bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent progress in two-dimensional polymer materials: interfacial synthesis and applications
Authors: Ma Lili , Hou Wenbo , Li Anbai , Peng Hui , Xie Xuan , Ma Guofu , Xu Yuxi
Published: January 2025

As a new two-dimensional polymer synthetic material, two-dimensional polymers (2DPs) not only have the advantages of high specific surface area and high transparency of two-dimensional materials, but also have the advantages of high mechanical strength and easy processing of polymer materials. Therefore, 2DPs are widely used and have become one of the indispensable materials today. However, there are still challenges in preparing 2DPs using traditional methods. Among the various synthesis strategies, the interfacial synthesis methods with the advantages of simple operation and high crystallinity have become typical method for preparing 2DPs. In this review, we first summarize the types of interface synthesis methods and the latest research progress. Secondly, the 2DPs applications in optoelectronic devices, membrane separation, sensor, electrical device and batteries, etc. are introduced. Finally, we summarize and prospect the existing challenges and future research directions based on the current research status of 2DPs.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution with noisy squeezed states
Authors: Oruganti Akash Nag , Derkach Ivan , Filip Radim , Usenko Vladyslav C
Published: January 2025

We address the crucial role of noisy squeezing in security and performance ofcontinuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. Squeezing haslong been recognized for its numerous advantages in CV QKD, such as enhancedrobustness against channel noise and loss, and improved secret key rates. However, theexcess noise of the squeezed states, that unavoidably originates already from opticalloss as well as other imperfections in the source, raises concerns about its potentialexploitation by an eavesdropper. For the widely adopted trust assumption on the excessnoise in the signal states, we confirm the stability of the protocol against the noisysqueezing in both purely attenuating as well as noisy channels in the asymptotic limit,which implies perfect parameter estimation. In the finite-size regime we show thatthis stability largely holds at up to 107 data points using optimal biased homodynedetection for key distribution and parameter estimation. Untrusted assumption onthe noisy squeezing, on the other hand, introduces additional security bounds on thesqueezing excess noise already in the asymptotic regime, which is further enforcedby the finite-size effects. Additionally, we show the critical negative role of noisysqueezing in the case of atmospheric free-space channels, already in the trusted-noiseand asymptotic assumptions, which emphasizes the importance of squeezing purityin the free-space quantum channels. Our results pave the way towards practicalrealization of squeezed-state CV QKD protocols in both fibre and free-space channels.
Quantum integration of decay rates at second order in perturbation theory
Authors: Martinez De Lejarza Jorge J. , Renteria-Estrada David F. , Grossi Michele , Rodrigo German
Published: January 2025

We present the first quantum computation of a total decay rate in high-energy physics at second order inperturbative quantum field theory. This work underscores the confluence of two recent cutting-edge advances.On the one hand, the quantum integration algorithm Quantum Fourier Iterative Amplitude Estimation (QFIAE),which efficiently decomposes the target function into its Fourier series through a quantum neural network before quantumly integrating the corresponding Fourier components. On the other hand, causal unitary in theloop-tree duality (LTD), which exploits the causal properties of vacuum amplitudes in LTD to coherently generate all contributions with different numbers of final-state particles to a scattering or decay process, leading tosingularity-free integrands that are well suited for Fourier decomposition. We test the performance of the quantum algorithm with benchmark decay rates in a quantum simulator and in quantum hardware, and find accuratetheoretical predictions in both settings.
Conceptual framework to integrate food waste research and food systems research
Authors: Rolker Heike B B , Cardenas Laura M. , Reynolds Christian , Takahashi Taro
Published: January 2025

It is estimated that a quarter to one-third of food intended for humans does not fulfil its original purpose. Yet, and despite its universally acknowledged importance for sustainability, mechanisms behind food waste generation are often studied unconnectedly from other challenges surrounding food systems. Here, we examine how concepts, assumptions and frameworks adopted in the food waste literature and the food systems literature overlap, contradict and complement one another. We discuss the current evidence on why and how food waste occurs and discuss modifications required for a conceptual framework to improve the integration between the two groups of studies. The resulting framework makes an explicit distinction between context-specific direct causes and context-independent indirect drivers of food waste, with practice theory interlinking them by portraying human behaviour and associated agency that translate the latter into the former. Central to our conceptualisation is an enhanced recognition that the ultimate cause of food waste is almost always natural decay, which cannot be prevented but can be managed through a systems approach with clear definitions of temporal boundaries.
Socially (Un)constructed Subjectivity
Authors: Zahavi Dan
Published: January 2025

The chapter discusses and criticizes a variety of social constructivist approaches to first-person experience. It first considers evidence from developmental psychology and then turns to ideas found in the anthropological and sociological literature. It argues that strong constructivist positions like the ones found in Markus and Kitayama, Geertz and Collins often conflate different explanatory agendas and frequently move from the claim that our experiential life is shaped by social interaction and culture to the claim that it is enabled by social interaction and culture. This chapter argues that careful distinctions between various cultural, conceptual, and experiential perspectives on the different dimensions of self are needed.
The Living and the Dead
Authors: King Laura
Published: January 2025

