bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A resource efficient, high-dose neurorehabilitation program for chronic stroke at home
Authors: Arbuckle Spencer A. , Knill Anna Sophie , Rozanski Gabriela , Chan-Cortés Michelle , Ford Anastasia Elena , Derungs Louis T. , Putrino David , Tosto-Mancuso Jenna , Branscheidt Meret
Published: October 2024

Accumulating evidence and medical guidelines recommend high-dose neurorehabilitation for recovery after stroke. Unfortunately, most patients receive a fraction of this dose, with therapist availability and costs of delivery being major implementational barriers. To explore a potential solution, we conducted a retrospective analysis of a real-world enhanced clinical service that used gamified self-training technologies at home under remote therapist supervision.

Data from 17 patients who completed a 12-18 week full-body, high-dose neurorehabilitation program entirely at home were analyzed. Program delivery relied on patients independently training (asynchronously) with the MindMotion GO gamified-therapy solution. Accompanying telerehabilitation sessions with a therapist occurred weekly while therapists used a web application to monitor and manage the program remotely.

Patients maintained high training adherence throughout and reached an average total Active Training Time—a measure more closely reflecting delivered versus scheduled dose—of 39.7±21.4 hours, with the majority (82.2±10.8%) delivered asynchronously. Patients improved in both upper-limb (Fugl-Meyer, +6.4±5.1;p<0.01) and gait and balance measures (Functional Gait Assessment, +3.1±2.6;p<0.01; Berg Balance Scale, +6.1±4.4;p<0.01). Most experienced subjective improvements in physical abilities and overall satisfaction. Per-patient therapist costs approximated 338 USD, representing a resource-efficient alternative to delivering the same dose in-person (1903 USD).

This work demonstrates effective high-dose neurorehabilitation delivery via gamified therapy technologies at home and shows that training time can be successfully decoupled from therapist-presence without compromising adherence, outcomes, or patient satisfaction. Given growing concerns over therapist availability and increasing health care costs, this resource-efficient approach can help achieve medical guidelines and complement existing clinic-based approaches.
Association of Anxiety with Uncinate Fasciculus Lesion Burden in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Baller Erica B. , Luo Audrey C. , Schindler Matthew K. , Cooper Elena C. , Pecsok Margaret K. , Cieslak Matthew C. , Martin Melissa Lynne , Bar-Or Amit , Elahi Ameena , Perrone Christopher M. , Reid Donovan , Spangler Bailey C. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: October 2024

Importance

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurological disorder that affects 2.4 million people world-wide, and up to 60% experience anxiety.

Objective

We investigated how anxiety in MS is associated with white matter lesion burden in the uncinate fasciculus (UF).

Design

Retrospective case-control study of participants who received research-quality 3-tesla (3T) neuroimaging as part of MS clinical care from 2010-2018. Analyses were performed from June 1stto September 30th, 2024.

Setting

Single-center academic medical specialty MS clinic.

Participants

Participants were identified from the electronic medical record. All participants were diagnosed by an MS specialist and completed research-quality MRI at 3T. After excluding participants with poor image quality, 372 were stratified into three groups which were balanced for age and sex: 1) MS without anxiety (MS+noA, n=99); 2) MS with mild anxiety (MS+mildA, n=249); and 3) MS with severe anxiety (MS+severeA, n=24).

Exposure

Anxiety diagnosis and anxiolytic medication.

Main Outcome and Measure

We first evaluated whether MS+severeA patients had greater lesion burden in the UF than MS+noA. Next, we examined whether increasing anxiety severity was associated with greater UF lesion burden. Generalized additive models were employed, with the burden of lesions (e.g. proportion of fascicle impacted) within the UF as the outcome measure and sex and spline of age as covariates.

Results

UF burden was higher in MS+severeA as compared to MS+noA (T=2.02, P=0.045, Cohen’sf2=0.19). A dose-response effect was also found, where higher mean UF burden was associated with higher anxiety severity (T=2.08, P=0.038, Cohen’sf2=0.10).

Conclusions and Relevance

We demonstrate that overall lesion burden in UF was associated with the presence and severity of anxiety in patients with MS. Future studies linking white matter lesion burden in UF with treatment prognosis are warranted.

KEY POINTS

Question

Are white matter lesions that impact the uncinate fasciculus (UF) associated with anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Findings

This retrospective, case-control study of 372 patients with MS included 3 anxiety severity groups: 1) MS without anxiety (MS+noA, n=99); 2) MS with mild anxiety (MS+mildA, n=249); and 3) MS with severe anxiety (MS+severeA, n=24). We identified associations between anxiety and UF lesion burden. Specifically, we showed that MS+severeA had higher UF lesion burden than MS+noA, and worsening anxiety severity increased with greater UF burden.

