bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of the estimation of pulmonary-right ventricular uncoupling in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Usuku Hiroki , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Miyazaki Kasumi , Higashi Ryudai , Nozuhara Atsushi , Oike Fumi , Kuyama Naoto , Tabata Noriaki , Ishii Masanobu , Hanatani Shinsuke , Hoshiyama Tadashi , Kanazawa Hisanori , Sueta Daisuke , Arima Yuichiro , Oda Seitaro , Kawano Hiroaki , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Ueda Mitsuharu , Tanaka Yasuhito , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: January 2025

Aims

There are few data on the prognostic impact of pulmonary-right ventricular (RV) uncoupling in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM).

Methods and results

Among the 174 patients who were diagnosed with ATTRwt-CM at Kumamoto University Hospital from 2002 to 2021, 143 patients who met the current Japanese guideline and had sufficient information for two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography were retrospectively analysed. During a median follow-up of 1209 days, 39 cardiac deaths occurred. Compared with patients in the non-event group, those in the cardiac death group were significantly older (79.3 ± 6.7 vs. 76.4 ± 6.2, respectively; P < 0.05). Additionally, RV global longitudinal strain (RV-GLS)/systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), an index of pulmonary-RV uncoupling, was significantly lower in patients in the cardiac death group vs. the non-event group [0.29 (0.18–0.35) vs. 0.40 (0.29–0.57), P < 0.01]. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that RV-GLS/sPAP was significantly associated with cardiac death after adjusting for tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/sPAP (P < 0.01), sPAP (P < 0.05), and conventional prognostic factors including age and hospitalization for heart failure (<0.01), laboratory finding including high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and B-type natriuretic peptide (P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve for RV-GLS/sPAP for cardiac death was 0.72 and that the best cut off value for RV-GLS/sPAP was 0.34 (sensitivity, 76%; specificity, 65%). In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients with ATTRwt-CM who had low vs. high RV-GLS/sPAP (cut-off value 0.34) had a significantly higher probability of cardiac death (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Pulmonary-RV uncoupling has significantly higher prognostic value compared with conventional prognostic factors in ATTRwt-CM.
Association between mobility decline and health literacy in older Japanese adults: Onjuku study
Authors: Asakura Nanako , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Matsuura Yusuke , Hagiwara Shigeo , Hashimoto Eiko , Horii Manato , Inage Kazuhide , Kawarai Yuya , Kimura Seiji , Maki Satoshi , Shiga Yasuhiro , Arima Saburo , Ohtori Seiji
Published: January 2025

Decline in mobility is a global issue that must be addressed in rapidly aging societies. We aimed to clarify the association between locomotive syndrome (LS), a condition of decreased mobility and health literacy (HL) in community-dwelling Japanese adults aged ≥ 40 years. A descriptive survey was conducted in Onjuku Town, Japan, between 2019 and 2023. The participants performed LS risk tests, including the two-step test, stand-up tests and 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale, to assess mobility. They completed the 14-item health literacy scale to quantify the total HL and functional, communicative and critical HL subscales. Other participant characteristics, such as chronic diseases, bodily pain and physical activity, were also surveyed. The association between LS and HL was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for participant characteristics. We analyzed 492 participants with a median age of 71 years. The total HL score decreased as the LS stage increased, with 56, 54 and 51 points in stages 0, 1 and ≥ 2, respectively (p = 0.004). In the logistic regression analysis, a high total HL score was significantly associated with reduced odds of stage ≥ 2 LS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.95; p < 0.001). Furthermore, functional HL score had an independent association with stage ≥ 2 LS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88; p = 0.009). Our results suggest that clinicians should provide HL education in addition to known preventive measures, such as promoting physical activity, as a holistic approach to decreased mobility.
“This house belonged to Mendel Lis”: Poles Requesting Jewish Houses Immediately after the Holocaust
Authors: Weizman Yechiel
Published: January 2025

Offering a microhistorical analysis of the Polish population’s vocabulary and language during the postwar allocation of Jewish real estate to non-Jewish Poles—this article shows how Poles negotiated, conceptualized, understood, and normalized this process. Analyzing the colloquial postwar discourse concerning Jewish houses and closely reading Polish inhabitants’ written requests reveals how Poles used various linguistic patterns to come to terms with the implications of the war, and establish their right to “inherit” their former neighbors’ property. Focusing on one town, the article provides a valuable glimpse into the atmosphere and norms that shaped Polish-Jewish relations from the end of the war to the present day. It also elucidates the ambivalences, unease, and uncertainties expressed in communal debates on the future of Jewish property.
Expression Profile of MicroRNAs in Breast Milk of Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Correlation With Disease Activity and Medical Treatments
Authors: Golan-Gerstl Regina , Ben Ya’acov Ami , Musseri Mirit , Goldenberg Rosi , Chammah Yehudit , Cherki Tal , Reif Shimon , Bar Gil Shitrit Ariella
Published: January 2025

Background

Although most inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) medications are considered safe during pregnancy, their impact on microRNAs (miRNAs) in breast milk is largely unknown. MiRNAs in milk, carried by milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MDEs), are transmitted to the newborn’s gut to regulate genes. Aberrant miRNA expression profiles have been found in IBD within tissue, blood, and feces, but data on mother’s milk are scarce.

