bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Ibrutinib as Monotherapy or Combination Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (R/R DLBCL): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yin , Li Chunfan , Lv Kebing , Wang Shixuan , Li Fei
Published: October 2024

Background:

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a highly heterogeneous disease group. Ibrutinib's monotherapy or combination therapy is effective in relapsed/refractory (R/R) DLBCL. However, the treatment response in R/R DLBCL varies from 15% to 90% with different regimens, and the tolerance remains controversial.

Areas of Uncertainty:

The efficacy and safety of ibrutinib monotherapy or combination therapy in patients with R/R DLBCL remain uncertain.

Data Sources:

The PubMed, CBM, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched from their inception to July 2021.

Therapeutic Advances:

The total complete remission rate (CRR) and overall response rate in R/R DLBCL patients treated with ibrutinib were 26% and 49%, respectively. The CRR of ibrutinib combination therapy was significantly higher than the ibrutinib monotherapy (45% vs. 19%). Moreover, the CRR of patients was 40% in double expressing lymphoma, 35% in central nervous system lymphoma, and 33% in nongerminal center B-cell–like (non-GCB) DLBCL, which was higher than the 8% in those with the GCB subtype. The pooled median PFS and overall survival were 5.57 and 10.17 months, respectively. GCB-DLBCL had the worst overall survival (5.1 months). Nevertheless, we found that combination regimens had no survival advantage compared with monotherapy (P > 0.05), indicating that combination therapy was only a transitional treatment and bridge for chimeric antigen receptor T cells or other treatments. Moreover, 12% of patients on ibrutinib combination therapy had ≥grade 3 adverse events compared with 9% on ibrutinib monotherapy.

Conclusions:

Ibrutinib monotherapy or combination therapy was safe and effective in treating R/R DLBCL with tolerable adverse reactions.
Application of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography in the diagnosis of infiltrative subsolid nodules in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Chunting , Zhao Meixin , Zhang Weifang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) for infiltrative subsolid nodules at different stages of lung adenocarcinoma and to explore predictive factors for invasive adenocarcinoma, providing compelling evidence for timely intervention.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on PET/CT imaging data of 170 subsolid nodules lesions confirmed postoperatively as lung adenocarcinoma or precursor glandular lesions. Lesions were categorized into preinvasive lesions including atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma in situ, microinvasive adenocarcinoma, and invasive adenocarcinoma. Compared the differences in imaging features and metabolic parameters among different groups and used a multifactor logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify predictive factors for invasive adenocarcinoma.

Results

From preinvasive lesions through microinvasive adenocarcinoma to invasive adenocarcinoma, there was a gradual increase in nodule diameter, nodule area, and proportion of part-solid nodule. Statistical significance (P < 0.05) was observed in the rates of spiculation and pleural indentation between preinvasive lesions versus microinvasive adenocarcinoma and invasive adenocarcinoma groups. The maximum standardized uptake value and maximum standardized uptake ratio show statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the invasive adenocarcinoma group and the other groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that nodule composition, nodule diameter, and maximum standardized uptake ratio were predictive factors for invasive adenocarcinoma (P < 0.05). For part-solid nodules, the longest diameter of the solid component has a high diagnostic value.

Conclusion

The imaging features of 18F-FDG PET/CT contribute to the diagnosis of infiltrative subsolid nodules at different stages of lung adenocarcinoma, providing robust evidence for timely intervention.
Diagnostic value of baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT and peripheral blood inflammatory markers for aggressive lymphoma in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Jia Qichen , Wang Aihui , Liu Yuang , Fan Yishuo , Zhou Xiaohong , Liu Yupeng , WU Liying , Ouyang Xiaohui , Su Jiagui , Shi Baolong , Liu Xiaofei
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of baseline F18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) parameters and peripheral blood inflammatory markers in aggressive lymphoma of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and the correlation between peripheral blood inflammatory markers and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax).

Patients and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis including 121 patients with NHL. Patients were divided into aggressive lymphoma group and indolent lymphoma group. Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test and multivariate stepwise logistic regression were used to analyse. Subsequently, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Additionally, Spearman correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation between peripheral blood inflammatory markers and SUVmax.

Results

Leptin mass criterion uptake value (SUL)max, SUVmax, SUVavg, SUVpeak, focal SUVmax/liver SUVmax, focal SUVmax/ mediastinal SUVmax, SULavg, SULpeak, systemic immune-inflammation, neutrophil ratio, total lesion glycolysis, neutrophils versus lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, hemoglobin-to-white blood cell ratio, lactate dehydrogenase and lymphocyte ratio between two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). SUVmax was an independent influencing factor, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.862. There was a positive correlation between the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and SUVmax (r = 0.239; P = 0.008).

