bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear dependency of the bacterial flagellar motor speed on proton motive force and its consequences for swimming
Authors: Krasnopeeva Ekaterina , Le Nagard Lucas , Poon Wilson , Lo Chien-Jung , Pilizota Teuta
Published: October 2024

The bacterial flagellar motor enables bacteria to swim by rotating helical flagellar filaments that form a bundle at the back of the cell.Escherichia coli’s motor uses the energy stored in the proton motive force (PMF) to generate the torque driving this rotation. Until now, motor speed was thought to be proportional to the PMF, irrespective of the viscous load. Here, we show that the PMF-speed proportionality saturates at high load and high PMF, and, thus, the PMF-speed relationship is nonlinear in the high torque regime. Furthermore, we show that free swimming occurs close to or within this saturated regime, making the observed limiting torque evolutionary relevant.
A chronicPseudomonas aeruginosamouse lung infection modeling the pathophysiology and inflammation of human cystic fibrosis
Authors: Vaillancourt Mylene , Aguilar Diane , Fernandes Sheryl E. , Jorth Peter A.
Published: October 2024

Investigation of chronic cystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections has been limited by a lack of murine models that reproduce obstructive lung pathology, chronicity of bacterial infections, and complex inflammation in human CF lung pathology. Three different approaches have been used separately to address these limitations, including using transgenicScnn1b-Tgmice overexpressing a lung epithelial sodium channel to mimic the mucus-rich and hyperinflammatory CF lung environment, using synthetic CF sputum medium (SCFM) in an acute infection to induce bacterial phenotypes consistent with human CF, or using agar beads to promote chronic infections. Here, we combine these three models to establish a chronicPseudomonas aeruginosalung infection model using SCFM agar beads andScnn1b-Tg mice (SCFM-Tg-mice) to recapitulate nutrients, mucus, and inflammation characteristic of the human CF lung environment. Like people with CF, SCFM-Tg-mice failed to clear bacterial infections. Lung function measurements showed that infected SCFM-Tg-mice had decreased inspiratory capacity and compliance, elevated airway resistance, and significantly reduced FVC and FEV0.1. Using spectral flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine arrays we show that, like people with CF, SCFM-Tg-mice developed inflammation characterized by eosinophil infiltration and Th2 lymphocytic cytokine responses. Chronically infected SCFM-Tg-mice developed an exacerbated mix of innate and Th1, Th2, and Th17-mediated inflammation, causing higher lung cellular damage, and elevated numbers of unusual Siglec F+neutrophils. Thus, SCFM-Tg-mice represents a powerful tool to investigate bacterial pathogenesis and potential treatments for chronic CF lung infections and reveal a potential role for Siglec F+neutrophils in CF inflammation.

Importance

Host-pathogen interaction studies ofPseudomonas aeruginosacystic fibrosis (CF) lung infections have been hampered by limitations of mouse infection models. Here we combine synthetic CF sputum medium (SCFM) agar beads andScnn1b-Tg transgenic mice to model the mucus obstructed airways and complex inflammatory characteristic of the human cystic fibrosis lung environment. In this model, which we name SCFM-Tg-mice, we use SCFM to cause changes in bacterial gene expression consistent with sputum collected from people with CF and theScnn1b-Tgmice produce excessive airway mucus like people with CF. We show that SCMF-Tg-mice infected withP. aeruginosahave defects in lung function and increased inflammation that is consistent with human CF lung infections. This model can be adapted for other bacterial species and can be used to test hypotheses about bacterial pathogenesis and potential treatments in a CF human-like system.
Reward and punishment contingency shifting reveals distinct roles for VTA dopamine and GABA neurons in behavioral flexibility
Authors: Lefner Merridee J , Moghaddam Bita
Published: October 2024

In dynamic environments where stimuli predicting rewarding or aversive outcomes unexpectedly change, it is critical to flexibly update behavior while preserving recollection of previous associations. Dopamine and GABA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are implicated in reward and punishment learning, yet little is known about how each population adapts when the predicted outcome valence changes. We measured VTA dopamine and GABA population activity while male and female rats learned to associate three discrete auditory cues to three distinct outcomes: reward, punishment, or no outcome within the same session. After learning, the reward and punishment cue-outcome contingencies were reversed, and subsequently rereversed. As expected, the dopamine population rapidly adapted to learning and contingency reversals by increasing the response to appetitive stimuli and decreasing the response to aversive stimuli. In contrast, the GABA population increased activity to all sensory events regardless of valence, including the neutral cue. Reversing learned contingencies selectively influenced GABA responses to the reward-predictive cue, prolonging increased activity within and across sessions. The observed valence-specific dissociations in the directionality and temporal progression of VTA dopamine and GABA calcium activity indicates that these populations are independently recruited and serve distinct roles during appetitive and aversive associative learning and contingency reversal.
Early-Life Behavior Phenotypes and Cortisol Responses to Common Lab Stressors in a Cichlid Fish
Authors: Alvey Alyssa P. , Stern Eliyah R. , Lee June , Parrish Abigail G. , Solomon-Lane Tessa K.
Published: October 2024

