bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PanIN or IPMN? Redefining Lesion Size in 3 Dimensions
Authors: Kiemen Ashley L. , Dequiedt Lucie , Shen Yu , Zhu Yutong , Matos-Romero Valentina , Forjaz André , Campbell Kurtis , Dhana Will , Cornish Toby , Braxton Alicia M. , Wu Pei-Hsun , Fishman Elliot K. , Wood Laura D. , Wirtz Denis , Hruban Ralph H.
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) develops from 2 known precursor lesions: a majority (∼85%) develops from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), and a minority develops from intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). Clinical classification of PanIN and IPMN relies on a combination of low-resolution, 3-dimensional (D) imaging (computed tomography, CT), and high-resolution, 2D imaging (histology). The definitions of PanIN and IPMN currently rely heavily on size. IPMNs are defined as macroscopic: generally >1.0 cm and visible in CT, and PanINs are defined as microscopic: generally <0.5 cm and not identifiable in CT. As 2D evaluation fails to take into account 3D structures, we hypothesized that this classification would fail in evaluation of high-resolution, 3D images. To characterize the size and prevalence of PanINs in 3D, 47 thick slabs of pancreas were harvested from grossly normal areas of pancreatic resections, excluding samples from individuals with a diagnosis of an IPMN. All patients but one underwent preoperative CT scans. Through construction of cellular resolution 3D maps, we identified >1400 ductal precursor lesions that met the 2D histologic size criteria of PanINs. We show that, when 3D space is considered, 25 of these lesions can be digitally sectioned to meet the 2D histologic size criterion of IPMN. Re-evaluation of the preoperative CT images of individuals found to possess these large precursor lesions showed that nearly half are visible on imaging. These findings demonstrate that the clinical classification of PanIN and IPMN fails in evaluation of high-resolution, 3D images, emphasizing the need for re-evaluation of classification guidelines that place significant weight on 2D assessment of 3D structures.
Bridging dolutegravir clinical viral response across doses and formulations using model-based exposure–response analysis in pediatrics
Authors: Chandasana Hardik , Hayes Siobhán , Buchanan Ann M. , Brothers Cynthia , Wiznia Andrew , Bartlett Mattie , Popson Stephanie , Townley Ellen , George Kathy , Vavro Cindy , Ruel Theodore , Acosta Edward P. , Singh Rajendra
Published: May 2024

Objective:

Dolutegravir (DTG) is a once-daily HIV-1 integrase inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults and children from 4 weeks of age. The posology of DTG in children has been driven by exposure-matching relative to the adult dose for efficacy and safety. However, higher variability in pediatric exposures raises concern that efficacy may not be reliably extrapolated from adult trials. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between DTG exposure and virologic response in children.

Design/methods:

A population exposure–response analysis using logistic regression for virologic response was undertaken based on DTG exposure and covariate data from 146 pediatric participants with HIV-1 from age at least 4 weeks to less than 18 years treated for up to 48 weeks with DTG in IMPAACT P1093 study.

Results:

None of the DTG exposure metrics were predictive of virologic response over the range of exposures in this analysis. Of the covariates tested, viral load at least 100 000 copies/ml at enrolment was a significant predictor of virologic response showing a lower probability of achieving a virologic response of HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/ml compared with participants with viral load less than 100 000 copies/ml at enrolment. Baseline viral load was also a significant predictor at week 48 whereby the probability of achieving a virologic response at week 48 decreased with increasing baseline viral load.

Conclusion:

This exposure–response analysis suggests that DTG exposures in children are all above the plateau of the exposure–response relationship. These results suggest that matching pediatric pharmacokinetic exposure parameters to those in adults is a reasonable approach for dose determination of DTG-containing formulations in pediatrics.
Potential Efficacy of 68Ga-Trivehexin PET/CT and Immunohistochemical Validation of αvβ6 Integrin Expression in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Das Subha Shankar , Ahlawat Sunita , Thakral Parul , Malik Dharmender , Simecek Jakub , CB Virupakshappa , Koley Mrinalini , Gupta Jatin , Sen Ishita
Published: May 2024

Purpose

αvβ6 integrin is exclusively expressed in epithelial cells and is upregulated in many carcinomas, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (H&NSCCs). Trivehexin is a recently synthesized trimerized αvβ6 integrin selective nonapeptide, which can be labeled with a positron emitter like 68Ga. This is a pilot study to assess the potential role of 68Ga-Trivehexin PET/CT in patients with H&NSCC and PDAC and their correlation with αvβ6 integrin expression by the tumor tissue on immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Patients and Methods

Thirty-two patients with suspected H&NSCC (n = 20) or PDAC (n = 12) underwent whole-body 68Ga-Trivehexin PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT scans on 2 separate days. All 32 patients underwent biopsy from the tumor site for histopathological diagnosis and IHC for αvβ6 integrin expression. The degree of αvβ6 integrin expression on IHC was scored using the immunoreactive score and modified 4-point immunoreactive score classification.

