bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tick-borne diseases in the US
Authors: Strickler Jeff
Published: June 2024

Cases of tick-borne diseases have been increasing, largely due to greater suburban development, which leads to more encounters with ticks, and changing climate patterns. This article reviews the most common tick-borne illnesses in the US. An overview of etiology, assessment findings, and treatment is provided for each illness reviewed. Emphasis is placed on early recognition and treatment to prevent significant morbidity and mortality.
Comparison of PD-L1, VISTA, LAG-3, and GAL-3 Expressions and Their Relationships to Mismatch Repair Protein and p53 Expression in 529 Cases of Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Arslan-Kahraman Dilara Irem , Ogut Betul , Inan Mehmet Arda , Kazanci Ferah , Onan Mehmet Anil , Erdem Mehmet , Erdem Ozlem
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study is to evaluate the expressions of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), and galectin-3 (GAL-3), in mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd)/MMR-proficient and abnormal p53 expressing endometrial carcinomas and their relationship with clinical-histopathological features. Patients who underwent surgery for endometrial carcinoma between January 2008 and December 2018 were included in the study. Immunohistochemical analysis of MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH6, p53, PD-L1, VISTA, LAG-3, and GAL-3 was performed on the tissue samples of microarray. A total of 529 patients were included. MMRd and p53-mutant tumors accounted for 31.5% and 11.5% of cases, respectively. PD-L1 and LAG-3 expressions in the MMRd and p53-mutant groups were higher than in the MMR-proficient group (P < 0.001). GAL-3 expression in the MMR-proficient group was statistically higher than in the MMRd and p53-mutant groups (P < 0.001). Mean age, grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in the p53-mutant group (P < 0.001). In the group with PD-L1 expression, nonendometrioid histologic type, tumor grade, and lymphovascular invasion were significantly higher (P < 0.001). Tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and microcystic, elongated and fragmented pattern of invasion were significantly higher in the group with high VISTA expression (P < 0.05). Tumor grade was significantly higher in the group with LAG-3 expression (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemically determined subgroups and PD-L1, VISTA, LAG-3, and GAL-3 expression levels may be useful indicators of molecular features, and clinical outcomes also may have important implications for the development of targeted therapies in endometrial carcinoma.
Renal Transplant Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm and Stenosis at the Proximal Transplant Renal Artery and Worse Renal Blood Flow After Stent Placement
Authors: Wang Jiaqiong , Li Yi , Yu Jian Q.
Published: June 2024

A 60-year-old man with a history of end-stage renal disease received renal transplant and had decreasing renal function 4 months later. Nuclear medicine renal flow and functional study showed severely decreased blood flow and decreased function of the right renal allograft. There was focal increased radiotracer uptake at blood flow phase around the anastomosis of the renal allograft artery and the right external iliac artery. CT angiogram revealed right external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm. Interventional radiology angiography reconfirmed the pseudoaneurysm and revealed stenosis at the proximal transplant renal artery. After stent placement, however, there was worse renal allograft blood flow.
Incidental 18F-Florapronol Uptake in Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Moon Hansol , Choi Chi-Hoon , Kim Siekyeong , Kim Chulhan
Published: June 2024

A 55-year-old man with cognitive impairment underwent 18F-florapronol brain PET/CT, a diagnostic radiotracer for the visualization of β-amyloid plaques. Brain PET images revealed incidental 18F-florapronol uptake in the sellar region. The following contrast-enhanced MRI confirmed pituitary adenoma.
The Added Value of Contrast-Enhanced 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MRI Over 18F-FDG PET/CT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ding Jie , Zhao Jun , Chen Xing , You Zhiwen , Wang Haiyan
Published: June 2024

A 43-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels showed no malignant evidence on 18F-FDG PET/CT. However, subsequent assessment using 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/MR identified a lesion with increased FAPI uptake in the liver, coupled with detailed enhancement patterns on MRI, leading to a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, later confirmed by pathology. This case highlights the pivotal role of integrated 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET and enhanced MRI in refining hepatocellular carcinoma diagnostics, advancing a more nuanced imaging approach over conventional modalities for comprehensive evaluation of hepatic lesions.
Intracranial Mesenchymal Tumor, FET-CREB Fusion Positive, Evaluated With 18F-FET and 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Engkebølle Christian , Elisabeth Engelmann Bodil , Scheie David , Fugleholm Kåre , Law Ian
Published: June 2024

