bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNMMI PIC case competition finalist: Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Oztek Murat Alp , Elhussein Wala , Parisi Marguerite T.
Published: November 2024

A 9-month-old girl was evaluated for recurrent fevers, rash, and indurated plaques, with laboratories demonstrating hyperferritinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and pancytopenia, concerning for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Biopsy of thigh lesion ultimately demonstrated subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. In a rare neoplasm of cytotoxic T-cells, subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma presents with subcutaneous nodules in all age groups including children. Prognosis is generally good with immunosuppressive drugs being first line of treatment. 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates hypermetabolic lesions and is used to determine the extent of disease burden, identify sites of occult disease, and assess response to treatment.
Pelvic Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor on 18F-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ding Xiaohui , Wang Ruimin , Liu Yachao
Published: November 2024

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) as a subtype of sarcoma is rare and aggressive. We present the case of a 23-year-old man with a histologically confirmed DSRCT who underwent 18F-PSMA PET/CT before prostate biopsy and surgical resection of the tumor. It is well known that PSMA PET has a high accuracy for detecting clinically significant prostate adenocarcinoma and is useful in guiding prostate biopsy. This case signifies DSRCT can also exhibit intermediate PSMA expression on 18F-PSMA PET/CT.
Improving the Diagnostic Performance and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Category Agreement of Less Experienced Radiologists by Utilizing Computer-Aided Diagnosis Software for Breast Ultrasound
Authors: Wang Peilei , Xia Hansheng , Liu Limin , Wang Xi , Yan Lixia , Kong Zusuan , Xu Huixiong , Huang Beijian
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of intelligence-based computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software in ultrasound (US) and its potential to improve the diagnostic performance of less experienced radiologists, as well as the agreement on Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories with the experienced radiologist. Images of 385 breast lesions in 351 female taken from January 2019 to December 2020 were included. Two less experienced radiologists independently reviewed US images with and without CAD assistance, recording final assessments using the BI-RADS category. The diagnostic performance of CAD and radiologists were calculated and compared. Kappa statistics were used to determine agreement between the experienced radiologist and the less experienced radiologists, based on BI-RADS category before and after using CAD software. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CAD software were 95.5%, 71.5%, 81.3%, 69.8%, and 95.9%, respectively, and those were improved in junior radiologist and intermediate-level radiologist after the addition of CAD. Additionally, with the assistance of CAD, the area under the curve was improved for both the junior radiologist and radiologist (0.704 vs 0.847 and 0.876 vs 0.900, P = 0.009, 0.005), although it remained lower than the senior radiologist. The agreement of BI-RADS category between the less experienced and the experienced radiologists showed a significant improvement (P = 0.04, 0.000). The CAD on US could improve less experienced radiologists' diagnostic performance and agreement on BI-RADS categories, making it an effective decision-making tool in clinical practice.
Intraoperative Application of Ultrasonic Energy to Bioabsorbable Craniosynostosis Fixation Devices and Adverse Tissue Reaction. Is There a Correlation?
Authors: Pietrzak William S.
Published: November 2024

Bioabsorbable internal fixation is a well-accepted modality that is especially suitable for application in craniosynostosis. When first introduced, high rates of adverse tissue reactions were observed that have since been ameliorated with more biocompatible polymer formulations. However, the phenomenon has not entirely disappeared, and such reactions remain vexing. It has been suggested that intraoperative use of ultrasonic activation to heat and remodel 50:50 poly(D-lactide-co-L-lactide) fixation devices could potentiate an adverse tissue response following craniosynostosis procedures. The evidence for this was examined based on a clinical literature search, as well as a review of bioabsorbable polymer science principles, to see whether there is a theoretical basis to explain how such a relationship might be possible. Although a trend was evident suggestive of such an association, unequivocal evidence was not found. Also, no obvious potential mechanism that could explain such an association, should it exist, was apparent. The methodological approach used in this analysis and the information presented can help provide a foundation for future analyses of this nature.
Success of Bone Ossification After Posterior Vault Distraction Osteogenesis in Patients With Craniosynostosis
Authors: Sayadi Jamasb J. , Lujan-Hernandez Jorge , Givechian Kevin B. , Mackay Duncan , Lorenz H. Peter , Grant Gerald , Mahaney Kelly , Hong David S. , Khosla Rohit K.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Posterior vault distraction osteogenesis (PVDO) is an effective treatment for multisuture and syndromic craniosynostosis. It remains unclear how well the calvarium ossifies after PVDO, especially in older patients when they have plateaued in their cranial growth phase. The purpose of this study is to report outcomes associated with PVDO across a wide range of ages at our institution.

Methods:

Operative details, distraction parameters, complications, and details of cranioplasty, if applicable, were obtained for all patients who underwent PVDO between March 2016 and July 2022. The surface areas of distraction sites and residual cranial defects were measured from computed tomography scans after a consolidation phase, and the percentages of the distraction regions with ossification were subsequently calculated.

