bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SingleCellGGM enables gene expression program identification from single-cell transcriptomes and facilitates universal cell label transfer
Authors: Xu Yupu , Wang Yuzhou , Ma Shisong
Published: February 2023

Gene co-expression analysis of single-cell transcriptomes that aims to define functional relationships between genes is challenging due to excessive dropout values. Here, we developed a single-cell graphical Gaussian model (SingleCellGGM) algorithm to conduct single-cell gene co-expression network analysis. When applied to mouse single-cell datasets, SingleCellGGM constructed networks from which gene co-expression modules with highly significant functional enrichment were identified. We considered the modules to be gene expression programs (GEPs). These GEPs enable direct cell-type annotation of individual cells without cell clustering, and they are enriched with genes required for the functions of the corresponding cells, sometimes at a level greater than 10-fold. The GEPs are conserved across datasets and enable universal cell-type label transfer across different studies. We also proposed a dimension-reduction method through averaging-by-GEPs for single-cell analysis, enhancing the interpretability of results. Thus, SingleCellGGM offers a unique GEP-based perspective to analyze single-cell transcriptomes and reveals biological insights shared by different single-cell datasets.
SoyOmics: A deeply integrated database on soybean multi-omics
Authors: Liu Yucheng , Zhang Yang , Liu Xiaonan , Shen Yanting , Tian Dongmei , Yang Xiaoyue , Liu Shulin , Ni Lingbin , Zhang Zhang , Song Shuhui , Tian Zhixi
Published: February 2023

As one of the most important crops to supply majority plant oil and protein for the whole world, soybean is facing an increasing global demand. Up to now, vast multi-omics data of soybean were generated, thereby providing valuable resources for functional study and molecular breeding. Nevertheless, it is tremendously challenging for researchers to deal with these big multi-omics data, particularly considering the unprecedented rate of data growth. Therefore, we collect the reported high-quality omics, including assembly genomes, graph pan-genome, resequencing and phenotypic data of representative germplasms, transcriptomic and epigenomic data from different tissues, organs and accessions, and construct an integrated soybean multi-omics database, named SoyOmics (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/soyomics). By equipping with multiple analysis modules and toolkits, SoyOmics is of great utility to facilitate the global scientific community to fully use these big omics datasets for a wide range of soybean studies from fundamental functional investigation to molecular breeding.
NLRP1 inflammasome modulates senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Muela-Zarzuela Inés , Suarez-Rivero Juan Miguel , Gallardo-Orihuela Andrea , Wan Chun , Izawa Kumi , Gregorio-Procopio Marta de , Coillin Isabelle , Ryffel Bernhard , Kitaura Jiro , Sanz Alberto , Zglinicki Thomas von , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Cordero Mario D.
Published: February 2023

Senescence is a cellular aging-related process triggered by different stresses and characterized by the secretion of various inflammatory factors referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we present evidence that the inflammasome sensor, NLRP1, is a key mediator of senescence induced by irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. The NLRP1 inflammasome promotes senescence by regulating the expression of p16, p21, p53, and SASP in Gasdermin D (GSDMD)-dependent manner as these responses are reduced in conditions of NLRP1 insufficiency or GSDMD inhibition. Mechanistically, the NLRP1 inflammasome is activated downstream of the cytosolic DNA sensor cGMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) in response to genomic damage. These findings provide a rationale for inhibiting the NLRP1 inflammasome-GSDMD axis to treat senescence-driven disorders.
Beyond design and delivery: developing a model to measure end-user satisfaction (delight) in projects
Authors: Abu Arqoub Muath , Ghanbaripour Amir Naser , Langston Craig , Skulmoski Greg
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This research aims to develop and test a model for measuring end-user satisfaction (EUS) in a practical manner and then statistically verify its reliability and validity.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive list of attributes using extensive literature review, focus group and brainstorming meetings were used to create a set of attributes for the model. These attributes were then used in a survey among the end-users (N = 687) of seven case studies with different characteristics (type, size and location) to assess the reliability and validity of the model. The statistical methods included reliability tests (Cronbach's alpha), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and correlation analysis), canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), item response theory (IRT) and model specification tests.

Findings

EUS must be quantified before determining a project's overall performance. The analysis of repeatability and consistency (reliability and validity) performed on case studies (data collected from the end-users) strongly suggests that the EUS model is robust for a range of project types.

Originality/value

Although many studies have proposed customer satisfaction models in the project success context, research on quantitative measurement tools is scarce. The paper departs from past research and develops and validates a new EUS model independent of project characteristics (while the study's limitations are acknowledged).
Technology readiness and the older citizen’s acceptance of m-health services in India
Authors: Dash Ajitabh , Mohanty Sandeep Kumar
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to create a theoretical model by combining the technology acceptance model (TAM) with the theory of technology readiness (TR) and then empirically test it to identify the key factors influencing older citizens’ intention to adopt and use mobile health (m-health), which has emerged as a tool to facilitate health-care rights for all.

