel , Lapsley Irvine , Liguori Mariannunziata
Published: November 2023

Over the last few decades, neoliberal, managerial, reforms have dominated the university sector in a number of different countries. Calculative practices, including performance measures and indicators, have spread and targets, in terms of research outputs and increasing student numbers in order to generate “profit”, have become the norm, despite the many voices seeing this as often clashing with the mission of universities to create knowledge and contribute to social development. The paper provides an overview of the changing focus on how universities have been managed over time and, at the same time, of the emergence and measurementof Public Value themes in the university sector. A future research agenda is proposed for those interested in the study of the university sector, together with possibleresearch questions to further this area.
Hydrolytic activity of yeast oligosaccharyltransferase is enhanced when misfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Li Sheng‐Tao , Hirayama Hiroto , Huang Chengcheng , Matsuda Tsugiyo , Oka Ritsuko , Yamasaki Takahiro , Kohda Daisuke , Suzuki Tadashi
Published: November 2023

It is known that oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) has hydrolytic activity toward dolichol‐linked oligosaccharides (DLO), which results in the formation of free N‐glycans (FNGs), i.e. unconjugated oligosaccharides with structural features similar to N‐glycans. The functional importance of this hydrolytic reaction, however, remains unknown. In this study, the hydrolytic activity of OST was characterized in yeast. It was shown that the hydrolytic activity of OST is enhanced in ubiquitin ligase mutants that are involved in endoplasmic reticulum‐associated degradation. Interestingly, this enhanced hydrolysis activity is completely suppressed in asparagine‐linked glycosylation (alg) mutants, bearing mutations related to the biosynthesis of DLO, indicating that the effect of ubiquitin ligase on OST‐mediated hydrolysis is context‐dependent. The enhanced hydrolysis activity in ubiquitin ligase mutants was also found to be canceled upon treatment of the cells with dithiothreitol, a reagent that potently induces protein unfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Our results clearly suggest that the hydrolytic activity of OST is enhanced under conditions in which the formation of unfolded proteins is promoted in the ER in yeast. The possible role of FNGs on protein folding is discussed.
Research of Maillard reaction and stability of liquid infant formulas during storage
Authors: Liao Minhe , Yang Wei , Jin Ritian , Shang Jiaqi , Li Meng , Kang Jiaxin , Wei Zikai , Teng Xiangyu , Xin Qiuyan , Liu Ning , Ren Haowei
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the Maillard reaction (MR) and the stability of liquid infant formulas (LIFs) stored at 5 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C for 6 months. With the increase in storage temperature, the concentrations of 2‐furoylmethyl‐ε‐lysine (furosine) increased from 60.72 to 109.60 mg/100 g protein and Nɛ‐ Carboxy methyl lysine (CML) increased 106.82 to 197.04 mg/100 g protein. Colour became darker, yellower and redder, and pH values decreased. Negative charges increased during the first 3 months and decreased during the last 3 months. Fat globule sizes increased and particle size distribution (PSD) regressed, and the accumulation of fat was clearly observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Shear thickened with the increase in shear rate, and the turbiscan stability index (TSI) values increased. In summary, these results indicated that lower storage temperature (5 °C) inhibits the MR and reduces unstable changes of LIF during storage period; thus, the nutritional value of LIF can be largely preserved.
Disparité des trajectoires professionnelles des diplômés australiens en fonction de leur origine sociale: étude longitudinale à partir de données administratives couplées couvrant l'ensemble de la population
Authors: ZAJĄC Tomasz , TOMASZEWSKI Wojtek , PERALES Francisco , XIANG Ning
Published: November 2023

S'il est de plus en plus établi que les études supérieures améliorent les perspectives professionnelles, l'inégalité de leur rendement suscite des inquiétudes croissantes. Les auteurs utilisent un nouveau jeu de données administratives couplées couvrant l'ensemble des étudiants diplômés d'une université australienne entre 2005 et 2011 pour comparer, sur dix ans, la trajectoire professionnelle de publics défavorisés à l'aune de différents critères (position socio‐économique, origine ethnique, lieu de résidence, migration, incapacité) à celle de leurs homologues favorisés. Ils constatent une grande hétérogénéité des trajectoires en termes de revenu et de perception de prestations sociales. Ces résultats ont d'importantes implications pour les politiques visant à améliorer l'équité sociale sur le marché du travail.
Trayectorias laborales divergentes de los graduados australianos socialmente favorecidos y desfavorecidos. Análisis longitudinal
Authors: ZAJĄC Tomasz , TOMASZEWSKI Wojtek , PERALES Francisco , XIANG Ning
Published: November 2023