Results:

Fifteen patients underwent PVDO at a mean age of 5.1 years (0.5–18.7 y). The mean percentage of ossification among all patients was 80.4% (59.1%–95.3%). The degree of ossification was not significantly associated with age at the time of surgery at the univariate level (Pearson-r=−0.15, P=0.573). Three patients (20.0%) required titanium mesh cranioplasty for definitive reconstruction, which was significantly more likely in patients who were >4 years old at the time of PVDO (P=0.04).

Conclusions:

Complete ossification of the distracted area of the cranium is unlikely after PVDO. Ossification appears less robust with increasing age, although not statistically significant in our study population, likely due to the limited sample size. Future studies should assess the role of age, latency period, and distraction rate in minimizing residual defects.
Improving Hair Scar Defects Through the Integration of Autologous Fat Transplantation and Hair Follicle Unit Transplantation
Authors: Gao Hai , Chen Zhixiong , Gu Xianbin , Yi Yangyan , Yang Juanmin
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To assess the clinical efficacy of combining autologous fat grafting with hair follicle unit transplantation.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis involving 30 patients at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, between January 2021 and January 2023. Granular fat was harvested from the thigh’s posterior aspect using liposuction. The fat was then filtered through cotton pads, fascia was excised, and the fat was implanted into the scar tissue. Postoperatively, beyond the 3-month mark, hair follicle units were harvested from the posterior occipital region of the scalp using an electric device, and these units were transplanted into the scarred alopecic zones. At 1 year postoperatively, the authors evaluated the survival rate of the transplanted hair follicles and the cosmetic outcomes. In addition, patient satisfaction data were compiled.

Results:

Among the 30 patients, 22 males and 8 females with an age range of 18 to 43 years and a mean age of 29 years were included. Complete coverage was achieved in 23 cases, and substantial coverage in 7 cases. High satisfaction was reported by 28 patients, whereas 2 expressed moderate satisfaction.

Conclusion:

The integration of autologous fat grafting with hair follicle unit transplantation for the treatment of scar-related alopecia demonstrates significant efficacy and high patient satisfaction, recommending its broader clinical application.
Cranial Base Changes After Trans-sutural Distraction Osteogenesis in Growing Patients With Cleft Lip/Palate and Midface Hypoplasia
Authors: Zhou Binyi , Li Guan , Zhang Peiyang , Zhao Zhenmin
Published: November 2024

Background:

Transesutural distraction osteogenesis (TSDO) is a method of correcting midfacial hypoplasia (MH) secondary to cleft lip and palate (CLP) without osteotomy. However, there has been little research on how the morphology of the cranial base changes postoperatively or whether any correction of the cranial base occurs.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study included 35 pediatric patients with MH secondary to CLP, who underwent TSDO treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment cranial computed tomography (CT) images were collected for cranial base measurements using 3-dimensional (3D) modeling reconstruction. For the comparative analysis, 102 children with normal craniofacial CT images were selected after matching for age and sex.

Results:

Comparison with normal children of the same age showed that the lengths and angles of several cranial base segments approached normal levels after treatment. In total, the authors found extreme extension in the anterior segment of the sphenoid bone, and in the middle cranial fossa. Simultaneously, TSDO therapy led to the anteroposterior diameter of the lateral pterygoid processes and vomer bone greatly exceeding the normal range, thus causing forward development of the midface skeleton.

Conclusion:

After the TSDO procedure, the cranial base length and angles approached normal dimensions, accompanied by the forward advancement of the midfacial skeleton. Among the cranial base structures, TSDO resulted in the most noticeable increase in the sphenoid bone in terms of linear measurements and angles, thus promoting midfacial development in children.
Modified Lateral Surgical Approach to the Pterygopalatine Fossa for Safe Preservation of the Peripheral Branch of the Marginal Mandibular Nerve
Authors: Mitsugi Sho , Tominaga Kazuhiro , Yoshiga Daigo , Habu Manabu
Published: November 2024

