bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candidate imprinting control regions in dog genome
Authors: Wyss Phillip , Bina Minou
Published: December 2024

In mammals, genomic imprinting restricts the expression of a subset of genes from one of the two parental alleles. The process is regulated by imprinting control regions (ICRs) and gDMRs (germline Differentially Methylated Regions) dispersed across autosomal chromosomal DNA. An unresolved question is how to discover candidate ICRs in canine DNA genome-wide. Previously, bioinformatics analyses found a significant fraction of well-known ICRs/gDMRs in mouse, human, andBos taurus. Analyses were based on finding the genomic positions of clusters of several CpG-rich motifs known as ZFBS-morph overlaps. These motifs are composite DNA elements. For this report, we performed similar studies to pinpoint candidate ICRs in the dog genome. A key feature of the bioinformatics strategy is creating density plots to mark cluster positions. In genome-wide analyses, peaks in plots effectively discovered candidate ICRs along chromosomal DNA sequences ofCanis lupus familiarisbreed Boxer. With respect to Non-Dog RefSeq Genes, several candidate ICRs are in regions analogous to ICR positions in mouse DNA, in human DNA, or both. In Boxer genome, examples include candidate ICRs for parent-of-origin-specific expression of theMESTisoformPEG1, INPP5F_V2, thePLAGL1isoformZAC1, IGF2R, PEG3, andGNASloci. In mouse, imprinted genes in these loci play important roles in developmental and physiological processes.
Single-Cell Profiling Reveals Global Immune Responses during the Progression of Murine Epidermal Neoplasms
Authors: Fan Xiying , Brunetti Tonya M. , Jackson Kelsey , Roop Dennis R.
Published: December 2024

Immune cells determine the role of the tumor microenvironment during tumor progression, either suppressing tumor formation or promoting tumorigenesis. We analyzed the profile of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of control mouse skins and skin tumors at the single-cell level. We identified 15 CD45+immune cell clusters, which broadly represent the most functionally characterized immune cell types including macrophages, Langerhans cells (LC), conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1), conventional type 2 dendritic cells (cDC2), migratory/mature dendritic cells (mDC), dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC), dermal γδ T cells (γδT), T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), natural killer cells (NK), type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), neutrophils (Neu), mast cells (Mast), and two proliferating populations (Prolif.1 and Prolif.2). Skin tumor progression reprogramed immune cells and led to a marked increase in the relative percentages of macrophages, cDC2, mDC, Tregs, and Neu. Macrophages, the largest cell cluster of immune cells in skin tumors. In addition, macrophages emerged as the predominant communication ‘hub’ in skin tumors, highlighting the importance of macrophages during skin tumor progression. In contrast, other immune cell clusters decreased during skin tumor progression, including DETC, γδT, ILC2, and LC. In addition, skin tumor progression dramatically upregulated Jak2/Stat3 expression and the interferon response across various immune cell clusters. Further, skin tumor progression activated T cells and NK cells indicated by elevated expression of IFN-γ and Granzyme B in skin tumors. Meanwhile, a pronounced infiltration of M2-macrophages and Tregs in skin tumors created an immunosuppressive microenvironment, consistent with the elevated expression of the Stat3 pathway in skin tumors. In summary, our study elucidates the immune cell landscape of epidermal neoplasms, offering a comprehensive understanding of the immune response during skin tumor progression and providing new insights into cancer immune evasion mechanisms.
Engineering tissue-mimetic hydrogels with continuous viscoelastic gradient for programmed cell migration
Authors: Yang Haochen , Li Ziyuan , Li Meng , Shang Yuxing , Chen Linjie , Ge Yifan , Zhang Junji , Tian He
Published: December 2024

The dynamic, viscoelastic nature of the extracellular matrix (ECM), with variations in stiffness and viscosity, plays a key role in cellular behaviors like mechano-sensing, migration, and force generation. Viscoelastic hydrogels are important for mimicking the ECM to study cell migration and tissue engineering. However, creating hydrogels with continuous viscoelastic gradients is challenging due to issues with spatial resolution, reproducibility, and accurately replicating native tissue properties. Here we present a novel approach to generate hydrogels with precisely controllable viscoelastic gradients using drop-by-drop condensation. This approach allows fine-tuned replication of the tissue-specific local mechanical properties, resulting in hydrogels of heterogeneous viscoelasticity. Directed migration and separation of multiple cell lines are thus driven by local viscosity and elasticity rather than solely stiffness. By incorporating non-linear mechanical gradients, this technique provides insights into ECM viscoelasticity’s role in cellular behavior and offers a versatile platform for advanced tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
NECTIN-4 PET FOR OPTIMIZING ENFORTUMAB VEDOTIN DOSE-RESPONSE IN UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA
Authors: Mishra Akhilesh , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Gupta Kuldeep , Banka Dhanush R. , Johnson Burles A. , Hoffman-Censits Jeannie , Huang Peng , McConkey David J. , Nimmagadda Sridhar
Published: December 2024

