bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testosterone replacement therapy ameliorates spatial cognitive function in age-related hypogonadism (LOH) patients: analysis with a virtual three-dimensional maze
Authors: Kawato Suguru , Mukai Hideo , Kai Yusuke , Kimura Masaki , Ogiue-Ikeda Mari , Soma Mika , Saito Minoru , Horie Shigeo
Published: January 2025

When comparing the behavioral levels of men and women using a maze navigation game created on a PC to investigate spatial cognitive function, many reports indicated that men are significantly faster than women at finding the exit of the maze.

Analysis with functional MRI neuroimaging indicates that neural activation at multiple sites were observed during a maze navigation task. Significantly different regions were identified in men and women, with men showing significantly increased activity in the hippocampus. In contrast, women showed increased activity in the Brodmann area of the prefrontal cortex. When differences in the activated regions were taken between men and women, the hippocampal activity showed the largest difference.

Since the hippocampal CA1 regions are known to be essentially responsible to spatial navigation ability, the reported difference in spatial ability between men and women could be due to higher testosterone (T) levels in mem than in women, because the application of T can increase hippocampal CA1 neural synapses as observed in rats, for example.

In the present study, we developed the original 3D maze navigation test on a PC to accurately analyze spatial cognitive function, and this maze was used to analyze differences in spatial cognitive function between young male and female volunteers. The results showed that males took a distinctly shorter time and path length to escape the maze than females. We applied this maze test to analyze the possible improvement effects of spatial cognitive function by T-replacement therapy (TRT) on male patients with late onset hypogonadism (LOH). LOH patients have significantly low levels of T as well as high Aging males’ symptoms scale (AMS) scores when compared with healthy men. Upon TRT for 6 weeks, we revealed that the spatial cognitive ability of LOH patients was significantly improved along the increase of T levels and improvement of AMS scores.

The observed improvement of spatial cognitive ability of LOH patients could be interpreted as effects of elevation of T levels in the hippocampal CA1 region where androgen receptor (AR) is localized.
In vivo autofluorescence lifetime imaging of theDrosophilabrain captures metabolic shifts associated with memory formation
Authors: Roussel Philémon , Zhou Mingyi , Stringari Chiara , Preat Thomas , Plaçais Pierre-Yves , Genovesio Auguste
Published: January 2025

Neuronal energy regulation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor underlying brain functions and their pathological alterations, yet the metabolic dynamics that accompany cognitive processes remain poorly understood. As a label-free and minimally invasive technique, fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of coenzymes NADH and NADPH (collectively referred to as NAD(P)H) offers the possibility to resolve cellular metabolic profiles with high spatial precision. However, NAD(P)H FLIM’s capacity to detect subtle changes in neuronal metabolism associated with cognition has not been demonstrated. In this study, we applied NAD(P)H FLIM to map the metabolic profiles ofDrosophilaneurons in vivo across multiple scales, focusing on the primary centers for associative memory: the mushroom bodies (MBs). At a broad scale, we obtained an overview of the metabolic signatures of the main brain tissue and identified a marked difference between neuropil and cortex areas. At a finer scale, our findings revealed notable heterogeneity in the basal metabolic profiles of distinct MB neuron subtypes. Measurements performed after associative olfactory learning also uncovered a subtype-specific metabolic shift associated with memory formation, demonstrating the utility of NAD(P)H FLIM in detecting physiology-driven changes linked to brain function. These results establish a promising framework for studying cerebral energy dynamics in vivo.
Implementing the SWYC: A Quality Improvement Project and Its Impact on Care Delivery
Authors: Matsuura Yusuke , Richter Felix , Block Gabrielle , Rosen Carolyn , Katz Cynthia
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite AAP recommending the use of validated developmental screening tools, national adoption remains low. To address this issue, we initiated a QI project to implement the Survey of Well-being in Young Children (SWYC) and assess its impact within our residency clinic. Our objective was to achieve over 50% screening coverage for well-child visits for children aged 8 to 33 months, with equitable implementation for both English-primary and non-English-primary speaking families. Additionally, we hypothesized that SWYC would significantly increase early intervention (EI) referral rates.

Methods

Patients aged 8 to 33 months attending well-child visits were included. During implementation, various interventions, including staff emails, daily huddles, and integration of SWYC into the electronic health record, were employed. As part of the clinic workflow, a designated social worker (SW) initiates EI referrals; thus, SW referrals served as a proxy for EI referrals. Referral rates were compared pre- and post-SWYC implementation. Statistical significance was assessed using a chi-square test in R software.

