bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Berreman-assisted optical characterization of sub-percolation threshold, ultrathin near-zero-index films
Authors: Herman Luke A , Hu Jie , Liu Zhaowei
Published: January 2025

Due to its transparent and conductive nature, indium tin oxide (ITO) offers substantial benefits in several industries, such as thin film transistors, displays, and nanophotonics. Previous studies on ultrathin ITO have so far focused on its electrical properties but have neglected the technologically important epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) optical features due to the difficulty of extracting the refractive index and the thickness-dependent degradation of the optical properties. Here, we demonstrate a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible deposition procedure for sub-percolation thickness (below 4 nm) ITO using a dry-etch assisted radiofrequency magnetron sputtering technique that yields continuous films in a precisely controlled manner. Through interface engineering and post-deposition annealing optimization, we show that these ITO films can retain high carrier mobility (43 cm2V−1 s−1) while achieving a tunable near-zero-index (NZI) regime throughout the telecommunications band using a Berreman-assisted optical characterization technique. Our result opens the possibility of efficiently designing ENZ/NZI materials at the nanoscale using a robust fabrication approach for applications in nanophotonics.
The Ecology and Evolution of Invasive Populations
Authors: Phillips Ben
Published: January 2025

Why do populations spread through space, and how do they change as they do so? In answering these questions, this book shows that phenomena as diverse as tumour growth and the spread of invasive species are all manifestations of the same process. As such, there are ecological and evolutionary principles in common across all these systems. This book develops both the history of, and recent advances in, our understanding of invasive populations, using a combination of empirical examples and accessible theory. It shows that populations evolve as they spread, in both predictable and unpredictable ways. The book finishes with new ideas for the management of invasive populations.
Evolution on invasion fronts
Authors: Phillips Ben
Published: January 2025

This chapter shows that the process of invasion causes strong evolutionary forces to emerge on the invasion front. On invasion fronts, natural selection and spatial sorting can cause rapid evolutionary change that, in turn, causes invasions to accelerate. This chapter sets out the historical development of these ideas, and clarifies some confusion around terms and processes.
Perpetual Children
Authors: Briggs Jonathyne
Published: January 2025

Perpetual Children is a narrative history of debates over the definition and appropriate treatment of autism in France since 1950, noting the French divergence from psychological norms in the rest of the world. Examining the works of psychoanalysts, the activities of parents’ associations, and the efforts of autistic self-advocates, Perpetual Children argues that the consistent framing of autism as a form of childhood psychosis marginalized autistic persons and emphasized the voices of parents and professionals. This framing also justified the continued use of psychoanalysis as an intervention because of the placement of autism within the family dynamic. Even as research in the United States pointed to biological and neurological conceptions of autism, the French continued to support a psychogenic origin for the disorder, impacting state policy and medical norms for decades. This position energized conflict between professionals and parents concerning expertise, leading to political and legal changes at the end of the twentieth century. By the twenty-first century, the French autistic population entered the debate to transform its parameters and assert their own position as experts on autism, reconceiving the disorder outside childhood to a limited degree. Perpetual Children reveals the international dimension of the story of autism and how the French context provides a different perspective on its history.
The Psychoanalytic State
Authors: Briggs Jonathyne
Published: January 2025

This chapter focuses on the impact of the antipsychiatry movement following the events of 1968, the continued ascendance of psychoanalysis as part of French intellectual life, and its impact on the actions of parents’ associations. During this period, new types of institutions developed that took increasingly experimental approaches to treatment, and ideas concerning the origins of autism were reinforced in a manner that challenged parents’ participation in therapy. The French interpretation of autism as a psychological disorder was solidified, even as parents learned of new ideas and approaches developed outside France. Associations sought increased interventions from the French state to protect the rights of their children, but the state delegated these questions to the professionals. The growing French divergence led to the paradox of removal from the home as a form of treatment, just as many social critics were questioning the need to house disabled children in the 1970s.
International Law as a (Queer) Governance Mechanism
Authors: Biddolph Caitlin
Published: January 2025

This chapter introduces international law as a (queer) governance mechanism. Conceptualized as such, it recognizes the gendered and gendering, discursive and agential, and violent and violating capacities of international law as a mechanism that governs people and populations. The chapter argues that attending to international law as (potentially) queer does not erase the violence of international law in its delineation of lawfulness and criminality according to gendered, sexual, and racial signifiers. Instead, it suggests that engaging queer perspectives to governance and international law allows for both possibilities, of law’s violent and queer potential. The chapter charts this argument through the case of the International Criminal Tribunal of the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It draws on existing feminist, postcolonial, and queer approaches to international law and international relations to develop the conceptual foundations of the book, and to situate the book’s contribution within this scholarship.
Myths and facts about alcohol use disorder: a Delphi consensus study
Authors: Hytner Sophie , Josselin Daphne , Belin David , Bowden Jones Owen
Published: January 2025