This chapter outlines the book’s approach, methodology, and its parameters in terms of period and place. It summarizes the book’s focus on the relationship between living and dead within families, arguing that there are politics at work in who gets to be remembered and what counts as history at both a societal and family level. It outlines the methodology of ‘collaborative critical family history’, involving in-depth collaboration with family historians, as well as interviews and access to their personal archives. It explores the effect of bringing the author’s own family into the research. It puts forward the book’s key arguments, that death and the dead are very present in family life, that family histories are a key way in which families make themselves, and that this methodology allows us to examine those processes of history-making as well as what families did in the past.
Stories
Authors: King Laura
Published: January 2025

This final main chapter examines perhaps the most slippery and the most meaningful part of how families connect with their dead and their histories—storytelling. It considers how stories are told within families, and why. It examines how stories change in their telling, and mean different things to different people. It considers the wide range of emotions stories can bring about, and how families navigate both the positive tales of success with the secrets and difficult moments in a family’s past. In doing so, it navigates how stories are a key material from which families’ identities and shared sense of themselves are made.
Comparative evaluation of PD-L1 expression and tumor immune microenvironment in molecular subtypes of muscle-invasive bladder cancer and its correlation with survival outcomes
Authors: Khandakar Hena , Kaushal Seema , Seth Amlesh , Sahoo Ranjit K , Narwal Anubhav , Jangir Hemlata , Nayak Brusabhanu , Dinda Amit K
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized treatment of platinum-refractory advanced bladder cancer, offering hope where options are limited. Response varies, however, influenced by factors such as the tumor’s immune microenvironment and prior therapy. Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is stratified into molecular subtypes, with distinct clinicopathologic features affecting prognosis and treatment. This study assessed the expression of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and other immune markers in MIBC, categorized by molecular phenotype.

Methods

Using GATA3 and CK5/6 immunohistochemistry, 90 neoadjuvant chemotherapy–naive MIBC cases were classified into luminal and non-luminal subtypes. The immune microenvironment was characterized through immunostaining for PD-L1, CD4, and CD8. We applied PD-L1 positivity thresholds of 1% or greater for tumor cells and 5% or greater for immune cells. Tumors were examined for PD-L1 expression, histologic subtypes, and immune cell infiltration.

Results

Varied expression of PD-L1 and T-cell subtype densities were observed among MIBC subtypes. The double-negative subtype displayed the highest PD-L1 immune cell expression and stromal CD4 and CD8 T-cell densities, indicating an active immune profile. The basal subtype exhibited the highest PD-L1 positivity in tumor cells. In contrast, the luminal type showed the lowest PD-L1 tumor and immune cell expression, with high intratumoral CD4 T-cell density. Although PD-L1 expression in tumor or immune cells did not independently affect survival, patients with basal and double-negative tumors had poorer overall survival.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the immune diversity of MIBC in the context of molecular subtypes. Distinct molecular and immune profiles could guide the development of predictive signatures for enhanced immunotherapy response in advanced bladder cancer.
Laboratory-developed tests and in vitro diagnostics: A regulatory overview for anatomic pathology
Authors: Genzen Jonathan R , Miller Lauren J , Rets Anton V , Affolter Kajsa E
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The US Food and Drug Administration’s Final Rule on laboratory-developed tests was published on May 6, 2024. The objective of this article is to explain the Final Rule and existing in vitro diagnostic regulations in the context of anatomic pathology.

Methods

The Final Rule, US in vitro diagnostic regulations, guidance documents, government publications, websites, news articles, and publications were reviewed, with sources including the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations, the US Code, statutory text, PubMed, and Internet resources. Regulations applicable to device classifications and product codes relevant to anatomic pathology were highlighted.

Results

The Final Rule outlines requirements and enforcement discretion policies applicable to anatomic pathology, including the Food and Drug Administration’s targeted enforcement discretion for “1976-type” laboratory-developed tests and partial enforcement discretion with laboratory-developed tests for unmet needs. Existing regulations, including the classification and requirements applicable to Class I, II, and III medical devices, are reviewed, including those for immunohistochemistry kits and reagents, analyte specific reagents, and research use only reagents and equipment.

Conclusions

Pathologists, laboratory directors, managers, and supervisors responsible for anatomic pathology testing should be familiar with existing regulations and the Final Rule to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations.
HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridization groups 2-4 breast cancers classified as positive after targeted recounts following equivocal (2+) immunohistochemistry
Authors: Wilcock Diane , Sirohi Deepika , Coleman Joshua F , Adelhardt Parisa , Kim Jong Taek , Albertson Daniel , Affolter Kajsa , Beech Cameron , Jedrzkiewicz Jolanta , Ruano Ana L , Cleary Allison S , Mahlow Jonathan , Balatico Michael , Gulbahce H Evin
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate the correlation between the extent of (percentage of tumor cells) immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and final human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive result in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) groups 2 to 4 with equivocal (2+) IHC requiring second, blinded FISH evaluation.