Results

SWYC utilization reached 50% within five months of implementation. Analysis showed no significant difference in SWYC use between English-primary and non-English-primary speakers (p = 0.13). Post-SWYC, SW referral rates increased by 34% compared to pre-SWYC rates (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

This QI project showcased the swift adoption of a standardized developmental screening tool through system and cultural changes. SWYC implementation significantly increased SW referral rates, suggesting improved identification of developmental delays. Standardized developmental screening has the potential to enhance developmental outcomes and promote care equity through objective assessment systems.
Customizing the Structure of a Minimal TIM Barrel to Craft a De Novo Enzyme
Authors: Beck Julian , Smith Benjamin J. , Zarifi Niayesh , Freund Emily , Chica Roberto A. , Höcker Birte
Published: January 2025

The TIM barrel is the most prevalent fold in natural enzymes, supporting efficient catalysis of diverse chemical reactions. Whilede novoTIM barrels have been successfully designed, their minimalistic architectures lack the structural elements necessary for substrate binding and catalysis. Here, we present CANVAS, a computational workflow that introduces a structural lid into a minimalde novoTIM barrel to anchor catalytic residues and form an active-site pocket for enzymatic function. Starting from twode novoTIM barrels, we designed nine variants with distinct lids to form active sites for the Kemp elimination. Experimental testing identified one active variant with catalytic efficiency comparable to previously reported Kemp eliminases. Mutational analyses confirmed that the designed lid is essential for catalysis, while molecular dynamics simulations revealed the importance of lid flexibility for substrate binding. This study reports the first enzymatically activede novoTIM barrel and establishes a platform for designing enzymes from minimal protein scaffolds.
ThePseudomonas aeruginosaT3SS can contribute to traversal of anin situepithelial multilayer independently of the T3SS needle
Authors: Jedel Eric , Schator Daniel , Kumar Naren G. , Sullivan Aaron B. , Rietsch Arne , Evans David J. , Fleiszig Suzanne M. J.
Published: January 2025

Multilayered epithelia lining our tissue surfaces normally resist traversal by opportunistic bacteria. Previously, we developed a strategy to experimentally perturbate this resistancein situin the corneas of mouse eyes and used it to show that traversal of a multilayered epithelium byPseudomonas aeruginosarequires ExsA, the transcriptional activator of its type 3 secretion system (T3SS). Here, we developed a novel strategy for quantitively localizing individual traversing bacteria within thein situmultilayered corneal epithelium and explored contributions of T3SS components. The results showed that T3SS translocon and T3SS effector mutants had reduced epithelial traversal efficiency. Surprisingly, a ΔpscCmutant unable to assemble the T3SS needle traversed as efficiently as wild-typeP. aeruginosa, while a ΔexsDmutant ‘constitutively on’ for T3SS expression was traversal defective. Dispensability of the T3SS needle for effector-mediated traversal was confirmed using a mutant lacking the T3SS operon except the effector genes (ΔpscU-Lmutant). That mutant reacquired the ability to traverse if complemented with rhamnose-inducibleexsA, but not if the effector genes were also deleted (ΔpscU-LΔexoSTY). Western immunoblot confirmed ExoS in culture supernatants of rhamnose-inducedexsA-complemented ΔpscU-Lmutants lacking all T3SS needle protein genes. Together, these results show that epithelial traversal byP. aeruginosacan involve T3SS effectors and translocon proteins independently of the T3SS needle previously thought essential for T3SS function. This advances our understanding ofP. aeruginosapathogenesis and has relevance to development of therapeutics targeting the T3SS system.

Importance

While the capacity to cross an epithelial barrier can be a critical step in bacterial pathogenesis, our understanding of mechanisms involved is derived largely from cell culture experimentation. The latter is due to practical limitations ofin vivo/in situmodels and challenge of visualizing individual bacteria in the context of host tissue. Here, factors used byP. aeruginosato traverse an epithelial multilayerin situwere studied by: 1) leveraging the transparent properties and superficial location of the cornea, 2) using our established method for enabling bacterial traversal susceptibility, and 3) developing a novel strategy for accurate and quantitative localization of individual traversing bacteriain situ. Outcomes showed that T3SS translocon and T3SS effector proteins synergistically contribute to epithelial traversal efficiency independently of the T3SS needle. These findings challenge the assumption that the T3SS needle is essential for T3SS effectors or translocon proteins to contribute to bacterial pathogenesis.
Semantic representations in the visual cortex of blind and sighted humans
Authors: Paczyńska Małgorzata , Urbaniak Marta , Dębecka Marta , Bola Łukasz
Published: January 2025

In blind humans, the “visual” cortex responds to linguistic stimuli, such as words and sentences. This is sometimes taken as evidence that this brain region supports starkly different computations in blind and sighted individuals. Here, we challenge this view and show that, during word processing, the visual areas in these two populations represent the same semantic dimension – the knowledge about physical properties of word referents. Using analysis of fMRI activation patterns, we found that the visual cortex in both blind and sighted participants represented differences between individual words. In both groups, the activation patterns for words in the visual cortex reflected physical, but not conceptual similarity between word referents. Furthermore, the between-group correlations in these activation patterns were comparable to within-group correlations. Finally, during word processing, the visual areas in both groups showed greatest “representational connectivity” to the occipitotemporal areas. Overall, our findings suggest that responses to linguistic stimuli in the visual cortex of blind individuals are driven by representational mechanisms that are functional also in the sighted adult brain. In sighted individuals, information about physical properties of word referents might be backprojected to visual areas, from the occipitotemporal cortex, to support visual predictions, imagery, and visuospatial thinking. In blind individuals, this mechanism might be preserved and, combined with increased excitability of the blind visual cortex, drives strong responses of this region to linguistic stimuli.
Satellite Tobacco Mosaic Virus: Revealing Environmental Drivers of Capsid and Nucleocapsid Stability using High-Resolution Simulations
Authors: Blazhynska Marharyta , Adjoua Olivier , Vetter Zoe , Lagardère Louis , Piquemal Jean-Philip
Published: January 2025