Design/methodology/approach

The convenience sampling method was used to collect data from 465 respondents aged 60 and up from the Delhi-National capital region of India using a questionnaire survey method. The data collected for this study were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling using SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

The study’s findings indicate that all TR components influence perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use. The exception is discomfort, which does not affect perceived ease of use (PEOU). Furthermore, PU and PEOU influenced the older citizen’s attitude toward m-health, and attitude influenced their intention to use m-health applications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to apply the TAM in combination with TR index to examine the acceptability of m-health consulting by the older citizen in an emerging economy like India.
Barriers to gender equality in STEMM: do leaders have the gender competence for change?
Authors: Cuthbert Denise , Barnacle Robyn , Henry Nicola , Latham Kay , Sidelil Leul Tadesse , Spark Ceridwen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) workplaces worldwide remain stubbornly resistant to gender equality initiatives. Leaders are vital to driving change, but the extent to which their capabilities lead to change remains unknown. This article examines STEMM leaders' gender competence to achieving transformative changes in gender inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines the capability of STEMM leaders to act as change agents through an in-depth, qualitative analysis of perceptions of gender inequality, sexual harassment, sex discrimination and gender bias within their organisations. Findings are analysed using a customised tripartite gender competence schema, comprising commitment, knowledge and method (or know-how).

Findings

The findings suggest that while STEMM leaders may express a commitment to addressing gender inequality, misapprehensions about the nature and scope of the problem are likely to hamper efforts. Two key misapprehensions standout: a tendency to frame gender inequality in primarily numerical terms; and recourse to blaming external factors beyond STEMM for gender inequality in STEMM.

Originality/value

This article makes an original contribution by examining the gender competence of leaders in STEMM organisations, which has not been previously researched. The findings extend understanding of the salience of leaders' capabilities to lead change by identifying key gaps and misapprehensions in STEMM leaders' understanding of the nature and scope of the problem.
How social media use enhances salesperson performance
Authors: Franck Romain , Damperat Maud
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Based on a relationship marketing approach, this paper aims to study the influence of social media use on salesperson performance and its underlying mechanisms from the perspective of salespeople in B2B settings.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed model, the authors used structural equation modeling with a sample of 196 French B2B salespeople. Moreover, to explore the moderating effect of emotional management between social media use and relationship quality, the authors used the Hayes macro PROCESS for SPSS and the Johnson–Newman’s floodlight method.

Findings

The authors confirm the direct role of social media use on salesperson performance, and its indirect role through the parallel mediation of social proximity and relationship quality. The empirical study provides evidence for the moderating effect of emotional management on the relationship between social media use and relationship quality.

Practical implications

Companies should promote the use of social media to increase both the sales and creative performance of salespeople. Moreover, salespeople with low to moderate abilities to manage other people’s emotions benefit strongly from the use of social media, as this directly increases their relationship with their customers.

Originality/value

The research complements the conceptualization of salesperson performance as a combination of sales performance and sales creativity and shows that emotional management is an asset for social media users to develop valuable business relationships.
City branding in a multi-level governance context: comparing branding performance across five institutional models for urban development in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsayel Abdulrhman , Fransen Jan , de Jong Martin
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how five different multi-level governance (MLG) models affect place branding (PB) performance in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

In hierarchical administrative systems, central governments exert control on PB, influencing its effectiveness. While PB as such is widely studied, the effect of MLG on PB performance in centralized administrative systems remains understudied. The study is approached as a multiple case study of nine cities.

Findings

The study reveals that different MLG models indeed affect PB performance differently. Direct access to central leadership and resources boosts branding performance, while privatization promotes flexibility with similarly positive effects. Study findings, furthermore, show that some cities are considered too big to fail. Cities such as Riyadh and Neom are of prime importance and receive plenty of resources and leadership attention, while others are considered peripheral, are under-resourced and branding performance suffers accordingly. Emerging differences in PB performance associated with different MLG models are thus likely to deepen the gap between urban economic winners and losers.

Originality/value

This paper introduces five MLG models based on the actors involved in PB, their interactions and their access to resources. For each model, this paper assesses other factors which may influence the effectiveness of PB as well, such as access to the national leadership and staff capacity. This research thereby adds to the literature by identifying specific factors within MLG models influencing PB performance in hierarchical administrative systems.
Internationalisation, knowledge intensity, adaptive culture and absorptive capacity: a strategic entrepreneurship enabling logic for export firms
Authors: Luu Dung Tien
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study proposes a logic to enable strategic entrepreneurship for export firms through absorptive capacity and adaptive culture to capitalise on the knowledge intensity from internationalisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample comprises 422 key role employees at 98 export firms in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The data are analysed using a structural equation model.