Results

The 68Ga-Trivehexin PET images demonstrated increased tracer uptake (mean SUVmax 5.9 ± 3.3) in the primary and metastatic lesions with good lesion delineation in 8 out of the 9 cases of PDACs. However, FDG PET showed increased tracer uptake in 7 cases (6.2 ± 2.6). Among various cases of H&NSCC, increased uptakes of 68Ga-Trivehexin (6.6 ± 4.5) and 18F-FDG (12.7 ± 6.7) were seen in 17 out of the 18 patients. The 2 cases of inflammatory changes with suspected disease recurrence showed increased tracer uptake in 18F-FDG PET (7.98 ± 3.1) and no significant uptake in 68Ga-Trivehexin PET (2.2 ± 0.34).

IHC showed higher expression of αvβ6 integrins in lesions with higher uptake of 68Ga-Trivehexin. A higher sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 68Ga-Trivehexin PET over 18F-FDG PET was seen for detection of primary and metastatic lesions.

Conclusions

68Ga-Trivehexin is a promising noninvasive molecular imaging agent for tumors expressing αvβ6 integrin, especially in cases where 18F-FDG PET/CT scan may be suboptimal due to its low uptake, or due to its nonspecific uptake around tumor sites.
111In-Pentetreotide–Guided Radiosurgery for Intraoperative Localization of Retroperitoneal Nodal Metastasis in a Patient With Ileal Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Demeure Michael J. , Giuliano Peter , Forester Jared , Zakry Nazila , Ulaner Gary A.
Published: May 2024

64Cu-DOTATATE PET/CT of a 44-year-old man with an ileal neuroendocrine tumor demonstrated the primary tumor, local nodal metastases, and a pericaval nodal metastasis. Localization of the pericaval node during surgery may be difficult, thus 4.4 mCi of 111In-pentetreotide was administered before surgery to assist with localization and resection. At surgery, the pericaval nodal metastasis was readily detected by gamma probe, which could then be resected and pathologically proven to be a metastasis. This demonstrates the use of somatostatin receptor–targeted imaging for intraoperative localization of an otherwise difficult to surgically localize metastasis. Without intraoperative somatostatin receptor–targeted radiosurgery, disease may have been incompletely resected.
Development of a contrast-enhanced ultrasound guided high intensity focused ultrasound system for coagulation of liver parenchyma
Authors: Tam Alexander , Contreras Kaizer , Fall Fari , Maxwell Adam , Liu Ji-Bin , Forsberg Flemming , Vlaisavljevich Eli , Goldberg Allison , Xiao Tania Siu , Kuon Yeng E. Cristina , Eisenbrey John R. , Koenig George
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The liver is the most common organ injured in blunt abdominal trauma and makes up roughly 5% of all trauma admissions. Current treatments are invasive and resource-intensive, which may delay care. We aim to develop and validate a contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)guided noninvasive tool to treat liver lacerations at the bedside.

METHODS

Two 1.8 MHz high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) elements were coupled to a C1-6 diagnostic ultrasound probe and a Logiq E10 scanner (GE HealthCare) utilizing a custom enclosure for co-registered imaging and ablation. A phantom was created from polyacrylamide gel combined with thermochromic ink whose color changes above biological ablative temperatures (60 °C). The HIFU wave was focused approximately 0.5 cm below the surface utilizing a 50% duty cycle generating 11.9 MPa for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60s. Experiments were repeated on ex vivo chicken livers in a water bath. Finally, the livers of 4 live swine underwent up to 6 CEUS-guided treatments using parameters optimized from in vitro work.

RESULTS

Treatment of the phantom between 20-60s, produced ablation sizes from 0.016 to 0.4 cm3. The relationship between time and size was exponential (R2 = 0.992). Ablation areas were also well visualized on with ultrasound imaging. The ex vivo liver ablation size at 20s was 0.37 cm3, at 30s was 0.66 cm3, and at 100 s was 5.0 cm3. For the in-vivo swine experiments, the average ablation area measured 2.0x0.75 cm with a maximum of 3.5x1.5 cm. CEUS was utilized with the contrast agent Definity (Lantheus) for identification of lacerations as well as immediate post operative evaluation of therapy.

CONCLUSION

These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of CEUS guided transdermal HIFU ablation and the time-dependent size of ablation. This work warrants future investigations into using ultrasound to detect active bleeding and HIFU to coagulate grade III and IV liver laceration.

