bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laser-driven ion and electron acceleration from near-critical density gas targets: Towards high-repetition rate operation in the 1 PW, sub-100 fs laser interaction regime
Authors: Ospina-Bohórquez V. , Salgado-López C. , Ehret M. , Malko S. , Salvadori M. , Pisarczyk T. , Chodukowski T. , Rusiniak Z. , Krupka M. , Guillon P. , Lendrin M. , Pérez-Callejo G. , Vlachos C. , Hannachi F. , Tarisien M. , Consoli F. , Verona C. , Prestopino G. , Dostal J. , Dudzak R. , Henares J. L. , Apiñaniz J. I. , De Luis D. , Debayle A. , Caron J. , Ceccotti T. , Hernández-Martín R. , Hernández-Toro J. , Huault M. , Martín-López A. , Méndez C. , Nguyen-Bui T.-H. , Perez-Hernández J. A. , Vaisseau X. , Varela O. , Volpe L. , Gremillet L. , Santos J. J.
Published: June 2024

Ion acceleration from gaseous targets driven by relativistic-intensity lasers was demonstrated as early as the late 1990s, yet most of the experiments conducted to date have involved picosecond-duration, Nd:glass lasers operating at low repetition rate. Here, we present measurements on the interaction of ultraintense (≈1020Wcm−2, 1 PW), ultrashort (≈70fs) Ti:Sa laser pulses with near-critical (≈1020cm−3) helium gas jets, a debris-free targetry with the potential for future compatibility with high (≈1 Hz) repetition rate operation. We provide evidence of α particles being forward accelerated up to ≈2.7−MeV energy with a total flux of ≈1011sr−1 as integrated over >0.1−MeV energies and detected within a 0.5−mrad solid angle. We also report on on-axis emission of relativistic electrons with an exponentially decaying spectrum characterized by a

≈

10

−

MeV

slope, i.e., five times larger than the standard ponderomotive scaling. The total charge of these electrons with energy above 2 MeV is estimated to be of ≈1nC, corresponding to ≈0.1% of the laser drive energy. In addition, we observe the formation of a plasma channel, extending longitudinally across the gas density maximum and expanding radially with time. These results are well captured by large-scale particle-in-cell simulations, which reveal that the detected fast ions most likely originate from reflection off the rapidly expanding channel walls. The latter process is predicted to yield ion energies in the MeV range, which compare well with the measurements. Finally, direct laser acceleration is shown to be the dominant mechanism behind the observed electron energization.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fractonic quantum quench in dipole-constrained bosons
Authors: Oh Yun-Tak , Han Jung Hoon , Lee Hyun-Yong
Published: June 2024

We investigate the quench dynamics in the dipolar Bose-Hubbard model (DBHM) in one dimension. The boson hopping is constrained by dipole conservation and shows fractonic dynamics. The ground states at large Hubbard interaction U are Mott insulators at integer filling and a period-2 charge density wave (CDW) at half-integer filling. We focus on Mott-to-Mott and CDW-to-CDW quenches and find that dipole correlation spreading shows the light-cone behavior with the Lieb-Robinson (LR) velocity proportional to the dipole kinetic energy J and the square of the density in the case of Mott quench at integer filling. An effective model for postquench dynamics is constructed under the dilute-dipole approximation and fits the numerical results well. For the CDW quench, we observe a much reduced LR velocity of order J2/U and additional periodic features in the time direction. The emergence of a CDW ground state and the reduced LR velocity at half-integer filling can both be understood by careful application of the second-order perturbation theory. The oscillatory behavior arises from quantum scars in the quadrupole sector of the spectrum and is captured by a PXP-like model that we derive by projecting the DBHM to the quadrupolar sector of the Hilbert space.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Breaking stereotypes: investigating the dynamics of male celebrity endorsements in China’s cosmetic industry
Authors: Yu Kaidong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Male celebrities are increasingly being chosen to endorse female cosmetic brands by marketing managers, yet this practice has not received sufficient scholarly attention. This study aims to explore the dynamics of male celebrities endorsing cosmetic brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the netnography approach to collect data from an online community.

Findings

The study contributes to the marketing literature by providing a conceptual framework of male celebrities endorsing cosmetic brands, highlighting the key attributes that contribute to the effectiveness of these endorsements, the evolution of relationships between fans, celebrities and brands, the features of this dynamic relationship and the influence of male celebrity endorsements on fans’ purchase decisions.