The stress response is highly conserved across species, and increased glucocorticoid release (cortisol in fishes) is a key element. In the highly social cichlid fish, Burton’s Mouthbrooder (Astatotilapia burtoni), stress axis activity is associated with juvenile social behavior and status, and it mediates early-life social effects, yet little is known about early-life stress physiology. We measured water-borne cortisol, a non-invasive method, in juveniles less than 1-week old. We first tested whether juveniles habituate to the beaker confinement necessary for sample collection. Repeated exposure to a beaker did not affect cortisol compared to handled and unhandled controls. In a separate cohort, we next measured behavior in an open field exploration and social cue investigation, followed by a test of whether common lab stressors elevated cortisol. Controls were undisturbed in a collection beaker (90 min). For the stressor treatments, we collected three sequential samples (30 min each) to try and quantify stress response peak and recovery; however, we found no effect of time. Stressors included handling, brief net confinement, and brief gentle movement. These stressors led to a significant increase in cortisol, with the highest levels resulting from confinement. The behavior tests revealed a bold-shy axis across both tests, describing the behavior of most individuals. A distinct group of socially-motivated juveniles showed a dramatic switch, staying in the territory during the open field but leaving to investigate the social cue. We found no associations between behavior and cortisol response. This work provides insight into early-life behavior and stress axis development and function.

Highlights

Astatotilapia burtoniunder 1-week old did not habituate to beaker confinement

Young juveniles displayed bold/shy or socially-motivated behavior phenotypes

Cortisol increased in response to lab stressors: handling, confinement, and movement

Individual variation in cortisol establishes an expected hormone range for this age

Juvenile cortisol did not correlate with behavior or differ by behavior phenotype
Unitarity effects in elastic scattering at the LHC
Authors: Maneyro M. , Luna E. G. S. , Peláez M.
Published: October 2024

We study the high-energy behavior of the elastic scattering amplitude using two distinct unitarization schemes: the eikonal and the U-matrix. Our analysis begins with a formalism involving solely Pomerons, incorporating pion-loop insertions in the Pomeron trajectory representing the nearest singularity generated by t-channel unitarity. Subsequently, we explore a scenario that includes the presence of an Odderon. In our analyses, we explore the tension between the TOTEM and the ATLAS measurements for σtot and dσ/dt at 7, 8, and 13 TeV and the subsequent implications for the properties of both the Pomeron and Odderon. Our results show that the Odderon phase factor ξO=−1 is favored in both unitarization schemes, supporting an Odderon with a phase opposite to that of other crossing-odd components of the scattering amplitude. More interestingly, this specific phase factor stands as the sole one that aligns with results consistent with a nonzero Odderon coupling.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Theoretical probes of Higgs boson-axion nonperturbative couplings
Authors: Oikonomou V. K.
Published: October 2024

In this work we investigate the phenomenological implications of several nontrivial Higgs-boson- axion couplings, which cover most of the possible nonperturbative scenarios. Specifically we consider the combination of having higher-order nonrenormalizable Higgs-boson-axion couplings originating from a weakly coupled effective theory combined with nonperturbative couplings of the form ∼εΛc2|H|2cos(ϕfa). Since we consider the misalignment axion, the nonperturbative couplings can be expanded in the form of a perturbation expansion in powers of ϕ/fa, thus after the electroweak symmetry breaking, the effective potential of the axion is drastically affected by these terms. We investigate the phenomenological implications of these terms for various values of the mass scale Λc, and some scenarios are theoretically disfavored, while other scenarios with nonperturbative Higgs-boson-axion couplings of the form ∼εΛc2|H|2cos(ϕfa) with Λc∼10−10×ma and ma∼10−10  eV, lead to a characteristic pattern in the stochastic gravitational wave background via the deformation of the background equation of state parameter occurring at frequencies probed by the Einstein Telescope. We also consider loop effects from the Higgs sector caused by the term ∼εΛc2|H|2cos(ϕfa) if we close the Higgs in one loop.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Exact solutions for analog Hawking effect in dielectric media
Authors: Trevisan S. , Belgiorno F. , Cacciatori S. L.
Published: October 2024

In the framework of the analog Hawking radiation for dielectric media, we analyze a toy model and also the 2D reduction of the Hopfield model for a specific monotone and realistic profile for the refractive index. We are able to provide exact solutions, which do not require any weak dispersion approximation. The theory of Fuchsian ordinary differential equations is the basic tool for recovering exact solutions, which are rigorously identified and involve the so-called generalized hypergeometric functions F34(α1,α2,α3,α4;β1,β2,β3;z). A complete set of connection formulas are available, both for the subcritical case and for the transcritical one, and also the Stokes phenomenon occurring in the problem is fully discussed. From the physical point of view, we focus on the problem of thermality. Under suitable conditions, the Hawking temperature is deduced, and we show that it is in full agreement with the expression deduced in other frameworks under various approximations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Strings near black holes are Carrollian
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Banerjee Aritra , Hartong Jelle , Have Emil , Kolekar Kedar S. , Mandlik Mangesh
Published: October 2024