Educational interventions that counter myths about alcohol use disorder with facts have the potential to reduce public stigma. Few such interventions have hitherto been rigorously developed. Using a Delphi expert consensus method, this study identified myths and facts to include in an intervention targeting the public stigma of alcohol use disorder. Sixteen UK-based experts (four academics, five clinicians and seven experts-by-experience) completed three sequential online survey rounds. The first round was used alongside a systematic review of the literature on public alcohol use disorder stereotypes to develop 13 myth-fact pairs, which participants quantitively scored in subsequent rounds to determine their importance for inclusion. Pairs reaching consensus (>70% agreement) on high importance (mean score, 7–9) challenged beliefs that alcohol use disorder ‘only affects certain groups’, and that people with alcohol use disorder ‘cannot recover’, are ‘to blame’ for, and ‘able to control’, their drinking. The myth-fact pairs scored as most important relate to responsibility- and recovery-based themes and provide a basis for future educational interventions for public alcohol use disorder stigma.
Eight-membered-ring-forming chain-growth cyclopolymerization of 2,2′-diisocyano-1,1′-binaphthalenes for the synthesis of helical poly([1,4]diazocine-2,3-diyl)s
Authors: Yoshinaga Yukako , Nishimaru Ryo , Suginome Michinori
Published: January 2025

Novel helical macromolecules, poly([1,4]diazocine-2,3-diyl)s (PDACs), are synthesized by living cyclopolymerization of 2,2′-diisocyano-1,1′-binaphthalenes in the presence of organonickel or organopalladium complexes as initiators. The conformation of the main PDAC chain obtained from (R)-monomer is deduced from experimental results as (M)-helix and depends on the optical purity of the monomer.
Thin film epitaxy of high quality ferromagnetic semiconductor EuO using pulsed laser deposition equipped with Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Sahoo Ramchandra , Sato Yusuke , Sasaki Satoshi , Negishi Masamichi , Takahashi Ryota , Fukumura Tomoteru
Published: January 2025

Pulsed laser deposition with the fourth harmonic wave of Nd-doped Y3Al5O12 laser was applied to thin film epitaxy of a ferromagnetic semiconductor EuO which contains metastable Eu2+ ions. Highly crystalline, flat, and stoichiometric EuO (001) epitaxial thin films were successfully grown on YAlO3 (110) single crystal substrates. The EuO film exhibited ferromagnetism reflecting the 4f electronic configuration of Eu2+. These results indicate that Nd-doped Y3Al5O12 laser is useful for deposition of oxide thin films requiring oxygen stoichiometry.
Mechanical exfoliation of non-van der Waals solids: a study of layered perovskite ferroelectric CsPb2Nb3O10
Authors: Shimada Masanari , Li Yan , Kobayashi Makoto , Yamamoto Eisuke , Canton-Vitoria Ruben , Osada Minoru
Published: January 2025

Mechanical exfoliation of layered materials is one of the most effective methods for obtaining 2D nanosheets. However, this approach is still limited to van der Waals (vdW) layered materials, where interlayer interactions are governed by weak vdW forces. In this study, we used a layered perovskite ferroelectric (CsPb2Nb3O10) as a model system to explore the mechanical exfoliation behavior of ionically bonded non-vdW layered materials. Due to the relatively weak out-of-plane bonds involving the interlayer Cs⁺ ions, CsPb2Nb3O10 could be cleaved into ultrathin sheets with thicknesses ranging from 7.5 to 50 nm. Using piezoresponse force microscopy, we investigated the thickness-dependent ferroelectric properties of CsPb2Nb3O10 nanosheets.
Aggregation behavior of α-substituted dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride complex with various alkyl groups in water/acetone mixtures
Authors: Makabe Keita , Koide Haruto , Moriya Kotaro , Miyasaka Naoto , Minemura Kazumitsu , Ichihara Kazunori , Fujimoto Yushi , Kitagawa Daichi , Kobatake Seiya , Ito Fuyuki
Published: January 2025

Dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride complexes (BF2DBM) exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties by introducing a methyl group at the α-position of the dioxaboroline ring. In this study, we synthesized α-substituted BF2DBM derivatives with alkyl groups and evaluated their photophysical and AIE properties as a function of water fraction (fw) in water/acetone mixtures. The aggregation behavior of the BF2DBMs differed depending on fw, although they exhibited AIE independently of the alkyl groups. The fw dependence suggested that the alkyl groups exhibit hierarchical aggregation behavior, indicating that the alkyl groups affect the intermolecular stacking pattern based on the X-ray crystallography, leading to the difference in the fluorescence properties of the crystals.
Micrometer-sized liposomes self-aggregate by forming DNA duplexes on their surfaces more sensitively than metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Ogawa Atsushi , Enomoto Ichiro , Takahashi Hajime
Published: January 2025

