bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro insights on the pathways to agricultural transformation: Comparative evidence from Southeast Asia and Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Amare Mulubrhan , Parvathi Priyanka , Nguyen Trung Thanh
Published: March 2023

Most studies of agricultural transformation document the impact of agricultural income growth on macroeconomic indicators of development. Much less is known about the micro‐scale changes within the farming sector that signal a transformation precipitated by agricultural income growth. This study provides a comparative analysis of the patterns of micro‐level changes that occur among small‐holder farmers in Uganda and Malawi in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), and Thailand and Vietnam in Southeast Asia (SEA). Our analysis provides several important insights on agricultural transformation in these two regions. First, agricultural income in all examined countries is vulnerable to changes in precipitation and temperature, an effect that is nonlinear and asymmetric. SSA countries are more vulnerable to these weather changes. Second, exogenous increases in agricultural income in previous years improve non‐farm income and trigger a change in labor allocation within the rural sector in SEA. However, this is the opposite in SSA where the increase in agricultural income reduces non‐farm income, indicating a substitution effect between farm and non‐farm sectors. These findings reveal clear agricultural transformation driven by agricultural income in SEA but no similar evidence in SSA.
Effect of laser‐assisted reconstructive surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis on protein biomarkers and bacterial load
Authors: Di Gianfilippo Riccardo , Wang Chin‐Wei , Xie Yuying , Kinney Janet , Sugai James , Giannobile William V. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This randomized clinical trial assessed changes in protein biomarker levels and bacterial profiles after surgical reconstructive therapy of peri‐implantitis and investigated whether the adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser impacts protein biomarker and microbial outcomes.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four patients received surgical reconstructive therapy for peri‐implantitis with guided bone regeneration following mechanical debridement with (test) or without (control) the adjunctive irradiation of Er:YAG laser. Bacterial and peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected over 6 months and analyzed with bacterial qPCR and luminex multiplex assays.

Results

Surgical reconstructive treatment significantly affected the concentration of PICF protein biomarkers, including a 50% reduction in IL‐1β between 2 and 4 weeks (p < .0001). Both MMP‐9 (p < .001) and VEGF (p < .05) levels steadily decreased after treatment. In the laser group, the peak increase in IL‐1β was attenuated at 2 weeks, followed by significant reduction in MMP‐9 (p < .01) and VEGF (p < .05) across all follow‐up appointments compared with the control nonlaser group. The total bacterial load was reduced 2 weeks after treatment, especially in the laser group, but recolonized to presurgical levels after 4 weeks in both groups (p < .01). The composition of selective pathogens varied significantly over the follow‐up, but recolonization patterns did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Reconstructive therapy of peri‐implantitis significantly altered PICF protein biomarker and microbial levels during the healing process. The adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser significantly modulated the inflammatory response through reduced levels of MMP‐9 and VEGF during the postsurgical period. The bacterial load was reduced immediately after therapy, but recolonization was observed by 4 weeks in both groups.
Plant roots fuel tropical soil animal communities
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Lu Jing‐Zhong , Preiser Jooris , Widyastuti Rahayu , Scheu Stefan , Potapov Anton
Published: March 2023

Belowground life relies on plant litter, while its linkage to living roots had long been understudied, and remains unknown in the tropics. Here, we analysed the response of 30 soil animal groups to root trenching and litter removal in rainforest and plantations in Sumatra, and found that roots are similarly important to soil fauna as litter. Trenching effects were stronger in soil than in litter, with an overall decrease in animal abundance in rainforest by 42% and in plantations by 30%. Litter removal little affected animals in soil, but decreased the total abundance by 60% in rainforest and rubber plantations but not in oil palm plantations. Litter and root effects on animal group abundances were explained by body size or vertical distribution. Our study quantifies principle carbon pathways in soil food webs under tropical land use, providing the basis for mechanistic modelling and ecosystem‐friendly management of tropical soils.
Resting state functional connectivity demonstrates increased segregation in bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Lucas Alfredo , Cornblath Eli J. , Sinha Nishant , Hadar Peter , Caciagli Lorenzo , Keller Simon S. , Bonilha Leonardo , Shinohara Russell T. , Stein Joel M. , Das Sandhitsu , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Davis Kathryn A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common type of focal epilepsy. An increasingly identified subset of patients with TLE consists of those who show bilaterally independent temporal lobe seizures. The purpose of this study was to leverage network neuroscience to better understand the interictal whole brain network of bilateral TLE (BiTLE).

Methods

In this study, using a multicenter resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) data set, we constructed whole‐brain functional networks of 19 patients with BiTLE, and compared them to those of 75 patients with unilateral TLE (UTLE). We quantified resting‐state, whole‐brain topological properties using metrics derived from network theory, including clustering coefficient, global efficiency, participation coefficient, and modularity. For each metric, we computed an average across all brain regions, and iterated this process across network densities. Curves of network density vs each network metric were compared between groups. Finally, we derived a combined metric, which we term the “integration‐segregation axis,” by combining whole‐brain average clustering coefficient and global efficiency curves, and applying principal component analysis (PCA)–based dimensionality reduction.