Satellite tobacco mosaic virus (STMV) is a model system for studying viral assembly and stability due to its architecture: a single-stranded RNA genome enclosed in an icosahedral capsid. Coupling a polarizable force-field to enhanced sampling, we explored at high-resolution the long-timescale structural dynamics of a complete ∼1M-atom STMV. RNA-free capsids exhibit remarkable stability at physiological salt concentrations, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation for capsid reuse during the viral life cycle. This observation challenges the notion that empty capsids are exclusively products of abortive assembly, positioning them instead as functional intermediates in viral reproduction. Additionally, RNA encapsidation creates electrostatic dependencies that magnesium ions mitigate, stabilizing both RNA and capsid through long-residence-time interactions with phosphate groups. Chloride ions further influence capsid permeability by modulating salt-bridge disruptions and interprotomeric interactions, with these effects being pH-dependent: enhanced at pH < 7, preserving nucleocapsid integrity, or weakened at pH = 7, facilitating disassembly and RNA release.
Humanin vivofootprints from blood plasma samples for improved diagnostics in septic patients
Authors: Sonntag Mirko , Müller Jan , Brenner Thorsten , Decker Sebastian O. , von Haeseler Arndt , Sohn Kai ,   the German Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Trials Group (GAIN-CARE)
Published: January 2025

Background

Liquid biopsy based on cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is an established approach in clinical diagnostics. In recent years, a fraction of cfDNA comprising short fragments has been discovered, that is enriched at gene promoters and binding sites of DNA-binding proteins. However, the diagnostic potential of such short double-stranded cell-free DNA (footprint DNA) remains to be fully explored. Therefore, we characterized the clinical utility of footprint DNA in septic patients.

Methods

We enriched for footprint DNA based on size selection and subsequent high-throughput DNA sequencing to receive an unbiased, genome-wide picture of the host response to the infection. Footprint DNA occupancies were analyzed for correlation with clinical metrics including urea, hemoglobin, or alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Additionally, footprint DNA markers were benchmarked by read and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis against procalcitonin (PCT) as an established marker for infection status as well as against clinical parameters for early death prediction.

Findings

We found that levels of occupancy of footprint DNA at defined genomic loci semi-quantitatively correlated with physiological markers like ALT or urea from major organ systems including liver or kidney. In a small proof-of-concept cohort, differential signatures of DNA footprints distinguished between patient groups with bacterial and viral infections with an area under the ROC (AUROC) of 1.0, which is considerably better than PCT with an AUROC of 0.75. Likewise, footprint DNA could also predict early death in septic patients with an AUROC of 0.983, compared to the SOFA (Sepsis-related organ failure assessment) score with an AUROC of 0.76.

Interpretation

Our findings show that footprint DNA delivers quantitative information on physiology at the DNA level, demonstrating its diagnostic and prognostic potential. Identified footprint biomarker regions could be helpful in the clinical assessment of septic patients and other complex diseases outperforming current state-of-the-art clinical diagnostics.

Funding

This study was financed with internal funds from Fraunhofer society.
Multicentre retrospective analysis of lung function impairment and risks for restrictive syndrome during childhood after type III esophageal atresia repair
Authors: Goulin Jeanne , Brigly Thomas , Sfeir Rony , Desbordes de Cepoy Patrick , Bonnard Arnaud , Rousseau Véronique , Gelas Thomas , Guinot Audrey , Habonimana Edouard , Micheau Pascale , Ranke Aline , Talon Isabelle , Irtan Sabine , Lamireau Thierry , Rabattu Pierre-Yves , Elbaz Frédéric , Kalfa Nicolas , Panait Nicoleta , Fouquet Virginie , Lardy Hubert , Scalabre Aurélien , Buisson Philippe , Margaryan Marc , Auber Frédéric , Grosos Céline , Borderon Corinne , Tölg Cécilia , Bastard François , Troussier Françoise , Gottrand Frédéric , Schmitt Françoise
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To identify the factors that result in a restrictive ventilatory impairment during childhood following type III esophageal atresia (EA) repair.

Study design

A multicentre, retrospective, national cohort study was conducted on 503 patients who had undergone surgery for EA between 2008 and 2013. The results of pulmonary function tests (PFT) performed during childhood were used to compare patients with pure restrictive lung impairment to children with normal PFT. Subsequently, logistic regression was employed to ascertain potential risk factors for restrictive syndrome in type III EA.

