bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant radiotherapy in postmenopausal women with early-stage ER-positive breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Taha Amira M. , Kamel Hanaa Abdelmoneim , Khlidj Yehya , Salem Dalal Salama , Saed Sara Adel Abdelkader , Abouelmagd Khaled , Nguyen Dang , Shash Emad , Chapagain Sanskriti , Kassem Loay
Published: February 2025

Background:

The management of early breast cancer (BC) includes breast-conserving surgery (BCS), postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) and systemic therapy. Therefore, we aim at evaluating all the efficacy endpoints for PORT compared to no PORT in older women with early-stage BC.

Method:

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases from inception up to May 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where patients were randomized into either PORT vs no PORT. The following outcomes were studied: any local recurrence, nodal recurrence, contralateral BC, distant relapse, all-causes and cancer-specific mortality.

Result:

Seven eligible RCTs with a total of 4860 patients were included; 2435 of them received PORT; and 2425 did not. All patients had a node-negative disease, with 84.4% older than 60 years and only 10.4% had tumors larger than 2 cm. Patients in both treatment arms were offered adjuvant endocrine therapy e.g. tamoxifen and anastrozole. The median follow-up was 9.7 years (95% CI: 5.1–11.3). The survival risk for any local recurrence for patients with no radiotherapy was significantly higher than for those who used PORT (HR: 6.3; 95% CI: 4.17–9.52). Also, patients in the PORT arm had a significantly lower risk of nodal recurrence (risk of recurrence (RR): 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11–0.72, P = .009). However, PORT was not associated with a significant reduction in the risk of contralateral BC, distant relapse, BC-specific mortality or all-cause mortality (RR: 0.883, 1.52, 1.12, 0.995, respectively).

Conclusion:

Postoperative radiotherapy significantly reduces local and regional recurrence following BCS in early estrogen receptor-positive elderly BC with limited value on distant recurrence or mortality. The risk-benefit ratio should be determined for every patient to avoid overtreatment of a significant proportion of patients.
Impact of oxycodone for the treatment of acute postoperative pain in cesarean section: A review
Authors: Pei Qingqing , Xuan Hongmei , Peng Zhiyou
Published: February 2025

The review aimed to summarize the recent pharmacological and published clinical trials that used oxycodone for pain management after cesarean section (CS). This narrative review is based on published studies in PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, and EBSCO on oxycodone for pain control after CS. Random studies that used oxycodone only or used oxycodone as a major part of a multimodal analgesia regimen were included. Non-English trials, abstract of conference, letters to the editor, animal studies, or studies with insufficient data were excluded. The initial search terms included a combination of free text words and Medical Subject Headings terms. There are 14 clinical trials included and the total number of participants was 1651. These included documents disputed oral oxycodone and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) morphine, compared oral oxycodone and intravenous morphine, investigated sustained-release oral oxycodone and intrathecal morphine, investigated slow release tapentadol and controlled-release oxycodone, investigated ketoprofen, combination of acetaminophen + oxycodone, acetaminophen, and placebo, evaluated oral oxycodone and epidural ropivacaine + sufentanil, evaluated oral oxycodone and PCIA piritramide, evaluated the combination oxycodone + acetaminophen and separately administered oxycodone/acetaminophen, compared the immediate-release oxycodone and controlled-release oxycodone, compared the oral and intravenous oxycodone, disputed PCIA oxycodone or morphine, compared epidural oxycodone and morphine, evaluated PCIA oxycodone, sufentanil or their combination. Oxycodone showed superior or similar postoperative analgesic efficacy compared with other opioids in various administration and reduced the need for rescue medication and side effects. Oxycodone can be successfully used for postoperative analgesia after CS with comparable side effects.
Chronic pharyngitis and cervical spondylosis risk: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yuwei , Li Xiaoxi , Yu Xinya , Xu Yunchun , Su Yunpeng , Guo Le
Published: February 2025

Cervical spondylosis (CS) is the most prevalent degenerative disease among the elderly. Chronic pharyngitis (CP) has been reported as a contributing factor to CP. However, the causal relationship between CP and CS has not yet been established. This study aims to investigate the potential link between CP and CS. A bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genome-wide association studies. Single nucleotide polymorphisms for each trait were identified as instrumental variables. Several sensitivity analyses, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, weighted median method, MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, and outlier test, were conducted to validate MR assumptions. The analysis showed that CP influences the risk of CS, as evidenced by the IVW method (odds ratio [OR]: 1.183, 95% CI: 1.091–1.282, P < .001), MR-Egger (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.966–1.405, P = .124), and weighted median method (OR: 1.156, 95% CI: 1.031–1.297, P = .015). Conversely, the impact of CS on CP incidence was not strongly supported, as shown in the IVW (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 1.019–1.152, P = .009), MR-Egger (OR: 0.910, 95% CI: 0.752–1.101, P = .337), and weighted median analyses (OR: 1.060, 95% CI: 0.972–1.157, P = .182). The findings suggest that CP may increase the risk of developing CS.
Noise-induced hearing loss in Turkish special forces personnel
Authors: Coluk Yonca , Hizli Omer , Kayabasi Serkan
Published: February 2025

