bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reevaluation of structures in
Se70
from combined conversion-electron and
γ
-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Smallcombe J. , Garnsworthy A. B. , Korten W. , Singh P. , Muir D. , Próchniak L. , Ali F. A. , Andreoiu C. , Ansari S. , Ball G. C. , Barton C. J. , Bhattacharjee S. S. , Bowry M. , Briscoe A. D. , Caballero-Folch R. , Chester A. , Gillespie S. A. , Grinyer G. F. , Hackman G. , Heery J. , Jones C. , Melon B. , Moukaddam M. , Nannini A. , Ruotsalainen P. , Starosta K. , Svensson C. E. , Wadsworth R. , Williams J.
Published: August 2024

In the selenium isotopes various shape phenomena are present, in particular, the emergence of a dominant oblate deformation in the most neutron-deficient isotopes has been observed. The scenario of shape coexisting oblate and prolate bands has been proposed across the isotopic chain, with the crossing point of such bands being located near Se70, where no coexistence has yet been identified.

To determine the presence or absence of any low-lying 0+ state in Se70, confirm the level structure, and interpret the nuclear deformation with theoretical models.

A combined internal-conversion-electron and γ-ray spectroscopy study was undertaken with the SPICE and TIGRESS spectrometers at the TRIUMF-ISAC-II facility. Nuclear models were provided by the generalized triaxial rotor model (GTRM) and the collective generalised Bohr Hamiltonian (GBH).

Despite a comprehensive search, no evidence was found for the existence of a 0+ state below 2 MeV in Se70. Significant discrepancies to the previously established positive-parity-level scheme were found. GBH calculations using UNEDF1 mass parameters were found to reproduce the revised low-lying level structure well.

Se70 does not have a well-defined axial shape. The 22+ state at 1601 keV resembles a quasi-γ excitation rather than a member of a shape coexisting band; the presence of such a band is all but ruled out.

Published by the American Physical Society2024
Capacity of entanglement for scalar fields in squeezed states
Authors: Mohammadi Mozaffar M. Reza
Published: August 2024

We study various aspects of capacity of entanglement in the squeezed states of a scalar field theory. This quantity is a quantum informational counterpart of heat capacity and characterizes the width of the eigenvalue spectrum of the reduced density matrix. In particular, we carefully examine the dependence of capacity of entanglement and its universal terms on the squeezing parameter in the specific regimes of the parameter space. Remarkably, we find that the capacity of entanglement obeys a volume law in the large squeezing limit. We discuss how these results are consistent with the behavior of other entanglement measures including entanglement and Renyi entropies. We also comment on the existence of consistent holographic duals for a family of Gaussian states with generic squeezing parameter based on the ratio of entanglement entropy and the capacity of entanglement.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Observation of thermal transport close to diffusive in a weak long-ranged Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou-type model
Authors: Xiong Daxing , Wang Jianjin
Published: August 2024

We explore thermal transport in a one-dimensional Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou-type (FPUT-type) system with long-range (LR) interactions. In such a system, the harmonic part of the potential is nearest-neighbor coupled, while the strength of the quartic part of the potential between two lattice sites decays as a power σ of the inverse of their distance, demonstrating the LR feature of the system. The relevant strong LR model (0≤σ≤1) has been considered in detail in our recent study [Xiong and Wang, ], and here, we focus on the weak LR regime (1≤σ≤3). We show that the thermal transport behaviors in this regime are quite unexpected. We discovered a subregime (1≤σ≤1.5) wherein the thermal transport behaviors are very close to diffusive. This suggests that even a momentum-conserving system with appropriate LR interactions can still exhibit normal heat conduction. By meticulously analyzing the space-time scaling properties of equilibrium heat correlations, we also determine the center of this diffusive thermal transport at approximately σ≃1.25. These discoveries, together with our prior results, provide a comprehensive understanding of thermal transport of this kind of LR-FPUT-type model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Higher-Order Null Models as a Lens for Social Systems
Authors: Preti Giulia , Fazzone Adriano , Petri Giovanni , De Francisci Morales Gianmarco
Published: August 2024