Methods

Breast cancer cases submitted for HER2 FISH testing with group 2 to 4 results were included.

Results

Of the 2548 cases with HER2 FISH groups 2 to 4 that had HER2 IHC performed, 1104 (43.3%) (76/182 [41.8%] of group 2, 94/161 [58.4%] of group 3, 934/2205 [42.4%] of group 4) had equivocal (2+) IHC. After second blinded, IHC-guided recounts, 217 of 1104 (19.7%) (17/76 [22.4%], 75/94 [79.8%], 125/934 [13.4%] of FISH groups 2, 3, 4 with IHC 2+, respectively) had final HER2-positive status. Only 13 of 217 (6%) of the cases with HER2-positive status had more than 50% circumferential staining of the tumor targeted for rescoring.

Conclusions

In over 90% of HER2 FISH group 2 to 4 breast cancers with equivocal (2+) IHC followed by targeted, blinded second FISH evaluation and final HER2-positive result, the amplified population of tumor cells was limited (<50%). Current guidelines recommend cancers having 10% to 50% of the subpopulation with amplified cells classified as having genetic heterogeneity (GH), which have a poor response to targeted therapies. Identifying these tumors as having GH and/or repeat testing may be recommended.
EnrichRBP: an automated and interpretable computational platform for predicting and analysing RNA-binding protein events
Authors: Wang Yubo , Zhu Haoran , Wang Yansong , Yang Yuning , Huang Yujian , Zhang Jian , Wong Ka-chun , Li Xiangtao
Published: January 2025

Motivation

Predicting RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) is central to understanding post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Here, we introduce EnrichRBP, an automated and interpretable computational platform specifically designed for the comprehensive analysis of RBP interactions with RNA.

Results

EnrichRBP is a web service that enables researchers to develop original deep learning and machine learning architectures to explore the complex dynamics of RBPs. The platform supports 70 deep learning algorithms, covering feature representation, selection, model training, comparison, optimization, and evaluation, all integrated within an automated pipeline. EnrichRBP is adept at providing comprehensive visualizations, enhancing model interpretability, and facilitating the discovery of functionally significant sequence regions crucial for RBP interactions. In addition, EnrichRBP supports base-level functional annotation tasks, offering explanations and graphical visualizations that confirm the reliability of the predicted RNA-binding sites. Leveraging high-performance computing, EnrichRBP provides ultra-fast predictions ranging from seconds to hours, applicable to both pre-trained and custom model scenarios, thus proving its utility in real-world applications. Case studies highlight that EnrichRBP provides robust and interpretable predictions, demonstrating the power of deep learning in the functional analysis of RBP interactions. Finally, EnrichRBP aims to enhance the reproducibility of computational method analyses for RBP sequences, as well as reduce the programming and hardware requirements for biologists, thereby offering meaningful functional insights.

Availability and implementation

EnrichRBP is available at https://airbp.aibio-lab.com/. The source code is available at https://github.com/wangyb97/EnrichRBP, and detailed online documentation can be found at https://enrichrbp.readthedocs.io/en/latest/.
Bipartite interference and air pollution transport: estimating health effects of power plant interventions
Authors: Zigler Corwin , Liu Vera , Mealli Fabrizia , Forastiere Laura
Published: January 2025

Evaluating air quality interventions is confronted with the challenge of interference since interventions at a particular pollution source likely impact air quality and health at distant locations, and air quality and health at any given location are likely impacted by interventions at many sources. The structure of interference in this context is dictated by complex atmospheric processes governing how pollution emitted from a particular source is transformed and transported across space and can be cast with a bipartite structure reflecting the two distinct types of units: (i) interventional units on which treatments are applied or withheld to change pollution emissions; and (ii) outcome units on which outcomes of primary interest are measured. We propose new estimands for bipartite causal inference with interference that construe two components of treatment: a “key-associated” (or “individual”) treatment and an “upwind” (or “neighborhood”) treatment. Estimation is carried out using a covariate adjustment approach based on a joint propensity score. A reduced-complexity atmospheric model characterizes the structure of the interference network by modeling the movement of air parcels through time and space. The new methods are deployed to evaluate the effectiveness of installing flue-gas desulfurization scrubbers on 472 coal-burning power plants (the interventional units) in reducing Medicare hospitalizations among 21,577,552 Medicare beneficiaries residing across 25,553 ZIP codes in the United States (the outcome units).
Validation of non-invasive methods for the measurement of gonadal and inter-renal steroid hormones in a desert-adapted amphibian (Scaphiopus couchii)
Authors: Baugh Alexander T , Cho Callie , Onyango-Opiyo Alice , Rodner Sophie A , Mieth Senna , Oakes Daniel , Halstead Liam
Published: January 2025

