bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key-cutting machine: A novel optimization framework for tailored protein and peptide design
Authors: Leyva Yan Carlos , Torres Marcelo D. T. , Oliva Carlos A. , de la Fuente-Nunez Cesar , Brizuela Carlos A.
Published: January 2025

Computational protein and peptide design is emerging as a transformative framework for engineering macromolecules with precise structures and functions, offering innovative solutions in medicine, biotechnology, and materials science. However, current methods predominantly rely on generative models, which are expensive to train and inflexible to modify. Here, we introduce the Key-Cutting Machine (KCM), a novel optimization-based platform that iteratively leverages structure prediction to match desired backbone geometries. KCM requires only a single GPU and enables seamless incorporation of user-defined requirements into the objective function, circumventing the high retraining costs typical of generative models while allowing straightforward assessment of measurable properties. By employing an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm, KCM optimizes sequences based on geometric, physicochemical, and energetic criteria. We benchmarked its performance on α-helices, β-sheets, and unstructured regions, demonstrating precise backbone geometry design. As a proof of concept, we applied KCM to antimicrobial peptide (AMP) design by using a template AMP as the key, yielding a candidate with potent in vitro activity against multiple bacterial strains and efficacy in a murine infection model. KCM thus emerges as a robust tool for de novo protein and peptide design, offering a flexible paradigm for replicating and extending the structure-function relationships of existing templates.
VISTA-induced tumor suppression by a four amino acid intracellular motif
Authors: Zhao Yan , Andoh Tina , Charles Fatima , Reddy Priyanka , Paul Kristina , Goar Harsh , Durdana Ishrat , Golder Caiden , Hardy Ashley , Juntilla Marisa M. , Yang Soo-Ryum , Lin Chien-Yu , Sagiv-Barfi Idit , Geller Benjamin S. , Moore Stephen , Thakkar Dipti , Boyd-Kirkup Jerome D. , Peng Yan , Ford James M. , Telli Melinda L. , Zhang Song , Kurian Allison W. , West Robert B. , Yue Tao , Lipchik Andrew M. , Snyder Michael P. , Gruber Joshua J.
Published: January 2025

VISTA is a key immune checkpoint receptor under investigation for cancer immunotherapy; however, its signaling mechanisms remain unclear. Here we identify a conserved four amino acid (NPGF) intracellular motif in VISTA that suppresses cell proliferation by constraining cell-intrinsic growth receptor signaling. The NPGF motif binds to the adapter protein NUMB and recruits Rab11 endosomal recycling machinery. We identify and characterize a class of triple-negative breast cancers with high VISTA expression and low proliferative index. In tumor cells with high VISTA levels, the NPGF motif sequesters NUMB at endosomes, which interferes with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) trafficking and signaling to suppress tumor growth. These effects do not require canonical VISTA ligands, nor a functioning immune system. As a consequence of VISTA expression, EGFR receptor remains abnormally phosphorylated and cannot propagate ligand-induced signaling. Mutation of the VISTA NPGF domain reverts VISTA-induced growth suppression in multiple breast cancer mouse models. These results define a mechanism by which VISTA represses NUMB to control malignant epithelial cell growth and signaling. They also define distinct intracellular residues that are critical for VISTA-induced cell-intrinsic signaling that could be exploited to improve immunotherapy.
Vesicular glutamate release is necessary for neural tube formation
Authors: Goyal Raman , Castro Patricio A. , Levin Jacqueline B. , Shim Sangwoo , Mizuno Grace Or , Tian Lin , Borodinsky Laura N.
Published: January 2025

The brain and spinal cord originate from a neural tube that is preceded by a flat structure known as the neural plate during early embryogenesis. In humans, failure of the neural plate to convert into a tube by the fourth week of pregnancy leads to neural tube defects (NTDs), birth defects with serious neurological consequences. The signaling mechanisms governing the process of neural tube morphogenesis are unclear. Here we show that inXenopus laevisembryos, neural plate cells release glutamate during neural plate folding in a Ca2+and vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGluT1)-dependent manner. Vesicular release of glutamate elicits Ca2+transients in neural plate cells that correlate with activation of Erk1/2. Knocking down or out VGluT1 leads to NTDs through increased expression of Sox2, neural stem cell transcription factor, and neural plate cell proliferation. Exposure during early pregnancy to neuroactive drugs that disrupt these signaling mechanisms might increase the risk of NTDs in offspring.
Fermion Casimir effect and magnetic Larkin-Ovchinnikov phases
Authors: Flachi Antonino , Nitta Muneto , Takada Satoshi , Yoshii Ryosuke
Published: January 2025