We demonstrate that liposomes with diameters of more than 10 µm (giant unilamellar vesicles) self-aggregate in a noncrosslinking manner by forming DNA duplexes with blunt ends on their surfaces much more sensitively than gold nanoparticles by virtue of their unique features.
Estimating the economic consequences of leveraging the novel cobas® HIV-1/HIV-2 Qualitative NAT Test in routine HIV testing
Authors: Bilir S Pinar , Krishnamurthy Pallavi , Karichu James K , Blosser Sara J , Hernandez Debbie , Tchelidze Tamar , Tawiah Kwaku , Ferrufino Cheryl P
Published: January 2025

Background

Efficient and cost-effective testing strategies are needed to reduce HIV transmission. The aim of this study was to compare the costs of using the current CDC 3-step HIV algorithm - antigen/antibody screening, differentiation immunoassay (Geenius) and NAT against an alternative algorithm using a cobas® HIV-1/HIV-2 qualitative NAT.

Methods

A one-year cost calculator was developed from a US payer perspective using a decision-tree approach to simulate testing in a population of 1 million individuals. An estimated 2.44% of individuals were tested for HIV with an antigen/antibody immunoassay test, of which 0.72% were reactive. Based on real-world evidence, it was estimated that 8.78% and 1.95% of those tested with Geenius and cobas, respectively, were retested after indeterminate/invalid results. HIV-1/HIV-2 prevalence was applied along with test performance and retest rates to estimate the total number of tests required and the overall costs per algorithm.

Results

Among 175 patients, overall payer costs with the current and alternative algorithm were $5,299.37 and $6,870.24 respectively, yielding $8.95 additional cost per patient. The total number of tests performed decreased by 21.29% using the alternative algorithm (191.8 vs 243.7). The total number of retests were 20.7 and 4.5 with the current and alternative algorithm, respectively.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates a significant reduction in the number of cumulative tests needed to diagnose HIV accurately while remaining cost neutral to payers using the alternative algorithm. These findings suggest that the proposed alternative algorithm can streamline HIV testing, without a substantial increase in healthcare costs and minimize adverse patient outcomes.
Translating PK-PD Principles Into Improved Methodology for Clinical Trials That Compare Intermittent With Prolonged Infusion of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Tilanus Alwin M , Shields Ryan K , Lodise Thomas P , Drusano George L
Published: January 2025

Based on the fact that beta-lactam antibiotics demonstrate time-dependent killing, different dosing strategies have been implemented to increase the time that free (unbound) antibiotic concentrations remain above the minimal inhibitory concentration, including prolonged and continuous infusion. Multiple studies have been performed that compared continuous with traditional intermittent infusion to improve outcomes in patients with severe sepsis. These studies have yielded inconsistent results for patients, as measured by clinical response to treatment and mortality due to heterogeneity of included patients, pathogens, dosing strategies, and the absence of therapeutic drug monitoring. The Continuous Infusion versus Intermittent Administration of Meropenem in Critically Ill Patients and Beta-Lactam Infusion Group trials failed to show a difference in mortality between patients randomized to receive continuous or intermittent infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics deeper understanding of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms that occur in critically ill patients should guide us in dose optimization and improvement in methodology for future clinical trials.
Bridging practice and research: differentiating quality improvement, quality assurance, and quality improvement research in a learning health system
Authors: Wynne Rochelle , Omarit Reem , Crowe Shane
Published: January 2025

Evidence-based practice integrates research into clinical care to enhance patient outcomes, yet gaps persist in translating evidence into practice. Learning health systems (LHSs) address these gaps by embedding knowledge generation within healthcare delivery. These systems use healthcare information to improve clinical practice and the value, quality, and efficiency of the systems providing healthcare services. In this paper, the distinctions between quality improvement (QI), quality assurance, and QI research in LHS are described, and the importance of nurse-led initiatives to foster research-oriented culture in LHS is emphasized. In understanding these methodologies, nurses can drive the translation and evaluation of evidence for practice improvement, advance healthcare quality, and overcome traditional barriers to LHS evidence uptake and evaluation.
Intraspecific gene regulation in cis- and trans-
Authors: Durkin Sylvia M , Nachman Michael W
Published: January 2025

Changes in gene expression underlie much of evolution and occur via either cis-acting mutations, which lie near the affected gene and act in a context-specific manner, or trans-acting mutations, which may be far from the affected gene and act through diffusible molecules such as transcription factors. A commonly held view is that most expression variation within species is controlled in trans- while expression differences between species are largely controlled in cis-. Here, we summarize recent intraspecific gene regulation studies and find, contrary to this widely held view, that many studies in diverse taxa have revealed a large role for cis-acting mutations underlying expression variation within species. A review of the existing literature also shows that preparations using whole organisms rather than individual tissues may be biased toward identifying trans-regulation. Moreover, we note several examples of predominantly cis-acting regulation in recently diverged populations adapted to different environments. We highlight the challenges of drawing general conclusions from comparisons among studies that use different methodologies and we offer suggestions for studies that will address outstanding questions concerning the evolution of gene regulation.
Cyclical, multi-trophic-level responses to a volatile, introduced forage fish: Learning from four decades of food web observation to inform management
Authors: Lepak Jesse M , Hansen Adam G , Johnson Brett M , Battige Kyle , Cristan Erik T , Farrell Collin J , Pate William M , Rogers Kevin B , Treble Andrew J , Walsworth Timothy E
Published: January 2025

