bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neutron tagging can greatly reduce spallation backgrounds in Super-Kamiokande
Authors: Nairat Obada , Beacom John F. , Li Shirley Weishi
Published: January 2025

Super-Kamiokande’s spallation backgrounds—the delayed beta decays of nuclides following cosmic-ray muons—are nearly all produced by the small fraction of muons with hadronic showers. We show that these hadronic showers also produce neutrons; their captures can be detected with high efficiency due to the recent addition of dissolved gadolinium to Super-Kamiokande. We show that new cuts based on the neutron tagging of showers could reduce spallation backgrounds by a factor of at least four beyond present cuts. With further work, this could lead to a near elimination of detector backgrounds above about 6 MeV, which would significantly improve the sensitivity of Super-Kamiokande. These findings heighten the importance of adding gadolinium to Hyper-Kamiokande, which is at a shallower depth. Further, a similar approach could be used in other detectors, for example, the JUNO liquid-scintillator detector, which is also at a shallower depth.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Time evolution of relativistic quantum fields in spatial subregions
Authors: Schröfl Markus , Floerchinger Stefan
Published: January 2025

We study the time evolution of a state of a relativistic quantum field theory restricted to a spatial subregion Ω. More precisely, we use the Feynman-Vernon influence functional formalism to describe the dynamics of the field theory in the interior of Ω arising after integrating out the degrees of freedom in the exterior. We show how the influence of the environment gets encoded in a boundary term. Furthermore, we derive a stochastic equation of motion for the field expectation value in the interior. We find that the boundary conditions obtained in this way are energy nonconserving and nonlocal in space and time. Our results find applications in understanding the emergence of local thermalization in relativistic quantum field theories and the relationship between quantum field theory and relativistic fluid dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Constructing nonrelativistic
AdS5/CFT4
holography
Authors: Fontanella Andrea , Nieto García Juan Miguel
Published: January 2025

We construct a new type of holographic correspondence between nonrelativistic string theory in string Newton-Cartan AdS5×S5 and Galilean electrodynamics supplemented with five uncharged massless free scalar fields living on the 3+1 dimensional Penrose conformal boundary. In our derivation, we start with Maldacena’s setting of a stack of N coincident D3-branes, and we show that the near-horizon/decoupling limit commutes with the nonrelativistic limit, giving a unique answer both from the gravity and gauge theory perspectives. As a first evidence, we systematically compute the Killing vectors on the string theory side, and find that they match the symmetries of the dual gauge theory.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Collective coupling of driven multilevel atoms and its effect on four-wave mixing
Authors: Yanes-Thomas P. , Gutiérrez-Jáuregui R. , Barberis-Blostein P. , Sahagún-Sánchez D. , Jáuregui R. , Kunold A.
Published: January 2025

Microscopic models based on multilevel atoms are central to optimizing nonlinear optical responses and the coherent control of light. These models are traditionally based on single-atom effects that are parametrically extrapolated to include collective effects, such as an enhanced response or propagation within atomic media. In this work, we present a systematic analysis of the cooperative effects arising in driven systems composed of multilevel atoms coupled via a common electromagnetic environment. The analysis is based on an interplay between dressed states induced by the driving field and photon exchanges, and collective decay channels. This theory is applied to the case of four-wave mixing induced by a pair of lasers acting on an atomic pair with internal levels in the diamond configuration. The effect of interatomic correlations and collective decay over the photons created in this nonlinear process is then explored. We identify three regions of operation: (i) laser-dominated, (ii) intermediate, and (iii) dipole-dominated. The dependence of single- and two-photon correlations is studied in detail for each region by varying atomic orientations and laser parameters consistent with current experiments involving atomic gases. Photonic correlation functions are shown to exhibit a transition from a Lorentz-like dependence on the two-photon detuning—with general features that can be obtained in an isolated atom scheme—to a two-peaked distribution when the dipole-dipole interactions become relevant. For weak Rabi frequencies whose value is smaller than the highest collective decay rate, the atoms are trapped inside their ground state as they approach each other. It is found that the anisotropy of the dipole-dipole interaction and its wave nature are essential to understand the behavior of the photon correlations. Signatures of these processes are identified for existing experimental realizations. The intuition obtained from this connection helps to uncover relevant parameters that could be exploited for quantum control protocols based on dispersive and dissipative cooperative effects in multilevel systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Universal power laws in two-dimensional diffusive search for randomly distributed targets
Authors: Nowier Rawan M. , Chakrabarty Nilaj , Jung Peter
Published: January 2025

We consider a two-dimensional diffusional search of randomly distributed targets characterized by their density and size. We derive analytical expressions for the binding rates averaged over ensembles of randomly distributed targets and initial positions of the searcher and test them through direct numerical simulations. These results suggest that the binding rates follow power laws over a wide range of target densities, with an exponent of about 1.1 for low densities and an exponent of 3/2 for larger densities. The transition between the two power laws depends on the size of the targets and searchers. We further predict linear dependence of the binding rate on the size of searchers and targets for small target densities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Solutions to food waste: investigating Taiwanese consumer attitudes and behavioral drivers toward upcycled food
Authors: Chen Han-Shen , Chao Ching-Tzu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore Taiwanese consumers attitudes toward upcycled food as a viable and economically sustainable solution to food waste within the context of global environmental pressures caused by the food system. This study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the value-attitude-behavior (VAB) model to explore the factors shaping consumer behavior toward upcycled food.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted using convenience sampling to collect 295 valid responses from Taiwanese consumers. The questionnaire was designed to measure the relationships among dietary values, moral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and consumers intentions toward the consumption of upcycled food. The data were analyzed using statistical methods to verify the hypotheses derived from the TPB and VAB models.