For aquatic and semi-aquatic vertebrates like amphibians, it is possible to estimate excreted hormone levels using non-invasive methods such as waterborne and salivary sampling. These techniques allow monitoring of endocrine activity over varying, repeated and simultaneous integration periods while minimizing handling-related stress that can ‘contaminate’ hormone estimates, including estimates of baseline glucocorticoids. Here we have validated the extraction and quantification of three steroid hormones (corticosterone, CORT; 17-b estradiol, E2; testosterone, TST) in Couch’s spadefoots (Scaphiopus couchii)—a desert-adapted anuran of special interest for physiology, evolution and conservation—using non-invasive waterborne and minimally invasive salivary hormone methods. We combined extraction and enzyme immunoassay methods to conduct conventional technical validations of parallelism, recovery and time-course. Next, we carried out biological validations by testing the correlation between excreted and circulating concentrations and conducting pharmacological challenges. We found that all three hormones can be precisely estimated from 60-min water baths, exhibit robust parallelism, and have high recoveries. Further, we demonstrated that secretory responses to pharmacological challenges can be detected in waterborne CORT in male and female frogs; in TST and E2 in male frogs, but not consistently for TST or E2 in female frogs. Lastly, plasma hormone concentrations were consistently correlated with their waterborne complements for CORT (both sexes), as well as TST and E2 in males (but not females). Plasma CORT was also positively correlated with salivary CORT. Together, our findings suggest that sampling waterborne and salivary hormones offers a minimally invasive method that field endocrinologists and conservation physiologists can use to obtain biologically informative endocrine estimates from desert-adapted amphibians.
Pacific Northwest native plants and native cultivars, part I: pollinator visitation
Authors: Hayes Jen J-M , Bell Nicole C , Best Lincoln R , Bruslind Svea R , Johnson Devon O , Mead Mallory E , Spofford Tyler S , Langellotto Gail A
Published: January 2025

Planting native flora is a popular conservation strategy for pollinators. When searching for native plants, consumers may encounter cultivars of native plants, which can have different phenotypic traits than plants found in wild populations (“wild-type native plants”). Previous research evaluating pollinator visitation to wild-type native plants and native cultivars has yielded mixed results, in terms of whether their visitation rates are similar or distinct. We established a garden experiment in Corvallis, Oregon, to examine pollinator visitation and utilization of Pacific Northwest native plant species and cultivars. Over 3 years, we collected and observed bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea), and syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) to understand (i) if plant pairs had different visitation rates, (ii) whether any pollinators were associated with differential visitation, and (iii) if specialist taxa preferred wild types over cultivars. Pollinator visitation rates varied by plant and pollinator groupings, but in comparisons between native plant and cultivar pairs, native plants were preferred 37.2% of the time (n = 29 comparisons), cultivars 7.7% of the time (n = 6), and there was no difference in 55.1% of comparisons (n = 43). Our pollinator community data found native plants had greater observed total pollinator richness (except for 1 tie) and bee richness than cultivars, though predicted richness varied. Specialist bees were collected more often from wild types. Cultivars with high visitation rates were minimally developed selections, as opposed to interspecific hybrids. Our results join a growing body of literature in suggesting wild-type native and minimally developed plants should be emphasized for supporting pollinator fauna.
Preventing common mental health problems by increasing neighbourhood socioeconomic status: a mental health impact assessment in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Kosīte Daina , van Lenthe Frank J , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark J , Beenackers Mariëlle A
Published: January 2025

Neighbourhood socioeconomic status (NSES) has been identified as a determinant of mental health. In this study, we aimed to quantify how many cases of common mental health problems could be prevented by increasing NSES in the most socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and how the increases in NSES would affect mental health inequalities. We used publicly available data for conducting a quantitative Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of two counterfactual policy scenarios. In Scenario 1, we set the NSES to the Rotterdam median score for all neighbourhoods which were below the Rotterdam median. In Scenario 2, we set the NSES score to the Dutch national average socioeconomic status score for the neighbourhoods that were below the national average. We estimated that Scenario 1 could prevent 5847 (95% CI, 2700–7999) or 10.7% of annual cases of common mental health problems, and Scenario 2 could prevent 10 713 (95% CI, 4875–14 799) or 19.6% of annual cases in Rotterdam while also reducing mental health inequalities between neighbourhoods in both scenarios. Given the substantial improvements in population mental health that enhanced neighbourhood socioeconomic conditions would bring, policy implementation is urgently needed.
Advancing personalized medicine: key priorities for clinical studies and funding systems based on a Europe–China collaborative Delphi survey
Authors: Osti Tommaso , Savoia Cosimo , Farina Sara , Beccia Flavia , Causio Francesco Andrea , Wang Lily , Wang Wenya , Fotino Carmen , Cadeddu Chiara , Ricciardi Walter , Boccia Stefania
Published: January 2025