Species introductions can have significant effects on recipient ecosystems. Anticipating potential ecosystem change in response to introduced species based on historical information can help managers prepare for future conditions. Rainbow Smelt Osmerus mordax have been introduced widely to improve sport fish growth. As intended, Walleye Sander vitreus growth in Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado increased after Rainbow Smelt introduction, but poor Walleye recruitment occurred as well. Additionally, opossum shrimp Mysis diluviana became absent from both predator diets and intermittent surveys, the dominant Daphnia species in Horsetooth Reservoir shifted and Daphnia densities declined significantly. These patterns were repeated during two different time periods of increased Rainbow Smelt abundance, suggesting that Rainbow Smelt have a strong influence on multiple components of the ecosystem. The repetition of responses to Rainbow Smelt offered the opportunity to evaluate indicators to anticipate potential ecosystem regime shifts that restructure predator–prey dynamics across trophic levels. Three predictors (i.e., high estimated Rainbow Smelt abundance, high catch rates of large Walleye, and low Daphnia densities) were associated with poor Walleye recruitment. Simple indicators like these could inform timely management decisions to take advantage of the benefits Rainbow Smelt offer, while lessening their undesirable effects. For example, management decisions could be made, such as preparing for Walleye egg collections, rearing and stocking of Walleye, increasing availability or quality of Walleye spawning habitat, allowing more protective or liberalized adult Walleye harvest to promote natural recruitment, and limiting Rainbow Smelt access to their spawning habitat.
Global priorities for ocean sustainability from Early Career Ocean Professionals
Authors: Satterthwaite Erin V , Robbins Matthew , Crespo Guillermo Ortuño , Puskic Peter S , Giddens Jonatha , Kostianaia Evgeniia , Giron-Nava Alfredo , Elsler Laura G , Rguez-Baron Juan M , Brodnicke Ole Bjørn
Published: January 2025

Intergenerational diversity is central to achieving long-term ocean sustainability. As such, one of the main goals and challenges in the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) is fostering engagement and leadership across career stages and from diverse sectors. To understand the knowledge and professional development needs of the next generation, we surveyed the perspectives of 1344 Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) across 108 countries and territories. We assess the survey results, reflect on what has been done to address these needs halfway through the Ocean Decade, and suggest areas to further progress. We found that climate change and its social and ecological impacts are the unifying topical priority for ECOPs globally. ECOPs called for support and access to professional development. Despite progress in many initiatives, enhanced opportunities for collaboration across disciplines and sectors, mentorship and professional development, knowledge and resource-sharing across regions, inclusion in decision-making and policy processes, and support for socially impactful and applied research require further attention. In addition, the survey responses indicated that access to funding, infrastructure, and ocean science tools was not equitably distributed globally, with the need to prioritize the ECOPs in the Global South and island nations and states. The results from this global survey serve as a foundational step to reflect upon and continue to co-design and deliver a collective vision for ocean sustainability involving the next generation of ocean leaders throughout the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and beyond.
Quantifying years of life lost in Australia: a multiple cause of death analysis
Authors: Joshy Grace , Bishop Karen , Li Hang , Moran Lauren , Gourley Michelle , Welsh Jennifer , Korda Rosemary , Banks Emily , Adair Tim , Rao Chalapati
Published: January 2025

Background

Deaths in Australia and other high-income countries increasingly involve multiple conditions. However, key burden of disease measures typically only use the underlying cause of death (UC). We quantified sex and cause-specific years of life lost (YLL) based on UC compared with a method integrating multiple causes of death.

Methods

Causes of death for all deaths in Australia (2015–17), mapped to 136 groups based on International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10), were ascribed using (1) the UC only and (2) a multiple cause weighting (WT) strategy. Applying the Global Burden of Disease 2010 life table, YLLUC and YLLWT rates were calculated for each sex and cause of death and compared using relative and absolute measures.

Results

All-cause YLL rates were 113.4/1000 for males and 79.9/1000 for females. Cancers, cardiovascular diseases, external causes, respiratory diseases and nervous system diseases were the five biggest contributors to YLL for each method. For the top 20 causes combined, YLLWT rates were 10% lower for males (YLLWT = 74.93/1000 vs YLLUC = 67.38/1000) and 7% lower for females (YLLWT = 51.34/1000; YLLUC = 47.90/1000); YLLWT rates were lower for ischaemic heart disease and all cancers, but higher for diabetes and dementia, and for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in males. With multiple cause weighting, renal failure emerged among the top 20 causes of YLL, as did atrial fibrillation and hypertension among females. YLLWT rates for substance abuse, mood disorders, hypertension and schizophrenia were relatively high compared with YLLUC.