Findings

The findings revealed that dietary values significantly influence moral attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, highlighting their pivotal role in consumer behavior toward upcycled food. Moral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived responsibility and thriftiness were positively associated with the intention to consume upcycled food, indicating the potential of these factors in fostering sustainable consumption practices.

Originality/value

This study is unique in its application of the TPB and VAB models to examine the acceptance of upcycled food among Taiwanese consumers, contributing fresh insights into the field of sustainable consumer behavior. This highlights the significance of aligning dietary values and moral attitudes of consumers with sustainable consumption practices, offering a new perspective on promoting upcycled food in Taiwan and potentially in other regions with similar cultural and environmental frameworks.
Digital transformation in wine business – from Marketing 5.0 to Industry 5.0 in the world of wine adopting artificial intelligence
Authors: Festa Giuseppe , D'Amato Antonio , Palladino Rosa , Papa Armando , Cuomo Maria Teresa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is vastly impacting the digital transformation of societies, economies, businesses, markets and enterprises, at a very fast pace, mostly after the global success of the generative algorithms. In this respect, this study, with an exploratory intention, aims to provide evidence about the fundamental issues of AI, particularly if generative, when adapted to humanism, with a specific focus on the wine business.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory analysis, conducted on a convenience sample of wine business operators, has been performed to investigate AI applications when connected with the conceptual platform of the “Industry 5.0” framework.

Findings

The results of the survey provide evidence about the success of AI in the wine business. Specifically, the research outcomes highlight that the interviewees (wine business operators) recognized the high relevance of the potential use of AI in the strategic and operating management of wine firms.

Originality/value

This study aims to provide new empirical evidence with regard to the application of AI in real business contexts. More specifically, in this exploratory investigation, a potential interaction between AI and sustainability has been highlighted in the wine industry, especially from an environmental point of view, i.e. for respectfully governing and managing the business impact on the planet and also for increasing the general efficiency of the process, with peculiar applications on the managerial, economic and financial side of the wine business.
Exploring drivers of customer engagement with voice interface in E-retail
Authors: Gupta Astha Sanjeev , Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: January 2025

Purpose

E-retailers face challenges in adding, engaging and retaining customers. Voice interface is a new and more inclusive modality that provides customers with a hands-free, convenient e-shopping option and is relevant for e-retailers. However, the voice interface is significantly different from the text interface that consumers are accustomed to. This study investigates customer experiences with voice interface for search and selection of products on e-commerce platforms and its subsequent impact on customer engagement and enhanced usage.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted 34 in-depth interviews with executive management students. For analysis and findings, we used a grounded theory paradigm and thematic analysis.

Findings

Based on in-depth probing and analysis consumers' experiences with voice interfaces in e-commerce platforms, we identified two enablers: customer satisfaction and awe-experience that positively impacted and two inhibitors: risk perceptions and inertia that negatively impacted customer engagement and enhanced usage of voice interface.

Originality/value

Voice interface is transforming the customer journey in the online shopping domain. How customers experience voice interfaces when searching and selecting products on e-commerce platforms impacts their engagement with the platform and their intentions to use voice modality to interact with the e-retailer in the future. The findings substantiate tenets of dual-process theory and found that enabling and inhibiting factors are independent and can coexist. The study identifies the most salient factors that positively and negatively affect customer engagement and enhanced usage of voice interfaces.
Audit report readability and information efficiency: evidence from the Tehran Stock Exchange
Authors: Rajabalizadeh Javad , Schadewitz Hannu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of audit reports’ readability on informational efficiency within the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), emphasizing challenges in an emerging market context characterized by voluntary IFRS adoption and the absence of Big 4 audit firms.

Design/methodology/approach

By utilizing hand-collected data from TSE-listed companies, covering 1,097 firm-year observations from 2012 to 2023, readability is assessed using three well-established indexes (Fog, Flesch–Kincaid and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook). Informational efficiency is evaluated by analyzing how stock prices align with a random walk pattern, with additional control variables including governance factors, auditor characteristics and firm-specific indicators to enhance model robustness.