The optimization of dosing strategies is critical for maximizing efficacy and minimizing toxicity in drug development, particularly for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). This study demonstrates the utility of Nectin-4-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using [68Ga]AJ647 as a non-invasive tool for real-time assessment of target engagement in enfortumab vedotin (EV) therapy for urothelial carcinoma (UC). By leveraging the specificity of [68Ga]AJ647 for Nectin-4, we quantified dynamic changes in target engagement across preclinical models and established its correlation with therapeutic outcomes. PET imaging revealed dose-dependent variations in Nectin-4 engagement, with suboptimal EV doses resulting in incomplete Nectin-4 engagement and reduced tumor growth. Importantly, target engagement measured by PET emerged as a more reliable predictor of therapeutic efficacy than dose or baseline Nectin-4 expression alone. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a target engagement threshold that is determinant of response, providing a quantitative benchmark for dose optimization. Furthermore, PET imaging measures provide a promising framework to account for key challenges in ADC development, including tumor heterogeneity, declining drug-to-antibody ratios over time, and limitations of systemic pharmacokinetic measurements to account for tumor-drug interactions. These findings underscore the transformative potential of integrating PET pharmacodynamic measures as early biomarkers to refine dosing strategies, improve patient outcomes, and accelerate the clinical translation of next-generation targeted therapeutics.
Withaferin A downregulates NDRG1 to overcome hypoxia mediated EMT and chemoresistance in lung adenocarcinoma and glioma cells
Authors: Mahajan Divyank , Gandhi Sanchit , Srivastava Tapasya
Published: December 2024

One of the important hurdles to be overcome in the management of cancers is the acquired resistance to therapy. There is a crucial need to not only understand molecular pathways underpinning resistance to therapy but to find better and more effective therapeutic avenues to overcome such acquired resistance. Tumor microenvironmental conditions such as hypoxia have long been known to result in chemoresistance in various cancers that become unresponsive to standard-of-care drugs such as cisplatin. Although many new compounds are screened for their anticancer properties, the recalcitrant tumor microenviroenment has not been given due importance in many potential drugs. In this study, we examine the efficacy of Withaferin A (WA), a bioactive compound isolated fromWithania somnifera, in overcoming hypoxia-induced metabolic adaptation, chemoresistance, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in both lung adenocarcinoma and glioma cells. Our results reveal that WA significantly inhibits hypoxia-induced increased migration, EMT, and metabolic reprogramming, leading to enhanced cytotoxicity in otherwise chemoresistant cancer cells. WA treatment suppressed the expression of markers of EMT, glucose metabolism, and bonafide hypoxia markers, particularly NDRG1 thereby inducing cell death in these cancer cells. WA showed significant cytotoxic effects in chemoresistant lung adenocarcinoma and glioma cells, both alone or in combination with cisplatin, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for overcoming chemoresistance in these cancers. Our results provide new insights into the anti-cancer mechanisms of WA especially under hypoxic conditions, and support its further investigation as a promising adjunctive therapy for the treatment against hypoxia-induced chemoresistance in cancers.
Fast and accurate detection of metal resistance genes using MetHMMDb
Authors: Ciuchcinski Karol , Dziurzynski Mikolaj
Published: December 2024

Heavy metal pollution poses a major environmental challenge, with microbial resistance to heavy metals offering potential solutions through bioremediation. Additionally, the presence and diversity of microbial metal resistance genes (MMRGs) could contribute to an ecosystem’s ability to adapt and recover from heavy metal contamination by maintaining essential microbial functions and promoting the cycling of nutrients under stress conditions. Thus, MMRGs may serve not only as markers of contamination but also as indicators of an ecosystem’s self-purification capacity and resilience to environmental disturbances. Here we present MetHMMDB, a database containing 254 profile Hidden Markov Models representing 121 MMRGs. Unlike traditional sequence-based resources, MetHMMDB relies on HMMs to improve detection sensitivity and functional specificity across microbial communities. Created through iterative database searches, sequence clustering, structural prediction, and manual annotation, MetHMMDB emphasizes functional annotation rather than gene classification. The database outperforms sequence-based approaches, identifying over twice as many MMRGs in metagenomic datasets, including those from extreme environments. Analysis of agricultural soil revealed distinct resistance profiles correlating with soil quality. MetHMMDB advances our understanding of microbial adaptation to heavy metal contamination while supporting environmental management strategies through improved identification and characterization of metal resistance mechanisms.