This paper explores how magnetic fields affect the Casimir effect within the context of a simple quasi-1D interacting fermionic system. A novel phenomenon emerges, resulting from the interaction between external magnetic fields and boundary conditions, which alters the ground state in complex ways and leads to first-order phase transitions among various ground states, specifically inhomogeneous solutions with differing node counts. We calculate the Casimir force, which exhibits discontinuities (jumps) at the transition points between the different ground states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum Zeno Engines and Heat Pumps
Authors: Barontini Giovanni
Published: January 2025

We study the implementation of quantum engines and quantum heat pumps where the quantum adiabatic transformations are replaced by quantum Zeno strokes. During these strokes, frequent measurements are selectively performed on the external state of the system avoiding transition between different levels. This effectively delivers almost ideal isentropic transformations. We concentrate on the characterization of the performance of a quantum Zeno heat pump implemented with a quantum harmonic oscillator, showing that optimal performance can be achieved faster than with shortcut-to-adiabaticity techniques.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Heisenberg-limited spin-mechanical gravimetry
Authors: Montenegro Victor
Published: January 2025

Precision measurements of gravitational acceleration, or gravimetry, enable the testing of physical theories and find numerous applications in geodesy and space exploration. By harnessing quantum effects, high-precision sensors can achieve sensitivity and accuracy far beyond their classical counterparts when using the same number of sensing resources. Therefore, developing gravimeters with quantum-enhanced sensitivity is essential for advancing theoretical and applied physics. While novel quantum gravimeters have already been proposed for this purpose, the ultimate sensing precision, known as the Heisenberg limit, remains largely elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the gravimetry precision of a conditional displacement spin-mechanical system increases quadratically with the number of spins: a Heisenberg-limited spin-mechanical gravimeter. In general, the gravitational parameter is dynamically encoded into the entire entangled spin-mechanical probe. However, at some specific times, the mechanical degree of freedom disentangles from the spin subsystem, transferring all the information about the gravitational acceleration to the spin subsystem. Hence, we prove that a feasible spin magnetization measurement can reveal the ultimate gravimetry precision at such disentangling times. We predict an absolute gravimetry uncertainty of 10−11m/s2 to 10−6m/s2, without relying on free-fall methodologies, ground-state cooling of the mechanical object, and robust against spin-mechanical coupling anisotropies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Demonstrating Efficient and Robust Bosonic State Reconstruction via Optimized Excitation Counting
Authors: Krisnanda Tanjung , Fontaine Clara Yun , Copetudo Adrian , Song Pengtao , Lee Kai Xiang , Huang Ni-Ni , Valadares Fernando , Liew Timothy C.H. , Gao Yvonne Y.
Published: January 2025

Quantum state reconstruction is an essential element in quantum information processing. However, efficient and reliable reconstruction of nontrivial quantum states in the presence of hardware imperfections can be challenging. This task is particularly demanding for high-dimensional states encoded in continuous-variable (CV) systems, where a large number of grid-based measurements are often used to adequately sample relevant regions of phase space. In this work, we introduce an efficient and robust technique of optimized reconstruction with excitation-number sampling (ORENS) based on the idea of the generalized Q function. We use a standard bosonic circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED) setup to experimentally demonstrate effective state reconstruction using the theoretically minimum number of measurements. Our investigation highlights that ORENS is naturally free of parasitic system dynamics and resilient to decoherence effects in the hardware, enabling it to outperform the conventional reconstruction techniques in cQED such as Wigner tomography. Finally, ORENS relies only on the ability to accurately measure the excitation number of a given CV state, making it a versatile and accessible tool for a wide range of CV platforms and readily scalable to multimode systems. Thus, our work provides a crucial and valuable primitive for practical quantum information processing using bosonic modes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
A taxonomy for augmented reality use cases in the AECO industry
Authors: Ghorbani Zahra , Ayer Steven K. , Messner John I.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

A significant challenge arises from the inconsistent terminology used to describe augmented reality (AR) technology, leading to confusion and hindered communication. The purpose of this paper is to address the absence of a comprehensive taxonomy to define AR use cases in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) domain and present a structured approach to developing one.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted to identify AR use cases and use case taxonomies in the AECO and other industry domains in the Compendex database. This review resulted in the identification of 315 AR use cases. From the identified taxonomies, one was selected based on its comprehensiveness, relevance and applicability to the AECO industry. Leveraging this taxonomy from the manufacturing domain, this study validated, refined and added classes to the taxonomy through a content analysis of the existing AECO AR use cases. Additional critical categories were identified from existing taxonomies to enhance the taxonomy. A subset of 63 use cases was then used to validate the refined taxonomy.

Findings

The resulting taxonomy comprises two main dimensions: context-related and technology-related. The context-related dimension encompasses six classes, including the field of application, effect level, manual action category, context awareness capability, collaboration mode and interaction functions. The technology-related dimension encompasses the aim of augmentation, proximity to reality, hardware, location, content positioning, time and scale.

