bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D simulations of an idealized coaxial impedance-matched Marx generator
Authors: Rose D. V. , Stygar W. A. , Offermann D. T. , LeChien K. R. , Anderson M. G. , Raman K. S. , Schmidt A. E. , Max D. A. , Beatty C. B. , Anaya R. M. , Anquillano A. S. , Arsenlis A. , Benson A. M. , Beverly R. E. , Boehm K. J. , Chaffee R. S. , Cortes J. E. , Drews W. A. , Edwards J. J. , Ellsworth J. L. , Gaikwad A. K. , Genoni T. C. , Grim G. P. , Hadley K. T. , Hammer J. H. , Herrmann M. C. , Howland F. A. , Hutchinson T. M. , Javedani J. B. , Johnson A. J. , Kelsall B. J. , Link A. J. , Meezan N. B. , Mostrom C. A. , Mostrom C. B. , Norton D. B. , Paraschiv I. , Russell A. M. , Smith E. B. , Soni N. C. , Speer R. D. , Spielman R. B. , Thoma C. H. , Town R. P. , Trueblood J. J. , Tummel K. K. , Watson E. D. , Watson J. A. , Welch D. R. , White A. D. , Young A. J. , Zylstra A. B.
Published: December 2024

We have conducted 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D simulations of an idealized coaxial impedance-matched Marx generator (IMG) []. The 0D calculations were conducted with a four-element circuit model; the 1D, 2D, and 3D calculations were conducted with highly resolved, fully electromagnetic representations. The IMG consists of 30 stages distributed axially and connected electrically in series. Each stage is powered by two bricks separated by 180° and connected electrically in parallel. Each brick comprises two opposite-polarity capacitors in series with a single switch. The bricks drive an internal impedance-matched coaxial transmission line terminated by a resistive load. The simulations neglect effects due to the switch-triggering circuit, the capacitor-charging circuit, external conducting boundaries, and reactive components of the load. We find dimensionality does not significantly affect the electrical power delivered by the IMG to its load: peak load powers estimated by the 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D simulations agree to within 1%. The 3D calculations demonstrate that electromagnetic power radiated by the bricks, and axial gaps between stages, reduces the peak load power by less than ∼1%. Each simulation assumes the load impedance is 34% above that at which the load power is maximized. Operating an IMG with such an overmatched load offers several advantages while decreasing the peak load power by only 2%. The 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D models outlined herein could be adapted to assess computationally competing IMG designs, and conduct a variety of numerical IMG experiments, an IMG is constructed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Secondary irradiation for radiation damage studies and isotope harvesting
Authors: Boix Pamies F. , Gottberg A.
Published: December 2024

ISAC-TRIUMF operates targets under proton irradiation in the high-power regime of 50 kW (100  μA, 500 MeV) to produce radioactive isotope beams using the isotope separation on-line technique. The targets irradiated at ISAC have a total stopping power significantly lower than 500 MeV resulting in a residual high-power proton beam downstream of the target. The coupling of a supplementary target in a downstream position allows for additional scientific output. Irradiation conditions have been analyzed with the code and relevant achievable research within operational limitations explored. Prominently, the study of material degradation under high radiation fields is of increasing interest due to the steady demand for high-performance materials for new-generation nuclear applications and beam-intercepting components at high-power particle accelerator facilities. Successive irradiations at ISAC yield relevant radiation damage of bulk material samples which can then be characterized using already existing facilities at TRIUMF and partner facilities. Additionally, a variety of isotopes produced by transmutation with research applicability can be harvested from these irradiations. With the purpose of unlocking this complementary research at ISAC-TRIUMF, a secondary target, attached to the primary ISAC target system, has been designed and commissioned.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamically relevant recurrent flows obtained via a nonlinear recurrence function from two-dimensional turbulence
Authors: Redfern Edward M. , Lazer Andrei L. , Lucas Dan
Published: December 2024

This paper demonstrates the efficient extraction of unstable recurrent flows from two-dimensional turbulence by using nonlinear triads to diagnose recurrence in direct numerical simulations. Nearly recurrent episodes are identified from simulations and then converged using a standard Newton-GMRES-hookstep method, however with much greater diversity than previous studies which performed this “recurrent flow analysis.” Unstable periodic and relative periodic orbits are able to be identified which span larger values of dissipation rate, i.e., corresponding to extreme bursting events. The triad variables are found to provide a more natural way to weight the greater variety of spatial modes active in such orbits than a standard Euclidian norm of complex Fourier amplitudes. Moreover, the triad variables build in a reduction of the continuous symmetry of the system which avoids the need to search over translations when obtaining relative periodic orbits. Armed with these orbits we investigate optimal weightings when reconstructing the statistics of turbulence and suggest that, in fact, a simple heuristic weighting based on the solution instability provides a very good prediction, provided enough dynamically relevant orbits are included in the expansion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Green's function approach to interacting lattice polaritons and optical nonlinearities in subwavelength arrays of quantum emitters
Authors: Pedersen Simon Panyella , Bruun Georg M. , Pohl Thomas
Published: December 2024