Results

Compared to UTLE, BiTLE had decreased global efficiency (p = .031), and decreased whole brain average participation coefficient across a range of network densities (p = .019). Modularity maximization yielded a larger number of smaller communities in BiTLE than in UTLE (p = .020). Differences in network properties separate BiTLE and UTLE along the integration‐segregation axis, with regions within the axis having a specificity of up to 0.87 for BiTLE. Along the integration‐segregation axis, UTLE patients with poor surgical outcomes were distributed in the same regions as BiTLE, and network metrics confirmed similar patterns of increased segregation in both BiTLE and poor outcome UTLE.

Significance

Increased interictal whole‐brain network segregation, as measured by rs‐fMRI, is specific to BiTLE, as well as poor surgical outcome UTLE, and may assist in non‐invasively identifying this patient population prior to intracranial electroencephalography or device implantation.
A novel intelligent approach for man‐in‐the‐middle attacks detection over internet of things environments based on message queuing telemetry transport
Authors: Michelena Álvaro , Aveleira‐Mata José , Jove Esteban , Bayón‐Gutiérrez Martín , Novais Paulo , Romero Oscar Fontenla , Calvo‐Rolle José Luis , Aláiz‐Moretón Héctor
Published: March 2023

One of the most common attacks is man‐in‐the‐middle (MitM) which, due to its complex behaviour, is difficult to detect by traditional cyber‐attack detection systems. MitM attacks on internet of things systems take advantage of special features of the protocols and cause system disruptions, making them invisible to legitimate elements. In this work, an intrusion detection system (IDS), where intelligent models can be deployed, is the approach to detect this type of attack considering network alterations. Therefore, this paper presents a novel method to develop the intelligent model used by the IDS, being this method based on a hybrid process. The first stage of the process implements a feature extraction method, while the second one applies different supervised classification techniques, both over a message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) dataset compiled by authors in previous works. The contribution shows excellent performance for any compared classification methods. Likewise, the best results are obtained using the method with the highest computational cost. Thanks to this, a functional IDS will be able to prevent MQTT attacks.
Are polluters shunned? A study on the institutional ownership and returns of polluter stocks
Authors: Tirodkar Mihir , Berkman Henk
Published: March 2023

We hypothesise that societal norms cause institutional investors to discriminate against polluters. Consistent with this hypothesis, we document relatively lower institutional ownership for the most polluting firms in the United States. Institutional discrimination against polluters increases over 1987–2018, in line with increasing environmental awareness. Institutions are primarily averse to investments in dioxin emitters. Institutions that prioritize portfolio performance are less sensitive to societal norms against polluters, as are institutions with shorter investment horizons and more aggressive trading strategies. Lastly, we test whether investor discrimination affects polluter equity valuations and creates systematic trading opportunities, but find no convincing evidence of a polluter return premium.
Compound droughts slow down the greening of the Earth
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Sun Gaopeng , Fu Zheng , Ciais Philippe , Feng Xiaoming , Li Jing , Fu Bojie
Published: March 2023

Vegetation response to soil and atmospheric drought has raised extensively controversy, however, the relative contributions of soil drought, atmospheric drought, and their compound droughts on global vegetation growth remain unclear. Combining the changes in soil moisture (SM), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and vegetation growth (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) during 1982–2015, here we evaluated the trends of these three drought types and quantified their impacts on global NDVI. We found that global VPD has increased 0.22 ± 0.05 kPa·decade−1 during 1982–2015, and this trend was doubled after 1996 (0.32 ± 0.16 kPa·decade−1) than before 1996 (0.16 ± 0.15 kPa·decade−1). Regions with large increase in VPD trend generally accompanied with decreasing trend in SM, leading to a widespread increasing trend in compound droughts across 37.62% land areas. We further found compound droughts dominated the vegetation browning since late 1990s, contributing to a declined NDVI of 64.56%. Earth system models agree with the dominant role of compound droughts on vegetation growth, but their negative magnitudes are considerably underestimated, with half of the observed results (34.48%). Our results provided the evidence of compound droughts‐induced global vegetation browning, highlighting the importance of correctly simulating the ecosystem‐scale response to the under‐appreciated exposure to compound droughts as it will increase with climate change.
The art of plucking the goose: Chinese urban residents' tax consciousness
Authors: Zhang Changdong , Dickson Bruce
Published: March 2023

Public finance lies at the heart of politics. It shapes citizens' political attitudes and behaviors. While the expenditure side has been studied very extensively, the income side has been neglected, especially in authoritarian regimes. Taking China as an ideal case, we use a nation‐wide random sample of urban residents to study how citizens under strong authoritarian states perceive their tax burdens. We find that Chinese citizens have low tax consciousness, defined as the perception of fairness both in comparison to people they know and to the amount of public goods they receive. Citizens' income, the amount of public goods they receive, and media consumption have important effects on their tax perception. We argue that there are three mechanisms used by China's “half‐tax state” to reduce their citizens' tax perception: (1) reduce the salience of people's tax burden, conditional on their income level, (2) generate fiscal illusion effects while providing public services in return for taxes paid, and (3) use propaganda to shape the ideology of tax compliance.
TO FLY THE PLANE: LANGUAGE GAMES, HISTORICAL NARRATIVES, AND EMOTIONS
Authors: Reddy William M.
Published: March 2023