Personalized medicine (PM) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by delivering treatments tailored to individual patients based on their unique characteristics. However, ensuring its effective implementation presents complex challenges, particularly in terms of long-term sustainability. To address these challenges, the IC2PerMed project fosters collaboration between the European Union and China. This study, building on insights from the project, aims to identify key priorities for advancing PM, focusing on Clinical Studies and Funding Systems, with special attention to optimizing resource management, distribution, and protection to support sustainable development. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to achieve consensus on common priorities among China and Europe related to Clinical Studies and Funding Systems. Consensus was measured using the Content Validity Index, requiring an agreement level of 80% or higher for item inclusion. The survey identified 20 key priorities in PM research, split evenly between research initiatives and funding mechanisms. Notable priorities include developing technology for deep phenotyping, standardizing methodological approaches, and fostering public–private collaborations. In funding, the emphasis was placed on involving patient voices in research design and establishing synergies among funders to support larger projects. The findings underscore the importance of structured collaboration between Europe and China in advancing personalised medicine. By addressing identified priorities in research and funding, this initiative can significantly enhance the efficacy of PM, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes globally. The study sets a precedent for future international partnerships aimed at fostering innovation in health sciences.
Cell integrity limits ploidy in budding yeast
Authors: Barker Juliet , Murray Andrew , Bell Stephen P
Published: January 2025

Evidence suggests that increases in ploidy have occurred frequently in the evolutionary history of organisms and can serve adaptive functions to specialized somatic cells in multicellular organisms. However, the sudden multiplication of all chromosome content may present physiological challenges to the cells in which it occurs. Experimental studies have associated increases in ploidy with reduced cell survival and proliferation. To understand the physiological challenges that suddenly increased chromosome content imposes on cells, we used S. cerevisiae to ask how much chromosomal DNA cells may contain and what determines this limit. We generated polyploid cells using 2 distinct methods causing cells to undergo endoreplication and identified the maximum ploidy of these cells, 32–64C. We found that physical determinants that alleviate or exacerbate cell surface stress increase and decrease the limit to ploidy, respectively. We also used these cells to investigate gene expression changes associated with increased ploidy and identified the repression of genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. We propose that ploidy is inherently limited by the impacts of growth in size, which accompany whole-genome duplication, to cell surface integrity.
Data reuse in agricultural genomics research: challenges and recommendations
Authors: Hafner Alenka , DeLeo Victoria , Deng Cecilia H , Elsik Christine G , S Fleming Damarius , Harrison Peter W , Kalbfleisch Theodore S , Petry Bruna , Pucker Boas , Quezada-Rodríguez Elsa H , Tuggle Christopher K , Koltes James E
Published: January 2025

The scientific community has long benefited from the opportunities provided by data reuse. Recognizing the need to identify the challenges and bottlenecks to reuse in the agricultural research community and propose solutions for them, the data reuse working group was started within the AgBioData consortium framework. Here, we identify the limitations of data standards, metadata deficiencies, data interoperability, data ownership, data availability, user skill level, resource availability, and equity issues, with a specific focus on agricultural genomics research. We propose possible solutions stakeholders could implement to mitigate and overcome these challenges and provide an optimistic perspective on the future of genomics and transcriptomics data reuse.
Divisional Applications and Patent Portfolios in Europe: Will Patenting Strategies Change after the Introduction of the Unitary Patent and the UPC?
Authors: Arezzo Emanuela
Published: January 2025

For many years now, at least in some central sectors in modern economies, we have witnessed the collapse of the classical idea that the invention would be protected by a single title of protection. More and more often, companies protect their innovations through patent portfolios, also because of the strategic advantages that the cluster grants to the owner. This paper aims to analyse the discipline of divisional patents as a tool for building a patent portfolio or cluster. The article will then focus on how (and if) the patenting strategies of companies that typically hold portfolios of exclusive rights will change following the recent entry into force of the new unitary patent and the Unified Patent Court.
Patient safety improvement in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) speciality: A scoping review of improvement initiatives and involvement of frontline staff
Authors: Onolememen Osedebamen , Armstrong Natalie , Tarrant Carolyn
Published: January 2025

Background

The success of patient safety improvement initiatives depends on frontline staff engaging with improvement efforts. However, in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) speciality, there is less patient safety research compared to other healthcare specialities, and limited evidence on staff perspectives regarding safety improvement and the factors influencing their engagement.

Objectives

To map the literature on safety improvement efforts in the ENT speciality in UK settings, and to explore staff involvement and engagement with initiatives to improve patient safety in ENT.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases to retrieve studies reporting the implementation of patient safety initiatives in ENT departments in the UK, and studies exploring frontline staff perspectives on improving safety in ENT. The selected studies were peer-reviewed, written in English and published between 2013 and 2023. Data were extracted and synthesized in accordance with the predefined research questions.