Findings

The findings indicate a positive association between audit report readability and informational efficiency, suggesting that clearer and more readable audit reports help reduce information asymmetry. Control variables such as board independence and auditor tenure showed significant impacts, supporting the conclusion that governance and auditor-specific factors enhanced informational efficiency. Agency and institutional theories are used to contextualize these findings, especially within TSE’s unique regulatory environment. The study addresses endogeneity with firm fixed effects and sample selection bias through Heckman’s two-stage procedure. The absence of Big 4 auditors in Iran prompted controls for auditor size effects, supporting our findings across different audit market segments.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations include potential omitted variable bias and challenges in generalizing findings beyond the TSE. Despite applying firm fixed effects and Heckman’s two-stage procedure to control for endogeneity, some residual biases may remain.

Practical implications

For regulators, auditors and investors, these findings underscore the value of promoting readability in audit reports to improve informational efficiency, particularly in emerging markets with evolving regulatory standards.

Originality/value

By focusing on audit report readability within an emerging market lacking Big 4 presence, this study offers unique insights into how readability can foster transparency and investor confidence in regions with distinct market dynamics.
A comparative study of gender representation in EFL coursebooks in the Middle East
Authors: Dahmardeh Mahdi , Mohammed Hasan Aveen , Muhammadi Poune , Al-Rashdi Fathiya
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to explore how gender is represented in 64 English Language Teaching (ELT) coursebooks used in schools across seven Middle Eastern countries. It examines whether these materials promote gender equality, as outlined in the official curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

The coursebooks were analysed through content analysis, focusing on their texts, visuals and themes. This approach helped uncover how males and females are portrayed and whether gendered language or stereotypes are present.

Findings

The results reveal a clear gender imbalance. Males are often shown in dominant and diverse roles, while females are frequently confined to stereotypical ones. Gender-biased language and imagery appear throughout the materials, which may affect how students see themselves and interact with others. Such biases could impact not just academic performance but also social development. The findings suggest that schools in the sampled countries, including Egypt, Iran, Iraq (Kurdistan), Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates, are not doing enough to promote gender equality through these coursebooks.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on an important issue: how educational materials shape students’ understanding of gender roles. By analysing gender representation in 64 ELT coursebooks used in seven Middle Eastern countries, the study reveals biases that call for immediate changes to create more inclusive resources. While gender representation in ELT coursebooks has been studied globally, this is the first time scholars from different Middle Eastern countries have compared gender portrayal in coursebooks where English is a foreign language. This is an important step towards fostering equality in classrooms across the region.
Enhancing sustainable project success: criteria considered by oil and gas project managers for efficient and effective project delivery
Authors: Abdulla Hazem
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Projects in the oil and gas (O&G) industry are complex, and their sustainability is crucial for the organizations involved. Achieving project success (PS) is particularly challenging in O&G matrix project organizations where resources are shared across multiple projects. This study aims to identify PS criteria based on two dimensions – project efficiency and effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was employed as the research strategy. Through an interpretivist lens, 20 O&G project managers from a local refinery in the Kingdom of Bahrain were interviewed to understand their perceptions of project success. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVIVO 12.

Findings

The study conveys the measures that constitute sustainable project success, categorizing them within the spectrum of project efficiency and effectiveness. Consequently, project professionals are encouraged to not only think about PS criteria “efficiently” but also “effectively”.

Practical implications

The research highlights the importance of integrating project efficiency and effectiveness criteria into project management practices in the O&G industry. A key implication for O&G project managers is the advocacy for a holistic project management approach that improves resource allocation and aligns with organizational goals. By understanding these dimensions, decision-making can be enhanced, thereby leading to better outcomes and promoting sustainability in the sector.

Originality/value

The O&G industry, particularly matrix project organizations in the downstream segment, remains under-researched. While there is extensive literature on project success in other sectors, the multidimensional nature of project success criteria specific to the O&G industry has received comparatively little attention.
Applications of deep learning‐based resolution‐enhanced seismic data in fault identification
Authors: Lin Lei , Li Chenglong , Kuang Yanbin , Xin Xing , Zhong Zhi
Published: January 2025

High‐quality seismic data play a crucial role in accurately interpreting tectonic and lithologic features such as small faults, river margins and thin beds. Over the past decades, researchers have developed numerous methods to enhance seismic resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio. However, the benefits of quality‐improved seismic data for seismic interpretation have received limited attention. In response, we propose a generative adversarial network–based algorithm to enhance seismic quality and assess how this algorithm improves the accuracy of both machine learning–based and manual fault identification. For machine learning–based fault identification, we integrate a resolution enhancement and noise attenuation neural network (HRNet) with a fault identification neural network (FaultNet). A raw seismic image is first fed into the trained HRNet to obtain a resolution‐enhanced and noise‐suppressed image, which is then input into the trained FaultNet to produce the high‐resolution fault probability map. For manual fault identification, we enlisted three interpreters with geophysical backgrounds to annotate faults on seismic images both before and after HRNet enhancement. Comparison experiments on three field seismic samples show that our method generates more accurate, cleaner and sharper fault probability maps than directly feeding raw seismic images into FaultNet. In addition, our workflow outperforms both the milestone fault identification method and state‐of‐the‐art Transformer‐based neural networks, particularly in detecting small‐scale faults. Furthermore, the HRNet‐enhanced seismic images help interpreters identify small‐ and medium‐scale faults with reduced uncertainty. In the future, HRNet‐enhanced seismic data can be applied to a broader range of high‐precision seismic interpretation tasks, including horizon picking, channel boundary detection and attribute inversion.
Food as medicine, community as medicine: Mental health effects of a social care intervention
Authors: Thompson‐Lastad Ariana , Chiu Dorothy T. , Ruvalcaba Denise , Chen Wei‐Ting , Tester June , Xiao Lan , Emmert‐Aronson Benjamin O. , Chen Steven , Rosas Lisa G.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess mental health related outcomes of Recipe4Health, a multisectoral social care partnership implementing produce prescriptions with or without group medical visits (GMVs).

