bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nomogram for predicting coronary artery lesions in patients with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Xuan Wenjie , Yao Yinping , Wang Yayun , Chen Xiaohong , Yao Huanying
Published: November 2024

As an acute systemic vasculitis, Kawasaki disease (KD) could develop coronary artery lesions (CAL) sometimes. However, its etiology was still unidentified. This study was to construct a predictive model based on clinical features and laboratory parameters, and then perform a rapid risk assessment of CAL. We collected clinical and laboratory data retrospectively for all patients with KD who were hospitalized at our hospital from January 2016 to June 2023. All the patients were divided into CAL and non-CAL groups and then randomly assigned to a training set and a verification set. The independent risk variables of CAL were identified by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the training set. These components were then utilized to build a predictive nomogram. Calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model. The predictive nomogram was further validated in the verification set. In the training set, 49 KD patients (19.9%) showed CAL. Compared with the non-CAL group, the proportion of fever days ≥ 10, C-reactive protein and total bilirubin were significantly higher in the CAL group, whereas age was younger, hemoglobin and albumin were lower. Younger age, fever days ≥ 10, higher C-reactive protein, lower hemoglobin and albumin were identified as independent risk factors for CAL in KD patients. The nomogram constructed using these factors showed satisfactory calibration degree and discriminatory power (the area under the curve, 0.764). In the verification set, the area under the curve was 0.798. Younger age, fever days ≥ 10, lower hemoglobin and albumin levels, higher C-reactive protein levels were independent risk factors for CAL in KD patients. The predictive nomogram constructed utilizing 5 relevant risk factors could be conveniently used to facilitate the individualized prediction of CAL in KD patients.
Construction of a novel tumor mutation burden-related mRNA signature for prognosis prediction in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Wen-Jing , Wang Chao , Hu Zhi-Hua , Jiang Xiao-Ze , Hu Wei-Ming
Published: November 2024

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common cancer with high mortality and tumor mutation burden (TMB), and high TMB is associated with favorable survival. The expression, mutation, and survival data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The mutation and differentially expressed genes were analyzed using limma R package. The function enrichment was analyzed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. TMB-related genes were identified by Weighted correlation network analysis. Univariate, multivariate and Lasso cox analyses were used to determine hub genes. The risk model and mRNA expression was validated by Receiver Operating Characteristic curve and qRTPCR. The immune infiltration was analyzed by xCELL. The drug sensitivity was determined through gene set cancer analysis database. We identified 1129 differentially expressed genes related to TMB. Enrichment analysis showed they were associated with immune response. ANKLE1 and PPP1R14A were screened out as hub genes. Receiver Operating Characteristic curve identified that the risk model had an effective prognosis value in progression-free interval of LSCC. Immune infiltration levels of 16 immune cells were significantly changed in high risk score group compared with low risk score group. ANKLE1 and PPP1R14A expressions were significantly upregulated in tumor group, which was consistent with qRTPCR results, and associated with better prognosis. ANKLE1 was negatively related to many drug sensitivities, while PPP1R14A was positively related to some drug sensitivities. We constructed an effective risk model constructed by ANKLE1 and PPP1R14A which was related to TMB in LSCC.
Catheter ablation in a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jia Yanxi , Liao Hua , Hu Qing , Liu Hongyan , Zeng Zhaomin , Yu Haiyan
Published: November 2024

Rationale:

Preexcitation syndrome is an uncommon congenital cardiac disorder that impairs the normal cardiac conduction system. Radiofrequency ablation is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. Nevertheless, radiofrequency ablation is rare in women with preexcitation syndrome during pregnancy.

Patient concerns:

A 33-year-old woman with monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by sinus arrhythmia with ventricular preexcitation at 14 weeks and 5 days of gestation, with paroxysmal palpitations and shortness of breath at 16 weeks with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia with preexcitation syndrome and a heart rate ranging from 180 to 225 beats per minute.

Diagnoses:

The pregnant occurred sudden palpitations and shortness of breath in the shower. Electrocardiography revealed paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, and electrophysiological study revealed preexcitation syndrome (dominant accessory route of the left free wall) with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia.

Interventions:

Radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed at 20 weeks.

Outcomes:

Symptoms of preexcitation syndrome resolved after the radiofrequency catheter ablation, and 2 healthy infants were delivered at 36 weeks and 2 days of gestation by cesarean section.

