bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Aging Human Lung: Generation of a Senescent Human Lung Organoid Culture System
Authors: Aspal Mohit , Pushlar Natalie , Melameka Melina , McVicar Rachael N , Smith Emily , Ogunyamoju Temiloluwa , Kumar Matangi , Marth Jamey D , Chun Jerold , Snyder Evan Y , Leibel Sandra L
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The aging lung enters into a state of irreversible cellular growth arrest characterized by senescence. While senescence is beneficial in preventing oncogenic cell proliferation, it becomes detrimental when persistent, promoting chronic inflammation and fibrosis through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Such senescence-related pathophysiological processes play key roles in lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, few models accurately represent senescence in the human lung. Methods: To generate a human lung senescence in vitro model, we first generated a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived lung organoid (LO) system which was dissociated into monolayers and air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures to enhance visualization and allow uniform exposure to agents. Cellular senescence was induced using doxorubicin, a DNA-damaging agent. Senescence markers, such as β-galactosidase (β-gal) activity, SASP cytokine production and secretion, cell morphology, proliferative capacity, and barrier integrity were evaluated to validate the senescent phenotype. Results: The doxorubicin-induced senescent hiPSC-derived lung cells demonstrated the hallmark characteristics of cellular senescence, including increased β-gal activity and increased production of the pro-inflammatory SASP cytokine IL-6 and increased secretion of TNF-α. Senescent cells displayed enlarged morphology, decreased proliferation, and reduced wound repair capacity. Barrier integrity was impaired with decreased electrical resistance, and increased permeability, as well as expression of abnormal tight junction proteins and increased fibrosis, all consistent with the senescent lung. Conclusion: Our hiPSC-derived lung cell senescent model reproduces key aspects of human lung senescence and offer an in vitro tool for studying age-related lung disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. This model has potential applications in exploring the impact of environmental factors (e.g., toxins, infectious pathogens, etc.) on the senescent lung and assessing treatments that could mitigate pathologies associated with pulmonary aging including barrier impairment, inflammation and fibrosis.
Shivering, but not adipose tissue thermogenesis, increases as a function of mean skin temperature in cold-exposed men and women
Authors: Dumont Lauralyne , Richard Gabriel , Espagnet Romain , Frisch Frédérique , Fortin Mélanie , Samson Arnaud , Bouchard Jonathan , Fontaine Réjean , Croteau Etienne , Phoenix Serge , Dubreuil Stéphanie , Guérin Brigitte , Turcotte Éric E. , Carpentier André C. , Blondin Denis P.
Published: February 2025

Skin cooling results in the activation of heat generating mechanisms to counteract heat lost to the environment. Here, we aim to understand the extent that variations in cold-stimulated heat production may be driven by differences in the contribution of shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) and the interaction with biological sex. Using a novel mean skin temperature clamping technique in healthy men and women, our data shows that cold-stimulated heat production rises with increasing shivering and myocardial oxidative metabolism in a skin temperature-dependent fashion. Shivering and myocardial thermogenesis were also moderately associated. In contrast, adipose tissue NST did not increase in a linear manner to reductions in skin temperature. Men and women displayed similar thermoregulatory responses, although women presented more pronounced shivering through a greater recruitment of lower-body muscles and greater number of motor units recruited. Thus, shivering contributes proportionally to cold-induced thermogenesis whereas adipose tissue thermogenesis displays an all-or-none response.
Oral dosing of the nucleoside analog obeldesivir is efficacious against RSV infection in African green monkeys
Authors: Pitts Jared , Zamora J. Lizbeth Reyes , Manhas Savrina , Aeschbacher Thomas , Chan Josolyn , Cutillas Vincent , Nair Varsha , Riola Nicolas C. , Vijjapurapu Arya , Vermillion Meghan S. , Eng Stacey , Richards Christopher , Han Dong , Perry Jason K. , Chaudhuri Subhra , Liu Iris , Martinez Clarissa , Peinovich Nadine , Sun Kai-Hui , Cai Arthur , Martin Ross , Moshiri Jasmine , Hedskog Charlotte , Babusis Darius , Siegel Dustin S. , Kalla Rao , Avadhanula Vasanthi , Piedra Pedro A. , Stobbelaar Kim , Delputte Peter L. , Marceau Caleb , Mateo Roberto , Svarovskaia Jenny , Mo Hongmei , Subramanian Raju , Mackman Richard L. , Cihlar Tomas , Fletcher Simon P. , Bilello John P.
Published: February 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in high-risk populations. Although prophylactic options are available, there are no effective oral therapeutics for RSV infection. Obeldesivir (ODV) is an orally bioavailable prodrug of the nucleoside analog GS-441524, which is converted intracellularly to its active nucleoside triphosphate and inhibits the RSV RNA polymerase. Here we report the potent antiviral activity of ODV against geographically and temporally diverse RSV A and B clinical isolates (EC50: 0.20-0.66 μM). Resistance selection studies with ODV and GS-441524 against RSV identified a single amino acid substitution, I777L, in the L polymerase with reduced susceptibility (3.3-3.8-fold) to ODV and GS-441524, indicating a high barrier for resistance development. In an African green monkey RSV infection model, once-daily oral ODV doses of 30 or 90 mg/kg initiated ∼24 hours post-infection significantly reduced log10viral RNA copies/mL×day area under the curve by 69-92% in the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Together, these preclinical data support the clinical evaluation of ODV for the treatment of RSV infection.
Harnessing Mechanistic Simulators for Rapid Diagnostic Test Capture and Deep Learning Classification
Authors: Rogers Elliott , Turbé Valérian , Gareta Dickman , Herbst Carina , Herbst Kobus , Shahmanesh Maryam , McKendry Rachel A.
Published: February 2025

Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are affordable tools for disease diagnosis and surveillance. There is growing evidence of the benefits of Machine Learning models to aid accurate decision making through classification of test results, improving sensitivity and specificity and reducing the risk of false positives/negatives. Yet to date these models have relied on large, clinically sensitive, costly, and time-intensive real-world image training libraries. Herein, we present SynSight – a classification pipeline for RDTs trained using mechanistically generated synthetic data. SynSight combines test region of interest segmentation using real-time object detection and result classification. We validate SynSight with HIV RDTs achieving 98.2% sensitivity and 99.2% specificity, and further with COVID-19 RDTs (two antigen, achieving 99% and 97% accuracy; one antibody, achieving 95% accuracy). This agile approach opens training opportunities for machine learning classifiers for RDTs with no available real-world image libraries, keeping pace with new RDT development and innovation.
An atlas and evidence-based appraisal framework of psychiatric brain stimulation targets generated by causal network mapping
Authors: Webler Ryan D. , Pines Andrew R. , Chiulli Nicole , Cotovio Goncalo , Darby Ryan R. , Jiang Jing , Joutsa Juho , Li Ningfei , Oliveira-Maia Albino J. , Peng Shaoling , Taylor Joseph J. , Siddiqi Shan H.
Published: February 2025

Causal network mapping is an emerging technique that can be used to derive optimal disorder/symptom-specific brain stimulation targets. This technique exploits incidental variability in brain lesion and brain stimulation locations, which creates a natural experiment in which causal inferences can be drawn between lesions or modulation of specific circuits and specific clinical outcomes. Circuits identified by causal network mapping, referred to as symptom-networks, represent candidate disorder/symptom-specific brain stimulation targets. The number of psychiatric symptom-networks has grown rapidly in recent years, creating a need for a comprehensive synthesis. To address this gap, this Resource presents an atlas of 12 psychiatric symptom-network targets and appraises them using an established evaluative framework. We describe how these targets can be localized with and without neuroimaging and highlight key considerations surrounding their trialing and implementation. These materials are designed to spur the translation of symptom-network targets and scaffold advancements in this quickly developing field.
Identification of modifiable plasma protein markers of cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Stinson Sara E. , Huang Yun , Thielemann Roman , Stankevic Evelina , Lund Morten A.V. , Holm Louise A. , Fonvig Cilius E. , Juel Helene Bæk , Borisevich Dmitrii , Thiele Maja , Krag Aleksander , Ängquist Lars , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Pedersen Oluf , Christiansen Michael , Holm Jens-Christian , Hansen Torben
Published: February 2025

Pediatric obesity is associated with multi-organ inflammation and an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. To identify novel biomarkers of early-onset obesity-related cardiometabolic risk, we performed targeted proteomics, analyzing 149 proteins related to inflammation and cardiovascular disease in a cross-sectional sample of 2,377 children and adolescents with overweight/obesity and 1,647 with normal weight. In addition, we analyzed 64 circulating inflammation-related proteins in 184 children and adolescents, who participated in a 1-year family-based obesity management program. We identified a three plasma protein panel (CDCP1, FGF21 and HAOX1) that improved prediction of hepatic steatosis, compared with the predictive value of liver enzymes alone. In the prospective trial, we found that the non-pharmacological intervention induced a decline in circulating inflammatory cytokine levels, some of which were linked to improvements in cardiometabolic phenotypes. Our results may suggest that circulating proteomic signatures may mediate the associations between pediatric obesity and cardiometabolic risk.
Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Imaging Evaluation of Pulsatile Tinnitus
Authors: Jairam Meghan P. , Kidanemariam Simon , Malik Aleena , Corrales C. Eduardo , Suh Chong Hyun , Guenette Jeffrey P
Published: February 2025

Objective

Aggregate published data on the imaging of pulsatile tinnitus as a step toward building a framework for an evidence-based approach to diagnostic imaging for this symptom.

Materials & Methods

A systematic review was performed. PUBMED and EMBASE were searched on December 1, 2021 for English-language articles on diagnostic imaging of pulsatile tinnitus. Articles that involved non-standard imaging techniques and those that focused on management of pulsatile tinnitus were excluded. Extracted data included: number of males and females; signs, symptoms, and physical examination findings with associated patient counts; imaging findings; count of patients with imaging-identified cause of pulsatile tinnitus; reported associated interventions and outcomes.