STUDY TYPE

Therapeutic/care management
In pop pursuit: social bond strength predicts vocal synchrony during cooperative mate guarding in bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Chereskin Emma , Allen Simon J. , Connor Richard C. , Krützen Michael , King Stephanie L.
Published: May 2024

Vocal communication is an emblematic feature of group-living animals, used to share information and strengthen social bonds. Vocalizations are also used to coordinate group-level behaviours in many taxa, but little is known of the factors that may influence vocal behaviour during cooperative acts. Allied male Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (
Tursiops aduncus
) use the ‘pop’ vocalization as a coercive signal when working together to herd single oestrous females. Using long-term association and acoustic data, we examined the influence of social and non-social factors on pop use by allied male dolphins in this context. Neither pop rate nor pop bout duration were influenced by any of the factors examined. However, allied males with stronger social bonds engaged in higher rates of vocal synchrony; whereby they actively matched the timing of their pop production. Hence, social bond strength influenced pop use in a cooperative context, suggesting dual functions of pop use: to induce the female to remain close, and to promote social bond maintenance and cooperation among males.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics’.
Calling to the collective: contact calling rates within groups of disc-winged bats do not vary by kinship or association
Authors: Chaverri Gloriana , Sagot Maria , Stynoski Jennifer L. , Araya-Salas Marcelo , Araya-Ajoy Yimen , Nagy Martina , Knörnschild Mirjam , Chaves-Ramírez Silvia , Rose Nicole , Sánchez-Chavarría Mariela , Jiménez-Torres Yelananie , Ulloa-Sanabria Deilyn , Solís-Hernández Hellen , Carter Gerald G.
Published: May 2024

Many group-living animals coordinate social behaviours using contact calls, which can be produced for all group members or targeted at specific individuals. In the disc-winged bat,
Thyroptera tricolor
, group members use ‘inquiry’ and ‘response’ calls to coordinate daily movements into new roosts (furled leaves). Rates of both calls show consistent among-individual variation, but causes of within-individual variation remain unknown. Here, we tested whether disc-winged bats produce more contact calls towards group members with higher kinship or association. In 446 experimental trials, we recorded 139 random within-group pairs of one flying bat (producing inquiry calls for roost searching) and one roosting bat (producing response calls for roost advertising). Using generalized linear mixed-effect models (GLMM), we assessed how response and inquiry calling rates varied by sender, receiver, genetic kinship and co-roosting association rate. Calling rates varied consistently across senders but not by receiver. Response calling was influenced by inquiry calling rates, but neither calling rate was higher when the interacting pair had higher kinship or association. Rather than dyadic calling rates indicating within-group relationships, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bats produce contact calls to maintain contact with any or all individuals within a group while collectively searching for a new roost site.

This article is part of the theme issue 'The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics'.
Benefits but not the dual functions of submissive signals differ between two Malagasy primates
Authors: Fichtel Claudia , Dinter Klara , Ratsoavina Fanomezana
Published: May 2024

Many animals use formalized signals to communicate dominance relationships. In some primates, such as macaques, the function of such signals varies with dominance style. Despotic species produce unidirectional submission signals that have a dual function: in conflict contexts, they signal a willingness to withdraw, whereas in peaceful contexts, they indicate the agreement to subordination. More despotic species produce these calls to a lesser extent than less despotic species. Here, we investigated whether the use of unidirectional submission signals is also related to dominance style in two lemur species and whether signalling subordination stabilizes social relationships at the group level. Ring-tailed lemurs (
Lemur catta
) exhibit a more despotic dominance hierarchy than Verreaux’s sifakas (
Propithecus verreauxi
). We observed social interactions in 75 dyads of Verreaux’s sifakas and 118 dyads of ring-tailed lemurs. Both species used unidirectional submissive calls that have a dual function, potentially suggesting convergent evolution of the function of these signals in independent primate lineages. However, signalling subordination did not stabilize social relationships at the group level in both species. Additionally, subordination occurred more frequently in dyads of the more despotic ring-tailed lemurs than in Verreaux’s sifakas, indicating opposite patterns to macaques in the coevolution of social traits with dominance style.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics’.
Individual and ecological heterogeneity promote complex communication in social vertebrate group decisions
Authors: Bousquet Christophe A. H. , Sueur Cédric , King Andrew J. , O'Bryan Lisa R.
Published: May 2024

To receive the benefits of social living, individuals must make effective group decisions that enable them to achieve behavioural coordination and maintain cohesion. However, heterogeneity in the physical and social environments surrounding group decision-making contexts can increase the level of difficulty social organisms face in making decisions. Groups that live in variable physical environments (high ecological heterogeneity) can experience barriers to information transfer and increased levels of ecological uncertainty. In addition, in groups with large phenotypic variation (high individual heterogeneity), individuals can have substantial conflicts of interest regarding the timing and nature of activities, making it difficult for them to coordinate their behaviours or reach a consensus. In such cases, active communication can increase individuals’ abilities to achieve coordination, such as by facilitating the transfer and aggregation of information about the environment or individual behavioural preferences. Here, we review the role of communication in vertebrate group decision-making and its relationship to heterogeneity in the ecological and social environment surrounding group decision-making contexts. We propose that complex communication has evolved to facilitate decision-making in specific socio-ecological contexts, and we provide a framework for studying this topic and testing related hypotheses as part of future research in this area.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The power of sound: unravelling how acoustic communication shapes group dynamics’.
Impact of the host immune response on the development of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy in horses
Authors: Giessler K. S. , Goehring L. S. , Jacob S. I. , Davis Allison , Esser M. M. , Lee Y. , Zarski L. M. , Weber P. S. D. , Hussey G. S.
Published: May 2024