In cases where oral cancer spreads toward the maxillary tubercle, surgery may extend to the pterygopalatine fossa. There are 2 main extraoral approaches: anterior and lateral. Previously, we introduced a modified lateral approach with a mouth corner incision from the lower lip, that preserves the mental and marginal mandibular nerves. Now, we present a further modification that allows safer preservation of the peripheral branches of the marginal mandibular nerve around the mouth. The procedure has 2 key points. The first is to follow the course of the marginal mandibular nerve from the submandibular incision. The second is to begin the mouth corner incision from the upper lip. Deploying the cheek flap ensured the marginal mandibular nerve was contained within a preserved platysma band. The postoperative contours and unremarkable scar on the face were acceptable to the patient. Paralysis of the facial and mental nerves was almost nonexistent. In conclusion, this newly modified lateral approach is useful in fully exposing the pterygopalatine fossa while preserving the mental nerve and not only the main trunks of the marginal mandibular nerves but also the peripheral branches around the mouth.
Facial Fractures at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital of Korea: A 10-Year Study From 2013 to 2022
Authors: Hwang Kun , Kim Hun
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to analyze facial bone fractures at the Armed Forces Capital Hospital of Korea (AFCH) from 2013 to 2022. This review included individuals who visited AFCH for treatment. The inclusion criteria for the study were fractures resulting from external trauma, specifically coded as S02.1-4 and S02.6-9. The exclusion criteria comprised fractures caused by factors other than external trauma. This retrospective study of 178 facial bone fractures included 176 males (98.9%) and 2 females (1.1%) (22.5±5.1 years). The most common causes of injury were bumps (72.5%), followed by slips (7.3%), assaults (5.6%), and falls (5.1%). The majority of facial bone fractures occurred during sports activities (33.7%), training (31.5%), or everyday activities (28.7%). Nasal bone fractures were the most prevalent (47.7%), followed by fractures of the maxilla (19.2%), orbit (18.7%), mandible (10.3%), and zygoma (3.3%). The interval between the injury and hospital arrival was 6.0±8.0 days. Among the 164 patients, 110 (67.1%) underwent surgery. The overall complication rate was 8.9%. The highest complication rate was mandibular fractures (22.7%), followed by nasal bone fractures (9.8%). Among the 208 recorded facial bone fractures, 145 patients (69.7%) received treatment at AFCH, whereas 63 (30.3%) were treated in a civilian hospital; 59 patients (28.4%) by their own choice and 4 patients (1.9%) on a consignment basis. The average follow-up period was 202.0±183.2 days. The relatively high rate (28.4%) of treatment at civilian hospitals is attributable to legislation allowing injured soldiers the option to choose between military and civilian medical facilities.
Utility of Papilledema for Detection of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in Craniosynostosis
Authors: Harrison Lucas M. , Prabhakar Akshay , Hallac Rami R. , Seaward James R , Kane Alex A.
Published: November 2024

Papilledema is swelling of the optic disk due to fluid accumulation around the optic nerve and is commonly used to detect increased intracranial (ICP) in craniosynostosis. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and utility of papilledema detection in patients with single-suture, multi-suture, and syndromic craniosynostosis and the differences before and after surgical intervention. A retrospective review of ophthalmology examinations of patients diagnosed with craniosynostosis treated between 2008 and 2023 was performed. Demographics, diagnosis, and operative data were collected. A total of 1509 ophthalmology exams of 519 patients were reviewed. The overall rate of papilledema in patients with craniosynostosis was 2.12%. The single-suture and multi-suture involvement rates were 1.15% and 5.81%, respectively. Non-syndromic patients with preoperative and postoperative examinations had an overall rate of 3.13%. Most had single suture involvement, and the average age of papilledema examination was 72 months. Syndromic patients with preoperative and postoperative examinations had an overall rate of 17.65%. The majority had multiple suture involvement, and the average age of papilledema examination was 26 months. The overall papilledema detection rate was low in patients with craniosynostosis. Multi-suture involvement and syndromic diagnosis had increased rates of papilledema. The average age of diagnosis was in older children. Syndromic patients had papilledema examination at a younger age. The authors' findings support the concept that fundoscopic ophthalmologic examination will benefit patients with multi-suture involvement, an associated syndrome, and older age.
Triple network dynamics and future alcohol consumption in adolescents
Authors: McIntyre Clayton C. , Khodaei Mohammadreza , Lyday Robert G. , Weiner Jeffrey L. , Laurienti Paul J. , Shappell Heather M.
Published: November 2024

Background

Human neuroimaging increasingly suggests that the brain is best modeled as a highly interconnected and dynamic system. However, novel methodology for studying functional brain network dynamics have never been applied to the study of adolescent alcohol consumption. We sought to determine whether brain network dynamics are related to future drinking behavior in teenagers.

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) time series from 17-year-old non/low drinking participants (n=295) of the National Consortium on Alcohol and NeuroDevelopment in Adolescence (NCANDA) study were used to fit a Hidden Semi-Markov Model (HSMM). Regions of the default mode network (DMN), salience network (SN), and central executive network (CEN), collectively known as the Triple Network, were included in modeling. The HSMM identified the most-likely state sequence for each participant, a trajectory through distinct brain network states over the course of their fMRI scan. Poisson regression models were used to assess relationships between state sequence metrics and future drinking frequency. Potential sex differences in state sequence metrics or the relationship between sequence metrics and future drinking were assessed with permutation testing and interactions in regression models.