Originality/value

The taxonomy provides a comprehensive framework for categorizing and understanding AR use cases in the AECO industry using the domain language. By providing a structured framework for exploring AR applications, the proposed taxonomy may not only facilitate standardized communication but also foster creativity when designing an AR use case.
Foreign direct investment, salaries and wages: empirical evidence from Palestine and Jordan
Authors: Al-Khazaleh Suhaib , Badwan Nemer , Qubbaj Ihab , Qasem Safa , Sleimi Mohammad
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare salaries, wages and foreign direct investment (FDI) while focusing on Palestine and Jordan. The world development indicators (WDI) time series data, which spans the years 2000–2020, was used in this investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used time-series data from 2000 to 2020, which was collected from the (WDI). This research's methodology is driven by the variables and data it uses, and the design is predicated on the fact that we gathered secondary data in addition to the national characteristics of Jordan and Palestine. The statistical approach of econometrics is used to construct linear techniques like regression models and null hypothesis testing. Econometrics is an additional method for predicting future trends in the economy.

Findings

The results demonstrate that FDI has a statistically significant and favourable effect on salaries and wages in Palestine and Jordan. The statistical impact of unemployment on wages and salaries is small, but it harms Palestine and Jordan. GDP per capita has a statistically significant effect on salaries and wages, although it does so in Jordan adversely and in Palestine positively. In Palestine, the labour force has a statistically substantial and favourable influence on wages and salaries; in Jordan, however, this impact is not as great. FDI boosts employment prospects when business owners, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders establish new ventures overseas.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have some policy implications. Investors must open new businesses abroad, and FDI increases possibilities and creates new employment. As a consequence, residents may earn more money and have more purchasing power, which will support the growth of the targeted economies in Jordan and Palestine. By enhancing the investment climate, the governments of Jordan and Palestine should encourage the flow of international direct investment. Low-technology companies and construction projects are more susceptible to the direct implications of FDI. To maximize the policy's effectiveness, both governments ought to devise specific measures to attract FDI to key economic sectors.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into how FDI enhances business opportunities when business owners, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders create new ventures abroad and locally within the two countries. This study contributes to the literature as it is considered the first study to address the impact of the relationship of FDI with wages and salaries in the Palestinian and Jordanian contexts. This study is also considered one of the very few studies that conducted empirical research from 2000 to 2020 to estimate the importance and impact of the relationship between FDI and wages or salaries.
Cybersecurity management: an empirical analysis of dynamic capabilities framework for enhancing cybersecurity intelligence
Authors: Pigola Angelica , da Costa Priscila Rezende
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a dynamic capabilities framework in cybersecurity (DCCI) and explore its potential to explain organizations’ cybersecurity intelligence (CI). This study aims to develop and empirically test the DCCI framework, which encompasses key dimensions for enhancing CI across various business sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The DCCI framework was designed through an extensive literature review and tested using data from 207 cybersecurity experts across diverse regions. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the contribution of the DCCI framework’s components to CI.

Findings

Results indicate a positive association between the “doing” and “improving” dimensions of the DCCI framework and the development of CI. However, the “enabling” and “managing” dimensions did not exhibit a significant contribution to CI. These findings suggest that CI is a multifaceted concept shaped by certain dynamic capabilities within cybersecurity practices.

Practical implications

The DCCI framework introduces a structured approach to developing and enhancing CI, with practical applications for businesses and broader societal contexts aiming to improve cybersecurity strategies and resilience.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel framework for DCCI, offering valuable insights into how specific dynamic capabilities support CI. By addressing gaps in cybersecurity models, the framework adds practical and theoretical dimensions to understanding CI and the evolving needs of cybersecurity.
Strategic digitization for sustainable growth in emerging markets: empowering manufacturing MSMEs for a greener future
Authors: Kavre Mahesh S. , Sunnapwar Vivek K. , B. Gardas Bhaskar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to develop effective digitization strategies that can assist in enhancing the adoption of digital technologies among manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises of an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, through a literature survey and by using the Delphi approach that comprises continuous inputs from the team of experts, this study devised 10 key digitization strategies, which were further analysed using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach. This approach helped to develop a hierarchical structure representing mutual interrelation among identified strategies and the cause-effect relation. Also, the strength of interdependence among identified strategies was explored.

Findings

Results of the study show that digitization strategies, namely, “development of strategic roadmap”, “effective change management”, “training and education” and “‘participation in knowledge sharing platforms” are the most significant ones.

Practical implications

The outcomes of the study will help decision makers and policymakers of manufacturing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in devising effective policies and strategies to enhance digital technology adoption within the firm.