The common Western distinction between reason and emotion (which is not found outside Western‐influenced traditions) tends to obscure an important distinction between two kinds of thinking: logical and mathematical reasoning, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, what is sometimes called “situational awareness,” a kind of thinking that involves striving to take into account multiple simultaneously true descriptions of a situation. Emotion, as understood in appraisal theory (that is, as inherently cognitive and intentional), is one kind of thinking that contributes to—indeed, is crucial to—situational awareness in this sense. Intention also belongs to situational awareness. Whatever long‐term goals we pursue, present action must be attuned to immediate circumstances. One is faced with an indefinite number of ways to describe what is going on at any moment, and this second kind of thinking involves striving to identify a crucial subset of these true descriptions that one can respond to via an intentional action, procedure, or plan. Maintaining situational awareness in this sense is the goal of “crew resource management” (CRM), a flight crew teamwork strategy and emotional regime aimed at ensuring airline safety. The philosophical works of Wittgenstein, Anscombe, Austin, Habermas, and Danto, among others, help explain the remarkable successes of crew resource management. This article tests this explanation's applicability to nonmodern contexts by briefly discussing the letters of Antoine de Bourbon and Jeanne d'Albret between 1551 and 1562.
Associations between alcohol and cigarette use and type 1 and 2 myocardial infarction among people with HIV
Authors: Drumright Lydia N. , Nance Robin M. , Ruderman Stephanie A. , Ma Jimmy , Whitney Bridget M. , Hahn Andrew , Fredericksen Rob J. , Luu Brandon , Lober William B. , Moore Richard D. , Budoff Matthew J. , Keruly Jeanne C. , Christopoulos Katerina , Puryear Sarah , Willig Amanda , Cropsey Karen , Mathews William C. , Cachay Edward , Bamford Laura , Eron Joseph J. , Napravnik Sonia , Mayer Kenneth H. , O'Cleirigh Conall , Mccaul Mary E. , Chander Geetanjali , Feinstein Matthew J. , Saag Michael S. , Kitahata Mari M. , Heckbert Susan R. , Crane Heidi M. , Delaney Joseph A. C.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

People with HIV have a higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) than the general population, with a greater proportion of type 2 MI (T2MI) due to oxygen demand–supply mismatch compared with type 1 (T1MI) resulting from atherothrombotic plaque disruption. People living with HIV report a greater prevalence of cigarette and alcohol use than do the general population. Alcohol use and smoking as risk factors for MI by type are not well studied among people living with HIV. We examined longitudinal associations between smoking and alcohol use patterns and MI by type among people living with HIV.

Design and Methods

Using longitudinal data from the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort, we conducted time‐updated Cox proportional hazards models to determine the impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on adjudicated T1MI and T2MI.

Results

Among 13 506 people living with HIV, with a median 4 years of follow‐up, we observed 177 T1MI and 141 T2MI. Current smoking was associated with a 60% increase in risk of both T1MI and T2MI. In addition, every cigarette smoked per day was associated with a 4% increase in risk of T1MI, with a suggestive, but not significant, 2% increase for T2MI. Cigarette use had a greater impact on T1MI for men than for women and on T2MI for women than for men. Increasing alcohol use was associated with a lower risk of T1MI but not T2MI. Frequency of heavy episodic alcohol use was not associated with MI.

Conclusions

Our findings reinforce the prioritization of smoking reduction, even without cessation, and cessation among people living with HIV for MI prevention and highlight the different impacts on MI type by gender.
Potential of MnO2‐based composite and numerous morphological for enhancing supercapacitors performance
Authors: Diantoro Markus , Istiqomah Istiqomah , Fath Yusril Al , Nasikhudin Nasikhudin , Alias Yatimah , Meevasana Worawat
Published: March 2023

The development of materials and electrochemical energy storage (EES) technologies are currently taking the lead and showing excellent performance in the global effort to tackle the issues of sustainable energy supply. Supercapacitors have been widely studied among the EES technologies as they exhibit quick charging rates under high‐power conditions. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) has attracted renewed interest as a promising material due to its high theoretical capacitance and high energy density. However, the widespread application is immediately impacted by low conductivity. Hence, combining nanomaterials and various morphologies of MnO2 can improve the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors. This paper presents a review based on the composites of nanomaterials/MnO2 with various morphologies. Their mechanism and practical applications in supercapacitors are introduced in detail. Finally, the challenges and next steps in developing MnO2 electrode materials are proposed.
Investigating young adults' use of Internet credit services: A reflective‐impulsive dual‐process model
Authors: Ma Long , Yao Kai
Published: March 2023

While Internet credit services are proliferating fast, they bring serious debt problems, especially to young adults, and further result in negative psychological and social issues. The present study aims to investigate the influential factors underlying the usage of Internet credit services among young adults. Particularly, a dual‐process model is proposed by integrating both the reflective and impulsive decision‐making process. While the reflective process is modelled based on the theory of planned behaviour, the impulsive process is manifested by examining the antecedents of impulse to use Internet credit services, including immediate gratification, materialism, and self‐control. A survey was administered among young adults and 992 valid questionnaires were collected. PLS‐SEM methods were applied to analyse the data. It was revealed that the reflective decision‐making process exerts significant influence on young adults' usage of Internet credit services, and the impulsive process plays important role in impacting people's usage of Internet credit services among the lower income group. In addition, immediate gratification and materialism were found to positively affect the impulse to use, whereas self‐control was identified as an inhibitor of impulse to use Internet credit services. Implications of the finding are discussed at the end of the paper.
Trispecific antibodies for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yao Yin , Hu Yiyin , Wang Fei
Published: March 2023