Conclusion

PET/CT parameters and peripheral blood inflammatory markers have certain value in the diagnosis of aggressive lymphoma in NHL, among which SUVmax is an independent influencing marker and is positively correlated with PLR.
The link between the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the intake of different types of dietary carbohydrates in Iranian adults
Authors: Beheshti Nazanin , Tavakoli Aryan , Saeedirad Zahra , Mousavi Zahra , Nooriani Narjes , Mobarakeh Khadijeh Abbasi , Mahmoudi Zahra , Kamali Majid , Mohammadi Saeideh , Namakian Seyed Ali , Bahmani Parsa , Khoshdooz Sara , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Doaei Saeid , Kooshki Akram
Published: October 2024

Background

The risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) may be influenced by dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between CVDs and the intake of carbohydrates.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data was extracted from the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN) cohort in Sabzevar, Iran. A total of 4241 adults, including 1535 patients with CVDs and 2706 people without CVDs, were included. A validated 237-item food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate the intake of different types of dietary carbohydrates.

Results

A positive association was found between stroke and dietary intake of starch (OR = 1.108; 95% CI, 1.005–1.220; P = 0.039). Additionally, a negative association was found between stroke and dietary intake of sucrose (OR = 0.97; 95%CI, 0.94–0.99; P = 0.037). No association was found between other types of CVDs and the intake of different types of carbohydrates.

Conclusion

This study provided some evidence for the association between CVDs and different types of dietary carbohydrates. Consumption of starch may increase the risk of stroke, while a higher intake of sucrose may decrease the risk of stroke. Further studies are warranted.
Thioclava arctica sp. nov. and Zhongshania arctica sp. nov., isolated from the surface sediment of the Arctic Ocean and reclassification of Marortus luteolus Yu et al. 2019 as a later heterotypic synonym of Zhongshania marina On et al. 2019
Authors: Pan Panyi , Wang Jianning , Liu Xiupian , Lai Qiliang , Li Guangyu , Du Yaping , Zhang Jinzhu , He Ziyuan , Shao Zongze , Dong Chunming
Published: October 2024

Two Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, 15-R06ZXC-3T and R06B22T, were isolated from the surface sediment of the Arctic Ocean. Phylogenetic analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences indicated that strain 15-R06ZXC-3T belongs to the genus Thioclava, while strain R06B22T belongs to the genus Zhongshania. Strain 15-R06ZXC-3T showed the closest relationship to Thioclava indica DT23-4T. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain 15-R06ZXC-3T and all of the type strains of the genus Thioclava ranged from 20.8 to 30.4% and 79.1 to 85.7%, respectively. Strain R06B22T was most closely related to Zhongshania marina DSW25-10T. The dDDH and ANI values between strain R06B22T and all of the type strains of the genus Zhongshania ranged from 18.6 to 20.4% and 77.5 to 79.4%, respectively. These dDDH and ANI values were all below the standard cutoff criteria for the delineation of bacterial species, indicating that the two strains may represent novel species within their respective genera. Furthermore, their phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics also differentiated them from closely related species. Based on the polyphasic analyses, strains 15-R06ZXC-3T and R06B22T separately represent novel species of the genera Thioclava and Zhongshania, for which the names Thioclava arctica sp. nov. (type strain 15-R06ZXC-3T = MCCC 1A07434T= KCTC 8342T) and Zhongshania arctica sp. nov. (type strain R06B22T = MCCC 1A08273T= KCTC 8343T) are proposed. Additionally, phylogenomic analyses showed that the strain Marortus luteolus ZX-21T was clustered with the strain Z. marina DSW25-10T and all other type strains of the genus Zhongshania. Furthermore, the ANI and dDDH values between strains ZX-21T and DSW25-10T were 97.6% and 78.8±2.5%, respectively, strongly indicating that they represented a single species. Therefore, it is proposed that M. luteolus Yu et al. 2019 be recognized as a later heterotypic synonym of Z. marina On et al. 2019.
Genetic association of gut microbiota with osteoarthritis: a multivariable Mendelian randomization study considering medication use
Authors: Huang Ming-Hui , Liu Cai-Xia , Huang Yi-Sheng , He Ting-Yu , Dong Zi-Qiang
Published: October 2024

Background. The interplay among human gut microbiota (GM) composition, osteoarthritis (OA) and OA-related medication use has been extensively discussed. However, to date, there has been no exploration of the genetic correlation among these three factors.

Hypothesis/Gap. The potential causal link between GM and OA), and whether medications influence this relationship, remains unclear.

Methods. We utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the genetic associations between GM and OA. We leveraged genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the MiBioGen and GO consortia, which provided data on GM taxa and OA cases, respectively. We identified outlier single-nucleotide polymorphisms using radial-MR and assessed causal associations using inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median and MR-Egger methods. Robust outcomes, consistent across these methods, were reported. We addressed potential biases through tests for horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity, supplemented by the Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier method. Multivariable MR techniques were applied to adjust for OA medication use using UK Biobank data.