Noise-induced hearing loss is a significant occupational hazard for police personnel. Intense noise from training and military activities can permanently damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. The aim of this study is to compare the hearing of Turkish Special Forces personnel with that of healthy individuals. We included 50 male police from Turkish special police forces team and 51 healthy males in the study. After a detailed medical history and a comprehensive otolaryngologic examination, pure-tone audiometry was conducted. Hearing levels were compared between the special forces and the control group. The study included 50 male police from Turkish special police force (study group, mean age 32 ± 3 years) and a control group of 51 healthy males (mean age 32 ± 6 years). Right ear hearing thresholds of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz were significantly greater in the special forces group, compared to the control group (P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). In addition, left ear hearing thresholds of 500, 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz were significantly greater in the special forces group, compared to the control group (P = .03 and P < .001, respectively). This study revealed significantly higher hearing thresholds in special police forces compared to a healthy control group. This suggests chronic loud noise exposure during training and military operations might be causing hearing loss among these personnel. To safeguard the auditory health of this population, robust hearing conservation programs must be implemented. Early identification of hearing loss is essential for mitigating its impact and providing appropriate support.
Associations between stroke and vascular dementia combing Mendelian randomization with network pharmacology
Authors: Chen Haixu , Zeng Lianlin
Published: February 2025

Background:

Stroke and vascular dementia (VaD) are major causes of death and disability worldwide, and there is a complex interplay between them. In this study, we applied the method of Mendelian randomization (MR) and network pharmacology to uncover and elucidate these mechanisms.

Methods:

We employed single nucleotide polymorphisms that exhibit strong associations with stroke and VaD as instrumental variables for MR analysis. Our bidirectional MR analyses were conducted using 3 robust methods: inverse variance weighting, weighted median, Weighted mode and MR-Egger regression. Additionally, we performed sensitivity analyses to assess heterogeneity, sensitivity, and stability levels. Furthermore, we curated and screened targets relevant to stroke and VaD and subsequently carried out gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, network pharmacology approaches were utilized to explore potential mechanisms underlying stroke and VaD.

Results:

The results of the inverse variance weighted analysis demonstrate a significant positive causal relationship between stroke and VaD (OR = 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–3.61, P = .01). Conversely, no evidence suggests that VaD increases the risk of stroke. Network pharmacology analysis reveals a total of 222 common targets shared by both conditions, with particular emphasis on peptide tyrosine phosphorylation pathways, including those associated with resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway.

Conclusions:

Our MR analysis is based on available summary statistics from genome-wide association studies to support a causal relationship between stroke and VaD. Stroke may contribute to VaD through peptide tyrosine phosphorylation-related biological processes.
Vapocoolant spray application during intra-articular knee injection: myth or reality?: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pamuk Çağdaş , Musaoğlu Resul , Gök Ümit , Moralar Ülker
Published: February 2025

Background:

Intra-articular knee injections play a significant role in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. This study aims to investigate the effects of vapocoolant spray application during intra-articular injections on pain and anxiety compared with placebo and injections performed without any agent.

Methods:

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of vapocoolant spray application on pain associated with intra-articular injection compared with placebo and no analgesic agent. Three groups, each consisting of 55 patients, were formed randomly. Vapocoolant spray was applied to 1 group, a placebo was applied to 1 group, and no analgesic was applied to the other group, and the results were evaluated.

Results:

After exclusions from a total of 197 patients, 165 were included in the study. The demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. While there was no significant difference in pain levels during needle insertion between group 1 and group 2, the Visual Analog Scale scores of group 1 and group 2 were significantly lower compared with group 3 (P < .001).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that vapocoolant spray application had no significant advantage over placebo in terms of pain scores during intra-knee injection.
Association of the DRD and OXT Genetic Polymorphisms With Schizophrenia in a Chinese Population
Authors: Li Jingjing , Bi Wen , Xiong Mengqiu , Nasifu Lubanga , Zhang Lingyun , Zhu Chengbin , He Bangshun
Published: February 2025

