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Steroid hormones are important modulators of many physiological processes, and measurements of steroids in blood, saliva, and urine matrices are widely used to assess endocrine pathologies and stress. However, these matrices cannot be used to retrospectively assess early-life stress and developmental endocrine pathologies, because they do not integrate steroid levels over the long term. A novel biological matrix in which to measure steroids is primary teeth (or "baby teeth"). Primary teeth develop early in life and accumulate various endogenous molecules during their gradual formation. Here, we developed and validated the first assay to measure steroids in human primary teeth using liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our assay is highly sensitive, specific, accurate, and precise. It allows for the simultaneous quantification of 17 steroids in primary teeth (16 of which have not been examined previously in primary teeth). Overall, steroid levels in primary teeth were relatively low, and 8 steroids were quantifiable. Levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, cortisol, and progesterone were the highest of the 17 steroids examined. Next, we used this assay to perform steroid profiling in primary teeth from males and females. The same 8 steroids were quantifiable, and no sex differences were found. Levels of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) were positively correlated, and levels of glucocorticoids (cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone) were also positively correlated. These data demonstrate that multiple steroids can be quantified by LC-MS/MS in human primary teeth, and this method potentially provides a powerful new way to retrospectively assess early-life stress and developmental endocrine pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal adjuvant therapy (antiestrogen therapy [ET] + radiation therapy or ET alone, or in some reports radiation therapy alone) in older women with early-stage breast cancer has been highly debated. However, granular details on the role of insurance in the out-of-pocket cost for patients receiving ET with or without radiation therapy are lacking. This project disaggregates out-of-pocket costs by insurance plans to increase treatment cost transparency. Several radiation therapy schedules are accepted standards as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. For our financial estimate model, we used the 5-fraction and 15-fraction radiation therapy and ET prescribed over a 5-year duration. The total aggregate out-of-pocket costs were determined from the sum of treatment costs, deductibles, and copays/coinsurance based on Medicaid, Original Medicare, Medigap Plan G, and Medicare Part D Rx plans. The model assumes a Medicare- and/or Medicaid-eligible patient ≥70 years of age with node-negative, early-stage estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Patient out-of-pocket costs were estimated from publicly available insurance data from plan-specific benefit coverage materials using a 5-year time horizon. Original Medicare beneficiaries face a total out-of-pocket treatment charge of $2738.52 for ET alone, $2221.26 for 5-fraction radiation therapy alone, $2573.92 for 15-fraction radiation therapy alone, $3361.26 for combined ET+ 5-fraction radiation therapy, and $3713.92 for combined ET + 15-fraction radiation therapy. Medigap Plan G beneficiaries have an out-of-pocket charge of $1130.00 with radiation therapy alone and face an out-of-pocket of $2270.00 for ET alone and combined ET+ radiation therapy. For Medicaid beneficiaries, all treatments approved by Medicaid are covered without limit, resulting in no out-of-pocket expense for either adjuvant treatment option. This model (based on actual cost estimates per insurance plan rather than claims data), by estimating expenses within Medicare and Medicaid plans, provides a level of transparency to patient cost. With knowledge of the costs borne by patients themselves, treatment decisions informed by patients' individual priorities and preferences may be further enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a brief, constructive, theological account of memory in response to contemporary questions regarding memory loss via Augustine's account of memory, which elucidates the remembering subject's openness and relatedness to God and the communion of saints. First, I examine Augustine's Confessions, showing how memory is embodied, affective, and cogitative, and that memory's end is in relation to God and the communion of saints. Afterwards, I consider the resonances between Augustine's account of memory and two threads of research in dementia studies—namely, the notion of the 'embodied self' and the concept of memory 'extension'—in order to propose how such a reading of Augustine on memory might contribute towards theological accounts and responses to memory impairment or loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in Chemistry of Natural Compounds, explores the potential anti-osteoarthritis (OA) activities of natural compounds found in Taxillus chinensis. OA is a degenerative joint disorder that commonly affects aging populations. The study isolates six compounds from T. chinensis, including a new compound, and analyzes their chemical components. The compounds were found to have anti-inflammatory effects and anti-OA effects, making them potential candidates for the development of safer and more effective pharmaceuticals for OA treatment. [Extracted from the article]