Database URL:https://github.com/Haelmorn/MetHMMDB.
Pro-cognitive reshaping of neuronal dynamics by a human CSF-based factor
Authors: Santos Marc Dos , Forrest Marc P. , Bomba-Warczak Ewa , Parnell Euan , Edassery Seby L. , Yang Kun , Hayes Lindsay N. , Coughlin Jennifer M. , Eckman Blair L. , Lammert Catherine , Martin-de-Saavedra M. Dolores , Barbolina Maria , Sawa Akira , Savas Jeffrey N. , Penzes Peter
Published: December 2024

Neuronal connection dysfunction is a convergent cause of cognitive deficits in mental disorders. Cognitive processes are finely regulated at the synaptic level by membrane proteins, some of which are shed and detectable in patients’ cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, whether these soluble synaptic proteins can harnessed as innovative pro-cognitive factors to treat brain disorders remains unclear. Here, we use quantitative proteomics to identify shed synaptic proteins dysregulated in the CSF of subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ), a mental disorder characterized by cognitive and synaptic dysfunction. The level of a yet uncharacterized soluble form of the voltage-gated calcium channel auxiliary subunit, α2δ-1, is robustly reduced in SCZ CSF. Remarkably, soluble α2δ-1 is convergently downregulated across several brain disorder CSF proteomes. We show that the brain releases soluble α2δ-1 in an activity-dependent manner, which can reorganize neuronal network dynamics by binding to synaptic targets and promoting inhibitory neuron plasticity. A single brain injection of a synthetic soluble α2δ-1 improved interneuron and cognitive deficits in a mutant mouse model of SCZ and cortical dysfunction. These findings underscore the potential of shed synaptic proteins as novel therapeutic agents capable of enhancing brain function in diverse brain disorders characterized by cognitive impairment.
A Thermo-responsive collapse system for controlling heterogeneous cell localization, ratio and interaction for three-dimensional solid tumor modeling
Authors: Li Yu , Orange Jordan S.
Published: December 2024

Cancer immunotherapy using engineered cytotoxic effector cells has demonstrated significant potential. The limited spatial complexity of existingin vitromodels, however, poses a challenge to mechanistic studies attempting to approve existing approaches of effector cell-mediated cytotoxicity within a three-dimensional, solid tumor-like environment. To gain additional experimental control, we developed an approach for constructing three-dimensional (3D) culture models using smart polymers that form temperature responsive hydrogels. By embedding cells in these hydrogels, we constructed 3D models to organize multiple cell populations at specified ratios on- demand and gently position them by exploiting the hydrogel phase transition. These systems were amenable to imaging at low- and high-resolution to evaluate cell-to-cell interactions, as well as to dissociation to allow for single cell analyses. We have called this approach “thermal collapse of strata” (TheCOS) and demonstrated its use in creating complex cell assemblies on demand in both layers and spheroids. As an application, we utilized TheCOS to evaluate the impact of directionality of degranulation of natural killer (NK) cell lytic granules. Blocking lytic granule convergence and polarization by inhibiting dynein has been shown to induce bystander killing in single cell suspensions. Using TheCOS we showed that lytic granule dispersion induced by dynein inhibition can be sustained in 3D and results in a multi-directional killing including that of non-triggering bystander cells. By imaging TheCOS experiments, we were able to map a “kill zone” associated with multi-directional degranulation in simulated solid tumor environments. TheCOS should allow for the testing of approaches to alter the mechanics of cytotoxicity as well as to generate a wide-array of human tumor microenvironments to assist in the acceleration of tumor immunotherapy.
Tumour-derived LAMA5 is critical for tumour initiation and controls progression and phenotype in luminal breast cancer
Authors: Ritchie Alexandra , Dhawan Priyal , Kailari Eveliina , Linden Jere , Blaas Leander , Izzi Valerio , Katajisto Pekka , Englund Johanna I.
Published: December 2024

Basement membrane (BM) supports and regulates the structural integrity, function and differentiation of epithelial tissues and protects against stromal invasion of breast cancer cells. Here we show that LAMA5, a central BM component, is critical for luminal mammary tumour initiation, and controls tumor progression and phenotype development. LAMA5 is overexpressed in both human and mouse luminal mammary tumours andLAMA5downregulation attenuates growth of human breast cancer cells. Prepubertal luminal deletion ofLama5in MMTV-PyMT mice results in marked reduction in emergence of early hyperplasias, along with a shift from mature hormone receptor (HR+) positive luminal epithelial phenotype towards a HR+ progenitor phenotype, and widespread alterations in extracellular matrix and Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signalling genes, including overexpression of Fgf receptor 2 (Fgfr2) in the HR+ progenitor cells. Single allele deletion, but not biallelic deletion ofLama5additionally inhibits growth and progression towards advanced mammary carcinomas. However, inhibition of Fgf receptors restores growth decrease and induces apoptosis in biallelic-Lama5-deleted organoids without affecting wildtype organoids. Our analyses demonstrate a critical role for a BM component LAMA5 in mammary tumour initiation and reveal mechanisms of extracellular matrix-epithelial interplay in breast tumour progression and phenotype maintenance.
A High-quality Genome Assembly ofAnnona squamosa(Custard Apple) Provides Functional Insights into an Emerging Fruit Crop
Authors: Bisht Manohar S. , Mahajan Shruti , Chakraborty Abhisek , Sharma Vineet K.
Published: December 2024