Originality/value

This research sheds light on an emerging trend in the marketing industry and provides valuable managerial insights for marketers seeking to effectively use male celebrity endorsements to promote female cosmetic brands.
Is it your neighbors or the neighborhood making you sick? Lifestyle, built environment, and COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Turnbull Geoffrey K. , Salvino Robert , Njoroge Phillip K. , Batabyal Sourav
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the early pandemic experience in a large metropolitan area to differentiate the roles of the lifestyle and built environment factors associated with differing case rates across neighborhoods.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a simple empirical methodology for sorting out the separate effects of lifestyle and the built environment factors along with their interactive effects when individuals’ behaviors not only reflect their observable characteristics but also are influenced by the physical environments in which they live and work, indirect connections implied by the early insights of Jacobs (1961) and more recently Hawley and Turnbull (2019).

Findings

The results demonstrate that lifestyle factors tied to employment show the strongest association with COVID-19 cases. Other lifestyle choices, built environment features, and demographic attributes such as household size, principal cities, highway connectivity, and population density also affect COVID-19 transmission at the onset of the disease outbreak. The analysis reveals a surprising spatial pattern; employment-related lifestyle factors on case rates in outlying neighborhoods are stronger than in neighborhoods within primary cities after accounting for various built environment factors.

Originality/value

This research addresses important questions and the perplexing outcomes related to lifestyle and the built environment’s multi-faceted role in spreading COVID-19. In addition, this study represents a pioneering effort in disentangling the pure lifestyle effect on virus transmission after eliminating potentially confounding impacts of built environment factors on household behavior that in turn influence virus transmission.
The role of digital payments in overspending behavior: a mental accounting perspective
Authors: Shah Mohay Ud Din , Khan Ikram Ullah , Khan Naimat U.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The paper examines how individuals can be susceptible to payment biases in the context of digital payment behavior by utilizing the concept of mental accounting. Furthermore, the paper investigates the moderating effects of Digital Financial Literacy (DFL) on the relationship between payment methods and spending behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a survey-based approach to collect data from 503 individuals who use digital payment methods, utilizing purposive sampling from Pakistan. The collected data is analyzed using Smart-PLS 4 software to assess the direct impact of payment methods on spending behavior and the moderating influence of DFL.

Findings

The research findings demonstrate that both digital and cash payments significantly affect spending behavior. However, digital payments have a more substantial impact on spending behavior compared to cash payments. The findings also show that DFL significantly positively moderates individual spending. The study validates the mental accounting perspective by evaluating the direct impact of payment methods on consumers' spending behavior.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for policymakers, financial institutions, and educators. Policymakers can leverage the insights to design effective strategies that promote responsible spending behavior and enhance the adoption of digital payment methods. Financial institutions can design user-friendly platforms that cater to users' spending preferences, while educators can develop programs to enhance Digital Financial Literacy (DFL) among the public.

Social implications

This study’s social implications lie in its potential to contribute to individuals' financial well-being by promoting responsible spending through digital payment methods. Enhanced financial literacy and informed spending decisions can lead to better financial management and ultimately contribute to societal financial stability.

Originality/value

The study enriches the understanding of mental accounting, shedding light on how overspending behavior can manifest through digital payment channels. In addition, this research practically provides valuable insights into enhancing the adoption and financial literacy of digital payments among the public.
Advances in hub location problems: a literature review and research agenda
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Jakhar Suresh Kumar , Vlachos Ilias , Kumar Satish
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Over the past two decades, the hub location domain has witnessed remarkable growth, yet no prior study reviewed and synthesised problem formulation and solution methodologies to address real-life challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric literature review to develop a thematic framework that describes and presents hub location problems. The work employs cluster, bibliometric, and social network analyses to delve into the essential themes.

Findings

Key themes include cooperation, coopetition, sustainability, reshoring, and dynamic demand, contributing to the complex challenges in today’s hub location problems. As the first work in this field, the study serves as a valuable single-source reference, providing scholars and industry practitioners with key insights into the evolution of hub location research, prominent research clusters, influential authors, leading countries, and crucial keywords.

Research limitations/implications

Findings have significant implications since they highlight the current state of hub location research and set the stage for future endeavours. Specifically, by identifying prominent research clusters, scholars can explore promising directions to push the boundaries of knowledge in this area.

Originality/value

This work is a valuable resource for scholars in this domain and offers practical insights for industry practitioners seeking to understand the hub location problems. Overall, the study’s holistic approach provides a solid foundation for advancing future research work in the hub location field.
Influencing factors and action paths for public crisis governance performance improvement in digital twin cities
Authors: Shan Shaonan , Song Yipeng , Wang Chunjuan , Ji Wenyan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Through the study, we identified four effective paths to improve governance performance and also found the key direction for future research on digital twin urban implementation of public crisis governance, i.e. how to find a balance between the cost and the effectiveness of governance.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 22 urban public emergencies were selected based on key influencing factors, and four action paths to improve the performance of public crisis governance in digital twin cities were obtained using a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis model.