The polymorphism of dopamine receptor (DRD) and oxytocin (OXT) may be associated with schizophrenia. A case-control study of 248 schizophrenia patients and 236 controls was conducted using the Sequenom MassARRAY platform. The results showed that DRD2 rs1800497 was a heterozygote (AG vs. GG: adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09–3.25) and DRD3 rs7631540 (TC vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36–1.02) may be associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. In addition, the DRD2 rs1800497 genotype GA showed a reduced risk of schizophrenia in the male subgroup and the late-onset subgroup (>27 years of age). For DRD3 polymorphisms, the rs7631540 TC genotype was associated with schizophrenia in the female subgroup. In OXT polymorphism analysis, rs2740210 codominant CA/AA was a risk factor for schizophrenia in the male and early-onset subgroup (≤27 years old). This study also concluded that OXT rs2740210 codominant CA/AA is associated with schizophrenia.
Impacts of overdose and socio-structural factors on recent mortality among people living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Tam Clara , Zhang Wendy , Moore David , Salters Kate , Trigg Jason , Wesseling Tim , Parashar Surita , McLinden Taylor , Sereda Paul , McDougall Patrick , Moher Matthew , Montaner Julio S G , Hogg Robert , Barrios Rolando
Published: February 2025

Objective:

We characterized sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH) in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Design:

We used purposive sampling to recruit a representative cohort of PLWH aged ≥19 years from January 2016-September 2018. Participants completed a survey and consented to link their data with the BC Vital Statistics Agency, where deaths were recorded.

Methods:

We conducted bivariate analyses to compare characteristics between participants who died with those alive as of September 2021. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to examine factors associated with mortality.

Results:

As of September 2021, 71 (11.0%) of 644 participants died. The most common specified cause of death was due to overdose (n = 14, 19.7%). A higher proportion of individuals who died had been incarcerated (52.1% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.002), reported recent homelessness (28.2% vs. 12.6%; p < 0.001) and recent injection drug use (32.4% vs. 19.0%; p = 0.009), compared to those alive at the end of follow-up. Age ≥60 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.80, 95% CI 1.55–9.34), and experiencing homelessness in the last 12 months prior to enrolment (aHR 2.01, 95% CI 1.18–3.61) were associated with an increased hazard of death, while identifying as gay or lesbian (aHR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.77), and having greater social support (aHR 0.88 per 10-unit score increase, 95% CI 0.81–0.96) were protective.

Conclusions:

Over six years of follow-up, more than 10% of our cohort died, with overdose being the most commonly reported cause of death. PLWH with higher social support however had a lower risk of death in BC.
Low Prevalence of Legal Protection Among the Elderly With Neurocognitive Disorders in France
Authors: Koskas Pierre , Hounkonnou Cornélia P.A. , Couffignal Camille
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of major neurocognitive disorders (MNCD) increases to 30% after 80 years of age. Vulnerability often goes unnoticed for a long time, and patients are seldom subject to legal protection (LP), creating an ethical and legal dilemma. The French National Alzheimer’s Database (BNA) is a national network set up in 2005 to collect data on neurocognitive disorders from all memory clinics in France. Data extraction from the BNA in 2022 produced a sample of 1,187,199 patients. We retained 795,953 patients, with a mean age of 78 years, and approximately two-thirds of the patients were women. We excluded patients with no medical assessment (n=135,810), without MNCD (n=237,209), birth year ≥1981 (n=18,189), and consultation date <2005 (n=38). A total of 32,593 patients (4.09%) have had LP during the 15-year study period. They have lower MMSE scores than others (17.9±6.6 vs. 20.6±6.5 P<0.01), more likely to live alone (45.25% vs. 36,1% P<0.01) or at nursing home (22.83% vs. 8.35% P<0.01). The low prevalence of LP among persons with MNCD emphasizes the potential vulnerability and legal risk of this group.
Mentorship in Academic Surgery: Revisiting the Essence of Faculty Development
Authors: Carlson Eric R , Britt LD
Published: February 2025

Mentorship is one essential element of faculty development that is traditionally described as a relationship between a senior individual who serves as the mentor for a mentee who is a less experienced individual. Permitting the mentee to select the mentor as a form of informal pairing; providing structured training for mentors and mentees; conducting frequent, in-person sessions; and financially and academically recognizing the mentoring activities will be of mutual benefit to mentors and mentees alike, and beneficial to the organization that the mentors and mentees serve. Mentorship represents a discipline distinct from coaching and sponsorship. Mentoring is an intense, holistic, and long-term professional relationship that transforms the mentor and mentee, as well as the organization in which the interaction occurs. Coaching is a focused, short- or long-term professional interaction that is directed at specific goals and objectives that are established by the coachee. Sponsoring represents active support by the sponsor with significant influence and access to resources and who is advocating for the career advancement of the sponsee. All three exercises are of known value to permit academic development and academic advancement in faculty development constructs.
Influencing Iron Homeostasis by Transition Metal Complexes Interacting with a messenger-RNA Stem Loop in the Iron Regulating Element
Authors: Hognon Cecilia , Froux Aurane , Grandemange Stephanie , MONARI Antonio
Published: February 2025