Originality/value

Notably, this research is one of the preliminary investigations to explore the digitization strategies for the manufacturing sector of an emerging economy.
Bytes, barriers, and logics: the vicious circle of digital welfare in fragmented institutional contexts
Authors: Busacca Maurizio
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the digitalisation of active labour market policies in Italy’s Veneto region, exploring how organisations navigate institutional pressures for digital adoption in a fragmented welfare system.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-site ethnographic approach was employed, involving 400 h of observation and 96 semi-structured interviews across public employment services, municipal social services, social enterprises, and for-profit organisations.

Findings

Organisations exhibit varied responses to digitalisation pressures based on their institutional logics. Public employment services emerge as aligned organisations, integrating market and social welfare logics. Social enterprises represent contested organisations, grappling with conflicting demands. For-profit enterprises align with the dominant organisation type, prioritising market logic. Municipal social services exemplify estranged organisations, resisting market-driven digitalisation.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s focus on the Veneto region may limit generalisability to other contexts. Future research could explore comparative studies across different welfare state regimes.

Practical implications

Findings underscore the need for a coordinated approach to welfare state digitalisation in fragmented institutional contexts, considering varied organisational responses and potential consequences for service quality and accessibility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on institutional logics by demonstrating how fragmented institutional fields lead to heterogeneous organisational responses to digitalisation pressures. It extends understanding of the challenges in implementing digital technologies in welfare contexts, highlighting the complex interplay between institutional logics, organisational types, and technological change.
Navigating green transport sustainability model (GTSM) under socio-economic and environmental goals for road-mapping sustainability and mitigating carbon footprints
Authors: Kottala Sri Yogi , Shankar Ch , Sahu Atul Kumar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to present an integrated green transport sustainability model (GTSM) to comprehensively understand and explain the multifaceted dynamics of green transport initiatives. The purpose of the study is to evaluate gaps in understanding the interactions between socio-economic and environmental goals in green transport systems using structural equation modelling (SEM) to help in drafting sustainable transportation policy for larger acceptance and true implementation by the stakeholders. The study examines different constructs that collectively influence green transport policy effectiveness (GTPE). Ultimately, the study aims to provide a robust framework for improving the effectiveness of green transport policies and regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded in empirical evidence, the study utilizes SEM to demonstrate the interplay between policymaking, socio-economic factors, technological consideration and environmental outcomes in green transport. The research framework is developed based on the comprehensive review of the literatures to embrace sustainability in transportation considering stakeholders perceptions. The study navigated a GTSM under socio-economic and environmental goals for road-mapping sustainability and larger acceptance of green transportation.

Findings

It is found that technological advancements in transportation are the most significant determinants of GTPE. This implies the need to develop advancements in technologies to embrace the larger acceptance of green transport. Promotion of environmentally sustainable transportation practices, socio-economic factors and use of eco-friendly transportation modes are also found as significant predictors of GTPE, which suggested that the policies aimed at up-gradation of socio-economic standards and the use of environment friendly modes of transport can help in promoting the active involvement of stakeholders to use green transportation.

Originality/value

The study originally investigated critical constructs to assist in preparing sustainable transportation policy for larger acceptance and true implementation by the stakeholders. The study reciprocated its originality by presenting an integrated model related with green transport sustainability dimensions based on theoretical constructs to examine the interplay between policy effectiveness, technological advancements, socio-economic factors and environmental outcomes. The study addressed the key pillars of green transportation and originally highlighted the importance of socio-economic factors and technological advancements in advancing green transport sustainability. It is recommended that the policymaker should make investments in green transport infrastructure and should design a policy for integration of green transportation with a focus on the engagement of all stakeholders for practical implementations.
Economic and financial crimes: evidence from the literature in emerging markets
Authors: Dote-Pardo Jairo Stefano , Severino-González Pedro
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to characterize and analyze the literature on economic and financial crimes (EFCs) in the context of emerging markets, as published in Scopus.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 33 articles sourced from Scopus, focusing on the intersection of keywords related to financial crime or economic crime with those related to emerging markets, emerging countries, emerging economies, developing markets, developing countries or developing economies. The data were systematically analyzed using Excel and Bibliometrix to identify trends, patterns and gaps in the literature.

Findings

Research in this area has seen significant growth, with the period from 2016 to 2023 accounting for 57.6% of total scientific productivity. This period also represents 68.1% of authors, 56.7% of journals, 73.6% of institutions and 45.7% of citations. Key research themes identified include: the practice of EFCs in developing countries; the impact of globalization on EFCs in these regions; and the intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainable development goals and EFCs. Furthermore, the authors suggest exploring under-researched crimes, such as kickbacks, extortion, embezzlement, bid rigging and insider trading.

Research limitations/implications

This study primarily focuses on EFCs in emerging markets. Future research should examine developed markets to contrast findings and enrich the overall understanding of these phenomena.