Findings

The results reveal that the firm's knowledge intensity may serve as a reservoir, absorbing and reconciling knowledge acquired from internationalisation and redistributing it to strategic entrepreneurship. A firm's absorptive capacity and adaptive culture can act as buffers, allowing internationalisation knowledge to permeate and transfer to administrative bodies and fostering strategic entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This study proposes an integrated model of the relationship between the degree of internationalisation and strategic entrepreneurship through novel lenses of knowledge-based perspective with the organisational capabilities.
Masuum baby food – a positioning conundrum
Authors: S. Mahadevan , Thanigan Jayanthi , Reddy N. Srinivasa
Published: February 2023

Research methodology

Primary and secondary data.

Case overview/synopsis

This case is set in the year 1987 when many parts in India were milk deficient. Seasonal and cyclical shortages were more of a norm. There were however early signals that the cooperative dairying model across the country was gaining momentum and the milk production in the country was poised for a sharp upswing.

Masuum baby food is a winning brand in Shalanda Milk Foods portfolio with a top-line revenue of Rs 300m per annum, contributing to 60% of the firm’s revenue and registering a healthy 14% annual growth.

The brand was used as an additive for tea and coffee, a purpose for which it was not intended, apart from it being used as a baby food, which of course was the intended purpose.

The World Health Organisation had proposed a code which among other things proscribed brand advertisement and promotion of baby food with a view to promote mother’s milk for infants.

Though the brand sales seemed to continue to grow, thanks to demand operating above supply, there was a realization that the brand could head into an identity crisis and the fact that it cannot speak for itself could be damning.

The protagonist in the case came up with a strategy to launch a new brand with the same composition as Masuum and in a controlled manner transfer volume from Masuum to new brand. Even while appreciating the protagonist’s recommendation, the Managing Director exhorts him to come up with a stronger rationale for launching a new product and review whether it constitutes a comprehensive solution.

Complexity academic level

This case can be used at the Master’s in business administration level in the Marketing Management course. This case should be scheduled after covering topics on segmentation, targeting, positioning and brand.

This case can also be used to introduce case methodology as it follows the framework of sharply defining a problem, explaining the relationships amongst variables, identifying and evaluating solution choices, and recommending the most effective.
Patterns and determinants of plant‐derived lignin phenols in coastal wetlands: Implications for organic C accumulation
Authors: Xia Shaopan , Song Zhaoliang , Wang Weiqi , Fan Yaran , Guo Laodong , Van Zwieten Lukas , Hartley Iain P. , Fang Yin , Wang Yidong , Zhang Zhenqing , Liu Cong‐Qiang , Wang Hailong
Published: February 2023

As a major plant‐derived soil organic carbon (SOC) component, lignin phenols are unique biomarkers that reflect biogeochemical characteristics under different vegetation compositions and climatic zones in coastal wetlands. However, the latitudinal patterns of plant‐derived lignin phenols to SOC and their link with the stability and controlling mechanisms remain poorly understood.

A total of 156 soil samples from 39 sites along a 5000 km coastal transect, were taken to explore the effects of biological and environmental controls on the patterns of lignin phenols. Lignin phenols had contents ranging from 1.91 to 83.3 mg g−1 OC, and a positive correlation was detected in grass‐dominated salt marsh, but a weakly negative correlation in mangrove. Positive correlations between SOC or lignin content and C/V or S/V (the cinnamyl‐ or syringyl‐to‐vanillyl) ratios were found, while overall negative correlations between SOC or lignin content and (Ad/Al)V or (Ad/Al)S (the acid‐to‐aldehyde of vanillyl or syringyl units) ratios were detected, respectively, which confirmed the validity of these lignin biomarker degradation parameters.

Our findings revealed that plant C inputs and monomer ratios directly influenced the capacity of lignin phenols in soils. Lignin content and stabilization was mainly controlled by soil properties (i.e. pH, EC sand/clay). Mean annual temperature (MAT) influenced the patterns of lignin phenols both directly by increasing decomposition and indirectly by changing the vegetation and soil biogeochemistry (i.e. microbial substrate availability).

Coastal wetlands are characterized by high primary productivity and C burial rate, yet plant‐derived lignin phenols are not as much as we thought compared to microbial residues C. Precise identification and quantification of the origin, decomposition, and determinants of lignin phenols help us understand their contribution to C sequestration and its response to climate and environmental changes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Differential effect of climate of origin and cultivation climate on structural and biochemical plant traits
Authors: Thakur Dinesh , Hadincová Věroslava , Schnablová Renáta , Synková Helena , Haisel Daniel , Wilhelmová Nada , Dostálek Tomáš , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: February 2023

Exploring patterns and causes of intraspecific trait variation is crucial for a better understanding of the effects of climate change on plant populations and ecosystems. However, our current understanding of the intraspecific trait variation is mainly based on structural (morphological) traits, and we have limited knowledge on patterns and causes of variation in biochemical traits (e.g. leaf pigments), which are also crucial for plant adaptation. As a result, we also do not know how similar the climatic effects on structural versus biochemical traits are.