Study Setting and Design

Recipe4Health was implemented at five community health centers from 2020 to 2023. Primary care teams referred patients with food insecurity and/or nutrition‐sensitive chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, depression) to 16 weeks of Food Farmacy (produce prescriptions) with the option of GMV participation. We used a convergent mixed‐methods design including survey and interview data.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

We conducted (1) participant surveys pre‐ and post‐intervention and (2) semi‐structured interviews with Recipe4Health participants and partner organization staff. Linear mixed effects models examined changes in mental health and related outcomes. Interviews were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis.

Principal Findings

Program participants were middle‐aged, primarily women, and from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds (majority Latine and Black). At baseline, moderate or severe depression and/or anxiety symptoms were reported by 77/188 (41%) of Food Farmacy‐only participants, and 113/284 (40%) of Food Farmacy +GMV participants. Among Food Farmacy‐only participants, post‐intervention depression and anxiety symptoms significantly improved only among those who did not have baseline depression/anxiety (PHQ9: −1.7 [95% CI: −2.8, −0.6]; GAD7: −1.8 [95% CI: −2.9, −0.8]). Among Food Farmacy +GMV participants, mental health symptoms improved regardless of baseline mental health; among those with baseline depression/anxiety: PHQ9: −2.4 (95% CI: −3.6, −1.2); GAD7: −0.9 (95% CI: −2.0, 0.1); among those without: PHQ9: −2.2 (95% CI: −3.2, −1.2); GAD7: −2.2 (95% CI: −3.1, −1.2). Improvements in social needs (food insecurity, loneliness) and health‐related behaviors (fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity) varied by intervention arm and baseline depression/anxiety symptom level. In interviews, staff and patients endorsed produce prescriptions for improving nutrition and food insecurity, and GMVs for increasing social support.

Conclusion

Social care interventions providing vegetables and fruit, with or without group medical visits, may concurrently address mental health symptoms and social needs.
An aquaria set‐up for long‐term, multiple‐stressor research in marine organisms
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Zárate Cristina , Veiga Alfredo , Gori Andrea , Gerpe Fabián , Domínguez Leo , Rodríguez Alberto , Arias Noelia , Álvarez Marta , Acerbi Rubén , Vázquez Lucía , Movilla Juancho , Varela Marta M. , Alba‐Salgueiro Rodrigo , Valencia‐Vila Joaquín , Orejas Covadonga
Published: January 2025

Multiple stressor research in aquaria is a useful approach to better understand the ecophysiology of marine species under different environmental conditions, including global change scenarios. Long‐term experiments are helpful to detect the response of sustained exposure to selected environmental conditions. Here, we present an experimental set‐up suitable to run long‐term experiments, composed of a life support system, a cost‐effective aquaria set‐up and an open‐source controller based on the use of a Raspberry Pi. In this set‐up, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) are individually manipulated and simultaneously controlled in eight different treatments.

To prove the efficacy of the set‐up, we provide an assessment over a nine‐month experiment on a deep‐sea coral species, combining values from current in situ and IPCC AR5 RCP 8.5 scenarios for the aforementioned parameters. Recorded data from the controllers and independent measurements (e.g. cross‐checking with portable multiparameter devices and laboratory analyses) throughout the experimental time have been analysed and results have been discussed.

Overall, the experimental set‐up performed well, proving the stability of the parameters over time, both individually and in combination. On average, low and high‐temperature treatments varied ~0.4 and 0.3°C, respectively. Low pH treatments were maintained within 0.05 pH units, whereas ambient pH treatments varied ~0.04 pH units. Low DO treatments had a variation of ~0.3 mg L−1, and ambient DO treatments varied ~0.2 mg L−1. No significant differences between scenarios for any parameter were detected (p < 0.05). The resulting programming code to read, control and register the values for these parameters is provided to contribute to its replicability across institutions.