Lessons:

Preexcitation syndrome may result in life-threatening arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachycardia during pregnancy and delivery. It might be efficiently controlled through optimal treatment by a multidisciplinary team, which would effectively minimize arrhythmia risk events during pregnancy and improve maternal–fetal outcomes. Based on the patient’s individual situation, radiofrequency ablation may be a procedure in pregnant women with preexcitation syndrome.
Current research status and progress in neuropsychological development of children with congenital heart disease: A review
Authors: Lin Shuantong , Su Xiaojun , Cao Dequan
Published: November 2024

Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are receiving widespread attention for their neuropsychological developmental issues, which include cognitive, adaptive, motor, speech, behavioral, and executive functioning deficits as well as autism spectrum disorders. Timely identification of risk factors influencing neuropsychological development and implementation of appropriate interventions are crucial for enhancing the neuropsychological outcomes of children with CHD, ultimately benefiting the children, their families, and society as a whole. This comprehensive review article aimed to explore the epidemiology, risk factors, assessment methods, and monitoring strategies of neuropsychological development in children with CHD. By providing a detailed examination of these factors, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field, facilitating deeper understanding and more effective management of neuropsychological issues in this vulnerable population.
Repotrectinib: a promising new therapy for advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Rais Taruba , Shakeel Amna , Naseem Laiba , Nasser Nathalie , Aamir Minahil
Published: November 2024

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, accounting for 84% of lung cancer cases. The newly FDA-approved kinase inhibitor, repotrectinib (AUGTYRO), offers a promising option for treating advanced or metastatic NTRK/ROS1-positive Nonsmall cell lung cancer. Repotrectinib has demonstrated significant efficacy in clinical trials. Notably, the phase 1/2 TRIDENT-1 study showed impressive progression-free survival and intracranial activity in both TKI-naïve and pretreated patients. With its high response rates and manageable side effects, repotrectinib is set to play a significant role in treating ROS1+ and NTRK+advanced solid tumors, highlighting the ongoing need for research and clinical application.
Microvenular hemangioma located in the breast: a case report
Authors: Dong Mengting , Zhang Likun , Sheng Jiayu , Chen Junyi , Jiang Ke
Published: November 2024

Microvenular hemangioma (MVH) is a rare, benign type of hemangioma that typically presents as a solitary, slow-growing, red-to-violaceous asymptomatic papule, plaque, or nodule. It most commonly locations of the lesions on the limbs and trunk, with no prior reports of MVH confined to the breast. We present the first reported case of multiple MVH confined to the breast in a 17-year-old female patient. The case is notable for its unique and atypical clinical features. Diagnosing MVH is challenging and requires routine pathological and immunohistochemical staining. Histological testing revealed typical features of MVH, irregularly branched small or medium vascular interstitial spaces lined with benign endothelial cells and positivity for CD34 and CD31. This case emphasizes the need to consider MVH in the differential diagnosis of breast vascular lesions, particularly in young patients. It also underscores the importance of histological and immunohistochemical analyses for an accurate diagnosis.
Decedents Found in Bathtubs
Authors: Faust Bethany , Dye Amanda , Gill James R.
Published: November 2024

We investigated deaths in bathtubs for criteria to assist in death certification. We reviewed 252 deaths in which the person was found dead in a bathtub/shower at home. We extracted cause, manner, age, clad or unclad, water in the bathtub, water running, and face submersion. Of the 252 deaths, heart disease was the leading cause of death (129), followed by intoxication (47), trauma (22), drowning (28), and other diseases (26). The manners of death were 155 natural, 64 accident, 30 suicide, and 3 homicides. All drowning fatalities involved the decedent having their face submerged. Intoxication and natural deaths had submersion of the face in 15% and 12% of deaths, respectively. For nondrowning causes of death, the majority were without face submersion. For natural deaths, the predominant circumstance was the individual discovered unclad with water in the bathtub and the face not submerged. Conversely, for suicides, the majority were found clad without water. A comprehensive investigation incorporating a scene examination, gathering of the medical and psychosocial history, and typically an autopsy is needed to certify the cause and manner of death. Face submersion alone is not diagnostic of a drowning and must be interpreted with the medical history and autopsy findings.
A Rare Case of Neonatal Death Due to a Cranial Vault Fracture Following the Use of Obstetric Vacuum Extractor and Review of Literature
Authors: Caputo Fiorella , Caristo Isabella , Barranco Rosario , Vallega Bernucci Luca , Torielli Flaminia , Ventura Francesco
Published: November 2024

In the course of childbirth, if complications arise during the expulsion of the fetus, instruments can be employed to facilitate delivery. The vacuum extractor, or ventouse, is considered a relatively safe tool associated with a low rate of complications and mortality. However, it is crucial that the instrument be applied in the correct position and that the pulling force is not excessive to minimize damage to the fetal cranial structures. Fractures of the cranial vault following the application of obstetric vacuum extraction are very rare events.

This paper presents a case of perinatal death due to cranial vault fracture and subgaleal hematoma following vacuum extractor application. Only through postmortem examination was it possible to identify incorrect positioning of the ventouse, which was lateralized compared to the recommended position. The misplacement of the device led to an imbalance of forces, causing the cranial vault fracture that led to the infant's demise.