Despite the clinical success of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, there are still limitations in the therapeutic effect of malignant tumours, such as low response rate, treatment resistance, and so on, inspiring the exploration of trispecific antibodies (TsAbs). TsAbs further improve the safety and efficacy and has great clinical potential through three targets combination and formats optimization. This article reviews the development history and the target combination features of TsAbs. Although there are still great challenges in the clinical application of TsAbs, it is undeniable that TsAbs may be a breakthrough in the development of antibody drugs.
Antiviral effect and mechanism of Phillyrin and its reformulated FS21 against influenza
Authors: Chen Yan , Wu Cunjin , Li Huifen , Powell Harrison , Chen Allison , Zhu Guodong , Cong Weihong , Fu Li , Pekosz Andrew , Leng Sean X.
Published: March 2023

Background

Influenza virus causes significant morbidity and mortality with pandemic threat. Oleaceae Fructus Forsythiae is a medicinal herb. This study aimed to investigate antiviral effect of Phillyrin, a purified bioactive compound from this herb, and its reformulated preparation FS21 against influenza and its mechanism.

Methods

Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells were infected by one of six influenza viruses: five influenza A viruses (IAVs: three H1N1 and two H3N2) and one influenza B virus (IBV). Virus‐induced cytopathic effects were observed and recorded under microscope. Viral replication and mRNA transcription were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and protein expression by Western blot. Infectious virus production was assessed using TCID50 assay, and IC50 was calculated accordingly. Pretreatment and time‐of‐addition experiments with Phillyrin or FS21 added 1 h before or in early (0–3 h), mid (3–6 h), or late (6–9 h) stages of viral infection were performed to assess their antiviral effects. Mechanistic studies included hemagglutination and neuraminidase inhibition, viral binding and entry, endosomal acidification, and plasmid‐based influenza RNA polymerase activity.

Results

Phillyrin and FS21 had potent antiviral effects against all six IAV and IBV in a dose‐dependent manner. Mechanistic studies showed that both suppressed influenza viral RNA polymerase with no effect on virus‐mediated hemagglutination inhibition, viral binding or entry, endosomal acidification, or neuraminidase activity.

Conclusions

Phillyrin and FS21 have broad and potent antiviral effects against influenza viruses with inhibition of viral RNA polymerase as the distinct antiviral mechanism.
Does a black light lens aid in composite removal?
Authors: Teer Kelly R. , Kisling Annabel C. , Tantbirojn Daranee , Callahan William R. , Nordin Jeffery S. , Levey Bard J. , Versluis Antheunis
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a black light lens as visual aid in composite restoration removal. Lost tooth structure, residual composite, and removal time were compared for operators with different levels of experience.

Methods

Occlusal preparations in 24 matched‐pair extracted molars were etched, bonded, restored with composite, and thermocycled. The restored teeth were radiographed and two faculty and two student doctors removed the restorations with or without a black light lens while time was recorded. Digital scans of the cavity before and after restoration removal were used to calculate lost tooth structure and residual composite.

Results

Removal of restorations resulted in tooth structure loss and left residual composite. The use of the black light lens had no significant effect (two‐way ANOVA; p value >0.05). However, operator experience significantly affected operating times and average depth of tooth structure loss (two‐way ANOVA; p value <0.05). Student doctors assisted by the black light lost less tooth structure than experienced operators and improved their operating times (multiple comparisons; p value <0.05).

Conclusions

The black light lens did not conserve tooth structure or avoid composite remnants compared to routine operation, nor affected the operating time. However, less‐experienced operators did benefit from the black light in conserving tooth structure and time.

Clinical Significance

Replacement of defective composite restorations is a regular practice in restorative dentistry. When existing composite restorations are removed, loss of tooth structure is unavoidable. A black light lens might improve the ability of operators with less experience to conserve tooth structure even though it did not provide benefits for the experienced operators.
Bidirectional sex change and plasticity of gonadal phases in the goby Lubricogobius exiguus
Authors: Oyama Takumi , Sonoyama Takayuki , Kasai Miku , Sakai Yoichi , Sunobe Tomoki
Published: March 2023