We demonstrate that strings near the horizon of a Schwarzschild black hole, when viewed by a stationary observer at infinity, probe a string Carroll geometry, where the effective light speed is given by the distance from the horizon. We expand the Polyakov action in powers of this light speed to find a theory of Carrollian strings. We show that the string shrinks to a point to leading order near the horizon, which follows a null geodesic in a two-dimensional Rindler space. At the next-to-leading order the string oscillates in the embedding fields associated with the near-horizon two-sphere.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Lyapunov exponent as a signature of dissipative many-body quantum chaos
Authors: García-García Antonio M. , Verbaarschot Jacobus J. M. , Zheng Jie-ping
Published: October 2024

A distinct feature of Hermitian quantum chaotic dynamics is the exponential increase of certain out-of-time-order correlation (OTOC) functions around the Ehrenfest time with a rate given by a Lyapunov exponent. Physically, the OTOCs describe the growth of quantum uncertainty that crucially depends on the nature of the quantum motion. Here, we employ the OTOC in order to provide a precise definition of dissipative quantum chaos. For this purpose, we compute analytically the Lyapunov exponent for the vectorized formulation of the large-q limit of a q-body Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model coupled to a Markovian bath. These analytic results are confirmed by an explicit numerical calculation of the Lyapunov exponent for several values of q≥4 based on the solutions of the Schwinger-Dyson and Bethe-Salpeter equations. We show that the Lyapunov exponent decreases monotonically as the coupling to the bath increases and eventually becomes negative at a critical value of the coupling signaling a transition to a dynamics which is no longer quantum chaotic. Therefore, a positive Lyapunov exponent is a defining feature of dissipative many-body quantum chaos. The observation of the breaking of the exponential growth for sufficiently strong coupling suggests that dissipative quantum chaos may require in certain cases a sufficiently weak coupling to the environment.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gating Single-Molecule Fluorescence with Electrons
Authors: Kaiser Katharina , Jiang Song , Romeo Michelangelo , Scheurer Fabrice , Schull Guillaume , Rosławska Anna
Published: October 2024

Tip-enhanced photoluminescence (TEPL) measurements are performed with subnanometer spatial resolution on individual molecules decoupled from a metallic substrate by a thin NaCl layer. TEPL spectra reveal progressive fluorescence quenching with decreasing tip-molecule distance when electrons tunneling from the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope are injected at resonance with the molecular states. Rate equations based on a many-body model reveal that the luminescence quenching is due to a progressive population inversion between the ground neutral (S0) and the ground charge (D0−) states of the molecule occurring when the current is raised. We demonstrate that the bias voltage and the lateral tip position can be used to gate the molecular emission. Our approach can be applied to any molecular system, providing unprecedented control over the fluorescence of a single molecule.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Braids and higher-order exceptional points from the interplay between lossy defects and topological boundary states
Authors: Li Zi-Jian , Cardoso Gabriel , Bergholtz Emil J. , Jiang Qing-Dong
Published: October 2024

We show that the perturbation of the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain by a localized lossy defect leads to higher-order exceptional points (HOEP). Depending on the location of the defect, third- and fourth-order exceptional points (EP3 and EP4) appear in the space of Hamiltonian parameters. On the one hand, they arise due to the non-Abelian braiding properties of exceptional lines (EL) in parameter space. Namely, the HOEPs lie at intersections of mutually noncommuting ELs. On the other hand, we show that such special intersections happen due to the fact that the delocalization of edge states, induced by the non-Hermitian defect, hybridizes them with defect states. These can then coalesce together into an EP3. When the defect lies at the midpoint of the chain, a special symmetry of the full spectrum can lead to an EP4. In this way, our model illustrates the emergence of interesting non-Abelian topological properties in the multiband structure of non-Hermitian perturbations of topological phases.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Single-Shot Readout and Weak Measurement of a Tin-Vacancy Qubit in Diamond
Authors: Rosenthal Eric I. , Biswas Souvik , Scuri Giovanni , Lee Hope , Stein Abigail J. , Kleidermacher Hannah C. , Grzesik Jakob , Rugar Alison E. , Aghaeimeibodi Shahriar , Riedel Daniel , Titze Michael , Bielejec Edward S. , Choi Joonhee , Anderson Christopher P. , Vučković Jelena
Published: October 2024