Meaning

Lesion burden in the UF may contribute to anxiety comorbidity in MS.
The directionality of collective cell delamination is governed by tissue architecture and cell adhesion in aDrosophilacarcinoma model
Authors: Mira-Osuna Marta , Plunder Steffen , Theveneau Eric , Le Borgne Roland
Published: October 2024

Carcinomas originate in epithelia and are the most frequent type of cancers. Tumor progression starts with the collective delamination of live tumors out of the epithelium, and requires modulation of cell adhesion. Yet, it remains elusive exactly how remodeling of epithelial cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contacts contribute to metastasis onset and delamination directionality. We usedDrosophila melanogasterlarval eye disc to study cooperative oncogenesis and determine the contribution of bi- and tricellular septate junction (SJ) components to tumor progression in flat and pseudostratified epithelia. We reveal that loss-of-function of septate junction components alone can promote cell death whereas synergic interaction with oncogenic Ras triggers the collective delamination of living tumorigenic cells. Spatiotemporal analyses reveal apical and basal delamination processes differ in terms of cell identity, cell polarity and remodeling of cell-cell and cell-ECM contacts. Using a combination ofin vivoandin silicoapproaches, we report that SJ-depletedRasV12tumors in pseudostratified epithelia trigger tissue folding or basal collective delamination regardless of the order in which cell contacts are remodeled. In striking contrast, SJ-depletedRasV12tumors formed in flat, squamous epithelia, first undergo apical constriction and acquire a dome-like shape. Tumors are enriched in adhesion molecules and form an apical neck at the interface of contact between mutant cells and wild-type neighbors. Concomitant to cytoskeleton remodeling, tumors emit apical protrusions in the lumen and progressively delaminate through the apical neck while remaining cohesive. Our study reveals that tissue architecture and changes in cell adhesion drive the directionality of collective delamination of neoplastic tumors out of an epithelium.
EPHA2 Regulates SOX2 during Esophageal Development
Authors: Li Tianxia , Mitani Yosuke , Cruz-Acuña Ricardo , Karaksheva Tatiana A. , Sahu Varun , Martin Cecilia , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Gabre Joel
Published: October 2024

The human esophagus, derived from the anterior foregut endoderm, requires proper dorsal-ventral patterning for development. The transcription factor SOX2, crucial in this process, when dysregulated, leads to congenital esophageal abnormalities. EPHA2, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is vital in various developmental processes and cancer models, where it activates SOX2. This study demonstrates that EPHA2 regulates SOX2 expression during esophageal development using human iPSCs and iPSC-derived human esophageal organoids (HEO). Inhibition of EPHA2 decreased iPSC-derived HEO formation and SOX2 expression. These findings provide evidence of EPHA2 as being a key regulator of SOX2 signaling in early esophageal development.

Graphical Abstract

SFD: Serum-Free Differentiation media; EPC: esophageal progenitor cells; HEO: human esophageal organoids

Created with BioRender.com

Highlights

SOX2 is crucial for proper esophageal development.

EPHA2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in various developmental processes.

EPHA2 activates SOX2.

Inhibition of EPHA2 decreased SOX2 expression and human esophageal organoid formation.
Interstitial infusion of purified collagenase Clostridium histolyticum in the cirrhotic liver causes rapid reduction in fibrosis with minimal liver toxicity
Authors: Leaker Ben D. , Fuchs Christiane , Wise Emma , Tam Joshua , Anderson R. Rox
Published: October 2024

Crude mixtures of matrix-degrading enzymes called collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) have been used to efficiently breakdown tissue for many years. Recently, direct injection of purified CCH has been successfully developed as a treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture (DC), a fibrotic disorder of the hand. Given similar histologic and mechanical features between the fibrous bands in DC and cirrhosis, a similar approach may be feasible for the treatment of cirrhosis. Crude and purified CCH were first compared through composition and substrate specificity. The biodistribution of a macromolecule delivered via interstitial infusion in the liver was mapped and quantified with a fluorescent dextran tracer to design a protocol for efficient delivery throughout the liver with minimal off-target exposure. Safety and efficacy of interstitial CCH infusion in the liver was investigated in cirrhotic mice using serum markers of injury and histological analysis of fibrosis. Purified CCH showed high purity and efficient degradation of type I collagen. Tracer experiments showed that interstitial infusion in one lobe of the liver will reach the entire organ in the mouse. A significant amount of the tracer was also found to enter the bloodstream where it is cleared by the kidneys, but was not found to significantly infiltrate other organs. Mild elevation in liver enzymes AST and ALT were observed 1d after infusion of purified CCH, but this was not significantly different than infusion with saline. No elevation in creatinine was observed. Cirrhotic mice infused with purified CCH showed 38% reduction in collagen proportionate area compared to mice infused with saline. These results show interstitial delivery of purified CCH in the cirrhotic liver rapidly decreases collagen content with minimal liver toxicity. This strategy merits further study as a potential treatment for cirrhosis.
Cultured Bacteria Isolated from Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Patient Bile Induce Inflammation and Cell Death
Authors: Powell Chelsea E. , McCurry Megan D. , Quevedo Silvia Fernanda , Ventura Lindsay , Krishnan Kumar , Dave Malav , Mahmood Shaikh Danish , Specht Katherine , Bordia Raghav , Pratt Daniel S. , Korzenik Joshua R. , Devlin A. Sloan
Published: October 2024