Annona squamosa, also known as custard apple, is an emerging fruit crop with medicinal significance. We constructed a high-quality genome ofA. squamosaalong with transcriptome data to gain insights into its phylogeny, evolution and demographic history. The genome has an N50 value of 93.2 Mb assembled into seven pseudochromosomes. The demographic history showed a continuous decline in the effective population size ofA. squamosa. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that magnoliids were sister to eudicots, whereas ASTRAL gene trees showed discordance due to incomplete lineage sorting (ILS). Genome syntenic and Ks distribution analyses confirmed the absence of a recent whole genome duplication event in theA. squamosa. Gene families related to photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation and plant thermogenesis were found to be highly expanded in the genome. Comparative analysis with other magnoliids revealed the adaptative evolution in the genes of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, amino sugar, nucleotide sugar and sucrose metabolism, conferring medicinal value and enhanced hexose sugar accumulation. In addition, we performed genome-wide identification ofSWEETgenes. Our high-quality genome and evolutionary insights of this emerging fruit crop, thus, serve as a valuable resource for advancing studies in functional genomics, evolutionary biology, and crop improvement.
Acinetobacter baumannii’s Great Escape: How a Membrane Protein Interacts with Fibronectin to Evade Immunity
Authors: Vasseur Laurine , Barbault Florent , Monari Antonio
Published: December 2024

Bacterial resistance and nosocomial infections are serious threats compromising public health in numerous countries. Acinetobacter baumannii has been identified as one of the most serious pathogens, due to its potential virulence and the development of multiple resistance. In this contribution by using all-atom molecular dynamics simulation, we analyze the structure and the properties of the OmpA protein, which is present in the bacterial external membrane. We also analyze the structure of possible protein/protein complexes formed between OmpA and the human fibronectin, which may ultimately lead to the immune escaping of the bacteria. For the first time, we provide for the first time plausible structure of the complex also identifying suitable amino acid mediating the interaction, and thus, constituting suitable drug targets to disrupt the complex formation.

TOC Abstract
Estrogens increase cancer cell efferocytosis to establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment
Authors: Chakraborty Binita , Chakraborty Prabuddha , Brown Michael C , Crowder Daniel , Goyal Aditi , Safi Rachid , Artham Sandeep , Kirkland Megan , Racioppi Alessandro , Juras Patrick , Mukherjee Debarati , Lim Felicia , Byemerwa Jovita , Gunn Kiana , Floyd Scott R , Beasley Georgia , Wardell Suzanne , Chang Ching-Yi , McDonnell Donald P
Published: December 2024

Phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cancer cells (efferocytosis) by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) contributes in a substantial manner to the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This puts in context our observation that the female steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) facilitates tumor immune resistance through cancer cell extrinsic Estrogen Receptor (ERalpha;) signaling in TAMs. Notable was the finding that E2 induces the expression of CX3CR1 in TAMs to enable efferocytosis of apoptotic cancer cells which results in the suppression of type I interferon (IFN) signaling. Mechanistically, E2 facilitates calcium-dependent activation of the transcription factor NFATC1, which in turn induces CX3CR1 expression. This drives macrophage polarization towards an immune-suppressive state, increasing the ability of TAMs to engulf pro-inflammatory apoptotic cancer cells. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the E2/ER/CX3CR1 axis reversed the efferocytic activity of TAMs, rescued E2-dependent suppression of type I IFN signaling, and potentiated intratumoral adaptive immune cell function. Efferocytosis following radiation-induced cancer cell apoptosis limits the efficacy of radiation therapy. Importantly, we determined that preconditioning with either ER-directed endocrine therapies or CX3CR1 inhibition enhanced the antitumor efficacy of radiation therapy by reversing macrophage suppression and reviving intratumoral T cell activation. Our work defines the mechanisms by which E2 increases the efferocytotic activity of TAMs to establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and demonstrates how this process can be reversed with endocrine therapies which target ERalpha.
Priming versus propagating: distinct immune effects of an alpha- versus beta-particle emitting radiopharmaceutical when combined with immune checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Kerr Caroline P. , Jin Won Jong , Liu Peng , Grudzinski Joseph J. , Ferreira Carolina A. , Rojas Hansel Comas , Oñate Alejandro J. , Kwon Ohyun , Hyun Meredith , Idrissou Malick Bio , Schwartz René Welch , Vera Jessica M. , Clark Paul A. , Takashima Maya , Erbe Amy K. , Shea Amanda G. , Powers Maria , Pinchuk Anatoly N. , Massey Christopher F. , Choi Cynthia , Hernandez Reinier , Bednarz Bryan P. , Ong Irene M. , Weichert Jamey P. , Morris Zachary S.
Published: December 2024