The negatively charged tin-vacancy center in diamond (SnV−) is an emerging platform for building the next generation of long-distance quantum networks. This is due to the SnV−’s favorable optical and spin properties including bright emission, insensitivity to electronic noise, and long spin coherence times at temperatures above 1 K. Here, we demonstrate measurement of a single SnV− electronic spin with a single-shot readout fidelity of 87.4%, which can be further improved to 98.5% by conditioning on multiple readouts. In the process, we develop understanding of the relationship between strain, magnetic field, spin readout, and microwave spin control. We show that high-fidelity readout is compatible with rapid microwave spin control, demonstrating a favorable parameter regime for use of the SnV− center as a high-quality spin-photon interface. Finally, we use weak quantum measurement to study measurement-induced dephasing; this illuminates the fundamental interplay between measurement and decoherence in quantum mechanics, and provides a universal method to characterize the efficiency of color-center spin readout. Taken together, these results overcome an important hurdle in the development of the SnV−-based quantum technologies and, in the process, develop techniques and understanding broadly applicable to the study of solid-state quantum emitters.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
4-Bromo-N,N′-diphenylbenzimidamide N′-oxide
Authors: Saha Arindam , Chartrand Daniel , Cibian Mihaela , Maris Thierry , Hanan Garry S.
Published: October 2024

The title compound, C19H15BrN2O, crystallizes with two similar molecules in the asymmetric unit. The extended structure features dimers linked by pairs of N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The HNCNO moiety of the title compound shows delocalization over the N—C—N part, as evidenced by the similar C—N bond distances.
A better use of the shoulders we stand on: meta-analyses in the history of education
Authors: Geiss Michael , Westberg Johannes
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This article argues that the potential of the vast amount of research, published each year in the history of education, remains untapped. Given the rapidly growing number of academic publications in the field, there is a need for research that is based on articles, chapters and monographs already published. While analyses of existing research publications are widely used in other academic disciplines, such approaches remain under-utilized in the history of education.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument of this article is supported in three steps. Firstly, we distinguish between different forms of research using existing data and research publications, in particular secondary analyses, systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. Due to the heterogeneous nature of research publications in educational history, this article argues for the method of qualitative meta-analysis. Secondly, we discuss the risks and methodological pitfalls of research using existing research publications, outlining possible areas of application and discuss examples of meta-analyses in educational history. Finally, the article explores the implications of an increased use of meta-analyses, especially for the editors of scientific journals.

Findings

This article provides an introduction to the main features of meta-analysis as applied in history of education. By promoting qualitative meta-analyses as original research, we argue that journals could help ensure that the potential for vibrant and highly productive research in the history of education is fully realized.

Originality/value

Despite that the use of published research is widely discussed in the behavioural and social sciences, there is a lack of reflection on how to use the knowledge produced in the history of education. By presenting qualitative meta-analysis, this article provides a starting point for such a discussion.
A netnographic analysıs of tourists’ memorable tourısm experıences: the case of historical Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar ın Istanbul
Authors: Kodas Betül , Subaşı Asef
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To provide visitors with a variety of experiences, tourism is a collection of activities that might leave a lasting impact on them. Anticipating and understanding what makes visitors memorable can give destinations and tourism marketers a competitive advantage. Regarding this, the purpose of this study is to investigate the memorable tourism experiences of international tourists who have visited the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar in Istanbul.

Design/methodology/approach

The comments made by travelers from abroad on TripAdvisor following their experiences were examined using a netnographic analysis methodology. The data were collected from the most recent to the oldest comments posted on tourist experiences about historical Egyptian (spice) bazaar (n: 825).

Findings

In line with the findings obtained from the reviews examined, six components were determined that make the tourists’ experiences memorable: ambience (1), novelty (2), hedonism (3), local culture (4), knowledge (5) and price (6).

Originality/value

The memorable Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar experiences of international tourists analyzed within the scope of the research were in line with the dimensions of novelty, hedonism, knowledge and local culture of the study conducted by (Kim & Ritchie, 2014); ambience and product price were found to be the two different dimensions. It can be stated that results of the study can help to develop effective strategies to improve the competitiveness of the destination.
Collaborative governance and integrated risk management framework of natural disasters
Authors: Tiwari Ashu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to align the objectives of key stakeholders by developing an integrated framework for high-impact natural disaster risk management. High-impact natural disasters have emerged as one of the most challenging policy issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have applied the thematic text analysis for analysing the list of questions essential to develop an integrated framework. For theory, the authors have used the theoretical framework of collaborative governance.

Findings

The current work explains how to identify key stakeholders. Furthermore, it describes the framework to fit stakeholders' actions into the actionable components of risk management. Additionally, this framework also helps the firms that fall under the category of the industries “in the proximity of risks” and “the support industries” in modifying their role in the context of natural disaster risk.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this framework is that the authors relied on commonly occurring natural disaster risks to develop the framework. Therefore, risk-specific aspects are less likely to be thoroughly covered in this framework. However, this limitation is not directly impacting the goal of this study. Additionally, in the future more comprehensive framework with the additional element in the existing framework can overcome these limitations.

Practical implications

The findings of the study offer insights that can be useful for policymakers in developing various preventive strategies. Managers can use the results and align their objectives with policy goals.

Social implications

Socially, if communities try to design local risk management strategies, this framework would be helpful.