Intracranial mesenchymal tumor, FET-CREB fusion positive, is a newly recognized and rare CNS tumor that occurs primarily in children and young adults. It is regarded as the intracranial variant of angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma. Extracranial angiomatoid fibrous histiocytomas are typically located in the extremities and usually discernible on a 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning. We present a 50-year-old man with recurrence of a primary intracranial mesenchymal tumor with equivocal 18F-FDG PET/CT findings but with subsequent highly increased metabolic activity using 18F-FET PET/CT confirming tumor recurrence. This case highlights the importance of 18F-FET PET/CT, as opposed to 18F-FDG, in the clinical evaluation of this rare intracranial mesenchymal tumor.
Species interactions affect dispersal: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bestion Elvire , Legrand Delphine , Baines Celina B. , Bonte Dries , Coulon Aurelie , Dahirel Maxime , Delgado María , Deshpande Jhelam N. , Duncan Alison B. , Fronhofer Emanuel A. , Gounand Isabelle , Jacob Staffan , Kaltz Oliver , Massol François , Mathyssen Erik , Parmentier Thomas , Saade Camille , Schtickzelle Nicolas , Zilio Giacomo , Cote Julien
Published: June 2024

Context-dependent dispersal allows organisms to seek and settle in habitats improving their fitness. Despite the importance of species interactions in determining fitness, a quantitative synthesis of how they affect dispersal is lacking. We present a meta-analysis asking (i) whether the interaction experienced and/or perceived by a focal species (detrimental interaction with predators, competitors, parasites or beneficial interaction with resources, hosts, mutualists) affects its dispersal; and (ii) how the species' ecological and biological background affects the direction and strength of this interaction-dependent dispersal. After a systematic search focusing on actively dispersing species, we extracted 397 effect sizes from 118 empirical studies encompassing 221 species pairs; arthropods were best represented, followed by vertebrates, protists and others. Detrimental species interactions increased the focal species’ dispersal (adjusted effect: 0.33 [0.06, 0.60]), while beneficial interactions decreased it (−0.55 [−0.92, −0.17]). The effect depended on the dispersal phase, with detrimental interactors having opposite impacts on emigration and transience. Interaction-dependent dispersal was negatively related to species’ interaction strength, and depended on the global community composition, with cues of presence having stronger effects than the presence of the interactor and the ecological complexity of the community. Our work demonstrates the importance of interspecific interactions on dispersal plasticity, with consequences for metacommunity dynamics.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics’.
Dispersal–diversity feedbacks and their consequences for macroecological patterns
Authors: Alzate Adriana , Hagen Oskar
Published: June 2024

Dispersal is a key process in ecology and evolution. While the effects of dispersal on diversity are broadly acknowledged, our understanding of the influence of diversity on dispersal remains limited. This arises from the dynamic, context-dependent, nonlinear and ubiquitous nature of dispersal. Diversity outcomes, such as competition, mutualism, parasitism and trophic interactions can feed back on dispersal, thereby influencing biodiversity patterns at several spatio-temporal scales. Here, we shed light on the dispersal–diversity causal links by discussing how dispersal–diversity ecological and evolutionary feedbacks can impact macroecological patterns. We highlight the importance of dispersal–diversity feedbacks for advancing our understanding of macro-eco-evolutionary patterns and their challenges, such as establishing a unified framework for dispersal terminology and methodologies across various disciplines and scales.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics’.
Interspecific dispersal constraints suppress pattern formation in metacommunities
Authors: Lawton Patrick , Fahimipour Ashkaan K. , Anderson Kurt E.
Published: June 2024

Decisions to disperse from a habitat stand out among organismal behaviours as pivotal drivers of ecosystem dynamics across scales. Encounters with other species are an important component of adaptive decision-making in dispersal, resulting in widespread behaviours like tracking resources or avoiding consumers in space. Despite this, metacommunity models often treat dispersal as a function of intraspecific density alone. We show, focusing initially on three-species network motifs, that interspecific dispersal rules generally drive a transition in metacommunities from homogeneous steady states to self-organized heterogeneous spatial patterns. However, when ecologically realistic constraints reflecting adaptive behaviours are imposed—prey tracking and predator avoidance—a pronounced homogenizing effect emerges where spatial pattern formation is suppressed. We demonstrate this effect for each motif by computing master stability functions that separate the contributions of local and spatial interactions to pattern formation. We extend this result to species-rich food webs using a random matrix approach, where we find that eventually, webs become large enough to override the homogenizing effect of adaptive dispersal behaviours, leading once again to predominately pattern-forming dynamics. Our results emphasize the critical role of interspecific dispersal rules in shaping spatial patterns across landscapes, highlighting the need to incorporate adaptive behavioural constraints in efforts to link local species interactions and metacommunity structure.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics’.
Coinfection accelerates transmission to new hosts despite no effects on virulence and parasite growth
Authors: Godinho Diogo P. , Rodrigues Leonor R. , Lefèvre Sophie , Magalhães Sara , Duncan Alison B.
Published: June 2024