Despite the widespread adoption of higher-order mathematical structures such as hypergraphs, methodological tools for their analysis lag behind those for traditional graphs. This work addresses a critical gap in this context by proposing two microcanonical random null models for directed hypergraphs: the directed hypergraph degree model () and the directed hypergraph JOINT model (). These models preserve essential structural properties of directed hypergraphs such as node in- and out-degree sequences and hyperedge head- and tail-size sequences, or their joint tensor. We also describe two efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms, - and -, to sample random hypergraphs from these ensembles. To showcase the interdisciplinary applicability of the proposed null models, we present three distinct use cases in sociology, epidemiology, and economics. First, we reveal the oscillatory behavior of increased homophily in opposition parties in the U.S. Congress over a 40-year span, emphasizing the role of higher-order structures in quantifying political group homophily. Second, we investigate a nonlinear contagion in contact hypernetworks, demonstrating that disparities between simulations and theoretical predictions can be explained by considering higher-order joint degree distributions. Last, we examine the economic complexity of countries in the global trade network, showing that local network properties preserved by explain the main structural economic complexity indexes. This work advances the development of null models for directed hypergraphs, addressing the intricate challenges posed by their complex entity relations, and providing a versatile suite of tools for researchers across various domains.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating various cryptocurrency research trends: an analysis employing text mining and topic modeling
Authors: Singh Amrinder , Trivedi Shrawan Kumar , Vishnu Sriranga , T. Harigaran , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The trend among the financial investors to integrate cryptocurrencies, the very first completely digital assets, in their investment portfolio, has increased during the last decade. Even though cryptocurrencies share certain common characteristics with other investment products, they have their own distinct characteristic features, and the behavior of this asset class is currently being studied by the research scholars interested in this domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the text mining approach, this article examines research trends in the field of cryptocurrencies to identify prospective research needs. To narrow down to ten topics, the abstracts and the indexed keywords of 1,387 research publications on cryptocurrency, blockchain and Bitcoins published between 2013 and 2022 were analyzed using the topic modeling technique and Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA).

Findings

The findings show a wide range of study trends on various aspects of cryptocurrencies. In the recent years, there have been lots of research and publications on the topics such as cryptocurrency markets, cryptocurrency transactions and use of blockchain in transactions and security of Bitcoin. In comparison, topics such as use of blockchain in fintech, cryptocurrency regulations, blockchain smart contract protocols and legal issues in cryptocurrency have remained relatively underexplored. After using the LDA, this paper further analyzes the significance of each topic, future directions of individual topics and its popularity among researchers in the discussion section.

Originality/value

While similar studies exist, no other work has used topic modeling to comprehensively analyze the cryptocurrencies literature by considering diverse fields and domains.
Comparative study of Yamada-Ota and Xue models for MHD hybrid nanofluid flow past a rotating stretchable disk: stability analysis
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad Yousuf , Sabeen Ayesha , Rehman Aqeel ur , Abbas Zaheer
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The hybrid nanofluid flow due to a rotating disk has numerous applications, including centrifugal pumps, paper production, polymers dying, air filtration systems, automobile cooling and solar collectors. This study aims to investigate the convective heat transport and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) hybrid nanofluid flow past a stretchable rotating surface using the Yamada-Ota and Xue models with the impacts of heat generation and thermal radiation.

Design/methodology/approach

The carbon nanotubes such as single-wall carbon nanotubes and multi-wall carbon nanotubes are suspended in a base fluid like water to make the hybrid nanofluid. The problem’s governing partial differential equations are transformed into a system of ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations. Then, the numerical solutions are found with a bvp4c function in MATLAB software. The impacts of pertinent parameters on the flow and temperature fields are depicted in tables and graphs.

Findings

Two solution branches are discovered in a certain range of unsteadiness parameters. The fluid temperature and the rate of heat transport are enhanced when the thermal radiation and heat generation effects are increased. The Yamada-Ota model has a higher temperature than the Xue model. Furthermore, it is observed that only the first solution remains stable when the stability analysis is implemented.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the results stated are original and new with the investigation of MHD hybrid nanofluid flow with convective heat transfer using the extended version of Yamada-Ota and Xue models. Moreover, the novelty of the present study is improved by taking the impacts of heat generation and thermal radiation.
I genuinely recognize you: how technological engagement and privacy increase the online purchase intent of consumers
Authors: Nayyar Varun
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to explore the purchase intention of online consumers by proposing and validating a model supported by exhaustive reviews from top-rated journals, where digital technology, consumer privacy, consumer engagement and online advertising were the extracted constructs influencing consumer learning on digital platforms and finally evaluating the purchase intention of online consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire representing these constructs was then sent to the 470 respondents on LinkedIn, and then designations like business heads, managers and faculty from educational institutions were selected using a stratified sampling technique and, finally, PLS-SEM robust computation standards aided in research model assessment and validation.

Findings

Results predicted that the variance explained by individual independent constructs defines consumer privacy as a priority for companies, followed by online advertising, consumer engagement and digital technology while measuring the final purchase intent for online consumption. Also, with dynamism in consumer sentiments and a rapidly changing technological environment, the consumer’s digital behaviour may differ in the coming future in relation to their online purchase intent.

Research limitations/implications

Current research anticipates that the final online purchase intent of consumers has been vividly covered by our independent constructs, but an unexplained R2 of 31% still promotes prospects related to the existing research. Furthermore, India has a huge rural population that, with a lack of money, has a complex behavioural mindset due to religious issues.

Practical implications

It is important to note that in a real-time market, a better understanding of the duality of persuasive and smart technology and the evaluation of the performance of social media helps in deciding the final online consumer intent.