Conclusion

The YLLWT metric highlights epidemiologically important conditions that are less often selected as the UC.
Research on optimization of power system load response strategy and cost–benefit analysis based on electricity price algorithm model
Authors: Geng Quanfeng , Yang Kai , Li Jing , Feng Guanglei , Hao Wenchao , Gao Lingling
Published: January 2025

This article proposes an innovative framework that amalgamates deep reinforcement learning (DRL) with cost–benefit analysis (CBA). The enhanced actor–critic DRL algorithm simultaneously addresses short-term price fluctuations and long-term system benefits, facilitating optimization across multiple time scales. Furthermore, it establishes a dynamic, multidimensional CBA model that encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of economic, social, and technological benefits, employing a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method for quantitative analysis. The integration of DRL and CBA forms a closed-loop system that continuously refines strategy optimization through real-time adjustments of the reward function and evaluation weights. Experimental results validate the efficacy of this approach.
Management strategy for building—photovoltaic with battery energy storage
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Yuechang
Published: January 2025

Combining buildings with photovoltaic (PV) is very promising, whether a building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) or building-attached PV (BAPV) program. In this paper, we take a home building as an example to design a feasible energy management scheme; we classify the home loads into dispatchable and nondispatchable loads and optimize the operating hours of dispatchable loads to obtain lower electricity bills and higher PV consumption rates. We perform a detailed analysis of the proposed strategy and fully validate it, and the proposed plan has been proven to perform better.
Protozoa-enhanced conjugation frequency alters the dissemination of soil antibiotic resistance
Authors: Lin Chenshuo , Li Li-Juan , Yang Kai , Xu Jia-Yang , Fan Xiao-Ting , Chen Qing-Lin , Zhu Yong-Guan
Published: January 2025

Protozoa, as primary predators of soil bacteria, represent an overlooked natural driver in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the effects of protozoan predation on ARGs dissemination at the community level, along with the underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. Here we used fluorescence-activated cell sorting, qPCR, combined with metagenomics and reverse transcription quantitative PCR, to unveil how protozoa (Colpoda steinii and Acanthamoeba castellanii) influence the plasmid-mediated transfer of ARGs to soil microbial communities. Protozoan predation reduced the absolute abundance of plasmids but promoted the expression of conjugation-associated genes, leading to a 5-fold and 4.5-fold increase in conjugation frequency in the presence of C. steinii and A. castellanii, respectively. Excessive oxidative stress, increased membrane permeability, and the provoked SOS response closely associated with the increased conjugative transfer. Protozoan predation also altered the plasmid host range and selected for specific transconjugant taxa along with ARGs and virulence factors carried by transconjugant communities. This study underscores the role of protozoa in the plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer of ARGs, providing new insights into microbial mechanisms that drive the dissemination of environmental antibiotic resistance.
Understanding Preferences over Borders
Authors: Lipps Jana , Sczepanski Ronja , Malet Giorgio
Published: January 2025

The governance of international borders has evolved into a contentious issue of political competition along the cosmopolitan-nationalistic divide. Despite a strong polarization over the level of border openness, many border security policies are carried by a strong cross-partisan support base. This puzzle suggests that public preferences toward border security might be more context-dependent and prone to framing strategies than previously assumed. We develop a theoretical argument that explains under what conditions citizen preferences over borders are more likely to polarize or to converge, and we examine the effect of concrete border security measures, their justification, and the neighboring country to which they apply. We test our argument with a novel open-ended question on border mental associations and a conjoint experiment among 4,700 Germans. Results show that people attach very similar meanings to the concept of border, and that securitization frames and joint EU border guards are a first-rank choice leading to lower levels of polarization. Greater agreement is driven by left-leaning respondents shifting toward a more favorable view of border closure in response to such proposals. Building fences and migration-related justifications polarize the most across different subgroups. These results contribute to our understanding of the polarization potential of border policies and have important implications for the freedom-security trade-off.
Toxicological evaluation, postmortem case descriptions, and pharmacological activity of N,N-dimethylpentylone and related analogs
Authors: Fogarty Melissa F , Walton Sara E , Truver Michael T , Glatfelter Grant C , Krotulski Alex J , Papsun Donna M , Lamb Michael , Chronister Chris W , Goldberger Bruce A , Walther Donna , Barba Kristie , Baumann Michael H , Logan Barry K
Published: January 2025