Pese a la evidencia de que la educación universitaria mejora las perspectivas laborales, preocupan sus desiguales rendimientos. Sobre los datos administrativos de toda la población de graduados en universidades australianas en el periodo 2005‐2011, se estudian las trayectorias laborales de los individuos procedentes de entornos sociales desfavorecidos (por estatus socioeconómico, migración, discapacidad, origen étnico y zona de residencia) en comparación con los más favorecidos, a lo largo de diez años. La heterogeneidad de la evolución de los ingresos laborales y la percepción de prestaciones por desempleo entre los graduados de distintos grupos es notable. Esto tiene hondas implicaciones para las políticas de equidad social.
Landscape configuration alters movement behavior and space‐use of a Hawaiian forest bird community
Authors: Paxton Kristina L. , Smetzer Jennifer R. , Hart Patrick J. , Anderson Marti J. , Paxton Eben H.
Published: November 2023

Habitat loss and fragmentation are considered the greatest threats to ecosystems worldwide. Movement reveals how individuals meet their habitat requirements and respond to environmental heterogeneity, and thus can provide a powerful tool for investigating how animals respond to changes in landscape configuration. In our study, we examined the effects of landscape configuration on the space use and movement strategies of four endemic Hawaiian forest bird species spanning a range of foraging guilds (i.e. frugivore, nectivore, generalist). We used a landscape‐level automated radio tracking system to measure location data of 127 individuals tracked on Hawaiʻi Island in a naturally fragmented landscape created by volcanic activity in the mid‐ to late‐1800s and a nearby continuous landscape. We found that landscape configuration had a strong effect on movement patterns and space‐use of all four species. In the fragmented landscape, all species predominately occupied a single forest patch, displayed a high degree of area‐restricted search behavior, with few long‐distance movements away from their primary forest patch. These patterns contrasted significantly with those of conspecifics in the continuous landscape which exhibited relatively unconstrained movements across the forested landscape and had 3‐ to 12‐fold larger home ranges. Our findings indicate that landscape structure plays a strong role in shaping movement behavior of a tropical bird community and provides valuable insights into the behavioral mechanisms that may be important for species to persist within fragmented landscapes.
Is video games' effect on attitudes universal? Results from an empirical study comparing video games' impact on the attitude change of players with different backgrounds
Authors: Kolek Lukáš , Martinková Patrícia , Vařejková Michaela , Šisler Vít , Brom Cyril
Published: November 2023

Background

Existing studies confirm that some video games can change players' attitudes. However, since we do not know the specific elements responsible for attitude change, the potential of video games to achieve desired educational or behavioural outcomes often remains unfulfilled.

Objectives

To fill the research gap, our study examined whether the perspective‐taking game mechanic in the serious game Czechoslovakia 38–89: Borderlands, which had previously been shown to affect attitudes, would have the same effect on another sample of players with different characteristics.

Methods

We have assessed the effect of a historical video game using a perspective‐taking mechanic on players' explicit and implicit attitudes. Explicit attitude changes were measured at a general level, meaning a broad evaluation of a depicted historical event, and at a specific level, meaning a more detailed evaluation of specific aspects of the event. Simultaneously, we measured the effect of players' perceived attitude importance on attitude change. The study used a sample of 137 young adults.

Results and Conclusions

This study's results indicate a significant pretest‐posttest explicit attitude change on the general level and on a specific level in comparison to the control group. Perspective‐taking game mechanics is particularly important for explicit attitude change. No change was found in implicit attitudes. The effect of the perceived attitude importance on attitude change was not confirmed.

Takeaways

As one of the first to focus on the effects of specific game mechanics on attitudes, this study confirmed that perspective‐taking has stable, short‐term effects on attitude change even across different research samples.
CNS lymphoma masquerading as stroke: Cases report and literature review
Authors: Liang Xiping , Wang Chaoyu , Liu Yao
Published: November 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in Hodgkins lymphoma (HL) is extremely rare. There are only two reported case series of intracranial involvement of HL. CNS HL can be presented at any point in the course of HL, most mimicking with a prominent neurological symptom. This challenges the diagnosis of CNS involvement and stroke. Here, we report four cases of patients having refractory HL with CNS involvement to garner attention among neurologists for this rare disease presents with stroke symptoms and reviews its disease characteristics, prognosis, and treatment.
Construction of key quality indicators for aged care facilities in China: A two‐tier Delphi study
Authors: Yan Lichun , Pu Haixu , Shi Xiaoyin , Yu Qian , Wang Zhiyi , Hu Yajing , Zhang Yinhua , Zhang Xiaoqin
Published: November 2023

Aim

To construct key quality indicators for aged care facilities in China.