Results

41 articles were included with a total of 2,633 reported patients. 10 studies were prospective. MRA appears to be capable of identifying many of the same pathologies traditionally diagnosed with DSA. Few head-to-head comparisons were performed. In head-to-head comparisons of MRI and MRA, MRA was often able to identify more pathology. There was no clear relationship identified between specific symptoms and the imaging modality chosen, indicating that the imaging evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus is likely sensitive to the preferences of the evaluating provider.

Conclusion

There is limited evidence to inform best practices for the initial imaging evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus and preference-sensitive provider decisions will continue to guide the pulsatile tinnitus workup. We encourage prospective studies with multimodality imaging comparisons to build evidence that would support the development of more effective, efficient, and equitable protocols and pathways for the imaging evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus.

Clinical Relevance Statement

Evidence is not available in support of any single optimal imaging evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus, but prudent imaging will include evaluation for life-threatening causes such as dural arteriovenous fistula and arteriovenous malformation.

Key Points

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Many imaging findings associated with pulsatile tinnitus may not be causal.

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Current evidence is insufficient to indicate the optimal imaging evaluation.

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Local preference-based imaging algorithms are reasonable in the absence of new high-level evidence.
Mosquito Cell Atlas: A single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of the adultAedes aegyptimosquito
Authors: Goldman Olivia V. , DeFoe Alexandra E. , Qi Yanyan , Jiao Yaoyu , Weng Shih-Che , Houri-Zeevi Leah , Lakhiani Priyanka , Morita Takeshi , Razzauti Jacopo , Rosas-Villegas Adriana , Tsitohay Yael N. , Walker Madison M. , Hopkins Ben R. ,   Mosquito Cell Atlas Consortium, Akbari Omar S. , Duvall Laura B. , White-Cooper Helen , Sorrells Trevor R. , Sharma Roshan , Li Hongjie , Vosshall Leslie B. , Shai Nadav
Published: February 2025

The female mosquito’s remarkable ability to hunt humans and transmit pathogens relies on her unique biology. Here, we present the Mosquito Cell Atlas (MCA), a comprehensive single-nucleus RNA sequencing dataset of more than 367,000 nuclei from 19 dissected tissues of adult female and maleAedes aegypti, providing cellular-level resolution of mosquito biology. We identify novel cell types and expand our understanding of sensory neuron organization of chemoreceptors to all sensory tissues. Our analysis uncovers male-specific cells and sexually dimorphic gene expression in the antenna and brain. In female mosquitoes, we find that glial cells in the brain, rather than neurons, undergo the most extensive transcriptional changes following blood feeding. Our findings provide insights into the cellular basis of mosquito behavior and sexual dimorphism. The MCA aims to serve as a resource for the vector biology community, enabling systematic investigation of cell-type specific expression across all mosquito tissues.
ArabidopsisTITAN LIKEis required for U12-type intron splicing, especially for AT–AC subtypes
Authors: Niwa Tomoko , Miyamoto Junshin , Iwai Haruka , Kojima Takaaki , Suzuki Takamasa
Published: February 2025

Many eukaryotes have two types of spliceosome, i.e., the U2-dependent and U12-dependent spliceosomes. The terminal dinucleotides of almost all introns spliced by the U2-dependent spliceosome are GT–AG, whereas the most of the rest involved the U12-dependent spliceosome ending in AT–AC. How the U12-dependent spliceosome splices two types of introns with different ends also remains poorly understood. For example, it has been reported that human CENATAC is a subunit of U12-dependent spliceosome and is—uniquely—required for the splicing of AT–AC introns. The Arabidopsis genome contains one gene calledTITAN LIKE(TTL), a homolog ofCENATAC, but the function this plays in splicing is unknown. In this paper we created a weak TTL mutant namedttl-142, and investigated the function of TTL during splicing. We found thatttl-142had a 14-residue deletion, and that homozygous mutants showed morphological abnormalities. Most U12-dependent introns were less spliced inttl-142than in the wild type, and the splicing of AT–AC introns was particularly suppressed. Splicing suppression inttl-142was more extensive than in a DROL1 mutant, which contains a mutation in a gene that is specifically required for AT–AC intron splicing. In contrast, fewer genes showed changes in expression levels inttl-142than indrol1, and most DEGs inttl-142anddrol1were different. These results suggest that the phenotypes ofttl-142anddrol1mutants may correspond to the impairment of specific spliceosomal functions.
Gut Microbiome Signatures Reflect Within-Host Subtype Diversity ofBlastocystisin Non-Human Primates
Authors: Ma Pingping , Mu Wenjie , Wang Yugui , Liu Yihui , Zou Yang , Pan Hong , Zhang Long , Chen Lixian , Yang Yongpeng , Luo Weifei , Wang Shuai
Published: February 2025