Herpesviruses establish a well-adapted balance with their host’s immune system. Despite this co-evolutionary balance, infections can lead to severe disease including neurological disorders in their natural host. In horses, equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) causes respiratory disease, abortions, neonatal foal death and myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in ~10 % of acute infections worldwide. Many aspects of EHM pathogenesis and protection from EHM are still poorly understood. However, it has been shown that the incidence of EHM increases to >70 % in female horses >20 years of age. In this study we used old mares as an experimental equine EHV-1 model of EHM to identify host-specific factors contributing to EHM. Following experimental infection with the neuropathogenic strain EHV-1 Ab4, old mares and yearling horses were studied for 21 days post-infection. Nasal viral shedding and cell-associated viremia were assessed by quantitative PCR. Cytokine/chemokine responses were evaluated in nasal secretions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by Luminex assay and in whole blood by quantitative real-time PCR. EHV-1-specific IgG sub-isotype responses were measured by ELISA. All young horses developed respiratory disease and a bi-phasic fever post-infection, but only 1/9 horses exhibited ataxia. In contrast, respiratory disease was absent in old mares, but all old mares developed EHM that resulted in euthanasia in 6/9 old mares. Old mares also presented significantly decreased nasal viral shedding but higher viremia coinciding with a single fever peak at the onset of viremia. According to clinical disease manifestation, horses were sorted into an EHM group (nine old horses and one young horse) and a non-EHM group (eight young horses) for assessment of host immune responses. Non-EHM horses showed an early upregulation of IFN-α (nasal secretions), IRF7/IRF9, IL-1β, CXCL10 and TBET (blood) in addition to an IFN-γ upregulation during viremia (blood). In contrast, IFN-α levels in nasal secretions of EHM horses were low and peak levels of IRF7, IRF9, CXCL10 and TGF-β (blood) coincided with viremia. Moreover, EHM horses showed significantly higher IL-10 levels in nasal secretions, peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CSF and higher serum IgG3/5 antibody titres compared to non-EHM horses. These results suggest that protection from EHM depends on timely induction of type 1 IFN and upregulation cytokines and chemokines that are representative of cellular immunity. In contrast, induction of regulatory or TH-2 type immunity appeared to correlate with an increased risk for EHM. It is likely that future vaccine development for protection from EHM must target shifting this ‘at-risk’ immunophenotype.
Isolation and characterization of a novel rodent hepevirus in long-tailed dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus longicaudatus) in China
Authors: Xu Lin , Bie Mengyu , Li Juan , Zhou Hong , Hu Tao , Carr Michael J. , Lu Liang , Shi Weifeng
Published: May 2024

Hepeviruses have been identified in a broad range of animal hosts, including mammals, birds, and fish. In this study, rodents (n=91) from seven different species and ten pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) were collected in Qinghai Province, China. Using transcriptomic sequencing and confirmatory molecular testing, hepeviruses were detected in 27 of 45 (60 %) long-tailed dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus longicaudatus) and were undetected in other rodents and pika. The complete genome sequences from 14 representative strains were subsequently obtained, and phylogenetic analyses suggested that they represent a novel species within the genus Rocahepevirus, which we tentatively designated as Cl-2018QH. The virus was successfully isolated in human hepatoma (Huh-7) and murine fibroblast (17 Cl-1) cell lines, though both exhibited limited replication as assayed by detection of negative-sense RNA intermediates. A129 immunodeficient mice were inoculated with Cl-2018QH and the virus was consistently detected in multiple organs, despite relatively low viral loads. In summary, this study has described a novel rodent hepevirus, which enhances our knowledge of the genetic diversity of rodent hepeviruses and highlights its potential for cross-species transmission.
Genomic Signatures of Microgeographic Adaptation inAnopheles coluzziiAlong an Anthropogenic Gradient in Gabon
Authors: Daron Josquin , Bouafou Lemonde , Tennessen Jacob A. , Rahola Nil , Makanga Boris , Akone-Ella Ousman , Ngangue Marc F , Longo Pendy Neil M. , Paupy Christophe , Neafsey Daniel E. , Fontaine Michael C. , Ayala Diego
Published: May 2024

Species distributed across heterogeneous environments often evolve locally adapted populations, but understanding how these persist in the presence of homogenizing gene flow remains puzzling. In Gabon,Anopheles coluzzii,a major African malaria mosquito is found along an ecological gradient, including a sylvatic population, away of any human presence. This study identifies into the genomic signatures of local adaptation in populations from distinct environments including the urban area of Libreville, and two proximate sites 10km apart in the La Lopé National Park (LLP), a village and its sylvatic neighborhood. Whole genome re-sequencing of 96 mosquitoes unveiled∼5.7millions high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms. Coalescent-based demographic analyses suggest an∼8,000-year-old divergence between Libreville and La Lopé populations, followed by a secondary contact (∼4,000 ybp) resulting in asymmetric effective gene flow. The urban population displayed reduced effective size, evidence of inbreeding, and strong selection pressures for adaptation to urban settings, as suggested by the hard selective sweeps associated with genes involved in detoxification and insecticide resistance. In contrast, the two geographically proximate LLP populations showed larger effective sizes, and distinctive genomic differences in selective signals, notably soft-selective sweeps on the standing genetic variation. Although neutral loci and chromosomal inversions failed to discriminate between LLP populations, our findings support that microgeographic adaptation can swiftly emerge through selection on standing genetic variation despite high gene flow. This study contributes to the growing understanding of evolution of populations in heterogeneous environments amid ongoing gene flow and how major malaria mosquitoes adapt to human.