Originality/value

Despite the critical nature of EFCs in emerging markets, there has been no comprehensive study that elucidates the significant aspects of the existing literature.
Does platform leadership foster subordinates’ innovative behavior? A multilevel moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Dong Yihong , Li Yingwu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Drawing on social information processing theory, this study investigates how platform leadership influences employees’ innovative behavior. Specifically, we propose a theoretical model that incorporates creative self-efficacy as a mediator and organizational identification as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Multisource data were collected in three waves from 304 employees and their 65 leaders in China.

Findings

Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) results reveal: (1) a positive association between platform leadership and subordinates’ innovative behavior; (2) creative self-efficacy as a mediator in the relationship between platform leadership and subordinates’ innovative behavior and (3) organizational identification as a moderator in the indirect relationship between platform leadership and subordinates’ innovative behavior through creative self-efficacy, with the indirect effect being stronger when organizational identification is high than when it is low.

Originality/value

From a cross-level perspective, our findings revealed the underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions under which platform leadership influences followers’ innovative behavior.
Competition for pollen deposition space on pollinators generates last‐male advantage
Authors: Santana Pamela C. , Mulvaney Jake , Santana Erika M. , Moir Monika , Anderson Bruce
Published: January 2025

Many plants have precise pollen placement strategies, ensuring that large amounts of pollen are deposited on small and discrete areas of pollinators' bodies. This may lead to male–male competition if pre‐existing pollen (1) is smothered or displaced by pollen from subsequent male flowers or (2) prevents subsequent pollen from attaching to pollinators.

We investigated these alternative hypotheses using caged sunbirds (Cinnyris chalybeus) and sunbird‐pollinated flowers (Tritoniopsis antholyza). We labelled pollen from two different male‐phase flowers with quantum dots, enabling us to distinguish their pollen grains. We offered these two male‐phase flowers in succession to sunbirds before they were allowed to visit a female‐phase flower. In a separate trial, we offered sunbirds a quantum‐dot‐labelled male‐phase flower followed by a flower without reproductive structures. The last trial established whether pollen loss over time (time effect) influenced our results, such as pollen falling off or being groomed from the pollinator.

We found that pollen from the second male‐phase flower was better represented on the stigmas of the subsequently visited female‐phase flowers. This advantage was not attributable to a time effect (i.e. less time for the last male's pollen to fall off the pollinator). Instead, our results suggest that pollen from earlier‐visited flowers is smothered or displaced by subsequently visited flowers. Because the last‐male visited may have a reproductive advantage (similar to last‐male sperm precedence in animals), plants are likely to evolve strategies to exploit or mitigate this effect.

Synthesis: Our study demonstrates that pollen grains compete for space on pollinators' bodies. By uncovering how interference competition affects male reproductive success, our findings underscore the importance of pollen‐related traits in sexual selection and open new avenues for investigating floral evolution.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Patterns of oyster recruitment and habitat provision across tidal elevation gradients are dependent on predator mitigation methods
Authors: Esquivel‐Muelbert Juan , Lanham Brendan S. , Didderen Karin , Van Der Heide Tjisse , Bishop Melanie J.
Published: January 2025

For restoration projects conducted in environments with strong predation, effective predator mitigation can be key to the successful recruitment of habitat‐forming species, and the development of associated ecological communities. Predator mitigation may involve exclusion through caging, or the provision of protective spaces through complex habitat mimics. The relative efficacy of the two approaches may vary across environmental gradients, according to predation and environmental stress.

To inform the most effective predator mitigation methods for oyster reef restoration, we compared oyster recruitment and associated community development between uncaged concrete blocks, caged concrete blocks and biodegradable complex habitat mimics (BESE), across three tidal elevations and three sites in eastern Australia.

After 1 year, oyster and associated invertebrate recruitment to uncaged concrete was low at all sites and tidal elevations. Whereas BESE supported greater invertebrate abundance and richness than caged concrete blocks at all elevations, the relative performance of the two predator mitigation methods in facilitating oyster recruitment was spatially variable. In the subtidal, BESE were less effective at excluding small‐bodied mesopredatory fishes than caged concrete units and supported less oyster recruitment. In the intertidal, where exposure to mesopredatory fish is less due to emersion at low tide, there was greater recruitment to BESE than to caged concrete.

Synthesis and applications. The effectiveness of predator mitigation methods used in oyster reef restoration can vary across small‐scale gradients. Understanding the strength of predator–prey interactions at local scales, and the identity of key predators, is crucial for designing restoration methods that allow colonisation of target species and exclude key predators.
More species, more trees: The role of tree packing in promoting forest productivity
Authors: Morin Xavier , Toigo Maude , Fahse Lorenz , Guillemot Joannès , Cailleret Maxime , Bertrand Romain , Cateau Eugénie , de Coligny François , García‐Valdés Raúl , Ratcliffe Sophia , Riotte‐Lambert Louise , Zavala Miguel A. , Vallet Patrick
Published: January 2025

Forests provide many ecosystem services that strongly depend on species diversity, as illustrated by the repeatedly observed diversity–productivity relationships (DPRs). These forest DPRs are assumed to result mostly from complementarity between species at the tree level whilst emerging community‐level processes remain poorly explored.