Results. IVW estimates revealed a significant increase in hip OA risk for Gordonibacter and Eubacterium (brachy group) [odds ratio (OR): 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.15, P=7.82E-04; OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03–1.16, P=4.67E-03, respectively]. Conversely, Senegalimassilia, Slackia and Streptococcus exhibited protective effects (OR: 0.88, P=2.14E-02; OR: 0.88, P=3.33E-02; 0.91, P=4.29E-02). Sutterella increased the risk of knee OA (OR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.07–1.25, P=4.06E-04), while Haemophilus decreased it (OR=0.94, 95% CI: 0.88–1.00, P=4.26E-02). No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed in the results. Even after accounting for the potential confounding effect of medication, the results remained consistent. No reverse causation was detected.

Conclusions. Our MR study reveals gut microbiome links to OA risk. Associations hold after adjusting for medication, indicating a potential causal connection between GM and OA.
Surveillance of travel-associated isolates elucidates the diversity of non-pandemic Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Bote Lia , Taylor-Brown Alyce , Maes Mailis , Ingle Danielle J. , Valcanis Mary , Howden Benjamin P. , Thomson Nicholas R.
Published: October 2024

Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium found in aquatic environments and is the aetiological agent of cholera, characterized by acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration. Cholera presents a significant global health burden of an estimated 1.3–5 million annual cases, with the current pandemic caused by a toxigenic lineage of the O1 El Tor biotype called seventh pandemic El Tor (7PET) that is still ongoing. Whilst it is known that non-7PET lineages can cause sporadic disease, little is known about the transmission of these non-epidemic lineages. Thirty-four V. cholerae isolates were obtained from travellers returning from Indonesia to Australia between 2005 and 2017. These were whole genome sequenced, placed into a global phylogenetic context with 883 isolates, and screened for known genes associated with antimicrobial resistance and virulence. This analysis revealed that 30 isolates fell within non-7PET lineages and four within the 7PET lineage. Both 7PET and non-7PET isolates carried genes for resistance to antibiotics that are commonly used in cholera treatment such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones. Diverse virulence factors were also present in non-7PET isolates, with two isolates notably carrying toxin-coregulated pilus genes, which are primarily responsible for intestinal colonization in 7PET V. cholerae. This study demonstrates the role of travel in long-range carriage of epidemic and non-epidemic lineages of V. cholerae, and how sentinel travel surveillance can enrich our knowledge of V. cholerae diversity, reveal new biology about the spread of diverse lineages with differing disease potential and illuminate disease presence in endemic regions with limited surveillance data.
Cryo-electron microscopy structure of the di-domain core of Mycobacterium tuberculosis polyketide synthase 13, essential for mycobacterial mycolic acid synthesis
Authors: Johnston Hannah E. , Batt Sarah M. , Brown Alistair K. , Savva Christos G. , Besra Gurdyal S. , Fütterer Klaus
Published: October 2024

Mycobacteria are known for their complex cell wall, which comprises layers of peptidoglycan, polysaccharides and unusual fatty acids known as mycolic acids that form their unique outer membrane. Polyketide synthase 13 (Pks13) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterial organism causing tuberculosis, catalyses the last step of mycolic acid synthesis prior to export to and assembly in the cell wall. Due to its essentiality, Pks13 is a target for several novel anti-tubercular inhibitors, but its 3D structure and catalytic reaction mechanism remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we report the molecular structure of the catalytic core domains of M. tuberculosis Pks13 (Mt-Pks13), determined by transmission cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) to a resolution of 3.4 Å. We observed a homodimeric assembly comprising the ketoacyl synthase (KS) domain at the centre, mediating dimerization, and the acyltransferase (AT) domains protruding in opposite directions from the central KS domain dimer. In addition to the KS–AT di-domains, the cryoEM map includes features not covered by the di-domain structural model that we predicted to contain a dimeric domain similar to dehydratases, yet likely lacking catalytic function. Analytical ultracentrifugation data indicate a pH-dependent equilibrium between monomeric and dimeric assembly states, while comparison with the previously determined structures of M. smegmatis Pks13 indicates architectural flexibility. Combining the experimentally determined structure with modelling in AlphaFold2 suggests a structural scaffold with a relatively stable dimeric core, which combines with considerable conformational flexibility to facilitate the successive steps of the Claisen-type condensation reaction catalysed by Pks13.
Advancing Family Medicine in a Model Unit: A Living Lab for Health Care Design and Innovation
Authors: Paul Margaret M. , Matthews Marc R. , Greaney Gerry B. , Wallenstein Deanne W. , Greenwood Jason D. , Spaulding Tony , Eckdahl Jon S. , Rushlow David R.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The population in need of primary care is rapidly growing and increasingly complex with respect to chronic disease burden. We must develop alternative and more efficient approaches to managing patients if we are to increase access to care without sacrificing continuity; however, there is little guidance for innovation strategies at the practice level.