Blastocystisis a prevalent gut eukaryote intricately associated with the gut microbiota. This genetically diverse protozoan exhibits significant intra-host subtype heterogeneity, yet the implications of this diversity for the host gut microbiome remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the interactions betweenBlastocystisand gut microbiota in non-human primates at the level of subtypes, using a comprehensive investigation of gut microbiota forBlastocystiscarriers of captiveMacaca fascicularis(discovery cohort, n = 100) andMacaca mulatta(validation cohort, n = 26). We identified highly prevalent intra-host co-occurrence patterns ofBlastocystis SSUrRNA-based subtypes, primarily dominated by Subtype 1(ST1) or ST3. These patterns were associated with compositional and structural variations in the gut microbiome but were not significantly influenced by host covariates such as sex, age, or BMI. Specifically, Ruminococcaceae-enterotype was enriched in the patterns dominated by ST1, whereasLimosilactobacillus-enterotype was predominantly identified in the patterns dominated by ST3. We discovered that the absolute abundance ofBlastocystiswas a critical determinant in elucidating this association across concurrent patterns.In vivoexperiments in a new cohort (n = 11) demonstrated that lactic acid bacteria, enriched in theLimosilactobacillus-enterotype, were sufficient to reduceBlastocystisload. We validated the strong association between gut microbiome composition andBlastocystisload inM. mulatta, confirming that specific microbial features could quantitatively predictBlastocystisstatus in both species. Our findings establish a direct link between gut microbial variations, intra-host genetic heterogeneity, and absolute abundance inBlastocystisfor non-human primates.
Nitroxoline treatment ofBalamuthia mandrillaristriggers genomic crisis, transcriptional collapse, and incomplete encystment via copper and iron chelation
Authors: Marquis Kaitlin A , Spottiswoode Natasha , Detweiler Angela M. , Neff Norma , Lord Samuel J. , DeRisi Joseph L.
Published: February 2025

Balamuthia mandrillarisis a free-living amoeba that can infect the central nervous system to cause granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE), a highly fatal disease with mortality rates up to 90%. GAE is typically treated with a six-drug regimen with limited efficacy and significant toxicity. Our lab previously identified nitroxoline, a quinolone antibiotic, as a promising therapeutic complement to the existing regimen, and in 2021 nitroxoline was first successfully used to treat a human patient. In this study, we elucidate the mechanism of action for nitroxoline using a combination of genomics, transcriptomics, chemical complementation, growth assays, and electron microscopy. In service of this goal, an annotated draft genome ofB. mandrillarisstrain CDC:V039 was generated using long read sequencing, yielding 88 telomere-to-telomere contigs and over 25,000 protein coding genes. Leveraging this resource, comparative transcriptomics were used to characterize encystment responses to three different cellular stressors: nitroxoline, galactose, and hypoxia. Our findings reveal that nitroxoline-induced cysts undergo transcriptional collapse and genomic and structural destabilization via copper and iron chelation. These data provide insight into the multifaceted impact of nitroxoline onB. mandrillarisgrowth and cellular processes and advance our understanding of the transcriptional landscape associated with stress induced encystment. Our findings support the continued clinical study of nitroxoline.
Extracellular vesicles aid in the transfer of long-term associative memory betweenCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bhar Monmita , Nandi Tanumoy , Narayanan Hari , Kishore Kamal , Babu Kavita
Published: February 2025

Memory formation is necessary for the survival of animals across phyla. Here, we elucidate the mechanism underlying the formation of long-term associative memory (LTAM) formed by treatingCaenorhabditis eleganswith a volatile chemoattractant and heat. Previous work has shown that training animals with a paradigm involving heat and isoamyl alcohol (IAA) simultaneously, causesC. elegansto lose their attraction to IAA. In this study, we elaborate on the mechanism behind this LTAM formation and suggest that during training with heat and IAA,C. elegansrelease extracellular vesicles (EVs) that upon being taken up by the same trained animals or their untrained counterparts causes the organism to lose attraction to IAA. Our data suggests that the vesicles are highly specific to the training paradigms used and differ with differing cues. Finally, we show that this mechanism of transfer of LTAM appears to be conserved betweenC. elegansandC. briggsaeallowing for both intra and interspecies transfer of memory.
Graph theory based approach to identify phase transitions in condensed matter
Authors: Wang An , Sosso Gabriele C.
Published: February 2025

We put forward a methodology to identify phase transitions in condensed matter without the need to rely on any preexisting physical background. Specifically, we use graph limit theory to construct order parameters that leverage the outcomes of molecular dynamics simulations. We apply this approach to investigate the phase transitions of a Lennard-Jones system and the glass-forming ability of the Kob-Andersen binary Lennard-Jones mixture. This methodology rigorously links graph limit theory, a cutting-edge field in combinatorial mathematics, with condensed matter physics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Dynamical dark energy from lattice quantum gravity
Authors: Dai Mingwei , Freeman Walter , Laiho Jack , Schiffer Marc , Unmuth-Yockey Judah
Published: February 2025