Methods

We collected breast milk samples from 32 mothers with Crohn’s disease (CD), 14 mothers with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 44 healthy controls. We analyzed miRNA expression through qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Affymetrix miRNA chips. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using miRATBase. Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism software with Mann–Whitney tests.

Results

Milk-derived extracellular vesicles from mothers with IBD showed altered miRNA profiles compared to controls. Specifically, miR-21 and miR-320 were downregulated, while Let-7a was upregulated in IBD mothers. The expression patterns varied between CD and UC, with significantly lower MiR-21 in UC and higher Let-7a in CD. Additionally, anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment during pregnancy was associated with reduced miR-21 and miR-148a levels in MDEs. Pathway analysis revealed that these miRNAs are involved in immune regulation, particularly interleukin signaling pathways.

Conclusions

This study highlights that miRNAs in breast milk are differentially expressed in mothers with IBD, influenced by the disease and its treatments. These findings emphasize the impact of maternal health on milk composition and potential implications for infant immune development. Understanding these findings may guide personalized treatment strategies for mothers and promote breastfeeding among mothers with IBD.
Beyond MACS: physical properties of extremely X-ray luminous clusters at z > 0.5
Authors: Ebeling H , Richard J , Beauchesne B , Basto Q , Edge A C , Smail I
Published: January 2025

We present a sample of over 100 highly X-ray luminous galaxy clusters ($L_{\rm X, 0.1-2.4\, keV} \sim 10^{45}$ erg s$^{-1}$) at $z\sim 0.5$–0.9, discovered by the extended Massive Cluster Survey (eMACS) in ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS) data. Follow-up observations of a subset at higher resolution and greater depth with the Chandra X-ray Observatory are used to map the gaseous intracluster medium, while strong-gravitational-lensing features identified in Hubble Space Telescope imaging allow us to constrain the total mass distribution. We present evidence of the exceptional gravitational-lensing power of these massive systems, search for substructure along the line of sight by mapping the radial velocities of cluster members obtained through extensive ground-based spectroscopy, and identify dramatic cases of galaxy evolution in high-density cluster environments. The available observations of the eMACS sample presented here provide a wealth of insights into the properties of very massive clusters ($M_{200}\sim 10^{15}$ M$_\odot$) at $z\gt 0.5$, which act as powerful lenses to study galaxies in the very distant Universe. We also provide first assessments of the evolutionary state, galaxy populations, and large-scale environment of eMACS clusters and release to the community the cluster sample and supporting spectroscopic catalogues to further the understanding of the first generation of truly massive clusters to have formed in the Universe.
Association of classroom-level stressors with psychological distress in teachers
Authors: Titheradge D , Albajara Sáenz A , Hayes R , Ukoumunne O C , Ford T
Published: January 2025

Background

Poor mental health is highly prevalent among schoolteachers. Different occupational, contextual and personal factors have been identified as sources of their psychological distress.

Aims

To explore the association of classroom-level variables with teachers’ mental health over the course of an academic year.

Methods

This study included 80 primary schoolteachers and 2075 pupils from the STARS trial conducted in England, which explored the impact of the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management programme. Linear regression models examined the relationships between classroom-level predictor variables and teachers’ psychological distress, as measured by the Everyday Feeling Questionnaire, at 1 and 9 months into the school year. Predictor variables included classroom size and demographic composition, amount of teaching assistant support, and pupils’ mental health, as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Pupil Behaviour Questionnaire. Analyses were adjusted for teacher length of service and trial arm status.

Results

One month into the school year, fully adjusted analyses showed that having a classroom with a higher proportion of male pupils was associated with worse teacher mental health. None of the classroom-level stressors were associated with teacher mental health at 9 months.