One of the fundamental aims of ecological, epidemiological and evolutionary studies of host–parasite interactions is to unravel which factors affect parasite virulence. Theory predicts that virulence and transmission are correlated by a trade-off, as too much virulence is expected to hamper transmission owing to excessive host damage. Coinfections may affect each of these traits and/or their correlation. Here, we used inbred lines of the spider mite
Tetranychus urticae
to test how coinfection with
T. evansi
impacted virulence–transmission relationships at different conspecific densities. The presence of
T. evansi
on a shared host did not change the relationship between virulence (leaf damage) and the number of transmitting stages (i.e. adult daughters). The relationship between these traits was hump-shaped across densities, both in single and coinfections, which corresponds to a trade-off. Moreover, transmission to adjacent hosts increased in coinfection, but only at low
T. urticae
densities. Finally, we tested whether virulence and the number of daughters were correlated with measures of transmission to adjacent hosts, in single and coinfections at different conspecific densities. Traits were mostly independent, meaning that interspecific competitors may increase transmission without affecting virulence. Thus, coinfections may impact epidemiology and parasite trait evolution, but not necessarily the virulence–transmission trade-off.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics’.
Challenges facing Canadian Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fahim Christine , Hassan Ayaat T. , Quinn de Launay Keelia , Takaoka Alyson , Togo Elikem , Strifler Lisa , Bach Vanessa , Paul Nimitha , Mrazovac Ana , Firman Jessica , Gruppuso Vincenza , Boyd Jamie M. , Straus Sharon
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 presented a crisis for long-term care homes (LTCHs) and retirement homes (RHs). This study explored the pandemic-related challenges LTCHs and RHs faced and the strategies they used to mitigate them. Ninety-one key informant interviews were conducted with LTCH and RH leadership across 47 homes (33 LTCHs, 14 RHs) in Ontario, Canada from February 2021 to July 2022. Findings confirmed evidence for three main challenges. First, leaders were challenged to implement infection prevention and control protocols and measures. Second, they needed supports to facilitate COVID-19 vaccine access and to promote vaccine confidence. Third, LTCH/RH staff experienced significant well-being challenges in the face of COVID-19 pressures. Findings also reveal a plethora of strategies implemented by homes, with ranging reports of perceived success. Homes’ needs evolved rapidly as the COVID-19 pandemic progressed. The use of a co-creation, responsive and tailored approach to address evolving barriers and meaningfully support homes during emergencies is recommended.

Key points

COVID-19 challenges in homes persisted over one year into the pandemic

We describe the IPAC, vaccine and wellness challenges faced by LTCH and RH

We used these data to design a congregate care home support program to navigate COVID-19 challenges
A Survey of Open Science Attitudes and Behaviors among US Pharmacy Faculty
Authors: Harpe Spencer E.
Published: June 2024

Objectives: To describe the current attitudes, behaviors, and perceived disciplinary norms related to open science practices among full-time pharmacy faculty in the US and to examine differences in attitudes and behaviors across pharmacy disciplines.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the Center for Open Science’s Open Scholarship Survey modules on data sharing, code sharing, materials sharing, preregistration, preprints, and open access publishing were administered to a random sample of 3,200 faculty from the AACP Roster of Pharmacy Faculty as of February 2022. Individuals with at least a 0.8 full-time equivalent faculty appointment in pharmacy practice or one of the pharmaceutical sciences were eligible to participate.

Results: Responses were obtained from 663 faculty (502 complete; 161 partial). The most positive attitudes were for open access publishing (overall mean [SD]: 4.1 [0.9]) with the lowest attitudes for study preregistration (3.2 [0.9]) and posting preprints (3.1 [1.1]). Statistically significant differences in attitudes across pharmacy disciplines were identified for data sharing, code sharing, and study preregistration. The most commonly reported open science practice was open access publishing (mean [SD], 27.7% [29.1%]). Study preregistration was the least common (mean [SD], 1.7% [7.0%]). After accounting for respondent and institutional characteristics, differences in open science behaviors were noted across pharmacy disciplines.

Conclusion: This study provides a baseline assessment of faculty attitudes towards and engagement in open science practices among US pharmacy faculty. Given the relatively low frequency with which open science practices were reported, there is considerable room for improvement in the uptake of open science practices.
Loss of TDP-43 induces synaptic dysfunction that is rescued by UNC13A splice-switching ASOs
Authors: Keuss Matthew J. , Harly Peter , Ryadnov Eugeni , Jackson Rachel E. , Zanovello Matteo , Wilkins Oscar G. , Barattucci Simone , Mehta Puja R. , Oliveira Marcio G. , Parkes Joanna E. , Sinha Aparna , Correa-Sánchez Andrés F. , Oliver Peter L. , Fisher Elizabeth M.C. , Schiavo Giampietro , Shah Mala , Burrone Juan , Fratta Pietro
Published: June 2024