We study the behavior of the vacuum in Euclidean dynamical triangulations (EDT). Algorithmic improvements and better lattice spacing determinations allow us to test the properties of the emergent de Sitter geometries of our simulations to higher precision than previously possible. Although the agreement with de Sitter is good, the improved precision reveals deviations that can be interpreted as nontrivial vacuum dynamics, well described by a cosmological constant that runs with scale. The simulations show that the dominant running is quadratic and that the scale can be identified with the Hubble rate. Several key cross-checks support this picture, including consistent results across multiple lattice spacings and the fact that the null energy condition is not violated. The parameters of the running are fully determined by simulations, enabling predictions when extrapolated to the scales relevant for our Universe. This leads to a model for dark energy that is compatible with current observations, but which predicts deviations from the Standard Model of cosmology at the O(10−3) level in observables that could be tested with future improvements in precision measurements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Oscillons from
Q
-balls
Authors: Blaschke F. , Romańczukiewicz T. , Sławińska K. , Wereszczyński A.
Published: February 2025

Using renormalization group theory we show that oscillons in (1+1) dimensions can be obtained, at the leading nonlinear order, from Q-balls of universal complex field theories. For potentials with a nonzero cubic or quartic term the universal Q-ball theory is well approximated by the integrable complex sine-Gordon model. This allows us to generalize the usual perturbative expansion by Fodor beyond the simplest unmodulated oscillon case. Concretely, we explain the characteristic amplitude modulations of excited oscillons as an effect of formation of a two-Q-ball (two-oscillon) bound state.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Oscillons from
Q
-Balls through Renormalization
Authors: Blaschke F. , Romańczukiewicz T. , Sławińska K. , Wereszczyński A.
Published: February 2025

Using a renormalization-inspired perturbation expansion we show that oscillons in a generic field theory in (1+1) dimensions arise as dressed Q-balls of a universal (up to the leading nonlinear order) complex field theory. This theory reveals a close similarity to the integrable complex sine-Gordon model, which possesses exact multi-Q-balls. We show that excited oscillons, with characteristic modulations of their amplitude, are two-oscillons bound states generated from a two Q-ball solution.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Boosting projective methods for quantum process and detector tomography
Authors: Barberà-Rodríguez Júlia , Zambrano Leonardo , Acín Antonio , Farina Donato
Published: February 2025

We introduce two methods for quantum process and detector tomography. In the quantum process tomography method, we develop an analytical procedure for projecting the linear inversion estimation of a quantum channel onto the set of completely positive trace-preserving matrices. By integrating this method with alternate projection techniques, we achieve a three-order-of-magnitude improvement in approximating the closest quantum channel to an arbitrary Hermitian matrix compared to existing methods without compromising computational efficiency. Our second method extends this approach to quantum detector tomography, demonstrating superior efficiency compared to current techniques. Through numerical simulations, we evaluate our protocols across channels of up to four qubits in quantum process tomography and systems of up to six qubits in quantum detector tomography, showcasing superior precision and efficiency.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Projective purification of correlated reduced density matrices
Authors: Pescoller Elias , Eder Marie , Březinová Iva
Published: February 2025

In the search for accurate approximate solutions of the many-body Schrödinger equation, reduced density matrices play an important role, as they allow one to formulate approximate methods with polynomial scaling in the number of particles. However, these methods frequently encounter the issue of N-representability, whereby in self-consistent applications of the methods, the reduced density matrices become unphysical. A number of algorithms have been proposed in the past to restore a given set of N-representability conditions once the reduced density matrices become defective. However, these purification algorithms either have ignored symmetries of the Hamiltonian related to conserved quantities or have not incorporated them in an efficient way, thereby modifying the reduced density matrix to a greater extent than is necessary. In this paper, we present an algorithm capable of efficiently performing all of the following tasks in the least invasive manner: restoring a given set of N-representability conditions, maintaining contraction consistency between successive orders of reduced density matrices, and preserving all conserved quantities. We demonstrate the superiority of the present purification algorithm over previous ones in the context of the time-dependent two-particle reduced density matrix method applied to the quench dynamics of the Fermi-Hubbard model.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Low-energy electron scattering cross sections for nanoscale water clusters
Authors: Horn Katinka , Tsizin Svetlana , Ban Loren , Chasovskikh Egor , Yoder Bruce L. , Calegari Francesca , Signorell Ruth
Published: February 2025

Electron scattering cross sections are essential for the quantitative description of electron-induced processes in nanoconfined aqueous systems. Here we report on energy- and size-dependent cross sections for water clusters with diameters between ∼1.0 and 2.5 nm and electron energies below ∼32 eV. The cross sections of the clusters are up to a factor of 2 larger than those of water, suggesting a reduced dielectric screening in nanoconfinement. The cross sections show no significant cluster size dependence. A slight increase of cross sections with increasing electron energy is attributed to the increasing contribution from electronic scattering channels. As the simplest form of nanoconfined water, nanoscale water clusters represent an important model system.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Anomalous heat transfer in nonequilibrium quantum systems
Authors: Ma Teng , Zhang Jing-Ning , Wang Yuan-Sheng , Xie Hong-Yi , Yung Man-Hong
Published: February 2025