Conclusions

Classroom gender balance was associated with teacher’s mental health at the beginning but not at the end of the academic year. It is important to consider classroom-level variables when developing interventions and policies for teacher mental health.
Scenarios for the emergence of new microRNA genes in the plant Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Pavan Flavia , Lacoste Eléanore , Castric Vincent , Legrand Sylvain
Published: January 2025

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are central players in the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. The repertoires of miRNA genes vary drastically even among closely related species, indicating that they are evolutionarily labile. However, the processes by which they originate over the course of evolution and the nature of their progenitors across the genome remain poorly understood. Here, we analyzed miRNA genes in Arabidopsis halleri, a plant species where we recently documented a large number of species-specific miRNA genes, likely to represent recent events of emergence. Analysis of sequence homology across the genome indicates that a diversity of sources contributes to the emergence of new miRNA genes, including inverted duplications from protein-coding genes, rearrangements of transposable element (TE) sequences, and duplications of preexisting miRNA genes. Our observations indicate that the origin from protein-coding genes was less common than was previously considered. In contrast, we estimate that almost half of the new miRNA genes likely emerged from TEs. Miniature inverted-repeat TEs (MITEs) seem to be particularly important contributors to new miRNA genes, with the Harbinger and Mariner TE superfamilies representing disproportionate sources for their emergence. We further analyzed the recent expansion of a miRNA family derived from MuDR elements and the duplication of miRNA genes formed by two hAT transposons. Overall, our results illustrate the rapid pace at which new regulatory elements can arise from the modification of preexisting sequences in a genome and highlight the central role of certain categories of TEs in this process.
Spirituality among People Who Are Transgender: A Nationally Representative Examination and Comparison with Members of the Public
Authors: Hodge David R
Published: January 2025

Spiritual practices are important strengths for many members of the general public, but little is known about practices among transgender people. To address this gap in the literature, this study investigated the frequency with which self-identified transgender adults participate in a diverse array of spiritual practices and compared their level of participation with that of members of the general population. To conduct this nationally representative study, data were abstracted from the National Religion and Spirituality Survey 2020. Frequencies are reported for 17 spiritual practices, and logistic regression was used to determine differences in participation. The results indicate transgender adults participate in spiritual practices at levels equal to, or greater than, that of other adults. Transgender adults were significantly more likely than other adults to participate in 10 spiritual practices: yoga, meditation, tarot cards/fortune telling, fasting, attending other spiritual/religious groups, art, being in nature, writing, acts of protest, and teaching in a spiritual/religious setting. With one exception, moderate to large effects were observed across all 10 spiritual practices. The results highlight the importance of administering spiritual assessments with transgender clients to identify potential spiritual practices that might be operationalized to assist clients cope with or ameliorate problems.
Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Juanbilijieqing fang in ameliorating gouty arthritis in a murine model
Authors: Zhou Biao , Li Wei , Luo Zhiqiang , Zhu Liguo , Yu Jie , Guo Yuxing , Li Wangyang , Xiong Hui , Lu Xiaolong
Published: January 2025

This study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of Juanbilijieqing Fang in a mouse model of gouty arthritis. C57BL/6 mice were allocated into six groups: control, gouty arthritis model, and treatment groups receiving varying doses of Juanbilijieqing Fang (low, medium, high), along with a positive control group treated with febuxostat. Gouty arthritis was induced via MSU crystal injection following a high-fat diet. Mice were treated with Juanbilijieqing Fang or febuxostat, and safety was evaluated by measuring spleen, kidney, and liver indices. Efficacy was assessed by monitoring foot thickness, pain threshold, and biochemical markers, including serum uric acid (UA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), xanthine oxidase (XOD), and adenosine deaminase (ADA). Serum pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed, and intestinal inflammation and barrier integrity were examined through histological and molecular assays. Juanbilijieqing Fang did not significantly affect spleen, kidney, or liver indices, indicating its safety. Therapeutically, it significantly reduced foot swelling, improved pain threshold, and decreased serum uric acid levels. It also lowered MPO activity in foot tissue and reduced XOD and ADA activity in the liver. Additionally, the formula downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, demonstrating a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It ameliorated gut inflammation by decreasing NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1) and enhanced gut mucosal integrity by upregulating ZO-1 and Occludin expression. Juanbilijieqing Fang is a safe and effective treatment for gouty arthritis, primarily through reducing systemic and intestinal inflammation and restoring gut barrier function.
Orthokids Precise De-rotation Jig for Rotational Osteotomies of Humerus
Authors: Shah Maulin , James Joyance , Rubaiath Tashfin , Vijay Preksha
Published: January 2025

Humerus de-rotational osteotomies are one of the commonly done salvage procedures in children with residual brachial plexus birth injuries. Conventionally, the degree of angular correction was measured clinically intraoperatively by the ability to reach the occiput and the belly or it can be measured by putting reference k-wires at the appropriate angles. However, accurate angular correction is essential to success, as under-correction may lead to parental dissatisfaction﻿ and over-correction may lead to loss of mid-line function. The ‘Orthokids Precise De-rotation Jig’ (Nebula Surgical, Rajkot, INDIA) allows the exact measurement of the rotational correction required, which will lead to improved clinical outcomes. This accurate measurement mitigates the risk of errors due to parallax or eyeballing. The jig is handy, radio-opaque, autoclavable, and can be used without extensive dissection than what is required for the plate fixation.
Heterotopic ossification: Current developments and emerging potential therapies
Authors: Bei Mingjian , Cao Qiyong , Zhao Chunpeng , Xiao Yaping , Chen Yimin , Xiao Honghu , Sun Xu , Tian Faming , Yang Minghui , Wu Xinbao
Published: January 2025