A thorough postmortem examination is essential in cases of perinatal death resulting from operative delivery to ascertain the cause of death and reconstruct the dynamics of events during childbirth. In particular, the examination of injuries on the decedent neonate may reveal improper positioning of the instrument.
Condylar Volumetric Asymmetry Predicts Need for Surgical Intervention in Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Romeo Dominic J. , Oral Kaan T. , Ryan Isabel A. , Lenz Theodor , Massenburg Benjamin B. , Ng Jinggang J. , Wu Meagan , Du Steven , Bartlett Scott P. , Swanson Jordan W. , Taylor Jesse A.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

In this study, the authors investigate the associations between the mandibular condyle and facial asymmetry in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP).

Methods:

Condylar volume was calculated by measuring the bony volume of the posterior mandible superior to the sigmoid notch in skeletally mature patients with CLP and controls. Relationships between condylar asymmetry, facial deviation, and malocclusion were compared using t-tests, correlation analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results:

This study included 118 patients: 60 with CLP preparing for orthognathic surgery, 17 with CLP who did not undergo orthognathic surgery, and 41 controls. Condylar volumes in patients with CLP preparing for orthognathic surgery were more asymmetric than those with CLP not requiring surgery (16.4 ± 17.4% vs 7.1 ± 6.0%, P = 0.03). Patients with CLP who did not undergo orthognathic surgery and controls had similar degrees of condylar asymmetry (7.1 ± 6.0% vs 5.9 ± 3.8%, P = 0.35). Condylar asymmetry correlated with chin deviation (P < 0.01). Patients with CLP and clinically significant chin deviation (>4 mm) had more asymmetric condyles than those without significant chin deviation, and the chin usually deviated toward the smaller condyle (P = 0.03). Condylar asymmetry >11% predicted undergoing orthognathic surgery in CLP with 70% sensitivity and 67% specificity.

Conclusion:

Condylar asymmetry is associated with facial asymmetry in patients with CLP, and the facial midline often deviates towards the smaller condyle. Condylar volumetric asymmetry in patients with CLP may be a predictor for needing orthognathic surgery, useful information for surgeons and families alike.
Do egg hormones have fitness consequences in wild birds? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mentesana Lucia , Hau Michaela , D'Amelio Pietro Bruno , Adreani Nicolas M. , Sanchez-Tojar Alfredo
Published: November 2024

Egg-laying species are key models for understanding the adaptive significance of maternal effects, with egg hormones proposed as an important underlying mechanism. However, even thirty years after their discovery, the evolutionary consequences of hormone-mediated maternal effects remain unclear. Using evidence synthesis, we tested the extent to which increased prenatal maternal hormone deposition in eggs relates to fitness in wild birds (19 species, 438 effect sizes, 57 studies). Egg androgens, glucocorticoids, and thyroid hormones showed an overall near-zero mean effect for both maternal and offspring fitness proxies. However, heterogeneity was high, suggesting that egg hormone effects on fitness are context-dependent. Hormone type and age did not explain much of the observed variance, nor did methodological factors such as type of study or experimental design. Heterogeneity decomposition showed that differences in effect sizes were mostly driven by within-study variability and phylogenetic relationships. Our study provides the most comprehensive investigation to date of the relationship between egg hormones and fitness in vertebrates. By synthesizing current knowledge, we aim to overcome theoretical shortcomings in the field of maternal effects via egg hormone deposition and inspire new research into its many intriguing aspects.
The Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling Pipeline: MATLAB-based Model Personalization and Treatment Optimization Functionality for OpenSim
Authors: Hammond Claire V. , Williams Spencer T. , Vega Marleny M. , Ao Di , Li Geng , Salati Robert M. , Pariser Kayla M. , Shourijeh Mohmmand S. , Habib Ayman W. , Patten Carolynn , Fregly Benjamin J.
Published: November 2024

Neuromusculoskeletal injuries including osteoarthritis, stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury affect roughly 19% of the U.S. adult population. Standardized interventions have produced suboptimal functional outcomes due to the unique treatment needs of each patient. Strides have been made to utilize computational models to develop personalized treatments, but researchers and clinicians have yet to cross the "valley of death" between fundamental research and clinical usefulness. This article introduces the Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling (NMSM) Pipeline, two MATLAB-based toolsets that add Model Personalization and Treatment Optimization functionality to OpenSim. The two toolsets facilitate computational design of individualized treatments for neuromusculoskeletal impairments through the use of personalized neuromusculoskeletal models and predictive simulation. The Model Personalization toolset contains four tools for personalizing 1) joint structure models, 2) muscle-tendon models, 3) neural control models, and 4) foot-ground contact models. The Treatment Optimization toolset contains three tools for predicting and optimizing a patient's functional outcome for different treatment options using a patient's personalized neuromusculoskeletal model with direct collocation optimal control methods. Support for user-defined cost functions and model modification functions facilitate simulation of a vast number of possible treatments. An NMSM Pipeline use case is presented for an individual post-stroke with impaired walking function, where the goal was to predict how the subject's neural control could be changed to improve walking speed without increasing metabolic cost. First the Model Personalization toolset was used to develop a personalized neuromusculoskeletal model of the subject starting from a generic OpenSim full-body model and experimental walking data (video motion capture, ground reaction, and electromyography) collected from the subject at his self-selected speed. Next the Treatment Optimization toolset was used with the personalized model to predict how the subject could recruit existing muscle synergies more effectively to reduce muscle activation disparities between the paretic and non-paretic legs. The software predicted that the subject could increase his walking speed by 60% without increasing his metabolic cost per unit time by modifying existing muscle synergy recruitment. This hypothetical treatment demonstrates how NMSM Pipeline tools could allow researchers working collaboratively with clinicians to develop personalized neuromusculoskeletal models of individual patients and to perform predictive simulations for the purpose of designing personalized treatments that maximize a patient's post-treatment functional outcome.
Enhancing cryopreservation of human iPSCs: Bottom-up vs Conventional freezing geometry
Authors: Teodoro Fernando , El-Guendouz Soukaina , Neves Rafaela , Duarte Andreia , Rodrigues Miguel A. , Melo Eduardo P.
Published: November 2024