Originality/value

The need for digital transformation has become an essential necessity for companies while managing the expectations and needs of the fastest-growing online consumers.
Viewing hospitality from an interdisciplinary lens: a systematic review of 30-year research on hospitality in health care
Authors: Zhong YunYing (Susan) , Bottorff Timothy , Li Jianwen , Thiamwong Ladda , Beltran Susanny J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the conceptual and empirical operations of hospitality at its intersections with health care, which includes medical and senior care.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a systematic review of literature on hospitality in health care published in hospitality, tourism and leisure journals spanning from 1990 to 2023. A total of 50 studies meeting the inclusion criteria are reviewed, providing insights into how hospitality is conceptualized, its practical implementation and the proposed outcomes in health-care settings.

Findings

Hospitality in health care is conceptualized by hospitality scholars in three main ways: as service functions, as a service exchange and as an organizational culture. There is a significant overlap between the notion of hospitality and the concept of person-centered care in gerontology and health-care literature. Also, hospitality contributes positively to patient/resident experiences, organizational performance and societal impacts.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its focus solely on the theoretical and practical aspects of hospitality in health care within hospitality, tourism and leisure journals, excluding relevant literature from gerontological and health-care journals.

Originality/value

Interdisciplinary research requires scholars from different disciplines to develop a common language and understanding of key concepts. This study presents the conceptual and practical domains of hospitality and its relevancy to health-care research and offers future directions to strengthen the interdisciplinary research between hospitality, health care and gerontology.
Bankruptcy as a planned business strategy? Evidence from the stock market
Authors: Serra Coelho Luís Miguel
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the US stock market deals with the announcement of a strategic Chapter 11, a special type of corporate bankruptcy in which companies seek the protection of the law not as a last resort but as a planned business decision.

Design/methodology/approach

An event study is conducted by using data concerning a group of US publicly traded companies that entered Chapter 11 for both strategic and nonstrategic reasons. Regression analysis is also used for robustness purposes.

Findings

This study reveals that initiating both strategic and nonstrategic Chapter 11 proceedings results in negative and statistically significant abnormal stock returns before and at the bankruptcy announcement date. However, in the period following the filing, the market gradually views strategic bankruptcy cases as positive news, whereas nonstrategic Chapter 11 filings continue to be perceived as distinctly negative.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper that documents an asymmetric market reaction to the announcement of Chapter 11, suggesting that, in certain circumstances, managers can add value by filing a strategic bankruptcy.
Are diet quality and dietary acid load associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with celiac disease?
Authors: Caferoglu Akin Zeynep , Aytekin-Sahin Gizem , Aslan Gonul Busra , Gunes Kaya Didem , Tokgoz Yavuz
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the dietary compliance of children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) and their diet quality (DQ) and dietary acid load (DAL) and to determine the relationship of these dietary parameters with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Design/methodology/approach

Ninety-one children and adolescents with CD and 144 healthy peers were included in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements were conducted by researchers. DQ and DAL were calculated from participants’ 24-h dietary recall records. HRQoL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and compliance with a gluten-free diet (GFD) was obtained using the GFD score. Data was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire.

Findings

Of celiac patients, 53.1% were strictly compatible with the GFD, and 35.8% were non-compliant with the diet. The DQ scores of participants with CD were higher than their healthy peers, and the DAL scores were lower (p < 0.01). Finally, no relationship was found between the DQ and DAL with HRQoL scores in celiac patients (p > 0.05). However, better dietary compliance with the GFD was associated with improved HRQoL (p < 0.05).

Practical implications

While DQ and DAL had no association with HRQoL, better dietary compliance improved the HRQoL of celiac patients. This may help develop solutions to the problems experienced by celiac patients, thereby improving the management of CD.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the association of DQ and DAL with HRQoL in children with CD.
Decorative 3D printing on textiles using elastomer TPU filament under different printing conditions
Authors: Kechagias John D. , Chaidas Dimitrios , Spahiu Tatjana
Published: August 2024

Purpose

New sustainable approaches to fashion products are needed due to the demand for customization, better quality and cost reduction. Therefore, the decoration of fashion products using 3D printing technology can create a new direction for manufacturing science.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to optimize the 3D printing of soft TPU material on textiles. In the past decade, trials of using 3D printing in tailored fashion products have been done due to the 3D printing simplicity, low cost of materials and time reduction. Therefore, soft polymers can be multi-layer stepped-deposited smoothly with the fused filament fabrication process.

Findings

Even though there have been many attempts in the literature to 3D print multilayer polymer filaments directly onto textile fabrics by special-purpose 3D printers, only a few reports of decorative or personalized artefact 3D printing using open-platform filament material extrusion 3D printers. Printing speed, nozzle Z distance, textile fabric thickness and deposited strand height significantly affect 3D printing on textile fabric.