This review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the etiology, epidemiology, pathology, and conventional treatment of heterotopic ossification (HO), especially emerging potential therapies. HO is the process of ectopic bone formation at non-skeletal sites. HO can be subdivided into two major forms, acquired and hereditary, with acquired HO predominating. Hereditary HO is a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder, but both acquired and hereditary form can cause severe complications, such as peripheral nerve entrapment, pressure ulcers, and disability if joint ankylosis develops, which heavily contributes to a reduced quality of life. Modalities have been proposed to treat HO, but none have emerged as the gold standard. Surgical excision remains the only effective modality; however, the optimal timing is controversial and may cause HO recurrence. Recently, potential therapeutic strategies have emerged that focus on the signaling pathways involved in HO, and small molecule inhibitors have been shown to be promising. Moreover, additional specific targets, such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and non-coding RNAs, could be used to effectively block HO or develop combinatorial therapies for HO.
Gland- and cell-level heterogeneity in the prostate: A narrative review of related diseases
Authors: Wang Gang , Lv Cai , Liu Zhenxiang , Huang Mengxing , Zhang Yu , Chen Jing , Hu Jinyue , Jin Yiling , Bai Zhiming
Published: January 2025

Because of the anatomical characteristics of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often occurs in the transition zone, whereas prostate cancer (PCa) tends to occur in the peripheral zone. This distribution characteristic indicates that the prostate gland has cell type and distribution heterogeneity. However, the current research cannot answer these questions precisely. As research has progressed, the significance of many newly discovered cell types for the treatment of BPH and PCa has sparked widespread concern. Prostate heterogeneity is closely associated with gland development and formation and the regional distribution of the disease. Prostate heterogeneity can be observed at the gland and cell levels and determines disease distribution, presentation, and characteristics, including changes in the microenvironments of BPH and PCa. Cell population interactions promote disease onset and development single-cell sequencing techniques may help elucidate specific cell types and gene expression patterns in different prostate zones. The stem cell characteristics of club/hillock cells and the inflammatory environment induced by immune cells offer alternative interpretations of the pathogenic mechanisms of BPH and PCa, and molecular omics studies can help identify novel avenues for treatment development.
Efficacy of the Direct Anterior Chamber Air Replacement Method During Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Ishikawa Sho , Maruyama Takafumi , Shinoda Kei
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

This study aimed to describe a novel technique of direct anterior chamber (AC) air replacement (DACAR) for the management of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in postvitrectomized eyes and eyes with previous glaucoma surgery.

Methods:

DACAR was performed after a corneal donor graft was transplanted through a wound using the pull-through technique. DACAR involves stabilizing the graft with forceps while introducing air into the AC via an infusion cannula to ensure complete air exchange. The air was maintained in the AC at all times using a vitrectomy machine. The air pressure was maintained at 30 mm Hg for 15 minutes.

Results:

The DACAR technique was performed in 34 patients, and conventional pull-through technique DSAEK was performed in 32 high-risk patients. The DACAR group had shorter DSAEK surgical procedures (P = 0.009) and a lower incidence of corneal graft detachment in the early postoperative period (P < 0.001) than the conventional DSAEK group.

Conclusions:

DACAR is performed in patients having previously undergone vitrectomy or glaucoma surgery to prevent corneal graft detachment during the early postoperative period and to reduce the length of surgery.
Decreasing Hospital-acquired Pressure Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 5-step Quality Improvement Approach
Authors: Nuseir Deema , Sinno Maya , Wilson Mary-Agnes , Hacker Teper Matthew , Karasev Dmitry , Christian Shachi , Zimmerman Kate , Bakun Victoria , Linetska Natalya , Persaud Khem , Zhang Liandi , Li Crystal , Koo Lai Yi , Lefave Deborah , Stewart Heather , Taher Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background:

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are common adverse events with large burdens on patients and health systems. In 2020, during the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of admitted patients with HAPIs of stage II and above in our health system rose from 2.92% to 3.80%. In response to rising HAPI rates across our own hospital system, we established a quality aim to reduce HAPIs stage II and above by 50% over 3 years from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

We designed a multidisciplinary quality improvement HAPI prevention program. Our initiative had 5 key aspects: fostering governance and accountability, providing education and training, changing clinical practice, monitoring data and evaluation, and modernizing environments and equipment.