Identification of N,N-dimethylpentylone (DMP) in counterfeit “Ecstasy” and “Molly” tablets poses risk to public health due to its adverse effects. Little information is available regarding the pharmacological activity or relevant blood or tissue concentrations of DMP, and even less is known about other structurally related beta-keto methylenedioxyamphetamine analogs on recreational drug markets, such as N-propyl butylone. Here, a novel toxicological assay utilizing liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the quantitation of DMP and five related synthetic cathinones [eutylone, pentylone, N-ethyl pentylone (NEP), N-propyl butylone, and N-cyclohexyl butylone], with chromatographic resolution from isomeric variants and quantitation performed by standard addition. A forensic series of 125 cases is presented for DMP and related analogs, along with pharmacological activity assessments using monoamine transporter and mouse behavioral assays. The blood concentration range for DMP in postmortem forensic cases was 3.3–4600 ng/mL (mean: 320 ± 570 ng/mL, median: 150 ng/mL), whereas pentylone, the primary N-desmethyl metabolite of DMP, was identified in 98% of cases with a concentration range 1.3–710 ng/mL (mean ± SD: 105 ± 120 ng/mL, median: 71 ng/mL). N-Propyl butylone, a newly identified synthetic cathinone, was quantitated in seven cases (mean ± SD: 82 ± 75 ng/mL, median: 50 ng/mL, range: 1.7–200 ng/mL). DMP displayed potent uptake inhibition at the dopamine transporter [half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 49 nM], with 100-fold weaker potency at the serotonin transporter (IC50 = 4990 nM). DMP was a locomotor stimulant in mice [medium effective dose (ED50) of 3.5 mg/kg] exhibiting potency relatively similar to eutylone, NEP, and pentylone. Our results show that DMP is a psychomotor stimulant associated with adverse clinical outcomes leading to death. Forensic laboratories must continue to update testing methods to capture emerging drugs, with specific emphasis on resolution and identification of isomeric species. Following the scheduling of DMP in early 2024, there could be an anticipated market shift toward a new unregulated synthetic stimulant to replace DMP.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Spectrum of Osteoarticular Infections in Children
Authors: Alhinai Zaid , El Chebib Hassan , Huang Lawrence , Elahi Morvarid , Foo Bill , Sánchez Pablo J , Michelow Ian C
Published: January 2025

Background

Studies of pediatric osteoarticular infections (OAIs) mostly focus on acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) and acute bacterial arthritis (ABA). A comprehensive descriptive analysis of pediatric OAIs, including subacute, chronic, and non-hematogenous types, is lacking.

Methods

A detailed analysis of all pediatric OAIs was undertaken at 2 academic centers, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Providence, RI, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH. Infections were classified as AHO (with or without suppurative arthritis), isolated ABA, subacute or chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis (SCHO), non-hematogenous osteoarticular infection (NHI), or hardware-associated osteoarticular infection (HOI). Clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics were compared.

Results

A total of 582 consecutive cases of OAIs were included: 295 AHO (51%), 88 ABA (15%), 76 NHI (13%), 73 HOI (13%), and 50 SCHO (9%). Median age was significantly higher for HOI (14.5 years), NHI (11.8), and SCHO (10.4) than for AHO (9) and ABA (5) (P < .001). Patients with AHO or ABA were more likely (P < .001) to be febrile (each 84%) compared with other groups (45%-56%) and had higher biomarkers of inflammation (white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein). A causative organism was identified in 74% of cases, mostly from tissue specimens (78%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism across infection types (34%-55% of cases), while polymicrobial infection was common in NHI (22%) and HOI (21%). Chronic morbidity complicated infections in 89 (15%) patients, the majority of whom (66%) had SCHO, NHI, or HOI.

Conclusions

SCHO, NHI, and HOI accounted for a significant proportion of pediatric OAIs and contributed disproportionately to chronic morbidity.
Acute abdomen caused by a giant lymphangioma cavernous of the small bowel mesentery, mimicking a mass at the vaginal cuff
Authors: Molina Gabriel A , Gonzalez Daniela S , Galarraga Fabricio X , Lasso Dominique A , Cevallos Jessica S , Parrales Diana E , Mera Mishell A , Ochoa-Andrade Miguel J
Published: January 2025

Lymphangioma is an unusual lymphatic system malformation that rarely affects adults’ mesentery. Even though it is a benign tumor, its capacity to grow and affect nearby structures can cause severe morbidity and even mortality in specific patients. As symptoms are nonspecific, a highlighted clinical insight is needed to reach a diagnosis. We present a case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and suffered acute abdomen due to a lymphangioma in the mesentery of the small bowel; after complete resection, the patient achieved full recovery.
Tuning of sulfur flows and sulfur seed metabolism in oilseed rape facing sulfate limited conditions
Authors: D’Hooghe Philippe , Kopriva Stanislav , Avice Jean-Christophe , Trouverie Jacques
Published: January 2025