Originality/value

This study illustrates the role of objective alignment in high-impact risk management. This study is crucial in extending current knowledge on high-impact natural disaster risk management.
Exploring whether digital technologies ameliorate firms’ servitization: the moderating role of organizational slack and research and development intensity
Authors: Babalola Emmanuel Olusola , Wu Bo , Fosu Edward , Shakeel Nausheen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Digital technologies are essential for improving efficiency and unlocking new opportunities in various domains. The purpose of this study is to assess whether digital technologies can ameliorate servitization among manufacturing firms via the interaction of organizational slack and research and development (R&D) intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on resource-based and service-dominant logic, the study employs a deductive approach and gathers empirical evidence from 1,929 listed A-shares manufacturing firms in the top-seven China mainland industrial provinces spanning the period 2012–2021. It used fixed-effect logistic regression techniques while controlling for various factors to analyze the relationship between digital technologies and manufacturing firm servitization.

Findings

The findings revealed that digital technologies significantly ameliorate manufacturing firms' servitization. Moreover, the study uncovers the contingent nature of this relationship, demonstrating that high levels of both internal and external slack, which provide flexibility and support, intensify the direction of digital technologies towards servitization. Additionally, R&D intensity reflects the firm's commitment to innovation, thereby enhancing synergistic effects in the relationship.

Originality/value

This study contributes robust and comprehensive empirical evidence that validates and establishes a clear baseline relationship reflecting the most current digital technology landscape and its implications for manufacturing firms servitization. Moreover, it provides a more patterned understanding of how internal and external slack typologies and R&D intensity contextualize our study’s findings. Additionally, it demonstrates how our theoretical synthesis advances firms’ strategic shifts towards service-oriented business models through digital technologies.
Occupational performance patterns in children with paediatric acute‐onset neuropsychiatric syndrome
Authors: Newby Michelle J. , Lane Shelly J. , Haracz Kirsti , Tona Janice , Palazzi Kerrin , Lambkin David
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Paediatric acute‐onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a neuroimmune condition characterised by episodic exacerbations and remissions. This study investigates the impact of PANS on children's occupational performance during these phases, using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale (VABS). Understanding these variations is crucial for developing tailored interventions and managing the condition effectively.

Methods

A two‐period bidirectional case‐crossover design was employed to assess occupational performance in children with PANS at exacerbation (T‐E) and remission (T‐R) phases. Parents of children aged 4.6–13.1 years with PANS were recruited globally, with data collected via online surveys and monthly updates. The VABS evaluated occupational performance, with analysis using linear mixed models and Least Squares Means (LSMeans) for accurate representation.

Results

Data from 27 participants showed significantly lower scores in the Adaptive Behaviour Composite and socialisation domain of the VABS at T‐E compared with T‐R, indicating a decline in occupational performance and social skills during exacerbations. During remission, participants demonstrated typical performance across all domains.

Conclusion

The study highlights a marked decline in occupational performance and socialisation during PANS exacerbations, with improvements to typical levels during remission. These findings emphasise the need for targeted interventions to address occupational and social challenges in children with PANS during exacerbations, underscoring the episodic nature of the condition and the risk of misinterpreting behaviours if assessed during exacerbations. Multidisciplinary allied health support may benefit children with PANS.

Consumer and community involvement

Although there was no direct consumer and community involvement, two researchers on our team have family members with PANS. Their personal experiences provided vital insights into the challenges faced by children with PANS, deeply influencing our study's design, focus, and interpretation, ensuring it reflects the realities of those affected.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Our study looked at how PANS affects the things children do in their daily lives. We asked parents of children ages 4.6–13.1 years old to complete surveys measuring this at two times: once during a symptom flare‐up and once during a period of wellness. Our results showed that during symptom flare‐ups, children's social skills and general ability to do daily tasks were much lower compared with periods of wellness. When children were well, their abilities were similar to those of typically developing children of the same age. This highlights the need for occupational therapy during flare‐ups to help improve the lives of children with PANS.
“We don't get that information right back to us unless it's a full‐blown cancer”: Challenges coordinating lung cancer screening across healthcare systems
Authors: Bolton Rendelle E. , Núñez Eduardo R. , Boudreau Jacqueline , Kearney Lauren M. , Ryan Samantha K. , Herbst Abigail , Slatore Christopher , Wiener Renda Soylemez
Published: October 2024

Objective

To examine how lung cancer screening (LCS) is coordinated across healthcare systems, specifically Veterans Affairs (VA) and non‐VA settings.

Data Sources and Study Setting

We conducted primary qualitative data collection in six VA medical centers with established LCS programs from November 2020 to November 2021.

Study Design and Data Collection Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 48 primary care providers, LCS program coordinators and directors, and pulmonologists. Thematic analysis examined spontaneously raised narratives related to initiating and coordinating LCS for Veterans screened in non‐VA settings. We mapped coordination challenges to each step of the LCS care continuum.