Results

No sex differences in state sequence metrics were observed. However, the relationship between occupancy times and future drinking frequency differed by sex for two brain states. In the full sample, occupancy time in a state characterized by high interconnectivity between the SN and CEN was negatively associated with drinking. Occupancy time in a separate state characterized by high activation in the DMN and SN, but low activation in the CEN, was negatively associated with future drinking.

Conclusions

Brain network dynamics may be useful neural markers of predisposition to drinking in adolescents. Brain states which make teens vulnerable or resilient to drinking may differ between sexes.
Dual-BONCAT Reveals Distinct Day- and Night-Active Microbial Populations in Salt Marsh Sediments
Authors: Maierhaba Yasheng , Momjian Claire , Mankel Dylan , Calabrese Federica , Duhamel Solange , Marlow Jeffrey
Published: November 2024

Bio-Orthogonal Non-Canonical Amino Acid Tagging (BONCAT) has emerged as a prominent molecular technique that enables microbial ecologists to visualize and identify metabolically active taxa within complex microbial communities. To date, researchers have used just one non-canonical amino acid (ncAA) in a given experiment; here, we validate a novel approach using two different ncAAs in a single experiment. This advancement facilitates the detection of differentially active subpopulations within the same experimental context, thereby reducing the uncertainty and variability associated with parallel treatments, and providing precise spatial information about organisms that are active under distinct conditions or at different times. We show that both ncAAs can be taken up byE. colicultures and by constituents of the Little Sippewissett Salt Marsh (LSSM) microbiome, resulting in fluorescence signals that are significantly higher than background and ncAA-free control experiments. As a proof of concept experiment, we implemented this “Dual-BONCAT” approach in LSSM sediments, adding one ncAA during daytime hours and the other at night. Subpopulations of cells that were anabolically active during the day and/or night were distinguishable by both fluorescence microscopy, and by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Subsequent high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of active subpopulations revealed thatMethylobacterium, potentially feeding on plant exudate carbon molecules, was preferentially active during the day, while sulfur-cycling taxa dominated the night-active population. Dual-BONCAT offers an important advancement in multiplexing substrate-analog probing techniques, providing a more realistic understanding of metabolic activity under distinct environmental conditions.
Diverse phage defence systems define West African South American pandemicVibrio cholerae
Authors: Adams David W. , Jaskólska Milena , Lemopoulos Alexandre , Stutzmann Sandrine , Righi Laurie , Bader Loriane , Blokesch Melanie
Published: November 2024

Our understanding of the factors underlying the evolutionary success of different lineages of pandemicVibrio choleraeremains incomplete. Interestingly, two unique genetic signatures define the West African South American (WASA) lineage ofV. choleraeresponsible for the 1991-2001 Latin American cholera epidemic. Here we show these signatures encode diverse anti-phage defence systems. Firstly, the WASA-1 prophage encodes a 2-gene abortive-infection system WonAB that renders the lineage resistant to the major predatory vibriophage ICP1, which alongside other phages, is thought to restrict cholera epidemics and has potential for use in prophylaxis. Secondly, a unique set of genes on theVibrioseventh pandemic island II encodes an unusual modification-dependent restriction system targeting phages with modified genomes, and a new member of the Shedu defence family that defends against vibriophage X29. Taken together, we propose that these anti-phage defence systems have likely contributed to the success of a major epidemic lineage of the ongoing seventh cholera pandemic.
A deconvolution framework that uses single-cell sequencing plus a small benchmark data set for accurate analysis of cell type ratios in complex tissue samples
Authors: Guo Shuai , Liu Xiaoqian , Cheng Xuesen , Jiang Yujie , Ji Shuangxi , Liang Qingnan , Koval Andrew , Li Yumei , Owen Leah A. , Kim Ivana K. , Aparicio Ana , Lee Sanghoon , Sood Anil K. , Kopetz Scott , Shen John Paul , Weinstein John N. , DeAngelis Margaret M. , Chen Rui , Wang Wenyi
Published: November 2024

Bulk deconvolution with single-cell/nucleus RNA-seq data is critical for understanding heterogeneity in complex biological samples, yet the technological discrepancy across sequencing platforms limits deconvolution accuracy. To address this, we utilize an experimental design to match inter-platform biological signals, hence revealing the technological discrepancy, and then develop a deconvolution framework called DeMixSC using this well-matched, that is, benchmark, data. Built upon a novel weighted nonnegative least-squares framework, DeMixSC identifies and adjusts genes with high technological discrepancy and aligns the benchmark data with large patient cohorts of matched-tissue-type for large-scale deconvolution. Our results using two benchmark data sets of healthy retinas and ovarian cancer tissues suggest much-improved deconvolution accuracy. Leveraging tissue-specific benchmark data sets, we applied DeMixSC to a large cohort of 453 age-related macular degeneration patients and a cohort of 30 ovarian cancer patients with various responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Only DeMixSC successfully unveiled biologically meaningful differences across patient groups, demonstrating its broad applicability in diverse real-world clinical scenarios. Our findings reveal the impact of technological discrepancy on deconvolution performance and underscore the importance of a well-matched data set to resolve this challenge. The developed DeMixSC framework is generally applicable for accurately deconvolving large cohorts of disease tissues, including cancers, when a well-matched benchmark data set is available.
Improving Gaussian channel simulation using nonunity-gain heralded quantum teleportation
Authors: Shajilal Biveen , Conlon Lorcán O. , Walsh Angus , Tserkis Spyros , Zhao Jie , Janousek Jiri , Assad Syed , Lam Ping Koy
Published: November 2024