The response of oilseed rape to sulfur (S) restriction usually consists of increasing the components of S utilization efficiency (absorption, assimilation and remobilization) to provide S to seeds. However, source-sink relationships and S management in developing seeds under sulfate restriction are poorly understood. To address this, impacts of sulfate restrictions applied at “visible bud” or “start of pod filling” stages were studied with two genotypes (Aviso, Capitol) showing similar seed yield but higher seed weight and lower number of seeds per plant for Capitol under non-limited conditions. S flows at the whole plant level (using 34S-sulfate labelling) and S metabolism changes (S-compounds, ATP sulfurylase and adenosine 5’phosphosulfate reductase (APR) activities) were followed during seed development. Seed yield, protein quality and accumulation of S metabolites were affected by sulfate restriction less and later in Aviso than in Capitol. This is related to higher S uptake and stronger remobilization of S from vegetative organs to seeds during early seed development in response to sulfate restriction. A higher seed APR activity was observed for Capitol in response to sulfate limitation, suggesting that APR is not limiting for sulfate assimilation and that seed S metabolism is principally devoted to S-amino acids and protein synthesis.
Mobile displacement or displaced mobility?: Using transition theory to challenge migration-displacement binaries and biases
Authors: Easton-Calabria Evan , Sturridge Caitlin
Published: January 2025

Within the context of increasing conflict- and climate-driven displacement and mobility, many people today neither fit neatly within ascribed labels nor access assistance in just one way. However movement continues to be presented in binaries within academia and by many humanitarian, development, and state actors. Here, we ask: when does displacement constitute mobility and when are mobile people in fact displaced? And, crucially, how do people define themselves in terms of their mobility (if at all)? We present an integrated theoretical framework combining Schlossberg’s transition theory with the characteristics of ‘coping’ versus ‘adapting’ and an exploration of ‘tipping points’. We argue that elements of coping and adapting can be meaningfully employed to differentiate between experiences of mobility or displacement within a larger heuristic of transitions, underscoring the malleability of situations which may in fact quickly ‘tip’ from mobility to displacement, vice versa, and back again. This framework in turn enables deeper exploration of the grey areas or ‘transitions’ between mobility and displacement, and can be used to further understanding of whether, how, and under what circumstances people may transition between voluntary migration and forced displacement. Using two distinct case studies of internally displaced people in Mozambique and pastoralists and semi-pastoralists in Ethiopia, we illustrate the transitions that can and do occur between migration and displacement, in both directions. We posit the importance of understanding mobility through a dynamic framework that prioritizes individual agency and perceptions and seeks to account for the nuanced and sometimes rapidly changing reality of displaced and other mobile people’s lives.
Best Practices for Storage of Reusable Medical Devices in the Military Health System
Authors: Blake Matthew G , Gracia Marissa , Uregen James , Brown Elena , Romito Kenneth , Stucky Christopher , Mitchell Christy , Atwood Bethany
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The storage of reusable medical devices (RMDs) is the final reprocessing phase and the step that directly precedes point-of-care delivery. Reusable medical devices, including surgical tools necessitating sterilization and semicritical devices such as endoscopes, undergo high-level disinfection. The rigorous reprocessing protocols and subsequent storage of RMDs are crucial in preserving their sterility and asepsis. This ensures they are available, clean, and safe for patient use, thereby significantly reducing the risk of surgical site infection. The stringent requirements for RMD storage are a testament to the critical role it plays in patient safety, making it a demanding task for health care organizations (HCOs) to comply with. These challenges are further amplified in austere environments. This integrative review aims to identify optimal storage practices, emphasize the critical importance of RMD storage in the Military Health System, and derive implications for policies and future considerations.

Materials and methods

The authors performed an integrative review and comprehensive literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase using the keywords “instrument storage,” “surgical instruments,” “sterile storage,” “sterile wrap,” and “flexible endoscope storage.” Articles were limited to English from 1980 to 2024. Additionally, the authors reviewed international guidelines to support RMD storage.

Results

The integrative review of 42 articles and 14 guidelines and articles identified 6 central themes supporting RMD storage, which include facility design, environmental considerations, sterile storage packaging systems, considerations for event-related sterile storage, point-of-care delivery, and endoscope storage best practices. The abundance of evidence-based recommendations and guidelines complicates adherence to optimal practices in HCOs, presenting significant challenges in austere environments. Integrating RMD storage considerations into training, exercises, and operations help promote a culture of RMD stewardship to ensure safe surgical and procedural care within the Military Health System.

Conclusion

Although surgical teams’ capabilities are crucial in delivering effective care in a dynamic environment, the management and storage of RMDs are equally essential. Numerous organizations have outlined rigorous guidelines for HCOs to comply with, which can be intensified in austere conditions. Ultimately, a commitment to integrating the literature and developing the groundwork for clinical practice guidelines can improve the safe storage of RMDs in both standard and austere environments.
Considerations for Perioperative Management Guidance Regarding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Evaluation of Current Practices and Future Directions
Authors: Knuf Kayla M , Highland Krista B , Houhoulis Kathryn C , McElrath Angela D
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become increasingly prevalent and have the potential to delay gastric emptying. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) released guidance regarding the perioperative management of patients receiving GLP-1 RAs, but it is unclear the extent to which hospitals in the U.S. Military Health System have implemented policies consistent with this guidance.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to active duty anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) working in the U.S. Military Health System. The questions assessed the presence of institutional GLP-1 RA perioperative policies, adherence to the policy (if applicable), the basis and components of current and recommended future institutional policies, institutional tracking of policy implementation and outcomes, and knowledge, skills, barriers, and continuing medical education goals related to the perioperative management of patients receiving GLP-1 RAs.