Anomalous heat transfer (AHT), a process by which heat spontaneously flows from a cold system into a hot one, superficially contradicts the Clausius statement of the second law of thermodynamics. Here we provide a full classification of mechanisms of AHT in nonequilibrium quantum systems from a quantum-information perspective. For initial states in local equilibrium, we find that AHT can arise from three resources: initial correlation, intrasystem interaction, and intrasystem temperature inhomogeneity. In particular, for qubit systems, we prove that initial quantum coherence is necessary for AHT if the intersystem interactions are limited to the two-body type. We explicitly show AHT dominated by each of the mechanisms in a three-qubit system. Our classification scheme may offer a guideline for developing high-efficiency quantum autonomous thermal machines.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Organizational ambidexterity and innovation management in traditional communities: an investigation in Associação Kalunga Comunitária do Engenho II
Authors: Veneziani Sheyla , Soares Juliano
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand how the managers of the Associação Kalunga Comunitária do Engenho II (AKCE) used the assumptions of organizational ambidexterity during the pandemic period in their communities to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as to report the main innovative practices adopted by the AKCE.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is classified as exploratory, with a qualitative approach, and the research procedure chosen was semi-structured interviews. The data obtained came from the transcription of the interviews and field observation, using the content analysis method.

Findings

The community used constructs of contextual ambidexterity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Video conferences, online management and mechanized farming are characteristics of alignment, and the creation of websites, online sales, medicinal plant project and community farming refer to adaptability.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates how innovation was fostered in the Kalunga community, highlighting how the pandemic moment was overcome.

Social implications

The study makes it possible to broaden society’s knowledge about centennial communities; besides divulging more about quilombola communities, in a scenario of historical reparation in which the communities were mapped for the first time by the 2022 Census.

Originality/value

It is possible to find characteristics related to ambidexterity in organizations that do not aim for profit.
Optimizing circular economy practices in construction: a systematic review of material management strategies
Authors: Ibe Chukwumaobi Ndukwe , Serbescu Andreea , Hossain Mohataz , Ibe Ikechukwu Ikwegbu
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Although circular economy (CE) principles are gaining increasing attention, a systematic understanding of material management strategies for an effective CE transition in construction is still lacking. This review addresses this gap by examining global construction practices, focusing on waste reduction and recycled materials. The study identifies key material management strategies for optimizing CE practices, supporting an integrated sustainable approach in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

A bibliometric analysis of 17,600 papers published from 2015 to 2022 was conducted, leading to an in-depth investigation of 44 relevant articles. The systematic review revealed material management strategies such as on-site sorting, deconstruction planning, modular building and reverse logistics, which were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative comparative analysis.

Findings

China emerges as a leader in construction material management research, reflecting significant global interest. Key findings indicate that strategies like design for deconstruction (DfD), minimization at design and modular construction achieve higher waste reduction, while building information modelling and on-site sorting show lower cost-saving potential. This research uniquely validates the structural feasibility of the most common recycled materials through qualitative comparative analysis of studies examined, emphasizing the critical role of CE design principles in sustainable construction.

Practical implications

The study validates circular design concepts like DfD, minimization of resource use at design and modularization, which facilitate closed-loop planning. Circular construction systems are technically and economically feasible, underscoring the need for mass implementation. Recommendations on material management and transition strategies are provided for stakeholders based on CE principles.

Originality/value

This study synthesizes recent research on sustainable material management, uniquely validating recycled materials’ structural viability and comparing material management strategies for optimal waste reduction and cost savings. It emphasizes multi-stakeholder initiatives spanning policy, industry and academia, providing practical insights to embed CE practices in sustainable construction.
South Asian Diaspora in Italy: settlement patterns and locational factors
Authors: Morettini Gabriele , Valentini Enzo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper empirically explores the spatial distribution of the four major South Asian communities in Italian municipalities between 2004 and 2014 and identifies the key determinants of these patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

SAP’s (South Asian People) location patterns are investigated through a large and varied set of explanatory variables. Employing a settlement model and the inflow approach, we disentangle the impact of conventional pull factors and the network effect.

Findings

We observe how SAP in Italy are concentrated in some specific locations, away from the natives. This decentralised clustered distribution results from a mix of contextual pull factors and ethnic networks with a strong local character. However, national communities exhibit striking differences in location patterns, determined by different pull factors. We found evidence of the overall persistence of drivers over time, which generated substantial inertia in the settlement patterns of SAP national groups over the 2008 crisis.

Practical implications

We stressed how SAP have different settlement patterns and drivers, so they cannot be treated as a unicum. They call for place-based policies tailored to the specific needs of individual communities.