Results:

HAPI rate (outcome measure) declined from 3.8% at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to 1.6% (58% reduction, P<0.00001) postintervention. Braden Risk Assessment Tool use (process measure) improved from 88.2% to 92.2%. (P=0.00024). Rate of patient falls with injuries (balancing measure) decreased from 1.5 per 1000 patient days to 1.0 per 1000 patient days (P=0.0009).

Conclusions:

Despite working during the COVID-19 pandemic where organizational resources were constrained and infection control practices were heightened, a multidisciplinary QI HAPI prevention program, informed by evidence-based practices and supported by access to real-time data, led to an ∼58% reduction in the HAPI rate.
Use of ChatGPT to Generate Informed Consent for Surgery in Urogynecology
Authors: Johnson Emily S. , Welch Eva K. , Kikuchi Jacqueline , Barbier Heather , Vaccaro Christine M. , Balzano Felicia , Dengler Katherine L.
Published: January 2025

Importance

Use of the publicly available Large Language Model, Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT 3.5; OpenAI, 2022), is growing in health care despite varying accuracies.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and readability of ChatGPT's responses to questions encompassing surgical informed consent in urogynecology.

Study Design

Five fellowship-trained urogynecology attending physicians and 1 reconstructive female urologist evaluated ChatGPT's responses to questions about 4 surgical procedures: (1) retropubic midurethral sling, (2) total vaginal hysterectomy, (3) uterosacral ligament suspension, and (4) sacrocolpopexy. Questions involved procedure descriptions, risks/benefits/alternatives, and additional resources. Responses were rated using the DISCERN tool, a 4-point accuracy scale, and the Flesch-Kinkaid Grade Level score.

Results

The median DISCERN tool overall rating was 3 (interquartile range [IQR], 3–4), indicating a moderate rating (“potentially important but not serious shortcomings”). Retropubic midurethral sling received the highest overall score (median, 4; IQR, 3–4), and uterosacral ligament suspension received the lowest (median, 3; IQR, 3–3). Using the 4-point accuracy scale, 44.0% of responses received a score of 4 (“correct and adequate”), 22.6% received a score of 3 (“correct but insufficient”), 29.8% received a score of 2 (“accurate and misleading information together”), and 3.6% received a score of 1 (“wrong or irrelevant answer”). ChatGPT performance was poor for discussion of benefits and alternatives for all surgical procedures, with some responses being inaccurate. The mean Flesch-Kinkaid Grade Level score for all responses was 17.5 (SD, 2.1), corresponding to a postgraduate reading level.

Conclusions

Overall, ChatGPT generated accurate responses to questions about surgical informed consent. However, it produced clearly false portions of responses, highlighting the need for a careful review of responses by qualified health care professionals.
Breeding of microbiomes conferring salt tolerance to plants
Authors: Pereira Caio Guilherme , Edwards Joseph A. , Khasanova Albina , Carlson Alexis L. , Brisson Vanessa , Schaefer Estelle , Glavina del Rio Tijana , Tringe Susannah , Vogel John P. , Des Marais David L. , Juenger Thomas E. , Mueller Ulrich G.
Published: January 2025

Microbiome breeding by host-mediated selection is a technique to artificially select for microbiomes conferring benefits to plants. Here, we describe leaf ionomics, microbial community composition, and network analyses of a microbiome-breeding experiment to generate microbiomes conferring salt tolerance to Brachypodium distachyon, a model for cereal crops. Plants receiving microbiomes selected to confer tolerance to either sodium- or aluminium-stress produced 69-198% higher total seed weight than plants receiving control microbiomes. Sodium-selected microbiomes reduced leaf-sodium concentration by 50%, whereas aluminium-selected microbiomes had no effect on leaf-tissue nutrient concentration, suggesting different mechanisms underlying microbiome-mediated salt tolerance. By testing these selected microbiomes in a cross-fostering experiment, we show that artificially-selected microbiomes attain (a) ecological robustness contributing to transplantability (inheritance) of microbiome-encoded effects between plants; and (b) network features identifying key bacteria promoting stress tolerance. Combined, these findings elucidate critical mechanisms underlying host-mediated selection as a tool to breed beneficial microbiomes in an agricultural context.
Social isolation during adolescence differentially affects spatial learning in adult male and female mice
Authors: Hanif Sadiyah , Sclar Mia , Lee Jinah , Nichols Caleb , Likhtik Ekaterina , Burghardt Nesha S.
Published: January 2025