Findings

This paper identified digital twin technologies in urban public crisis governance, analyzed the key factors of public crisis governance in the digital twin city and proposed a path of action to improve the performance of public crisis governance in digital twin cities.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the influencing factors of public crisis governance in digital twin cities and the action paths to promote improved governance performance.
Political incentives and analyst bias: Evidence from China
Authors: Pittman Jeffrey , Yang Zhifeng , Yu Sijia , Zhu Haoran
Published: June 2024

This study extends extant research on the determinants of financial analyst bias by examining the role that political incentives play. Using a series of scheduled provincial political events in China, we document that analysts are significantly more likely to issue favorable recommendations or revise their recommendations upward during political event periods, and the effect of political events on optimism is larger for analysts employed by brokerage firms affiliated with politicians. Cross‐sectional evidence suggests that the impact of political events on analyst optimism is concentrated in those provinces where capital market development is a more important performance indicator for politicians or where the incumbent politicians face a pending promotion. Stock return analyses reveal that favorable recommendations issued during political event periods are significantly less profitable in the long run and are less credible according to investor perceptions. Reinforcing our main evidence, we also find that financial analysts are more likely to issue optimistic earnings forecasts during political event periods. Collectively, our results imply that political incentives distort analyst opinions and political‐economic factors affect the corporate information environment in China.
Role of calcineurin in regulating renal potassium (K+) excretion: Mechanisms of calcineurin inhibitor‐induced hyperkalemia
Authors: Duan Xin‐Peng , Zhang Cheng‐Biao , Wang Wen‐Hui , Lin Dao‐Hong
Published: June 2024

Calcineurin, protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) or protein phosphatase 3 (PP3), is a calcium‐dependent serine/threonine protein phosphatase. Calcineurin is widely expressed in the kidney and regulates renal Na+ and K+ transport. In the thick ascending limb, calcineurin plays a role in inhibiting NKCC2 function by promoting the dephosphorylation of the cotransporter and an intracellular sorting receptor, called sorting‐related‐receptor‐with‐A‐type repeats (SORLA), is involved in modulating the effect of calcineurin on NKCC2. Calcineurin also participates in regulating thiazide‐sensitive NaCl‐cotransporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule. The mechanisms by which calcineurin regulates NCC include directly dephosphorylation of NCC, regulating Kelch‐like‐3/CUL3 E3 ubiquitin–ligase complex, which is responsible for WNK (with‐no‐lysin‐kinases) ubiquitination, and inhibiting Kir4.1/Kir5.1, which determines NCC expression/activity. Finally, calcineurin is also involved in regulating ROMK (Kir1.1) channels in the cortical collecting duct and Cyp11 2 expression in adrenal zona glomerulosa. In summary, calcineurin is involved in the regulation of NKCC2, NCC, and inwardly rectifying K+ channels in the kidney, and it also plays a role in modulating aldosterone synthesis in adrenal gland, which regulates epithelial‐Na+‐channel expression/activity. Thus, application of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) is expected to abrupt calcineurin‐mediated regulation of transepithelial Na+ and K+ transport in the kidney. Consequently, CNIs cause hypertension, compromise renal K+ excretion, and induce hyperkalemia.
Internet videoconferencing delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Trenoska Basile Vesna , Newton‐John Toby , McDonald Sarah , Wootton Bethany M.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition that results in significant individual and societal burden. Cognitive‐behaviour therapy (CBT) therapy is an effective treatment for GAD, however, many individuals experience logistical barriers when accessing evidence‐based care. Remote treatments may help to reduce these barriers, however, currently, there are few studies examining the efficacy of high‐intensity remote methods for GAD treatment. The current study aims to examine the efficacy of CBT delivered via videoconferencing (VCBT) for GAD using a randomized controlled trial design comparing an immediate treatment group to a waitlist control.

Method

Seventy‐eight adults (M
age = 36.92; SD = 12.92; 84.4% female) with GAD were enrolled in the study.

Results

Those in the treatment group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in GAD symptoms from pre‐treatment to post‐treatment (d = 1.03) and pre‐treatment to 3‐month follow‐up (d = 1.50). Large between‐group effect sizes were also observed at post‐treatment (d = .80). Twenty‐five participants (64.10%) in the VCBT group no longer met diagnostic criteria for GAD at post‐treatment, and 26/39 (66.67%) no longer met criteria at 3‐month follow‐up. Ninety‐six per cent of participants were satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusion

The results contribute towards advancing our knowledge on the efficacy and acceptability of VCBT for patients with GAD.
Preservice teachers' learning by design through space construction in the metaverse
Authors: Lee Sangmin‐Michelle , Kim Sung‐Yeon
Published: June 2024

Teachers who know what, how and why to teach are essential for successful student learning. However, many preservice teachers (PSTs) lack teaching experience and the ability to integrate theory and practice. To help bridge this gap, this study employed a learning‐by‐design project approach in which 22 Korean PSTs developed lesson plans for middle school English classes, constructed virtual classrooms in the metaverse based on their English lesson plans, and conducted microteaching in the virtual classrooms. The study used a qualitative research method and focused on an emic perspective with multiple data sets, including the PSTs' reflection papers and post‐interviews as primary data, and their lesson plans, virtual classrooms and recordings of microteaching as secondary data. The results showed that the project supported learning by design, and that it also helped PSTs understand learners and learning, redefine the teacher's role as a designer and facilitator, connect theories to practice and improve their teaching skills. The findings can be used as a reference for future teacher training.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Teachers' content, pedagogical and technological knowledge and skills are essential attributes for effective performance.