Results

A total of 1661 studies were screened and 10 met the selection criteria. Findings demonstrated evidence of staff initiating, designing, and implementing safety improvement initiatives. Frontline staff engagement and senior staff/managerial involvement were identified as key contributors to successful implementation. Only one study addressed frontline staff priorities for safety improvement, in the context of improving tracheostomy, with the author stating that results indicated that frontline staff are unwilling to implement low priority interventions.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing staff perspectives on how patient safety can be improved in ENT and the factors influencing their engagement. This could lead to recommendations for the development of successful and sustainable initiatives. The authors of this review recommend establishing the following as standard practice: (i) appointing staff as quality/safety champions, and (ii) involving frontline staff and senior managers in co-developing improvement strategies.
An Arithmetic Characterization of Some Algebraic Functions and a New Proof of an Algebraicity Prediction by Golyshev
Authors: Bostan Alin
Published: January 2025

We provide a new arithmetic characterization for the sequence of coefficients of algebraic power series $f(t)$ having the property that the differential equation $y^{\prime}(t) = f(t) y(t)$ has algebraic solutions only. This extends a recent result by Delaygue and Rivoal, and also provides a new and shorter proof of an algebraicity result predicted by Golyshev.
Non-traditional Cartan Subalgebras in Twisted Groupoid C*-Algebras
Authors: Duwenig Anna , Williams Dana P , Zimmerman Joel
Published: January 2025

Well-known work of Renault shows that if $\mathcal{E}$ is a twist over a second countable, effective, étale groupoid $G$, then there is a naturally associated Cartan subalgebra of the reduced twisted groupoid $C^{*}$-algebra $C^{*}_{r}(G;\mathcal{E})$, and that every Cartan subalgebra of a separable $C^{*}$-algebra arises in this way. However, twisted $C^{*}$-algebras of non-effective groupoids $G$ can also possess Cartan subalgebras. In [ 15], sufficient conditions on a subgroupoid $S$ of $G$ were found that ensure that $S$ gives rise to a Cartan subalgebra in the cocycle-twisted $C^{*}$-algebra of $G$. In this paper, we extend these results to general twists $\mathcal{E}$, and we refine the conditions on the subgroupoid for $C^{*}_{r}(S;\mathcal{E}_{S})$ to be a Cartan subalgebra of $C^{*}_{r}(G;\mathcal{E})$.
Who Reviews Whom, Where, and Why? Evidence from the Peer Review Process of the OECD Development Assistance Committee
Authors: Iannantuoni Alice , Dietrich Simone , Reinsberg Bernhard
Published: January 2025

The study of international organizations’ (IOs) peer review systems has focused largely on their efficacy in disseminating best practices, with mixed results. This paper informs the debate from a new angle: We evaluate the extent to which decisions about who reviews whom and where result from bureaucratic guidelines, or whether these decisions are shaped by the particularistic interests of member states that would need to be considered in efficacy evaluations of peer reviews. Our empirical case is the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) which requires that DAC donors have their practices reviewed by two peer examiners every few years. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we study (i) the assignment of peer examiners (1962–2020) and (ii) the selection of recipient countries visited for in-depth assessment during the review (1994–2020). Our analyses show that the choice of peer examiners is driven by the IO’s bureaucratic process. The selection of recipient countries for field visits is also largely in line with Secretariat guidelines, with some room for the preferences of reviewed donors to play a role.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Valluri Amrita R , Carter Gloria J , Robrahn Inna , Berg Wendie A
Published: January 2025

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are invasive carcinomas that lack ER and PR expression and also lack amplification or overexpression of HER2. Triple-negative breast cancers are histopathologically diverse, with the majority classified as invasive breast carcinomas of no special type with a basal-like profile. Triple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive molecular subtype of invasive breast carcinoma, with the highest rates of stage-matched mortality and regional recurrence. Triple-negative breast cancer has a younger median age of diagnosis than other molecular subtypes and is disproportionately diagnosed in Black women and BRCA1 germline pathogenic mutation carriers. On US and mammography, TNBCs are most often seen as a noncircumscribed mass without calcifications; TNBCs can have circumscribed margins and mimic a cyst or have probably benign features that may result in delayed diagnosis. MRI is the most sensitive modality for detecting TNBC, with rim enhancement being a common feature, and MRI is also the most accurate imaging for assessing neoadjuvant chemotherapy response. Understanding the radiologic and pathologic findings of TNBC can aid in diagnosis.
Temperature-driven development and reproduction in Cacopsylla citrisuga (Hemiptera: Psyllidae): insights from an age-stage, two-sex life table analysis
Authors: Zhao Hang , Han Yang , Fei Yong-Hong , Gan Hai-Feng , Liu Tian-Ao , Lei Cui-Yun , Li Yi-Jie , Song Ya-Qin , Wang Jin-Jun , Lou Bing-Hai , Jiang Hong-Bo
Published: January 2025