Social isolation is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to these effects, because they are in a critical period of development marked by significant physical, hormonal, and social changes. However, it is unclear if the effects of social isolation on learning and memory are similar in both sexes or if they persist into adulthood after a period of recovery. We socially isolated male and female 129Sv/Ev mice throughout adolescence (postnatal days 29–56), provided a 2-week resocialization recovery period, and then tested spatial learning and cognitive flexibility in the active place avoidance task. After behavioral testing, mice were injected with 5′-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) so that lasting effects of social isolation on cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus could be examined. Tissue was also stained for doublecortin (DCX). We found that in males, isolation led to a modest impairment in the rate of initial spatial learning, whereas in females, initial learning was unaffected. However, when the location of the shock zone was switched during the conflict variant of the task, cognitive flexibility was impaired in females only. Similarly, social isolation reduced cell proliferation and the number of immature neurons in the ventral dentate gyrus only in females. Together, these findings indicate that social isolation during adolescence differentially impairs spatial processing in males and females, with effects that persist into adulthood.
Quadrupole wiggler for a collinear wakefield accelerator
Authors: Qian M. , Kasa M. , Xu J. , Doran S. , Lee S. , Sorsher S. , Strelnikov N. , Trakhtenberg E. , Zholents A.
Published: January 2025

A quadrupole wiggler consisting of a row of alternating-polarity permanent magnet-excited quadrupoles is used in a collinear wakefield accelerator under development at Argonne National Laboratory. Fine translational and angular adjustment mechanisms are implemented in all quadrupoles to obtain a better than 1−μm precision in the alignment of quadrupole wiggler assemblies. The quadrupole’s magnetic and mechanical designs are described. Two wiggler prototypes were fabricated, aligned, and characterized performing pulsed wire magnetic measurements. The sensitivity of the quadrupole wiggler alignment to the ambient temperature was measured.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Low leakage current in heteroepitaxial
Al0.7Sc0.3N
ferroelectric films on
GaN
Authors: Yazawa Keisuke , Evans Charles , Dickey Elizabeth C. , Tellekamp M. Brooks , Brennecka Geoff L. , Zakutayev Andriy
Published: January 2025

Wurtzite (Al,Sc)N ferroelectrics are attractive for microelectronics applications due to their chemical and structural compatibility with wurtzite semiconductors, such as GaN and (Al,Ga)N. However, the leakage current in epitaxial stacks reported to date should be reduced for reliable device operation. Here, we demonstrate low leakage current in epitaxial Al0.7Sc0.3N films on GaN with well-saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loops that are orders of magnitude lower (i.e., 0.07 A cm−2) than previously reported films (1–19 A cm−2) having similar or better structural characteristics. We also show that, for these high-quality epitaxial (Al,Sc)N films, structural quality (edge and screw dislocations), as measured by diffraction techniques, is not the dominant contributor to leakage. Instead, the small leakage in our films is limited by thermionic emission across the interfaces, which is distinct from the large leakage due to trap-mediated bulk transport in the previously reported (Al,Sc)N films. To support this conclusion, we show that Al0.7Sc0.3N on lattice-matched In0.18Ga0.82N buffers with improved structural characteristics but higher interface roughness exhibit increased leakage characteristics. This demonstration of low leakage current in heteroepitaxial (Al,Sc)N films and understanding of the importance of interface barrier and surface roughness can guide further efforts toward improving the reliability of wurtzite ferroelectric devices.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Examining the relationship between human resource management practices and employee creativity: the mediating role of organizational learning capability
Authors: Otoo Frank Nana Kweku , Adjei Junior Prince Nti , Agyeman George Aboagye , Bekoe Regina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Learning capability improves knowledge resources fosters innovative capabilities and firm competitiveness. The study aims to examine the human resource management (HRM) practice and employee creativity relationship using organizational learning capability (OLC) as a mediating variable.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 67 small-sized and 96 medium-sized firms. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to establish construct validity and reliability. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the proposed model and hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that performance appraisal and employee creativity were positively related. Employee participation and employee creativity were positively related. Compensation and employee creativity were nonsignificantly related. OLC mediates the performance appraisal and employee creativity relationship. Similarly, OLC mediates the employee participation and employee creativity relationship. However, OLC did not mediate the compensation and employee creativity relationship.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the research’s SME focus and cross-sectional data, the finding’s generalizability will be constrained.