Methods

The Mayo Clinic Department of Family Medicine engaged in a 2-year multistage planning process to develop plans for a Model Unit (MU) to identify opportunities for innovation to improve daily practice. The purpose of the MU is to operate as a “living lab” capable of driving continuous advancements within the context of a real-world health system with the goal of delivering high-quality care to a greater number of patients.

Results

Key lessons from the planning stage led to the development of a contextualized, incremental, and continuous approach to design and innovation. In its first phase, the MU includes 3 interventions that are novel to the unit itself, including nurse-led hypertension management, incorporating telehealth visits into routine clinician schedules, and ambient documentation to replace clinician-generated visit notes. We present a description of the overall MU approach including early-stage implementation findings and our evaluation strategy.

Conclusions

The MU structure is a generalizable model for identifying opportunities and operationalizing practice improvement activities in a strategic and pragmatic way that incorporates real-time feedback from clinicians and staff with the expectation of continuous and phased evolution.
GLE1 dysfunction compromises cellular homeostasis, spatial organization, and peripheral axon branching
Authors: Zárybnický T , Lindfors S , Metso S , Szabo Z , Valtonen R , Tulppo M , Magga J , Saarimäki S , Bläuer S , Miinalainen I , Kerkelä R , Väänänen J , Kivelä R , Zhang FP , Sipilä P , Hinttala R , Kuure S
Published: October 2024

The GLE1 protein is an enigmatic factor of RNA processing, associated with multiple developmental disorders including lethal congenital contracture syndrome 1 (LCCS1). Usingin vivogenetic engineering to study disturbed GLE1 functions under physiological conditions we demonstrate that inactivation ofGle1impedes cellular function and organization and causes pre-gastrulation lethality due to defects in adhesion and lineage specification. In contrast, the knock-in mice genocopying LCCS1-associatedGLE1FinMajorvariant (Gle1PFQ/PFQ) survive prenatal period but die suddenly at mid-adulthood.Gle1PFQ/PFQmice present irregular count and distribution of spinal motor neurons and impaired development of neural crest-derived tissues as demonstrated by defects in their sympathetic innervation of heart ventricles, paravertebral sympathetic ganglia volume, and adrenal chromaffin cell counts. Unlike previously reported for yeast and HeLa cells, analysis of molecular consequences ofGLE1FinMajorvariant identified normal poly(A)+ RNA distribution inGle1PFQ/PFQcells, which however were impaired in RNA and protein synthesis and simultaneously showed typical signs of cellular senescence.Gle1PFQ/PFQalso induced disturbed stress responses with significant changes in G3BP1-positive stress granule count. Our results show necessity of GLE1 functions for life and indicate that LCCS1 etiology is resultant of pathogenicGLE1FinMajorvariant impinging differentiation of neural crest derivatives and leading to complex multiorgan defects.

Highlights

Total inactivation of GLE1 results in disorganization of blastocyst inner cell mass and early embryonic lethality.

TheGle1knock-in (KI) mice, which genocopy the humanGLE1FinMajorvariant causative for lethal congenital contracture syndrome 1 (LCCS1), die suddenly in mid-adulthood.

Normal poly(A)+ RNA distribution was observed inGle1KI cells, but decreased number of G3BP1-positive stress granules were detected in response to stress.

Abnormal sympathetic innervation of heart ventricles was detected inGle1KI mice.

Neural crest-derived tissues represent a new target ofGLE1FinMajorand GLE1-related disorders.
Binge drinking trajectories across adolescence and early adulthood: Associations with genetic influences for dual-systems impulsive personality traits, alcohol consumption, and alcohol use disorder
Authors: Miller Alex P. , Spychala Kellyn M. , Slutske Wendy S. , Fromme Kim , Gizer Ian R.
Published: October 2024

Binge drinking is a relatively common pattern of alcohol use among youth with normative frequency trajectories peaking in emerging and early adulthood. Frequent binge drinking is a critical risk factor for not only the development of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) but also increased odds of alcohol-related injury and death, and thus constitutes a significant public health concern. Changes in binge drinking across development are strongly associated with changes in impulsive personality traits (IPTs) which have been hypothesized as intermediate phenotypes associated with genetic risk for heavy alcohol use and AUD. The current study sought to examine the extent to which longitudinal changes in binge drinking and intoxication frequency across adolescence and early adulthood are associated with genetic influences underlying dual-systems IPTs (i.e., top-down [lack of self-control] and bottom-up [sensation seeking and urgency] constructs) alongside genetic risk for alcohol consumption and AUD. Associations were tested using conditional latent growth curve polygenic score (PGS) models in three independent longitudinal samples (N=10,554). Results suggested consistent significant and independent associations across all samples between sensation seeking PGSs and model intercepts (i.e., higher frequency of binge drinking at first measurement occasion) and alcohol consumption PGSs and model slopes (i.e., steeper increases toward peak binge drinking frequency). Urgency PGSs were not significantly associated with changes in binge drinking or intoxication frequency. Collectively, these findings highlight the role of unique but correlated IPT and alcohol-specific genetic factors in the emergence and escalation of binge drinking during adolescence and early adulthood.
Comparison of nasopharyngeal swab and oral fluid collected by ORACOL Saliva Collection System for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Barbezange Cyril , Hutse Veronik , Roukaerts Inge , Thomas Isabelle , Tobback Els , Callens Steven , De Scheerder Marie-Angelique , Padalko Elizaveta
Published: October 2024