Using plant traits from 110 genotypes representing 11 Festuca rubra populations grown in 4 different climates, we studied trait covariation among structural traits (linked to fitness, resource use, gas exchange and reproduction) and biochemical traits (linked to photosynthesis, photoprotection and oxidative stress). We also disentangled the relative role of the climate of origin and the climate of cultivation in the structural versus biochemical traits and tested for adaptive plasticity in the traits.

We found that (1) biochemical traits did not covary with structural traits and represent independent ‘photoharvesting–photoprotection’ strategy dimension of functional variation; (2) interactive effects of climate of origin and cultivation were more pronounced for biochemical than structural traits. (3) Trait plasticity was affected by the climate of origin (precipitation and temperature as well as their interaction); (4) F. rubra showed both adaptive and maladaptive plasticity, and adaptiveness depended upon trait type, cultivation climate and climate of origin.

Overall, our results suggest that structural and biochemical plant traits respond differentially to climate and thus the response of one group of traits cannot be predicted from the other. Responses are also strongly determined by interactions between the climate of origin and cultivation. Thus, more studies on variation in biochemical traits, their correspondence to other traits, and their variation with climate are needed.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Plant species with higher chemical defences enhance herbivore cellular immunity with differential effectiveness against two parasitoid species
Authors: Ghosh Enakshi , Paul Ryan L. , Ode Paul J.
Published: February 2023

Insect herbivores simultaneously experience bottom‐up effects of plant defensive chemistry and the top‐down effects of natural enemies. At the intersection of these effects are herbivore immune systems, herbivore traits that have largely been overlooked in studies of plant‐insect interactions. Most previous studies have demonstrated compromised immunity of herbivores that feed on plants with higher defensive chemistry. Many studies have used embedded microfilaments or silica beads as proxies for parasitoid eggs. Yet, parasitoids may evade or suppress host immune responses by injecting venom and calyx fluid, or through modifications of their egg surface structure, necessitating studies that include all three trophic levels to obtain a complete picture of how plant traits may modulate herbivore immunity.

Here, we examined the effect of host plant species that differ in glucosinolate (anti‐herbivore compounds produced by plants in the Brassicaceae) concentrations on the immune status of an herbivore and its consequences for two species of parasitoids with different life history traits.

We found that larvae of the butterfly Pieris rapae that fed on field mustard Brassica rapa, which contain 52‐fold higher glucosinolate concentrations than collards B. oleracea, attained lower body weights and experienced prolonged development to adulthood.

Yet, caterpillars that fed on B. rapa had enhanced cellular immunity, as measured by total and differential haemocyte counts as well as melanization capacity, compared to larvae that fed on B. oleracea.

In turn, the likelihood that at least some eggs in clutches of the gregarious endoparasitoid Cotesia glomerata would be encapsulated, leading to a reduction in brood size, were three times greater when their host caterpillars fed on B. rapa compared to B. oleracea.

Interestingly, eggs of the solitary endoparasitoid Cotesia rubecula were rarely encapsulated irrespective of the host plant on which their host caterpillar fed. Therefore, our results suggest that plant defence metabolites can influence the expression of herbivore immunity, but the effectiveness of this response strongly depends on the identity of the parasitoid and its ability to evade the caterpillar immune response, and possibly the evolution of these trophic interactions in non‐native systems.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
NDUFA8 potentially rescues Wolbachia‐induced cytoplasmic incompatibility in Laodelphax striatellus
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Meng‐Ke , Xie Qi‐Xian , Bing Xiao‐Li , Li Tong‐Pu , Hong Xiao‐Yue
Published: February 2023

The endosymbiont Wolbachia manipulates host reproduction by several strategies, one of the most important of which is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). CI can be rescued when Wolbachia‐infected males mate with females infected with the same Wolbachia strain. However, the potential rescue mechanism of CI in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus is unclear. In this study, comparative transcriptome analysis was applied to explore the effect of Wolbachia on L. striatellus eggs. A total of 1387 differentially expressed genes were identified. RNA interference of 7 Wolbachia‐upregulated key planthopper genes reduced egg reproduction, suggesting that Wolbachia might improve fecundity in L. striatellus by affecting these 7 genes. Suppressing the expression of another upregulated gene, NDUFA8 (encoding NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 α subcomplex subunit 8‐like) by RNA interference significantly increased the mortality of early embryos without affecting the number of deposited eggs. Wolbachia infection upregulated the mRNA level of NDUFA8, and dsNDUFA8 treatment of Wolbachia‐infected females recreated CI‐like symptoms, suggesting that NDUFA8 is associated with the rescue phenotype. Because all L. striatellus populations worldwide are infected with Wolbachia, NDUFA8 is a potential pest control target.
Depressional runoff cascade networks of the Des Moines Lobe of Iowa
Authors: Green David I. S. , Crumpton William G.
Published: February 2023