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the biliary tree. The pathogenesis of PSC remains poorly understood, and there are no effective therapeutic options. Previous studies have observed associations between changes in the colonic and biliary microbiome and PSC. We aimed to determine whether bacterial isolates cultured from PSC patient bile induced disease-associated phenotypes in cells.

Methods

Bile was collected from PSC patients (n=10) by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and from non-PSC controls (n=3) undergoing cholecystectomies. Biliary bacteria were cultured anaerobically, and 50 colonies per sample were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The effects of supernatants from seven PSC-associated bacterial strains on cellular phenotypes were characterized using human colonic (Caco-2), hepatic (HepG2), and biliary (EGI-1) cells.

Results

No bacteria were isolated from non-PSC controls, while bacteria were cultured from most PSC patients. The PSC bile microbiomes exhibited reduced diversity compared to the gut or oral cavity, with one or two bacterial strains predominating. Overall, PSC-associated bacteria produced factors that were cytotoxic to hepatic and biliary cells.Enterococcus faecalis, and to a lesser extentVeillonella parvula, induced epithelial permeability, whileEscherichia coli, Fusobacterium necrophorum, andKlebsiella pneumoniaeinduced inflammatory cytokines in biliary cells.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that bacteria cultured from PSC bile induce cellular changes that may contribute to PSC disease pathogenesis.Enterococcusmay promote intestinal permeability, facilitating bacterial migration to the biliary tree. Once there,Escherichia, FusobacteriumandKlebsiella, may cause inflammation and damage in biliary and liver cells.
A Benchmark of methods for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing and development of a more sensitive method
Authors: Bayega Anthony , Reiling Sarah J. , Dubuc Isabelle , Gravel Annie , Flamand Louis , Ragoussis Jiannis
Published: October 2024

The raging COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has so far claimed the lives of 4.6 million people and continues to infect many more. Further, virus evolution has caused mutations that have compromised public health interventions like vaccination regimes and monoclonal antibody and convalescent sera treatments. In response, unprecedented large-scale whole genome viral surveillance approaches have been devised to keep track of the evolution and transmission patterns of the virus within and across populations. Here, we aimed to compare efficiencies of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing approaches using synthetic SARS-CoV-2 genome and six cell culture SARS-CoV-2 variants titrated to represent samples at high, medium, and low viral load. We found that the ARTIC protocols performed best in terms of PCR amplicon yield returning 67% more amplicons than Entebbe protocol which was the second highest PCR amplicon yielding protocol. ARTIC v4.1 protocol yields were only slightly better than ARTIC v3. Despite yielding the lowest PCR amplicons, the SNAP protocol showed the highest genome completeness using a synthetic genome at high viral titre followed by ARTIC protocols. However, the ARTIC protocols showed highest genome completeness with cell culture SARS-CoV-2 variants across high, medium and low viral titres. ARTIC protocol also performed best in calling the correct lineage among cell culture SARS-CoV-2 variants across different viral titres. We also designed a new method termed ARTIC-Amp which leverages ARTIC protocol and performs a rolling circle amplification to increase yield of amplicons. In a proof-of-principle experiment, this method showed 100% coverage in all four targeted genes across three replicates unlike the ARTIC protocol missed one gene in two of the three replicates. Our results demonstrate the robustness of the ARTIC protocol and propose an improved method that could be useful for samples that routinely have limited SARS-CoV-2 RNA such as wastewater samples.

Contribution to the field
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Tanzania: a systematic review of prevalence and incidence
Authors: Mrema Lucy Elauteri , Mapunda Anthony , Sylvester Pauline , Olomi Willyhelmina , Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Mayige Mary
Published: October 2024

Objective

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that affects children and adolescents globally. However, there is a paucity of data on the incidence and prevalence T1DM in Tanzania. This systematic review aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus Tanzania through a comprehensive review of available literature.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, African Journals Online, and Tanzania Medical Journal) to identify studies reporting on the prevalence and incidence of T1DM in Tanzania. The search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

A total of 63 studies were identified through the initial search, of which two studies met the inclusion criteria. Both studies were conducted in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro Tanzania, and reported on the incidence and prevalence of T1DM in children and adolescents. The studies were published in 1993 and 2019, respectively. The first study reported an annual incidence of T1DM of 1.5 per 100,000 population aged 0-19 years, while the second study reported an annual incidence ranging from 1.8 to 1.9 per 100,000 children and a prevalence ranging from 10.1 to 11.9 per 100,000 children.