Significance

Anopheles coluzzii, a major African malaria vector, thrives from humid rainforests to dry savannahs and coastal areas. This ecological success is linked to its close association with domestic settings, with human playing significant roles in driving the recent urban evolution of this mosquito. Our research explores the assumption that these mosquitoes are strictly dependent on human habitats, by conducting whole-genome sequencing onAn. coluzziispecimens from urban, rural, and sylvatic sites in Gabon. We found that urban mosquitoes showde novogenetic signatures of human-driven vector control, while rural and sylvatic mosquitoes exhibit distinctive genetic evidence of local adaptations derived from standing genetic variation. Understanding adaptation mechanisms of this mosquito is therefore crucial to predict evolution of vector control strategies.
Deep Transcriptomics Reveals Cell-Specific Isoforms of Pan-Neuronal Genes
Authors: Wolfe Zachery , Liska David , Norris Adam
Published: May 2024

Profiling gene expression in single neurons using single-cell RNA-Seq is a powerful method for understanding the molecular diversity of the nervous system. Profiling alternative splicing in single neurons using these methods is more challenging, however, due to low capture efficiency and sensitivity. As a result, we know much less about splicing patterns and regulation across neurons than we do about gene expression. Here we leverage unique attributes of theC. elegansnervous system to investigate deep cell-specific transcriptomes complete with biological replicates generated by the CeNGEN consortium, enabling high-confidence assessment of splicing across neuron types even for lowly-expressed genes. Global splicing maps reveal several striking observations, including pan-neuronal genes that harbor cell-specific splice variants, abundant differential intron retention across neuron types, and a single neuron highly enriched for upstream alternative 3’ splice sites. We develop an algorithm to identify unique cell-specific expression patterns and use it to discover both cell-specific isoforms and potential regulatory RNA binding proteins that establish these isoforms. Genetic interrogation of these RNA binding proteinsin vivoidentifies three distinct regulatory factors employed to establish unique splicing patterns in a single neuron. Finally, we develop a user-friendly platform for spatial transcriptomic visualization of these splicing patterns with single-neuron resolution.
Diagnostic accuracy of automated Lumipulse plasma pTau-217 in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cecchetti Giordano , Agosta Federica , Rugarli Giulia , Spinelli Edoardo Gioele , Ghirelli Alma , Zavarella Matteo , Bottale Ilaria , Orlandi Francesca , Santangelo Roberto , Caso Francesca , Magnani Giuseppe , Filippi Massimo
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION

Considerable advancements have occurred in blood-based Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, with automated assays emerging for clinical use. Demonstrating the reliability of these automated systems is crucial with upcoming AD therapies.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study in a Memory Center enrolled 98 patients along the AD continuum or affected by other neurodegenerative disorders, stratified by CSF A/T status and clinical syndrome. Plasma pTau-217, pTau-181, and Aβ42/Aβ40 were measured using Lumipulse. Relationships with CSF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were explored. ROC analysis was conducted to assess diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

GFR effect was lowered by the use of ratios and pTau-217 correlation with CSF was strong. Plasma pTau-217 discriminated A+/T+ status with excellent accuracy in both dementia and mild cognitive impairment (AUC 0.93-0.97), outperforming pTau-181 and Aβ42/Aβ40. Cutoffs displayed high diagnostic performance.

DISCUSSION

Lumipulse automated pTau-217 and identified cutoffs exhibit excellent diagnostic accuracy for CSF A+/T+ status and clinical group detection, facilitating future clinical translation.
Dipole momenta and compositeness of the
τ
lepton at Belle II
Authors: Fabbrichesi M. , Marzola L.
Published: May 2024

The large number of τ leptons available at the Belle II experiment makes it possible to study their properties and the extent of their compositeness. We propose a strategy that relies on three observables defined in terms of elements of the polarization density matrix of the produced τ pairs, which we obtain via quantum tomography. We find that these observables can explore values of the magnetic dipole moment down to 6.3×10−4, which is 2 orders of magnitude better than the current experimental limit, constrain the electromagnetic radius below 4.3×10−3  fm, and exclude an electric dipole moment larger than 1.7×10−17  e cm. The quoted limits are at the 95% confidence level (CL) and are obtained for a benchmark integrated luminosity of 1  ab−1 and a Monte Carlo estimate of the statistical sensitivity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Native Two-Qubit Gates in Fixed-Coupling, Fixed-Frequency Transmons Beyond Cross-Resonance Interaction
Authors: Wei Ken Xuan , Lauer Isaac , Pritchett Emily , Shanks William , McKay David C. , Javadi-Abhari Ali
Published: May 2024