Preservice teachers (PSTs) have difficulty transferring their knowledge to real classrooms because their knowledge often focuses on the ‘know‐what’ of teaching, but not on the ‘know‐how’.

Microteaching in virtual environments helps PSTs connect knowledge and practice and prepare for real classroom situations.

What this paper adds

The study applied a learning‐by‐design approach to preservice teachers' microteaching to help them connect their pedagogical knowledge to classroom practice.

The study focused on describing how the PSTs' virtual classroom design influenced the way they planned and implemented their microteaching.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Teacher educators can incorporate the design‐based approach into their teacher training modules to help teachers understand learner needs when planning and implementing English lessons.

Teachers can develop technological literacy and positive attitudes about using technology in their classrooms.
Unalienated labor as cooperative self‐determination: Aristotle and Marx
Authors: Scott Kyle
Published: June 2024

In this paper, I offer an original interpretation of Marx's conception of unalienated labor, which I frame as a response to Aristotle's view of work, or technē. Both Aristotle and Marx share a particular conception of freedom as “normative self‐determination,” according to which an activity is free insofar as it does not depend for its value on externally valuable things. For instance, when my activity is a mere means for satisfying some need separate from it, it comes to depend for its value on the externally valuable effect—the “needs‐meeting”—it achieves. Or, when my activity is only causally—but not normatively—enabled by the cooperative contributions of others, it comes to depend for its value on those externally valuable contributions. On Aristotle's view, work is unleisurely (ascholos) and servile (doulos) because it is normatively dependent in both of these ways. For Marx, by contrast, work possesses the capacity to “internalize” these external determinants of its value. Unalienated work does this, first, by satisfying “internal” needs, or needs whose satisfaction does not constitute a normatively external effect of the work that satisfies them. The satisfaction of internal needs is valuable because of the manner or way in which they are satisfied. Second, unalienated work would not only be causally, but also normatively, enabled by the contributions of others, in that those contributions would help to make it the distinctively valuable act that it is. Unalienated work would be valuable because, and not despite, its cooperative character. In both of these respects, then, cooperation is essential to make work fully free.
Risk factors for advanced colorectal neoplasia and colorectal cancer detected at surveillance: a nationwide study in the modern era
Authors: Smits Lisanne J H , Siebers Albert G , Lissenberg‐Witte Birgit I , Lansdorp‐Vogelaar Iris , van Kouwen Mariette C A , Tuynman Jurriaan B , van Grieken Nicole C T , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: June 2024

Aim

Recommendations for surveillance after colonoscopy are based on risk factors for metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasia (AN) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The value of these risk factors remains unclear in populations enriched by individuals with a positive faecal immunochemical test and were investigated in a modern setting.

Methods and Results

This population‐based cohort study included all individuals in the Netherlands of ≥55 years old with a first adenoma diagnosis in 2015. A total of 22,471 patients were included. Data were retrieved from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank (Palga). Primary outcomes were metachronous AN and CRC. Patient and polyp characteristics were evaluated by multivariable Cox regression analyses. During follow‐up, 2416 (10.8%) patients were diagnosed with AN, of which 557 (2.5% from the total population) were CRC. Adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40–1.83), villous histology (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.59–2.28), size ≥10 mm (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.23), proximal location (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.23), two or more adenomas (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.16–1.41), and serrated polyps ≥10 mm (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.42–1.97) were independent risk factors for metachronous AN. In contrast, only adenomas with high‐grade dysplasia (HR 2.49, 95% CI 1.92–3.24) were an independent risk factor for metachronous CRC.

Conclusions

Risk factors for metachronous AN and CRC were identified for populations with access to a faecal immunochemical test (FIT)‐based screening programme. If only risk factors for metachronous CRC are considered, a reduction in criteria for surveillance seems reasonable.
Potential role of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth in inducing liver regeneration
Authors: Alatas Fatima Safira , Yamaza Takayoshi , Matsuura Toshiharu , Ongko Lukito , Kadim Muzal , Ohga Shouichi , Taguchi Tomoaki , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Even with advancement of medical technologies, liver transplantation still faces several major challenges. Hence, other treatment modalities are urgently needed for patients with end‐stage liver disease. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) was discovered to have highly proliferative and pluripotent properties; including differentiation into hepatocyte‐like cells. This study aims to investigate the capability of intrasplenic transplanted SHED and SHED‐Hep cells in inducing proliferation of stem cells and native hepatocytes in order to accelerate liver regeneration in liver fibrosis mice models.