Gaussian channel simulation is an essential paradigm in understanding the evolution of bosonic quantum states. It allows us to investigate how such states are influenced by the environment and how they transmit quantum information. This makes it an essential tool for understanding the properties of Gaussian quantum communication. Quantum teleportation provides an avenue to effectively simulate Gaussian channels, such as amplifier channels, loss channels, and classically additive noise channels. However, implementations of these channels, particularly quantum amplifier channels and channels capable of performing Gaussian noise suppression, are limited by experimental imperfections and nonideal entanglement resources. In this work, we overcome these difficulties using a heralded quantum teleportation scheme that is empowered by a measurement-based noiseless linear amplifier. The noiseless linear amplification enables us to simulate a range of Gaussian channels that were previously inaccessible. In particular, we demonstrate the simulation of nonphysical Gaussian channels otherwise inaccessible using conventional means. We report Gaussian noise suppression, effectively converting an imperfect quantum channel into a near-identity channel. The performance of Gaussian noise suppression is quantified by calculating the transmitted entanglement.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unitarity of bespoke amplitudes
Authors: Bhardwaj Rishabh , Spradlin Marcus , Volovich Anastasia , Weng He-Chen
Published: November 2024

We use partial wave unitarity to constrain various bespoke four-point amplitudes. We start by constructing bespoke generalizations of the type-I superstring amplitude, which we show satisfy dual resonance and have suitable high-energy limits. By analyzing the behavior of partial wave coefficients for highly massive states, we strictly rule out all bespoke amplitudes with asymptotically nonlinear Regge trajectories and place constraints on the first few nontrivial parameters in asymptotically linear cases. Finally, we argue that while a large class of unitary bespoke amplitudes fails to satisfy Regge sum rules, there exists a smaller subclass with a vanishing mass gap that is superpolynomially bounded.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thermodynamics of black holes featuring primary scalar hair
Authors: Bakopoulos Athanasios , Chatzifotis Nikos , Karakasis Thanasis
Published: November 2024

In this work, we embark on the thermodynamic investigation concerning a family of primary charged black holes within the context of shift and parity symmetric Beyond Horndeski gravity. Employing the Euclidean approach, we derive the functional expression for the free energy and derive the first thermodynamic law, offering a methodology to address the challenge of extracting the thermal quantities in shift-symmetric scalar tensor theories characterized by linear time dependence in the scalar field. Following the formal analysis, we provide some illustrative examples focusing on the thermal evaporation of these objects.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Assessing grain boundary variability through phase field crystal simulations
Authors: Hallberg Håkan , Hult Blixt Kevin
Published: November 2024

Characterization of grain boundaries (GBs) typically focuses exclusively on ideal minimum-energy structures, thus offering a limited perspective on the potential structural diversity and related property variations of GBs. In this study, phase field crystal (PFC) simulations are employed to systematically explore alternative GB states through γ-surface sampling. A large number of tilt and twist GBs are examined in both fcc and bcc bicrystal structures. It is demonstrated that identifying variants in GB structure necessitates considering a set of microscopic degrees of freedom (DOF), comprising the components of relative crystal translation, in addition to the GB's five macroscopic DOF. Taking GB energy and excess volume as examples of key GB properties, a significant spread in GB energy is revealed, stemming from variations in the microscopic DOF, while maintaining constant macroscopic DOF. In addition, the significant variations found in GB excess volume and energy when GB variants are considered challenge the common assumption of a strong correlation between them. Taken together, the findings underscore the importance of recognizing a range of GB structures and properties for each macroscopic GB configuration, rather than relying on singular ideal minimum-energy GB structures, as is usually done.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spheres of maximum electromagnetic chirality
Authors: Olmos-Trigo Jorge , Nieto-Vesperinas Manuel , Molina-Terriza Gabriel
Published: November 2024