Background

Evaluating the care quality in aged care facilities is problematic. Evaluation of nursing care quality is important for improving nursing and self‐supervision in aged care facilities. However, a few regulations and studies regarding care quality evaluation have been implemented in China.

Design and Method

This two‐tier Delphi study aimed to achieve consensus on key quality indicators for aged care facilities in China. The entry pool was determined by literature review and research team discussion, followed by a discussion by a panel of experts to establish the items of the Delphi study. Finally, key care quality indicators were established through a two‐round Delphi study. This study followed the SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines.

Results

The initial 16 quality indicators of the entry pool was developed based on a literature review and a group discussion. Sixteen quality indicators were reduced to eight after the expert discussion. After two rounds of expert consultation, the eight quality indicators became nine, which were then evaluated for importance, formula rationality, and operability using Kendall's harmony coefficients (first round: 0.150, 0.143 and 0.169, respectively; second round: 0.209, 0.159 and 0.173, respectively).

Conclusions

Key quality indicators provide quantifiable evidence for evaluating the care quality in aged care facilities, but their applicability needs continuous improvement.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Nine key quality indicators were selected from numerous indicators for measuring the care quality in aged care facilities, supporting the evaluation of the care quality and self‐supervision for aged care facilities.

Elderly or Public Contribution

No elderly or public contribution.
Shipwrecks act as de facto Marine Protected Areas in areas of heavy fishing pressure
Authors: Hickman Jenny , Richards Joe , Rees Adam , Sheehan Emma V.
Published: November 2023

Ubiquitous, industrial use of bottom‐towed fishing gear since the 1800s has altered marine communities and ecosystem services. Outside of legal protection, only areas inaccessible to trawlers are offered any protection. Shipwrecks present hazards to fishing gear and are rarely subject to trawling pressure. As many have been in situ for >100 years, they offer a baseline of ecological potential when trawling pressure is reduced or removed. Five shipwrecks were surveyed off the Berwickshire coast, some within the Static Gear Reserve and others outside. Video transects were collected of shipwrecks, the surrounding 50 m radius and control locations >150 m from the wreck site. Species identified were assigned a category based on their vulnerability to trawling. The effect of distance from a shipwreck on ecological communities within sites Open and Closed to trawling was investigated. The ecological importance of shipwrecks increased relative to trawling pressure. In Open sites, abundance was 340% greater on Wreck locations than Control. Conversely, within Closed sites, abundance was 149% greater in Control locations than Wreck. In Open sites, shipwreck communities are more similar to those in Closed sites, than to the habitat surrounding the shipwreck. Vulnerable species, mostly large, sessile filter feeders, are almost entirely absent from Open sites, but account for ~28% of the total abundance on shipwrecks in Closed sites. This study offers a quantifiable method to evaluate the ecological contribution of shipwrecks in disturbed areas and suggests their role may warrant further research, and consideration in conservation policy, such as inclusion in 30 × 30 objectives. Our findings also demonstrate the possible ecological gains of expanding or including static gear reserves across Marine Protected Areas.
Unravelling underlying processes in intraprofessional workplace learning in residency
Authors: Teheux Lara , Kuijer‐Siebelink Wietske , Bus Lotte L. , Draaisma Jos M. T. , Coolen Ester H. A. J. , van der Velden Janiëlle A. E. M.
Published: November 2023

Background

To deliver high‐quality collaborative care, residents need to be trained across the boundaries of their medical specialty (intraprofessional learning). The current literature does not provide insights into the underlying processes that influence intraprofessional learning. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the processes that occur during intraprofessional workplace learning in residency training, by exploring everyday intraprofessional interactions experienced by residents, with the ultimate objective of improving collaborative practice.

Method

We conducted a focused ethnography using field observations and in‐depth interviews with residents at an academic children's hospital in the Netherlands. In 2022, nine residents from four different medical specialties were shadowed and/or interviewed. In total, >120 hours of observation and 10 interviews were conducted. Data collection and analysis were conducted iteratively and discussed in a research team with diverse perspectives, as well as with a sounding board group of stakeholders.