Methods

Three carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐injured male mice groups were used in this study. Two of those groups were transplanted with either SHED or SHED‐Hep, while the other did not undergo transplantation. One age‐ and sex‐ matched healthy mice group was used as control. All specimens were immunohistochemically stained with anti‐Ki‐67 antibodies and anti‐proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies before counter stained with hematoxylin–eosin.

Results

Anti‐Ki‐67 antibodies staining: at both 8 and 12 weeks, proliferating activity was predominantly seen on both SHED‐ and SHED‐Hep‐transplanted CCl4‐injured mice groups, while control and non‐transplanted CCl4‐injured mice group showed little to no sign of proliferation activity. Anti‐PCNA staining: at both 8 and 12 weeks, significant proliferating activity was detected by PCNA staining, mainly on stem cells population area on SHED‐ and SHED‐Hep‐treated group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, this study has provided the evidence that transplantation of SHED or SHED‐Hep on liver‐injured mice induced proliferation of both transplanted stem cells and native liver cells in order to accelerate liver regeneration.
Employee training and bank stability
Authors: D'Amato Antonio , Cotugno Matteo , Perdichizzi Salvatore , Stefanelli Valeria
Published: June 2024

Using a unique data set of Italian banks covering the 2011 to 2019 period, this study investigates the influence of human resource training on bank stability and examines whether this relationship is affected by bank efficiency and credit risk. In line with the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm, our findings suggest that employee training exerts a positive impact on bank stability. Credit risk and bank efficiency are also identified as potential drivers in this relationship. Importantly, our results remain robust when addressing endogeneity issues and considering alternative model specifications. This study offers novel insights into the impact of employee‐related variables on bank performance. The practical implications of our findings hold relevance for both banks and regulatory authorities, as human resource training can profoundly influence the effectiveness of risk management strategies and, ultimately, the sound and prudent management of banks.
Abundance, sizes, and major element compositions of components in CR and LL chondrites: Formation from single reservoirs
Authors: Ebel Denton S. , Gemma Marina E. , Alpert Samuel P. , Bayron Jasmine , Lobo Ana H. , Weisberg Michael K.
Published: June 2024

Abundances, apparent sizes, and individual chemical compositions of chondrules, refractory inclusions, other objects, and surrounding matrix have been determined for Semarkona (LL3.00) and Renazzo (CR2) using consistent methods and criteria on X‐ray element intensity maps. These represent the non‐carbonaceous (NC, Semarkona) and carbonaceous chondrite (CC, Renazzo) superclans of chondrite types. We compare object and matrix abundances with similar data for CM, CO, K, and CV chondrites. We assess, pixel‐by‐pixel, the major element abundance in each object and in the entire matrix. We determine the abundance of “metallic chondrules” in LL chondrites. Chondrules with high Mg/Si and low Fe/Si and matrix carrying opposing ratios complement each other to make whole rocks with near‐solar major element ratios in Renazzo. Similar Mg/Si and Fe/Si chondrule–matrix relationships are seen in Semarkona, which is within 11% of solar Mg/Si but significantly Fe‐depleted. These results provide a robust constraint in support of single‐reservoir models for chondrule formation and accretion, ruling out whole classes of astrophysical models and constraining processes of chondrite component formation and accretion into chondrite parent bodies.
Associations between bioelectrical impedance analysis‐derived phase angle, protein‐energy wasting and all‐cause mortality in older patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Kojima Sho , Usui Naoto , Uehata Akimi , Inatsu Akihito , Tsubaki Atsuhiro
Published: June 2024

Aim

Protein‐energy wasting (PEW) is a common syndrome in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor prognosis. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)‐derived phase angle (PA) is useful for predicting PEW, but sex and age need to be considered. We aimed to reveal sex‐specific cut‐off values of PA predicting PEW in HD patients aged ≥65.

Methods

This two‐centre retrospective cohort study included patients on HD who underwent BIA. PEW was detected using the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism (ISRNM) criteria as a reference. The PA was measured using a multifrequency bioimpedance device. Sex‐specific cut‐off values of PA predicting PEW were detected by receiver‐operator characteristic analysis. We investigated the association between PEW determined using sex‐specific cut‐off values for PA and all‐cause mortality.