Results

The cohort comprised 503 patients, of whom 216 (42.9%) had interpretable PFT. Among them, 63.4% exhibited normal results, 26.9% pure restriction, 5.1% pure obstruction, and 4.6% a mixed pattern. Patient-associated factors that were associated with a restrictive impairment were birth weight, Caucasian ethnicity (odds ratio (OR) 4.3 [1.2–15.4]), and the presence of neonatal heart defects (OR = 5.8). [1.9-16.9]), tracheomalacia (OR = 4.1 [1.6 - 10.2]) and neonatal GERD (OR = 3.1 [1.3-7.4]). The sole healthcare-associated factor was the use of respiratory crisis treatment during childhood (OR = 4.8 [1.3-18.0]), whereas neither surgical factor nor postoperative parietal thoracic deformity was associated with restriction.

Conclusion

In contrast to surgical approaches or chest wall abnormalities, neonatal EA- associated conditions appear to be associated with a restrictive pattern during childhood, but further prospective studies remain mandatory to validate these results.
EPIC4ND: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition follow-up for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Lill Christina M. , Homann Jan , Ohlei Olena , Smith-Byrne Karl , Viallon Vivian , Huerta Jose Maria , Artaud Fanny , Zhao Yujia , Britten Abigail , Deecke Laura , Dobricic Valerija , Mokoroa Olatz , Guevara Marcela , Petrova Dafina , Trupp Miles , Sabin Jara , Gröninger Mareike , Colorado-Yohar Sandra M. , Alonso-Martin Sonia , Cabrera-Castro Natalia , Groppa Sergiu , Robinson Oliver , Hansen Johnni , Eriksson Sture , Sieri Sabina , Jimenez Ana , Tong Tammy Y. N. , Kaaks Rudolph , Severi Gianluca , Travis Ruth , Wareham Nick , Benedet Andréa L. , Zetterberg Henrik , Franke Andre , Elbaz Alexis , Bertram Lars , Vermeulen Roel , Middleton Lefkos , Masala Giovanna , Sacerdote Carlotta , Peters Susan , Katzke Verena , Ferrari Pietro , Gunter Marc J. , Riboli Elio
Published: January 2025

The ‘European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition’ cohort (EPIC-Europe) is a prospective study including ∼520,000 participants recruited across Europe (1991-2000) with in-depth baseline data on nutritional, lifestyle, medical, and anthropometric variables, and baseline blood samples. Here we introduce EPIC4ND, a case-cohort study within EPIC designed to identify biomarkers predicting a future onset of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

EPIC4ND comprises 6,346 initially non-diseased participants (aged 35-80 years, mean age at baseline: 54±9, 65% women) with up to 30 years of follow-up and data on at least oneomicsdomain available from pre-disease blood samples. EPIC4ND includes 4,604 subcohort members (4,447 non-cases and 157 incident cases) and 1,742 additional incident cases ascertained from the broader EPIC cohort. Among the incident cases, there are 1,190 dementia cases (818 AD), 534 PD cases, and 199 ALS cases. Additionally, 72 prevalent PD cases and 118 incident Parkinsonism cases are available for comparison. Molecular data generated encompass proteomics, genome-wide DNA methylation, and SNP genotyping with 4,065 EPIC4ND participants (2,497 non-cases, 1,568 incident cases) having data on all three domains. Smaller studies include data on metals, metabolites, and environmental chemicals, while ongoing efforts focus on ultrasensitive targeted biomarker measurements and small RNA sequencing.

Genome-wide association studies and analyses of epidemiological risk factors validate the dataset by confirming many known risk factors. Leveraging these extensive pre-disease multi-layeredomicsdata offers a unique opportunity to identify biomarker signatures predicting neurodegenerative diseases and to explore their interplay with epidemiological risk factors.
Multiple-testing corrections in selection scans using identity-by-descent segments
Authors: Temple Seth D. , Browning Sharon R.
Published: January 2025

Failing to correct for multiple testing in selection scans can lead to false discoveries of recent genetic adaptations. The scanning statistics in selection studies are often too complicated to theoretically derive a genome-wide significance level or empirically validate control of the family-wise error rate (FWER). By modeling the autocorrelation of identity-by-descent (IBD) rates, we propose a computationally efficient method to determine genome-wide significance levels in an IBD-based scan for recent positive selection. In whole genome simulations, we show that our method has approximate control of the FWER and can adapt to the spacing of tests along the genome. We also show that these scans can have more than fifty percent power to reject the null model in hard sweeps with a selection coefficients >= 0.01 and a sweeping allele frequency between twenty-five and seventy-five percent. A few human genes and gene complexes have statistically significant excesses of IBD segments in thousands of samples of African, European, and South Asian ancestry groups from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine project and the United Kingdom Biobank. Among the significant loci, many signals of recent selection are shared across ancestry groups. One shared selection signal at a skeletal cell development gene is extremely strong in African ancestry samples.

Highlights

We propose a method to address multiple testing when scanning along the genome for excess identity-by-descent rates.

In whole genome simulations, we calculate that the family-wise error rates of our method are close to the desired family-wise significance level.

We perform six selection scans in two consortium datasets covering different ancestry groups and reference genome builds.