The set‐up performed well over extensive periods while providing a customisable controller as a cost‐effective alternative. The versatility of the system, allowing to work with different species, environments and scenarios makes it valuable for aquaria experiments where interactions of multiple environmental factors need to be tested.
Aging disrupts locus coeruleus‐driven norepinephrine transmission in the prefrontal cortex: Implications for cognitive and motor decline
Authors: Budygin Evgeny , Grinevich Valentina , Wang Zhong‐Min , Messi María Laura , Meeker William Ryan , Zhang Jie , Stewart William Matthew , Milligan Carol , Delbono Osvaldo
Published: January 2025

The locus coeruleus (LC)‐prefrontal cortex (PFC) circuitry is crucial for cognition, planning, posture and mobility. This study examines the role of norepinephrine (NE) in elucidating the neurobiological basis of age‐related cognitive and motor declines. Aged mice exhibited reduced spatial learning, impaired memory, decreased physical endurance, and notable changes in locomotor behavior. The neurochemical foundations of these deficits were investigated through fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry to measure NE release in the PFC and LC, both in vivo and in brain slices. Additionally, oxygen levels were monitored as a proxy for PFC neuronal function, and NE levels were analyzed in the extracellular space via microdialysis and total content in the PFC. Aged mice exhibited a frequency‐dependent increase in NE release in the PFC upon LC stimulation, suggesting alterations in neural responsiveness due to aging. We also recorded slower NE reuptake rates and increased NE content and neuronal activity, indicated by higher oxygen levels and facilitated neuron activation due to membrane depolarization recorded via whole‐cell patch‐clamp. To understand the basis for LC‐driven NE surges in the PFC with aging, we examined the expression levels of two proteins critical for presynaptic NE release and NE reuptake: the α2a‐adrenergic receptor and the NE transporter. Both showed a significant decrease in the PFC with aging. These findings support the concept that aging significantly alters the structural and functional dynamics within the LC‐PFC neural circuit, impacting NE modulation and neuronal activity, which may underlie the observed declines in cognitive and motor functions in aging populations.
Does cyber dating abuse victimization predict next‐day alcohol and cannabis use among college students?
Authors: Brem Meagan J. , Shaw T. J. , Tobar‐Santamaria Allison
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Cyber dating abuse (CDA) is prevalent on college campuses, with 43% of college students experiencing CDA each year. Yet, the potential impacts of CDA victimization on college students' health outcomes remain poorly understood. Informed by the self‐medication hypothesis and longitudinal data linking dating abuse to substance use outcomes, the present study tested the hypothesis that CDA victimization positively associates with college students' next‐day alcohol use (number of drinks consumed, odds of any drinking) and odds of cannabis use (yes/no). We also explored whether CDA's association with next‐day substance use varied as a function of gender.

Methods

Daily data on alcohol use, cannabis use, and CDA victimization were collected across 60 consecutive days from 236 undergraduates who were in dating relationships (73.73% cisgender women).

Results

Multilevel modeling revealed gender differences. Among men, CDA victimization predicted next‐day cannabis use (aOR = 7.34, p < .001), but negatively related to the number of drinks consumed the following day (B = −2.63, p < .001). Among women, CDA victimization did not relate to next‐day cannabis or alcohol use. Regardless of gender, CDA victimization was unrelated to the odds of any drinking.

Discussion and Conclusions

College men are more likely to use cannabis the day after experiencing CDA victimization relative to other days. Targeting CDA and related aftermath may benefit college‐based substance use intervention.

Scientific Significance

This is the first study to identify that cannabis use occurs subsequent to CDA victimization, which can inform college‐based CDA and cannabis use prevention programming.
Recurrence‐free survival after hepatectomy using propofol‐based total intravenous anaesthesia and sevoflurane‐based inhalational anaesthesia: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Kwon Ji‐Hye , Kim Jeayoun , Yeo Hyean , Kim Keoungah , Rhu Jinsoo , Choi Gyu‐Seong , Kim Jongman , Joh Jae‐Won , Kim Kyunga , Kim Min‐Ji , Jeong Ji Seon , Lee Jong‐Hwan , Han Sangbin , Ko Justin S. , Gwak Mi Sook , Kim Gaab Soo
Published: January 2025

Background

While evidence from preclinical and observational cohort studies have suggested potential disparities in tumour behaviour associated with the choice of intra‐operative anaesthetics, clinical evidence of tumour recurrence and metastasis remains inconclusive. We aimed to compare the impact of intra‐operative anaesthesia on oncologic outcomes following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Adult patients scheduled for elective hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma were assigned randomly (1:1) to either propofol‐based total intravenous anaesthesia or sevoflurane‐based inhalational anaesthesia. For recurrence‐free survival, overall survival, intrahepatic recurrence‐free survival and extrahepatic recurrence‐free survival, the survival curves of the two groups were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log‐rank test. The primary outcome was one‐year recurrence‐free survival.