Of the ca. 500 known hermaphroditic fish species, bidirectional sex change and simultaneous hermaphroditism are currently known in 69 and 57 species, respectively. Both bidirectional sex change and simultaneous hermaphroditism are predicted to evolve when mating opportunities are limited, such as in cases of low‐density distribution and low mobility of individuals. However, the plasticity of sex is adaptive in obtaining mating opportunities, especially when there is mate loss. Pair‐rearing experiments and histological observations of gonads of the goby Lubricogobius exiguus, which has low‐density distributions and low mobility, showed bidirectional sex change. The male‐role individuals in pairs had gonads in which only the testis was functional (male‐phase), whereas the female‐role individuals had two types of gonads: only the ovary was functional (female‐phase) or both testis and ovary were functional (simultaneously hermaphroditic phase, SH‐phase). In addition, single‐rearing experiments showed SH‐phase gonads in all individuals, and some cyclic spawning but no self‐fertilization occurred. These results revealed that L. exiguus has an unusual sexual pattern among hermaphroditic fishes because they undergo bidirectional sex change and some maintain SH‐phase gonads. These findings indicate that the low‐density distribution and low mobility of L. exiguus in their natural habitat may have influenced the evolution of this unique sexual pattern.
The role of restrictive scope‐of‐practice regulations on the delivery of nurse practitioner‐delivered home‐based primary care
Authors: Osakwe Zainab Toteh , Liu Bian , Ankuda Claire K. , Ritchie Christine S. , Leff Bruce , Ornstein Katherine A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are the largest group of providers delivering home‐based primary care (HBPC) in the U.S. We examined the association of scope‐of‐practice regulations and NP‐HBPC rates.

Methods

Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use File for 2019, we conducted a state‐level analysis to examine the impact of scope‐of‐practice regulations on the utilization of NP‐HBPC. Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes were used to identify the HBPC visits in private residences (99341–99,345, 99,347–99,350) and domiciliary settings (99324–99,328, 99,334–99,337). We used linear regression to compare NP‐HBPC utilization rates between states of either restricted or reduced scope‐of‐practice laws to states with full scope‐of‐practice, adjusting for a number of NP‐HBPC providers, state ranking of total assisted living, the proportion of fee‐for‐service (FFS) Medicare beneficiaries and neighborhood‐level socio‐economic status and race and ethnicity.

Results

Nearly half of NPs providing HBPC (46%; n = 7151) were in states with a restricted scope of practice regulations. Compared to states with full scope‐of‐practice, states with restricted or reduced scope‐of‐practice had higher adjusted rates of NP‐HBPC per 1000 FFS Medicare beneficiaries. The average level of the utilization rate of NP‐HBPC was 89.9, 63, and 49.1 visits, per 1000 FFS Medicare beneficiaries in states with restricted, reduced, and full‐ scope‐of‐practice laws, respectively. The rate of NP‐HBPC visits was higher in states with restricted (Beta coefficient = 0.92; 95%CI 0.13–1.72; p = 0.023) and reduced scope‐of‐practice laws (Beta coefficient = 0.91; 95%CI 0.03–1.79; p = 0.043) compared to states with full scope‐of‐practice laws.

Conclusion

Restricted state NP scope‐of‐practice regulations were associated with higher rates of FFS Medicare NP‐HBPC care delivery compared with full or reduced scope‐of‐practice. Understanding underlying mechanisms of how scope‐of‐practice affects NP‐HBPC delivery could help to develop scope‐of‐practice regulations that improve access to HBPC for the underserved homebound population.
Financial stability, stranded assets and the low‐carbon transition – A critical review of the theoretical and applied literatures
Authors: Daumas Louis
Published: March 2023

Transitioning to a low‐carbon economy will entail sweeping transformations of energy and economic systems. A growing research body has raised concerns about the effect of such strain on financial stability. This literature on “financial transition risk” has highlighted that the conjunction of climate policy, technological change and shifts in consumption patterns may propagate to financial markets. In extreme cases, these dynamics may result in a “Climate‐Minsky” moment with systemic implications. The field has developed quickly, covering many methods and research questions. While this expansion in literature is advantageous when studying a complex issue like the low‐carbon transition, it also comes with downsides. The large number of methods hampers result comparison, and the integration of research designs. It also makes it difficult to provide a synthetic view of results in the literature as well as identify remaining uncertainties. To bridge these gaps, I propose a critical review of the literature. I examine three sub‐fields: the asset stranding literature, the direct assessment of transition risks through prospective models and the financial empirics of the low‐carbon transition. I expound their main results, critically assess underlying methodologies and propose a framework to compare results. The review ends by suggesting some avenues for future research.
The role of family composition in students' learning growth during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: de Leeuw Suzanne , Haelermans Carla , Jacobs Madelon , van der Velden Rolf , van Vugt Lynn , van Wetten Sanne
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study investigates the role of family composition on children's development during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, net of family socioeconomic status (SES).

Background

At the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the first half of 2020, schools closed and children all around the world were sent home, providing a rare opportunity to study the association between family composition and children's educational performance.

Method

This study uses an extraordinary large‐scale dataset on learning growth in primary education combined with extensive family background information (Netherlands Cohort Study on Education [NCO]). Using a difference‐in‐differences design and school‐fixed effects, the association between family composition and learning growth before and during the school closure was compared, while controlling for family SES.

Results

We find that during the pandemic, the effect of family composition on learning growth increased. Children in single‐parent families and children in large families suffered larger learning losses during the pandemic than children in two‐parent families and small families. Firstborn children experienced slightly less learning loss during the pandemic.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the effect of family composition increased during the first school closure, even after controlling for family SES.