Conclusion

The prevalence and incidence of T1DM in Tanzania are relatively low, based on the limited evidence available. More prevalence and incidence studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the burden of T1DM to inform diabetes management strategies in the country.

Ethics

Since this review has used previously published studies, consent of an ethics committee was not sought.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022369954.
The Efficacy of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Emotional Processing
Authors: Akbari Fatemeh , Narmashiri Abdolvahed
Published: October 2024

While some research has reported the positive impacts of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on emotional processing, the conflicting results and variations in study quality and design make it challenging to draw firm conclusions about its effects. To address this issue, we conducted a meta-analysis of the published literature on tDCS effects on emotional processing. We evaluated the effects of anodal and cathodal tDCS on emotional processing by analyzing a total of 32 articles and a combined sample of 2,107 participants. Our study illustrates the significant effects of both anodal and cathodal tDCS on emotional processing. The results highlight significant differences in how tDCS stimulation parameters influence emotional processing, demonstrating that frontal tDCS enhances emotional outcomes more effectively than stimulation of other brain regions. Key findings include that longer stimulation durations (over 20 minutes) and higher current intensities (2 mA) yield better results, with online tDCS being more effective than offline stimulation, particularly in younger participants and in non-clinical populations. Our results reveal that tDCS can effectively enhance emotional processing, offering valuable insights into the potential benefits of this method for emotion improvement.
A whole food, plant-based diet reduces amino acid levels in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Scales TashJaé Q. , Smith Bradley , Blanchard Lisa M. , Wixom Nellie , Tuttle Emily T. , Altman Brian J. , Peppone Luke J. , Munger Joshua , Campbell Thomas M. , Campbell Erin K. , Harris Isaac S.
Published: October 2024

Background

Amino acids are critical to tumor survival. Tumors can acquire amino acids from the surrounding microenvironment, including the serum. Limiting dietary amino acids is suggested to influence their serum levels. Further, a plant-based diet is reported to contain fewer amino acids than an animal-based diet. The extent to which a plant-based diet lowers the serum levels of amino acids in patients with cancer is unclear.

Methods

Patients with metastatic breast cancer (n=17) were enrolled in a clinical trial with an ad libitum whole food, plant-based diet for 8 weeks without calorie or portion restriction. Dietary changes by participants were monitored using a three-day food record. Serum was collected from participants at baseline and 8 weeks. Food records and serum were analyzed for metabolic changes.

Results

We found that a whole food, plant-based diet resulted in a lower intake of calories, fat, and amino acids and higher levels of fiber. Additionally, body weight, serum insulin, and IGF were reduced in participants. The diet contained lower levels of essential and non-essential amino acids, except for arginine (glutamine and asparagine were not measured). Importantly, the lowered dietary intake of amino acids translated to reduced serum levels of amino acids in participants (5/9 essential amino acids; 4/11 non-essential amino acids).

Conclusions

These findings provide a tractable approach to limiting amino acid levels in persons with cancer. This data lays a foundation for studying the relationship between amino acids in patients and tumor progression. Further, a whole-food, plant-based diet has the potential to synergize with cancer therapies that exploit metabolic vulnerabilities.

Trial Registration

The clinical trial was registered withClinicalTrials.govidentifierNCT03045289on 2017-02-07.
Structural insights into HIV-2 CA lattice formation and FG-pocket binding revealed by single particle cryo-EM
Authors: Cook Matthew , Freniere Christian , Wu Chunxiang , Lozano Faith , Xiong Yong
Published: October 2024

One of the most striking features of HIV is the capsid; a fullerene cone comprised of the pleomorphic capsid protein (CA) which shields the viral genome from cellular defense mechanisms and recruits cellular cofactors to the virus. Despite significant advances in understanding the mechanisms of HIV-1 CA assembly and host factor interaction, HIV-2 CA remains poorly understood. By templating the assembly of HIV-2 CA on functionalized liposomes, we were able to determine high resolution structures of the HIV-2 CA lattice, including both CA hexamers and pentamers, alone and in complexes with peptides of host phenylalanine-glycine (FG)-motif proteins Nup153 and CPSF6. While the overall fold and mode of binding the FG-peptides are conserved with HIV-1, this study reveals distinctive structural features that define the HIV-2 CA lattice, potential differences in interactions with other host factors such as CypA, and divergence in the mechanism of formation of hexameric and pentameric CA assemblies. This study extends our understanding of HIV capsids and highlights an approach with significant potential to facilitate the study of lentiviral capsid biology.
Loss of 18q alters TGFβ signalling affecting anteroposterior neuroectodermal fate in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Lei Yingnan , Duong Mai Chi , Krivec Nuša , Janssens Charlotte , Regin Marius , Huyghebaert Anfien , Couvreu de Deckersberg Edouard , Sermon Karen , Delbany Diana Al , Spits Claudia
Published: October 2024