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold large potential on regenerative medicine due to their pluripotency and unlimited self-renewal capacity without the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells. To provide quality-controlled iPSCs for clinical therapies, it is essential to develop safe cryopreservation protocols for long-term storage, preferable amenable for scale-up and automation. We have compared the impact of two different freezing geometries (bottom-up and conventional radial freezing) on the viability and differentiation capability of human iPSCs. Our results demonstrate that the bottom-up freezing under optimized conditions significantly increases iPSCs viability, up to 9% for the cell membrane integrity and up to 21% for the cell metabolic state, compared to conventional freezing. The improvement achieved for bottom-up versus conventional freezing was maintained after scale-up from cryogenic vials to 30 mL bags, highlighting the method’s potential for clinical applications. These findings show that bottom-up freezing can offer a more controlled and scalable cryopreservation strategy for iPSCs, promoting their future use in regenerative medicine.
Multi-omics analysis reveals CMTR1 upregulation in cancer and roles in ribosomal protein gene expression and tumor growth
Authors: Campeanu Ion John , Jiang Yuanyuan , Afisllari Hilda , Dzinic Sijana , Polin Lisa , Yang Zeng-Quan
Published: November 2024

The mRNA cap methyltransferase CMTR1 plays a crucial role in RNA metabolism and gene expression regulation, yet its significance in cancer remains largely unexplored. Here, we present a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of CMTR1 across various human cancers, revealing its widespread upregulation and potential as a therapeutic target. Integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data from a large set of cancer samples, we demonstrate that CMTR1 is upregulated at the mRNA, protein, and phosphoprotein levels across multiple cancer types. Functional studies using CRISPR-mediated knockout and siRNA knockdown in breast cancer models show that CMTR1 depletion significantly inhibits tumor growth bothin vitroandin vivo. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that CMTR1 primarily regulates ribosomal protein genes and other transcripts containing 5’ Terminal Oligopyrimidine (TOP) motifs. Additionally, CMTR1 affects the expression of snoRNA host genes and snoRNAs, suggesting a broader role in RNA metabolism. Mechanistically, we propose that CMTR1’s target specificity is partly determined by mRNA structure, particularly the presence of 5’TOP motifs. Furthermore, we identify a novel CMTR1 inhibitor, N97911, throughin silicoscreening and biochemical assays, which demonstrates significant anti-tumor activityin vitro. Our findings establish CMTR1 as a key player in cancer biology, regulating critical aspects of RNA metabolism and ribosome biogenesis, and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target across multiple cancer types.
Low RT-based Genome Editing Fidelity in Mouse Hepatocytes: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Dunyak Maike Thamsen , Hanna Patrick , Nan Angela X. , von Stetina Jessica , Pokharel Rejina , O’Hara Mollie , Estes Brett J.G. , Zheng Kangni , Svenson Sonke , Andresen Jason , Li Wei , Agrawal Mini , Hughes Chase , Spicer Makayla , Choudhary Vimal , Kelley Lily , Wang Jie , Meagher Martin , Xie Jenny , Mukherjee Swati , Finn Jonathan D.
Published: November 2024