Implications

This study provides evidence of family composition effects net of family SES. This indicates that apart from family SES, family composition should be taken into account to identify students at risk of learning loss.
Behavioral influences on the relationship between firms' aspiration performance gap and innovation input: The moderating role of executives' vocational socialization
Authors: Zhu Chunling , Xiao Yihui , Wang Ruxi
Published: March 2023

While extant research shows a curvilinear relationship between aspiration performance gaps and innovation input, we know far less about how vocational experiences of key firm decisions makers may shift this relationship. We propose the concept of executives' vocational socialization and explore how it influences the relationship between firms' aspiration performance gaps and innovation input from the perspectives of the behavioral theory of the firm and upper echelons theory. We theorize that two aspects of executives' vocational socialization, namely, executives' technical career experience and firm tenure, strengthen the inverted U‐shaped relationship between the negative aspiration performance gap and innovation input and weaken the U‐shaped relationship between the positive aspiration performance gap and innovation input respectively. We test these hypotheses using a panel dataset of 1158 listed firms in China from 2008 to 2017, and the empirical results from switching regression and fixed‐effect models support our hypotheses. Our study contributes to research on the aspiration performance gap, innovation input, and behavioral theory of the firm.
Mucormycosis in Africa: Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment outcomes
Authors: Osaigbovo Iriagbonse I. , Ekeng Bassey E. , Davies Adeyinka A. , Oladele Rita O.
Published: March 2023

Mucorales fungi cause mucormycosis, an invasive and rapidly progressive disease which increasingly affects mostly immunocompromised but also immunocompetent individuals. The objective of this study was to highlight the epidemiology, diagnostic modalities, treatment and overall survival of mucormycosis in Africa. We searched for relevant publications in PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journal Online databases covering the period 1960–2022. A total of 147 articles were identified, of which 66 were included in the review, detailing 408 individual cases from 12 African countries; 330 (80.9%) from North Africa, 63 (15.4%) from Southern Africa, seven (1.7%) from East Africa, seven (1.7%) from West Africa and a single case (0.2%) from Central Africa. The most frequently described clinical forms were rhino‐orbital‐cerebral (n = 307, 75.2%) and gastrointestinal (n = 51, 12.5%). Diabetes mellitus, COVID‐19, malignancies and neutropaenia were the commonest underlying risks in 203 (49.8%), 101 (24.8%), 65 (15.9%) and 53 (13.0%) cases respectively. Most cases, 296 (72.5%) were diagnosed by histopathology. Fungal aetiology was identified in 38 (9.3%), of which the commonest was Rhizopus oryzae/arrhizus (27/38, 71.1%). Of the 408 cases, 334 (81.9%) patients received antifungal therapy, while 244 (59.8%) had surgery. In cases with a specified outcome, survival rate was 59.1% (228/386). Based on case reporting, a substantial burden of mucormycosis occurs in North Africa but the disease is rarely reported in most of the sub‐Saharan region. Establishing a comprehensive registry for standardised data collection could improve understanding of the epidemiology of mucormycosis in the region.
Multifeature analysis of age‐related microbiome structures reveals defense mechanisms of Populus tomentosa trees
Authors: Xie Jianbo , Ma Yuchao , Li Xian , Wu Jiadong , Martin Francis , Zhang Deqiang
Published: March 2023

Root microbiota composition shifts during the development of most annual plants. Although some perennial plants can live for centuries, the host–microbiome partnerships and interaction mechanisms underlying their longevity remain unclear.

To address this gap, we investigated age‐related changes in the root metabolites, transcriptomes, and microbiome compositions of 1‐ to 35‐yr‐old Populus tomentosa trees.

Ten co‐response clusters were obtained according to their accumulation patterns, and members of each cluster displayed a uniform and clear pattern of abundance. Multi‐omics network analysis demonstrated that the increased abundance of Actinobacteria with tree age was strongly associated with the flavonoid biosynthesis. Using genetic approaches, we demonstrate that the flavonoid biosynthesis regulator gene Transparent Testa 8 is associated with the recruitment of flavonoid‐associated Actinobacteria. Further inoculation experiments of Actinobacteria isolates indicated that their colonization could significantly improve the host's phenotype. Site‐directed mutagenesis revealed that the hyBl gene cluster, involved in biosynthesis of an aminocyclitol hygromycin B analog in Streptomyces isolate bj1, is associated with disease suppression.

We hypothesize that interactions between perennial plants and soil microorganisms lead to gradual enrichment of a subset of microorganisms that may harbor a wealth of currently unknown functional traits.
Acceptability of a novel suicide prevention psychological therapy for people who experience non‐affective psychosis
Authors: Harris Kamelia , Gooding Patricia A. , Awenat Yvonne , Haddock Gillian , Cook Leanne , Huggett Charlotte , Jones Steven , Lobban Fiona , Peeney Ellen , Pratt Daniel , Peters Sarah
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide. People experiencing psychosis are at increased risk of death by suicide. Talking therapies can alleviate suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts. Therapies need to also be acceptable to recipients. The aim of this study was to investigate the views on psychological therapy for people experiencing psychosis and suicidality using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Participants were recruited from a randomised controlled trial comparing suicide prevention psychological therapy with treatment as usual. Individuals had a diagnosis of non‐affective psychosis and experience of suicidal thoughts, plans and/or attempts. To assess the acceptability of the therapy, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants randomised to receive therapy. Data were deductively analysed using an adaptation of the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

Results

Interviews (Mean = 45 min) were conducted and audio recorded with 21 participants. Data were organised into six themes: 1. Affective attitude, 2. Burden, 3. Alliance, 4. Intervention coherence, 5. Perceived effectiveness, and 6. Self‐efficacy. There was no evidence of issues relating to domains of ethicality and opportunity costs associated with receiving therapy.