For a genomic region on chromosome 16, we report extremely high identity-by-descent rates in African ancestry groups and replication in European and South Asian ancestry groups.
WDR2 regulates the orphan kinesin KIN-G to promote hook complex and Golgi biogenesis inTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Zhou Qing , Hu Huiqing , Li Ziyin
Published: January 2025

The flagellum inTrypanosoma bruceiplays crucial roles in cell locomotion, cell morphogenesis, and cell division, and its inheritance depends on the faithful duplication of multiple flagellum-associated structures. One of such cytoskeletal structures is a hairpin-like structure termed the hook complex composed of a fishhook-like structure and a centrin arm structure, whose cellular functions remain poorly understood. We recently identified KIN-G, an orphan kinesin that promotes hook complex and Golgi biogenesis. Here we report a WD40 repeats-containing protein named WDR2, which interacts with and regulates KIN-G. WDR2 co-localizes with KIN-G at the centrin arm, and knockdown of WDR2 disrupts hook complex integrity and morphology, inhibits flagellum attachment zone elongation and flagellum positioning, and eventually arrests cytokinesis. Knockdown of WDR2 also disrupts the maturation of the centrin arm-associated Golgi, thereby impairing Golgi biogenesis. WDR2 interacts with KIN-G via its N-terminal unknown motifs, the middle domain containing a coiled coil and a PB1 motif, and the C-terminal WD40 domain, and targets KIN-G to its subcellular location. These results uncover a regulatory role for WDR2 in recruiting KIN-G to regulate hook complex and Golgi biogenesis, thereby impacting flagellum inheritance and cell division plane positioning.
Threshold effects of prenatal stress on striatal microglia and relevant behaviors
Authors: Maurer S. V. , Evans M. M. , Dukle M. , Kundu S. , Dennis J. L. , Ellerbroek R. M. , Anema S. L. , Roshko V. C. , Stevens H. E.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Prenatal stress, a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), leads to immune alterations, including offspring neuroimmune cells. Differences in offspring outcomes may arise from whether the extent of prenatal stress crosses “thresholds” for effects on specific outcomes. Therefore, we sought to determine offspring outcomes using models with different extents of prenatal stress. We focused on striatal outcomes, because of their relevance for NDDs. Pregnant CD1 mice were assigned to four groups (each: N=6): no stress (“NoS”) or one of the following stressors administered three times daily: i.p. saline injections (low prenatal stress, LoS), Interleukin-6 injections as a component of prenatal stress (immune prenatal stress; ImS), or restraint stress + saline injections (high prenatal stress, HiS), embryonic day 12-18. In adult offspring, HiS altered striatal-dependent behavior across males and females, while ImS induced fewer behavioral changes, and LoS did not affect behavior. Adult striatal microglia morphologies were mostly unchanged across groups, with only HiS leading to altered striatal density of minimally ramified cells. However, embryonic striatal microglia were affected by all models of stress, albeit in distinct ways. The HiS model, and to a lesser extent LoS, also influenced immune components of the maternal-fetal interface: placental macrophages. In conclusion, high and immune stress affected adult striatal-dependent behavior, exceeding the threshold necessary for persistent impacts, but all stress models affected embryonic microglia, suggesting that early neuroimmune outcomes had a lower threshold for impacts. Distinct severities and aspects of prenatal stress may therefore underlie different outcomes relevant to NDDs.
X(4630)
and
Y(4626)
production in the
B+
and
Bs0
decays
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Wu Qi , Chen Dian-Yong
Published: January 2025

In the present work, we investigate the production of X(4630) and Y(4626) in B+ and Bs0 decays, where X(4630) and Y(4626) are considered as the C- parity pigeon pair in the Ds*+Ds1(2536)− molecular frame. The branching fractions of B+→K+X(4630)/Y(4626) and Bs0→ηX(4630)/Y(4626) have been evaluated using an effective Lagrangian approach, which are of the order of 10−5 and the ratios of these branching fractions are almost independent on the model parameter. Based on the present estimations, we propose to search Y(4626) in the process B+→K+J/ψη(′), which should be accessible by the LHCb and Belle II Collaborations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Light right-handed smuons at the LHC: Natural dark matter and
gμ−2
in an unexplored realm of the phenomenological MSSM
Authors: Yin Xiangwei , Li Tianjun , Maxin James A. , Nanopoulos Dimitri V.
Published: January 2025

We introduce an in-depth study of an unprobed phenomenological minimal supersymmetric Standard Model region offering a natural solution to dark matter. Since the 1980s this region has been referred to as the “bulk,” consisting of sub 200 GeV neutralinos and right-handed smuons. The bulk satisfies recent muon gμ−2 measurements and sustains consistency with all presently operating SUSY experiments and LHC constraints. Initial ingress into the bulk will arrive soon via the LUX-ZEPLIN 1000-day experiment. The ATLAS Collaboration at the LHC has confirmed that observation of these light right-handed smuon events can occur at the ongoing LHC Run 3 and forthcoming High-Luminosity LHC. Moreover, the future FCC-ee and CEPC circular colliders should handily observe the events.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Comparative performance analysis of a turboprop engine used in regional aircraft by considering design and flight conditions
Authors: Yuksel Onur , Aygün Hakan
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate variation of performance metrics involving specific fuel consumption (SFC), thrust, thermal efficiency and overall efficiency values of turboprop engine used in regional aircraft according to varying altitude of 0–9 km and 0.3–0.6 Mach ranges. Moreover, influences of design parameters such as overall pressure ratio (OPR) ranging between 12 and 15 and turbine inlet temperature (TIT) ranging between 1,200 K and 1,400 K regarding the engine are dealt with by using ideal and real codes of parametric cycle equations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is performed based on thermodynamic analysis for real and ideal conditions by means of MATLAB software.