Originality/value

This study investigates the potential of 3D printing on textiles by changing the printing speed, nozzle hot end, Z distance and layer thickness. It presents two critical case studies of 3D printing soft thermoplastic polyurethane material on a cotton T-shirt and on a tulle textile to reveal the 3D printing on textile fabrics manufacturing challenges.
Comparative fatigue performance of as-built vs etched Ti64 in TPMS-gyroid and stochastic structures fabricated via PBF-LB for biomedical applications
Authors: Araya-Calvo Miguel , Järvenpää Antti , Rautio Timo , Morales-Sanchez Johan Enrique , Guillen-Girón Teodolito
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study compares the fatigue performance and biocompatibility of as-built and chemically etched Ti-6Al-4V alloys in TPMS-gyroid and stochastic structures fabricated via Powder Bed Fusion Laser Beam (PBF-LB). This study aims to understand how complex lattice structures and post-manufacturing treatment, particularly chemical etching, affect the mechanical properties, surface morphology, fatigue resistance and biocompatibility of these metamaterials for biomedical applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology was used to fabricate TPMS-gyroid and Voronoi stochastic designs with three different relative densities (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4) in Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy. The as-built samples underwent a chemical etching process to enhance surface quality. Mechanical characterization included static compression and dynamic fatigue testing, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface and failure analysis. The biocompatibility of the samples was assessed through in-vitro cell viability assays using the Alamar Blue assay and cell proliferation studies.

Findings

Chemical etching significantly improves the surface morphology, mechanical properties and fatigue resistance of both TPMS-gyroid and stochastic structures. Gyroid structures demonstrated superior mechanical performance and fatigue resistance compared to stochastic structures, with etching providing more pronounced benefits in these aspects. In-vitro biocompatibility tests showed high cytocompatibility for both as-built and etched samples, with etched samples exhibiting notably improved cell viability. The study also highlights the importance of design and post-processing in optimizing the performance of Ti64 components for biomedical applications.

Originality/value

The comparative analysis between as-built and etched conditions, alongside considering different lattice designs, provides valuable information for developing advanced biomedical implants. The demonstration of enhanced fatigue resistance and biocompatibility through etching adds significant value to the field of additive manufacturing, suggesting new avenues for designing and post-processing implantable devices.
Interventions for resilient nature‐based solutions: An ecological perspective
Authors: Standish Rachel J. , Parkhurst Tina
Published: August 2024

Nature‐based solutions (NbS) have emerged at the science, policy and practitioner interface to address environmental challenges facing society. NbS involve people working with nature to protect, restore or manage ecosystems. Yet NbS vary to the extent they support biological diversity which has implications for ecological resilience.

We reviewed how ecological resilience has been conceptualised in the NbS literature. The literature included reference to both resilience to specific disturbances and general resilience to future environmental change.

We found reporting of resilience mechanisms was limited except for afforestation efforts where there is increasing recognition of the role of species diversity in contributing to resilience. Reporting was limited for resilience mechanisms that operate within species and populations (e.g. genetic diversity) and at the landscape scale (e.g. connectivity). Resistance was overlooked despite the prevalence of NbS intended to address climate change. From the broader ecological literature, we distilled resilience mechanisms that have been identified for native and experimental ecosystems and suggested interventions for the emergence of resilience mechanisms in NbS.

Synthesis. Interventions to conserve biodiversity such as retaining and restoring ecosystems, are critical given that biodiversity, within and across scales of biological organisation, underpins several ecological resilience mechanisms in NbS.
Optimal timing of surgery for inguinal hernia in premature neonates
Authors: Chen Guoqiang , Zhou Hai , Yang Jian , Xia Bingshan , Gao Jia , Xiang Qianming , Guo Chunbao , Chen Gongli
Published: August 2024

Aim

The surgical repair of inguinal hernias represents a significant risk for premature infants. Despite ongoing discourse, the optimal approach to hernia management remains contentious. Our investigation aims to establish the most favourable timing for inguinal repair in premature neonates.

Patients and Methods

Our investigation involved the analysis of medical records for 536 neonates, born prematurely, who underwent inguinal hernia repair from January 2018 to December 2023. We dichotomised the cohort into two groups: those who received early repair and those who underwent late repair. The timing of the surgery was primarily determined by the surgeon's decision, in conjunction with familial consent to the surgical intervention. The primary endpoints were the incidence of recurrence or incarceration within 1 year after surgery. The secondary endpoints encompassed length of neonatal intensive care unit stay, post‐operative ventilator dependency, and frequency of return visits, whether to the inpatient and emergency department or an outpatient clinical setting, for hernia‐related issues.