Results

This study included 274 patients undergoing HD, with a median age of 75 (70–80) years, mean PA of 3.8 ± 1.1° and PEW of 43%. Over a median follow‐up duration of 1095 (400–1095) days, 111 patients died. Cut‐off values of PA predicting PEW were as follows: female, 3.00° (sensitivity, 87.3%; specificity, 77.5%), and male, 3.84° (sensitivity, 77.6%; specificity, 71.4%). The kappa coefficient between sex‐specific cut‐off values of the PA and ISRNM criteria had a moderate coincidence level of 0.55. PEW detected by PA was independently associated with all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.51–3.85; p < .001).

Conclusions

Sex‐specific cut‐off values for PA in older HD patients may be useful as a screening tool for predicting PEW and mortality.

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The path dependency of power‐sharing: Bosnia and Herzegovina's, Cyprus', and Lebanon's first experiences with popular representation
Authors: Herenda Tahir
Published: June 2024

The political systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Lebanon are defined by ethnic or religious divides that have historical roots in their Ottoman and European colonial past. This paper aims to investigate the impact of these historical legacies on popular representation and institutional structures. The Ottomans and European colonizers created institutions that allowed subjects to elect their representatives, shaping these countries' initial experiences with modernity. This paper employs historical institutionalism as a theoretical approach, and path dependency as a methodology to explore how historical legacies have shaped the political institutions and power‐sharing arrangements in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, and Lebanon.
Implementation of Environmental Sustainability Strategies for Real Estate Development in Developing Nations: An Empirical Study from Ghana
Authors: Kasim Iddrisu , Sipan Ibrahim , Daud Dzurllkanian @ Zulkarnain , Achu Kamalahasan , Afrane Ebenezer
Published: June 2024

Real estate development is an important physical development activity in every economy. However, conventional real estate development poses multiple threats worldwide to environmental sustainability especially in emerging economies. As a developing country, Ghana is one of countries that did not attain Millennium Development Goals (MDG7 for instance) before the promulgation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this paper examined the main environmental sustainability strategies implemented by real estate developers in Ghana to safeguard the environment. After synthesizing relevant literature on real estate development in the context of sustainability, a conceptual basis for the research was established, then a closed-ended questionnaire was set and used to gather field data from purposively sampled developers from Accra and Tema Metropolitan areas which are noted for active real estate development in Ghana. Using descriptive (frequencies and weighted mean ranking) and inferential (chi-squared) statistics, the field data was analyzed using SPSS v23. The analysis revealed that out of the ESS attributes for real estate development established from the literature, less than 30% were mostly implemented in the country. With a p-value of 0.05 (chi-squared), none of the main attributes of Energy Efficiency (EE) and Water Efficiency (WE) strategies were implemented during the post construction stage of real estate development (RED) process albeit they implemented at the pre-construction to the construction stages. However, except one of the three Sustainable Site Planning and Management (SSPM) strategies which was not implemented in the pre-construction stage, the rest were implemented through the RED process. Hence, the level of implementation of strategies SSPM, EE, WE and construction materials and resources efficiency (CMRE) for real estate development was generally low. As a result, stakeholders in the physical development process of the country need to significantly influence real estate developers to implement more environmentally efficient strategies in real estate development.
MCTP1 increases the malignancy of androgen-deprived prostate cancer cells by inducing neuroendocrine differentiation and EMT
Authors: Liu Yen-Nien , Chen Wei-Yu , Yeh Hsiu-Lien , Chen Wei-Hao , Jiang Kuo-Ching , Li Han-Ru , Dung Phan Vu Thuy , Chen Zi-Qing , Lee Wei-Jiunn , Hsiao Michael , Huang Jiaoti , Wen Yu-Ching
Published: June 2024

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (PCa) (NEPC), an aggressive subtype that is associated with poor prognosis, may arise after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). We investigated the molecular mechanisms by which ADT induces neuroendocrine differentiation in advanced PCa. We found that transmembrane protein 1 (MCTP1), which has putative Ca
2+
sensing function and multiple Ca
2+
-binding C2 domains, was abundant in samples from patients with advanced PCa. MCTP1 was associated with the expression of the EMT-associated transcription factors ZBTB46, FOXA2, and HIF1A. The increased abundance of MCTP1 promoted PC3 prostate cancer cell migration and neuroendocrine differentiation and was associated with SNAI1-dependent EMT in C4-2 PCa cells after ADT. ZBTB46 interacted with FOXA2 and HIF1A and increased the abundance of MCTP1 in a hypoxia-dependent manner. MCTP1 stimulated Ca
2+
signaling and AKT activation to promote EMT and neuroendocrine differentiation by increasing the SNAI1-dependent expression of EMT and neuroendocrine markers, effects that were blocked by knockdown of MCTP1. These data suggest an oncogenic role for MCTP1 in the maintenance of a rare and aggressive prostate cancer subtype through its response to Ca
2+
and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target.
Slow proliferation of BAP1-deficient uveal melanoma cells is associated with reduced S6 signaling and resistance to nutrient stress
Authors: Chua Vivian , Lopez-Anton Melisa , Mizue Terai  , Ryota Tanaka  , Baqai Usman , Purwin Timothy J. , Haj Jelan I. , Waltrich Francis J. , Trachtenberg Isabella , Luo Kristine , Tudi Rohith , Jeon Angela , Han Anna , Chervoneva Inna , Davies Michael A. , Aguirre-Ghiso Julio A. , Sato Takami , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: June 2024