Results

Among the 536 patients enrolled, primary analysis comprised 228 and 226 patients in the total intravenous anaesthesia and sevoflurane‐based inhalational anaesthesia groups, respectively. The probability of recurrence‐free survival at one year was 79.1% (47 events) and 77.7% (50 events) in the total intravenous anaesthesia and sevoflurane‐based inhalational anaesthesia groups, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio 1.04, 95%CI 0.72–1.52). The probability of intrahepatic and extrahepatic recurrence‐free survival, as well as overall survival at one year, was not significantly different between total intravenous anaesthesia and sevoflurane‐based inhalational anaesthesia: 81.3% (42 events) vs. 81.7% (41 events); 91.5% (19 events) vs. 88.8% (25 events); 99.1% (2 events) vs. 100.0% (no event), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that in patients undergoing open hepatectomy, total intravenous anaesthesia was associated with a significantly lower hazard of tumour recurrence or death (hazard ratio 0.49, 95%CI 0.25–0.95, p = 0.034), while in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, no significant difference was observed (hazard ratio 1.14, 95%CI 0.73–1.80, p = 0.558).

Discussion

Intra‐operative anaesthesia technique did not affect postoperative recurrence and overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy.
Distinct subtypes of post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders: CHIP‐like mutations in early lesions and substantial mutational differences between EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Ivanova Vanesa‐Sindi , Menter Thomas , Cui Ningxuan , Leary Peter , Zinner Carl , Halter Jörg P. , Stenner Frank , Dirnhofer Stefan , Müller Anne , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: January 2025

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) and lymphomas in immunocompromised individuals represent significant clinical challenges, with a limited understanding of their pathogenesis. We investigated a PTLD cohort (n = 50) consisting of ‘early lesions’ (infectious mononucleosis‐like PTLD, plasmacytic and follicular hyperplasias), polymorphic PTLD and post‐transplant diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas (PT‐DLBCL). The study also included 15 DLBCL with autoimmune/immunocompromised backgrounds (IS‐DLBCL) and 14 DLBCL, not otherwise specified (DLBCL, NOS), as control. To investigate microarchitectural and genetic changes, immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF), fluorescence in situ hybridisation and high‐throughput sequencing were performed. Scarcity of viral infections other than Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was observed. mIF revealed lower Treg infiltration in PT‐DLBCL and high CD8+/PD1+ T cells in IS‐DLBCL. MYC rearrangements were most common in PT‐DLBCL, followed by IS‐DLBCL and DLBCL, NOS, all EBV‐negative. TP53 mutations were frequent in EBV‐negative PT‐DLBCL and DLBCL, NOS but absent in ‘early lesions’. NOTCH1 mutations were predominant in PT‐DLBCL (N1 DLBCL‐subgroup). Gene expression profiling showed a significant overlap between ‘early lesions’ and polymorphic PTLD. The presence of clonal haematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP)‐like mutations and the absence of immune‐escape gene mutations in ‘early lesions’ suggest these disorders may represent clonal expansions driven by exogenic immunosuppression and/or EBV infection ‘substituting’ for mutations of the latter group of genes.
Diagnosis and management of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: A British Society for Haematology good practice paper
Authors: Pinney Jennifer , Roufosse Candice , Kousios Andreas , Chaidos Aristeidis , Gillmore Julian D. , Rainone Francesco , Choudhuri Satarupa , Ramasamy Karthik , Blakey Sarah , Ashcroft John , Chan Y. L. Tracey , Cockwell Paul , Pratt Guy ,   the BSH Committee
Published: January 2025

This guideline provides consensus opinion on the investigations required for people presenting with suspected monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance to both nephrology and haematology physicians. The guideline discusses the principles of treating a patient with MGRS and provides recommendations for both supportive management and haematological therapy. It details the recommended on‐going monitoring required for both specialty areas.
Characteristics of refractory disease and persistent symptoms in inflammatory arthritis: Qualitative framework analysis of interviews with patients and health care professionals
Authors: Chaplin Hema , Simpson Carol , Wilkins Kate , Meehan Jessica , Ng Nora , Galloway James , Scott Ian C. , Sen Debajit , Tattersall Rachel , Moss‐Morris Rona , Lempp Heidi , Norton Sam
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aims to explore patients' and clinicians' understanding and experiences of refractory disease (RD) and persistent physical and emotional symptoms (PPES) in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), namely rheumatoid arthritis or polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis from their perspectives through interviews and/or focus groups.

Design

A qualitative study was conducted, following a pragmatic epistemology approach with framework analysis employed.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews or focus groups with IA patients (n = 25) and multi‐disciplinary rheumatology HCPs (n = 32) were conducted at one time point to obtain participants respective understanding and experiences of managing RD/PPES, and its impact on the patient‐professional relationship.

Results

Three key themes were identified from both patients and professionals' experiences of RD/PPES: (1) relevant treatment experiences, (2) symptoms (with or without inflammation) and (3) impact: physical, psychological and social. These themes included 28 specific categories that would be considered as components characterizing RD/PPES, most common to both patients and HCPs with six being patient‐specific and only one HCP‐specific. The specific biopsychosocial symptoms and impacts of RD/PPES pertain to pain, fatigue, stiffness, joint involvement and physical, psychological and social functioning and quality of life, covering disease‐related distress, mobility and independence. Wider influential factors such as comorbidities, non‐adherence, health/medication beliefs and behaviours and social support were also identified.