In this study, we develop a general mathematical framework and algorithm for routing cumulative precipitation excess through depressional fill–spill cascade networks in a landscape using only information about depression morphology, local contributing areas, and potential overland flow pathways. The framework also allows for the classification of depressions according to their landscape position within a network, and calculation of precipitation‐ and non‐precipitation‐dependent network properties, including measures of network complexity and runoff connectivity. To demonstrate its use, we applied our framework to the 167,287 drained depressions of the Des Moines Lobe of Iowa, a sub‐region of the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, over a large range of historically observed precipitation amounts for scenarios both neglecting and incorporating infiltration in runoff generation. Our results show that 85.3% of depressions in this region form 18,851 unique depressional runoff cascade networks, with the remainder being disjunct features. Most of the properties of the region's networks appear to conform to either a truncated power‐law or lognormal distribution. For a given rainfall amount, surface runoff connectivity between depressions within networks, and between networks and off‐network areas, is controlled primarily by available aggregate depressional volumetric storage and contributing area, and to a lesser degree, network complexity.
Acute stroke in familial Mediterranean fever: An analysis of 23 new cases and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Topcuoglu Mehmet Akif , Ayvacioglu‐Cagan Cansu , Arsava Ethem Murat , Acar‐Ozen Pınar , Kalyoncu Umut , Gocmen Rahsan , Akbaba Tayfun Hilmi , Balcı‐Peynircioğlu Banu , Tuncer Meryem Aslı
Published: February 2023

Objective

The nature of neurovascular involvement in cases of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) has not been adequately clarified.

Methods and Patients

Clinical features, infarct topography, vascular status, and stroke etiology were prospectively determined in 35 acute neurovascular events that occurred in 23 FMF patients. Clinicoradiological features were compared with an age‐ and gender‐matched control group of 115 acute stroke patients. Characteristics of additional FMF and acute stroke cases (6 episodes in 6 patients) identified from a systematic literature review (PROSPERO registration no: CRD420212264820) were also analyzed.

Results

There were 27 acute ischemic stroke episodes in 19 patients, 7 transient ischemic attack episodes in 3 patients, and 1 patient with a single episode of parietal hematoma in our cohort. Twenty (74%) ischemic stroke episodes in 12 patients were cryptogenic. Ten of these 12 cases had a previous FMF diagnosis and were taking colchicine. There was no significant difference in the FMF group in terms of the presence of vascular risk factors and angiography‐documented disease in comparison to controls. Cerebral distal artery involvement was significantly prevalent in FMF (78% vs 45%, P = .002). Especially, midbrain central deep perforating territory involvement was higher (30% vs 1%, P < .001). The long‐term prognosis (median 8.5 years) under antiplatelet agents and colchicine is favorable.

Discussion

The acute stroke phenotype in FMF cases is herein described for the first time. Several clinicoradiological features such as thrombotic lacunar infarcts located in the central mesencephalon seem so typical that we recommend searching for FMF mutations in geographic regions where FMF is common.
The potential role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT in dermatomyositis with cardiac involvement: A case report
Authors: He Ye , Liang Junyu , Cao Heng , Lin Jin
Published: February 2023

Background

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a chronic inflammatory muscle disease. Cardiac involvement is reported to be a main cause of death in DM but typically remains subclinical. Delayed or missed diagnosis renders more severe prognosis in DM patients.

Case summary

A 69‐year‐old man with a 6‐month history of shortness of breath, cough and characteristic cutaneous lesions was diagnosed with DM complicated with interstitial lung disease on his first admission. Within 47 days, the patient developed progressive heart failure with dyspnea. The levels of B‐type natriuretic peptide and Troponin I drastically increased and the cardiac function prominently decreased. According to the result of cardiac magnetic resonance, he was finally diagnosed with DM combined with cardiac involvement. Interestingly, the abnormal cardiac metabolism on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography / computed tomography FDG PET/CT had been found before the cardiac involvement was clinically identified.