The maintaining of the precise regulation of iron homeostasis is fundamental to assure cells viability. In this context the interplay between the messenger RNA Iron Response element (IRE) and the iron response protein (IRP) is crucial to regulate the expression of ferritin and hence the level of labile free iron pool. We have shown, using a combination of molecular modeling and experimental techniques, that tris bipyridine iron complexes (AIM3) interact specifically with the IRE RNA stem-loop in solution, without inducing noticeable structural deformations. Furthermore, we have also shown that, at a cellular level, this interaction may be traced back to the downregulation of ferritin translation, probably due to the stabilization of the IRE stem-loops thus favoring its binding to IRP or by inhibiting the downstream recruitment of ribosomal subunits.
Telomerase modRNA offers a novel RNA-based approach to treat human pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ye Jia Li , Grieger Klaudia , Lu Dongchao , Brandenberger Christina , Juchem Malte , Jordan Maria , Oehlsen Lea , Zardo Patrick , Werlein Christopher , Hesse Christina , Sewald Katherina , Tretbar Sandy , Thum Thomas , Chatterjee Shambhabi , Bär Christian
Published: February 2025

Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a life-threatening illness that is characterized by progressive scarring in the lung interstitium. There is an urgent need for new PF therapies because current treatments only slow down the progression of fibrosis and the median life expectancy post-diagnosis is only 4 to 6 years. Since PF patients frequently exhibit telomere attrition, overexpressing telomerase, the enzyme responsible for synthesizing telomeres represents a compelling therapeutic option. In this study, wein vitrotranscribed human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA using modified nucleosides (modRNA). ModRNA hTERT treatment led to transient activation of telomerase activity in a dose-dependent manner in MRC-5 cells and, importantly, in primary human alveolar type II pneumocytes (ATII cells). Consequently, the proliferative capacity was increased, concomitant with reduced DNA damage and elongated telomere length. Notably, induction of cellular immune response was only detectable at the highest modRNA concentration, and returned to normal levels within 48 hours. Next, we demonstrated that circularized, exonuclease-resistant modRNA hTERT extended the transient expression profile which may be clinically advantageous. Finally, we provided therapeutic proof of concept in organotypic 3Dex vivohuman precision-cut lung slices derived from end-stage PF patients. Intriguingly, a single modRNA hTERT treatment inhibited senescence as indicated by significantly lower levels of senescence-associated β-galactosidase, and pro-inflammatory IL6 and IL8. Concurrently, the key fibrosis mediators TGFβ and COL1A1 were markedly reduced.

In conclusion, the data presented herein provide initial evidence for the potential of RNA-based hTERT therapy for treating human lung fibrosis.
Pseudogenes Document Protracted Parallel Regression of Oral Anatomy in Myrmecophagous Mammals
Authors: Emerling Christopher A. , Teullet Sophie , Allio Rémi , Gatesy John , Springer Mark S. , Delsuc Frédéric
Published: February 2025

Adaptation to ant and/or termite consumption (myrmecophagy) in mammals constitutes a textbook example of convergent evolution, being independently derived in several mammalian lineages. Myrmecophagous species are characterized by striking convergent morphological adaptations such as skull elongation, enlargement of salivary glands, and long claws to dig into ant and termite nests. These evolutionary modifications also include anatomical regression, such as dental simplification or loss, reduction of masticatory muscles, and possessing a reduced set of taste buds. To gain insights into the molecular changes underlying the regression of these morpho-anatomical traits, we investigated the functionality of candidate genes related to dentition, gustation, and mastication in nine convergent myrmecophagous mammalian lineages. We examined these genes in a comparative phylogenetic context, paired with molecular evolutionary analyses, to estimate the relative timing of loss of gene function over the evolutionary history of each convergent lineage. We found that gustatory reduction and pseudogenization of masticatory myosin often were associated with the regression of dental genes. Evidence of pseudogenization events linked to oral anatomy dates to as early as the Cretaceous/Paleogene boundary, and is an ongoing process including examples of incipient gene inactivations. Whereas we found evidence for gene inactivations across all three functional categories occurring during distinct temporal intervals, there was variation in the sets of genes lost and the relative timing of inactivation events. The combined evidence suggests that the convergent evolution of myrmecophagy has occurred as a protracted process with distinct phases of anatomical evolution, over timescales as long as 60 Myr.
Genomic Insights into Opioid Addiction: Identification of genomics variants from Gene Expression data
Authors: Ajmeriya Swati , Chatterjee Biswadip , Karmakar Subhradip
Published: February 2025