In this study, we propose that the ‘tree packing effect’ (TPE), where species diversity promotes productivity by positively impacting maximum stand density, is an important determinant of DPRs. We tested the two components of TPE: (i) whether maximum stand density increases with species richness and (ii) whether this higher stand density allowed by species richness promotes forest productivity.

First, relying on national forest inventories of six European countries (NFIs, totaling 2,367,776 trees), we fitted self‐thinning lines to examine whether these lines were influenced by plot species richness. We showed that maximum stand density increases with tree species richness in Europe, in all but one country. This trend was notably stronger in extreme climates.

Second, we ran a large simulation‐based experiment (including 7,024,815 simulations) with an individual‐based forest dynamics model able to control for stand‐density effects, to quantify DPRs for more than 1000 sites in Europe. Relying on an original method to quantify DPRs at the site level, we compared the strength of DPRs simulated with and without control for stand density. We found positive DPRs up to 10‐times stronger when TPE is at play than when stand density is controlled. This positive effect of diversity on forest productivity through tree packing is also stronger in extreme climates, especially in warm and dry conditions.

Synthesis. Highlighting the generality of the TPE in European forests, our results reveal that the effect of diversity on forest functioning is partly mediated by diversity‐driven changes in stand density. This mechanism has been long overlooked in biodiversity—ecosystem functioning studies, but our findings strongly call for its reconsideration, especially in natural forests. It also opens key perspectives for management and climate change mitigation programmes.
To make a difference: responding to migration's demands in returns to Cuba
Authors: Simoni Valerio
Published: January 2025

The article focuses on the predicaments faced by return migrants to Cuba and how they respond to societal pressures to make a valuable difference ‘back home’, opening analytical avenues at the juncture of the anthropology of ethics and morality and migration. It does so by uncovering five distinct but complementary ways in which returnees respond to migration‐related demands. Conceptualized as efforts to ‘make a difference’, it first considers the importance for returnees to exemplify and share the economic gains that are widely expected from a successful migration, before addressing alternative attempts to carve out other sources of prized difference from experiences abroad. To deflect the pressure that weighs on them as (ex)migrants and generates feelings of exhaustion and estrangement, returnees also endeavour to ‘unmake’ migration‐related differences. They do so by deconstructing migration promises, reframing notions and forms of belonging, and downplaying the possibilities afforded by life in Cuba. While the combination of different anthropological approaches to ethics and morality befits the analysis, the returnees’ resistance to scrutiny of their moral lives questions the limitless reach and suitability of such interpretative lenses. Ultimately, this helps assess their relevance and pitfalls in research on migration and beyond.
Technological Innovation, Productive Population, Sustainability and Income Growth in Selected Asian Countries
Authors: Ajmi Ahdi Noomen , Bekun Festus Victor , Onwe Joshua Chukwuma , Habib Muhammad Danish
Published: January 2025

Sustainable income growth in emerging nations requires productive populations to adopt and innovate technology to boost marginal productivity per worker. To this end, the present study examines how technological adoption, productive population and sustainability affect income growth in selected Asian economies between 1990 and 2022. Thus, to achieve the study objective, a panel analysis circumvents cross‐sectional dependence with estimators such as Augmented Mean Group (AMG) heterogeneous panel regression. Similar robustness estimators like Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and Driscoll–Kraay Standard Errors (DKSE) were employed. Key empirical findings include that, with all things being equal, productive population size decreases income growth by 5.6%. This means that productive activity considerably reduces Asian income growth. However, technical advancement boosts revenue. Technological innovation enhances Asian income growth by 1.1% when all model variables are constant. In contrast, using 1% sustainable energy to increase sustainability reduces the region's income growth by 2.9%. This means sustainable energy consumption in Asia reduces economic productivity and income per capita. Based on the study's findings, Asian countries should encourage technology innovation and skill development for productive populations. A productive workforce can build creative skills through ongoing training and manpower incubation via an innovation ecosystem. In the conclusion, more policy directions are appended.
CFD‐Based Hemolysis Study of Fontan Cavopulmonary Assist Device Using Kriging Surrogate Modeling
Authors: Sarfare Shreyas , Palazzolo Alan , Afaq Muhammad , Ghali George , Giridharan Guruprasad , Rodefeld Mark
Published: January 2025

Background

Predicting hemolysis numerically based on the power‐law model using idealized coefficients obtained from simplified devices yields a large variability in hemolysis index predictions. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD)‐based Kriging surrogate modeling approach, developed by Craven et al. at the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), was applied to a Fontan cavopulmonary assist device (CPAD) to generate device‐specific hemolysis power‐law coefficients.