Background Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps are commonly used for autologous breast reconstruction, but reported rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are up to 6.8%. This study aimed to determine the incidence of VTE based on preoperative Caprini score following DIEP breast reconstruction. Methods This retrospective study included patients who underwent DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2020 at a tertiary-level, academic institution. Demographics, operative characteristics, and VTE events were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the area under the curve (AUC) of the Caprini score for VTE. Univariate and multivariate analyses assessed risk factors associated with VTE. Results This study included 524 patients (mean age 51.2 ± 9.6 years). There were 123 (23.5%) patients with the Caprini score of 0 to 4, 366 (69.8%) with scores 5 to 6, 27 (5.2%) with scores 7 to 8, and 8 (1.5%) patients with scores >8. Postoperative VTE occurred in 11 (2.1%) patients, at a median time of 9 days (range 1–30) after surgery. VTE incidence by the Caprini score was 1.9% for scores 3 to 4, 0.8% for scores 5 to 6, 3.3% for scores 7 to 8, and 13% for scores >8. The Caprini score achieved an AUC of 0.70. A Caprini score >8 was significantly predictive of VTE on multivariable analysis relative to scores 5 to 6 (odds ratio = 43.41, 95% confidence interval = 7.46–252.76, p < 0.001). Conclusion In patients undergoing DIEP breast reconstruction, VTE incidence was highest (13%) in Caprini scores greater than eight despite chemoprophylaxis. Future studies are needed to assess the role of extended chemoprophylaxis in patients with high Caprini scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) within 6–8 weeks of surgical resection for patients with stage III colon cancer. However, postoperative complications or prolonged surgical recovery may affect the receipt of AC. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of AC for patients with prolonged postoperative recovery. Methods: We queried the National Cancer Database (2010–2018) for patients with resected stage III colon cancer. Patients were categorized as having either normal or prolonged length of stay (PLOS: >7 days, 75th percentile). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression and logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with overall survival and receipt of AC. Results: Of the 113,387 patients included, 30,196 (26.6%) experienced PLOS. Of the 88,115 (77.7%) patients who received AC, 22,707 (25.8%) initiated AC more than 8 weeks after surgery. Patients with PLOS were less likely to receive AC (71.5% vs. 80.0%, OR: 0.72, 95%CI=0.70–0.75) and displayed inferior survival (75 vs. 116 months, HR: 1.39, 95%CI=1.36–1.43). Receipt of AC was also associated with patient factors such as high socioeconomic status, private insurance, and White race (p<0.05 for all). AC within and after 8 weeks of surgery was associated with improved survival for patients with both normal LOS and PLOS (normal LOS: <8 weeks HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.54–0.59, >8 weeks HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.65–0.71; PLOS: <8 weeks HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.48–0.54, >8 weeks HR: 0.63, 95% CI 0.60–0.67). AC was associated with significantly improved survival if initiated up to 15 weeks postoperatively (normal LOS: HR: 0.72, 95%CI=0.61–0.85; PLOS: HR: 0.75, 95%CI=0.62–0.90), and very few patients (<3.0%) initiated AC beyond this time. Conclusion: Receipt of AC for stage III colon cancer may be affected by surgical complications or otherwise prolonged recovery. Timely and even delayed AC (>8 weeks) are both associated with improved overall survival. These findings highlight the importance of delivering guideline-based systemic therapies, even after complicated surgical recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As recent analyses have indicated that low-volume hospitals experience higher rates of complications following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it remains important to evaluate how area deprivation index (ADI) of hospitals impacts the quantity of TKA performed. Our analysis sought to evaluate how the ADI of orthopedic surgeon's place of service influences TKA utilization. Materials and methods: The Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data Public Use File (MPUP-PUF) was queried to identify claims between 2013 and 2019 associated with Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code 27447 (TKA). The MPUP-PUF file was linked with publicly available ADI information as well as information regarding each provider's practice location. The Mann–Kendall trend test was used to analyze significant differences in TKA volume between ADI quintiles and differences in TKA volume overall between the years 2013 and 2019. An adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate how ADI, and practice-specific characteristics, influenced TKA utilization volume. Results: When isolating by ADI quintiles, no significant