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed high-throughput DNA and RNA analysis, facilitating the rapid identification of clinically relevant genetic variants. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), a chronic condition characterized by relapse and remission cycles, poses significant challenges for genomic investigations. While whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) serve as robust approaches for variant detection, their high cost restricts widespread use. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) presents a viable alternative; however, the complexity of the transcriptome complicates reliable variant identification. Despite these challenges, RNA-Seq has emerged as a valuable tool for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in conditions with limited WES data, such as OUD. In this study, RNA-Seq data from postmortem ventral midbrain specimens of chronic opioid users (PRJNA492904) were analyzed to identify variants associated with OUD. Given its established involvement in opioid addiction and impulsivity, we hypothesized that the NRXN3 gene would harbor a significant number of variants. Variant analysis was conducted across eight genes: BDNF, DRD2, DRD3, NRXN3, OPRD1, OPRM1, and NGFB with a primary focus on NRXN3. Our results revealed that NRXN3 exhibited the highest variant burden among the analyzed genes, highlighting its potential role in OUD pathogenesis and reinforcing its association with opioid addiction
Surface Expansion Regionalization of the Hippocampus in Early Brain Development
Authors: Wang Ya , Chen Liangjun , Wu Zhengwang , Hung Sheng-Che , Smith J. Keith , Wang Li , Tengfei Li , Lin Weili , Li Gang
Published: February 2025

The hippocampal formation is implicated in a myriad of crucial functions, particularly centered around memory and emotion, with distinct subdivisions fulfilling specific roles. However, there is no consensus on the spatial organization of these subdivisions, given that the functional connectivity and gene expression-based parcellation along its longitudinal axis differs from the histology-based parcellation along its medial-lateral axis. The dynamic nonuniform surface expansion of the hippocampus during early development reflects the underlying changes of microstructure and functional connectivity, providing important clues on hippocampal subdivisions. Moreover, the thin and convoluted properties bring out the hippocampal maturity largely in the form of expanding surface area. We thus unprecedentedly explore the development-based surface area regionalization and patterns of the hippocampus by leveraging 513 high-quality longitudinal MRI scans during the first two postnatal years. Our findings imply two discrete hippocampal developmental patterns, featuring one pattern of subdivisions along the anterior-posterior axis (head, regions 1 and 5; body, regions 2, 4, 6, and 7; tail, region 3) and the other one along the medial-lateral axis (subiculum, regions 4, 5, and 6; CA fields, regions 1, 2, and 7). Most of the resulting 7 subdivisions exhibit region-specific and nonlinear spatiotemporal surface area expansion patterns with an initial high growth, followed by a transition to low increase. Each subregion displays bilaterally symmetric pattern. The medial portion of the hippocampal head experiences the most rapid surface area expansion. These results provide important references for exploring the fine-grained organization and development of the hippocampus and its intricate cognitions.
Distinct prelimbic cortex ensembles encode response execution and inhibition
Authors: Madangopal Rajtarun , Zhao Yuan , Heins Conor , Zhou Jingfeng , Liang Bo , Barbera Giovanni , Lam Ka Chun , Komer Lauren E. , Weber Sophia J , Thompson Drake J , Gera Yugantar , Pham Diana Q , Savell Katherine E , Warren Brandon L , Caprioli Daniele , Venniro Marco , Bossert Jennifer M. , Ramsey Leslie A , Jedema Hank P. , Schoenbaum Geoffrey , Lin Da-Ting , Shaham Yavin , Pereira Francisco , Hope Bruce T.
Published: February 2025

Learning when to initiate or withhold actions is essential for survival and requires integration of past experiences with new information to adapt to changing environments. While stable prelimbic cortex (PL) ensembles have been identified during reward learning, it remains unclear how they adapt when contingencies shift. Does the same ensemble adjust its activity to support behavioral suppression upon reward omission, or is a distinct ensemble recruited for this new learning? We used single-cell calcium imaging to longitudinally track PL neurons in rats across operant food reward Training, Extinction and Reinstatement, trained rat-specific decoders to predict trial-wise behavior, and implemented anin-silicodeletion approach to characterize ensemble contributions to behavior. We show that operant training and extinction recruit distinct PL ensembles that encode response execution and inhibition, and that both ensembles are re-engaged and maintain their roles during Reinstatement. These findings highlight ensemble-based encoding of multiple learned associations within a region, with selective ensemble recruitment supporting behavioral flexibility under changing contingencies.
Tungsten oxide thin films probed by depth-resolved positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Burwitz Vassily Vadimovitch , Kärcher Annemarie , Mathes Lucian , Book Alexander , Paul Neelima , Schwarz-Selinger Thomas , Butterling Maik , Hirschmann Eric , Liedke Maciej Oskar , Wagner Andreas , Unsal Elif , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Hugenschmidt Christoph
Published: February 2025

Tungsten oxide (WOx) films grown on tungsten (W) are characterized by depth-resolved Doppler-broadening spectroscopy (DBS) and positron-annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) as primary analytical methods. The WOx films are prepared on W(111) monocrystals using either exposure to air, electrochemical, or thermal oxidation procedures, chosen according to the desired thickness. We calculate the lifetime of positrons in the bulk of WOx and in different types of vacancies using the atomic superposition (AtSup) method. These give the size required for a multivacancy in WOx needed for it to be identifiable by PALS. In our experiments, we identified a distinct positron lifetime of 325ps in the thin oxide layer on W exposed to air. This value overlaps with that of multivacancy sites in W and, hence, should be taken into account in future PALS studies of radiation-induced defects in W.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Implementation and investigation of electron-nucleus scattering in the neut neutrino event generator
Authors: Abe Seisho
Published: February 2025