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) enhances tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in preclinical models, but the effects of different radioisotopes have not been thoroughly compared. To evaluate mechanisms of response to RPT+ICI, we used NM600, an alkylphosphocholine selectively taken up by most tumors. Effects of90Y-,177Lu-, and225Ac-NM600 + ICIs were compared in syngeneic murine models, B78 melanoma (poorly immunogenic) and MC38 colorectal cancer (immunogenic).90Y-/177Lu-/or225Ac-NM600 delivering 2 Gy mean tumor dose promoted tumor regression and improved survival when combined with ICIs in syngeneic mice bearing B78 or MC38 tumors. Regardless of the administered isotope, this combination was optimized with early ICI administration (days -3/0/3) relative to day 1 RPT.90Y-NM600+ICI produced the greatest anti-tumor response for MC38, whereas high linear energy transfer (LET) alpha particle radiation from225Ac-NM600+ICI was most effective against poorly immunogenic B78 tumors. Flow cytometry and single cell RNA and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing illuminated distinct mechanisms of90Y- or177Lu-NM600 in promoting expansion of existing adaptive immunity and of225Ac-NM600 in promoting immune priming when combined with ICI. Antitumor immune response can be achieved with appropriate application of α- or β- emitting RPT in combination with ICIs in diverse murine tumor models.
Epithelium Stratifies via Nucleation and Growth Induced by Foam-Geometric Instability
Authors: Fukamachi Shuya , Datta Razib , Wuergezhen Duligengaowa , Ichikawa Takehiko , Yagasaki Rei , Horiguchi Shuhei A. , Leeaw Phoebe , Omachi Kohei , Sada Aiko , Imayoshi Itaru , Kajiwara Kentaro , Hiraiwa Tetsuya , Oshima Masanobu , Fukuma Takeshi , Fujiwara Hironobu , Okuda Satoru
Published: December 2024

The epithelium undergoes stratification, transitioning from a monolayer to a multilayer structure, across broad phenomena. Recent studies have identified several cell behaviors as triggers, including junctional tension, cell density and geometry, and topological defects. However, how these factors drive stratification throughout the entire epithelium remains poorly understood. Here, we report a mechanism underlying epithelial stratification that mirrors the physics of phase transition. Combining cell culture with three-dimensional vertex modeling, we demonstrate that epithelium stratifies via nucleation-growth process, i.e., multilayer origins dispersedly appear and expand across the epithelium via unordered intermediate states. This process is akin to a phase transition induced by a mechanical instability inherent in the foam-like geometry of the epithelium. Moreover, this concept applies to embryonic skin development and malignant transformation of cancer. These findings conceptualize epithelial stratification as a form of a phase transition governed by nucleation and growth, offering a physical perspective on various epithelial developments.
Effects of Age and Cognitive Functions on the Neural Tracking of Speech in Noise
Authors: An Hyunjung , Lee JeeWon , Park Young-jin , Su Myung-Whan , Oh Seung-ha , Lim Yoonseob
Published: December 2024

Older adults often struggle to comprehend speech in noisy environments, a challenge influenced by declines in both auditory processing and cognitive functions. This study examines age-related differences in speech recognition in noise, focusing on the roles of delta (1-4 Hz) and theta (4-8 Hz) neural oscillations and their relationship with cognitive function, particularly working memory. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to collect data from 23 young adults (20-35 years) and 23 older adults (65-80 years) with normal hearing. Cognitive assessments were administered to older adults, and both groups completed an EEG task involving speech recognition in Speech-Shaped Noise (SSN) at individualized noise levels based on their Sentence Recognition Scores (SRS). Results showed that age significantly impacted hit rates and reaction times in noisy speech recognition tasks. Theta-band neural tracking was notably stronger in older adults, while delta-band tracking showed no age-related difference. Pearson's correlations indicated significant associations between age-related cognitive decline, reduced hearing sensitivity, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Regression analyses showed that theta-band neural tracking at specific SRS levels significantly predicted word list recognition in the higher SRT group, while constructional recall was strongly predicted in the lower SRT group. The findings suggest that older adults may rely on theta-band neural tracking as a compensatory mechanism to support speech perception in noise, with indirect links between working memory and speech perception. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationship between cognitive function and hearing.
Wave-packet manipulation of He Rydberg states by a seeded free-electron laser
Authors: Dumergue Mathieu , Carpeggiani Paolo Antonio , Csizmadia Tamás , Danailov Miltcho , Demidovich Alexander , De Ninno Giovanni , Di Fraia Michele , Eng-Johnsson Per , Ertel Dominik , Fujise Hikaru , Fushitani Mizuho , Giannessi Luca , Gopalakrishna Harshitha Nandiga , Hishikawa Akiyoshi , Ibrahim Heide , Kühn Sergei , Légaré Francois , Luo Yu , Maroju Praveen Kumar , Mauritsson Johan , Moioli Matteo , Olofsson Anna , Peschel Jasper , Plekan Oksana , Pratt Stephen T. , Raimondi Lorenzo , Ribič Primož Rebernik , Saito Shu , Sansone Giuseppe , Shah Ronak , Simpson Emma R. , You Daehyun , Zangrando Marco , Callegari Carlo , Ueda Kiyoshi , Prince Kevin C.
Published: December 2024