Conclusions

Talking about suicide was difficult and, at times, distressing, but it was perceived to be useful for understanding experiences. To be acceptable, it is important for therapists to ensure that clients' understanding of therapy aligns with expectations of effectiveness and to invest in building strong therapeutic alliances. Future research will benefit from examining therapists' experiences of delivering therapy through different modes (e.g. online, telephone).
On the Rouquier dimension of wrapped Fukaya categories and a conjecture of Orlov
Authors: Bai Shaoyun , Côté Laurent
Published: March 2023

We study the Rouquier dimension of wrapped Fukaya categories of Liouville manifolds and pairs, and apply this invariant to various problems in algebraic and symplectic geometry. On the algebro-geometric side, we introduce a new method based on symplectic flexibility and mirror symmetry to bound the Rouquier dimension of derived categories of coherent sheaves on certain complex algebraic varieties and stacks. These bounds are sharp in dimension at most$3$. As an application, we resolve a well-known conjecture of Orlov for new classes of examples (e.g. toric$3$-folds, certain log Calabi–Yau surfaces). We also discuss applications to non-commutative motives on partially wrapped Fukaya categories. On the symplectic side, we study various quantitative questions including the following. (1) Given a Weinstein manifold, what is the minimal number of intersection points between the skeleton and its image under a generic compactly supported Hamiltonian diffeomorphism? (2) What is the minimal number of critical points of a Lefschetz fibration on a Liouville manifold with Weinstein fibers? We give lower bounds for these quantities which are to the best of the authors’ knowledge the first to go beyond the basic flexible/rigid dichotomy.
Artificial receptor-mediated phototransduction toward protocellular subcompartmentalization and signaling-encoded logic gates
Authors: Li He , Yan Yue , Chen Jing , Shi Ke , Song Chuwen , Ji Yanglimin , Jia Liyan , Li Jianming , Qiao Yan , Lin Yiyang
Published: March 2023

Engineering artificial cellular systems capable of perceiving and transmitting external signals across membranes to activate downstream targets and coordinate protocellular responses is key to build cell-cell communications and protolife. Here, we report a synthetic photoreceptor–mediated signaling pathway with the integration of light harvesting, photo-to-chemical energy conversion, signal transmission, and amplification in synthetic cells, which ultimately resulted in protocell subcompartmentalization. Key to our design is a ruthenium-bipyridine complex that acts as a membrane-anchored photoreceptor to convert visible light into chemical information and transduce signals across the lipid membrane via flip-flop motion. By coupling receptor-mediated phototransduction with biological recognition and enzymatic cascade reactions, we further develop protocell signaling–encoded Boolean logic gates. Our results illustrate a minimal cell model to mimic the photoreceptor cells that can transduce the energy of light into intracellular responses and pave the way to modular control over the flow of information for complex metabolic and signaling pathways.
ATG16L1 adopts a dual–binding site mode to interact with WIPI2b in autophagy
Authors: Gong Xinyu , Wang Yingli , Tang Yubin , Wang Yaru , Zhang Mingfang , Li Miao , Zhang Yuchao , Pan Lifeng
Published: March 2023