The citrus pest Cacopsylla citrisuga (Yang & Li), a vector for Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), exhibits distinct sensitivity to temperature variations. This study utilized an age-stage, 2-sex life table to evaluate the development and reproduction of C. citrisuga across 5 temperatures (17, 20, 25, 28, and 31 °C). The findings indicate that Cacopsylla citrisuga can complete its life cycle within the range of 17–28 °C, with optimal temperature at 20 °C, where the highest survival and fecundity rates in females were observed. An increase in temperature correlates with a decrease in developmental duration for all stages, with the shortest at 28 °C. The net reproductive rate (R0) peaked at 20 °C, while the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) increased with the increase of temperature. Conversely, the average generation time (T) decreased with the increase of temperature, underscoring the pivotal role of temperature in population dynamics. The developmental threshold temperature and effective accumulated temperature were determined for each stage, furnishing crucial parameters for pest management strategies. This research highlights the importance of temperature in dictating the distribution and prevalence of C. citrisuga, offering valuable insights for the development of targeted control measures against this HLB vector.
Rethinking taxing rights
Authors: Schoueri Luís Eduardo , Lindenberg Schoueri Pedro Guilherme
Published: January 2025

The debate around the allocation of taxing rights between developed and developing jurisdictions has been stuck in the same place for the past 100 years. Pillar 1 of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework has the merit of reopening this debate, but the compromise reached so far may turn out not to be acceptable to all stakeholders. This article reviews the consequences of failing to reach an agreement and underscores the relevance of pursuing a timely alternative under the novel prospect of an UN Framework Convention.
Declines in carbon and nitrogen release from decomposing litter under elevated CO2 in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Wu Siqi , Jiang Yanyu , Ai Ling , Wu Fuzhong , Wu Qiuxia , Zhang Xinying , Zhu Jingjing , Ni Xiangyin
Published: January 2025

Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations have been increasing dramatically due to human activities and land use changes, and the CO2 fertilization effect significantly increases global net primary productivity (NPP). However, whether the decomposition of surplus litter input on the soil surface is facilitated by elevated CO2 (eCO2) across a broad range of terrestrial ecosystems is not fully understood. We compiled 227, 85 and 131 paired observations (with and without eCO2) for litter mass loss, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) release, respectively, during litter decomposition to assess the fate of decomposing litter and C and N release under eCO2 across terrestrial ecosystems. Litter mass loss was decreased by 4.46%, and C and N release were significantly reduced by 6.70% and 3.36%, respectively, under eCO2. This eCO2 effect on litter mass loss was greater in forests (decreased by 7.22%) than in croplands and grasslands. In forests, eCO2 had a greater effect on the decomposition rate of broadleaved than coniferous litter, and root litter was more sensitive than leaf and stem litter. Changes in litter lignin concentration and edaphic factors under eCO2 contributed to these differences in litter decomposition. Greater decreases in litter mass loss and C and N release were found after longer time (6-12 months) than short-term (less than 6 months) CO2 enrichment. A possible consequence is that more litter accumulates on soil surface without being decomposed due to eCO2 in terrestrial ecosystems over longer time periods, resulting in a negative loop in biogeochemical cycles with increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Methods for Estimating the Exposure-Response Curve to Inform the New Safety Standards for Fine Particulate Matter
Authors: Cork Michael , Mork Daniel , Dominici Francesca
Published: January 2025

Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses significant health risks and accurately determining the shape of the relationship between PM2.5 and health outcomes has crucial policy implications. Although various statistical methods exist to estimate this exposure-response curve (ERC), few studies have compared their performance under plausible data-generating scenarios. This study compares seven commonly used ERC estimators across 72 exposure-response and confounding scenarios via simulation. Additionally, we apply these methods to estimate the ERC between long-term PM2.5 exposure and all-cause mortality using data from over 68 million Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. Our simulation indicates that regression methods not placed within a causal inference framework are unsuitable when anticipating heterogeneous exposure effects. Under the setting of a large sample size and unknown ERC functional form, we recommend utilizing causal inference methods that allow for nonlinear ERCs. In our data application, we observe a nonlinear relationship between annual average PM2.5 and all-cause mortality in the Medicare population, with a sharp increase in relative mortality at low PM2.5 concentrations. Our findings suggest that stricter limits on PM2.5 could avert numerous premature deaths. To facilitate the utilization of our results, we provide publicly available, reproducible code on Github for every step of the analysis.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Cryogenic EXLO Specimen Handling
Authors: Beggs Kyle W , Dougherty Thomas E , Kassab Alain J , Giannuzzi Lucille A
Published: January 2025