Conclusions

18F‐FDG PET/CT may play a potential role in early recognition of cardiac involvement in patients with DM, although more data is still needed.
Long‐term dupilumab therapy in Netherton syndrome with severe atopic manifestations: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Özkaya Esen , Günay Muhammed Burak , Babuna Kobaner Goncagül , Keskinkaya Zeynep , Gökalp Mehmet Onur
Published: February 2023

We herein present a unique patient of Netherton syndrome (NS) with ichthyosis linearis circumflexa (ILC) lesions associated with severe atopic manifestations since infancy, showing different responses of atopic and ILC lesions to a 2‐year dupilumab therapy. The atopic eczematous lesions and pruritus healed remarkably, dramatically improving the patient's quality of life, whilst the scalp hair showed a clinical and light microscopic improvement. The additional recovery in axillary/pubic/extremity hair growth, sweating and nail growth in the presented case was not previously reported in NS patients treated with dupilumab. However, dupilumab had no therapeutic effect on ILC lesions which were not pruritic and showed a treatment‐independent wax and waned course.
An Enduring Neocolonial Alliance: A History of the CFA Franc
Authors: Pérez Francisco J.
Published: February 2023

The CFA franc persists because French elites have mostly followed “territorialist logic” and African elites “capitalist logic” for the last six decades. French governments have conceded to capitalist logic, most dramatically in 1994 with the devaluation of the CFA franc and subsequent introduction of the “Balladur Doctrine.” Similarly, West and Central African governments tried to reorient the CFA franc in a more territorialist (developmentalist) direction in the 1970s. Pressure from the IMF, the World Bank, and the French treasury following the sovereign debt crisis of the 1980s pushed most African leaders to accept neoliberal reform—a reassertion of capitalist logic. Advocates of reforming the West African Economic and Monetary Union are currently trying to push the region's monetary policy in a more territorialist direction. The Franco‐African neocolonial alliance has, so far, successfully suppressed efforts toward greater political and economic autonomy in Africa. The CFA's peg to the euro will therefore persist as long as this alliance does; until France decides to abandon its sphere of influence in Africa or African leaders seek greater autonomy and/or new allies.
The Geopolitics of French Wars in Africa: What Can Be Done?
Authors: Eben Sphynx Egbe‐Mbah , Dalton Amy L.
Published: February 2023

In this article, we summarize the geopolitics that keeps Françafrique in place—including residual Cold War antagonisms, extreme economic underdevelopment, the globalized counterterrorism agenda, expanding U.S. military influence in Africa, and last, but perhaps the most important of all, pervasive anti‐Black racism. We then propose a series of grassroots engagements that, if taken by concerned global citizens, could succeed in overcoming this recalcitrant power alignment.
Transpersonal Intersubjectivity in Ibogaine Experiences: Three cases
Authors: Dickinson Jonathan
Published: February 2023

This report presents the personal experiences of three individuals who ingested iboga or ibogaine in different contexts and for different reasons. Narrative analysis reveals a connection with previously identified phenomenological categories of experience, however demonstrating a wide variability. Most notably, each of these interviewees reported a distinct impression of transpersonal communication, either with “iboga/ine” or with visions of others encountered in the oneirogenic experience. This relates with a sense of transpersonal presence that is mentioned elsewhere in literature describing waking REM experiences, such as sleep paralysis. Within these cases, a sense of transpersonal intersubjectivity appears to contribute a sense of ontological realism and meaningfulness of the experiences. Similar deep engagement with narrative reports may better inform future research, as well as ibogaine‐assisted therapies.
A long‐distance copper alloy trade to the North Eastern Baltic during the late pre‐Roman and Roman Iron Age (250 BCE–450 CE) explored with lead isotope MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Roxburgh Marcus Adrian
Published: February 2023

The North Eastern Baltic has no copper resources of its own, meaning that Cu alloy was imported either as raw material or as finished objects. The north‐eastern coastline of Estonia during the late pre‐Roman and Roman Iron Age was connected to the south by sea to the long‐distance ‘amber’ trade route and to the east by Russian river systems. This study quantitatively assesses the direction of the Cu alloy supply in the region before and after brass enters circulation at the beginning of the Roman Iron Age. After an initial portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) survey, 18 objects were chosen for Pb isotope analysis. This isotope analysis resolved a group of nine brass artefacts from the Roman Iron Age amongst a ‘melting pot’ of other Cu alloys. The similarity between the isotope ratios found in the Roman world suggests the presence of the same ‘melting pot’ in the North Eastern Baltic, possibly created by a large amount of Roman Cu alloy being traded north. No evidence for Cu alloy from Scandinavia or the Ural Mountains could be found. The hypothesis from this small study is that the Cu alloy entering Estonia was dominated by metal from Southern Europe from the late pre‐Roman Iron Age and the Roman period.
Question‐based development of high‐risk medical devices: A proposal for a structured design and review process
Authors: White Nicholas A. , Oude Vrielink Timo J. C. , van der Bogt Koen E. A. , Cohen Adam F. , Rotmans Joris I. , Horeman Tim
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The recent introduction of the European Medical Device Regulation poses stricter legislation for manufacturers developing medical devices in the EU. Many devices have been placed into a higher risk category, thus requiring more data before market approval, and a much larger focus has been placed on safety. For implantable and Class III devices, the highest risk class, clinical evidence is a necessity. However, the requirements of clinical study design and developmental outcomes are only described in general terms due to the diversity of devices.