Subwavelength arrays of quantum emitters offer an efficient free-space approach to coherent light-matter interfacing, using ultracold atoms or two-dimensional solid-state quantum materials. The combination of collectively suppressed photon losses and emerging optical nonlinearities due to strong photon coupling to mesoscopic numbers of emitters holds promise for generating nonclassical light and engineering effective interactions between freely propagating photons. While most studies have thus far relied on numerical simulations, we describe here a diagrammatic Green's function approach that permits analytical investigations of nonlinear processes. We illustrate the method by deriving a simple expression for the scattering matrix that describes photon-photon interactions in an extended two-dimensional array of quantum emitters and reproduces the results of numerical simulations of coherently driven arrays. The approach yields intuitive insights into the nonlinear response of the system and offers a promising framework for the systematic development of a theory for interacting photons and many-body effects on collective radiance in two-dimensional arrays of quantum emitters.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Unbounded quantum advantage in communication complexity measured by distinguishability
Authors: Manna Satyaki , Chaturvedi Anubhav , Saha Debashis
Published: December 2024

Communication complexity is a fundamental aspect of information science, concerned with the amount of communication required to solve a problem distributed among multiple parties. The standard quantification of one-way communication complexity relies on the minimal dimension of the communicated systems. In this paper, we measure the communication complexity of a task by the minimal required to accomplish it, while leaving the dimension of the communicated systems unconstrained. Distinguishability is defined as the maximum probability of correctly guessing the sender's input from the message, quantifying the message's distinctiveness relative to the sender's input. This measure becomes especially relevant when maintaining the confidentiality of the sender's input is essential. After establishing the generic framework, we focus on three relevant families of communication complexity tasks—the random access codes, equality problems defined by graphs, and the pair-distinguishability tasks. We derive general lower bounds on the minimal classical distinguishability as a function of the success metric of these tasks. We demonstrate that quantum communication outperforms classical communication presenting explicit protocols and utilizing semidefinite programming methods. In particular, we demonstrate for random access codes and Hadamard graph-based equality problems. Specifically, we show that the classical-to-quantum ratio of minimal distinguishability required to achieve the same success metric escalates polynomially and exponentially with the complexity of these tasks, reaching arbitrarily large values.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Local Control and Mixed Dimensions: Exploring High-Temperature Superconductivity in Optical Lattices
Authors: Schlömer Henning , Lange Hannah , Franz Titus , Chalopin Thomas , Bojović Petar , Wang Si , Bloch Immanuel , Hilker Timon A. , Grusdt Fabian , Bohrdt Annabelle
Published: December 2024

The simulation of high-temperature superconducting materials by implementing strongly correlated fermionic models in optical lattices is one of the major objectives in the field of analog quantum simulation. Here we show that local control and optical bilayer capabilities combined with spatially resolved measurements create a versatile toolbox to study fundamental properties of both nickelate and cuprate high-temperature superconductors. On the one hand, we present a scheme to implement a mixed-dimensional (mixD) bilayer model that has been proposed to capture the essential pairing physics of pressurized bilayer nickelates. This allows for the long-sought realization of a state with long-range superconducting order in current lattice quantum simulation machines. In particular, we show how coherent pairing correlations can be accessed in a partially particle-hole transformed and rotated basis. On the other hand, we demonstrate that control of local gates enables the observation of d-wave pairing order in the two-dimensional (single-layer) repulsive Fermi-Hubbard model through the simulation of a system with attractive interactions. Lastly, we introduce a scheme to measure momentum-resolved dopant densities, providing access to observables complementary to solid-state experiments—which is of particular interest for future studies of the enigmatic pseudogap phase appearing in cuprates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Research on waterproof performance and failure analysis of asymmetric arrangement of sealing gasket in subway shield tunnel
Authors: Li Tao , Shu Jiajun , Li Yue , Wang Yanlong , Liu Bo
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to provide a reference basis for waterproofing for the long-term safe operation of shield tunnels. Shielding subways in the long-term operation of tunnel tube seams leads to opening, dislocation and other issues, which in turn cause the tube sealing gasket to break and ultimately cause water seepage, and the existing symmetrical sealing gasket arrangement cannot meet the waterproofing requirements of the tunnel structure.

Design/methodology/approach

First, we carry out an indoor “one-seam” hydrostatic test to quantitatively determine the waterproofing performance of symmetric and four asymmetric arrangements of gaskets. And the arrangement with the best stability and waterproofing performance is selected. Second, we establish a three-dimensional numerical seepage model for the waterproof failure of gaskets with different arrangements, which mechanistically explains the whole course of the gradual failure of the waterproof performance of gaskets with the wedging of water. Finally, we compare and analyze the experimental results with the numerical results to verify the reliability of the different analysis methods.