Abstract/Summary

Integrase-mediated Programmable Genomic Integration (I-PGI) uses a Cas9 nickase (nCas9) with a reverse transcriptase (RT), to write a large serine integrase (LSI) target site (attB/P, here called “beacon”) in a programmed location. Co-delivery of the LSI and a DNA template containing the cognate recognition site results in precise integration of the template in a specific genomic location. While we were able to achieve high-fidelity beacon placement in a range of primate cycling and non-dividing cells, when translating our technology into anin vivorodent model (liver) we surprisingly observed very low beacon fidelity, with the vast majority of beacons being unsuitable for integration. This phenomenon was independent of mouse strain, but was specific to non-dividing cells, as a cycling mouse hepatocyte cell line (Hepa1-6) demonstrated very high levels of fidelity. To address this issue we utilized neonatal mice, which have a much higher proportion of proliferating hepatocytes than adult mice. This resulted in a significant increase in the placement of high-fidelity beacons, and achieved functional gene expression after I-PGI in a therapeutically relevant target site. In an alternate approach, we engineered transgenic mice with intact beacons placed in specific genomic locations, allowing us to optimize integrase and DNA template dosing and kinetics. In summary, we have identified a previously undescribed challenge when using RT-based editing to write long sequences (~40 bp) in non-dividing rodent hepatocytes. This phenomenon was specific to rodents and was not observed in primate dividing or non-dividing cells. This previously unidentified challenge using RTs will limit the use of I-PGI in mouse models, however here we describe two methods that address this issue.
Biphasic adaptive evolution of antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Das Suman G. , Mungan Muhittin , Krug Joachim
Published: November 2024

A considerable body of work exists on the molecular biology of antimicrobial drug resistance, but general population dynamic principles of resistance evolution in microbial populations are still poorly understood. We study an empirically-motivated model of microbial evolution on drug-concentration dependent fitness landscapes. At any concentration a genotype’s fitness depends on two phenotypes, the resistance level and the drug-free growth rate, with a tradeoff between these two. Adaptation on these landscapes at fixed drug concentration occurs in two phases. At first, the system evolves in a smooth region of the landscape with a rapid accumulation of resistance mutations accompanied by a decrease in the drug-free growth rate. In the second phase, there is partial recovery of the drug-free growth rate while the resistance level remains nearly constant. This recovery occurs on the rugged part of the landscape, is slow and involves the exchange of high-cost resistance mutations for low-cost ones. All changes occur via sequential origin-fixation events without any intermediate loss in fitness. We call this processexchange compensation, and note that it is distinct from the well-known phenomenon of fitness compensation that occurs through mutations at secondary sites when a resistant strain is re-cultured in a medium without drugs. The patterns of evolution in our two-dimensional phenotypic space of resistance and drug-less growth rate are independent of model details and therefore of wide relevance to understanding the tempo and mode of compensatory evolution.
Differential Roles of Longevity Assurance GenesLAG1andLAC1in Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum stress and Lipid Homeostasis inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Mathivanan Arul , Nachiappan Vasanthi
Published: November 2024

Yeast ceramide synthesis is regulated by two homologous genes,LAC1andLAG1,each with distinct physiological roles, especially under ER stress conditions. This study examines their specific functions in lipid homeostasis and the ER stress response. DeletingLAG1enhances cell growth and survival under ER stress, whereasLAC1deletion does not provide similar resistance. In contrast,LAG1deletion significantly impacts phospholipid and neutral lipid metabolism without altering the expression of key ER stress response genes. In comparison,LAG1overexpression, unlikeLAC1overexpression, severely impairs cell growth and viability, induces ER stress responses, disrupts phospholipid biosynthesis, alters membrane morphology, modifies neutral lipid synthesis, and reduces lipid droplet numbers. Overall,LAG1uniquely regulates ER stress and lipid homeostasis, independent of its function in ceramide synthesis. Understanding the specific contributions of LAG1 to lipid homeostasis and ER stress provides valuable insight into cellular stress mechanisms.
Methylglyoxal is an antibacterial effector produced by macrophages during infection
Authors: Anaya-Sanchez Andrea , Berry Samuel B. , Espich Scott , Zilinskas Alex , Tran Phuong M. , Agudelo Carolina , Samani Helia , Darwin K. Heran , Portnoy Daniel A. , Stanley Sarah A.
Published: November 2024

Infected macrophages transition into aerobic glycolysis, a metabolic program crucial for control of bacterial infection. However, antimicrobial mechanisms supported by aerobic glycolysis are unclear. Methylglyoxal is a highly toxic aldehyde that modifies proteins and DNA and is produced as a side-product of glycolysis. Here we show that despite the toxicity of this aldehyde, infected macrophages generate high levels of methylglyoxal during aerobic glycolysis while downregulating the detoxification system. We use targeted mutations in mice to modulate methylglyoxal generation and show that reducing methylglyoxal production by the host promotes survival ofListeria monocytogenesandMycobacterium tuberculosis, whereas increasing methylglyoxal levels improves control of bacterial infection. Furthermore, we show that bacteria that are unable to detoxify methylglyoxal are avirulent and experience up to 1000-fold greater genomic mutation frequency during infection. Taken together, these results suggest that methylglyoxal is an antimicrobial innate immune effector that defends the host against bacterial pathogens.
Role of pressure-induced stacking faults on the magnetic properties of gadolinium
Authors: Martinho Vieira Rafael , Eriksson Olle , Vishina Alena , Björkman Torbjörn , Šipr Ondřej , Thunström Patrik , Herper Heike C.
Published: November 2024