Results

The analysis encompassed a total of 454 neonates born prematurely, of which 163 underwent early repair, while 291 received late repair for inguinal hernia. The demographic data between the two groups demonstrated no significant differences. The occurrences of hernia recurrence and post‐operative apnoea presented similar trends across both cohorts. Notably, the late repair group exhibited an increased incidence of preoperative incarceration and return visits due to hernia complications. In this group, testicular atrophy or ovarian necrosis was observed in five cases, despite the overall absence of significant differences.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the surgical repair of inguinal hernia in preterm neonates, performed at the time of presentation to our clinics, is both safe and feasible. However, a delay in hernia repair appears to be associated with a heightened risk of severe complications, such as testicular atrophy or ovarian necrosis.
Environmental information disclosure and corporate financial performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Fan Xinyue , Tang Zishen , Fu Yelin , Yan Jiayi
Published: August 2024

Corporate environmental disclosure has gained prominence in capital markets, yet opinions vary on whether its benefits outweigh its costs. Based on a sample of Chinese listed A‐share firms spanning 2010–2020, we reveal that the environmental information disclosed by listed companies significantly enhances the economic value added. Key mechanisms include positive media attention, institutional investor shareholding and corporate R&D investment. Additionally, government investment in environmental governance plays a positive moderating role. Furthermore, we also find that non‐monetised disclosures bring more benefits than monetised ones. Also green signals have a peer effect in the same industry and province.
How does green finance policy affect firms' pro‐environmental mergers and acquisitions?
Authors: Yi Zhimin , Liu Haiyue , Wang Yile , Chen Jinyong
Published: August 2024

The study reveals that the Green Credit Guidelines significantly encourage firms' pro‐environmental mergers and acquisitions (M&As) among polluting industries, as evidenced by difference‐in‐differences estimations with Chinese listed firms (2004–2020). Three primary mechanisms include increased commercial credit financing, improvements within firm agencies, and heightened scrutiny from external analysts. The effect is more prominent in non‐state‐owned firms, firms with a higher number of executives with financial backgrounds, and regions with lower levels of green financial development and environmental regulations. Post‐M&A, acquiring firms demonstrate a marked decrease in environmental governance expenses and carbon emissions, alongside an improvement in overall environmental performance.
Assessing the Effect of Predator Control on Black‐Footed Cat Survival in Central South Africa
Authors: Lai Sandra , Warret Rodrigues Chloé , O'Donnell Holly , Küsters Martina , Herrick Jason , Lawrenz Arne , Lamberski Nadine , Schroeder Michelle , Wilson Beryl , Sliwa Alexander
Published: August 2024

The black‐footed cat, a small felid endemic to southern Africa, is particularly vulnerable to killing by larger carnivores while also being prone to developing renal diseases. Here, we investigated the effect of predator control on black‐footed cat populations by comparing adult annual survival between two sites, a nature reserve with little predator management and a sheep and game farm where jackals and caracals were lethally controlled. Although relatively low, survival rates were similar for both sites, suggesting that intraguild killing did not have an additive effect on black‐footed cat mortality. Disease was however prevalent and weakened individuals might have a reduced ability to evade predators.
Exposure–response modelling of osimertinib in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Johnson Martin , Lin Yu‐Wei , Schmidt Henning , Sunnaker Mikael , Van Maanen Eline , Huang Xiangning , Rukazenkov Yuri , Tomkinson Helen , Vishwanathan Karthick
Published: August 2024

Aims

Osimertinib is a third‐generation, irreversible, central nervous system‐active, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with efficacy in EGFR‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We assessed the relationship between plasma osimertinib levels and its efficacy and safety events.

Methods

Comprehensive pharmacokinetics exposure–response (E–R) modelling was performed utilizing steady state area under the curve (AUCss) data from first‐line, ≥second‐line and adjuvant studies from the osimertinib clinical development programme (20–240 mg once‐daily dosing; N = 1689 patients). Analyses were conducted for survival using a proportional hazard model; for interstitial lung disease (ILD) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) events using a penalized logistic regression model and graphical analysis of potential confounding factors; and for rash and diarrhoea events using descriptive analysis.

Results

E–R modelling analyses indicated no clear trend of increasing efficacy with increasing osimertinib AUCss; efficacy in all exposure quartiles was significantly better than the control arm (comparator EGFR‐TKI, chemotherapy or placebo) irrespective of treatment line. Model‐based analysis suggested a potential relationship between increased osimertinib exposure and increased probability of ILD events, predominantly in Japanese patients. Additionally, there were increased probabilities of rash or diarrhoea with increasing osimertinib exposure. The probability of LVEF events showed overlapping confidence intervals for osimertinib ≤80 mg and control.