Findings

When considering influences of flight conditions, SFC of the PW127-E changes between 6.4 g/kNs and 13.75 g/kNs at ideal conditon whereas changes between 6.9 g/kNs and 14.64 g/kNs at real conditions. Moreover, overall efficiency of the engine varies between 28.3% and 35.5% at ideal, whereas it is found between 12.8% and 18.5% at real condition owing to varying altitude and Mach. On the other hand, with effects of design variables, SFC of the engine changes between 9.59 g/kNs and 10.38 g/kNs at ideal however 11.74 g/kNs and 12.76 g/kNs at real. Lastly, overall efficiency of the engine resides between 30.61% and 33.13% at ideal whereas between 14.37% and 18.61% at real due to varying OPR and TIT variables.

Practical implications

It is expected that this study helps in understanding how to vary performance metrics of the engine according to internal variables and external conditions. Namely, the approach used in present study could benefit the determination of the on-design and off-design performance of the engine in theoretical manner.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to present performance analysis of the three-shaft PW127-E turboprop by considering the effect of design parameters and flight conditions on engine performance in ideal and real conditions.
The role of integrated reporting and earnings management on the combined assurance and capital market liquidity relationship
Authors: Donkor Augustine , Trireksani Terri , Djajadikerta Hadrian Geri
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the role of integrated reporting (IR) and earnings management (EM) practices on the combined assurance model (CA) and the firms’ capital market liquidity (FCML) performance nexus. Based on a moderated mediation analysis, it examines the channels through which CA quality influences FCML performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from the top 100 firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) based on market capitalisation, and a bootstrap moderated mediation model through Hayes Process Macro was adopted.

Findings

The findings show that although IR quality mediates the CA quality and FCML performance nexus, the mediation is conditional on firms’ practices of EM, implying that the value of CA through IR to capital market participants is more pronounced for firms engaged in high EM practices.

Practical implications

The findings emphasise the importance of the CA model in streamlining assurance processes, reducing assurance costs and enhancing the credibility of financial and sustainability reports, thereby improving capital market performance. Hence, it is a valuable assurance framework for International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2 compliance.

Originality/value

This study uniquely lines up the CA model, IR quality and EM practices to project the value relevance and channel(s) through which the effective communication of the CA model influences FCML performance.
Accelerating digital transformation using gamification: an implementation case from the news industry
Authors: Badreldin Omar M. , Adris Alaa-Eldin M. , Labib Heba
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Digital Transformation (DT) initiatives often face high failure rates. The study assesses gamification’s impact on overcoming DT challenges like high failure rates, resistance to change, and lack of engagement in the news/media organizations, identifying key gamification elements driving successful transformation and increasing engagement in.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, utilizing an experiment with 164 participants from a single newspaper. Applying gamification techniques for five months, collecting quantitative data and qualitative survey responses. Statistical analysis assessed the impact of gamification on DT success. Thematic analysis of survey responses provided participants’ experiences.

Findings

The study demonstrated a significant positive increase in Key Data Points measuring the digital transformation in news/media organizations over 5 months, indicating a successful and sustained behavior change and increased engagement. Points, rankings, leaderboards and badges were the most impactful gamification design elements. Survey found the gamification appealing to 81% of participants, with 83.7% reporting a greater interest in learning new digital content production methods.

Research limitations/implications

The experiment is conducted in one news organization, measuring key data points relevant to DT in news industry and may not be generalizable.

Practical implications

Empower organization struggling with DT, by introducing gamification to DT process and share findings to inspire replication across similar organization.

Originality/value

The research fills the literature gap in studying the effect of gamification on DT, and offers practical guidance and evidence of its power to encouraging positive behavioral changes, increasing engagement, and mitigating resistance to change.
Sustainable facilities management: a sociotechnical system perspective and a review of the literature
Authors: Karanasios Konstantinos
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Sustainable facilities management (SFM) research necessitates a sociotechnical system perspective as core organizations and facilities management (FM) suppliers are subject to multiple pressures while participating in buildings’ use, operation, and maintenance. The purpose of this study is to examine the SFM literature and improve understanding of factors that influence SFM practices using a sociotechnical transitions approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, first, examines facility management and sociotechnical system approaches to develop a framework that conceptualizes pressures and management processes that may impact the transition of FM practices to more sustainable ones. In a second step, the framework is combined with a systematic literature review of studies published between 2000 and 2023 to examine pressures applied to FM firms, explore responses and management processes and the evolution of FM practices, and identify research gaps.