Findings

The results of the research show that the gasket will undergo four stages: the initial stage, deformation stage, wedging stage, and breakthrough stage during the continuous wedging process of the water body. Compared with the symmetric arrangement of the gasket, the asymmetric arrangement of the effective contact part of the gasket stress wave peaks and troughs is smaller, the deformation stage of the ability to resist the deformation of the water pressure is stronger, and the role of the water pressure between the two sealing gaskets of the stress path is less likely to be damaged.

Research limitations/implications

The current test can't fully reproduce real engineering site conditions as it ignores factors like temperature, time and aging during waterproofing tests and lacks tests based on actual application. Only one – seam test is done, lacking research on other seams. The current seepage model has difficulty reflecting some details and needs refinement.

Practical implications

The study focuses on the tube sheet joint problem in underground tunnels and proposes four asymmetric gasket arrangements, which are tested and analysed using a variety of methods. The results show that the asymmetric arrangement has a slower decline in waterproofing capacity and better stability, providing a new method and basis for solving tunnel waterproofing problems.

Originality/value

The study focuses on the tube sheet joint problem in underground tunnels and proposes four asymmetric gasket arrangements, which are tested and analysed using a variety of methods. The results show that the asymmetric arrangement has a slower decline in waterproofing capacity and better stability, providing a new method and basis for solving tunnel waterproofing problems.
Green supply chain management practices and organizational performance in an emerging market
Authors: Al-Shammari Minwir M. , Al-Maathidi Afnan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between seven green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and their impact on three types of organizational performance in Bahrain’s food and beverage (F&B) producers: operational, environmental and economic. This significant study sheds light on a relatively unexplored area in an emerging Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology was cross-sectional and deductive, using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Using a convenience sample technique, 69 responses, representing a response rate of 61.6%, were gathered from 149 Bahraini F&B managers.

Findings

There was a positive link between all five of the used organizational performance indicators and the GSCM practices of green purchasing, customer cooperation, investment recovery, green packaging and reverse logistics. Seven out of the 21 hypotheses were found statistically significant. The results suggest that Bahraini enterprises are only beginning to apply GSCM at this level. Consequently, managers must work harder to implement GSCM concepts effectively.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is a pioneering effort, being the first to investigate GSCM practices among F&B manufacturers in Bahrain. It is also one of the first to use the PLS-SEM for data analysis on this topic. The results contribute to the existing body of knowledge and provide a significant learning opportunity for F&B managers. By applying the insights from this study, managers can enhance their products, profitability and competitive edge in Bahrain, promoting eco-friendly practices in the F&B industry.
Sustainability or artificial intelligence? Returns and volatility connectedness in crypto assets
Authors: Almeida José , Gaio Cristina , Gonçalves Tiago Cruz
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interconnectedness of sustainability-linked and AI-based cryptocurrencies returns and volatility over five years (2018–2024). It aims to uncover the dynamic relationships between these two sectors under various market conditions, providing insights into their behavior and influence within the broader cryptocurrency market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregression (TVP-VAR) model to analyze key cryptocurrencies associated with AI and sustainability. This approach is complemented by a quantile-based perspective, allowing for an in-depth examination of return and volatility spillovers across different market conditions. Thus, facilitating an understanding of the intricate dynamics between sustainability-linked and AI-based cryptocurrencies.

Findings

The findings reveal distinct market dynamics with the Sustainable sector consistently acting as a net transmitter, while the AI sector predominantly as a net receiver, indicating its reactive nature. In bearish markets, both sectors display high interconnectedness, with the Sustainable sector shaping dynamics. In bullish markets, the Sustainable sector maintains influence, while the AI sector adopts a more proactive role, influencing the market more than in bearish conditions. Post-Chat GPT 3 the Sustainable sector decreases influence, becoming a net receiver in bullish markets. In contrast, the AI sector strengthens as a net transmitter, signaling growing investor confidence and prominence.

Originality/value

This study explores the interconnectedness of sustainability-linked and AI-based cryptocurrencies through a TVP-VAR model and a quantile-based analysis. It provides insights into how these sectors interact and influence each other across different market conditions, especially highlighting the significant shifts in dynamics following the advent of advanced technologies like Chat GPT 3. This contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of the cryptocurrency market in the context of sustainability and AI.
Quantile analysis of Bitcoin returns: uncovering market dynamics
Authors: Antar Monia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study delves into Bitcoin’s return dynamics to address its pronounced volatility, particularly in extreme market conditions. We analyze a broad range of explanatory variables, including traditional financial indicators, innovative cryptocurrency-specific metrics and market sentiment gauges. We uniquely introduce the Conference Board Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) to the cryptocurrency research landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ quantile regression to examine Bitcoin’s daily and monthly returns. This approach captures timescale dependencies and evaluates the consistency of our findings across different market conditions. By conducting a thorough analysis of the entire return distribution, we aim to reveal how various factors influence Bitcoin’s behavior at different risk levels. The research incorporates a comprehensive set of explanatory variables to provide a holistic view of Bitcoin’s market dynamics. Additionally, by segmenting the study period, we assess the consistency of the results across diverse market regimes.