Conclusions

E–R modelling in patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC demonstrated that increased osimertinib exposure was unlikely to increase efficacy but may increase occurrence of certain adverse events. Hence, long‐term treatment with doses ≥80 mg was not expected to provide additional benefit.
Long noncoding RNA H19 knockdown promotes angiogenesis via IMP2 after ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhong Liyuan , Fan Junfen , Yan Feng , Yang Zhenhong , Hu Yue , Li Lingzhi , Wang Rongliang , Zheng Yangmin , Luo Yumin , Liu Ping
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aimed to explore the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 knockdown on angiogenesis and blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and elucidate their underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Methods

A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion model was used to induce cerebral I/R injury. The cerebral infarct volume and neurological impairment were assessed using 2,3,5‐triphenyl‐tetrazolium chloride staining and neurobehavioral tests, respectively. Relevant proteins were evaluated using western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, a bioinformatics website was used to predict the potential target genes of lncRNA H19. Finally, a rescue experiment was conducted to confirm the potential mechanism.

Results

Silencing of H19 significantly decreased the cerebral infarct volume, enhanced the recovery of neurological function, mitigated BBB damage, and stimulated endothelial cell proliferation following ischemic stroke. Insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 2 (IMP2) is predicted to be a potential target gene for lncRNA H19. H19 knockdown increased IMP2 protein expression and IMP2 inhibition reversed the protective effects of H19 inhibition.

Conclusion

Downregulation of H19 enhances angiogenesis and mitigates BBB damage by regulating IMP2, thereby alleviating cerebral I/R injury.
Challenges with sirolimus experimental data to inform QSP model of post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide regimens
Authors: Mohanan Ezhilpavai , Shen Guofang , Ren Suping , Fan Hsuan‐Hao , Moua Kao Tang Ying , Karolak Aleksandra , Rockne Russell C. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Horne David A. , Kanakry Christopher G. , Mager Donald E. , McCune Jeannine S.
Published: August 2024

Dose optimization of sirolimus may further improve outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients receiving post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) to prevent graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Sirolimus exposure–response association studies in HCT patients (i.e., the association of trough concentration with clinical outcomes) have been conflicting. Sirolimus has important effects on T‐cells, including conventional (Tcons) and regulatory T‐cells (Tregs), both of which have been implicated in the mechanisms by which PTCy prevents GVHD, but there is an absence of validated biomarkers of sirolimus effects on these cell subsets. Considering the paucity of existing biomarkers and the complexities of the immune system, we conducted a literature review to inform a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model of GVHD. The published literature presented multiple challenges. The sirolimus pharmacokinetic models insufficiently describe sirolimus distribution to relevant physiological compartments. Despite multiple publications describing sirolimus effects on Tcons and Tregs in preclinical and human ex vivo models, consistent parameters relating sirolimus concentrations to circulating Tcons and Tregs could not be found. Each aspect presents a challenge in building a QSP model of sirolimus and its temporal effects on T‐cell subsets and GVHD prevention. To optimize GVHD prevention regimens, phase I studies and systematic studies of immunosuppressant concentration–effect association are needed for QSP modeling.
The top 10 priorities in adults living with type 1 diabetes in Ireland and the United Kingdom – A James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership
Authors: Newman Christine , Kinsella Suzannah , Rooney Peter , Bromley Jake , Connor Rachel , Gajewska Kate , Hannan Sinead , Holt Richard I. G. , Hubbard Julia , Kavangh Columb , Moffett Jinty , Morris Anna , Nathan Hilary , Oliver Nick , Petrie John R. , Skarlatos Michael , Treanor David , Williams Pauline , Dunne Fidelma P.
Published: August 2024

Aims

To undertake a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP), identifying the most important unanswered questions in type 1 diabetes in Ireland and the United Kingdom and to compare these to priorities identified in a 2011 PSP.

Methods

A steering committee (including eight individuals with lived experience/charity representatives and six clinicians) designed a survey which asked stakeholders to list three questions about type 1 diabetes. This was disseminated through social media, direct email contact, and printed posters. Following analysis, a second survey asked participants to rank these priorities in order of importance. The top questions were then carried forward to an online, 2 days final workshop where the final top 10 were ranked.

Results

There were 1050 responses (64% female, 78% adults living with type 1 diabetes, 9% healthcare professionals, 9% family members) to the first survey and 2937 individual questions were submitted. Sixty‐five summary questions were submitted into a second survey, completed by 497 individuals (76% adults living with type 1 diabetes, 9% healthcare professionals, and 11% family members). Nineteen questions from the interim survey progressed to a final workshop, which identified the top 10 priorities through group discussion. As in 2011, there was emphasis on psychological health, diabetes‐related complications, and hypoglycaemia. New themes prioritised included artificial intelligence and women's health.