Understanding nuclear effects is essential for improving the sensitivity of neutrino oscillation measurements. Validating nuclear models solely through neutrino scattering data is challenging due to limited statistics and the broad energy spectrum of neutrinos. In contrast, electron scattering experiments provide abundant high-precision data with various monochromatic energies and angles. Since both neutrinos and electrons interact via electroweak interactions, the same nuclear models can be applied to simulate both interactions. Thus, high-precision electron scattering data is essential for validating the nuclear models used in neutrino experiments. To enable this, the author has introduced a new electron scattering framework in the neutrino event generator, covering two interaction modes: quasielastic (QE) and single pion production. predictions of QE agree well with numerical calculations, supporting the validity of this implementation. From comparisons with predictions and inclusive electron scattering data, the momentum-dependent removal energy correction is derived, addressing effects beyond the plane wave impulse approximation. This correction is applied to neutrino interactions, observing significant changes in charged lepton kinematics. Notably, the reconstructed neutrino energy distribution shows a peak shift of approximately 20–30 MeV, which is crucial for accurately measuring neutrino oscillation parameters.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Step toward estimation of the neutral-hadron size: The gravitational mass radius of
π0
meson in a relativistic theory of composite particles
Authors: Krutov A. F. , Troitsky V. E.
Published: February 2025

We extend our nonperturbative essentially relativistic approach, elaborated previously, to perform an approximate estimation of the size of π0 meson. We present detailed argumentation for choosing the mass mean square radius (mass MSR) for this purpose. Its value calculated in our approach, using three model quark-antiquark wave functions in pion, is (0.5–0.53)  fm. The neutral-pion electromagnetic form factor is zero in accordance with the charge-conjugation symmetry. We demonstrate ambiguities encountered when using standard definitions of mechanical MSR for the size. We discuss MSRs obtained in various approaches and their comparison with each other and with our results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Postprocessing subtraction of tilt-to-length noise in LISA in the presence of gravitational wave signals
Authors: Hartig M.-S. , Paczkowski S. , Hewitson M. , Heinzel G. , Wanner G.
Published: February 2025

The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) will be the first space-based gravitational wave (GW) observatory. It will measure gravitational wave signals in the frequency regime from 0.1 mHz to 1 Hz. The success of these measurements will depend on the suppression of the various instrument noises. One important noise source in LISA will be tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling. Here, it is understood as the coupling of angular jitter, predominantly from the spacecraft, into the interferometric length readout. The current plan is to subtract this noise in flight in postprocessing as part of a noise minimization strategy. It is crucial to distinguish TTL coupling well from the GW signals in the same readout to ensure that the noise will be properly modeled. Furthermore, it is important that the subtraction of TTL noise will not degrade the GW signals. In the present manuscript, we show on simulated LISA data and for four different GW signal types that the GW responses have little effect on the quality of the TTL coupling fit and subtraction. Also, the GW signal characteristics were not altered by the TTL coupling subtraction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Magnetic x-ray spectroscopy of Gd-doped EuO thin films
Authors: Arnold E. L. , Riley J. M. , Duffy L. B. , Figueroa A. I. , Held R. , Shen K. M. , Schlom D. G. , King P. D. C. , Hoesch M. , van der Laan G. , Hesjedal T.
Published: February 2025

We present a detailed x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) study of the magnetic properties of Gd-doped EuO thin films, synthesized via molecular-beam epitaxy with Gd doping levels up to over 12%. The impact of Gd doping on the electronic and magnetic behavior of EuO is studied using XMCD and magnetometry. Gd doping significantly enhances the Curie temperature (TC) from 69 K in undoped EuO to over 120 K, driven by increased carrier density, while preserving the high quality of the single-crystalline films. At higher doping levels, a plateau in TC is observed, which is attributed to the formation of Eu-Gd nearest-neighbor pairs that limit dopant activation. We also observe a distinctive “double-dome” structure in the temperature-dependent magnetization, which we attribute to both the ferromagnetic ordering of Eu 4f moments at lower temperatures and the influence of conduction electrons via 4f−5d exchange interactions at higher temperatures. These findings provide key insights into the mechanisms of carrier-induced magnetic transitions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Spin coupling is all you need: Encoding strong electron correlation in molecules on quantum computers
Authors: Marti-Dafcik Daniel , Burton Hugh G. A. , Tew David P.
Published: February 2025