Principal Findings

While non‐VA options increased access to LCS for Veterans, VA medical centers lacked clear processes for initiating LCS referrals and tracking Veterans across the LCS continuum when screening occurred in non‐VA settings. The responsibility of coordinating LCS with community providers often fell to VA primary care providers rather than LCS programs. Gaps in communication and data transfer contributed to delayed evaluation of potentially cancerous nodules post‐screening, raising concerns about compromised care quality when LCS was shared with non‐VA settings.

Conclusions

While policies expanding LCS for Veterans in non‐VA settings increase access, lack of consistent processes to initiate referrals, obtain results, and promote timely downstream evaluation fragmented care and delayed evaluation of concerning nodules. These unintended consequences highlight a need to address cross‐system coordination challenges. Strategies to better coordinate LCS between VA and non‐VA settings are essential to achieve high quality LCS and prevent Veterans from falling through the cracks.
The impact of news media coverage on voluntary disclosure
Authors: Lock Brandon
Published: October 2024

This study investigates whether and how firm‐specific news media coverage affects corporate voluntary disclosure. I predict that media coverage influences managers' disclosure decisions by directing investor attention toward firms and increasing investor demand for firm information. I find that managers are more likely to issue earnings guidance if their recent earnings guidance receives more media coverage. The relation between media coverage and guidance issuance is stronger for news articles that purely disseminate information quickly and are published by news outlets that target institutional investors. Consistent with my hypothesis that media coverage influences investor demand for information, I find evidence that media coverage of guidance positively relates to subsequent institutional information search activity, which in turn positively relates to future guidance issuance. Examining sources of plausibly exogenous variation in media coverage, I find further corroborative evidence of a positive relation between media coverage and earnings guidance. Overall, these analyses indicate that the news media influence managers' provision of voluntary disclosure.
A RETREG1 variant is associated with hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy with acral self‐mutilation in purebred German Spitz
Authors: Letko Anna , Quignon Pascale , Quilleré Maéva , Husson Jean‐Charles , de Citres Caroline Dufaure , Donner Jonas , Dréano Stéphane , Plassais Jocelyn , André Catherine
Published: October 2024

Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) represent a group of genetic diseases affecting the peripheral nervous system. In humans, at least 16 loci have been associated with the disorder but do not explain the disease origin of all patients. In dogs, similar conditions have been documented for decades in various breeds with a severe impact on life quality and are often referred to as acral mutilation syndrome (AMS). Causal variants in three genes have been identified to date, suggesting larger genetic heterogeneity in the dog population. Our aim was to explain the genetic etiology of an early‐onset HSAN/AMS in a purebred German Spitz. The affected dog showed progressive loss of pain sensation in the distal extremities, which led to intense licking, biting, and self‐mutilation of digits and paw pads. Whole‐genome sequencing identified a single candidate causal variant on chromosome 4 in the RETREG1 gene (c.656C>T, p.Pro219Leu). This missense variant was previously recognized as deleterious in a mixed breed dog family with similar clinical signs. Haplotype analyses and targeted genotyping revealed a likely German Spitz ancestry of these mixed breed dogs. Further screening of an extensive cohort of ~900 000 dogs of various breeds hinted at the variant allele origin in the German Spitz breed. Disruption of RETREG1 inhibits endoplasmic reticulum turnover and leads to neuron degeneration. Our findings provide evidence that this variant underlies the recessive form of HSAN/AMS in the German Spitz and support the use of whole‐genome sequencing‐based veterinary precision medicine for early diagnosis and prevention via a genetic test.
Frailty in general medicine patients receiving geriatric medicine liaison services is predictive of adverse outcomes
Authors: Thompson Mark Q. , Fatema Nur‐E‐Zannat , Tucker Graeme R. , Khalid Ashna , Huang Yue , Smyth Carla R. , Yu Solomon , Visvanathan Renuka
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Frailty is in an increasing focus for acute care systems due to its association with adverse health outcomes. The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is a judgement‐based frailty assessment tool, which classifies the frailty status of older adults, but more research involving general medicine inpatients is necessary. The objectives of this study were to describe the predictive ability of CFS, administered by geriatric medicine trained nurses, for adverse outcomes including the following: acute unit and total length of stay (LOS), new nursing home (NH) admission, 12‐month mortality and readmission within 30‐day.

Methods

Design

Retrospective study.

Participants

Patients admitted under general medicine unit and seen by the geriatric medicine liaison team in one general hospital.

Main Measure

CFS.

Results

Of 394 patients included, 60% were mild–moderately frail, and 21% severely frail. In a multivariable analysis, patients classified as severely frail (CFS 7–9) had significantly high odds of death during admission (OR = 13.64), new NH admission (OR = 34.97) and acute LOS (OR = 1.74), compared to non‐frail patients (CFS1‐4). Mild–moderately frail (CFS 5–6) patients had significantly higher odds for new NH admission (OR = 4.36), acute unit LOS (OR = 1.49) and total LOS (OR = 1.61) compared to non‐frail patients. In a Cox regression multivariable survival analysis, the severely frail had a sixfold significantly higher likelihood (HR = 6.19) of 12‐month mortality, and the mild–moderately frail had a doubled likelihood (HR = 2.13), compared to the non‐frail.