The search for objects that yield maximum electromagnetic chirality in their emitted wave field has gathered significant attention in recent years. However, achieving such maximum chirality is challenging, as it typically requires complex chiral metamaterials. Here, we demonstrate that chiral spheres can yield maximum chirality in their emitted wave field. Specifically, we analytically find the spectral trajectories at which chiral spheres become optically transparent to a given helicity of the incident field, while for its opposite helicity, they behave as dual objects, i.e., on scattering, they preserve helicity. Since chiral spheres behave as dual objects at the first Kerker condition of zero backscattering, we significantly simplify this condition in terms of a Riccati-Bessel function. Our analytical findings suggest the creation of spherical building blocks for designing metasurfaces or metamaterials with maximum electromagnetic chirality properties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Adaptive denoising quantum state preparation in a dynamic environment
Authors: Wang Zhao-Ming , Chen Tuo-Zhi
Published: November 2024

Quantum state preparation (QSP) is an essential step in many quantum information processing tasks and has been deeply studied in a closed system. However, environmental noise inevitably destroys the quantumness of the system, resulting in decreased fidelity. In this work, we investigate the enhancement of fidelity by pulse control for arbitrary single or two-qubit QSP in a noisy environment. The control pulses are designed by leveraging supervised learning. The environment is modeled as a collection of bosons, and we use the quantum state diffusion equation technique to deal with the dynamics of the system. We consider two types of noise: quasistatic noise and dynamic noise. We propose active and adaptive denoising schemes for the quasistatic and dynamic noise, respectively. The environmental parameters are required to construct the dataset when training the neural network (NN) in adaptive denoising, while they are not needed in active denoising. The adaptive denoising scheme is universal in that it can be effectively applied to both quasistatic and dynamic noises. High-fidelity QSP has been obtained by the well-trained NN. Our work demonstrates that machine learning has great potential in optimal pulse design in a dynamic environment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Stochastic trade-offs and the emergence of diversification in
E. coli
evolution experiments
Authors: Corral López Roberto , Suweis Samir , Azaele Sandro , Muñoz Miguel A.
Published: November 2024

Laboratory experiments with bacterial colonies under well-controlled conditions often lead to evolutionary diversification, where at least two ecotypes emerge from an initially monomorphic population. Empirical evidence suggests that such an “evolutionary branching” occurs stochastically, even under fixed and stable conditions. This stochasticity is characterized by (i) the occurrence of branching in a significant fraction, but not all, of the experimental settings, (ii) the emergence at widely varying times, and (iii) variable relative abundances of the resulting subpopulations across experiments. Theoretical approaches to understanding evolutionary branching under these conditions have been previously developed within the (deterministic) framework of “adaptive dynamics.” Here, we advance the understanding of the stochastic nature of evolutionary outcomes by introducing the concept of “stochastic trade-offs” as opposed to “hard” ones. The key idea is that the stochasticity of mutations occurs in a high-dimensional trait space and this translates into variability that is constrained to a flexible tradeoff curve in a lower-dimensional space. By incorporating this additional source of stochasticity, we are able to account for the observed empirical variability and make predictions regarding the likelihood of evolutionary branching under different experimental conditions. This approach effectively bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and empirical observations, providing insights into when and how evolutionary branching is more likely to occur in laboratory experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum description of Fermi arcs in Weyl semimetals in a magnetic field
Authors: Bauer Tim , Buccheri Francesco , De Martino Alessandro , Egger Reinhold
Published: November 2024

For a Weyl semimetal (WSM) in a magnetic field, a semiclassical description of the Fermi-arc surface state dynamics is usually employed for explaining various unconventional magnetotransport phenomena, e.g., Weyl orbits, the three-dimensional quantum Hall effect, and the high transmission through twisted WSM interfaces. For a half-space geometry, we determine the low-energy quantum eigenstates for a four-band model of a WSM in a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface. The eigenstates correspond to in- and out-going chiral Landau level (LL) states, propagating (anti)parallel to the field direction near different Weyl nodes, which are coupled by evanescent surface-state contributions generated by all other LLs. These replace the Fermi arc in a magnetic field. Computing the phase shift accumulated between in- and out-going chiral LL states, we compare our quantum-mechanical results to semiclassical predictions. We find quantitative agreement between both approaches.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Memory in cyclically crumpled sheets
Authors: Dawadi Amit , Kudrolli Arshad
Published: November 2024

We investigate the crumpling of an elastoplastic sheet as it is repeatedly crushed onto itself by rolling it into a cylinder and twisting it axially while allowing the end-to-end length to evolve freely. The sheet buckles and folds into structures that repeat but sharpen over hundreds of cycles to a remarkable degree before forming different configurations. Below a critical amplitude, reconfigurations decrease with applied cycles but continue to occur for large enough loading amplitude as the topology of the sheet changes as it tears. The sheet structure as measured by the mean curvature and the total crease length evolves logarithmically with cycle number with a rate that increases with compaction. We explain the progress of creasing using a flat folding model, and we show the logarithmic growth as being a consequence of individual creases becoming sharper with the number of folding cycles, leading to bifurcations in the folding pathway.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exceptional swallowtail degeneracies in driven-dissipative quadrature squeezing
Authors: Blinova Polina , Moiseev Evgeny , Wang Kai
Published: November 2024