The performance of Oracol collection device (Oracol) for oral fluid sampling for SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection was compared to nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS). Samples (n = 128) were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic adults after PCR confirmed COVID-19 on NPS. All samples were tested by 3 real-time PCRs (RT-qPCR) for E, N and RdPR genes. Accuracy of Oracol compared to NPS was 38.28 % for E-gene, 47.66 % for RdRp-gene and 83.59 % for N-gene. A clear correlation between the N-gene Ct values on NPS and on Oracols was observed (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of the Oracol compared to the NPS increased in participants with an N-gene Ct value <30 on NPS (89.08%) reaching 93.2 % with a N-gene Ct value <25. Oracol can be considered an alternative to NPS to detect SARS-CoV-2, especially in populations where NPS is not well tolerated.
Semisynthetic Phage Display Library Construction: Generation of Single-Chain Variable Fragment Secondary Libraries
Authors: Almagro Juan C. , Pohl Mary Ann
Published: October 2024

Display of antibody fragments on the surface of M13 filamentous bacteriophages is a well-established approach for the identification of antibodies binding to a target of interest. Here, we describe the third and final step of a three-step method to construct Antibody Libraries for Therapeutic Antibody Discovery (ALTHEA) Libraries. The three-step method involves (1) primary library construction, (2) filtered library (FL) construction, and (3) secondary library (SL) construction. In the third step, described here, the nucleotide sequences encoding the single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) of FLs are amplified by PCR and combined with the heavy- chain CDR3 region (HCDR3) and joining fragments (H3J) obtained from a pool of donors to maximize diversity (“natural H3J fragments”). These natural H3J fragments are amplified with a set of primers designed to capture >95% of the natural H3J repertoire. The resultant fragments replace the neutral H3J fragments of the FLs, resulting in the final semisynthetic secondary libraries. The quality of these libraries is assessed by sequencing clones chosen at random from the libraries, typically 96 clones. These libraries are then ready to be used for phage selections on targets of interest, providing a robust antibody discovery platform.
Categorical Landau Paradigm for Gapped Phases
Authors: Bhardwaj Lakshya , Bottini Lea E. , Pajer Daniel , Schäfer-Nameki Sakura
Published: October 2024

We propose a unified framework to classify gapped infrared phases with categorical symmetries, leading to a generalized, categorical Landau paradigm. This is applicable in any dimension and gives a succinct, comprehensive, and computationally powerful approach to classifying gapped symmetric phases. The key tool is the symmetry topological field theory, which is a one dimension higher topological field theory with two boundaries that we choose to be topological. We illustrate the general idea for (1+1)D gapped phases with categorical symmetries and suggest higher-dimensional extensions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Harmonic flow-field representations of quantum bits and gates
Authors: Patil Vishal P. , Kos Žiga , Dunkel Jörn
Published: October 2024

We describe a general procedure for mapping arbitrary n-qubit states to two-dimensional (2D) vector fields. The mappings use complex rational function representations of individual qubits, producing classical vector field configurations that can be interpreted in terms of 2D inviscid fluid flows or electric fields. Elementary qubits are identified with localized defects in 2D harmonic vector fields, and multiqubit states find natural field representations via complex superpositions of vector field products. In particular, separable states appear as highly symmetric flow configurations, making them both dynamically and visually distinct from entangled states. The resulting real-space representations of entangled qubit states enable an intuitive visualization of their transformations under quantum logic operations. We demonstrate this for the quantum Fourier transform and the period finding process underlying Shor's algorithm, along with other quantum algorithms. Due to its generic construction, the mapping procedure suggests the possibility of extending concepts such as entanglement or entanglement entropy to classical continuum systems, and thus may help guide new experimental approaches to information storage and nonstandard computation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Many-body localized hidden generative models
Authors: Zhong Weishun , Gao Xun , Yelin Susanne F. , Najafi Khadijeh
Published: October 2024