Conclusions

The CFS has clinical utility for identifying general medicine older inpatients at‐risk of various adverse outcomes.
Tracheomalacia and surgical options: A case series perspective
Authors: Møller Helene Holmark , Schmidt Marika Nathalie , Ifaoui Inge B. R. , Thyregod Hans G. H. , Christiansen Elisabeth S. , Muthialu Nagarajan , Buchvald Frederik F. , Nielsen Kim G.
Published: October 2024

Tracheomalacia causes considerable morbidity in children, and the best treatment options remain debated. This paper presents a case series of seven Danish children who underwent surgical interventions, such as tracheopexy and aortopexy, demonstrating favourable clinical outcomes, notably with early intervention. We discuss the indications, timing and potential benefits of surgery for tracheomalacia in reducing respiratory symptoms caused by tracheal collapse. Our case series highlights the potential of surgical options in managing tracheomalacia, emphasising the need for standardised protocols, multidisciplinary and international collaboration, and further research to optimise treatment strategies and outcomes.
Significance of resected stomach measurements in postoperative delayed gastric emptying following laparoscopic pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy
Authors: Ito Nozomi , Tsujimoto Hironori , Kumano Isao , Fujishima Seiichiro , Kariya Risa , Uehata Naoyuki , Fukuoka Yusuke , Suzuki Takafumi , Itazaki Yujiro , Horiguchi Hiroyuki , Yaguchi Yoshihisa , Ueno Hideki
Published: October 2024

Purpose

We investigated the relationship between the resected stomach measurements, the incidence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE), and food residue 1 year after surgery in patients who underwent laparoscopic pylorus‐preserving gastrectomy (PPG).

Materials and Methods

The DGE group included 10 patients fasting due to nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or remnant stomach distension on radiographs; the control group included 36 patients without these symptoms. We compared the size and length of lesser and greater curvatures of the resected stomach and endoscopic findings after 1 year.

Results

No significant differences were observed between groups in terms of sex, body mass index, gross type, histology, tumor progression, number of dissected lymph nodes, operating time, or blood loss. The DGE group was older, had a longer postoperative stay, and showed a smaller size and shorter greater curvature of the resected stomach than the control group (p < 0.01 for all). No difference was observed in the length of the lesser curvature of the resected stomach. In addition, there were no disparities in residual food, degree and extent of gastritis, or bile reflux 1 year after gastrectomy.

Conclusions

Measurements of the resected stomach suggest that preventing DGE may be achievable by removing a larger area of the greater curvature and/or stomach during laparoscopic PPG. This implies potential surgical strategy improvements for better outcomes. Further multicenter trials are needed to validate and refine techniques.
Peri‐parturient ewe mortality in commercial, southern Australian, non‐Merino ewe flocks: establishing the frequency and investigating causes
Authors: McQuillan MC , Glanville E , Jacobson C , Sherriff L , McGill DM , Whale A , Allworth MB
Published: October 2024

Background

The level and cause of ewe mortality over the peri‐parturient period is poorly understood in Australia. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of peri‐parturient ewe mortality and investigate the causes of death in commercial, non‐Merino ewes over the peri‐parturient period.

Methods

An observational study involving 50 commercial, non‐Merino farms across southern Australia during two lambing seasons was conducted. The study population was the breeding flock of ewes on each farm. Ewes were monitored by farmers from the time they were first placed in their lambing paddocks before lambing, up until lamb marking (the lambing period). The project required no change to normal practice. Veterinarians conducted postmortem (PM) examinations at three time points on each farm over the lambing period. A standard PM protocol was followed by all participating veterinarians.

Results

The mean peri‐parturient mortality over the lambing period was 2.5% in Year 1 and 2.0% in Year 2, with no significant difference between years. Factors that increased the risk of peri‐parturient ewe mortality included ewe age (>5 years old) and litter size (triplet‐bearing ewes). The most common causes of ewe death according to farmers was dystocia and unknown causes. The three most common diagnoses on veterinary PM examination were dystocia, septicaemia and trauma.

Conclusions

This study reveals the relative importance of each cause of ewe mortality over the peri‐parturient period. Risk reduction could include identification and management of older ewes (aged above 5 years or older) and ewes carrying twins or triplets.
Two novel families with RUNX1 variants indicate glycine 168 as a new mutational hotspot: Implications for FPD/AML diagnosis
Authors: Kamiya Laureano J. , Barozzi Serena , Isidori Federica , Ganiewich Daiana , De Luca Geraldine , Bozzi Valeria , Marta Rosana F. , Melazzini Federica , Pippucci Tommaso , Heller Paula G. , Glembotsky Ana C. , Pecci Alessandro
Published: October 2024