Conclusions

The research priorities, which have been identified using a robust and proven methodology, highlight the key concerns of those living with type 1 diabetes, their families and representatives, as well as clinicians in Ireland and the UK.
Safety evaluation of bi‐layered allogenic keratinocyte and fibroblast skin substitute for diabetic foot ulcers—SAFESKIN‐DFU: A Phase 1 clinical trial
Authors: Farzanbakhsh Shayan , Amini Mohammad Reza , Madani Hoda , Sadri Bahareh , Hassani Seyedeh Nafiseh , Fallah Nasrin , Samadian Azam , Aghdami Raheleh , Khalajasadi Zahra , Baharvand Hossein , Vosough Massoud , Hajizadeh‐Saffar Ensiyeh
Published: August 2024

Aim

To assess the safety and efficacy of a local skin substitute product in the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Materials and Methods

Five patients were evaluated over 6 months. Skin substitutes were applied twice at 2‐week intervals. Patients were monitored for any possible adverse effects and wound improvement.

Results

The results indicated the overall safety of the skin substitute, with only few adverse effects unrelated to this product. Significant reduction in wound size was observed in four patients during the initial 12‐week treatment phase, with complete closure in two patients at 24 weeks.

Conclusions

The application of a bi‐layered allogeneic keratinocyte and fibroblast skin substitute in patients with chronic DFU was safe and associated with favourable wound healing results. Adherence to standard treatment protocols, including optimal offloading, is essential to maximize the likelihood of successful wound healing.
The effectiveness of telemonitoring and integrated personalized diabetes management in people with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Saetang Thanyalak , Greeviroj Primploy , Thavaraputta Subhanudh , Santisitthanon Prangareeya , Houngngam Natnicha , Laichuthai Nitchakarn
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of integrated personalized diabetes management (iPDM) through telemedicine (tele‐iPDM) with regard to glycaemic control.

Methods

A 6‐month single‐centre, open‐label, prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 18–65 years with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 7.5%–10.5%. The tele‐iPDM group received insulin adjustment by investigators through a cloud‐based telemonitoring platform for 6 months (blood glucose monitoring reviewed weekly from Weeks 0 to 12 and then monthly from Weeks 13 to 24). The control group performed self‐monitoring and insulin adjustment. The primary outcome was the difference in HbA1c change from baseline between the two groups at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included changes in HbA1c at 12 weeks, fasting plasma glucose, body weight, body mass index (BMI), the percentage of individuals achieving HbA1c <7% at 24 weeks, the percentage of individuals with an HbA1c reduction of >0.5% at 24 weeks, and incidences of hypoglycaemic events.

Results

A total of 151 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 53.36 ± 8.08 years and a mean diabetes duration of 12.38 ± 8.47 years. The baseline HbA1c was 8.47 ± 0.76%. The mean HbA1c decreased from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks in both groups. At 12 weeks, HbA1c reduction from baseline was −1.2% (95%CI −1.42 to −0.98) in the tele‐iPDM group and −0.57% (95%CI −0.79 to −0.36) in the control group. The mean difference in HbA1c between the tele‐iPDM and usual care groups at 12 weeks was −0.63% (95%CI −0.94 to −0.32; p < 0.001). At 24 weeks, HbA1c reduction from baseline was −1.14% (95%CI −1.38 to −0.89) in the tele‐iPDM group and − 0.49% (95%CI −0.73 to −0.25) in the control group. The mean difference in HbA1c between the tele‐iPDM and usual care groups was −0.65% (95%CI −0.99 to −0.30; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in body weight, BMI, or hypoglycaemic events between the two groups.

Conclusion

Telemonitoring can support the iPDM care model in individuals with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes. It improves the efficiency of diabetes care, enhances glycaemic control at 12 weeks, and sustains glycaemic control at 24 weeks.
Draft deferments and higher education: New evidence from a totalitarian state
Authors: Lskavyan Vahe
Published: August 2024

Previous studies report mixed results regarding the relationship between military conscription and educational incentives. We provide new evidence from a distinct institutional environment—the Soviet Union, a totalitarian and centrally planned superpower. We examine the impact of abolishing student deferments on higher education (HE) enrollments. Competing hypotheses about the value of Soviet HE imply an uncertain relationship. For a sample of individuals from Latvia, then part of the Soviet Union, we find that this change significantly reduced the odds of male but not female enrollments. There is no evidence that this relationship varied by nationality. Additionally, we find that males who enrolled in HE just before the deferments were abolished were less likely to complete their education. Our results confirm that Soviet HE was used, in part, to avoid military service.
Functional redundancy in carrion decomposition by temperate forest ant communities
Authors: Salido Angela , Reyes‐López Joaquín L. , Parejo Deseada , Avilés Jesús M.
Published: August 2024

Scavenging of small avian corpses may provide ants with a valuable source of nutrients, a possibility poorly studied.

Here, we assessed whether ants are efficient carrion‐decomposers of avian corpses in Mediterranean dehesas through an exclusion experiment comparing decomposition rates among three treatments: vertebrate exclusion, vertebrate + invertebrate exclusion and control. Treatments were applied in a paired design in bird cavities and on the ground in two zones to assess functional redundancy. Ant community was characterized by pitfall traps, and key functional traits influencing ants' presence on carrion were identified by using phylogenetic comparative methods.