Quantum generative models hold the promise of accelerating or improving machine learning tasks by leveraging the probabilistic nature of quantum states, but the successful optimization of these models remains a difficult challenge. To tackle this challenge, we present a new architecture for quantum generative modeling that combines insights from classical machine learning and quantum phases of matter. In particular, our model utilizes both many-body localized (MBL) dynamics and hidden units to improve the optimization of the model. We demonstrate the applicability of our model on a diverse set of classical and quantum tasks, including a toy version of MNIST handwritten digits, quantum data obtained from quantum many-body states, and nonlocal parity data. Our architecture and algorithm provide novel strategies of utilizing quantum many-body systems as learning resources and reveal a powerful connection between disorder, interaction, and learning in quantum many-body systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Engineering impurity Bell states through coupling with a quantum bath
Authors: Anh-Tai Tran Duong , Fogarty Thomás , de María-García Sergi , Busch Thomas , García-March Miguel A.
Published: October 2024

We theoretically demonstrate the feasibility of creating Bell states in multicomponent ultracold atomic gases by solely using the ability to control the interparticle interactions via Feshbach resonances. For this we consider two distinguishable impurities immersed in an atomic background cloud of a few bosons, with the entire system being confined in a one-dimensional harmonic trap. By analyzing the numerically obtained ground states we demonstrate that the two impurities can form spatially entangled bipolaron states due to mediated interactions from the bosonic bath. Our analysis is based on calculating the correlations between the two impurities in a two-mode basis, which is experimentally accessible by measuring the particle positions in the left or right sides of the trap. While interspecies interactions are crucial in order to create the strongly entangled impurity states, they can also inhibit correlations depending on the ordering of the impurities and three-body impurity-bath correlations. We show how these drawbacks can be mitigated by manipulating the properties of the bath, namely its size, mass, and intraspecies interactions, allowing one to create impurity Bell states over a wide range of impurity-impurity interactions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The organic mindset: decoding the drivers of young Indian consumer’s purchase intentions
Authors: Thakur Anand , Prakash Neha , PK Muthubasin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to explore the factors affecting young consumers’ purchase intention towards organic food products (OFPs) and gain a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that influence how consumers perceive and respond to organic food. Therefore, this study frames and validates the measurement scale to examine the factors that may impact purchase intention among young consumers in India.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to frame and validate the measurement scale for this investigation, sophisticated statistical procedures such as exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and other statistical measures utilizing SPSS v.26 and AMOS v.24 were used. This study utilized 307 samples to investigate.

Findings

The main findings of the study show that Indian consumers' intent to buy organic food items is strongly associated with factors such as “warm glow”, “cultural values”, “environmental cognition”, “natural experience”, “food safety concern”, “self-identity” and “environmental ethics”. These factors explained 69.14% of the overall variance in research variables.

Practical implications

The present offers a novel measurement mechanism for exploring the green consumer behaviour. By applying it in real-world settings, marketers will gain insights and develop more effective, targeted strategies to promote OFPs among young Indian consumers.

Originality/value

The study brings together a diverse set of antecedents that have not been collectively analysed in the context of consumer purchase intention for OFPs. The emphasis on environmental ethics, green self-identity and related constructs aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainability.
Development of an integrated conceptual framework for the entrepreneurial intention and nascent entrepreneurial behavior
Authors: Silva H.M.S.V. , Pushpakumari M.D. , Nishantha B.
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the themes of entrepreneurial intention and develop an integrated conceptual framework for the antecedents and outcomes of entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses approach (PRISMA). In total, 185 articles from six databases between 2010 and 2023 are included. A bibliometric analysis is performed using VOSviewer.

Findings

Unearthed are five pivotal themes, namely, personality traits, educational, contextual and cognitive factors, that profoundly influence entrepreneurial intention to deepen the understanding of nascent entrepreneurial behavior and illuminate new avenues for research in this domain.

Research limitations/implications

This study relied on six databases and 185 papers from scholarly journals written in English. Articles published before 2010 and after 2023 are not considered. It proposes an integrated conceptual framework incorporating personality traits and educational, contextual and cognitive factors for intention formation. The incremental aspect of augmenting Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) theory is also explained.

Practical implications

Arms practitioners with the crucial insights needed to embark on nascent entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial journey early in crafting effective policies, empowering them to spearhead economic growth and innovation at both the firm and national levels.

Originality/value

This study shows the nexus among personality traits, educational, contextual and cognitive factors, entrepreneurial intention and nascent entrepreneurial behavior with a solid theoretical foundation under one integrated conceptual framework while augmenting SCCT, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on nascent entrepreneurial behavior.
Electromagnetic performance analysis of a novel radial compound differential field-modulated magnetic gears
Authors: Wang Jungang , Zeng Zhiliang
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a new magnetic gearing device and the proposed transmission model can be applied in the field of wind power and wave energy generation gearboxes.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel radial differential field-modulated two-stage magnetic gear is introduced, using a unique radial differential linkage to integrate two single-stage magnetic gears. This design incorporates a magnetic isolation ring to enhance transmission efficiency by minimizing magnetic interference and preventing power circulation. The two-stage modulating ring rotor operates synchronously via a connecting bridge, ensuring system stability and efficiency. This configuration not only boosts the gear ratio but also maintains a compact structure, improving power density and efficiency. Leveraging the magnetic field modulation and differential transmission, a finite element model of this gear is developed and its electromagnetic performance is analyzed.