Findings

The review findings indicate that the factors proposed by a sociotechnical system framework are examined in the SFM literature and that FM regimes acknowledged the applied pressures and responded by adapting their strategies, updating technical knowledge and capabilities, establishing new governance mechanisms, and modifying the industry identity and mindset.

Research limitations/implications

The review is limited to SFM literature between 2000 and 2023. An evolutionary sociotechnical system perspective of SFM practices necessitates context-specific research.

Originality/value

The study responds to the call for a sociotechnical system view of SFM and adds a sociotechnical transitions perspective to the development and evolution of SFM research. It organizes the current SFM literature, points to the need for context-specific research, and allows for the identification of future SFM research directions.
Metaverse in tourism and hospitality industry: science mapping of the current and future trends
Authors: Zainal Abidin Nazim Hanis , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Wider Walton , Mat Daud Wan Muhammad Noor Sarbani , Musa Rusnifaezah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study performs a science mapping approach based on bibliometric analysis of the metaverse and its associated technology in tourism and hospitality. As an immersive technology, metaverse has penetrated various segments of human life and business activities. This digital transformation phenomenon has also penetrated tourism and hospitality in mixed reality, comprising virtual, augmented and extended reality.

Design/methodology/approach

The knowledge structure of the past and future trends in the sector’s metaverse application is analyzed to present the topological and temporal structure by a science mapping approach.

Findings

Findings show that current and emerging trends are related to tourism mobilities, cultural and heritage tourism, digital landscape transformation and motivation to adopt virtual reality. At the same time, future trends suggest three themes related to the transformation of the tourism industry through the metaverse: immersive heritage exploration, technology adoption in metaverse tourism.

Research limitations/implications

Metaverse technology will continue impacting tourism services and product offerings. Stakeholders and players in the tourism sector need to adapt to the development of metaverse technology to stay competitive and relevant in today’s digital environment.

Originality/value

Through a science mapping approach, this study offers a crucial temporal and structural understanding of the metaverse in tourism phenomenon.
Shared community history strengthens plant diversity effects on below‐ground multitrophic functioning
Authors: Amyntas Angelos , Gauzens Benoit , Ciobanu Marcel , Warnke Lara , Maraun Mark , Salamon Jörg‐Alfred , Merkle Mona , Bassi Leonardo , Hennecke Justus , Lange Markus , Gleixner Gerd , Scheu Stefan , Eisenhauer Nico , Brose Ulrich
Published: January 2025

The relationship of plant diversity and several ecosystem functions strengthens over time. This suggests that the restructuring of biotic interactions in the process of a community's assembly and the associated changes in function differ between species‐rich and species‐poor communities. An important component of these changes is the feedback between plant and soil community history.

In this study, we examined the interactive effects of plant richness and community history on the trophic functions of the soil fauna community. We hypothesized that experimental removal of either soil or plant community history would diminish the positive effects of plant richness on the multitrophic functions of the soil food web, compared to mature communities. We tested this hypothesis in a long‐term grassland biodiversity experiment by comparing plots across three treatments (without plant history, without plant and soil history, controls with ~20 years of plot‐specific community history).

We found that the relationship between plant richness and below‐ground multitrophic functionality is indeed stronger in communities with shared plant and soil community history. Our findings indicate that anthropogenic disturbance can impact the functioning of the soil community through the loss of plant species but also by preventing feedbacks that develop in the process of community assembly.
Specimen‐based records and geographic locations of brittle stars (Echinodermata) collected from Sagami Bay
Authors: Okanishi Masanori , Kohtsuka Hisanori , Hasegawa Naohiro , Osawa Takeshi
Published: January 2025

Brittle stars are marine invertebrates that often dominate the seafloor. Their global distribution and abundance make them useful as marine environmental bioindicators. Despite their importance, however, there is limited availability of data on brittle star specimens in Japan. In this study, we focused on Sagami Bay, one of the oldest Japanese marine areas for the study of brittle stars, and organized the data from the specimens collected there. This collection included specimens collected between 2005 and 2021, comprising a total of 695 samples, which were identified as 108 species. All data are deposited in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) through the Japan Node of GBIF and are thus accessible via the GBIF portal under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. The Metadata for this abstract published in the Data Article section of the journal are available in MetaCat in JaLTER at https://jalter.diasjp.net/data/ERDP-2025-01.
Review article: Coaching in emergency medicine: A systematic review and future research agenda
Authors: Rixon Andrew , Wilson Samuel , Wong Lee Yung , Elder Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Coaching as a discipline has seen significant growth in medicine over the last decade, especially in medical education, but is at the early stages of recognition in emergency medicine. The objective of this systematic review was to provide insight into the state of coaching practice and research in emergency medicine and outline a future research agenda. Based on PRISMA guidelines, a structured electronic literature search of Embase, Scopus and EBSCOhost was conducted. Studies were included if they met all three criteria for population (‘clinicians’), concept (‘coaching’), context (‘emergency medicine’) and were published in peer‐reviewed empirical studies between 2004 and 2024. Data extraction was performed by one investigator and checked for accuracy by a second investigator. A quality assessment was conducted. Of the 1441 unique articles identified in the initial search, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our review revealed three key findings: coaching is examined in relation to clinician well‐being and resilience, non‐technical skills, and clinician technical skills, however its influence upon non‐technical skills is the main focus; coaching studies are predominantly outcome studies, with process studies receiving little attention and; a range of theories and models are used in studies of coaching in emergency medicine. This review revealed that coaching research in emergency medicine is in its infancy, highly fragmented and largely disconnected from the wider coaching research literature. Nevertheless, despite the early stages of the current research base of coaching in emergency medicine, this nascent field is rich with opportunities for future research.
Day zero parathyroid hormone levels predict cure after parathyroidectomy
Authors: Laurie Brodie D , Leong David , Nguyen Hieu , Ryan Simon , Lisewski Dean
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the predictive value of day zero post‐operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in determining cure for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) following parathyroidectomy.