We report a two-dimensional pump-control-probe spectroscopic study of the dynamics of singly excited He Rydberg-state wave packets with a seeded extreme ultraviolet (XUV) free-electron laser (FEL) source. A pair of coherent XUV pulses, defined by their coarse time separation and relative phase, created and manipulated the wave packets. The He atoms were postionized by infrared (IR) pulses, and the ion yield was measured as a function of XUV phase and IR arrival time. We tagged and sorted the relative phase of the XUV pulse pair on a single-shot basis by fitting each FEL spectrum with a suitable function that accounts for nonidealities of the XUV pulse pairs, associated with the seeding process; more generally, the fit returns the time-dependent electric field of the FEL spectra. The experimental two-dimensional maps of ion yields, measured as a function of IR (probe) delay and of XUV (pump-control) phase, were compared with the solution of the first-order time-dependent Schrödinger equation for this field. Despite the fact that the experimental conditions imply strong excitation, beyond the approximations of first-order perturbation theory, the simulated map satisfactorily reproduces the experimental one for temporally well-separated pulses. We show that by selecting data at appropriate values of pump-control phase, we enhance or suppress the amplitude of chosen wave-packet components consisting of two or more Rydberg states. When the temporal overlap of the pulse pair cannot be neglected, the phase reconstruction is underdetermined, and we provide a simplified comparison between data and simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Training robust and generalizable quantum models
Authors: Berberich Julian , Fink Daniel , Pranjić Daniel , Tutschku Christian , Holm Christian
Published: December 2024

Adversarial robustness and generalization are both crucial properties of reliable machine learning models. In this paper, we study these properties in the context of quantum machine learning based on Lipschitz bounds. We derive parameter-dependent Lipschitz bounds for quantum models with trainable encoding, showing that the norm of the data encoding has a crucial impact on the robustness against data perturbations. Further, we derive a bound on the generalization error which explicitly involves the parameters of the data encoding. Based on these theoretical results, we propose a practical strategy for training robust and generalizable quantum models by regularizing the Lipschitz bound in the cost. Moreover, we show that, for fixed and nontrainable encodings, as those frequently employed in quantum machine learning, the Lipschitz bound cannot be influenced by tuning the parameters. Thus trainable encodings are crucial for systematically adapting robustness and generalization during training. The practical implications of our theoretical findings are illustrated with numerical results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Local mutual funds, corporate community investment and shareholder value
Authors: Hwang Hyoseok (David) , Kim Hyun Gon , Kim Jung Yeun (June)
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper shows that local mutual funds lead firms to engage in corporate social activities locally – corporate community investment (CCI).

Design/methodology/approach

Using an extensive US sample of 3,691 firms for the period of 2005–2018, we find that mutual funds investing in local firms tend to increase CCI. To address endogeneity concerns, we employ an instrumental variable (IV) approach with the S&P 500 Index and Russell 1000/2000 Indexes, which suggests a causal effect of local mutual funds on CCI. Our robustness tests include alternative measures of CCI and local ownership as well as different samples using sole-HQ firms, time lags and a matching sample analysis. In addition, we employ alternative approaches for causality tests.

Findings

We find that mutual funds investing in local firms tend to increase CCI. In addition, our results indicate that CCI tends to increase firm performance measured with Tobin’s Q and operating cash flow, especially in the consumer-oriented industries where customer relations are critical. The findings imply that CCI is considered as building reputational and relationship capital in communities (i.e. strategic intangibles related to stakeholders). Local mutual funds can help firms develop such strategic intangibles that promote shareholder value.

Originality/value

Our study is the first to investigate the role of local institutional shareholders as a driving force of a firm’s community investments.
Strategies to enhance radio frequency identification (RFID) technology applications in the construction industry
Authors: Wijerathna M.R.D.P. , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S. , Atapattu A.M.D.S.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The implementation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been initiated by many countries for construction industry applications due to its peculiar benefits. However, the successful implementation of the RFID technology has been hindered due to numerous barriers that are specific to the construction sector. Therefore, this study aims to propose strategies to overcome barriers that constitute significant obstructions to RFID adoption in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted an exploratory mixed-method approach to attain the research aim. The survey was followed by 11 individual interviews conducted with experts and the findings were analysed using content analysis. The questionnaire survey that was carried out as a part of the research had a response rate of 80% and collected data were analysed using Relative Importance Index. To ensure the robustness of the findings, expert validation interviews were conducted to cross-verify and provide deeper insights into the results.