We show that swallowtail catastrophe consisting of various-order non-Hermitian and Hermitian degeneracies naturally exists in the dynamics of two-mode driven-dissipative quadrature squeezing systems that break pseudo-Hermiciticy by judiciously engineered losses. We reveal that the swallowtail degeneracy structure enables nontrivial braiding of complex eigenvalues by looping around an exceptional line in the parameter space. Our findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the degeneracy geometry in two-mode driven-dissipative bosonic quadratic systems, opening pathways toward topologically nontrivial control of Gaussian states.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Maximum Entropy Principle in Deep Thermalization and in Hilbert-Space Ergodicity
Authors: Mark Daniel K. , Surace Federica , Elben Andreas , Shaw Adam L. , Choi Joonhee , Refael Gil , Endres Manuel , Choi Soonwon
Published: November 2024

We report universal statistical properties displayed by ensembles of pure states that naturally emerge in quantum many-body systems. Specifically, two classes of state ensembles are considered: those formed by (i) the temporal trajectory of a quantum state under unitary evolution or (ii) the quantum states of small subsystems obtained by partial, local projective measurements performed on their complements. These cases, respectively, exemplify the phenomena of “Hilbert-space ergodicity” and “deep thermalization.” In both cases, the resultant ensembles are defined by a simple principle: The distributions of pure states have maximum entropy, subject to constraints such as energy conservation, and effective constraints imposed by thermalization. We present and numerically verify quantifiable signatures of this principle by deriving explicit formulas for all statistical moments of the ensembles, proving the necessary and sufficient conditions for such universality under widely accepted assumptions, and describing their measurable consequences in experiments. We further discuss information-theoretic implications of the universality: Our ensembles have maximal information content while being maximally difficult to interrogate, establishing that generic quantum state ensembles that occur in nature hide (scramble) information as strongly as possible. Our results generalize the notions of Hilbert-space ergodicity to time-independent Hamiltonian dynamics and deep thermalization from infinite to finite effective temperature. Our work presents new perspectives to characterize and understand universal behaviors of quantum dynamics using statistical and information-theoretic tools.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Towards systemic transformation in the construction industry: a complex adaptive systems perspective
Authors: Uusitalo Petri , Peltokorpi Antti , Seppänen Olli , Alhava Otto
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the strategies that successful companies in the construction industry use to achieve systemic transformation within their value chains and broader ecosystems. This study focuses on understanding how these companies navigate the challenges of a mature and slow-changing industry through innovative approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple case study design is used to analyze the systemic innovation dynamics across construction subsystems, through the lens of Complex Adaptive Systems theory. This research involves an empirical examination of nine case companies, selected based on their innovations in at least two construction subsystem areas and markers of success such as growth, profitability or invested capital. This methodology facilitates a detailed understanding of the company-level transformation.

Findings

This study identifies four distinct development paths toward systemic transformation within the construction industry: product-driven, product platform-driven, process integration-driven and business model-driven. These paths are characterized by unique strategies integrating technology, optimizing processes and innovating business models, demonstrating how companies can effectively adapt to and evolve within the construction ecosystem.

Originality/value

This research contributes original insights into company strategies and how they achieve systemic transformation. This study expands existing knowledge on systemic transformation in the construction industry by integrating empirical evidence with theoretical frameworks, offering a novel perspective on how successful companies innovate within a traditionally slow-changing sector.
Effect of transformational leadership on employees’ shared goals during merger and acquisition: moderating roles of organizational support and participative decision-making
Authors: Soontornchaiya Piyada , Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Despite the benefits that firms obtain from merger and acquisition (M&A), this strategy frequently poses a significant challenge for management in encouraging employees of the acquired firm to develop shared goals with the new organization. This research analyzes the effect of transformational leadership by department managers in the acquiring firm on the degree to which employees in the acquired firm develop shared goals. We also examine whether the effect of transformational leadership on shared goals could be moderated by organizational support and employee participation in decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted using the case of a firm in the power and energy sector that was undergoing M&A. Survey data were obtained from 203 employees and their department managers to avoid common method bias. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

We found that employees in the acquired firm who worked for the department managers of the acquiring firms who demonstrated transformational leadership were more likely to adopt shared goals than those who did not. Moreover, the moderating effect analysis shows that transformational leadership had a greater effect on shared goals when employees perceived that they received a high level of organizational support. On the contrary, transformational leadership had a weaker effect on shared goals when employees actively participated in decision-making.