Methods

This multicentre, retrospective diagnostic accuracy study utilized data from a single surgeon. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for pHPT were included, with exclusions for secondary or tertiary causes and incomplete follow‐up. Day zero post‐operative PTH levels were the key predictor variable, while cure at 6 months, defined by normocalcaemia, was the outcome. Diagnostic parameters including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for an optimal PTH cut‐off determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Youden's index.

Results

Out of 291 patients included, 278 (95.5%) were cured at 6 months. An optimal PTH cut‐off of <3 pmol/L was identified, correlating with a true positive rate of 81.3% and a false positive rate of 0%. Patients with day zero PTH <3 pmol/L (77.7% of the cohort) were all cured at six months. The PTH <3 pmol/L cut‐off demonstrated a sensitivity of 81.3%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NPV of 20%, and an accuracy of 82.1%.

Conclusion

Day zero post‐operative PTH level < 3 pmol/L is a reliable predictor of cure for pHPT following parathyroidectomy. A PTH level of <3 pmol/L is an effective cut‐off to identify patients who will be cured, potentially reducing the need for prolonged biochemical monitoring.
Vascular encasement image defined risk factors independently predict surgical complications in neuroblastoma
Authors: Stokes Rachael , Bannon Aidan , Leung Bonnie , Alloo Jasmin , Davies‐Payne David , Winstanley Mark , Wood Andrew , Evans Stephen , Hamill James
Published: January 2025

Background

Specific image defined risk factors (IDRF) immediately prior to surgery may be more relevant to paediatric oncology surgeons than pre‐neoadjuvant IDRFs at diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine IDRF subtypes that independently predict postoperative complications.

Methods

We searched the New Zealand Children's Cancer Registry for all cases of neuroblastoma treated at a single paediatric oncology centre between January 2007 and February 2021 and determined the IDRF status on pre‐operative imaging at diagnosis and after neoadjuvant therapy. Surgical complications (Clavien–Dindo grade) were correlated with total number of IDRFs (pre‐ and post‐chemotherapy) and three subsets: vascular encasement (VE), invasive (I), and extensive (E).

Results

Of 101 patients, 73 underwent surgical resection, and 32 (44%) had a surgical complication. Of the 54 IDRF‐positive tumours, all were treated by neoadjuvant therapy and in 17, all IDRFs resolved. Complications correlated with the number of post‐neoadjuvant therapy VE‐IDRFs at OR 1.2 (95% CI 1.0–1.4, P = 0.02) and extensive IDRFs at OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–1.9, P = 0.02). Pre‐neoadjuvant IDRF status was not independently associated with complications when controlling for post‐neoadjuvant IDRF status. The total number of VE‐IDRF reduced from 181 pre‐neoadjuvant therapy to 86 post, with tumour encasing the aorta and/or vena cava being the most common.

Conclusions

The vascular encasement and extensive subtypes of IDRF may be more useful prognostic indicators of surgical complications than the total number of IDRFs. This may have implications for reporting IDRF status on preoperative imaging and surgical planning but needs validation in larger cohort studies.
Exploring the Resettling Experiences of Refugee Families in Norway Through the Lens of Children and Their Parents
Authors: Halvorsen Therese Bjørndal , Saus Merete , Douglas Marcela , Bjørknes Ragnhild , Forsberg June Thorvaldsen , Patras Joshua , Rasmussen Lene‐Mari Potulski
Published: January 2025

This article presents the findings of a study examining the resettlement experiences of displaced families in Norway, focusing on children's development opportunities and well‐being. Through qualitative interviews presented as four ideal‐typical families—Abdel, Elombe, Isaac and Amira—and guided by Bronfenbrenner's ecological system theory and Morgan's concept of ‘doing family’, the research explores how various ecological systems influence family dynamics and children's developmental trajectories. The findings show discrepancies in children's and parent's perceptions of past experiences. Further, challenges within the surrounding systems influence family interactions, illustrated by economic instability, school‐related challenges and parents' unemployment. The study suggests a need for supportive practices and policies to promote successful integration and improve the development opportunities and well‐being of refugee children.