Conclusion

Common persistent symptoms that have both mental and physical impact characterize RD/PPES in IA and therefore a more integrated holistic approach to treatment is needed from multi‐disciplinary HCPs, including health psychologists.
Rnf40 Exacerbates Hypertension‐Induced Cerebrovascular Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction by Ubiquitination and Degradation of Parkin
Authors: Kou Chengkun , Zhao Xu , Fan Xin , Sun Runmin , Wang Wenting , Qi Miaomiao , Zhu Lulu , Lin Xin , Yu Jing
Published: January 2025

Aims

We aimed to investigate the role of Rnf40 in hypertension‐induced cerebrovascular endothelial barrier dysfunction and cognitive impairment.

Methods

We employed microarray data analysis and integrated bioinformatics databases to identify a novel E3 ligase, Rnf40, that targets Parkin. To understand the role of RNF40 in hypertension‐induced cerebrovascular endothelial cell damage, we used pAAV‐hFLT1‐MCS‐EGFP‐3×Flag‐mir30shRnf40 to establish an Rnf40‐deficient model in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We also evaluated the cerebrovascular endothelial barrier function, cerebral blood flow, and cognitive performance.

Results

We observed reduced mitophagy in cerebrovascular endothelial cells of SHRs compared with that in Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Rnf40 facilitated K48‐linked polyubiquitination and degradation of Parkin, thereby inhibiting mitophagy. In the Rnf40‐deficient SHR model, knocking down Rnf40 restored mitophagy in cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Additionally, levels of tight junction proteins and cerebrovascular endothelial barrier function improved following Rnf40 downregulation. Rnf40 depletion also improved global cognitive performance and restored cerebral blood flow in SHRs.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that increased Rnf40 levels exacerbate hypertension‐induced cerebrovascular endothelial barrier dysfunction by ubiquitinating Parkin.
Amyloidosis and Heart Transplantation in a New Era
Authors: Lyle Melissa A. , Farina Juan Maria M. , Wiedmeier‐Nutor Erin , Lindpere Vanda , Klanderman Molly , Nativi‐Nicolau Jose N. , Leoni Moreno Juan Carlos , Goswami Rohan M. , Yip Daniel S. , Patel Parag C. , Sher Taimur , Rosenbaum Andrew N. , AbouEzzeddine Omar F. , Boilson Barry A. , Kushwaha Sudhir S. , Clavell Alfredo L. , Steidley David E. , Hardaway Brian W. , Scott Robert L. , LeMond Lisa M. , Fonseca Rafael , Gertz Morie A. , Dispenzieri Angela , Grogan Martha , Rosenthal Julie L.
Published: January 2025

Background

The prognosis in patients with advanced cardiac amyloidosis (CA) remains poor.

Objectives

We sought to describe survival post heart transplantation (HT) in amyloid compared with non‐amyloid recipients, highlight waitlist times within the new allocation system across three Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) regions, and describe multiorgan transplantation (MOT) in hereditary amyloidosis.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of end‐stage CA patients who underwent HT at Mayo Clinic from January 2007 to December 2020. Wait time was compared in the new versus old OPTN allocation era starting December 18, 2018 by Wilcoxon rank sum test. All‐cause mortality for those with and without CA was compared using Kaplan–Meier estimates with log rank analysis, censoring December 16, 2022.

Results

Fifty‐five patients with CA underwent HT between 2007 and 2020, 8 light chain amyloidosis (AL) (14.5%), 28 hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) (50.9%), 17 wildtype transthyretin (ATTRwt) (30.9%), and 2 hereditary apolipoprotein A1 (AApoA1) amyloidosis patients (3.6%). No significant difference in overall survival post‐transplant was seen in amyloid compared with non‐amyloid (p = 0.816). Median time to HT was shorter in the new system, 45 days (IQR 24, 78) versus 174 days (IQR 76.5, 483.5), p = 0.006. There was a decline in MOT in hereditary amyloidosis over time with the concomitant rise in disease‐targeted therapies.

Conclusions

HT survival in CA patients was similar to non‐amyloid patients. The new allocation system benefits this cohort with shorter wait times. There is less MOT in hereditary amyloidosis with increased utilization of disease‐targeted therapy.
Effect of Cdk1 gene disruption on cell cycle progression in newt cells
Authors: Nakao Yuta , Okamoto Kazuko , Tazawa Ichiro , Nishijima Tatsuro , Furuno Nobuaki , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Takeuchi Takashi , Hayashi Toshinori
Published: January 2025

Cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) are key regulators of cell cycle progression, in conjunction with cyclins. The cyclin‐CDK system is highly conserved among eukaryotes, and CDK1 is considered essential for progression through the M phase. However, the extent to which cell cycle progression depends on CDK1 varies between cell types. Therefore, a range of cell types must be analyzed to comprehensively elucidate the role of CDK1. Cdk1‐knockout mice exhibit lethality at an early developmental stage, specifically before the differentiation of various cell types. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of CDK1 deficiency in amphibian newts. Cdk1 was disrupted by injecting fertilized newt eggs with CRISPR/Cas9, and the resulting effects on embryonic development and cell proliferation were then evaluated. In both wild‐type and Cdk1‐crispant newt embryos, CDK1 protein was either stored in the egg until late embryogenesis or potentially derived from maternal mRNA, which may also be stored during this period. The embryos survived to the hatching stage, during which the cells responsible for forming the basic organs differentiated. To further characterize the long‐term effects of Cdk1 knockout, parabiosis experiments were conducted using wild‐type embryos and Cdk1 crispants. The results suggested that an endocycle occurred in the crispant larvae, as evidenced by increases in the size of several types of cells. It is anticipated that studies using newts will provide further insights into the role of Cdk1 in regulating the cell cycle.
Double Disadvantage? Internal Migration, Gender and Labour Market Outcomes Among Recent College Graduates in China
Authors: Zhao Mengyao
Published: January 2025

This study examines three waves of data from a nationally representative survey, the China College Student Survey (2010, 2013 and 2015), to determine whether highly educated female graduates who choose to move outside their hukou‐registered cities experience a double‐negative effect in terms of initial earnings attainment and work organisation entry due to their gender and migrant status in China's urban labour market. The results from multinomial logistic regression and OLS models show that, on the one hand, female graduate migrants are less likely to enter government organisations that afford institutional protection from gender discrimination. On the other hand, female graduate migrants are paid significantly less than their male counterparts in the graduate labour market. Therefore, in China's urban labour market, female graduates suffer a double‐negative effect on earnings attainment and work organisation entry. This study extends ‘the double‐disadvantage thesis’ to the study of internal migration, contributing to existing knowledge by showing that the interaction between gender and migration produces different labour market outcomes among migrant groups.
Awareness of Professional Differences and Similarities Among Midwifery and Nursing Students in Türkiye
Authors: Demirhan Kayacik Ahsen , Küçüktürkmen Büşra , Turan Zekiye , Suveren Yaşar
Published: January 2025

This study examined the professional awareness among nursing and midwifery students in Türkiye, with a focus on interprofessional dynamics, conflicts and collaboration between these closely related professions. Employing a qualitative inductive and descriptive methodology, 14 in‐depth interviews and two focus group discussions were conducted with undergraduate students from a state university. Thematic analysis of the transcribed data yielded four primary themes: factors influencing career choice; societal perceptions of the professions, duties and authority areas; and students' perspectives on vocational education. The findings suggest that, despite shared responsibilities, disparities in educational backgrounds and societal perceptions contribute to occasional conflicts. Nevertheless, there is significant potential for collaboration, particularly in clinical environments. This study underscores the necessity for more clearly defined professional boundaries and enhanced educational processes to foster cooperation. These insights may inform policy modifications aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services and addressing inter‐professional challenges.
A Scoping Review of the Strategic Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: Transforming University Excellence Themes and Strategic Planning in the Digital Era
Authors: Abulibdeh Ammar , Baya Chatti Chedli , Alkhereibi Aya , El Menshawy Sherine
Published: January 2025

This scoping review discusses artificial intelligence's (AI) transformative role in strategic enhancement planning and academic excellence at Qatar University (QU). In response to the unprecedented rise in the integration of AI into higher education institutions worldwide, this study aims to understand its influence on institutional strategies and the development of student competencies. A literature search using Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore. In this respect, 156 relevant studies were identified. Data extraction and charting for Covidence provided insights into the effects of AI on teaching, administrative efficiency and student learning experiences. The review emphasises how AI could enhance administrative efficiency and provide personalised learning. Still, it also points to challenges that must be faced: data privacy and reduced human interaction. The findings suggest that AI offers significant advantages in higher education but needs prudent implementation to meet the risks associated with adopting emerging technology. This would address the need for its effective complementarity to traditional educational methods.
Let's Talk About EdTech! A Topic Modelling Analysis of AI Tools and Pre‐Service Teachers' Perspectives
Authors: Eğin Figen , Onan Aytuğ , Yildiz Durak Hatice
Published: January 2025

This study examines pre‐service teachers' understanding of technology integration and the role of AI tools in shaping this perspective. Open‐ended responses, analysed using topic modelling, reveal the main themes in pre‐service teachers' views and compare them with topics generated by AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing AI. Key themes in pre‐service teachers' responses include improving learning quality, adapting to technology, and integrating it into education. ChatGPT highlights effective learning, student support, and educational quality, while Gemini emphasises accessibility, innovative methods, and AI‐supported learning. Bing AI focuses on practical materials, digital experiences, and technological compatibility. Coherence scores show moderate alignment, with ChatGPT achieving the highest scores, followed by Bing AI and Gemini. These findings shed light on pre‐service teachers' perceptions of technology integration and how AI tools can influence these views, offering insights for shaping future educational policies and practices.