Chromosomal abnormalities acquired during cell culture can compromise the differentiation potential of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). In this work, we identified a diminished differentiation capacity to retinal progenitor cells in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with loss of chromosome 18q. Time-course gene-expression analysis during spontaneous differentiation and single-cell RNA sequencing found that these variant cell lines poorly specified into anterior neuroectoderm, and, when progressing through differentiation, they yielded poorly pigmented cells, with proliferating and pluripotent cell populations. The variant cell lines showed dysregulation of TGFβ signaling during differentiation, and chemical modulation of the TGFβ pathways showed that the basis of the improper specification was due to imbalances in the anteroposterior neuroectodermal fate commitment.
Neural processes linking joint hypermobility and anxiety: Key roles for the amygdala and insular cortex
Authors: Kampoureli Christina N , Rae Charlotte L , Gould Van Praag Cassandra , Harrison Neil A , Garfinkel Sarah N , Critchley Hugo D , Eccles Jessica A
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims

Anxiety symptoms are elevated among people with joint hypermobility. The underlying neural mechanisms are attributed theoretically to effects of variant connective tissue on the precision of interoceptive representations contributing to emotions.

Methods

We used functional magnetic resonance neuroimaging (fMRI) to quantify regional brain responses to emotional stimuli (facial expressions) in patients with generalised anxiety disorder (N=30) and a non-anxious comparison group (N=33). All participants were assessed for joint laxity and were classified (using Brighton Criteria) for the presence and absence of Hypermobility Syndrome (HMS: now considered Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder).

Results

HMS participants showed attenuated neural reactivity to emotional faces in specific frontal (inferior frontal gyrus, pre-supplementary motor area), midline (anterior mid and posterior cingulate cortices), and parietal (precuneus and supramarginal gyrus) regions. Notably, interaction between HMS and anxiety was expressed in reactivity of left amygdala (a region implicated in threat processing) and mid insula (primary interoceptive cortex) where activity was amplified in HMS patients with generalised anxiety disorder. Severity of hypermobility in anxious, compared to non-anxious, individuals correlated with activity within anterior insula (implicated as the neural substrate linking anxious feelings to physiological state). Amygdala-precuneus functional connectivity was stronger in HMS, compared to non-HMS, participants.

Conclusions

The predisposition to anxiety in people with variant connective tissue reflects dynamic interactions between neural centres processing threat (amygdala) and representing bodily state (insular and parietal cortices). Correspondingly, interventions to regulate of amygdala reactivity while enhancing interoceptive precision may have therapeutic benefit for symptomatic hypermobile individuals.
Experimental results of a YBCO bulk superconducting undulator magnetic optimization
Authors: Calvi Marco , Arsenault Alexandre , Liang Xiaoyang , Schmidt Thomas , Dennis Anthony R. , Durrell John H. , Gafa Carlos , Sammut Andrew , Sammut Nicholas , Ainslie Mark D. , Kinjo Ryota , Zhang Kai , Hellmann Sebastian
Published: October 2024

The magnetic field optimization of RE-Ba-Cu-O (REBCO, RE=rare earth) bulk superconducting undulators is a fundamental step toward their implementation in an accelerator driven photon source, like a synchrotron or a free electron laser. In this article, we propose a sorting algorithm to reduce the undulator’s phase error based on the reconstruction of the trapped current inside the bulks of a staggered array undulator. The results obtained with a YBCO short prototype field-cooled down to 10 K in a 10 T magnetic field are reported. Finally, its performance is critically discussed in light of 2D magnetic field maps of its individual components, obtained at LN2 after the magnetization tests.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Deconvolution of light- and heavy-hole contributions to measurements of the temperature-dependent Hall effect in zincblende copper iodide
Authors: Bar Michael S. , Splith Daniel , Chen Yang , Grundmann Marius , von Wenckstern Holger , Rauch Tomáš , Blaurock Steffen , Krautscheid Harald
Published: October 2024

This study presents a detailed experimental investigation of conductivity and Hall effect measurements in copper iodide (CuI), which is complemented by density-functional theory and Boltzmann-transport calculations. We have evaluated the temperature dependence of the transport data of solution-grown bulk single crystals, textured thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition, and additional data published in the literature. The density of compensating donorlike defects is determined from fits comprising ionized-impurity scattering. This is considered for determining acceptor densities and corresponding activation energies. In the course of this investigation, meticulous attention has been paid to the intricate interplay between light-hole and heavy-hole contributions, as well as the experimental values observed in zincblende CuI. This study has yielded two distinct ionization energies for acceptors in unintentionally doped CuI, with values of EI,1=95 meV and EI,2=330 meV, respectively.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Robust theory of thermal activation in magnetic systems with Gilbert damping
Authors: Bocquet Hugo , Derlet Peter M.
Published: October 2024