Methods

A structured approach to determining the requirements for the clinical development of high‐risk medical devices is introduced, utilizing the question‐based development framework, which is already used for pharmaceutical drug development. An example of a novel implantable device for haemodialysis demonstrates how to set up a relevant target product profile defining the device requirements and criteria. The framework can be used in the medical device design phase to define specific questions to be answered during the ensuing clinical development, based upon five general questions, specified by the question‐based framework.

Results

The result is a clear and evaluable overview of requirements and methodologies to verify and track these requirements in the clinical development phase. Development organizations will be guided to the optimal route, also to abandon projects destined for failure early on to minimize development risks.

Conclusion

The framework could facilitate communication with funding agencies, regulators and clinicians, while highlighting remaining ‘known unknowns’ that require answering in the post‐market phase after sufficient benefit is established relative to the risks.
Piezo1 channel activation stimulates ATP production through enhancing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Jiang Man , Zhang Yi‐Xin , Bu Wen‐Jie , Li Ping , Chen Jia‐Hui , Cao Ming , Dong Yan‐Chao , Sun Zhi‐Jie , Dong De‐Li
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

Piezo1 channels are mechanosensitive cationic channels that are activated by mechanical stretch or shear stress. Endothelial Piezo1 activation by shear stress caused by blood flow induces ATP release from endothelial cells; however, the link between shear stress and endothelial ATP production is unclear.

Experimental Approach

The mitochondrial respiratory function of cells was measured by using high‐resolution respirometry system Oxygraph‐2k. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration was evaluated by using Fluo‐4/AM and mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration by Rhod‐2/AM.

Key Results

The specific Piezo1 channel activator Yoda1 or its analogue Dooku1 increased [Ca2+]i in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and both Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates (OCRs) and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs and primary cultured rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs). Knockdown of Piezo1 inhibited Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and mitochondrial ATP production in HUVECs. The shear stress mimetics, Yoda1 and Dooku1, and the Piezo1 knock‐down technique also demonstrated that Piezo1 activation increased glycolysis in HUVECs. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or chelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA‐AM did not affect Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increases of mitochondrial OCRs and ATP production, but chelating cytosolic Ca2+ inhibited Yoda1‐ and Dooku1‐induced increase of glycolysis. Confocal microscopy showed that Piezo1 channels are present in mitochondria of endothelial cells, and Yoda1 and Dooku1 increased mitochondrial Ca2+ in endothelial cells.

Conclusion and Implications

Piezo1 channel activation stimulates ATP production through enhancing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in vascular endothelial cells, suggesting a novel role of Piezo1 channel in endothelial ATP production.
The US–China Phase One trade deal: An economic analysis of the managed trade agreement
Authors: Funke Michael , Wende Adrian
Published: February 2023

In light of the recent tit‐for‐tat trade dispute between China and the US, interest in quantifying the effects of the so‐called Phase One agreement has risen. To this end, this paper quantifies the impact of the asymmetric managed trade agreement using such a multi‐country open‐economy dynamic general equilibrium model. Besides assessing the direct implications for China and the US, this paper analyzes trade diversion effects. The model‐based analysis finds noticeable positive (negative) impacts of the agreement for the US (China) as well as negative spillover effects for countries not directly affected by the managed trade deal due to trade diversion. The impact of possible future trade agreements is also examined.
Dissemination and implementation research for oral and craniofacial health: Background, a review of literature and future directions
Authors: Randall Cameron L.
Published: February 2023

Oral conditions are highly prevalent globally and have profound consequence on individuals and communities. Clinical (e.g. dental treatments, behavioural counselling) and non‐clinical (e.g. community‐based programming, water fluoridation, oral health policy) evidence‐based interventions have been identified, recommended and applied at the clinic, community and policy levels. Still, the burden of oral conditions persists, with inequitable distribution across populations. A major driver of this lack of progress is poor translation of research findings, which results in an evidence‐to‐practice gap. Dissemination and implementation science (DIS) has emerged to address this gap. A relatively new field, application of DIS represents an important avenue for achieving good dental, oral and craniofacial health for all. The goal of this introductory article is to provide a brief background on DIS relevant to researchers in dentistry and oral health. The problem of knowledge translation, basic concepts and terminology in DIS, and approaches to doing dissemination and implementation research—including implementation strategies, key outcomes, and implementation theories, models and frameworks—are discussed. Additionally, the article reviews literature applying DIS to dentistry and oral health. Results of published studies and their implications for the field are presented. Drawing on the literature review and contemporary thinking in DIS, current gaps, opportunities and future directions are discussed. Resources for understanding and applying DIS are provided throughout. This article serves as a primer on DIS for dental and oral health researchers of all types working across a range of contexts; it also serves as a call to action for increased application of DIS to address the burden of oral conditions globally.
Participatory budgeting for young people as democratic socialisation: An approach to the case of Spain
Authors: Pardo‐Beneyto Gonzalo , Abellán‐López María Angeles
Published: February 2023