Findings

Our results reveal that factors driving Bitcoin returns vary significantly across market conditions. For instance, during downturns, an increase in transaction volume is linked to lower Bitcoin returns, potentially indicating panic selling. When the market stabilizes, a positive correlation emerges, suggesting healthier ecosystem activity. Active addresses emerge as a key predictor of returns, especially during bearish phases, and sentiment indicators such as Wikipedia views reveal shifting investor optimism, depending on market trends. Monthly return analysis suggests Bitcoin might act as a hedge against traditional markets due to its negative correlation with the S&P 500 during normal conditions.

Practical implications

The study’s findings have significant implications for investors and policymakers. Understanding how different factors influence Bitcoin returns in varying market conditions can guide investment strategies and regulatory approaches.

Originality/value

A novel contribution of this study is the identification of Bitcoin’s sensitivity to broader economic downturns as demonstrated by the negative correlation between LEI and returns. These insights not only deepen our understanding of Bitcoin market behaviour but also offer practical implications for investors, risk managers and policymakers navigating the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
Family ownership, control and firm preference for debt financing
Authors: Moussa Amr Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of family ownership (FO) and family control (FC) on firm preference for debt financing and to test whether FC affects the association between FO and debt financing.

Design/methodology/approach

Debt financing was measured by the total debt to total assets ratio, whereas FO was proxied by family-individual, family-institutional, and family-total shares. Additionally, the appointment of family members, founders, and descendants to CEO positions and the dual role of their CEO positions were used to proxy FC. As a panel data technique, the dynamic estimator of the generalized method of moments (GMM) was employed for a sample of 80 Egyptian listed firms during the 2011–2018 period.

Findings

The findings showed that debt financing is positively affected by family-individual shares and family-total shares and negatively affected by family-institutional shares. FC, as proxied by family and founder CEOs, and the dual role of their CEO positions has led to more debt consumption as a mechanism to preserve family dominance over the business. Conversely, the presence and the dual role of descendant CEOs have led to less debt utilization due to their risk aversion behavior. Additionally, we showed that the association between FO and debt financing is affected by various FC patterns.

Originality/value

This study highlighted that firm preference for debt financing is affected by the noneconomic motivations of family CEOs, such as preserving family socioemotional wealth.
Thermal transport analysis for entropy generated flow of hybrid nanomaterial: modified Cattaneo–Christov heat and Darcy–Forchheimer
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Naveed Khan Muhammad , Abdelmohimen Mostafa A.H. , Ahammad N. Ameer
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The heat transport phenomenon in which energy transfers due to temperature differences is an important topic of interest for scientists in recent times. It is because of its wide range of applications in numerous domains such as electronics, heat dispersion, thermoregulation, cooling mechanism, the managing temperature in automotive mobile engines, climate engineering, magnetoresistance devices, etc. On account of such considerations, the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) entropy rate for nanomaterial (CoFe2O4/C2H6O2) and hybrid nanomaterial (CoFe2O4+MoS4/C2H6O2) is analyzed. The Darcy–Forchheimer relation is utilized to describe the impact of a porous medium on a stretched sheet. Two nanoparticles molybdenum (MoS4) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) are combined to make hybrid nanomaterial (CoFe2O4+MoS4/C2H6O2). Heat flux corresponds to the Cattaneo–Christov model executed through heat transfer analysis. The influence of dissipation and heat absorption/generation on energy expression for nanomaterial (CoFe2O4+MoS4/C2H6O2) and hybrid nanomaterial (CoFe2O4+MoS4/C2H6O2) is described.

Design/methodology/approach

Nonlinear partial differential expressions have been exchanged into dimensionless ordinary differential expressions using relevant transformations. Newton’s built-in shooting method is employed to achieve the required results.

Findings

Concepts of fluid flow, energy transport and entropy optimization are discussed. Computational analysis of local skin friction and Nusselt number against sundry parameters for nanomaterial (CoFe2O4/C2H6O2) and hybrid nanomaterial (CoFe2O4+MoS4/C2H6O2) is engrossed. Larger magnetic field parameters decay fluid flow and entropy generation, while an opposite behavior is observed for temperature. Variation in magnetic field variables and volume fractions causes the resistive force to boost up. Intensification in entropy generation can be seen for higher porosity parameters, whereas a reverse trend follows for fluid flow. Heat and local Nusselt numbers rise with an increase in thermal relaxation time parameters.

Originality/value

No such work is yet published in the literature.
Reasons for HR analytics adoption in public sector organisations: evidence from Swedish public administrations
Authors: Espegren Yanina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study explores the rationale behind the utilisation of human resource (HR) analytics in public sector organisations. The existing HR analytics literature exhibits limited empirical evidence and has predominantly focused on the business context of private firms. In addressing this gap, the study seeks to answer the following research question: What reasons for the adoption of HR analytics can be identified in public sector organisations?