Magnetic systems can exhibit thermally activated transitions whose timescales are often described by an Arrhenius law. However, robust predictions of such timescales are only available for certain cases. Inspired by the harmonic theory of Langer, we derive a general activation rate for multidimensional spin systems. Assuming local thermal equilibrium in the initial minimum and deriving an expression for the flow of probability density along the unstable dynamical mode at the saddle point, we obtain the expression for the activation rate that is a function of the Gilbert damping parameter, α. We find that this expression remains valid for the physically relevant regime of α≪1. When the activation is characterized by a coherent reorientation of all spins, we gain insight into the prefactor of the Arrhenius law by writing it in terms of spin wave frequencies and, for the case of a finite spin chain, obtain an expression that depends exponentially on the square of the system size indicating a break-down of the Meyer-Neldel rule.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Intrinsic process for upconversion photoluminescence via
K
-momentum–phonon coupling in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Kozawa Daichi , Fujii Shun , Kato Yuichiro K.
Published: October 2024

We investigate the intrinsic microscopic mechanism of photon upconversion in air-suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes through photoluminescence and upconversion photoluminescence spectroscopy. Nearly linear excitation power dependence of upconversion photoluminescence intensity is observed, indicating a one-photon process as the underlying mechanism. In addition, we find a strongly anisotropic response to the excitation polarization, which reflects the intrinsic nature of the upconversion process. In upconversion photoluminescence excitation spectra, three peaks are observed, which are similar to photoluminescence sidebands of the K-momentum dark singlet exciton. The features in the upconversion photoluminescence excitation spectra are well reproduced by our second-order exciton-phonon interaction model, enabling the determination of phonon energies and relative amplitudes. The analysis reveals that the upconversion photoluminescence can be described as a reverse process of the sideband emission linked to the K-momentum phonon modes. The validity of our model is further reinforced by temperature-dependent upconversion photoluminescence excitation measurements reflecting variations in the phonon population. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of the resonant exciton-phonon coupling in pristine carbon nanotubes and present potential for advanced optothermal technologies by engineering the excitation pathways.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exciting hint toward the solution of the neutron lifetime puzzle
Authors: Koch Benjamin , Hummel Felix
Published: October 2024

We revisit the neutron lifetime puzzle, a discrepancy between beam and bottle measurements of the weak neutron decay. Since both types of measurements are realized at different times after the nuclear production of free neutrons, we argue that the existence of excited states could be responsible for the different lifetimes. We elaborate on the required properties of such states and under what circumstances it is possible that these states have not been experimentally identified yet.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Detection of bosenovae with quantum sensors on Earth and in space
Authors: Arakawa Jason , Eby Joshua , Safronova Marianna S. , Takhistov Volodymyr , Zaheer Muhammad H.
Published: October 2024

In a broad class of theories, the accumulation of ultralight dark matter (ULDM) with particles of mass 10−22  eV<mϕ<1  eV leads to the formation of long-lived bound states known as boson stars. When the ULDM exhibits self-interactions, prodigious bursts of energy carried by relativistic bosons are released from collapsing boson stars in bosenova explosions. We extensively explore the potential reach of terrestrial and space-based experiments for detecting transient signatures of emitted relativistic bursts of scalar particles, including ULDM coupled to photons, electrons, and gluons, capturing a wide range of motivated theories. For the scenario of relaxion ULDM, we demonstrate that upcoming experiments and technology such as nuclear clocks as well as space-based interferometers will be able to sensitively probe orders of magnitude in the ULDM coupling-mass parameter space, challenging to study otherwise, by detecting signatures of transient bosenova events. Detection of a bosenova event may also give information about microphysics properties of ϕ that would otherwise be difficult with typical direct detection methods. Our analysis can be readily extended to different scenarios of relativistic scalar particle emission.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Canonical aspects of pregeometric vector-based first order gauge theory
Authors: Gallagher Priidik
Published: October 2024