The performance of quantum algorithms for eigenvalue problems, such as computing Hamiltonian spectra, depends strongly on the overlap of the initial wave function and the target eigenvector. In a basis of Slater determinants, the representation of energy eigenstates of systems with N strongly correlated electrons requires a number of determinants that scales exponentially with N. On classical processors, this restricts simulations to systems where N is small. Here, we show that quantum computers can efficiently simulate strongly correlated molecular systems by directly encoding the dominant entanglement structure in the form of spin-coupled initial states. This avoids resorting to expensive classical or quantum state preparation heuristics and instead exploits symmetries in the wave function. We provide quantum circuits for deterministic preparation of a family of spin eigenfunctions with (NN/2) Slater determinants with depth O(N) and O(N2) local gates. Their use as highly entangled initial states in quantum algorithms reduces the total runtime of quantum phase estimation and related fault-tolerant methods by orders of magnitude. Furthermore, we assess the application of spin-coupled wave functions as initial states for a range of heuristic quantum algorithms, namely, the variational quantum eigensolver, adiabatic state preparation, and different versions of quantum subspace diagonalization (QSD) including QSD based on real-time-evolved states. We also propose a QSD algorithm that exploits states obtained through adaptive quantum eigensolvers. For all algorithms, we demonstrate that using spin-coupled initial states drastically reduces the quantum resources required to simulate strongly correlated ground and excited states. Our work provides a crucial component for enabling scalable quantum simulation of classically challenging electronic systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Quantum and classical magnetic Bloch points
Authors: Kuchkin Vladyslav M. , Haller Andreas , Liščák Štefan , Adams Michael P. , Rai Venus , Sinaga Evelyn P. , Michels Andreas , Schmidt Thomas L.
Published: February 2025

A Bloch point represents a three-dimensional hedgehog singularity of a magnetic vector field in which the magnetization vanishes. However, standard micromagnetic theory, developed for magnetic moments of fixed lengths, lacks full applicability in studying such singularities. To address this gap, we study a Bloch point in a quantum Heisenberg model for the case of spin-1/2 particles. Performing an exact diagonalization of the Hamiltonian as well as using density matrix renormalization group techniques, we obtain the ground state, which can be used to recover the corresponding magnetization profile. Our findings demonstrate a variation of the spin length in the quantum model, leading smoothly to zero magnetization at the Bloch point. Our results indicate the necessity of generalizing the classical micromagnetic model by adding the third degree of freedom of the spins: the ability to change their length. To this end, we introduce a phenomenological micromagnetic S3-model, which enables the description of magnets with and without Bloch point singularities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Founding team gender diversity and social entrepreneurship: implications for venture growth and equity acquisition
Authors: Taferner Julia , Leitner Karl-Heinz
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study addresses the intersection of team gender composition, social entrepreneurship and new venture performance, aiming to understand the unique dynamics shaping these areas. The authors discuss why female and diverse founding teams often gravitate toward social ventures and explore the relevance of this phenomenon. By investigating the impact on new venture performance, this study examines the effect of team diversity in the context of social entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a survey among new ventures in Austria. Data from 326 new ventures were analyzed using linear and logistic regression analysis. Drawing on gender role theory, the effect of diverse and female founding teams on the amount of acquired external capital was tested, emphasizing how social goals may serve as a signaling mechanism to investors.

Findings

In line with gender role theory, the study confirms that female and diverse founding teams are more inclined to establish social ventures. While the authors find empirical support for this assertion, there was no evidence found for a second assertion by the gender role theory stating that social entrepreneurship can specifically reduce gender bias with respect to external equity funding of new ventures. Contrary to expectations, the tendency of female and diverse founding teams to prioritize social goals hinders their ability to secure external equity. Furthermore, this research indicates that gender-diverse and all-female teams achieve lower levels of employment growth compared to all-male teams. These results provide insights into the relationship between team composition and venture performance.

Originality/value

Adding to gender role literature, this research expands the current understanding of how team gender diversity and social entrepreneurship affect venture performance. The study indicates a high prevalence of social entrepreneurship among gender-diverse teams and highlights specific challenges faced by female and gender-diverse founding teams. The findings underpin the need for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by female and gender-diverse teams in the entrepreneurship area. By addressing these dynamics, the study offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs, laying a foundation for future research into promoting gender equality and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Public strategic leaders and their reflective practice in accelerated times: a narrative exploration of a utopic story
Authors: Van der Steen Barbara , Van Saane Joke , Van Dijk Gerda
Published: February 2025

Purpose

In the leadership debate, one of the questions for public leaders nowadays is how to reflect and experience meaning in these complex and accelerated times. This article compares three dominant theoretical narratives with the narratives of public strategic leaders in practice. The statement in literature is that leaders in organisations need to create time to reflect on “creating meaning” with others as an answer to the adaptive challenges. The limitation of these studies is that they do not explore leaders’ experiences in practice. We fill this gap by examining the experiences of public strategic leaders and exploring the implications.

Design/methodology/approach

We qualitatively explore the narratives of 25 public strategic leaders using interviews, group dialogues and surveys.