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a qualitative approach drawing on the empirical data collected from three public administrations in Sweden – national, regional and local. A total of 51 in-depth interviews are conducted with HR and other organisational practitioners engaged in HR analytics practices.

Findings

Drawing on the institutional legitimacy perspective, this paper suggests that public sector organisations adopt HR analytics to secure cognitive, socio-political and technological legitimacy, stemming from explanations rooted in economic rationality. This encompasses organisational and HR-related outcomes achieved through data management and analysis, driven by the personal interests of specific individuals.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to ongoing debates about the adoption of HR analytics in diverse contextual settings. Future research is needed in other organisational contexts, including various national and international settings.

Practical implications

The results of this study offer practical insights for HR practitioners in public sector organisations seeking to adopt HR analytics to enhance organisational and HR legitimacy.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the HR analytics literature by providing empirical evidence from the public sector. Furthermore, it advocates for a synthesis of economic rationality with legitimacy gains and individual interests to elucidate the rationale behind the adoption of HR analytics.
Alleviating financial education debt through Zakah: proposing HOPE model to public higher education institution
Authors: Allah Pitchay Anwar , Abdul Rahman Masyitah , Azhar Zubir
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to propose and validate the Holistic and Prosperous Education (HOPE) model to address the tertiary student loan burden of poor students in Malaysia’s public higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an interpretivism paradigm to understand experts’ perspectives on the proposed HOPE model in higher education. Thus, the inductive approach is employed to better understand the research context and structure. The study uses a case study approach and interviews with four experts, covering information on the proposed HOPE model and respondents’ views on its practicability and validity.

Findings

The findings suggest a phased approach for disadvantaged students, aligning with Shariah’s objectives. Implementing the HOPE model at Malaysia’s local higher education (MLHE) could potentially catalyse transformative change within the higher education landscape. The HOPE model offers a promising alternative that harmonizes social responsibility, religious principles and institutional sustainability, addressing the persistent issue of student loan debt while fostering a more inclusive and prosperous educational environment.

Practical implications

The HOPE model can benefit students, educational institutions and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (NEFC) financial sustainability. It emphasizes the responsible utilization of zakat funds and showcases its impact in addressing financial problems faced by students.

Originality/value

This study offers in-depth feedback from the various stakeholders, such as the top management of MLHE, NEFC and Shariah scholars, on the debt issues among tertiary students and the HOPE model proposed in this study to mitigate the loan burden problem among poor Muslim students.
Juvenile hormone induces phosphorylation of insulin/insulin‐like growth factor signaling proteins in previtellogenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Zhao Wenhao , Liu Pengcheng , Saunders Thomas R. , Zhu Jinsong
Published: December 2024

Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a pivotal role in regulating post‐emergence development and metabolism in previtellogenic female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. In contrast, yolk protein precursor production and egg maturation after a blood meal are regulated by the steroid hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone, the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)/insulin signaling (IIS) pathway, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. The role of IIS/mTOR signaling in female adults prior to blood feeding has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we identified a significant increase in the phosphorylation of key effector proteins in the IIS/mTOR signaling pathway, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) and forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), in previtellogenic females. In vitro fat body culture experiments suggest that JH induces these phosphorylations through rapid nongenomic signaling mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mTOR network. RNA interference experiments demonstrated that activation of IIS/mTOR signaling in previtellogenic females modulate metabolic gene expression, promoting the accumulation of energy reserves (glycogen and triglycerides), which influence mosquito fecundity. Additionally, depletion of either the insulin receptor (InR) or the JH receptor Methoprene‐tolerant (Met) in adult mosquitoes abolished the phosphorylation of these proteins, indicating that both receptors are involved in JH‐induced membrane‐initiated signal transduction. Although the precise mechanisms remain unclear, this study uncovers a novel function of the IIS/mTOR pathway in adult mosquitoes before blood feeding, as well as a new mode of JH action through its crosstalk with the IIS pathway.
Insight Into Body Size Evolution in Aves: Based on Some Body Size–Related Genes
Authors: Luo Chaoyang , Xu Xionghui , Zhao Chengfa , Wang Qiuping , Wang Rongxing , Lang Datian , Zhang Juan , Hu Wenxian , Mu Yuan
Published: December 2024