Carrion decomposition was influenced by the exclusion treatment, being significantly faster when ants and other invertebrates were not excluded, but not by location (cavity/ground). Vertebrates were less likely to detect baits in cavities and removed more bait mass in the most transformed zone. Twelve of 25 ant species in the community were found foraging on baits. Ant communities differed between carrion location and localities. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the proneness of ant species to forage on carrion was unrelated to morphological or social traits, but behavioural, being higher among species foraging collectively.

Our results show that ants play a functionally unique role in the decomposition of small corpses in dehesas, and particularly so in trees and less transformed pastureland. Decomposition involves different species in different microhabitats, suggesting high functional redundancy across ants. Our findings provide new insights into the role of ants as scavengers and expand our understanding of the functioning of Mediterranean communities.
Comparison of dopamine release and uptake parameters across sex, species and striatal subregions
Authors: Kuiper Lindsey B. , Dawes Monica H. , West Alyssa M. , DiMarco Emily K. , Galante Emma V. , Kishida Kenneth T. , Jones Sara R.
Published: August 2024

For over four decades, fast‐scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) has been used to selectively measure neurotransmitters such as dopamine (DA) with high spatial and temporal resolution, providing detailed information about the regulation of DA in the extracellular space. FSCV is an optimal method for determining concentrations of stimulus‐evoked DA in brain tissue. When modelling diseases involving disturbances in DA transmission, preclinical rodent models are especially useful because of the availability of specialized tools and techniques that serve as a foundation for translational research. There is known heterogeneity in DA dynamics between and within DA‐innervated brain structures and between males and females. However, systematic evaluations of sex‐ and species‐differences across multiple areas are lacking. Therefore, using FSCV, we captured a broad range of DA dynamics across five sub‐regions of the dorsal and ventral striatum of males and females of both rats and mice that reflect the functional heterogeneity of DA kinetics and dynamics within these structures. While numerous differences were found, in particular, we documented a strong, consistent pattern of increased DA transporter activity in females in all of the regions surveyed. The data herein are intended to be used as a resource for further investigation of DA terminal function.
Rat anterior cingulate neurons responsive to rule or strategy changes are modulated by the hippocampal theta rhythm and sharp‐wave ripples
Authors: Khamassi M. , Peyrache A. , Benchenane K. , Hopkins D. A. , Lebas N. , Douchamps V. , Droulez J. , Battaglia F. P. , Wiener S. I.
Published: August 2024

To better understand neural processing during adaptive learning of stimulus‐response‐reward contingencies, we recorded synchrony of neuronal activity in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and hippocampal rhythms in male rats acquiring and switching between spatial and visual discrimination tasks in a Y‐maze. ACC population activity as well as single unit activity shifted shortly after task rule changes or just before the rats adopted different task strategies. Hippocampal theta oscillations (associated with memory encoding) modulated an elevated proportion of rule‐change responsive neurons (70%), but other neurons that were correlated with strategy‐change, strategy value and reward‐rate were not. However, hippocampal sharp wave‐ripples modulated significantly higher proportions of rule‐change, strategy‐change and reward‐rate responsive cells during post‐session sleep but not pre‐session sleep. This suggests an underestimated mechanism for hippocampal mismatch and contextual signals to facilitate ACC to detect contingency changes for cognitive flexibility, a function that is attenuated after it is damaged.
Effect of estrogen depression on alveolar bone microarchitecture and periodontal ligament cells during orthodontic movement
Authors: Ruivo Andréa Karina , Calsa Bruno , Cancellara Matheus Gomez , Lima João Paulo Nascimento , da Silva Karla Rovaris , Esquisatto Marcelo Augusto Marretto , Santamaria‐Jr Milton
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the estrogen depression during orthodontic tooth movement on alveolar bone microarchitecture and periodontal ligament. Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups, one consisting of non‐ovariectomized animals subjected to orthodontic tooth movement, and one comprising ovariectomized animals subjected to orthodontic tooth movement. Micro‐CT assessment of bone volume to total volume (BV/TV), total porosity, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in the alveolar bone of the orthodontically moved tooth was performed. Histomorphometric analyses were made in the periodontal ligament, and immunoexpression of RANK, RANKL, OPG, and TUNEL were quantified. Orthodontic tooth movement in the group of ovariectomized rats was faster than in non‐ovariectomized animals. The alveolar bone area showed lower values of BV/TV and trabecular thickness, and higher bone porosity and trabeculae numbers in the ovariectomized rats. Histological analyses in the ovariectomized group revealed an increase in collagen fibers in the periodontal ligament. The apoptotic cell counts in the periodontal ligament were higher in the group of ovariectomized rats than in the sham‐operated rats. Ovariectomy resulted in an increase in tooth movement and alteration of the alveolar bone microstructure in the first 7 day of orthodontic tooth movement, and in the presence of apoptotic cells in the periodontal ligament.