Findings

The central finding is a problematic gap between theory and practice. This is a concern because of the utopic ideology of reflectivity, which does not consider the forces present in political and bureaucratic organisations and the leaders’ perceptions of their role and position. The narrative exploration shows a pattern of leaders trying “to do good”, avoiding disruptions caused by doubts, emotions or intuitions.

Practical implications

The narratives of public strategic leaders show three persistent ideologies putting pressure on their reflective space in daily practice. These narratives offer a starting point for public organisations regarding the reflective practices of strategic leaders.

Originality/value

This article opens a debate about leadership and reflectivity paradigms in theory and practice. It offers a reality check for leaders’ and coaches’ daily practices, as opposed to the often utopic theories.
Theory of Islamic reaction action: a new approach to use the Islamic service of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan in Indonesia
Authors: Puspitasari Novi , Hidayat Sutan Emir , Ab Aziz Norazlin , Muhsyi Abdul , Prihatini Dewi
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The Indonesian Government has a vision to make Indonesia the center of the World’s Islamic Economy and Finance. Based on this vision, the government must provide and facilitate all economic and financial activities with the Islamic system, including BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. This study aims to explore the factors determining the intention to use Islamic services in the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan program.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher adopted an interpretive philosophy with a phenomenological approach to investigate the life experiences of informants. The determination of informants using the purposive method with 10 interviewees from nine companies representing companies in Jember, Pasuruan and Sidoarjo Branch, East Java province, Indonesia. This study used an in-depth interview method with a semi-structured interview approach to collect the data.

Findings

Variables of Islamic values, Islamic financial literacy (IFL), Islamic religiosity and internal and external factors influence the participants’ intention to use Sharia services of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan programs. Islamic values are measured by blessing and justice, and the measurement of IFL uses knowledge. Religiosity is related to the measurement of Godly values that exist in individuals. Meanwhile, researchers found internal factors related to the measurement of service quality, program benefits, choice flexibility of investment-based programs and external factors using subjective norm measurement, namely, the influence of companies and friends. The theory of Islamic reasoned action (TIRA) and the indicators of each variable are successfully created by researchers from a combination of TRA concepts and findings in the field.

Practical implications

BPJS Ketenagakerjaan institution can implement TIRA as a basis for expanding research across all of its branch offices in Indonesia to obtain national data related to participants’ intentions in using Islamic services so that service provision can be realized immediately.

Originality/value

This research is a pioneer in exploring the plan to implement the Islamic service of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan in Indonesia and success in creating the TIRA, a new approach to examining the determinants of intention to choose or use goods and services provided by companies with an Islamic concept.
Decarbonizing Egypt’s energy sector: pathways for an accelerated energy transition
Authors: Abdelmeguid Nivin , M. Ibrahiem Dalia
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to identify decarbonization pathways and energy mix scenarios of least global warming potential that address Egypt’s growing energy demand, while transitioning away from reliance on fossil fuel towards a more sustainable energy landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized an integrated modelling approach, namely the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning system, to simulate Egypt’s energy demand and supply from 2010 to 2050. Four alternative scenarios were examined. The reference scenario, RS1, replicates the energy demand and supply change patterns of the model’s baseline until 2050. The reference scenario, RS2, considers 5% yearly growth in energy demand alongside integrating nuclear technology into the generation mix. In addition to two renewables-promotion scenarios, RE1 and RE2, wherein renewables contribute 42 and 75% to the energy mix by 2030 and 2050, respectively.

Findings

Results revealed that greenhouse gas emissions are expected to peak in RS1 in 2050. Yet, RE2 demonstrates the lowest global warming potential. Energy generation costs are anticipated to be the highest in RS2 by 2050 and in RE2 between 2022 and 2030, reaching its lowermost point in RE2 by 2050. Moreover, natural gas is anticipated to contribute the largest share of energy generated in RS1 but the smallest share in RE2, wherein wind energy dominates energy production by 2050. Among all other scenarios, RE2 had the greatest potential to enable the achievement of net zero emissions in the long term.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this research have significant implications as they provide valuable data-driven insights into identifying mitigation scenarios that align best with Egypt’s economic development plans while also promoting sustainable energy planning. Moreover, the results hold important implications for energy policymaking in Egypt. Policymakers can utilize these insights to prioritize and channel investments towards renewable energy sources, energy efficiency measures and the adoption of clean technologies.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the existing literature on Egypt’s energy landscape by introducing an integrated analysis that combines both energy demand and supply. Previous studies focused solely on demand or supply in isolation, overlooking the interconnected nature of these factors and the specific determinants of Egypt’s energy demand profile. Using a modelling approach, this study is the first in Egypt to comprehensively consider both aspects. By identifying key factors influencing Egypt’s energy demand until 2050, it provides valuable insights into the future energy landscape, evaluates economic costs, examines potential environmental impacts and presents empirical evidence on energy generation scenarios aligned with future demand and climatic factors.