Macroautophagy plays crucial roles in the regulation of cellular physiology and requires de novo synthesis of double-membrane autophagosomes, which relies on a specific interaction between autophagy-related 16L1 (ATG16L1) and WD repeat domain phosphoinositide-interacting protein 2b (WIPI2b). However, the molecular mechanism governing the interaction of ATG16L1 with WIPI2b remains elusive. Here, we find that ATG16L1 has two distinct binding sites for interacting with WIPI2b, the previously reported WIPI2b-binding site (WBS1) and the previously unidentified site (WBS2). We determine the crystal structures of WIPI2b with ATG16L1 WBS1 and WBS2, respectively, and elucidate the molecular mechanism underpinning the recruitment of ATG16L1 by WIPI2b. Moreover, we uncover that ATG16L1 WBS2 and its binding mode with WIPI2b is well conserved from yeast to mammals, unlike ATG16L1 WBS1. Last, our cell-based functional assays demonstrate that both ATG16L1 WBS1 and WBS2 are required for the effective autophagic flux. In conclusion, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the key ATG16L1/WIPI2b interaction in autophagy.
Macromolecular organic matter in samples of the asteroid (162173) Ryugu
Authors: Yabuta Hikaru , Cody George D. , Engrand Cécile , Kebukawa Yoko , De Gregorio Bradley , Bonal Lydie , Remusat Laurent , Stroud Rhonda , Quirico Eric , Nittler Larry , Hashiguchi Minako , Komatsu Mutsumi , Okumura Taiga , Mathurin Jérémie , Dartois Emmanuel , Duprat Jean , Takahashi Yoshio , Takeichi Yasuo , Kilcoyne David , Yamashita Shohei , Dazzi Alexandre , Deniset-Besseau Ariane , Sandford Scott , Martins Zita , Tamenori Yusuke , Ohigashi Takuji , Suga Hiroki , Wakabayashi Daisuke , Verdier-Paoletti Maximilien , Mostefaoui Smail , Montagnac Gilles , Barosch Jens , Kamide Kanami , Shigenaka Miho , Bejach Laure , Matsumoto Megumi , Enokido Yuma , Noguchi Takaaki , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Nakamura Tomoki , Okazaki Ryuji , Naraoka Hiroshi , Sakamoto Kanako , Connolly Harold C. , Lauretta Dante S. , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Yada Toru , Nishimura Masahiro , Yogata Kasumi , Nakato Aiko , Yoshitake Miwa , Iwamae Ayako , Furuya Shizuho , Hatakeda Kentaro , Miyazaki Akiko , Soejima Hiromichi , Hitomi Yuya , Kumagai Kazuya , Usui Tomohiro , Hayashi Tasuku , Yamamoto Daiki , Fukai Ryota , Sugita Seiji , Kitazato Kohei , Hirata Naru , Honda Rie , Morota Tomokatsu , Tatsumi Eri , Sakatani Naoya , Namiki Noriyuki , Matsumoto Koji , Noguchi Rina , Wada Koji , Senshu Hiroki , Ogawa Kazunori , Yokota Yasuhiro , Ishihara Yoshiaki , Shimaki Yuri , Yamada Manabu , Honda Chikatoshi , Michikami Tatsuhiro , Matsuoka Moe , Hirata Naoyuki , Arakawa Masahiko , Okamoto Chisato , Ishiguro Masateru , Jaumann Ralf , Bibring Jean-Pierre , Grott Matthias , Schröder Stefan , Otto Katharina , Pilorget Cedric , Schmitz Nicole , Biele Jens , Ho Tra-Mi , Moussi-Soffys Aurélie , Miura Akira , Noda Hirotomo , Yamada Tetsuya , Yoshihara Keisuke , Kawahara Kosuke , Ikeda Hitoshi , Yamamoto Yukio , Shirai Kei , Kikuchi Shota , Ogawa Naoko , Takeuchi Hiroshi , Ono Go , Mimasu Yuya , Yoshikawa Kent , Takei Yuto , Fujii Atsushi , Iijima Yu-ichi , Nakazawa Satoru , Hosoda Satoshi , Iwata Takahiro , Hayakawa Masahiko , Sawada Hirotaka , Yano Hajime , Tsukizaki Ryudo , Ozaki Masanobu , Terui Fuyuto , Tanaka Satoshi , Fujimoto Masaki , Yoshikawa Makoto , Saiki Takanao , Tachibana Shogo , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: March 2023

Samples of the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu were collected and brought to Earth by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. We investigated the macromolecular organic matter in Ryugu samples and found that it contains aromatic and aliphatic carbon, ketone, and carboxyl functional groups. The spectroscopic features of the organic matter are consistent with those in chemically primitive carbonaceous chondrite meteorites that experienced parent-body aqueous alteration (reactions with liquid water). The morphology of the organic carbon includes nanoglobules and diffuse carbon associated with phyllosilicate and carbonate minerals. Deuterium and/or nitrogen-15 enrichments indicate that the organic matter formed in a cold molecular cloud or the presolar nebula. The diversity of the organic matter indicates variable levels of aqueous alteration on Ryugu’s parent body.
Christopher T. Walsh (1944–2023)
Authors: O’Halloran Thomas V.
Published: March 2023

A luminous scholar and mentor at the interface of chemistry, biology, and medicine
Stem cells drive antler regeneration
Authors: Wang Datao , Landete-Castillejos Tomas
Published: March 2023

Understanding the rapid growth of deer antlers could have applications in medicine
Journals take up arms against AI-written text
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Many ask authors to disclose use of ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligence
Colistin Enhances Rifampicin’s Antimicrobial Action in Colistin-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms
Authors: Armengol Eva , Kragh Kasper Nørskov , Tolker-Nielsen Tim , Sierra Josep M. , Higazy Doaa , Ciofu Oana , Viñas Miguel , Høiby Niels
Published: March 2023

The emergence of multidrug-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
infections has urged the need to find new strategies, such as the use of combinations of antibiotics. Among these, the combination of colistin with other antibiotics has been studied.
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp.
niveum
Pumilio 1 Regulates Virulence on Watermelon through Interacting with the ARP2/3 Complex and Binding to an A-Rich Motif in the 3′ UTR of Diverse Transcripts
Authors: Gao Yizhou , Xiong Xiaohui , Wang Hui , Bi Yan , Wang Jiajing , Yan Yuqing , Li Dayong , Song Fengming
Published: March 2023

Fusarium oxysporum
is a devastating plant-pathogenic fungus that causes vascular wilt disease in many economically important crops, including watermelon, worldwide.
F. oxysporum
f. sp.
nievum
(
Fon
) causes serious yield loss in watermelon production. However, the molecular mechanism of
Fusarium
wilt development by
Fon
remains largely unknown.