Fixed-frequency superconducting qubits demonstrate remarkable success as platforms for stable and scalable quantum computing. Cross-resonance gates have been the workhorse of fixed-coupling, fixed-frequency superconducting processors, leveraging the entanglement generated by driving one qubit resonantly with a neighbor’s frequency to achieve high-fidelity, universal controlled- () gates. Here, we use on-resonant and off-resonant microwave drives to go beyond cross-resonance, realizing natively interesting two-qubit gates that are not equivalent to gates. In particular, we implement and benchmark native i, , iSWAP, and b gates; in fact, any SU(4) unitary can be achieved using these techniques. Furthermore, we apply these techniques for an efficient construction of the

B

gate: a perfect entangler from which any two-qubit gate can be reached in only two applications. We show that these native two-qubit gates are better than their counterparts compiled from cross-resonance gates. We elucidate the resonance conditions required to drive each two-qubit gate and provide a novel frame tracking technique to implement them in Qiskit.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
An MCDM analysis of critical success criteria for medium and large construction projects in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Kiani Mavi Neda , Brown Kerry , Fulford Richard Glenn , Goh Mark
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The global construction industry has a history of poor project success, with evident and frequent overruns in cost and schedule. This industry is a highly interconnected and complex system in which the components, i.e. suppliers, contractors, end-users, and stakeholders, are delicately linked to each other, the community, and the environment. Therefore, defining and measuring project success can be challenging for sponsors, contractors, and the public. To address this issue, this study develops and analyzes a more comprehensive set of success criteria for medium and large construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the existing literature, this study identified 19 success criteria for medium and large construction projects, which were categorized into five groups. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) method was used to gain further insight into the interrelationships between these categories and explain the cause-and-effect relationships among them. Next, this study applied the modified logarithmic least squares method to determine the importance weight of these criteria using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.

Findings

28 project managers working in the construction industries in Australia and New Zealand participated in this study. Results suggest that “project efficiency” and “impacts on the project team” are cause criteria that affect “business success,” “impacts on stakeholders,” and “impacts on end-users.” Effective risk management emerged as the most crucial criterion in project efficiency, while customer satisfaction and return on investment are top criteria in “impacts on end-users” and “business success.”

Originality/value

Although numerous studies have been conducted on project success criteria, multicriteria analyses of success criteria are rare. This paper presents a comprehensive set of success criteria tailored to medium and large construction projects. The aim is to analyze their interrelationships and prioritize them thoroughly, which will aid practitioners in focusing on the most important criteria for achieving higher success rates.
Analyzing the drivers of the low-carbon construction supply chain based on an integrated DEMATEL–ANP approach
Authors: Liu Xingmin , Zhu Tongsheng , Xue Yutong , Huang Ziqiang , Le Yun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Carbon reduction in the construction supply chain can critically affect the construction industry’s transition to an environmentally sustainable one. However, implementing carbon reduction in all parties is restricted because of the poor understanding of the drivers influencing the low-carbon construction supply chain (LCCSC). The purpose of this paper is to systematically identify the drivers of LCCSC, analyze their causality, and prioritize the importance of their management.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision-making analysis process was developed using an integrated decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)–analytical network process (ANP). First, the hierarchical drivers of the LCCSC were identified through a literature review. The DEMATEL method was subsequently applied to analyze the interactions between the drivers, including the direction and strength of impact. Finally, the ANP analysis was used to obtain the drivers’ weights; consequently, their priorities were established.

Findings

Various factors with complex interactions drive LCCSC. With respect to their influence relationships, incentive policy, regulatory policy, consumers’ low-carbon preference, market competition, supply chain performance, and managers’ low-carbon awareness have more significant center degrees and are cause drivers. Their strong correlations and influence on other drivers should be noticed. In terms of weights in the driver system, regulatory policy, consumers’ low-carbon preference, supply chain performance, and incentive policy are the key drivers of LCCSC and require primary attention. Other drivers, such as supply chain collaboration, employee motivation, and public participation, play a minor driving role with less management priority.

Originality/value

Despite some contributing studies with localized perspectives, the systematic analysis of LCCSC drivers is limited, especially considering their intricate interactions. This paper establishes the LCCSC driver system, explores the influence relationships among the drivers, and determines the key drivers. Hence, it contributes to the sustainable construction supply chain domain by enabling decision-makers and practitioners to systematically understand the drivers of LCCSC and gain management implications on priority issues with limited resources.
Drivers of geographical indication food supply chain performance: a B2B network perspective
Authors: Polater Abdüssamet , Yumurtacı Hüseyinoğlu Işık Özge , Kingshott Russel PJ , Schepis Daniel
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role relational dynamics, grounded in the theories of social exchange and social capital, play within the context of geographic indication (GI) food supply chain network (FSCN) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 30 qualitative interviews were undertaken with key informant stakeholders across a variety of organizations within Turkish GI FSCNs. An open, axial and selective grounded theory coding process was used for the analysis, teasing out critical themes that underpinned the conceptual framework.