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the deadliest form of eye cancer in adults. Inactivating mutations and/or loss of expression of the gene encoding BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) in UM tumors are associated with an increased risk of metastasis. To investigate the mechanisms underlying this risk, we explored the functional consequences of BAP1 deficiency. UM cell lines expressing mutant
BAP1
grew more slowly than those expressing wild-type
BAP1
in culture and in vivo. The ability of BAP1 reconstitution to restore cell proliferation in BAP1-deficient cells required its deubiquitylase activity. Proteomic analysis showed that BAP1-deficient cells had decreased phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 and its upstream regulator, p70S6K1, compared with both wild-type and BAP1 reconstituted cells. In turn, expression of p70S6K1 increased S6 phosphorylation and proliferation of BAP1-deficient UM cells. Consistent with these findings,
BAP1
mutant primary UM tumors expressed lower amounts of p70S6K1 target genes, and S6 phosphorylation was decreased in
BAP1
mutant patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), which grew more slowly than wild-type PDXs in the liver (the main metastatic site of UM) in mice. BAP1-deficient UM cells were also more resistant to amino acid starvation, which was associated with diminished phosphorylation of S6. These studies demonstrate that BAP1 deficiency slows the proliferation of UM cells through regulation of S6 phosphorylation. These characteristics may be associated with metastasis by ensuring survival during amino acid starvation.
Clinical drivers of hospitalisation in patients with mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Haque Sameen , Crawley Karen , Davis Ryan , Schofield Deborah , Shrestha Rupendra , Sue Carolyn M
Published: June 2024

Background

Mitochondrial diseases in adults are generally chronic conditions with a wide spectrum of severity contributing to disease burden and healthcare resource utilisation. Data on healthcare resource utilisation in mitochondrial diseases are limited.

Objectives

We performed a retrospective longitudinal study to investigate the clinical drivers of hospitalisation in adult patients with mitochondrial diseases to better understand healthcare resource utilisation.

Methods

We recruited participants from our specialised Mitochondrial Disease Clinic in Sydney, Australia between September 2018 and December 2021. We performed a retrospective chart review for the period 2013–2022 considering emergency department (ED) and/or hospital admission notes, as well as discharge summaries. We used multiple linear regression models to examine the association between the type of presenting symptom(s) and duration of hospital stay and frequency of admissions, while adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

Of the 99 patients considered, the duration of hospitalisation ranged from 0 to 116 days per participant and the number of admissions ranged from 0 to 21 per participant. Participants with one or more mitochondrial disease-associated admissions constituted 52% of the study cohort. 13% of the participants presented to the ED without requiring an admission and 35% never attended the ED or required a hospital admission during this period. Neurological (p<0.0001), gastroenterological (p=0.01) and symptoms categorised as ‘other’ (p<0.0001) were the main presentations driving the total number of days admitted to hospital. A statistically significant association was evident for the number of admissions and all types of presenting symptoms (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

There are variable reasons for hospitalisation in adults with mitochondrial diseases, with neurological and gastroenterological presentations being associated with prolonged and complex hospitalisation. A better understanding of clinical drivers such as these allows for better informed and well-coordinated management aimed at optimising healthcare resource utilisation.
Implementation and evaluation of a national quality improvement initiative in cancer surgery
Authors: Arnaout Angel , Mukhi Shaheena , Brehaut Jamie , Davidson Sarah , Fung Kee Fung Michael , Hebbard Pamela , Hillis Christopher , Leonard Robyn , Mack Lloyd A , Mathieson Alex , Presseau Justin , Schaeffer David , Seely Andrew , Stuart Gavin , Tesch Marvin , Westhuizen Nicholas , Earle Craig
Published: June 2024

Background

In 2017, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, a Canadian federally sponsored organisation, initiated a national multijurisdictional quality improvement (QI) initiative to maximise the use of synoptic data to drive cancer system improvements, known as the Evidence for Surgical Synoptic Quality Improvement Programme. The goal of our study was to evaluate the outcomes, determinants and learning of this nationally led initiative across six jurisdictions in Canada, integrating a mix of cancer surgery disease sites and clinicians.