Practical implications

The findings of the study would be useful to policymakers, stakeholders and management of SMEs in developing a supportive learning climate that promotes experiential and continuous learning cultures to ensure strategic capabilities, sustainable competitive advantage and innovativeness.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the extant literature on OLC, HRM practices and employee creativity by empirically evidencing that OLC mediates the performance appraisal, employee participation and employee creativity relationship.
Incorporating safety signs in risk evaluation for tourist-construction interactions in a scenic area renovation project
Authors: Zhang Mingchen , Liu Lianjie
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to enhance the safety and comfort of tourists in scenic areas undergoing renovation and transformation by developing a comprehensive safety assessment model that takes into account both internal and external factors affecting tourist and construction safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs a multi-level tourist-construction interaction safety assessment index system, which is constructed through a deep analysis of factors such as the construction environment, tourist behavior and safety signs. The study utilizes game theory in conjunction with three main objective and subjective weight distribution methods to determine the weights of the index system, ensuring the objectivity and effectiveness of the assessment results. The cloud model and cloud generator are applied for the language transformation of the indicators, leading to a comprehensive assessment of construction safety.

Findings

The survey results indicate that the safety risks of the case project are relatively high, with limited impact of time segments on safety risks, and the risk level during weekends is slightly higher than on weekdays, but the difference is not significant. Among the reviewed influencing factors, compliance with safety signs and the proportion of people crossing construction areas are the factors with the highest risk level, representing a large number of tourists ignoring safety guidance and forcibly crossing construction areas, facing construction dangers, posing a great challenge to safety management.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel methodological approach to safety risk assessment in similar environments, contributing to the field by improving the systematicness and scientific nature of safety management. It provides a scientific assessment tool for the safety management of tourists in scenic area renovation projects, aiming to achieve the dual objectives of tourist safety and construction efficiency.
Learning from career preparedness: examining the influence of person–environment fit on decent work expectations
Authors: Kou Qi , Mohd Rasdi Roziah
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of person–environment fit on decent work expectations and the mediating role of career preparedness in the relationship between person–environment fit and decent work expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling analysis was used to examine the relationships based on 356 economically disadvantaged college students (Mage = 20.3 years, SD = 1.27, 71.9% female) from several Chinese universities.

Findings

The result confirmed that person–environment fit significantly influenced decent work expectations directly and indirectly through career preparedness. A new contextual support (i.e. person–environment fit) was identified on decent work outcome expectations and the learning mechanism underlying the effect of this predictor.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to the literature by addressing the gaps within the social cognitive model of career self-management, specifically by exploring the under-researched role of person–environment fit as a key antecedent of decent work expectations. By doing so, it expands the understanding of how alignment between individual attributes and work environments influences career outcomes. Additionally, the study establishes a comprehensive framework that integrates person–environment fit, career preparedness and decent work expectations, providing a novel perspective for future research and practical applications in career development.
Entrepreneurial networking and sustainability of women-owned micro-enterprise performance: the mediating role of self-organization and entrepreneurial learning behaviors
Authors: Mayanja Samuel Ssekajja , Mutebi Henry , Isingoma Juliet Wakaisuka
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study examines the mediating role of self-organization and entrepreneurial learning behaviors in the relationship between entrepreneurial networking and sustainability of women owned micro-enterprise performance.

Design/methodology/approach

We tested our model based on a sample of 518 women-owned micro-enterprises in Eastern Uganda using ordinary partial least squares regression through Smart PLS version 3.3.3.

Findings

The results show a direct relationship between entrepreneurial networking, entrepreneurial learning behavior, self-organization and sustainability of women owned micro-enterprise performance. In addition, self-organization mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial networking, entrepreneurial learning behavior and sustainability of women owned micro-enterprise performance. Furthermore, entrepreneurial learning behavior mediates the relationship between self-organization and sustainability of women owned micro-enterprise performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study was cross-sectional; it is possible that the views held by individuals may change over the years.

Originality/value

This research contributes to gender-based sustainability of micro-enterprise performance by empirically testing the anecdotal and conceptual evidence.
Halal service quality: systematic review, conceptual model and future research
Authors: Noor Nurhafihz
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Service quality is an established research area in the services marketing literature and is an integral component in an Islamic economy driven by halal service sectors. Despite its importance and the rapidly changing service environment, there has yet to be a comprehensive study of service quality research across halal industries. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the existing literature on service quality in halal industries to provide a state-of-the-art understanding and identify opportunities in this research area.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol and the theories, contexts, characteristics and methods (TCCM) framework, this paper reviews 78 journal articles from the Web of Science database which features service quality as an underpinning theory in the context of halal economies.

Findings

Findings indicate that since the first study in 2010, service quality research in halal industries has concentrated on consumers in the Islamic finance sector who are served primarily by human service agents. Most studies are focused on halal industries in Muslim countries. Several papers adopt the SERVQUAL model while others develop more novel service quality scales for halal industries. Culture, technology and faith-related factors are key drivers of halal service quality. While few papers study the antecedents and moderators of service quality in halal industries, religiosity was found to be a significant variable in several papers reviewed.