A recently proposed pregeometric auxiliary vector mediated gauge theory is studied in its canonical domain, by performing the Legendre transform on a curved background and by considering its covariant phase space, with further application to duality. The constraints become differential equations, but the Dirac-Bergmann algorithm appears consistent with electromagnetic degrees of freedom, metric background permitting. Solving the consistency conditions provides a preferred direction in an intermediary form of spontaneous symmetry breaking. In parallel, the covariant phase space defines the symplectic structure, and establishes the conserved currents and quantum phenomenology with the generated background. The formalism immediately allows one to study the parent path integrals of dual theories, with quartic Proca to Kalb-Ramond inequivalence and Maxwell-Chern-Simons path integral consistency as practical applications, while the differential geometry gives a global description of the issue of Yang-Mills duality rotations. Properties of degenerate metric geometry are discussed throughout, and the viability of inherent backgrounds leads into the fundamental question of background independence in all physical theories.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Using deep-learning predictions reveals a large number of register errors in PDB depositions
Authors: Sánchez Rodríguez Filomeno , Simpkin Adam J. , Chojnowski Grzegorz , Keegan Ronan M. , Rigden Daniel J.
Published: October 2024

The accuracy of the information in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) is of great importance for the myriad downstream applications that make use of protein structural information. Despite best efforts, the occasional introduction of errors is inevitable, especially where the experimental data are of limited resolution. A novel protein structure validation approach based on spotting inconsistencies between the residue contacts and distances observed in a structural model and those computationally predicted by methods such as AlphaFold2 has previously been established. It is particularly well suited to the detection of register errors. Importantly, this new approach is orthogonal to traditional methods based on stereochemistry or map–model agreement, and is resolution independent. Here, thousands of likely register errors are identified by scanning 3–5 Å resolution structures in the PDB. Unlike most methods, the application of this approach yields suggested corrections to the register of affected regions, which it is shown, even by limited implementation, lead to improved refinement statistics in the vast majority of cases. A few limitations and confounding factors such as fold-switching proteins are characterized, but this approach is expected to have broad application in spotting potential issues in current accessions and, through its implementation and distribution in CCP4, helping to ensure the accuracy of future depositions.
The Catalan commercial integration with early modern Europe, 1630–1778
Authors: Manera Carles , Perez-Montiel Jose , Ozcelebi Oguzhan , Seguí Andreu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze whether the Barcelona markets integrated with Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the unit root tests with multiple structural breaks under both the null and alternative hypotheses proposed by Carrion-i-Silvestre et al. (2009) and Harvey et al. (2013). These tests are robust to multiple unknown breaks in the series.

Findings

The results suggest that the Barcelona wheat markets integrated with some European cities during the 18th century.

Originality/value

The results are important because they highlight the importance of considering nonlinearities and structural breaks in the series to study market integration with historical perspective. Contrary to the results obtained using conventional unit root tests, when this study applies unit root tests robust to structural breaks in the series, it finds that the law of one price holds in some cases.
Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption: do Generation Z students feel technostress in deploying AI for completing courses of study at universities?
Authors: Routray Rozalin , Khandelwal Komal
Published: October 2024

Purpose

They proposed the necessity of restructuring higher education to provide students and instructors with the skills required for future employment in a world driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The implementation of AI in higher education and its impact on Generation Z students' academic ambitions.

Design/methodology/approach

Higher education plays a vital role in cultivating ethical individuals and professionals on a worldwide scale. The implementation of AI in higher education and its impact on Generation Z students' academic ambitions. This study used qualitative methods to examine the viewpoints of students regarding the influence of AI on higher education. For this study, a cohort of 25 students from Pune city was chosen.

Findings

The results indicate that there is a need to reform higher education in order to prepare students for future jobs in a society driven by AI. They indicated a lack of extensive understanding on the subject and so sought a clear explanation from an AI during their consultation. Based on the results of this study, it is evident that Generation Z students do not experience fear or worry in relation to emerging technology. On the contrary, they embrace multitasking and actively want to acquire new skills to prepare themselves for the future.

Research limitations/implications

This study has limitations; the data were collected from 25 students, and the insights gathered may not represent the whole population. The geographical restriction was that it was restricted only to Pune. Second, educators are equally important and may have different views; therefore, future studies should collect educators’ views.

Originality/value

They proposed restructuring higher education to provide students and instructors with the skills required for future employment in a world driven by AI. Their proposal introduces novel learning goals that prioritize the development of abilities in both information, learning and education through the use of AI. Participants' narratives are evaluated using advanced techniques such as VOSviewer to give in-depth analysis.
Does FinTech adoption impact on sustainability of small businesses: mediating role of financial well-being
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Gupta Munish , Taneja Sanjay
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of FinTech adoption on small business sustainability and to understand how financial well-being acts as a mediator in this relationship. which is essential in fostering business sustainability in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with an initial sample of 500 respondents, and subsequently, a final analysis was performed using a sample size of 321 respondents. Data was collected through a self-administered survey, and the hypothesized model was assessed using the Smart PLS analysis technique.

Findings

The findings revealed significant positive associations between Fintech adoption and small business sustainability, and financial well-being acts as a significant mediator in establishing this relationship. Financial well-being has a positive and significant impact on sustainability, with substantial and positive correlations with their respective elements.