Methods

A mixed-methods evaluation (surveys, semistructured interviews and focus groups) of this initiative was focused on the ability of each jurisdiction to use synoptic reporting data to successfully implement and sustain QI projects to beyond the completion of the initiative and the lessons learnt in the process. Resources provided to the jurisdictions included operational funding, training in QI methodology, national forums, expert coaches, and ad hoc monitoring and support. The programme emphasised foundational concepts of the QI process including data literacy, audit and feedback reports, communities of practice (CoP) and positive deviance methodology.

Results

101 CoP meetings were held and 337 clinicians received feedback reports. There were 23 projects, and 22 of 23 (95%) showed improvements with 15 of 23 (65%) achieving the proposed targets. Enablers of effective data utilisation/feedback reports for QI included the need for clinicians to trust the data, have comparative data for feedback, and the engagement of both data scientists and clinicians in designing feedback reports. Enablers of sustainability of QI within each jurisdiction included QI training for clinicians, the ability to continue CoP meetings, executive and broad stakeholder engagement, and the ability to use pre-existing organisational infrastructures and processes. Barriers to continue QI work included lack of funding for core team members, lack of automated data collection processes and lack of clinician incentives (financial and other).

Conclusion

Success and sustainability in data-driven QI in cancer surgery require skills in QI methodology, data literacy and feedback, dedicated supportive personnel and an environment that promotes the process of collective learning and shared accountability. Building these capabilities in jurisdictional teams, tailoring interventions to facility contexts and strong leadership engagement will create the capacity for continued success in QI for cancer surgery.
Herpes zoster burden in patients with asthma: real-world incidence, healthcare resource utilisation and cost
Authors: Singer David , Thompson-Leduc Philippe , Ma Siyu , Gupta Deepshekhar , Cheng Wendy Y , Muthukumar Aruna , Devine Francesca , Sundar Manasvi , Bogart Michael , Hagopian Ella , Poston Sara , Duh Mei Sheng , Oppenheimer John J
Published: June 2024

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful condition caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The objectives of this study were to compare HZ incidence in adults with asthma versus adults without asthma and to compare healthcare resource use as well as direct costs in adults with HZ and asthma versus adults with asthma alone in the USA.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included adults aged ≥18 years across the USA. Patients were identified from Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database, an administrative claims database, between 1 October 2015 and 28 February 2020, including commercially insured and Medicare Advantage with part D beneficiaries. Cohorts of patients with and without asthma, and separate cohorts of patients with asthma and HZ and with asthma but not HZ, were identified using International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. HZ incidence, healthcare resource use and costs were compared, adjusting for baseline characteristics, between the relevant cohorts using generalised linear models.

Results

HZ incidence was higher in patients with asthma (11.59 per 1000 person-years) than patients without asthma (7.16 per 1000 person-years). The adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) for HZ in patients with asthma, compared with patients without asthma, was 1.34 (95% CI 1.32 to 1.37). Over 12 months of follow-up, patients with asthma and HZ had more inpatient stays (aIRR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.21), emergency department visits (aIRR 1.26; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.34) and outpatient visits (aIRR 1.19; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.22), and direct healthcare costs that were US dollars ($) 3058 (95% CI $1671 to $4492) higher than patients with asthma without HZ.

Conclusion

Patients with asthma had a higher incidence of HZ than those without asthma, and among patients with asthma HZ added to their healthcare resource use and costs.
Epidemiological analysis of fatal and non-fatal firearm injuries occurring in gun establishments in the United States, 2015–2022
Authors: Henson-Garcia Mike , Malthaner Lauren , Beauchamp Alaina , McKay Sandra , Jetelina Katelyn
Published: June 2024

Background

Firearm-related injury represents a significant public health problem in the USA. Firearm purchasing has risen nationwide and there has been increased efforts to deploy injury prevention initiatives within gun establishments. However, firearm-related risks and harms that may occur inside these high-exposure settings are not well characterized.

Methods

This secondary analysis leveraged Gun Violence Archive data to quantify firearm injury prevalence rates within different types of gun establishments from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2022. Data were restricted to incidents that occurred in gun ranges, gun shops, and public and private ranges. The following incident characteristics were available in the individual-level data: date, location, injury count, fatality count, victim demographics (age, sex), shooting intent (suicide/self-inflicted, assault/homicide, unintentional, undetermined) and establishment type.

Results

Over 7 years, 445 non-fatal and 183 fatal shooting events occurred across 576 unique establishments. Non-fatal, unintentional injuries predominated in stand-alone firing ranges whereas fatal, self-inflicted injuries concentrated in retail shops with accompanying firing ranges. Firearm-related assaults were prevalent among stand-alone retail shops.

Conclusion

Overall, this secondary analysis underscores that the prevalence of firearm injury in gun establishments across the USA is low, and these settings should continue to be studied as important contexts for intervention. Interweaving public health interventions into gun establishments presents an opportunity to potentially reduce associated harms to consumers interacting within these environments.