TDP-43 loss of function induces multiple splicing changes, including a cryptic exon in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and fronto-temporal lobar degeneration risk gene UNC13A, leading to nonsense-mediated decay of UNC13A transcripts and loss of protein. UNC13A is an active zone protein with an integral role in coordinating pre-synaptic function. Here, we show TDP-43 depletion induces a severe reduction in synaptic transmission, leading to an asynchronous pattern of network activity. We demonstrate that these deficits are largely driven by a single cryptic exon in UNC13A. Antisense oligonucleotides targeting the UNC13A cryptic exon robustly rescue UNC13A protein levels and restore normal synaptic function, providing a potential new therapeutic approach for ALS and other TDP-43-related disorders.
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MALARIA INFECTION IN CHILDREN ATTENDING LUANGWA DISTRICT HOSPITAL, ZAMBIA; A FACILITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Mtonga Betina , Nawa Mukumbuta
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Malaria persists as a major public health issue globally, with sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, bearing a disproportionate burden of the disease, necessitating ongoing efforts to combat transmission and improve healthcare access and prevention strategies. This research was aimed at investigating the prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria infection in children attending Luangwa District Hospital, Zambia.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was used and the study population included children attending the Out-Patient Department at Luangwa District Hospital. A structured questionnaire and a checklist were used to collect data on malaria infection status, demographic information, and potential risk factors were collected through interviews, medical records review, and laboratory testing. Prevalence rates were calculated using frequencies, and hypothesis tests using the Chi-square test while logistic regression was used to analyse associated factors to malaria infection.

Results

A total of 400 children with a mean age of five years participated in the study. Malaria was prevalent in two-thirds of the children (66.2%) with over 57.7% of the infected children presenting with a severe form of malaria and 42.3% having mild disease. 60% had a high malaria parasite density, whereas 40% showed a low density of the parasite. The odds of having malaria were higher for children who did not sleep under Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) compared to children who used ITNs (aOR = 24.6, CI = 10.8, 55.7, p-value < 0.001). Furthermore, children whose parents had a secondary-level education compared to parents with no formal education had 3.3 times increased odds of having malaria (aOR = 3.3, CI = 1.09, 9.98, p = 0.034). On the other hand, gender, age of the child, and age of the parent were not significantly associated with malaria infection.

Conclusion

This study found a high prevalence of malaria of 66% among children who attended Luangwa District Hospital indicating that Luangwa is still a hotspot with the low transmission province of Lusaka. Factors associated with malaria included not sleeping under ITNs and secondary education. Factors not associated with malaria included gender, age of the child and age of the parent.
Early B-cell transcription factor-2 defect as a novel cause of lipodystrophy: disruption of the adipose tissue character and integrity
Authors: Foss-Freitas Maria C. , Gilio Donatella , Monteiro da Rocha Andre , Pais Lynn , O’Leary Melanie C. , Rehm Heidi L. , Neidert Adam , Udler Miriam S. , Seale Patrick , Oral Elif A. , Chun Tae-Hwa
Published: June 2024

We report a novel cause of partial lipodystrophy associated with early B cell factor 2 (EBF2) nonsense variant (EBF28:26033143 C>A, c.493G>T, p.E165X) in a patient with an atypical form of partial lipodystrophy. The patient presented with progressive adipose tissue loss and metabolic deterioration at pre-pubertal age.In vitroandin vivodisease modeling demonstrates that theEBF2variant impairs adipogenesis, causing excess accumulation of undifferentiated CD34+cells, extracellular matrix proteins, and inflammatory myeloid cells in subcutaneous adipose tissues. Thus, thisEBF2p.E165X variant disrupts adipose tissue structure and function, leading to the development of partial lipodystrophy syndrome.
β
decay of the ground state and of a low-lying isomer in
Bi216
Authors: Andel B. , Andreyev A. N. , Blazhev A. , Lică R. , Naïdja H. , Stryjczyk M. , Van Duppen P. , Algora A. , Antalic S. , Barzakh A. , Benito J. , Benzoni G. , Berry T. , Borge M. J. G. , Chrysalidis K. , Clisu C. , Costache C. , Cubiss J. G. , De Witte H. , Fedorov D. V. , Fedosseev V. N. , Fraile L. M. , Fynbo H. O. U. , Greenlees P. T. , Harkness-Brennan L. J. , Huyse M. , Illana A. , Jolie J. , Judson D. S. , Konki J. , Lazarus I. , Madurga M. , Marginean N. , Marginean R. , Marsh B. A. , Mihai C. , Molkanov P. L. , Mosat P. , Murias J. R. , Nacher E. , Negret A. , Page R. D. , Pascu S. , Perea A. , Pucknell V. , Rahkila P. , Rapisarda E. , Rezynkina K. , Sánchez-Tembleque V. , Schomacker K. , Seliverstov M. D. , Sotty C. , Stan L. , Sürder C. , Tengblad O. , Vedia V. , Viñals S. , Wadsworth R. , Warr N. ,   IDS Collaboration
Published: June 2024