Practical implications

Small businesses will realize the significance of financial well-being in their operations. This realization can motivate them to invest in digital tools such as payment systems and accounting software to streamline their operations and increase their resilience.

Originality/value

The results of this research can serve as a foundational framework for enhancing business sustainability in the Fintech sector, thereby facilitating the financial industry’s efforts to achieve economies of scale globally. Future research can investigate specific aspects, industries or regions deeper to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the study.
A mass customization framework and reclassification method for lower garments in E-commerce
Authors: Lin Ruibing , Lü Xiaoyu , Xu Pinghua , Ge Sumin , He Huazhou
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To enhance the fit, comfort and overall satisfaction of lower body attire for online shoppers, this study introduces a reclassification method of the lower body profiles of young females in complex environments, which is used in the framework of remote clothing mass customization.

Design/methodology/approach

Frontal and lateral photographs were collected from 170 females prior, marked as size M. Employing a salient object detection algorithm suitable for complex backgrounds, precise segmentation of body profiles was achieved while refining the performance through transfer learning techniques. Subsequently, a skeletal detection algorithm was employed to delineate distinct human regions, from which 21 pivotal dimensional metrics were derived. These metrics underwent clustering procedures, thus establishing a systematic framework for categorizing the lower body shapes of young females. Building upon this foundation, a methodology for the body type combination across different body parts was proposed. This approach incorporated a frequency-based filtering mechanism to regulate the enumeration of body type combinations. The automated identification of body types was executed through a support vector machine (SVM) model, achieving an average accuracy exceeding 95% for each defined type.

Findings

Young females prior to being marked as the same lower garment size can be further subdivided based on their lower body types. Participants' torso types were classified into barrel-shaped, hip-convex and fat-accumulation types. Leg profile shapes were categorized into slender-elongated and short-stocky types. The frontal straightness of participants’ legs was classified as X-shaped, I-shaped and O-shaped types, while the leg side straightness was categorized based on the knee hyperextended degree. The number of combinations can be controlled based on the frequency of occurrence of combinations of different body types.

Originality/value

This methodological advancement serves as a robust cornerstone for optimizing clothing sizing and enabling remote clothing mass customization in E-commerce, providing assistance for body type database and clothing size database management as well as strategies for establishing a comprehensive remote customization supply chain and on-demand production model.
Data stewardship: case studies from North American, Dutch and Finnish universities
Authors: Rousi Antti Mikael , Boehm Reid Isaac , Wang Yan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

As national legislation, federated national services, institutional policies and institutional research service arrangements may differ, data stewardship programs may be organized differently in higher education institutions across the world. This work seeks to elaborate the picture of different data stewardship programs running in different institutional and national research environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a case study design, this study described three distinct data stewardship programs from Purdue University (United States), Delft Technical University (Netherlands) and Aalto University (Finland). In addition, this work investigated the institutional and national research environments of the programs. The focus was on initiatives led by academic libraries or similar services.

Findings

This work demonstrates that data stewardship programs may be organized differently within varying national and institutional contexts. The data stewardship programs varied in terms of roles, organization and funding structures. Furthermore, policies and legislation, organizational structures and national infrastructures differed.

Research limitations/implications

The data stewardship programs and their contexts develop, and the descriptions presented in this work should be considered as snapshots.

Originality/value

This work broadens the current literature on data stewardship by not only providing detailed descriptions of three distinct data stewardship programs but also highlighting how research environments may affect their organization. We present a summary of key factors in the organization of data stewardship programs.
The digitalization of the humanitarian supply chain performance management literature and practice
Authors: Jayadi Ester Lisnati
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to review the current research in the digitalization of the humanitarian supply chain performance management (HSCPM) and complement the insights found in the literature with the support of humanitarian organization (HO) reports. As a result, this study also identifies research gaps and directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study first used a systematic literature review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis to collect and review 25 peer-reviewed articles. Second, the study complemented the articles’ findings by collecting and analyzing 12 HO reports.

Findings

The study reveals the common understanding and links between HSCPM concepts and digitalization approaches, determining that the digitalization approaches per se used in the literature are indistinct and fragmented. Furthermore, it reveals the gaps between literature and practice that cause the research to develop slowly. Some suggestions are made to aid relevant future research. Both gaps and research directions are presented in Table 5.

Research limitations/implications

This study first contributed to methodology in reviewing the digitalization of HSCPM research from literature and practical perspectives. There is a need to expand the data collection scope, integrate various analyses and foster collaborations with multi-disciplinary researchers and practitioners.

Social implications

This study highlights the gaps and potential pathways for the research community to conduct future research investigations into the digitalization of HSCPM.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to analyze the HSC’s current research into the application of digitalization in HSCPM from both academic and practical perspectives. It also provides a replicable methodology for future studies.