Originality/value

We examine the relevant but under-researched SAP diaspora in Italy by comparing the Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan location models across all the Italian municipalities and checking if and how their spatial distribution changed over the 2008 crisis.
Growth effects of FDI inflows, financial development and institutional quality in emerging economies: a panel quantile regression approach
Authors: Mensah Barbara Deladem , Tweneboah George , Asongu Simplice , Tagbotor Thomas Elorm
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the growth effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, financial development and institutional quality in emerging economies. The research covers 24 years of panel data of 33 selected emerging economies for the period spanning from 1996 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The Pedroni and Westerlund panel cointegration tests were performed to ascertain a long run relationship among the studied variables while the panel quantile regression approach was applied to account for the heterogeneous effect of the exogenous variables on economic growth.

Findings

The study revealed among other things that FDI inflows, financial development and institutional quality all have positive effects on economic growth in the selected emerging economies. It further revealed that the growth effects of these explanatory variables are evidently heterogeneous.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of this study include the need to increase FDI inflows, especially environmentally friendly FDIs, establish a well-developed financial sector and improve institutional quality so as to accelerate growth in the selected emerging economies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to extant literature by answering the question of whether the growth effects of FDI inflows, financial development and institutional quality can differ in sign and or magnitude depending on the performance of a country’s growth. The findings of this study may help governments and policymakers to develop very good growth-promoting policies in accordance with the behavior of productivity growth.
Interweaving bonds: examining trust, commitment and social sustainability in the agri-food supply chain in Kenya
Authors: Obonyo Edwin , Ndiritu S. Wagura , Formentini Marco
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine trust, commitment and social sustainability (SS) in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) in an underexplored context, an emerging country. This adds to the literature on the benefits of trust and commitment in AFSCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Within four counties in Kenya — Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu and Kajiado — 85 abattoirs and 164 traders were surveyed as part of data collection. Hypotheses were proposed, and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test them.

Findings

The findings indicate that trust (benevolent and credibility trust) as well as commitment (affective and continuance commitment) have a positive direct relationship with SS.

Practical implications

The study underlines how important trust and commitment are in improving the social well-being of AFSC actors. They enhance collaboration which empowers them to improve social welfare of the supply chain.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first to examine the effect of trust and commitment on SS within AFSC, a novel contribution to SS literature. It differentiates between types of trust (benevolent and credibility trust) and commitment (affective and continuance commitment), giving a clearer understanding of how each of the variables impact SS. The findings offer new insights into the relationship between trust and commitment in improving social sustainable practices in AFSCs.
Understanding the impact of online firestorms on financial performance in corporate social responsibility campaigns
Authors: Dias Filipe , Rita Paulo , António Nuno , Vong Celeste
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study examines the impact of online firestorms on the financial performance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaigns by analyzing Twitter data and stock market trends.

Design/methodology/approach

Four publicly known campaigns that received backlash were studied, involving data from 76,242 tweets.

Findings

This investigation revealed that organizations could still achieve financial gains despite experiencing backlash. The duration of an online firestorm typically ranged between three to six days. Also, a positive correlation was found between online sentiment on social media and stock market prices.

Originality/value

The findings provide significant insights for both academia and organizations, demonstrating that CSR campaigns involved in online firestorms do not necessarily result in adverse financial outcomes. Overall, this study provides valuable perspectives on the effects of CSR campaigns and their potential impacts on financial performance.
The power of body language: understanding anchor’s body language and the success of live-streaming e-commerce
Authors: Yang Hangsheng , Xu Xu , Wang Bin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Body language is an integral part of interpersonal communication and exchange, which can convey rich emotions, intentions and information. However, how anchor’s body language works in live-streaming e-commerce (LSE) has yet to receive adequate attention. Based on dual systems theory of decision-making, this paper aims to explore the impact of anchor’s body language on the performance of LSE from the perspective of customer engagement behavior and to examine the moderating role of anchor’s relational social interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors confirmed the theoretical model through empirical analysis of structured data from 1,415 actual livestreaming rooms from Douyin, as well as unstructured data of 418,939 min of video and audio, 1,985,473 words of text and 423,302 keyframe images.

Findings

The study found that anchor’s body language has a significant positive effect on the performance of LSE, and customer engagement behavior plays a partially mediating role. The moderating effect suggests that anchor’s relational social interaction and body language have substitution effects in enhancing customer engagement behavior and the performance of LSE, which reveals the substitution relationship between anchor’s verbal and nonverbal interactions in LSE.

Originality/value

This study is one of the earlier literature focusing on anchor’s body language, and the findings provide practical references for enhancing customer engagement behavior and achieving performance growth in LSE.
Effects of elevation on taxonomic and functional diversity of frog communities in a tropical forest
Authors: Siqueira Carla C. , Vrcibradic Davor , Rocha Carlos Frederico D.
Published: February 2025