A conduction heat transfer analysis of ex situ lift-out specimen handling under cryogenic conditions (cryo-EXLO) is performed and compared with experimentally determined temperature values using a type K thermocouple. Using a finite-volume solver for heat conduction, the analysis confirms that manipulation of a specimen by a probe above a working surface cooled at liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures can remain below the critical vitreous temperature up to several hundreds of micrometers above the working surface, allowing for ample distance for lift out and specimen manipulation. In addition, the temperature above the cryogenic shuttle sample holder working surface remains below the vitreous temperature for several tens of minutes without adding cryogen, yielding sufficient time to complete multiple manipulations. Periodically topping off the cryogen level may allow for unlimited cryo-EXLO manipulations with this hardware and geometry.
Continuity of Mitochondrial Budding: Insights from BS-C-1 Cells by In Situ Cryo-electron Tomography
Authors: Hu Judy Z , Qiao Lijun , Zhao Xianhai , Liu Chang-Jun , Hu Guo-Bin
Published: January 2025

Mitochondrial division is a fundamental biological process essensial for cellular functionality and vitality. The prevailing hypothesis that dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) provides principal control in mitochondrial division, in which it also involves the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cytoskeleton, does not account for all the observations. Therefore. the hypothesis may be incomplete. Our previous study in HeLa cells led to a new hypothesis of mitochondrial division by budding. To follow-up our previous study, we employed in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize mitochondrial budding in the intact healthy monkey kidney cells (BS-C-1 cells). Our findings reaffirm single and multiple mitochondrial budding, consistent with our observations in HeLa cells. Notably, the budding regions vary significantly in diameter and length, which may represent different stages of budding. More interestingly, neither rings nor ring-like structures, nor the wrapping of ER tubes was observed in the budding regions, suggesting mitochondrial budding is independent from Drp1 and ER. Meanwhile, we uncovered direct interactions between mitochondria and large vesicles that are distinct from small mitochondrial-derived vesicles and extracellular mitovesicles. We propose that these interacting vesicles may have mitochondrial origins.
Estimation of Dislocation Densities With Nondestructive Scanning Electron Microscope Techniques: Application to Gallium Nitride
Authors: Mandal Arka , Beausir Benoît , Guyon Julien , Taupin Vincent , Guitton Antoine
Published: January 2025

Characterizing threading dislocations (TDs) in gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors is crucial for ensuring the reliability of semiconductor devices. The current research addresses this issue by combining two techniques using a scanning electron microscope, namely electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) and high-resolution electron backscattered diffraction (HR-EBSD). It is a comparative study of these techniques to underscore how they perform in the evaluation of TD densities in GaN epitaxial layers. Experiments reveal that the dislocation line vectors mostly deviate from the growth direction of the film, i.e., ∦ [0001], followed by edge-type dislocations (dislocation lines || [0001]) with insignificant screw character. Furthermore, TDs from the dislocation clusters are characterized as edge- and (edge + mixed)-type TDs. By combining ECCI counting of dislocations and HR-EBSD description of geometrically necessary dislocation density type, it is possible to measure the total TD density and provide the proportion of pure (edge and screw) and mixed TDs. It has also been observed from the analyses of residual elastic strain fields and lattice rotations that it is not possible to identify individual dislocations for the spatial resolution of 50 nm in HR-EBSD. Nevertheless, ECCI and HR-EBSD can be complementarily used to count and characterize the TDs.
Quantifying the impact of the Si/O interface in CCSN explosions using the Force Explosion Condition
Authors: Boccioli Luca , Gogilashvili Mariam , Murphy Jeremiah , O’Connor Evan P
Published: January 2025

The explosion mechanism of a core-collapse supernova (SN) is a complex interplay between neutrino heating and cooling (including the effects of neutrino-driven convection), the gravitational potential, and the ram pressure of the infalling material. To analyse the post-bounce phase of an SN, one can use the generalized force explosion condition (FEC+), which succinctly formalizes the interplay among these four phenomena in an analytical condition, consistent with realistic simulations. In this paper, we use the FEC+ to study the post-bounce phase of 341 spherically symmetric simulations, where convection is included through a time-dependent mixing-length approach. We find that the accretion of the Si/O interface through the expanding shock can significantly change the outcome of the SN by driving the FEC+ above the explosion threshold. We systematically explore this by (i) artificially smoothing the pre-SN density profile, and (ii) artificially varying the mixing length. In both cases, we find that large-enough density contrasts at the Si/O interface lead to successful shock revival only if the FEC+ is already close to the explosion threshold. Furthermore, we find that the accretion of the Si/O interface has a substantial effect on the critical condition for SN explosions, contributing between 5 and 15 per cent, depending on how pronounced the density contrast at the interface is. Earlier studies showed that convection affects the critical condition by 25–30 per cent, which demonstrates that the accretion of the Si/O interface through the shock can play a nearly comparable role in influencing shock dynamics.