Methods

The hemolysis index of a CPAD was measured using tests in a mock loop and simulated using CFD. The Kriging surrogate modeling approach was employed for the Lagrangian and Eulerian formulations of the stress‐based hemolysis power‐law model. The CPAD‐specific power‐law coefficients obtained from one design of the CPAD were used in predicting the Modified Index of Hemolysis (MIH) for an alternate design of the CPAD.

Results

The MIH CFD predictions with the CPAD‐specific coefficients deviate by 16%–20% using the Eulerian approach, and 7%–15% using the Lagrangian approach, compared with experimental results for the alternate design. This vastly improves over the use of idealized empirical coefficients, which yield variation in MIH predictions up to two orders of magnitude.

Conclusion

The presented power‐law approach shows good correlation between CFD and tests in predicting MIH for CPAD design modifications. The hemolysis power‐law coefficients obtained in this study may be useful in predicting hemolysis in similar rotary blood pumps.
Sentinel Lymph Node Detection Using SPECT and Gamma Probe in Low‐Risk Endometrial Cancer: Efficacy and Factors Associated With Detection Failure
Authors: Asanoma Kazuo , Yahata Hideaki , Kodama Keisuke , Okugawa Kaoru , Yasunaga Masafumi , Onoyama Ichiro , Yagi Hiroshi , Maenohara Shoji , Hachisuga Kazuhisa , Isoda Takuro , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Ishigami Kousei , Oda Yoshinao , Kato Kiyoko
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study examined factors that affected sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification of patients with endometrial cancer having a preoperative estimation of low recurrent risk.

Methods

This study included 97 patients with endometrial cancer who attempted to identify SLN using a uterine cervical injection of technetium‐99 m phytate under laparoscopic or robotic‐assisted surgery at our institute. A preoperative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and intraoperative gamma probe were used to detect hot nodes. Multiple clinical factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), and so on, were investigated for their association with SLN mapping failure.

Results

Among 97 cases, SPECT failed to detect SLN unilaterally in 38 cases (39%) and on both sides in 9 cases (9%). Meanwhile, the gamma probe failed to detect SLN unilaterally in 23 cases (24%) and on both sides in 3 cases (3%). While only age was significantly associated with SLN detection failure using the SPECT detection system, both age and BMI were significantly associated with SLN detection failure using the gamma probe detection system. When limiting to the preoperative SLN detection failure cohort of 47 cases, there was a strong association between intraoperative SLN detection failure and BMI, but not age.

Conclusion

The SLN biopsy system was effectively applied to patients with endometrial cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Attempts to improve SLN identification in older patients and those with obesity are warranted to obtain maximum benefits of MIS for low‐ or medium‐risk cases.
Cervical‐First Approach in Thoracoscopic Esophagectomy With Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring for an Esophageal Cancer Patient With Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery
Authors: Mochizuki Masato , Tsunoda Shigeru , Okumura Shintaro , Nishigori Tatsuto , Hisamori Shigeo , Kasahara Keiko , Sakamoto Takashi , Kinoshita Hiromitsu , Itatani Yoshiro , Hoshino Nobuaki , Okamura Ryosuke , Maekawa Hisatsugu , Hida Koya , Obama Kazutaka
Published: January 2025

An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is a rare vascular anomaly accompanied by nonrecurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (NRILN). Here, we described the cervical‐first approach in thoracoscopic esophagectomy for an esophageal cancer patient with ARSA using the intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) system. First, a left cervical procedure proceeded to expose the left vagus nerve to attach the APS electrode of the IONM system, and the left cervical paraesophageal lymph nodes was dissected separately. Subsequently, the NRILN was identified using the IONM system by tracing the right vagal nerve with intermittent manual stimulation. In the thoracoscopic procedures, the right vagal nerve was traced cranially from the bronchial bifurcation, and the dissection continued through the cervicothoracic border up to NRILN without difficulty. Continuous nerve monitoring can ensure safe left upper mediastinal dissection ensuring the left recurrent laryngeal nerve integrity in the narrow upper mediastinum. The postoperative course was uneventful and, the patient was discharged on postoperative Day 21. In patients with ARSA, the cervical‐first method in thoracoscopic esophagectomy with IONM is a safer alternative, and left upper mediastinal dissection by the dorsal approach over the esophagus is useful in the restricted space of the upper mediastinum.
Discrimination thresholds for glutamic acid and chicken oil in chicken broth assessed by an untrained panel at a research institute
Authors: Watanabe Genya , Ishida Shota , Akada Karin , Komatsu Masaya , Sakurai Hiroki , Shinoda Saki , Motoyama Michiyo , Nakajima Ikuyo , Asano Atsushi , Miyaguchi Yuji , Sasaki Keisuke
Published: January 2025