A detailed β-decay study of the low- and high-spin states in Bi216 has been performed at the ISOLDE Decay Station at the CERN-ISOLDE facility. In total, 48 new levels and 83 new transitions in the β-decay daughter Po216 were identified. Shell-model calculations for excited states in Bi216 and Po216 were performed using the H208 and the modified Kuo-Herling particle effective interactions. Based on the experimental observations and the shell-model calculations, the most likely spin and parity assignments for the β-decaying states in Bi216 are (3−) and (8−), respectively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
XYZ
spectroscopy at electron-hadron facilities. III. Semi-inclusive processes with vector exchange
Authors: Winney D. , Pilloni A. , Perry R. J. , Bibrzycki Ł. , Fernández-Ramírez C. , Hammoud N. , Mathieu V. , Montaña G. , Rodas A. , Shastry V. , Smith W. A. , Szczepaniak A. P. ,   Joint Physics Analysis Center
Published: June 2024

Inclusive production processes will be important for the first observations of XYZ states at new generation electron-hadron colliders, as they generally benefit from larger cross sections than their exclusive counterparts. We make predictions of semi-inclusive photoproduction of the χc1(1P) and X(3872), whose peripheral production is assumed to be dominated by vector exchanges. We validate the applicability of vector meson dominance in the axial-vector charmonium sector and calculate production rates at center-of-mass energies relevant for future experimental facilities. We find the semi-inclusive cross sections near the threshold to be enhanced by a factor of ∼2–3 compared to the exclusive reaction and well-suited for a first observation in photoproduction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Study of the hidden-heavy pentaquarks and
Pcs
states
Authors: Zhang Wen-Xuan , Liu Chang-Le , Jia Duojie
Published: June 2024

Inspired by the recently observed resonance states PψsΛ(4338)0 and Pcs(4459)0 by LHCb Collaboration in J/ψΛ decay channel, we perform a systematical study of all possible hidden-heavy pentaquarks with strangeness S=0,−1,−2,−3, in unified framework of MIT bag model. The color-spin wave functions in terms of Young-Yamanouchi bases and transformed into baryon-meson couplings are utilized to calculate masses, magnetic moments, and relative partial widths of the hidden-heavy pentaquarks, suggesting that the observed PψsΛ(4338)0 is likely to be a 1/2− compact Pcs pentaquark, and the Pcs(4459)0 favors two-peak structure of 3/2− and 1/2− Pcs states. Our computation indicates that hidden-heavy pentaquarks have the masses around 4.35–4.90 GeV for the Pcs, 11.21–11.67 GeV for the Pbs, 4.73–5.02 GeV for the Pcss, and 11.54–11.77 GeV for the Pbss.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Conserved currents in five-dimensional proposals for lattice chiral gauge theories
Authors: Golterman Maarten , Shamir Yigal
Published: June 2024

We apply the Grabowska-Kaplan framework, originally proposed for lattice chiral gauge theories, to QCD. We show that the resulting theory contains a conserved and gauge invariant singlet axial current, both on the lattice and in the continuum limit. This must give rise to a difference with QCD, with the simplest possibility being a superfluous Nambu-Goldstone boson in the physical spectrum not present in QCD. We find a similar unwanted conserved current in the recent “disk” formalism, this time limiting ourselves to the continuum formulation. A similar problem is expected when either of these formalisms is used for its original goal of constructing lattice chiral gauge theories. Finally we discuss a conjecture about the possible dynamics that might be associated with the unwanted conserved current and the fate of ‘t Hooft vertices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Convergence of the polarization tensor in spacetime of three dimensions
Authors: Bordag M. , Klimchitskaya G. L. , Mostepanenko V. M.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we consider the convergence properties of the polarization tensor of graphene obtained in the framework of thermal quantum field theory in three-dimensional spacetime. During the last years, this problem attracted much attention in connection with the calculation of the Casimir force in graphene systems and the investigation of the electrical conductivity and reflectance of graphene sheets. There are contradictory statements in the literature, especially on whether this tensor has an ultraviolet divergence in three dimensions. Here, we analyze this problem using the well-known method of dimensional regularization. It is shown that the thermal correction to the polarization tensor is finite at any D, whereas its zero-temperature part behaves differently for D=3 and 4. For D=3, it is obtained by analytic continuation with no subtracting of infinitely large terms. As for the spacetime of D=4, the finite result for the polarization tensor at zero temperature is found after subtracting the pole term. Our results are in agreement with previous calculations of the polarization tensor at both zero and nonzero temperature. This opens the possibility for a wider application of the quantum-field-theoretical approach in investigations of graphene and other two-dimensional novel materials.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
On-shell derivation of the soft effective action in Abelian gauge theories
Authors: He Temple , Mitra Prahar , Sivaramakrishnan Allic , Zurek Kathryn M.
Published: June 2024

We derive the soft effective action in (d+2)-dimensional Abelian gauge theories from the on-shell action obeying Neumann boundary conditions at timelike and null infinity and Dirichlet boundary conditions at spatial infinity. This allows us to identify the on-shell degrees of freedom on the boundary with the soft modes living on the celestial sphere. Following the work of Donnelly and Wall, this suggests that we can interpret soft modes as entanglement edge modes on the celestial sphere and study entanglement properties of soft modes in Abelian gauge theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Computational study of elastic waves generated by ultrafast demagnetization in fcc Ni
Authors: Korniienko I. , Nieves P. , Fraile A. , Iglesias R. , Legut D.
Published: June 2024