Experimental data show that under pressure, Gd goes through a series of structural transitions hcp→Sm-type (close-packed rhombohedral) →dhcp that is accompanied by a gradual decrease of the Curie temperature and magnetization till the collapse of a finite magnetization close to the dhcp structure. We explore theoretically the pressure-induced changes of the magnetic properties, by describing these structural transitions as the formation of fcc stacking faults. Using this approach, we are able to describe correctly the variation of the Curie temperature with pressure, in contrast to a static structural model using the hcp structure.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating tidal heating in neutron stars via gravitational Raman scattering
Authors: Saketh M. V. S. , Zhou Zihan , Ghosh Suprovo , Steinhoff Jan , Chatterjee Debarati
Published: November 2024

We present a scattering amplitude formalism to study the tidal heating effects of nonspinning neutron stars incorporating both worldline effective field theory and relativistic stellar perturbation theory. In neutron stars, tidal heating arises from fluid viscosity due to various scattering processes in the interior. It also serves as a channel for the exchange of energy and angular momentum between the neutron star and its environment. In the interior of the neutron star, we first derive two master perturbation equations that capture fluid perturbations accurate to linear order in frequency. Remarkably, these equations receive no contribution from bulk viscosity due to a peculiar adiabatic incompressibility which arises in stellar fluid for nonbarotropic perturbations. In the exterior, the metric perturbations reduce to the Regge-Wheeler equation which we solve using the analytical Mano-Suzuki-Takasugi method. We compute the amplitude for gravitational waves scattering off a neutron star, also known as gravitational Raman scattering. From the amplitude, we obtain expressions for the electric quadrupolar static Love number and the leading dissipation number to all orders in compactness. We then compute the leading dissipation number for various realistic equations of state and estimate the change in the number of gravitational-wave cycles due to tidal heating during inspiral in the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA band.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fate of stringy noninvertible symmetries
Authors: Heckman Jonathan J. , McNamara Jacob , Montero Miguel , Sharon Adar , Vafa Cumrun , Valenzuela Irene
Published: November 2024

Noninvertible symmetries in quantum field theory (QFT) generalize the familiar product rule of groups to a more general fusion rule. In many cases, gauged versions of these symmetries can be regarded as dual descriptions of invertible gauge symmetries. One may ask: are there any other types of noninvertible gauge symmetries? In theories with gravity we find a new form of noninvertible gauge symmetry that emerges in the limit of fundamental, tensionless strings. These stringy noninvertible gauge symmetries appear in standard examples such as non-Abelian orbifolds. Moving away from the tensionless limit always breaks these symmetries. We also find that both the conventional form of noninvertible gauge symmetries and these stringy generalizations are realized in AdS/CFT. Although generically broken, approximate noninvertible symmetries have implications for swampland constraints: in certain cases they can be used to prove the existence of towers of states related to the distance conjecture, and can sometimes explain the existence of slightly subextremal states which fill in the gaps in the sublattice weak gravity conjecture.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum many-body scars in few-body dipole-dipole interactions
Authors: Spielman Sarah E. , Handian Alicia , Inman Nina P. , Carroll Thomas J. , Noel Michael W.
Published: November 2024

We simulate the dynamics of Rydberg atoms resonantly exchanging energy via two-, three-, and four-body dipole-dipole interactions in a one-dimensional array. Using simplified models of a realistic experimental system, we study the initial-state survival probability, mean level spacing, spread of entanglement, and properties of the energy eigenstates. By exploring a range of disorders and interaction strengths, we find regions in parameter space where the three- and four-body dynamics either fail to thermalize or do so slowly. The interplay between the stronger hopping and weaker field-tuned interactions gives rise to quantum many-body scar states, which play a critical role in slowing the dynamics of the three- and four-body interactions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exact finite-time correlation functions for multiterminal setups: Connecting theoretical frameworks for quantum transport and thermodynamics
Authors: Blasi Gianmichele , Khandelwal Shishir , Haack Géraldine
Published: November 2024

Transport in open quantum systems can be explored through various theoretical frameworks, including the quantum master equation, scattering matrix, and Heisenberg equation of motion. The choice of framework depends on factors such as the presence of interactions, the coupling strength between the system and environment, and whether the focus is on steady-state or transient regimes. Existing literature mainly treats these frameworks independently. Our work establishes connections between them by clarifying the role and status of these approaches using two paradigmatic models for single and multipartite quantum systems in a two-terminal setup under voltage and temperature biases. We derive analytical solutions in both steady-state and transient regimes for the populations, currents, and current correlation functions. Exact results from the Heisenberg equation are shown to align with scattering matrix and master equation approaches within their respective validity regimes. Crucially, we establish a protocol for the weak-coupling limit, bridging the applicability of master equations at weak-coupling with Heisenberg or scattering matrix approaches at arbitrary coupling strength.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Equivalence between face nonsignaling correlations, full nonlocality, all-versus-nothing proofs, and pseudotelepathy
Authors: Liu Yuan , Chung Ho Yiu , Cruzeiro Emmanuel Zambrini , Gonzales-Ureta Junior R. , Ramanathan Ravishankar , Cabello Adán
Published: November 2024