Findings

The high implementation cost of RFID technology was identified as the most significant barrier when implementing RFID technology. Subsequently, strategies were proposed to implement RFID technology based on identified highly significant barriers of RFID. Implementing RFID technology in small-scale construction projects, increasing the collaboration among the countries that have implemented RFID technology and encouraging investors to invest in RFID-implemented projects were mainly proposed to improve the applications of RFID technology in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study paves the way to identify the RFID technology concept and its barriers and strategies to effectively implement RFID technology in the construction industry. Findings are helpful to the construction industry practitioners to obtain the optimum benefit from the implementation of RFID technology.
Topology optimization of a nonlinear ferrite core for induction heating in injection molding
Authors: Poggiana Giulio , Zorzetto Matteo , Lucchini Francesco , Torchio Riccardo , Forzan Michele , Dughiero Fabrizio
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Recent progress in additive manufacturing methods alleviated manufacturing constraints on devices. Topology optimization (TO) methods can leverage these reduced limitations and this paper aims to study the use of these algorithms in induction heating for injection molding.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, TO is used to reduce the volume of ferrite in an injection molding tool while aiming at maximizing the performance of the device. Characteristics of the proposed solution such as efficiency and power density are compared to the ones of the original device.

Findings

The study shows that it is possible to reduce significantly the amount of ferrite used without impacting the efficiency. The thermal performances of the proposed solution present also slight improvements compared to the original solution.

Originality/value

Optimization algorithms are important for understanding how to design efficient electrical devices. In this paper, the application of TO for injection molding applications presents a new perspective in designing such components.
The luxury consumer knowledge effect: when mature consumers prefer inconspicuous consumption
Authors: Wong Jared , Ho Foo Nin
Published: December 2024

Purpose

What might lead a luxury consumer to signal with an inconspicuous product? Drawing upon luxury consumer maturity theory, which proposes that mature luxury consumers exhibit a greater preference for inconspicuous luxury goods, this papers aims to consider if consumer field-specific knowledge increases the preference for inconspicuous consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

By measuring and manipulating consumer knowledge via correlational and experimental designs, respectively, the authors probe the association between consumer knowledge and preferences for inconspicuous luxury products.

Findings

This study reports converging evidence suggesting that more knowledgeable (non-)luxury consumers prefer (non-)luxury goods that send inconspicuous signals.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed luxury consumer knowledge effect provides insights into the rise of inconspicuous luxury consumption and offers counterintuitive managerial implications, particularly for marketing communications and advertising.

Practical implications

Inconspicuous luxury brands should engage in an informational sharing approach to their marketing communications, as increasing knowledge may encourage inconspicuous consumption.

Originality/value

While prior work on inconspicuous consumption has addressed the utility of subtle signals and presented a classification of different types of luxury consumers, for instance, the authors instead consider one potential driver of inconspicuous consumption: consumer knowledge. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is also the first to provide empirical support for luxury consumer maturity theory, in addition to examining the boundaries of this framework.
Ergonomic analysis of dynamic working postures among sewing machine operators
Authors: De Silva Charith Dilshan , Dissanayake Piumi , De Silva Nayanthara , Thisakya Geethmi
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Sewing machine operators face a significant health risk in the form of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Although the importance of adopting dynamic postures to alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms is researched, a substantial proportion of operators still experience WMSDs. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by analysing the impact of dynamic posture, as opposed to static ones, on musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was used for this study. Data were gathered from 1,543 sewing machine operators in Sri Lankan textile and apparel manufacturing sector, encompassing seated, standing and dynamic working postures. The participants were selected using stratified random sampling, and data collection was conducted via a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire based on the extended translated version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. To analyse the data, a one-way analysis of variance was performed to examine the impact of current working postures on pain and discomfort, considering various demographic variables such as age and gender.

Findings

The results indicate that 58.24% of sewing machine operators reported suffering from pain/discomfort due to work activities. Individuals in dynamic postures (21%) reported the least pain (52.7%), while majority of female sewing machine operators declared of having pain/discomfort as a result of work activities they perform. However, foot/ankle pain was common across postures. In summary, the discussion reveals the nuanced relationship between working postures and musculoskeletal pain/discomfort among sewing machine operators.