Results

The response rate was 32% (N = 265); a little over half of the respondents were anesthesiologists (53%); and respondents’ primary practices included over 50 institutions. More than half (54%) indicated that their primary practice location had a GLP-1 RA perioperative policy; 65% of whom indicated that they always followed the policy. In review of practice locations with >1 respondents, there was a lack of perfect agreement across most locations. The most commonly reported basis for the policy was ASA guidance (87%), followed by department leadership (37%). Barriers to any system-wide GLP-1 perioperative management policy included a lack of gastric ultrasound practice and comfort, as well as reported skills and knowledge, pressure not to cancel cases, scheduling problems, and productivity requirements.

Conclusions

Formal policies were reported by most respondents, but inconsistencies within practice locations suggest that local policy implementation could be improved. Commonly reported barriers to future system-wide policy implementation provide data-driven information for system-wide efforts to improve policy success.
The GALAH Survey: Stellar parameters and abundances for 800,000 Gaia RVS spectra using GALAH DR4 and The Cannon
Authors: Das Pradosh Barun , Zucker Daniel B , De Silva Gayandhi M , Borsato Nicholas W , Mura-Guzmán Aldo , Buder Sven , Ness Melissa , Nordlander Thomas , Casey Andrew R , Martell Sarah L , Bland-Hawthorn Joss , de Grijs Richard , Freeman Ken C , Kos Janez , Stello Dennis , Lewis Geraint F , Hayden Michael R , Sharma Sanjib
Published: January 2025

Analysing stellar parameters and abundances from nearly one million Gaia DR3 Radial Velocity Spectrometer (RVS) spectra poses challenges due to the limited spectral coverage (restricted to the infrared Ca ii triplet) and variable signal-to-noise ratios of the data. To address this, we use The Cannon, a data-driven method, to transfer stellar parameters and abundances from the GALAH Data Release 4 (DR4; R ∼ 28 000) catalogue to the lower resolution Gaia DR3 RVS spectra (R ∼ 11,500). Our model, trained on 14,484 common targets, predicts parameters such as Teff, log g, and [Fe/H], along with several other elements across approximately 800 000 Gaia RVS spectra. We utilise stars from open and globular clusters present in the Gaia RVS catalogue to validate our predicted mean [Fe/H] with high precision (∼0.02 −0.10 dex). Additionally, we recover the bimodal distribution of [Ti/Fe] versus [Fe/H], reflecting the high and low α-components of Milky Way disk stars, demonstrating The Cannon’s capability for accurate stellar abundance determination from medium-resolution Gaia RVS spectra. The methodologies and resultant catalogue presented in this work highlight the remarkable potential of the RVS dataset, which by the end of the Gaia mission will comprise spectra of over 200 million stars.
Elevated reactive oxygen species can drive the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway in ATRX-null cancers
Authors: Goncalves Tomas , Cunniffe Siobhan , Ma Tiffany S , Mattis Natalie , Rose Andrew W , Kent Thomas , Mole David R , Geiller Helene E B , van Bijsterveldt Linda , Humphrey Timothy C , Hammond Ester M , Gibbons Richard J , Clynes David , Rose Anna M
Published: January 2025

The alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway is a telomerase-independent mechanism for immortalization in cancer cells and is commonly activated in low-grade and high-grade glioma, as well as osteosarcoma. The ALT pathway can be activated under various conditions and has often been shown to include mutational loss of ATRX. However, this is insufficient in isolation and so other cellular event must also be implicated. It has been shown that excessive accumulation of DNA:RNA hybrid structures (R-loops) and/or formation of DNA–protein crosslinks (DPCs) can be other important driving factors. The underlying cellular events leading to R-loop and DPC formation in ALT cancer cells to date remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that excessive cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an important causative factor in the evolution of ALT-telomere maintenance in ATRX-deficient glioma. We identified three sources of elevated ROS in ALT-positive gliomas: co-mutation of SETD2, downregulation of DRG2, and hypoxic tumour microenvironment. We demonstrate that elevated ROS leads to accumulation of R-loops and, crucially, resolution of R-loops by the enzyme RNase H1 prevents ALT pathway activity in cells exposed to elevated ROS. Further, we found a possible causal link between the formation of R-loops and the accumulation of DPCs, in particular, formation of TOP1 complexes covalently linked to DNA (Top1cc). We also demonstrate that elevation of ROS can trigger over-activity of the ALT pathway in osteosarcoma and glioma cell lines, resulting in excessive DNA damage and cell death. This work presents important mechanistic insights into the endogenous origin of excessive R-loops and DPCs in ALT-positive cancers, as well as highlighting potential novel therapeutic approaches in these difficult-to-treat cancer types.