We show that a quantum correlation p is in a face of the nonsignaling polytope with no local points if and only if p has nonlocal content 1, if and only if p allows for a Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger-like proof, and if and only if p provides a perfect strategy for a nonlocal game. That is, face nonsignaling (FNS) correlations, full nonlocality (FN), all-versus-nothing (AVN) proofs, and pseudotelepathy (PT) are equivalent. This shows that different resources behind a wide variety of fundamental results are in fact the same resource. We demonstrate that quantum correlations with FNS = FN = AVN = PT do not need to maximally violate a tight Bell inequality. We introduce a method for identifying quantum FNS = FN = AVN = PT correlations and use it to prove quantum mechanics does not allow for FNS = FN = AVN = PT neither in the (3,3;3,2) nor in the (3,2;3,4) Bell scenarios. This solves an open problem that, because of the FNS = FN = AVN = PT equivalence, has implications in several fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Research on the transmission of the Open University of Japan courses via multi-device apps oriented to the learning ecosystem
Authors: Kodama Haruo , Suzuki Motofumi T. , Yaginuma Yoshitomo
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose the need for an integrated system for the production, authoring, addition and revision of webcast content and a multi-device apps mechanism with rights management for Internet transmission in the perspective of the OUJ course reuse.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper designs systems that reuse the existing OUJ courses from the viewpoint of effective utilization, combine broadcasting lectures and online lectures of the OUJ courses and seamlessly link them as media-mix contents. In contrast to content development methodologies that assume embedded content production, this paper’s methodology takes an approach to producing and authoring webcasting content, flexibly adding and revising the content and transmitting that content over the internet via multi-device apps, taking rights management into account.

Findings

There is concern about the ELSI arising from the use of generative AI. It is directed at web content. This paper can contribute to resolving the ELSI surrounding the use of generative AI because it discusses a method of learning content development that clarifies the attribution of rights to content.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in the fact that it is oriented to reuse existing lectures of the OUJ courses and simplify the rights clearance for them, from the perspective of the learning ecosystem. The value of this paper is that it can also serve as a technical and legal response to the production, authoring and Internet transmission of open university courses in the era of generative AI.
Fixed-term contracts and firm productivity: Do workers’ skills and firm conversion rates from fixed-term to permanent contracts matter?
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Hân , Smits Wendy , Vancauteren Mark
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We aim to elucidate the relationship between fixed-term employment and firm productivity by examining workers’ skills and considering how firm-level conversion rates influence this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

We use longitudinal employer-employee data between 2011 and 2017 in the Netherlands to estimate a nonlinear regression derived from a production function proposed by Addessi (2014) and Castellani et al. (2020).

Findings

The contribution of fixed-term contracts to firm-level productivity is less than that of permanent contracts. However, this contribution is greater when firms exhibit a high conversion rate from fixed-term to permanent positions. The effect of the conversion rate is more substantial for high-skilled fixed-term workers than for low-skilled ones.

Originality/value

Our results suggest the extent to which firms benefit from fixed-term contracts when these are used for screening high-skilled workers for permanent employment.
Transmission of entrepreneurial values in enterprising families: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tessema Demeke Afework , Brunninge Olof , Cestino Joaquín
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to systematically review existing literature concerning the transmission of entrepreneurial values within the context of family entrepreneurship. Specifically, the study aims to address two primary inquiries: First, which entrepreneurial values transferred across generations have been discerned in family entrepreneurship literature? Second, what mechanisms for the transmission of these values have been identified within family entrepreneurship literature?

Design/methodology/approach

We utilized the Web of Science database to identify relevant articles. We employed a broad set of Boolean search terms related to family, entrepreneurship and values. Ultimately, 77 articles were selected for detailed analysis based on their relevance to the topic.

Findings

Our review identified a diverse array of entrepreneurial values that can be categorized into three themes: family values, family business values and societal entrepreneurial values. Furthermore, mechanisms facilitating the transmission of these values were classified into eight distinct types, i.e. relational embeddedness, vicarious learning, explicit communication, imprinting, educating, parenting styles, community-zeitgeist and genetics. The paper concludes with an agenda for future research on entrepreneurial value transmission in enterprising families.

Practical implications

Understanding how entrepreneurial values are transmitted within family firms can inform practices such as succession planning, leadership development and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship across generations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the theoretical development of family entrepreneurship by consolidating and synthesizing existing knowledge on entrepreneurial value transmission. It provides a comprehensive overview that can guide future empirical and conceptual investigations in this field.
Regional efficiency analysis of fresh food cold chain logistics in China based on three-stage DEA model
Authors: Li Shan , Kim Yong Jin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Assessing the efficiency of fresh food cold chain logistics as accurately as possible is essential for industry development planning. This study was designed to analyze the efficiency of fresh food cold chain logistics in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was used to analyze the efficiency of fresh food cold chain logistics in 30 provinces of China from 2013 to 2019. The stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) model in the second stage was used to eliminate the influence of external environmental factors and random disturbances on efficiency analysis results.