Results

Residents were involved in numerous intraprofessional interactions as part of their daily work. We identified three themes that shed light on the underlying processes that occur during intraprofessional workplace learning: (1) residents' agency, (2) ingroups and outgroups and (3) communication about intraprofessional collaboration.

Conclusions

Collaborative practice offers many intraprofessional learning opportunities but does not automatically result in learning from, with and about other specialties to improve intraprofessional collaborative care. Overarching the identified themes, we emphasise the pivotal role of the resident–supervisor dyad in facilitating residents' engagement in the learning opportunities of complex intraprofessional care. Furthermore, we propose that promoting deliberate practice and shared responsibility in collaborative care are crucial to better prepare residents for their roles and responsibilities in delivering high‐quality collaborative patient care.
The UAE's Foreign Policy Drivers
Authors: Kirmanj Sherko , Tofik Ranj
Published: November 2023

A small state with big ambitions, the United Arab Emirates has become a major player in the Middle East region, especially since the Arab Spring. It played a major role in weakening the Muslim Brotherhood by supporting rulers like Abdel Fattah al‐Sisi of Egypt and would‐be leaders such as General Khalifa Haftar of Libya. Abu Dhabi was the critical player behind the blockade of Qatar in 2017, and it has taken a leading role in the normalization of Syrian President Bashar al‐Assad. This article employs a range of theoretical perspectives, including structural realism and liberalism, to explain the UAE's foreign policy and behavior. It argues that there are at least four major drivers: combating political Islam, containing Iran, dominating regional ports and waterways, and increasing economic prosperity.
Advances in understanding grapevine downy mildew: From pathogen infection to disease management
Authors: Peng Junbo , Wang Xuncheng , Wang Hui , Li Xinghong , Zhang Qi , Wang Meng , Yan Jiye
Published: November 2023

Plasmopara viticola is geographically widespread in grapevine‐growing regions. Grapevine downy mildew disease, caused by this biotrophic pathogen, leads to considerable yield losses in viticulture annually. Because of the great significance of grapevine production and wine quality, research on this disease has been widely performed since its emergence in the 19th century. Here, we review and discuss recent understanding of this pathogen from multiple aspects, including its infection cycle, disease symptoms, genome decoding, effector biology, and management and control strategies. We highlight the identification and characterization of effector proteins with their biological roles in host–pathogen interaction, with a focus on sustainable control methods against P. viticola, especially the use of biocontrol agents and environmentally friendly compounds.
Cultural and linguistic nationalism in the Esperanto movement: The Catalan case (1887–1928)
Authors: Requejo De Lamo Pilar
Published: November 2023

The emergence of Esperantism in 1887 coincided with a nationalist movement in Catalonia that was gaining momentum. During the first decades of the 20th century, both phenomena became deeply intertwined, as Catalan nationalists embraced the constructed language and used the transnational network that developed around it to revindicate their cultural particularities. This article explores how the relationship between the constructed language and Catalanists evolved between 1887 and 1928, when a political regime unfavourable to regional nationalisms forced the Catalan Esperanto movement to reframe their activities and adopt a more apolitical and neutral position.
Medical records as screening tools for child death review in Japan
Authors: Numaguchi Atsushi , Ishii Akira , Natsume Jun , Saitoh Shinji , Aoki Yasuhiro , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Isobe Ichiro , Okumura Akihisa , Seno Hiroshi , Takahashi Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2023

Background

Although many child death review (CDR) systems have been developed in Japan, the optimal system is still being identified. The aim of this study is to identify the etiologies of child deaths and to propose a screening method for initiating the CDR process in Japan.

Methods

Clinical medical records (CMRs) in hospitals and autopsy records were surveyed for cases of deaths of children aged less than 15 years between 2014 and 2016 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The data were analyzed in three steps, and the findings were compared with the vital statistics.

Results

Of the 695 children whose death certificates were submitted to Aichi Prefecture, 590 could be traced to pediatric care hospitals. The distribution of causes of death was slightly different from the vital statistics, with 11.5% dying of extrinsic causes and 19.7% dying of unknown causes. Maltreatment was suspected in 64 cases, which was much higher than that in government statistics. Overall, 158 (26.8%) deaths were considered preventable. The number of unnatural deaths, which might be screened in, was calculated as 172 (29.2%) in the vital statistics, whereas the survey of CMRs revealed that 241 (40.8%) to 282 (47.8%) should be screened in.

Conclusions

Surveying CMRs in hospitals may be a suitable method to detect and screen deaths to start the CDR process in Japan.