The assessment of taxonomic diversity (TD) and functional diversity (FD) in natural gradients, including elevation, has grown over the past two decades, but is still relatively little studied. By studying amphibians in the Brazilian forest areas, this research aims to address critical knowledge gaps about biodiversity distribution, while highlighting the need to conserve this fragile and unique hotspot. Herein, we assessed whether and how environmental predictors explain taxonomic and functional alpha and beta diversities of frogs in a Brazilian tropical forest. Elevation significantly and negatively affected TD and FD, with a monotonic linear decrease of both variables with increasing altitude. We did not detect a significant influence of habitat amount (as measured by proportion of forest vegetation cover) on either TD or FD, probably because we observed minimal variation in habitat amount along the elevational gradient. We found a significant influence of elevation on taxonomic and functional dissimilarity values, predominantly explained by the turnover rather than the nestedness component. Our results highlight the importance of functional traits for understanding frog distribution patterns along environmental gradients. Community‐level studies on tropical frogs, especially montane species vulnerable to environmental and climatic impacts, remain limited, posing challenges for conservation and management efforts. The high turnover of species composition and functional roles emphasizes the importance of conserving the entire mountain habitat, including the upper elevations.
Benthic Observation Survey System (BOSS) for surveys of marine benthic habitats
Authors: Langlois Tim , Spencer Claude , Gibbons Brooke A. , Griffin Kingsley J. , Adams Kye , Aston Charlotte , Barrett Neville , Bastiaansen Ashlee , Beach Donna , Bernard Ant , Bond Todd , Carey Genevieve R. , Caselle Jennifer E. , Cieri Katie , Cummins Gabrielle H. , Cure Katherine , de Lestang Simon , Fitzhardinge John , Giraldo‐Ospina Anita , Grammer Gretchen , Guilfoyle David R. , Henderson Christopher , Hickey Sharyn , Hicks Jamie , Hovey Renae , Huveneers Charlie , Ierodiaconou Daniel , Keesing John , Knott Nathan , Lavers Jennifer L. , Lindfield Steve , Lindholm James , Mastrantonis Stanley , Matthews Kinsey , Navarro Matthew L. , Partridge Julian , Pelletier Dominique , Piggott Camilla V. H. , Przeslawski Rachel , Radford Ben , Rees Matthew , Reynolds Ron (Doc) , Rolim Fernanda A. , Smith Adam , Spencer Felix , Starr Rick , Thompson Samuel , Webb Iszaac , Webb Wayne , Whitmarsh Sasha , Williams Joel , Monk Jacquomo
Published: February 2025

Most platforms for collecting images to characterise marine benthic habitats involve a downward or forward‐facing field of view that is relatively constrained (~70°), covering a relatively small area of benthos (downward ~1 m2, forward ~25 m2).

Here we propose the use of a four‐camera platform having a wide combined field of view (~280°), covering a much greater area (up to 100 m2). We also present a stereo‐camera configuration that has the added benefit of being able to accurately measure sample area and dimensions of benthic biota. The design proposed is robust and self‐righting, facilitating rapid deployment and retrieval from a range of vessels, depths and environments.

We present an exemplar workflow to generate a habitat map (~100 km2) within a no‐take National Park Zone within the South‐west Corner Marine Park, Australia and demonstrate the benefit of increasing the field of view to estimate habitat heterogeneity.

The relatively broad sample unit of this wide‐field drop camera is well suited to estimating coverage (e.g. of a seagrass bed) and habitat mapping. It is time‐efficient in the field, enabling spatially balanced sampling designs to acquire ground‐truthing data for medium‐ to large‐scale habitat mapping projects. This platform is a practical tool to monitor change in marine environments and assess the environmental impact (e.g. sea bed alteration) of activities such as offshore energy or fishing gears.
Initiation and Discontinuation of Psychotropic Drugs Relative to Suicidal Behavior: A Danish Registry‐Based Study
Authors: Reilev Mette , Andersen Jacob Harbo , Højlund Mikkel , Stenager Elsebeth , Rasmussen Lotte , Christiansen Erik
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Changes in psychotropic drug use relative to suicidal behavior could potentially inform the timing of preventive efforts. We aimed to describe the initiation and discontinuation of psychotropic drugs relative to suicide and suicide attempts.

Methods

The Danish registries were used to describe incidents and prevalent use of psychotropic drugs 2 years before and after a suicide attempt and before suicide. Discontinuation of psychotropic drugs in the 6‐month period prior to suicide and suicide attempts was estimated. Analyses were stratified by drug groups, sex, and age.

Results

Among 5.8 million Danish citizens(2021), 6374 died by suicide, and 29,332 had a first‐ever suicide attempt from 2010 to 2021. Use of psychotropic drugs increased markedly in the 6 months prior to suicide and suicide attempt, e.g., up to 18 incident drug redemptions and 92 prevalent drug redemptions per 100 persons in the month before suicide. The highest rates of both incident and prevalent drug redemptions were observed immediately after the suicide attempt. Psychotropic drug use was generally lower among men. Immediately after the suicide attempt, however, men exhibited a slightly higher level of incident use than women. Ten percent discontinued psychotropic drugs completely in the 6‐month period before suicide, while 48% discontinued drugs used in alcohol abuse.

Conclusion

We found a marked increase in psychotropic drug use before suicide and before and after attempted suicide. Complete pre‐attempt discontinuation of psychotropic drugs was low, though approximately half discontinued drugs used for alcohol abuse. The process of prescribing psychotropic drugs may represent an opportunity for prevention.