Findings

(1) The overall actual efficiency of fresh food cold chain logistics in China is unsatisfactory, with an average technical efficiency of 0.382 over the 7-year period. (2) The national average technical efficiency and average scale efficiency were overestimated by 29.9% and 40.0%, respectively, compared with the actual values. (3) The efficiency of fresh food cold chain logistics does not align with the level of regional economic development. (4) Distinct regional variations exist in the efficiency of fresh food cold chain logistics in China, with higher efficiencies observed in Northwest China and the Central Yangtze River regions, and the lowest efficiencies in the northeast regions.

Originality/value

This study applies a three-stage DEA model to assess the development and regional differences of fresh food cold chain logistics in China, enriching the application of models and empirical analysis in this field. By analyzing the situation in China, it provides ideas and references for other developing countries to develop cold chain logistics.
The interplay of teachers' positive beliefs and practices: an exploratory study through the lens of positive psychology
Authors: Ghajarieh Amir , Vafaei Sara , Mozaheb Mohammad Amin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The impact of teachers' positive psychology (PP) beliefs on their practices and the consequential influence on teaching processes and learning outcomes has been widely acknowledged. In line with PP in education, this research endeavors to examine the interconnectedness of Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ beliefs and their classroom practices regarding establishing a positive classroom environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a purely qualitative approach, this study utilizes interviews and classroom observations as methods of data collection. To explore the beliefs of six female teachers and a number of their students, the researchers adapted selected prompts from the “What is happening in this class?” questionnaire developed by Fraser et al. (1996) into interview questions. The researchers also conducted classroom observations to gather information on the teachers' implementation of practices that contribute to a positive classroom environment.

Findings

By triangulating the interview data with the qualitative observations, the findings revealed a discrepancy between the teachers' cognition and their actual classroom practices concerning the establishment of a positive classroom environment. Students’ interviews also revealed the teacher participants' actual practices did not align with their cognitive beliefs.

Originality/value

The findings have significant implications for creating a positive environment in the post-pandemic era, suggesting a need for professional development and support for teachers in aligning their beliefs on positive psychology with their practices through qualitative enquiry.
Investigation of formation, microstructure and hardness of Ti-6Al-4V single tracks via Joule-fused filament additive manufacturing
Authors: Jiawen Lv , Li Bobo , Li Zhanxin , Chen Yitao , Liu Jingchi , Lu Bingheng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate a novel additive manufacturing (AM) method for titanium alloy using Joule heat as the single heat source to melt TC4 wire, which intends to provide a new low-power, low-cost solution for the processing of titanium alloys.

Design/methodology/approach

When current flows through the wire and the substrate, Joule heat will be generated to melt the wire and join the wire with the substrate. By stacking the wire layer by layer, finally a part can be formed. The cross-sectional morphology, microstructure and hardness of TC4 single track deposits formed by Joule heat melting wire AM were investigated by various characterization methods.

Findings

The melting width and melting penetration decreased with the increase of printing speeds. There is no obvious change in single track morphology with the change of printing pressures. The melting width and melting penetration increased with the increase of printing currents. The observation of the internal microstructure of a single track reveals a decrease in grain size as printing speeds increase. The average hardness of the single track was about 363 HV, which is comparable to the hardness of the parts fabricated by selective laser melting process. The printing power is less than 300 W, which is lower than other AM processes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel solution for the processing of titanium alloy parts. Compared with other expensive energy sources, this work only uses an ordinary DC power supply as the energy source. The printing process is simple and the cost is low. The power is much lower than other AM processes.
A look across the borders: Swiss vs. Italian future special education Teachers' perspectives on inclusive education
Authors: Sahli Lozano Caroline , Wüthrich Sergej , Setz Fabian , Romano Alessandra , Petruccioli Rubina
Published: November 2024

Teachers play a key role in the implementation of inclusive education. Many studies investigate cross‐country differences in teacher perceptions of inclusive education, but there is a research gap in investigating the perspectives of special education teachers. This study examines attitudes, concerns, self‐efficacy and intentions of Italian (n = 180) and Swiss (n = 221) special education teacher students (SETS). Despite many similarities, Italian SETS held more positive beliefs, had fewer concerns regarding workload, and had higher intentions to use inclusive practices than Swiss SETS. No differences were found in self‐efficacy to use inclusive instructions, managing student behaviour, or collaboration. Apart from inclusive legislation and policies, which might account for more positive attitudes, fewer concerns, and higher intentions to use inclusive practices in Italian SETS, absence of differences in efficacy‐beliefs point to the importance of adequate support systems and teacher training in both countries. More research investigating the roles and perspectives of special education teachers across different inclusive education systems is necessary.