Birds exhibit remarkable variations in body size, making them an ideal group for the study of adaptive evolution. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying body size evolution in avian species remain inadequately understood. This study investigates the evolutionary patterns of avian body size by analyzing 15 body‐size‐related genes, including GHSR, IGF2BP1, and IGFBP7 from the growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor axis, EIF2AK3, GALNS, NCAPG, PLOD1, and PLAG1 associated with tall stature, and ACAN, OBSL1, and GRB10 associated with short stature, four genes previously reported in avian species: ATP11A, PLXDC2, TNS3, and TUBGCP3. The results indicate significant adaptive evolution of body size‐related genes across different avian lineages. Notably, in the IGF2BP1 gene, a significant positive correlation was observed between the evolutionary rate and body size, suggesting that larger bird species exhibit higher evolutionary rates of the IGF2BP1 gene. Furthermore, the IGFBP7 and PLXDC2 genes demonstrated accelerated evolution in large‐ and medium‐sized birds, respectively, indicating distinct evolutionary patterns for these genes among birds of different sizes. The branch‐site model analysis identified numerous positively selected sites, primarily concentrated near functional domains, thereby reinforcing the critical role of these genes in body size evolution. Interestingly, extensive convergent evolution was detected in lineages with larger body sizes. This study elucidates the genetic basis of avian body size evolution for the first time, identifying adaptive evolutionary patterns of body size‐related genes across birds of varying sizes and documenting patterns of convergent evolution. These findings provide essential genetic data and novel insights into the adaptive evolution of body size in birds.
Genomic Insights Into Genetic Basis of Evolutionary Conservatism and Innovation in Frogs
Authors: Zuo Bin , Chen Rongmei , Tang Xiaolong , Shao Yong , Liu Xiaolong , Nneji Lotanna M. , Sun Yanbo
Published: December 2024

Examining closely related species evolving in similar environments offers valuable insights into the mechanisms driving phylogenetic conservatism and evolutionary lability. This can elucidate the intricate relationship between inheritance and environmental factors. Nonetheless, the precise genomic dynamics and molecular underpinnings of this process remain enigmatic. This study explores the evolutionary conservatism and adaptation exhibited by two closely related high‐altitude frog species: Nanorana parkeri and N. pleskei. We assembled a high‐quality genome for Tibetan N. pleskei and compared it to the genomes of N. parkeri and their lowland relatives. Our findings reveal that these two Tibetan frog species diverged approximately 16.6 million years ago, pointing to a possible ancestral colonization of high‐elevation habitats. Following this colonization, significant adaptive evolution occurred in both coding and non‐coding regions of the ancestral lineage. This evolution led to notable phenotypic alterations, as evidenced by the reduced body size. Also, due to purifying selection, most ancestral adaptive features persisted in descendant species, indicating a strong element of evolutionary conservatism. However, descendant species evolved novel adaptations to exacerbated environmental challenges in the Tibet Plateau, mainly related to hypoxia response. Furthermore, our analysis underscores the critical role of regulatory variations in descendant adaptive evolution. Notably, hub genes in networks, such as EGLN3, accumulated more variations in regulatory regions as they were transmitted from ancestors to descendants. In sum, our study sheds light on the profound and lasting impact of genetic heritage on species' adaptive evolution.
Associations of combined accelerated biological aging and genetic susceptibility with incidence of heart failure in a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Zhao Hao , Zhang Xuening , Li Yanzhi , Wang Wanxin , Lai Wenjian , Zhang Wenjing , Kang Kai , Zhong Xiali , Guo Lan
Published: December 2024

The global aging population raises concerns about heart failure (HF), yet its association with accelerated biological age (BA) remains inadequately understood. We aimed to examine the longitudinal association between BA acceleration and incident HF risk, assess its modifying effect on genetic susceptibility, and how much BA acceleration mediates the impact of modifiable health behaviors on incident HF. We analyzed 274,608 UK Biobank participants without HF at baseline. Two BA accelerations (Biological Age Acceleration [BioAgeAccel] and Phenotypic Age Acceleration [PhenoAgeAccel]) were calculated by regressing clinical biomarker‐based BA on chronological age, with higher values indicating accelerated aging. Health behavior scores were computed based on diet, physical activity, tobacco/nicotine, sleep, and BMI. Genetic risk scores (GRS) were calculated by 12 HF‐associated loci. During a median follow‐up of 13.5 years, 8915 HF cases were documented. Each standard deviation increase in BioAgeAccel and PhenoAgeAccel was associated with an increased incident HF risk, yielding HRs of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.42–1.48) and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.40–1.45), respectively. Participants with high GRS and highest quartile of BioAgeAccel had an HR of 2.69 (95% CI, 2.42–2.99), and for PhenoAgeAccel, an HR of 2.83 (95% CI, 2.52–3.18), compared to those with low GRS, and lowest quartile. Additive interactions were observed between GRS and BA accelerations. Health behaviors reduced HF risk, with 21.1% (95% CI, 19.5%–22.8%) mediated by decreased BioAgeAccel and 20.9% (95% CI, 19.5%–22.6%) by decreased PhenoAgeAccel. Accelerated BA is associated with an increased incident HF risk, with an additive effect when combined with genetic susceptibility. Maintaining health behaviors may help mitigate BA aging and reduce HF risk.
Structural Unfairness or Disrespect and Misrecognition? Theorising the Pathway Between Feelings of Injustice and Collective Mobilisation Among Precarious Migrant Workers
Authors: Borello Andrea
Published: December 2024