Findings

The findings identify the formal and informal mechanisms which govern GI FSCNs. These two forms of governance mechanisms influence network performance, which was found to comprise logistics, production, business and socio-economic performance dimensions. Transparency, GI traceability, trust and psychological contract violations were found to mediate the link between governance and network performance outcomes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore GI FSCNs from the perspective of relationship marketing and through the lens of social exchange and social capital theory. Accordingly, both academics and practitioners can benefit from the study, as it unveils relevant relational factors underpinning such networks.
Characterizing the defense industry for risk management: a systems approach
Authors: Antai Imoh , Hellberg Roland
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Management and risk techniques within industries have been studied from various disciplines in nondefense-affiliated industries. Given the assumption that these techniques, strategies and mitigations used in one industry apply to other similar industries, this paper examines the defense industry for risk assessment. We characterize interactions for onward application to risk identification in the defense industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a systems theory approach to the characterization of industry interactions, using three dimensions including environment, boundaries and relationships. It develops a framework for identifying relationship types within system-of-systems (SoS) environments by analyzing the features of interactions that occur in such environments.

Findings

The study’s findings show that different systems environments within the defense industry SoS exhibit different interaction characteristics and hence display different relationship patterns, which can indicate potential vulnerabilities.

Research limitations/implications

By employing interaction as a means for evaluating potential risks, this research emphasizes the role played by relationship factors in reducing perceived risks and simultaneously increasing trust.

Originality/value

This paper intends to develop an initial snapshot of the relationship status of the Swedish defense industry in light of the global consolidation in this industry, which is a relevant contextual contribution.
The impact of financial analysts’ spirituality on their socially responsible investing decisions: a mediating role of social consciousness
Authors: Shahid Ahmad Usman , Tufail Hafiza Sobia , Baig Waqas , Ismail Aimen , Shahid Jawad
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the social aspect of corporate social responsibility literature by examining the influence of financial analysts’ spirituality on their socially responsible investing (SRI) decisions relating to a profitable organization, which is alleged by the media to employ children as laborers in hazardous works in Pakistan. This study also investigates whether analysts’ social consciousness mediates between their spirituality and investing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

A scenario-based survey was administered to 124 financial analysts at leading financial institutions in Pakistan. Data were analyzed using regression, analysis of variance and mediation analysis on SPSS 26.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that financial analysts’ spirituality negatively influences their SRI decisions to invest in a profitable organization, which is alleged to employ children in hazardous work that may harm them physically and psychologically. The findings also express that analysts’ social consciousness intervenes in the association between analysts’ spirituality and SRI decisions.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may interest regulators, multinational firms and researchers in recognizing the importance of individuals’ values for increasing socially responsible investments and addressing social issues such as the exploitation of children.

Social implications

This study encourages firms to recognize the importance of spiritual and socially conscious corporate conviction while designing strategies and policies. For example, the financial industry may incorporate fundamental personal values such as stewardship, dignity and fairness into its investment plans.

Originality/value

This study provides rigorous insights and contributes to contemporary studies by providing empirical evidence that individuals’ intrinsic values and consciousness drive their judgments.
Utilizing in-nozzle impregnation for enhancing the strength of recycled PET-derived 3D printed continuous banana fiber reinforced bio-composites
Authors: Ror Ch Kapil , Mishra Vishal , Negi Sushant , M. Vinyas
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the potential of using the in-nozzle impregnation approach to reuse recycled PET (RPET) to develop continuous banana fiber (CBF) reinforced bio-composites. The mechanical properties and fracture morphology behavior are evaluated to establish the relationships between layer spacing–microstructural characteristics–mechanical properties of CBF/RPET composite.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses RPET filament developed from post-consumer PET bottles and CBF extracted from agricultural waste banana sap. RPET serves as the matrix material, while CBF acts as the reinforcement. The test specimens were fabricated using a customized fused deposition modeling 3D printer. In this process, customized 3D printer heads were used, which have a unique capability to extrude and deposit print fibers consisting of a CBF core coated with an RPET matrix. The tensile and flexural samples were 3D printed at varying layer spacing.

Findings

The Young’s modulus (E), yield strength (sy) and ultimate tensile strength of the CBF/RPET sample fabricated with 0.7 mm layer spacing are 1.9 times, 1.25 times and 1.8 times greater than neat RPET, respectively. Similarly, the flexural test results showed that the flexural strength of the CBF/RPET sample fabricated at 0.6 mm layer spacing was 47.52 ± 2.00 MPa, which was far greater than the flexural strength of the neat RPET sample (25.12 ± 1.94 MPa).