Picosecond ultrasonics is a fast growing and advanced research field with broad application to the imaging and characterization of nanostructured materials as well as at a fundamental level. The aim of this paper is to provide an advanced 3D model based on atomistic spin-lattice simulations of the laser-induced elastic response in ferromagnetically ordered fcc Ni. The advantage of such an approach is the possibility to take into account the laser radiation interaction with the spins and thus characterize the magnetic contribution to the total stress. We analyze the atomic displacements caused both by the ultrafast thermal expansion of the crystal lattice and by the demagnetization process due to the heating of a certain area of the sample by an ultrashort laser pulse. Subsequently, an attempt is made to propose mathematical expressions for describing the corresponding total stress. The lattice and magnetic contributions have been evaluated, whereupon the former is found to be much greater than the latter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Activation in solid ionic electrolytes
Authors: Noori K. , Olsen B. A. , Rodin A.
Published: June 2024

Ionic conductivity in solid electrolytes is commonly expected to exhibit Arrhenius dependence on temperature, determined by a well-defined activation energy. Consequently, a standard approach involves calculating this energy using quasi-static methods and using the Arrhenius form to extrapolate the numerical results from one temperature range to another. Despite the ubiquity of this Arrhenius-based modeling, disagreements frequently arise between theory and experiment, and even between different theoretical studies. By considering a tractable minimal model, we elucidate the reason behind the breakdown of the Arrhenius conductivity form. This breakdown is driven by nontrivial phase-space boundaries between conducting and nonconducting regimes, and depends on the kinetic properties of the system.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
DuraMAT: Building a Consortium to Accelerate the Photovoltaic Module Reliability Learning Cycle
Authors: Owen-Bellini Michael , Hartley James Y. , Jain Anubhav , Jordan Dirk C. , Schelhas Laura T. , Barnes Teresa M.
Published: June 2024

Durable and reliable photovoltaic (PV) modules are critical to enabling an efficient transition to sustainable energy generation. The rate at which new module designs and materials are developed and deployed currently outpaces the rate at which we can identify failure mechanisms and understand degradation rates. Increasing the service life of PV modules, and our ability to predict performance over time, requires more durable materials and designs, better durability testing, more extensive material characterization, robust modeling, and methods to cross-examine historical performance data to extract meaningful results. This is a multidisciplinary challenge that requires expertise from a broad range of fields and, therefore, benefits significantly from a collaborative approach. In this Perspective, we outline the approach taken by the Durable Module Materials Consortium (DuraMAT), present a few case studies where our approach was successful, and provide an outlook on where this approach might be applied as the PV technology landscape continues to rapidly evolve.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigating the impact of technological orientation and innovation orientation on the sustainability and development the industrial sector
Authors: Jaradat Zaid , AL-Hawamleh Ahmad Mtair , Altarawneh Marwan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate technological and innovation orientation contribution to the development and sustainability of the industrial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors gathered the perspectives of many experts who were aware enough of their company’s technical and innovation orientations to participate in this study to understand how technology and innovation orientations may affect sustainability and development. These people included the company managers, accounting department heads, IT department workers and employees in the innovation department. This was accomplished by distributing a thorough questionnaire intended to gather their perspectives.

Findings

The study’s results highlight the significant positive relationship between technological and innovation orientation. Moreover, the study demonstrates that both technological and innovation orientation were found to positively impact the sustainability and development of the industrial sector.

Practical implications

This study provides practical insights for policymakers, industrial managers and innovation supporters in Jordan. Managers can use these insights to reassess technology adoption and innovation strategies. Additionally, investing in staff skills and technology readiness can boost efficiency, competitiveness and long-term growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is pioneering research to shed light on the connection between technological orientation, innovation orientation and sustainability and development in the industrial sector, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners alike.
Governance quality and the labor market in the MENA region post-Arab Spring
Authors: Fakih Ali , El Chaar Jana , El Arissy Jad , Kassab Sara Zaki
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of governance quality on total unemployment in general and female unemployment in particular in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, comparing the post-Arab Spring period to the pre-Arab Spring era.

Design/methodology/approach

A fixed-effects model was used to analyze data from 15 MENA countries from 2002 to 2019.

Findings

Our results generally indicate that following the Arab Spring, an enhancement in governance quality is linked with a reduction in unemployment in the MENA region, specifically in the Levant and GCC regions, with this reducing effect being stronger for female unemployment compared to total unemployment. Yet, this trend does not hold in North Africa, where government improvements do not result in better employment.