Practical implications

The global Islamic economy will continue to be driven by halal services. This review will provide managers with an appreciation of service quality across different halal industries. Researchers can use the results of this review to guide future studies and contribute toward the development of this research area.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first to comprehensively map the antecedents, dimensions, outcomes and moderators of service quality across halal industries and provides managers with a strategic understanding of service quality across the halal economy. This study develops a conceptual model and concludes with a research agenda to advance halal service quality research.
Mapping theory onto a pilot program intervention and evaluation: successes and failures
Authors: Harris Jessica , Carins Julia , Isbanner Sebastian , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to document the success and failures of applying Social Cognitive Theory to increase breakfast consumption in a military setting. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, delivering performance and health benefits. Increasing rates of breakfast consumption may be improved through the application of theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Ready to Go, a theory-informed intervention, was piloted in 2022 in one army base in Australia. Ready to Go aimed to embed nine social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs within the pilot programme. Nine SCT indicators were tested using a pre–post design to test whether the theory could be applied to understand potential drivers of behavioural change. A total of 79 participants completed the pre-survey and 74 participants completed the post-survey.

Findings

Statistically significant differences were observed for one SCT construct, namely, knowledge, with 10 out of 24 knowledge items improving during the pilot intervention and an increase in rates of breakfast eating on Wednesdays at home was observed. Rates of breakfast eating increased by 13% (from 68% prior to Ready to Go compared to 81% afterwards). Programme participants were satisfied with the programme and reported receiving benefits from programme participation.

Research limitations/implications

Programme data indicates that breakfast eating rates increased and knowledge about healthy eating improved. This paper documents the successes and failures of applying SCT to a pilot programme that aimed to increase breakfast eating rates. This study raises more questions than answers, providing a rich avenue for future research that aims to improve theory application.

Originality/value

The programme used SCT. As far as the authors know, this application of a full reciprocal triad model for breakfast frequency within an institutional setting is novel. Although the theory showed promise for increasing breakfast frequency, adaptation and refinement of the measures may be required for this context to provide more accurate and applicable measurement.
Collaboration between facilities management and construction sectors in asset maintenance management in the UAE
Authors: Mawed Mahmoud , Alshakhshir Fadi , Al-hajj Assem
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The continuous evolution of the UAE necessitates adapting to the dynamic nature of facilities management (FM) and construction sectors. Therefore, this study explores the current asset maintenance management (AMM) practices and FM teams' roles in the early stages of planning.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty semi-structured interviews with 13 FM experts and 7 construction professionals (consultants, managers, directors, engineers) in the UAE were conducted. Data were analyzed thematically and validated by the triangulation method.

Findings

The study unveiled a disconnection between the FM and construction sectors in the UAE, unlike the global markets. Interviewees highlighted several areas that could benefit from improved collaboration between these sectors, including data transfer, space planning, design review, sustainability practices and energy savings, maintainability, defects liability period (DLP) and lifecycle cost (LCC) and budget estimation and feasibility. Additionally, the most frequently reported barriers to the collaborative approach were the immaturity of FM in comparison to the construction sector (60%) and the lack of awareness of technology (50%). Raising awareness on the importance of early FM involvement was voted the most as a solution to the barriers identified (70%). Interviewees further emphasized the crucial role of building information modeling (BIM) in fostering this collaboration.

Originality/value

The study’s originality lies in its focus on the UAE’s regional context and the use of qualitative insights from experts to understand the nuanced interactions between FM and construction, providing an in-depth analysis of local collaborative practices.
A Du Boisian Sociological Imagination: The Black Radical Tradition, Marxism and Du Boisian Sociology
Authors: Itzigsohn José
Published: January 2025

W. E. B. Du Bois is finally recognized as one of the founders of sociology, a social theorist, and a methodological innovator. The recognition of Du Bois' work is accompanied by the emergence of a contemporary Du Boisian sociology. This sociology takes inspiration from the work of Du Bois, but it does not limit itself to his work. It aims to bring into sociology the work of scholars that so far have been confined to the margins of the discipline, among them, Franz Fanon and Stuart Hall. Yet, as Du Bois work gets increasing visibility, important debates emerge. One of these debates concerns Du Bois' relation to Marxism, and the relationship between Du Boisian sociology to Marxist sociology. Marxist sociologists argue that Du Bois' late work, as well as the work of Franz Fanon and Stuart Hall, belongs in the Marxist tradition. In this essay I argue that while Du Bois, Fanon, and Hall were sympathetic to Marxism, their work cannot be encapsulated within the Marxist tradition. The question of the human was central to their thought. Moreover, for them colonialism and racism structure identity, lived experience and politics under capitalism in ways that are not reducible to class and class conflict. The Marxist appropriation of their work diminishes its originality and precludes the discipline from questioning the coloniality of its historical silences and its epistemic limits.