Industrial relations scholars have long been concerned with theorising collective mobilisation among workers, and it is well‐established that workers’ feelings of injustice can spark collective mobilisation. However, no attempts have to date been devoted to understanding how migrants experience feelings of injustice, although various other attempts have been made to theorise migrant worker collectivism. Through empirically founded field work in three sectors, this article contributes to theorise collective mobilisation among precarious migrant workers by combining Kelly's mobilisation theory with Tapia and Alberti's multi‐level approach to intersectionality. It starts from the premise that collective mobilisation begins with shared feelings of injustice and offers novel evidence to migrants’ experiences with injustice in contexts of intersecting precarity. Using a conceptual prism that distinguishes between restorative and retributive forms of justice, I show that although migrants are subject to distinct structural unfairness, they rarely ascribe retribute, class‐based struggles for justice as a cause for mobilisation. Rather, migrant workers mainly express feelings of injustice through disrespect and misrecognition resembling a restorative justice logic. These findings offer conceptual clarification to Kelly's mobilisation theory and can potentially move future research forward to a more nuanced understanding of the intersections between feelings, contexts of precarity and collective mobilisation.
The impact of post‐nephroureterectomy surgically induced chronic kidney disease on survival outcomes
Authors: Puri Dhruv , Meagher Margaret F. , Wu Zhenjie , Franco Antonio , Wang Linhui , Margulis Vitaly , Bhanvadia Raj , Abdollah Firas , Finati Marco , Antonelli Alessandro , Ditonno Francesco , Singla Nirmish , Broenimann Stephan , Simone Giuseppe , Tuderti Gabriele , Rais‐Bahrami Soroush , Moon Sol C. , Ferro Matteo , Tozzi Marco , Porpiglia Francesco , Amparore Daniele , Correa Andreas , Helstrom Emma , Gonzalgo Mark L. , Mendiola Dinno F. , Perdonà Sisto , Tufano Antonio , Eilender Benjamine M. , Mehrazin Reza , Yong Courtney , Ghoreifi Alireza , Sundaram Chandru P. , Djaladat Hooman , Autorino Riccardo , Derweesh Ithaar H.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the prevalence, predictors and impact of surgically induced chronic kidney disease (CKD‐S) on survival outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

Methods

Utilising the ROBUUST 2.0 registry, a multicentre retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with UTUC undergoing RNU between 2006 and 2022 who did not have baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3–5. We calculated the prevalence of postoperative CKD‐S3a (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 59–45 mL/min/1.73 m2) and CKD‐S3b (eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2) as measured by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration 2021 equation. The analytical cohort was stratified by postoperative CKD stage [no CKD‐S [eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2]; CKD‐S3a [eGFR 59–45 mL/min/1.73 m2] and CKD‐S3b [eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2]). The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality (ACM). Predictors for development of CKD‐S3a/3b and ACM/cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) were analysed using logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to analyse overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) among postoperative CKD groups.

Results

We analysed 1862 patients; 34.7% (646) and 39.6% (738), respectively, developed CKD‐S3a and CKD‐S3b. Predictors of CKD‐S3b included increasing age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03, P = 0.029), decreasing preoperative eGFR (OR 1.06, P < 0.001) and receipt of neoadjuvant (OR 2.07, P = 0.006) and adjuvant chemotherapy (OR 1.41, P = 0.012). Worsened ACM was associated with CKD‐S3b (hazard ratio 1.42, P = 0.032), but not CKD‐S3a (P = 0.766). Development of CKD‐S3a (P = 0.812) and CKD‐S3b (P = 0.316) were not associated with CSM. The 5‐year OS rate was significantly worse in CKD‐S3b (no‐CKD 71%, CKD‐S3a 70%, CKD‐S3b 59%; P = 0.017). No differences between CKD‐S groups were noted for 5‐year CSS (no‐CKD 78%, CKD‐S3a 77%, CKD‐S3b 82%; P = 0.44).

Conclusions

A significant proportion of UTUC patients undergoing RNU developed CKD‐S. Development of CKD‐S3b was associated with worse ACM. Increasing age, preoperative eGFR, and chemotherapy were associated with developing CKD‐S3b. Our findings call for further exploration and refinement of nephron‐preserving surgical strategies and non‐nephrotoxic systemic therapy to improve survival outcomes in UTUC.
Antitumor host immunity enhanced by near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Fukushima Hiroshi , Furusawa Aki , Okada Ryuhei , Fujii Yasuhisa , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: December 2024

Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) is a novel antitumor therapy that selectively kills cancer cells by NIR light‐triggered photochemical reaction of IRDye700DX within Ab–photoabsorber conjugates (APCs). NIR‐PIT induces immunogenic cell death, causing immune cell migration between the tumor and tumor‐draining lymph nodes, and expanding multiclonal tumor‐infiltrating CD8+ T cells. Crucially, the cytotoxic effects of NIR‐PIT are limited to cancer cells, sparing immune cells such as antigen‐presenting cells and T cells, which are key players in boosting antitumor host immunity. By modifying the Ab used in APC synthesis, NIR‐PIT can be repurposed to target and deplete noncancerous immunosuppressive cells including regulatory T cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, and cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment. Immunosuppressive cell targeted NIR‐PIT strongly potentiates antitumor host immunity, including the induction of abscopal effects and the development of immune memory. Furthermore, antitumor immune responses and therapeutic efficacy are synergistically enhanced when NIR‐PIT is combined with other immune‐activating treatments, such as interleukin‐15 and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These new findings make NIR‐PIT a valuable tool in the evolving landscape of cancer immunotherapy. This review explains the role of NIR‐PIT in activating antitumor host immunity.
Enhancing, Targeting, and Improving Dental Trauma Education: Engaging Generations Y and Z
Authors: Berlin‐Broner Yuli , Levin Liran
Published: December 2024

Dental trauma is highly prevalent, involving 25% of school‐age children and about 12.5% of the general population of the world. Due to the young age of the patients that are usually involved in dental trauma, there are tooth‐related complicating factors, such as open apices, thin dentinal walls, and unfavorable crown‐to‐root ratio, as well as patient‐related factors, such as anxiety and cooperation, and other challenges related to the complex diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is not surprising that the global status of knowledge for the prevention and emergency management of traumatic dental injuries among dental professionals was often reported as insufficient. Aiming to improve dental trauma education, one should consider that the contemporary educational settings have transitioned to a digital learning ecosystem and that the current students belong to a unique generational cohort. Therefore, this paper examines the challenges educators encounter in contemporary dental school classrooms and the defining characteristics of current generation Y and Z dental student cohorts. Finally, it outlines strategies to optimize dental trauma learning, considering the unique generational characteristics of the current dental students.
Proustian Grief
Authors: Stern Thomas
Published: December 2024

Proust wrote vividly about grief, but he has not been recognised or studied as a philosopher of grief. It is time that he was. For a powerful and compelling philosophy of grief emerges from the pages of his magnum opus. Though philosophical work on Proust has not turned to this theory of grief, philosophers writing about grief have often drawn on Proust, both explicitly and implicitly, without an awareness of an underlying Proustian theory. This paper fills the gap by placing this philosophically informed, Proustian theory of grief before our eyes. Proust builds on contemporary discussions of habituation (habitude), the process whereby new sensations and new actions become both less salient, intrusive or demanding of our attention, and more crucial for our equilibrium and our continued short‐term functioning. Applying this to the social realm, Proust theorises love in terms of habituation to another person, and grief in terms of a sudden inapplicability or unsuitability of our habits to the world that person has left behind, followed by the painful, uneven and intermittent process of habituating to that new world. The paper explains this theory and charts its relation to some contemporary discussions of grief. Doing so places Proust back into a conversation he has already influenced.
Firm political risk and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Wang Shuhui
Published: December 2024

We explore the impact of political risk on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) and find a negative effect, especially on CSR strengths. Firms facing higher political risk tend to prioritize compliance‐driven CSR concerns over proactive CSR initiatives. This effect is more pronounced in firms with limited financial and operational flexibility, suggesting that CSR decisions align with overall investment strategies and are influenced by financial resources. We also show that political risk negatively affects CSR activities more during financial crises and gubernatorial elections. Overall, our study highlights the role of political risk and financial flexibility in shaping firms' CSR strategies.
Impact of high blood pressure on the risk of mortality among Japanese people aged 65 years and older
Authors: Akagi Shinsuke , Takao Soshi , Matsuo Rumi , Matsumoto Naomi , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: December 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of abnormal blood pressure on the risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in a large cohort of older Japanese people aged ≥65 years.

Methods

This cohort study enrolled 54 760 participants from Okayama City aged ≥65 years who underwent basic health checkups from April 2006 to March 2008. Based on blood pressure, the participants were divided into six categories, from C1 (lowest) to C6 (highest). To assess the association of blood pressure with all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, we used survival analysis to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause mortality and subdistribution HRs (SHRs) for cardiovascular mortality on C3. We then repeated the analyses based on age groups (65–74 years, 75–84 years, and ≥85 years).

Results

The fully adjusted HRs for all‐cause mortality, which included all individual potential confounders, were 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.19) for C5 and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.09–1.38) for C6, respectively. The fully adjusted SHRs for cardiovascular mortality were 1.11 (95% CI: 1.01–1.21) for C4, 1.19 (95% CI: 1.05–1.34) for C5, and 1.36 (95% CI: 1.09–1.70) for C6. In the age‐stratification, an increased risk of hypotension was observed with older age. The HR for C1 was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.16–1.41) for ≥85 years.

Conclusions

Hypertension increased the risk of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality among those aged 65–74 and 75–84 years, but not among those aged ≥85 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 82–89.