Originality/value

This study uniquely uncovers the different effects of governance quality on unemployment across sub-regions and sheds light on its significant implications on female unemployment. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers interested in the relationship between governance quality and economic outcomes in the region.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0826
Developing systems thinking to address climate change
Authors: Lorenzo-Rial María-Asunción , Varela-Losada Mercedes , Pérez-Rodríguez Uxío , Vega-Marcote Pedro
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the presence of systems thinking after an educational proposal on climate sustainability based on reflection and video creation. To evaluate this competency, an evaluation rubric was constructed.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is a case study with a mixed approach. It was carried out with 82 future teachers of Primary Education, making content analysis of the videos made. For the design of the rubric, a specific review of the literature was conducted.

Findings

The results showed that trainee teachers can identify, relate and understand interconnected processes, but have difficulties in thinking temporally or in understanding the hidden dimensions of the system. The results reveal how the development of systems thinking in the Climate Change framework is a complex learning process. The rubric created allowed us to systematize the evaluation by making it possible to assess the subskills involved.

Originality/value

To improve the development of systemic thinking, using real data linked to the consequences of this problem and ICT applications that foster an approximation to future realities is suggested. In addition, conscious and fair decision-making should be promoted on the basis of a transformative education that favors this thinking in interaction with other key competences in sustainability. The innovative rubric allows the evaluation of systemic thinking skills for the study of climate change, conceptualized from the interrelationships of the natural, social and economic dimensions and from its implications for life, on different geographical and temporal levels.
The impact of cutaneous neurofibromas on quality of life and mental health in neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Dance Brieana , Dardare Alice , Fleming Jane , Siow Sue‐Faye , Schlub Timothy E. , Crawford Hilda , Saunderson Rebecca B. , Wong Claire , Berman Yemima
Published: June 2024

The skin manifestations of neurofibromatosis 1 significantly reduce health‐related quality‐of‐life. However, data on the utility of existing surveys in capturing neurofibromatosis 1 skin treatment outcomes are lacking. This quantitative study examined the relationship between clinician‐rated severity and visibility and patient‐rated itch and quality‐of‐life (QoL) to (1) establish baseline levels of skin‐ and condition‐specific‐related QoL, itch, depression and anxiety; (2) identify patient concerns to inform the development and evaluation of skin interventions; and (3) compare the sensitivity of different QoL measures. Validated scales included Skindex‐29, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Neurofibromatosis 1‐adult quality‐of‐life (NF1‐AdQOL) questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). We recruited 100 participants (response rate: 95%). Of these, 42% reported itch and 23% had probable clinical anxiety. Our cohort had higher levels of anxiety and total HADS scores compared to a control population. Using multivariate regression analysis, increasing visibility significantly predicted poorer QoL using the Skindex‐29, NF1‐AdQOL, and DLQI (p < 0.05); and itch significantly predicted worse QoL in Skindex‐29 and NF1‐AdQOL (p < 0.05). The highest mean scoring questions in Skindex‐29 and NF1‐AdQOL concerned worry about worsening skin disease and embarrassment. The highest mean scoring questions in DLQI were regarding itch, pain, and embarrassment. Items asking specifically about cutaneous neurofibromas (cNF) scored higher than comparable skin‐specific questions (t‐test p value <0.05). In summary, this study provides insights into the factors contributing to impaired QoL, anxiety, and mood in NF1 patients with cutaneous neurofibromas. Key factors identified for use in cNF measures include visibility, itch, anxiety, embarrassment, fears of worsening skin disease, and cNF‐specific questions.
Early‐life demographic processes do not drive adult sex ratio biases and mating systems in sympatric coucal species
Authors: Eberhart‐Hertel Luke , Safari Ignas , Makomba Poyo , Hertel Anne , Goymann Wolfgang
Published: June 2024

Sex differences in early‐life survival can drive skewed adult sex ratios (ASR), which play an important role in mating tactics and parental sex roles. Among birds, cuckoos exhibit the largest diversity in mating systems and thus represent an interesting system to study sex‐specific demography.

Here we investigate the early‐life survival pathways shaping ASR using long‐term field data and sex‐ and stage‐specific demographic modelling of black coucals and white‐browed coucals—two sympatric Centropus cuckoo species differing in mating system and the extent of sexual size dimorphism.

We hypothesized that sexual size dimorphism would lead to differential juvenile mortality due to the greater energy demands and predation risk of the larger sex during maturation. We expected higher early‐life mortality among large‐bodied females in the sexually dimorphic and classically polyandrous black coucal, whereas no bias should exist in the less dimorphic and monogamous white‐browed coucal.

Both species had balanced hatching sex ratios, but in black coucals, female survival (μ = 0.64 ± 0.061 SD) was lower during the ‘groundling’ phase (i.e. a flightless 3‐week period following nest departure) than male survival (0.70 ± 0.066). Yet, this sex difference in survival was not strong enough to account for the species' male‐biased ASR where 70% of the adult population is male. In white‐browed coucals, survival during maturation exhibited high inter‐individual variation but lacked clear sex differences, reflecting the emergence of a balanced ASR.