Social implications

This study holds significant social implications highlighting the growing environmental sustainability and plastic waste recycling concerns. The use of recycled PET material to develop 3D-printed sustainable structures may reduce resource consumption and encourages responsible production practices.

Originality/value

The key innovation lies in the concept of in-nozzle impregnation approach, where RPET is reinforced with CBF to develop a sustainable composite structure. CBF reinforcement has made RPET a superior, sustainable, environmentally friendly material that can reduce the reliance on virgin plastic material for 3D printing.
The Bitcoin‐agricultural commodities nexus: Fresh insight from COVID‐19 and 2022 Russia–Ukraine war
Authors: Zeng Hongjun , Ahmed Abdullahi D. , Lu Ran
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the volatility connectedness and dynamic time–frequency relationship between Bitcoin (BTC) and 15 major agricultural commodity markets during the COVID‐19 and 2022 Russia–Ukraine war periods. We employ the TVP‐VAR‐based extended joint connectedness method, minimum connectedness investment portfolio, and wavelet coherence (WC) method. The results indicate that the sudden outbreaks of the two crises brought about increased volatility connectedness between BTC and agricultural commodity markets. Throughout the entire sample period, BTC remained a net transmitter of volatility. Moreover, in terms of the total connectedness index (TCI), the overall volatility correlation surged rapidly after the outbreak of COVID‐19 and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war. The portfolio results demonstrated that BTC exhibited a low correlation with the agricultural commodity markets, suggesting diversification potential. Additionally, only Feeder Cattle served as an effective hedging asset for BTC throughout all periods. The WC analysis confirmed that during the COVID‐19 period and the 2022 Russia–Ukraine war, most of the linkages were primarily concentrated at medium‐ to long‐term frequencies. Our analysis will contribute to a deeper understanding of the interconnection between these markets, enabling market participants to consider risk mitigation measures and support portfolio diversification when formulating policies and regulations involving relevant markets in the future.
An expanded phylogeny of the genus Pseudamnicola (Gastropoda; Truncatelloidea; Hydrobiidae) across the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: LAMPRI Paraskevi Niki , RADEA Canella , PARMAKELIS Aristeidis
Published: May 2024

The genus Pseudamnicola Paulucci, 1878, is commonly found throughout the Mediterranean region. The genus displays considerable levels of endemism, accompanied by notable systematic and taxonomic ambiguity. However, the application of molecular data has proven highly effective in clarifying taxonomy and unveiling the diversity of cryptic species within the genus. Therefore, we employed all cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequence data available and generated new ones from Greece to infer the phylogeny of the genus throughout its Mediterranean range and estimate the divergence times as well as the ancestral area of diversification. Our phylogenetic and time‐estimate analyses demonstrate that with 36 to 38 extant Pseudamnicola species and genetic divergences across species ranging from 0.5% to 11.9% on average, the genus underwent relatively recent diversification during late Miocene (6.53 Ma), and the primary speciation events occurred during Plio‐Pleistocene. The Italian Peninsula and Islands and the Ionian Drainages as defined by the Freshwater Ecoregions of the World are the ancestral regions of the genus following two different dispersal routes. Our study contributes to deepening our understanding of Pseudamnicola phylogeny by using data from throughout its range for the first time. This phylogeny provides evidence and confirms previous studies that relatively recent habitat isolation, followed by founder and dispersal events, has been one of the primary reasons for the evolution of the genus Pseudamnicola in the Mediterranean basin.
Effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab and infliximab in biologic‐naïve patients with moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Meng Rui Ping , Huang Bao Bao , Wei Yan Ling , Lyu Lin , Yang Huan , Liu Cheng , Zhou Hong Li , Liao Xi Ping , Zhou Jian Yun , Xie Xia
Published: May 2024

Objectives

We conducted this multicenter, retrospective cohort study aiming to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab (VDZ) and infliximab (IFX) in biologic‐naïve patients with moderate‐to‐severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Biologic‐naïve patients with moderate‐to‐severe UC who were treated with IFX or VDZ for at least 14 weeks at three tertiary hospitals in southwest China between January 2021 and January 2023 were retrospectively included. Efficacy of the biologics was evaluated based on the steroid‐free clinical remission rate, clinical remission rate, and mucosal healing rate at Weeks 14 and 52. Adverse events related to biologic use were recorded.

Results

Altogether 122 biologic‐naïve patients with moderate‐to‐severe UC were included. No marked differences in the steroid‐free clinical remission rate and clinical remission rate were observed between the two groups at Week 14 or Week 52 (P > 0.05). The VDZ group exhibited a higher mucosal healing rate at Week 14 compared to the IFX group (33.3% vs 16.9%, P = 0.036), while that at Week 52 did not differ between the two groups (65.6% vs 47.1%, P = 0.098). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of adverse events between the two groups (P = 0.071).

Conclusion

VDZ and IFX showed comparable clinical efficacy and safety profiles and can be used as viable first‐line therapeutic options for biologic‐naïve patients with moderate‐to‐severe UC.