Correct interpretation of the pathogenicity of germline RUNX1 variants is essential for FPD/AML diagnosis, clinical management and leukaemia surveillance. We report two families with clear FPD/AML phenotypic features harbouring missense variants at RHD critical residue Gly168. Although classified as of unknown significance (VUS) by RUNX1‐specific curation guidelines, these variants should rather be considered likely pathogenic, as supported by computational tools, structural modelling and dysregulated platelet expression of RUNX1‐targets, adding Gly168 among amino acids currently recognised as mutational hotspots. Our data could help reduce the number of variants classified as VUS, providing evidence for updating RUNX1 guidelines, thus improving FPD/AML diagnosis.
Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio identifies low‐risk polycythaemia vera patients for early Ropeginterferon alfa‐2b therapy
Authors: Barbui Tiziano , Carobbio Alessandra , Guglielmelli Paola , Ghirardi Arianna , Fenili Francesca , Loscocco Giuseppe Gaetano , De Stefano Valerio , Ramundo Francesco , Finazzi Maria Chiara , Rambaldi Alessandro , Vannucchi Alessandro M.
Published: October 2024

We investigated the effect of Ropeginterferon alfa‐2b (Ropeg) versus phlebotomy‐only (Phl‐O) on the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in 126 patients randomized in the low‐polycythaemia vera (PV) phase II trial. Patients with a baseline NLR ≥3.5 vs. <3.5 had a longer history of PV, were more likely to have splenomegaly, higher JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) (56% vs. 20% p = 0.001) and more proliferative disease. Ropeg was superior to Phl‐O in reducing NLR (p = 0.008), and the reduction was strongly influenced by the reduction in neutrophils and less by a change in lymphocytes (−59% and −14% respectively). This effect was associated with the achievement of the low‐PV primary end‐point (p = 0.021), symptom reduction and reduction in JAK2 VAF. Interestingly, the reduction in JAK2 VAF from baseline was linearly associated with the reduction in NLR. Patients who failed Phl‐O at 12 months had characteristics that distinguished them from responders, including very high NLR and resistance to cross‐over to 100 μg Ropeg every 2 weeks suggesting higher escalated doses of Ropeg. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that NLR can serve as a valuable biomarker to assess and guide treatment with Ropeg in the early stage of low‐risk PV patients.
Mourning and orienting to the future in a liminal occasion: (Re)defining British national identity after Queen Elizabeth II's death
Authors: Obradović Sandra , Martinez Nuria , Dhanda Nandita , Bode Sidney , Ntontis Evangelos , Bowe Mhairi , Reicher Stephen , Jurstakova Klara , Kane Jazmin , Vestergren Sara
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we conceptualize the days of mourning that followed the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. as constituting a liminal occasion, a moment of in‐betweenness through which we can explore sense‐making in times of transition. How do people navigate through liminal occasions, and are they always transformative? Through a rapid response ethnography (Ninterviews = 64, Nparticipants = 122), we were able to capture the raw moments within which a collective comes together, as part of a national ritual, to transition from ‘here’ to ‘there’. In our data, liminality prompted participants to strategically define British national identity and its future by positioning the Queen as representative of Britishness, her loss as a national identity loss. No longer taken for granted, participants reasserted the value of the monarchy as an apolitical and unifying feature in an otherwise divided society, characterizing the continuity of the institution as an essential part of British identity and society. The analysis illustrates how liminality offers a useful conceptual tool for addressing how temporality and change are negotiated in relation to a shared identity, and how navigating transitional moments brings with it political implications for the future.
Population pharmacokinetic model of ABL001/CTX‐009 (anti‐VEGF/DLL4) in adult cancer patients with solid tumor
Authors: Na Joo Young , Jeon Juyeun , Huh Ki Young , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Lee Sangmi , Eom Jaehyun , Ahn Jinhyung , You Weon‐Kyoo , Oh Jaeseong
Published: October 2024

ABL001/CTX‐009 is a bispecific antibody targeting delta‐like ligand‐4 and vascular endothelial growth factor A. In this study, we developed a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of ABL001/CTX‐009 in patients with solid tumors. A total of 712 plasma concentrations from 30 patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors were collected from a phase 1 study (NCT03292783). A population PK model was developed using a nonlinear mixed‐effect method and was evaluated by graphical and numerical methods. Using the model, the steady‐state concentrations were simulated to compare weight‐based and fixed‐dose regimens and to find optimal dosing intervals. The PK of ABL001/CTX‐009 was well described by a two‐compartment model with a parallel first‐order and Michaelis–Menten elimination kinetics. Body weight was selected as a significant covariate on V1. Model evaluation results suggested that the model was adequate and robust with good precision. Simulations after administrations of fixed or weight‐based doses showed similar plasma concentrations. Additionally, 10 mg/kg for every other week and 15 mg/kg for every three‐week administration showed comparable plasma concentrations. In conclusion, the model well described the plasma concentrations of ABL001/CTX‐009 in patients with solid tumors. The simulation suggested that weight‐based dose and fixed dose can provide equivalent systemic exposure.