In summary, we found no evidence that the strongly male‐biased ASR of black coucals is driven by sex‐specific survival during maturation. In black coucals, the male‐biased ASR must therefore stem from processes occurring later in life: possibly, larger females are more likely to die during migration and/or the recruitment of young females is delayed due to competitive exclusion by more experienced females.

Our results differ from studies on shorebirds, in which sex‐specific mortality of precocial young is related to ASR and mating dynamics. Hence, early‐life sex biases in survival of precocial shorebirds cannot be generalized to other taxonomic groups.

Factors other than early‐life sex biases in survival are likely to be important in shaping adult sex ratios and the associated mating dynamics and social behaviours in altricial coucals.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Cocaine and amphetamine‐regulated transcript improves myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury through PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Yachen , Wang Ziwei , Peng Zeyan , Feng Lifeng , Tian Wencong , Zhang Shengzheng , Cao Lei , Li Jing , Yang Liang , Xu Yang , Gao Yang , Liu Jie , Yan Jie , Ma Xiaodong , Sun Wangchun , Guo Lihong , Li Xuan , Shen Yanna , Qi Zhi
Published: June 2024

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) is a common clinic scenario that occurs in the context of reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. It has been shown that cocaine and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) can ameliorate cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the effect of CART on MIRI has not been studied yet. Here, we revealed that CART protected the heart during I/R process by inhibiting apoptosis and excessive autophagy, indicating that CART would be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of MIRI. Further analysis showed that CART upregulated the activation of phospho‐AKT, leading to downregulation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, apoptosis, oxidative stress and excessive autophagy after I/R, which was inhibited by PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. Collectively, CART attenuated MIRI through inhibition of cardiomyocytes apoptosis and excessive autophagy, and the protective effect was dependent on PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
Inclusive education: Voices from elementary school principals in the United States
Authors: Arroyo‐Rojas Fabián , Hidalgo‐Kawada Felipe , Watanabe Rio , Fast Danene
Published: June 2024

Currently, schools in the United States are highly diversified and integrated. In other words, the integration of students representing multiple identities and positionalities existing in the same educational spaces is much more common. The purpose of this study was to examine elementary school principals' perspectives on inclusive education. Grounded in social constructionism, the research design was a descriptive case study positioned using qualitative methodology. The primary data sources were semi‐structured one‐on‐one Zoom interviews with four elementary school principals from the Midwestern region of the United States; and researchers' reflexive notes in order to understand how principals understand and deploy inclusion within their respective schools. Based on thematic analysis, in this paper, we constructed the following interrelated themes: (a) building discourses around inclusion from prior educational experiences; (b) culturally responsive leadership as a practice to inclusion; (c) collective feelings of safety, comfort and harmony and (d) the negotiation of privilege. These themes highlighted that the conceptualization and implementation of inclusion heavily prioritize the perspectives of professionals within schools rather than those of the individuals being included.
Slovenia: Political Developments and Data in 2023
Authors: KRAŠOVEC ALENKA
Published: June 2024

The political arena was lively in Slovenia, even though no elections or referendums were held in 2023. Both the government and all three governmental parties, especially the biggest one, the Freedom Movement, as a new party, experienced considerable turbulence—such as changes in the parliamentary party group and changes in the four ministerial positions falling within that party's quota. Having previously been the successful manager of an energy company, the Prime Minister encountered a multitude of challenges in the political arena. While the government announced many reforms, it managed to deliver substantially less. It also faced many (threats of) strikes and protests, particularly by public sector employees and farmers. Even though in the first year of its term the government enjoyed high public support, by November 2023, the situation was very different, with just 18 per cent of voters assessing its work as (very) positive. Parallel to this, two opposition parties were facing their own challenges.
The quality of residential aged care in the context of the Australian aged care reforms: A scoping review
Authors: Monro Cathy , Mackenzie Lynette , duToit Sanetta
Published: June 2024

Objective

Australia has been undergoing a major aged care reform process since 2012 focused on consumer‐oriented home and community‐supported care, but little is known about the impact of these reforms on residential aged care delivery. This study aimed to review research about the quality of residential aged care service delivery during the implementation period of these reforms.

Methods

The review followed a five‐stage scoping review framework and searched five databases for articles published between 2012 and February 2022 (the 10‐year implementation period of the reforms). Initial searches identified 495 articles. Articles were imported to Covidence™ for title, abstract and full‐text screening.

Results

Twenty‐two articles were included in the review. Articles were framed using the micro (residents and families)/meso (staff)/macro (governance, government) continuum in the operation of residential aged care facilities. Most articles focused on workforce perspectives.

Conclusions

Attention was paid to workforce issues and a limited focus was on consumer experience and expectations. There is a need for an evaluation of the reforms as a vehicle for promoting consumer empowerment. Many contributing factors to quality of care were identified, and there were some quality issues that were contrary to the intended objectives of the reforms. These warrant closer attention.