Glutamic acid (Glu) and fat are recognized as primary flavor components in meat. This study aimed to determine the discrimination threshold of an untrained panel for Glu and fat in meat. Thirty‐two untrained panelists were recruited among research institute employees. First, triangle tests were performed using chicken broth supplemented with Glu at concentrations of 10, 50, 110, and 200 μg/ml and broth without Glu supplementation (control). The Glu supplementation test did not distinguish between Glu‐supplemented broth and the control. Thus, the discrimination threshold for Glu in chicken broth was determined to be >200 μg/ml. Second, triangle tests were performed using chicken oil‐emulsified broth at concentrations of 43, 129, 387, and 1160 μg/ml and broth without chicken oil supplementation. The probability of choosing the correct sample in the triangle test for each chicken oil concentration was calculated. The probit regression analysis estimated the discrimination threshold for chicken oil in chicken broth to be 341 μg/ml among untrained panelists. Although the number of untrained panelists recruited in this study was limited, our results provided useful findings for evaluating and improving meat quality utilizing Glu and fat content.
Green Finance and Climate Technology: Evidence From a Quasi‐Natural Experiment
Authors: Yang Xiaotong , Tian Jinfang , Yan Hao , Qin Peng
Published: January 2025

Addressing the productivity challenge of climate technology (ClimTECH) firms and avoiding the “green trap” is crucial for decoupling economic growth from carbon emissions and achieving sustainable development. This study uses the establishment of green finance reform and innovation pilot zones as a quasi‐natural experiment and employs a difference‐in‐differences model to explore the impact of green finance policies on the total factor productivity (TFP) of ClimTECH firms and its spillover effects. The results show that (1) Green finance policies significantly increase TFP, especially in state‐owned firms, firms that actively disclose environmental information, firms led by long‐tenure CEOs, and those in regions with strong intellectual property protection. (2) The channel analysis shows that green finance policies enhance firms' TFP by easing financing constraints, encouraging green technology improvements, and improving capital allocation efficiency. (3) The spillover effect analysis shows that the TFP increase driven by green finance policies not only enhances firm value but also stimulates local green innovation and reduces regional carbon emissions. This research offers theoretical insights and policy implications for strengthening green finance frameworks and enhancing the environmental responsibility of ClimTECH firms.
Iberdomide, ixazomib and dexamethasone in elderly patients with multiple myeloma at first relapse
Authors: Touzeau Cyrille , Leleu Xavier , Tiab Mourad , Macro Margaret , Perrot Aurore , Gay Julie , Chateleix Carine , Moreau Stéphane , Karlin Lionel , Jacquet Caroline , Manier Salomon , Hulin Cyrille , Decaux Olivier , Richez Valentine , Chalopin Thomas , Mohty Mohamad , Orsini‐Piocelle Frédérique , Caillot Denis , Sonntag Cécile , Vignon Marguerite , Bobin Arthur , Avet‐Loiseau Hervé , Jobert Alexandra , Planche Lucie , Corre Jill , Moreau Philippe
Published: January 2025

Most transplant‐ineligible patients present with multiple myeloma (MM) refractory to lenalidomide and/or anti‐CD38 monoclonal antibody at first relapse and represent a difficult‐to‐treat population. The Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome phase 2 study iberdomide, ixazomib and dexamethasone (I2D) evaluated the oral triplet iberdomide, ixazomib and dexamethasone in MM patients aged ≥70 years at first relapse (NCT04998786). Seventy patients were enrolled to receive iberdomide (1.6 mg on day 1–21), ixazomib (3 mg on day 1, 8, 15) and dexamethasone (20 mg on day 1, 8, 15, 22 on cycle 1–2 and 10 mg on day 1, 8, 15, 22 on cycle 3–6) (28‐day cycle) until disease progression. Median age was 76; 50% patients were frail according to the International Myeloma Working Group frailty score; 74% and 37% were refractory to lenalidomide and daratumumab respectively. With a median follow‐up of 14 months, the overall response rate was 64%, including 36% very good partial response or better. The 12‐month progression‐free survival, duration of response and overall survival were 52%, 76% and 86% respectively. The most common (46%) grade 3–4 toxicity was neutropenia. Non‐haematological adverse events were mostly grade 1 or 2. Overall, I2D demonstrated a favourable risk–benefit profile in elderly MM patients at first relapse, including in patients with lenalidomide and daratumumab refractory disease.
Assessment of fit of item response theory models: A critical review of the status quo and some future directions
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Monroe Scott
Published: January 2025

This paper provides a literature review of assessment of fit of item response theory models. Various types of fit procedures for item response theory models are reviewed, with a focus on their advantages and disadvantages. Real data examples are used to demonstrate some of the fit procedures. Recommendations are provided for researchers and practitioners who are interested in assessing the fit of item response theory models.