Originality/value

Enhancing ergonomics through dynamic postures has implications that extend beyond the textile and apparel manufacturing industry, offering valuable insights applicable to a wide range of workplace environments. This study highlights the importance of further research, particularly in assessing the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions designed to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among sewing machine operators. It also underscores the importance of incorporating anthropometric data, adopting a holistic approach that considers factors such as the work environment, equipment design and worker health, and ensuring a more balanced or gender-specific sample in future studies.
A study of mobile learning among adult neo-literates in courses by the Iranian Literacy Movement Organization
Authors: Shafiei Sarvestani Maryam , Javanmard Ali , Samie Mohammad Ebrahim , Biranvand Ali
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of mobile learning on educating Iranian adult neo-literates within courses held by Iranian Literacy Movement Organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A concurrent mixed-methods design was used to investigate to what extent the adult neo-literates in Shiraz, Iran, were ready to use mobile phones in their courses. The qualitative section involved merging and summarizing basic themes into organizing themes. The themes were then integrated to create a single global theme.

Findings

The results showed that the participants were ready to embrace m-learning. Instrumentality was the most influential factor contributing to neo-literates’ readiness for m-learning. Findings also showed that from learners’ standpoint, mobile phones presented some unique features, enabling them to integrate elements from both distance and face-to-face courses. They also believed that mobile phones or other information and communications technology gadgets provided better opportunities for learning, although they fall short of fully replacing human instructors.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study were the participants’ limited familiarity with the research procedure and the impossibility of holding joint gatherings at specific locations.

Originality/value

This applied study helps the literacy movement to take strong steps toward creating an educational environment that guarantees learning anytime and anywhere for its learners.
Annual report readability and financial reporting quality: the moderating role of information asymmetry
Authors: Thanh Dong Nguyen , Thi Mien Thuy Cao , Khuong Nguyen Vinh , Le Anh Huu Tuan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Drawing from agency and comprehension theories, this paper aims to examine the influence of annual report readability (ARR) on financial reporting quality (FRQ), with a focus on how information asymmetry moderates this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 467 listed firms in Vietnam from 2015 to 2021. To analyze the relationship between ARR and FRQ, this paper employs a Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) regression, incorporating information asymmetry as a moderating factor.

Findings

The research findings show that ARR has a positive and significant impact on the FRQ of Vietnamese-listed firms. This paper also finds that information asymmetry significantly and partially moderates the relationship between ARR and FRQ. Specifically, ARR can help alleviate the level of information asymmetry and contributes to improved FRQ.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, this paper provides empirical evidence for managers, investors and related government departments to evaluate the effects of ARR and offers regulators a method to help improve the transparency of the stock market. More importantly, the results of this study have reference value for scholars and practitioners in developing countries like Vietnam.

Originality/value

From a theoretical perspective, our study adds to the growing literature on ARR, expands the scope of ARR research, elaborates on relevant economic consequences of ARR and complements the literature on the determinants of FRQ.
Impact of livestream selling on suppliers’ operational performance: an empirical study on an online retailer
Authors: Li Xin , Pu Tianlong , Qi Yinan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Livestream selling is becoming an increasingly popular practice adopted by online retailers to develop a consumer-centric supply chain (CCSC). It improves consumer experience by integrating chat, watch and purchase functions, while also altering consumer behaviors by increasing impulse purchases. Online retailers’ responses to this change potentially impact suppliers’ operational processes. This study aims to empirically examine how livestream selling affects suppliers’ operational performance in terms of lead time and how suppliers’ product variety and order fulfillment capabilities moderate such an impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from a leading online retailer in China, the authors use a least squares model with fixed effects to test the relationships. Both the two-stage instrumental variable model and the two-stage Heckman model are used to address potential endogeneity in this study.

Findings

The findings show that retailers’ usage of livestream selling can increase suppliers’ lead time. Furthermore, the negative impact is enhanced when a supplier has a higher level of product variety or a weaker order fulfillment capability.

Originality/value

This study explores how livestream selling alters consumer behavior, adversely affecting upstream suppliers’ operational performance. It underscores the need for a CCSC approach across all tiers, not just those closest to consumers. To achieve this, the research suggests that suppliers must align their capabilities with retailers’ consumer-centric practices to develop a CCSC, particularly by improving order fulfillment capability and cautiously expanding their product variety in livestream selling. The research further highlights the importance for retailers to consider changes in lead time to enhance the application of traditional inventory theory in the context of livestream selling.
Increasing the attitudes toward sustainable development through mindfulness: an innovative approach for higher education institutions
Authors: Plietzsch Sina , Brunmayr Simon , Brunner Sabine , Lehmann Claudia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to examine mindfulness as innovative approach to foster the attitudes toward sustainable development among future professionals within higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights a quasi-experiment with 36 future professionals to explore the interrelatedness of mindfulness with attitudes toward sustainable development. This included an eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction course with a pre-, post- and longitudinal test.

Findings

The study revealed that the training of mindfulness significantly increased the dispositional mindfulness and the overall attitude toward sustainable development of future professionals. Furthermore, their slope of state mindfulness significantly predicted this increase.

Originality/value

The novelty of the paper lays within the operationalization of mindfulness which aims to train the inner development instead of solely imparting knowledge about education for sustainable development.