This article analyses participatory budgets for young people (children and adolescents) held in Spanish municipalities during the period 2015–2021. A questionnaire was made and 35 valid responses were obtained after it was distributed by UNICEF Spain during July–September 2021. The data were processed using MAXQDA 2022 software, and the study characterised the language, strategy, objectives, phases and participants. From these last three variables, a document map was made to generate clusters and find affinities between cases. The main findings reveal the importance of the role of municipal officials and politicians, as well as the existence of three participatory budget models.
Immediate placement of one‐piece zirconia implants with or without xenograft into the buccal gap. Soft tissues as secondary outcomes of an experimental in vivo study
Authors: Alves Daniel , Faria‐Almeida Ricardo , Azevedo Alvaro , Liñares Antonio , Muñoz Fernando , Blanco‐Carrion Juan
Published: February 2023

Objective

To histologically evaluate soft tissue healing following immediately placed one‐piece zirconia implant and grafting a xenograft into the buccal gap.

Materials and Methods

The third and fourth premolars (PM3 and PM4) in both quadrants of the mandible of nine dogs were used for this experiment. Those teeth were removed flapless and implants were placed into the distal sockets in a lingual position. In one side of the jaw, the gap between the implant and the socket walls was grafted (test) while no grafting was performed in the contralateral side (control), randomly selected. After 6 months of healing, biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. Soft tissue measures like supracrestal soft tissue height (STH), length of barrier epithelium (BE), and connective tissue (CTC) were measured at buccal and lingual surfaces.

Results

The marginal mucosa was in a coronal position on the test side compared with the control side. At the buccal surface, the BE was longer in the test side than in the control side, while the CTC was longer in the control side than in the test side. For the STH (BE + CTC), the difference between the groups was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The placement of a xenograft into the gap between a 1‐piece zirconia implant and the buccal wall in dogs modified the process of soft tissue healing, providing less soft tissue recession. The gap size seems to have a modifying effect on the application of this protocol.
Orexinergic innervations at GABAergic neurons of the lateral habenula mediates the anesthetic potency of sevoflurane
Authors: Zhou Fang , Wang Dan , Li Huiming , Wang Sa , Zhang Xinxin , Li Ao , Tong Tingting , Zhong Haixing , Yang Qianzi , Dong Hailong
Published: February 2023

Aims

The circuitry mechanism associated with anesthesia‐induced unconsciousness is still largely unknown. It has been reported that orexinergic neurons of the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) facilitate the emergence from anesthesia through their neuronal projections to the arousal‐promoting brain areas. However, the lateral habenula (LHb), as one of the orexin downstream targets, is known for its anesthesia‐promoting effect. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore whether and how the orexinergic projections from the LHA to the LHb have a regulatory effect on unconsciousness induced by general anesthesia.

Methods

We applied optogenetic, chemogenetic, or pharmacological approaches to regulate the orexinergicLHA‐LHb pathway. Fiber photometry was used to assess neuronal activity. Loss or recovery of the righting reflex was used to evaluate the induction or emergence time of general anesthesia. The burst‐suppression ratio and electroencephalography spectra were used to measure the anesthetic depth.

Results

We found that activation of the orexinergicLHA–LHb pathway promoted emergence and reduced anesthetic depth during sevoflurane anesthesia. Surprisingly, the arousal‐promoting effect of the orexinergicLHA‐LHb pathway was mediated by excitation of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD2)‐expressing neurons, but not glutamatergic neurons in the LHb.

Conclusion

The orexinergicLHA–LHb pathway facilitates emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia, and this effect was mediated by OxR2 in GAD2‐expressing GABA neurons.
The Puzzle of Belief
Authors: Van Leeuwen Neil , Lombrozo Tania
Published: February 2023

The notion of belief appears frequently in cognitive science. Yet it has resisted definition of the sort that could clarify inquiry. How then might a cognitive science of belief proceed? Here we propose a form of pluralism about believing. According to this view, there are importantly different ways to "believe" an idea. These distinct psychological kinds occur within a multi‐dimensional property space, with different property clusters within that space constituting distinct varieties of believing. We propose that discovering such property clusters is empirically tractable, and that this approach can help sidestep merely verbal disputes about what constitutes “belief.”