Findings

The torque density of the new radial differential field-modulated two-stage magnetic gear has increased by 44.97% compared to the traditional tandem two-stage magnetic gear. It achieves a high transmission ratio of 64 and maintains comparable power density, indicating strong torque transfer capabilities suitable for low-speed, high-torque applications. During steady-state operation, the torque pulsation difference between the two stages is minimal, ensuring stable working torque.

Social implications

This research not only propels the forefront of magnetic gear technology through heightened efficiency and streamlined design but also bears profound societal significance in fostering sustainable energy paradigms. By facilitating superior energy conversion efficiencies in wind turbines and wave energy converters, it plays a pivotal role in mitigating carbon emissions and accelerating the global pivot towards cleaner, renewable energy landscapes.

Originality/value

A magnetic gear transmission device is proposed, which can achieve high power density and large transmission ratio at the same time, and this study provides a useful reference for the design optimization of new high-performance multistage magnetic gears.
Computational multiphase mixture simulations of a two-phase R-744 ejector geometry in transcritical R-744 heat pump applications
Authors: Kanbur Baris Burak , Busch Alexander , Kriezi Ekaterini E. , Markussen Wiebke Brix , Kærn Martin Ryhl , Kristófersson Jóhannes , Walther Jens Honore
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Two-phase R-744 ejectors are critical components enabling energy recovery in R-744 heat pump and refrigeration systems, but despite their simple geometry, the flow physics involve complex multiphase mixing phenomena that need to be well-quantified for component and overall system improvement. This study aims to report on multiphase mixture simulations for a specific two-phase R-744 ejector with supercritical inlet conditions at the motive inlet side.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different operating conditions, which have motive inlet pressure range of 90.1 bar–101.1 bar, are selected from an existing experimental data set. A two-phase thermodynamic equilibrium (TPTE) model is used, where the fluid properties are described by a thermodynamic look-up table.

Findings

The results show that the TPTE model overpredicts mass flow rates at the motive inlet, resulting in a relative error ranging from 15.6% to 21.7%. For the mass flow rate at the suction inlet, the relative errors are found less than 1.5% for three cases, while the last case has an error of 12.4%. The maximum deviation of the mass entrainment ratio is found to be 8.0% between the TPTE model and the experimental data. Ejector efficiency ranges from 25.4% to 28.0%. A higher pressure difference between the ejector outlet and the diverging nozzle exit provides greater pressure lift.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the results, near future efforts will be to optimize estimation errors while enabling more detailed field analysis of pressure, density, temperature and enthalpy in the computational domain.

Originality/value

The authors have two main original contributions: 1) the presented thermodynamic look-up table is unique and provides unique computation for the real-scale ejector domain. It was created by the authors and has not been applied before as far as we know. 2) To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first study that applies the STAR-CCM+ multiphase mixture model for R-744 mixture phenomena in heat pumps and refrigeration systems.
Analysing the feasibility of agro-based value chain configurations in the rural context with B2B marketing
Authors: Priyadarshi Rahul , Routroy Srikanta
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to advocate for small-scale entrepreneurship with commercial cultivation to earn better profits at the farmer level. This paper explores potential value chain configurations of vertical coordination.

Design/methodology/approach

The aloe vera supply chain was examined for the study where aloe vera juice is the product. The various configurations are complete vertical coordination, semi-vertical coordination and non-vertical coordination. These were analysed to find feasibility and market prospects based on parameters. The cyclic view of supply chains, comparative analysis and fuzzy-analytical hierarchy process algorithm are presented.

Findings

The semi-vertically coordinated supply chain is indicated as the optimum setup to initiate value chains. The entrepreneurs in this configuration will be able to sell semi-finished produce to a brand that will process and distribute the final product. This B2B setup will help the farmer to earn better revenues in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Effective marketing with improved execution and innovation will boost the food processing industry.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses an established methodology to distinguish among alternatives based on underlying factors. The study is based on data collected from stakeholders. The study reflects the most accurate picture of real-world scenarios at the farm and market level in the Indian context.

Practical implications

This study’s learnings will help understand the organisational approach to serve demand by designing unique business configurations. Adapting the fundamental model with technological intervention will improve supply chain performance and sustainability. The most modern approaches in agri-business, such as subscription models, vertical farming, corporate entrepreneurship and technological intervention, will be covered in future work.