Practical implications

Transformational leadership is the leadership practice that the management of the acquiring firm needs to apply to employees, who are a critical part of the firm’s human capital, when they manage the M&A activities. The management also needs to demonstrate to the employees that the acquiring firm cares about the employees’ well-being and has sincere concern for them throughout and after the M&A process. Despite the transformational leadership practice’s essential role, participative decision-making is another management practice that should be implemented to reduce employees’ reliance on the management’s transformational leadership to persuade them to adopt shared goals, which might be essential when the transformational leadership practice cannot be effectively implemented.

Originality/value

Our results regarding the moderating effects of perceived organizational support and participative decision-making add some new knowledge to the theory by showing that the management’s implementation of transformational leadership during M&A will need to consider other management practices that may either intensify or weaken the benefit that employees may gain from the management’s transformational leadership.
Influence of organizational digital transformation competencies on individual job performance: the mediating effects of organizational supportive learning environment and individual readiness for change
Authors: Kim Jisoo , Park Yoonhee
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the mediating effects of organizational supportive learning environment and individual readiness for change in the relationship between organizational digital transformation competencies and individual job performance among employees of large domestic companies in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors surveyed employees of large domestic companies in South Korea and collected 260 questionnaires. The authors excluded eight responses that did not meet the research objectives and analyzed the remaining 252 responses using a structural equation modeling including measurement model analysis and structural model analysis using SPSS 29.0 and AMOS 26.0.

Findings

The authors found a statistically significant relationship between organizational size and organizational digital transformation competencies. Moreover, organizational digital transformation competencies positively influence individual job performance, and the dual mediating effects of organizational supportive learning environment and individual readiness for change are significant.

Originality/value

Since there is little empirical research validating the importance of digital transformation competencies in organizational settings related to job performance, this study holds academic significance in that it empirically validates the relationship between organizational digital transformation competencies and individual job performance and confirms the mediating effects of organizational supportive learning environment and individual readiness for change from both organizational and individual perspectives.
Rent control and potential underutilization of housing resources
Authors: Gunnelin Åke , Hungria-Gunnelin Rosane , Hullgren Maria , Söderberg Bo
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Rent control may lead to inefficient use of subsidized apartments. This paper aims to empirically investigate if this phenomenon exists under the Swedish rent control regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative part of the study uses data from Statistics Sweden to calculate, for all municipalities in Sweden, the fraction of residential rental units where no one is living permanently. The qualitative part augments the quantitative results with a survey where representatives for 14 municipal and four private property companies in small, mid-sized and large municipalities were interviewed.

Findings

This paper finds that a surprisingly large fraction of the rental housing stock, about 9.4% on a national level, is underused in the way that rent is paid but no one is living permanently in the apartment according to the official Swedish population register. The underutilization rate is negatively correlated to the median rent in a municipality.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to Swedish data. This paper does not explore the potential effects of regional economic and demographic conditions on the measure of underutilization.

Practical implications

A policy implication of the present results is that underutilization of the Swedish rental housing stock can be reduced by limiting the supply of rent-controlled housing to households that are in economic or social need.

Originality/value

Numerous papers have analysed various aspects of rent control. However, few papers have empirically analysed how a general rent control system where all tenants, irrespective of economic or social need, have access to rent controlled apartments may contribute to housing inefficiencies. This research contributes to the empirical literature on rent control by analysing the relationship between non-targeted housing subsidies and underutilization of housing units.
A hybrid linear Diophantine fuzzy group decision approach for enterprise digital transformation maturity evaluation
Authors: Ren Yuqi , Gao Kai , Liu Tingting , Rong Yuan , Mishra Raj Arunodaya
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The main goal of this paper is to present a synthetic multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) methodology for assessing the enterprise digital maturity with linear Diophantine fuzzy (LDF) setting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilizes the presented LDF generalized Dombi operator to aggregate assessment information of experts. The developed combined weight model through merging the rank sum (RS) model and symmetry point of criterion (SPC) method is used to ascertain the comprehensive importance of criterion. The evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) approach based upon regret theory (RT) is presented to achieve the sorting of candidate enterprises.

Findings

Firstly, the proposed method has strong stability. Secondly, the proposed method takes into consideration the psychological behavior of experts during the decision-making process which further enhances the rationality of the decision results. Finally, the proposed method integrates expert and criterion weight determination models which provides a practical evaluation framework for assessing the digital maturity of enterprises. The research outcomes confirm that the proposed approach fails to resolve the decision problems with unknown weight information flexibly, but also reflect the psychological behavior of expert in decision process. The presented weight approach also provides a rational algorithm to ascertain the weight more accurate.

Originality/value

A composite LDF group decision-making approach is presented by aggregating the proposed generalized Dombi operator, combined weight model and the EDAS model, which make the outcome more reasonable. Sensitivity analysis and comparison study are conducted to reflect the superiority of the proposed approach.