Social implications

This study will help stakeholders, including the government, decide whether to introduce training skills, subsidy policies, business expansion ideas and feasibility studies.

Originality/value

The study highlights the strategic role of developing the B2B platform to support customer values and customer ecosystem with better product availability.
SMAR: self-supervised mobile application recommendation based on graph convolutional networks
Authors: Fu Zhongxiang , Cao Buqing , Liu Shanpeng , Peng Qian , Peng Zhenlian , Shi Min , Liu Shangli
Published: October 2024

Purpose

With the exponential growth of mobile applications, recommending suitable mobile applications to users becomes a critical challenge. Although existing methods have made achievements in mobile application recommendation by leveraging graph convolutional networks (GCNs), they suffer from two limitations: the reliance on a singular acquisition path leads to signal sparsity, and the neighborhood aggregation method exacerbates the adverse impact of noisy interactions. This paper aims to propose SMAR, a self-supervised mobile application recommendation approach based on GCN, which is designed to overcome existing challenges by using self-supervised learning to create an auxiliary task.

Design/methodology/approach

In detail, this method uses three distinct data augmentation techniques node dropout, edge dropout and random walk, which create varied perspectives of each node. Then compares these perspectives, aiming to ensure uniformity across different views of the same node while maintaining the differences between separate nodes. Ultimately, auxiliary task is combined with the primary supervised task using a multi-task learning framework, thereby refining the overall mobile application recommendation process.

Findings

Extensive experiments on two real datasets demonstrate that SMAR achieves better Recall and NDCG performances than other strong baselines, validating the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors introduce self-supervised learning into mobile application recommendation approach based on GCNs. This method enhances traditional supervised tasks by using auxiliary task to provide additional information, thereby improving signal accuracy and reducing the influence of noisy interactions in mobile application recommendations.
The effects of financial development on crop productivity: ARDL evidence from Indian agriculture
Authors: Yadav Inder Sekhar , Goyari Phanindra
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This work aims to empirically investigate the effects of financial development on crop productivity of India.

Design/methodology/approach

Time series data such as crop production index, International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) financial development index, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, arable land, rural population, trade openness and physical capital from 1980 to 2020 was used. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach of cointegration was used to determine the long-run equilibrium relationship between the selected time series. Also, ARDL long- and short-run coefficients were estimated to examine the effects of selected variables on crop productivity. Furthermore, to establish the robustness of results, long-run estimators such as fully modified least squares and the dynamic least squares were also used. Finally, using the vector error-correction model, causality between the selected time series was examined.

Findings

The ARDL cointegration test confirmed the existence of long-run equilibrium relationship among agricultural productivity, financial development, capital formation, GDP per capita, arable land, rural population and trade openness. The estimated long-run elasticities from all the three techniques and the short-run elasticities of ARDL have consistently suggested that the elasticity of financial development is higher (1.55% and 1.40%, respectively) in explaining the crop productivity of India. The short-run causality estimates indicated the presence of positive bidirectional causality between crop productivity and financial development and seven positive unidirectional causal relationships between the selected variables.

Practical implications

Agricultural credit being an important non-land input and essential for overall growth and sustenance of agricultural sector, the policymakers should ensure the overall development of its financial sector which will reduce the intermediation, informational and other transactional costs associated with agricultural credit. This will possibly result in timely availability and access to adequate and low-cost credit from institutional sources.

Originality/value

Though extensive research is available on the effects of financial development on economic growth, limited research is available concerning the impact of financial development on crop productivity, especially for an emerging economy like India. For India, predominantly studies have investigated the impact of farm credit on crop productivity but have not exclusively examined the effects of financial development on agricultural productivity. Therefore, this study not only adds to the empirical literature but also provides new evidence on the nexus between financial development and crop productivity by examining the effects of financial development on crop productivity using the composite financial development index developed by the IMF using the ARDL bounds test for cointegration and other econometric estimators.
Obliged to follow your command: examining how and when servant leadership affects service performance
Authors: Asghar Hamna , Khan Muhammad Mumtaz , Ahmed Syed Saad
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study is undertaken to explain how servant leadership affects employees’ service performance through their felt obligation toward their leaders. Furthermore, the study explores how the relationship between felt obligation and service performance is moderated by performance pressure.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 312 manager–subordinate dyads working in private sector hospitals of Karachi. The data were analyzed through covariance-based structural equation modeling.

Findings

The study found that employees’ performance is affected by servant leadership and felt obligation toward managers. Furthermore, the study found that felt obligation toward leader mediates the relationship between servant leadership and employees’ performance. Finally, the study found that the relationship between felt obligation toward leader and employees’ performance was not contingent upon perceived performance pressure.

Originality/value

The study confirms the mediating role of felt obligation toward leaders linking servant leadership to employees’ service performance. The study also tests the moderating role of performance pressure influencing the relationship between relationship between felt obligation toward leaders and employees' service performance.