changes in TKA volume were demonstrated for Quintile 4 (Kendall's τ = 0.524; p = 0.13) and Quintile 5 (Kendall's τ = 0.524; p = 0.13) between 2013 and 2019. However, a significant increase in TKA volume over the study period was observed in Quintile 1 (Kendall's τ = 0.714 p = 0.034), Quintile 2 (Kendall's τ = 0.714 p = 0.034), and Quintile 3 (Kendall's τ = 0.905 p = 0.007). The adjusted multivariable linear regression model demonstrated that each increase in ADI quintile was associated with significantly lower TKA utilization (β-estimate − 1.16; 95% CI − 2.04 to − 0.29; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that resource deprivation contributes to disparities in TKA utilization. With the ongoing recognition of how social and neighborhood-level deprivation may influence access to end-stage osteoarthritis care and related perioperative outcomes, the present study serves to encourage continued efforts at ensuring equity in orthopedic care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the associations between patient-provider cost discussions with patient-reported out-of-pocket (OOP) spending and long-term financial toxicity (FT) among adolescent and young adult (AYA; 15–39 years old) cancer survivors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the themes and quality of patient discussions with providers about financial needs and general survivorship preparation, quantified patients’ levels of FT, and evaluated patient-reported OOP spending. We determined the association between cancer treatment cost discussion and FT using multivariable analysis. In a subset of survivors (n = 18), we conducted qualitative interviews and used thematic analysis to characterize responses. Results: Two hundred forty-seven AYA survivors completed the survey at a mean of 7 years post treatment and with a median COST score of 13. 70% of AYA survivors did not recall having any cost discussion about their cancer treatment with a provider. Having any cost discussion with a provider was associated with decreased FT (β = 3.00; p = 0.02) but not associated with reduced OOP spending (χ2 = 3.77; p = 0.44). In a second adjusted model, with OOP spending included as a covariate, OOP spending was a significant predictor of FT (β = − 1.40; p = 0.002). Key qualitative themes included survivors’ frustration about the lack of communication related to financial issues throughout treatment and in survivorship, feeling unprepared, and reluctance to seek help. Conclusion: AYA patients are not fully informed about the costs of cancer care and FT; the dearth of cost discussions between patients and providers may represent a missed opportunity to reduce costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Image-guided core needle biopsy (ICNB) is a less invasive and less costly alternative to surgical biopsy for obtaining tissue for histologic analysis in bone lesions. However, the diagnostic yield of ICNB varies widely and can be affected by various factors such as clinical, lesional, and technical features. A recent study found that a total core length of 20 mm and three core samples optimize diagnostic yield. The presence of primary malignancy was associated with improved yield, while lesion location in the extremity and using fluoroscopic imaging guidance were associated with lower yield. It is important for healthcare professionals to communicate with pathologists to ensure correct interpretation of histologic reports. [Extracted from the article]

The scaling relations for the dispersion coefficients of long-range interactions between the Mu(1s)–Mu(1s, 2s, or 2p) systems and the H(1s)–H(1s, 2s, or 2p) systems are obtained using analytical properties of hydrogenic wavefunctions, which allows us to obtain the dispersion coefficients for Mu(1s)–Mu(1s, 2s, or 2p) systems from the corresponding H(1s)–H(1s, 2s, or 2p) systems. Additionally, the dispersion coefficients of long-range interactions of Mu(1s) with the ground-state H, noble gas atoms He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, alkali-metal atoms Li, Na, K, and Rb, alkaline-earth atoms Be, Mg, Ca, and Sr, and Cu, Ag, F, and Cl atoms are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The short version of the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS-S:S) is a self-report measure used to identify symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during adulthood. However, its psychometric properties specifically in emerging adults, or the transitional age group between adolescence and adulthood, remain understudied. This study aimed to validate the factor structure of the CAARS-S:S in a sample of emerging adults. The CAARS-S:S measure was completed by adults (n = 591) aged 18 to 29 located in English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada and the United States. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a four-factor model of Inattention/Memory Problems, Hyperactivity/Restlessness, Impulsivity/Emotional Lability and Problems with Self-Concept, as well as the model's invariance by sex. Sex was also included as a covariate in the model to examine differences in males' and females' scores on each factor. Overall, the four-factor structure fit the data and was invariant across males and females. All factors demonstrated high internal reliability (average ωt and α =.86). It was observed that males tended to score higher on Inattention/Memory Problems while females scored higher on Problems with Self-Concept. This research establishes the psychometric properties of the CAARS-S:S, placing greater confidence in using it to screen for ADHD symptoms in emerging adults living in a Westernized cultural context. The detailed findings of this research, implications for the use of the CAARS-S:S in this age group and potential future directions for examining the properties of the measure are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory study examined the relation between pubertal timing and dimensions of ethnic‐racial identity among adopted Korean Americans raised transracially in White families. The study also examined whether internalized racism moderated the association between pubertal timing and ethnic‐racial identity. Adopted Korean American adolescents (N = 202; 108 females; ages 13–19 years) completed measures of pubertal development, ethnic‐racial identity, and internalized racism in 2007. There was no significant main effect of pubertal timing for either male or female adolescents. Internalized racism moderated the relation between pubertal timing and ethnic‐racial identity clarity (B = −.16, p =.015) among male adolescents. Specifically, earlier pubertal timing was significantly associated with lower ethnic‐racial identity clarity for male adolescents with higher levels of internalized racism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Characterizing the response of the upper Martian atmosphere to solar flares could provide important clues as to the climate evolution of the red planet in the early Solar System, when the extreme ultraviolet and soft X-ray radiation was substantially higher than the present-day level and when these events occurred more frequently. A critical process herein is the Martian atmospheric escape in the form of atomic C and N, as mainly driven by CO2/CO and N2 dissociation. Aims. This study is devoted to evaluating how these escape rates varied on the dayside of Mars during the X8.2 solar flare on 10 September 2017. Methods. The background Martian atmospheric structures, before, during, and after the flare, are constructed from the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer measurements made on board the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft, from which the hot C and N production rate profiles via different photon and photoelectron impact channels and on different flare stages are obtained. They are combined with the respective escape probability profiles computed using a test particle Monte Carlo approach to derive the atomic C and N escape rates on the dayside of Mars. Results. Our calculations indicate that the pre-flare C and N escape rates are (1.3-1.4) × 1024 s-1 over the dayside of Mars. During the event, we find a modest decrease in the C escape rate of 8% about 1 h after the flare peak, followed by a recovery to the pre-flare level several hours later. However, an opposite trend is found for the N escape rate during the same period, which shows an increase of 20% followed by a recovery to the pre-flare level. Conclusions. The distinction between C and N in terms of the variation in the escape rate during the solar flare reflects the competition between two flare-induced effects: enhanced hot atom production via dissociation and enhanced collisional hindrance due to atmospheric expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bevacizumab has demonstrated significant benefit in recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer (OC), but its optimal position within the sequence of systemic therapies remains controversial. Since rebound progression after bevacizumab has been observed in other cancers, and because bevacizumab is incorporated in several regimens used in the recurrent setting, the duration of treatment may impact survival. We sought to identify whether earlier bevacizumab exposure is associated with prolonged bevacizumab therapy and survival by conducting a multi-institution retrospective study of recurrent OC patients treated with bevacizumab from 2004-2014. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with receiving more than six bevacizumab cycles. Overall survival by duration and ordinal sequence of bevacizumab therapy were evaluated using logrank testing and Cox regression. In total, 318 patients were identified. 89.1% had stage III or IV disease; 36% had primary platinum resistance; 40.5% received two or fewer prior chemotherapy regimens. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that primary platinum sensitivity (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.34, p = 0.001) or initiating bevacizumab at the first or second recurrence (OR 2.73, p < 0.001) were independently associated with receiving more than six cycles of bevacizumab. Receiving more cycles of bevacizumab was associated with improved overall survival whether measured from time of diagnosis (logrank p < 0.001), bevacizumab initiation (logrank p < 0.001), or bevacizumab discontinuation (logrank p = 0.017). Waiting one additional recurrence to initiate bevacizumab resulted in a 27% increased hazard of death (Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.27, p < 0.001) by multivariate analysis. In conclusion, patients with primary platinum sensitive disease who received fewer prior lines of chemotherapy were able to receive more cycles of bevacizumab, which was associated with improved overall survival. Survival worsened when bevacizumab was initiated later in the ordinal sequence of therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this work were to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgene after single intravenous infusion administration of ciltacabtagene autoleucel in adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. CAR transgene level in blood were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) from 97 subjects in a phase Ib/II CARTITUDE‐1 study (NCT03548207), with a targeted cilta‐cel dose of 0.75 × 106 (range 0.5–1.0 × 106) CAR positive viable T‐cells per kg body weight. The population PK model development was primarily guided by the current mechanistic understanding of CAR‐T kinetics and the principles of building a parsimonious model. Cilta‐cel PK was adequately described by a two‐compartment model (with a fast and a slow apparent decline rate from each compartment, respectively) and a chain of four transit compartments with a lag time empirically representing the process from infused CAR‐T cell to measurable CAR transgene. No apparent relationship was observed between cilta‐cel dose (i.e., the actual number of CAR positive viable T‐cells infused), given the narrow dose range, and the observed transgene level. Based on covariate search and subgroup analysis of maximum systemic CAR transgene level (Cmax) and area under curve from the first dose to day 28 (AUC0–28d), none of the investigated subjects' demographics, baseline characteristics, and manufactured product characteristics had significant effects on cilta‐cel PK. The developed model is deemed robust and adequate for enabling subsequent exposure‐safety and exposure‐efficacy analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a response to a letter discussing several important questions raised by Jui-Ting Yu et al. The authors of the response thank Yu et al. for their interest in their study and address the issues raised. They acknowledge the potential bias in the UK Biobank study due to the "healthy volunteer bias" and suggest that the real association between metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be even higher. They also discuss the potential for self-reporting bias and the impact of severity of MASLD on future CVD risk. The authors conclude by acknowledging the limitations of their study and the need for further research on the effect of MASLD on incident CVD risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). [Extracted from the article]

Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) thin film deposited on flexible Mo foil substrate has advantage of high mass specific power and good ductility. However, a thick Mo(S,Se)2 interface layer is easily to be formed between CZTSSe and Mo foil substrate. The ohmic contact property of CZTSSe/Mo is deteriorated by the formation of Mo(S,Se)2. In this work, the Mo foil substrate was pre-annealed to inhibit the growth of Mo(S,Se)2 interface layer. CZTSSe thin films were prepared on the pre-annealed Mo foil substrate by sol-gel and selenization methods. The pre-annealing treatment of Mo foil substrate leads to the oxidation of Mo. During the high temperature selenization process, the MoOx acts as a buffer layer to suppress the formation of the Mo(S,Se)2 interface layer. With the increase of the pre-annealing temperature of the Mo foil substrate, the thickness of the Mo(S,Se)2 interface layer decreases, and the resistance of CZTSSe/Mo(S,Se)2/Mo structure decreases. The ohmic contact properties of CZTSSe/Mo can be improved by the pre-annealing treatment of metal Mo foil substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a bicycle light-emitting diode (LED) headlamp is design for the purpose of meeting the regulation and removing the unwanted reflection of some specific parts. In addition to the optical design of the headlamp, a three-dimensional mask is designed to block the LED light source to remove the specific unwanted light on the front tyre of the bicycle and then reduce the glare effect to the rider. The experimental results show that the 3D mask can effectively eliminate 97.7% of the unwanted light on the wheel of the bicycle and keeps 98.6% of the original illuminance at the A point of the K-mark regulation. The proposed mask approach will be helpful to the design by using LED as a light source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between the nervous and immune systems were recognized long ago, but recent studies show that this crosstalk occurs more frequently than was previously appreciated. Moreover, technological advances have enabled the identification of the molecular mediators and receptors that enable the interaction between these two complex systems and provide new insights on the role of neuroimmune crosstalk in organismal physiology. Most neuroimmune interactions occur at discrete anatomical locations in which neurons and immune cells colocalize. Here, we describe the interactions of the different branches of the peripheral nervous system with immune cells in various organs, including the skin, intestine, lung, and adipose tissue. We highlight how neuroimmune crosstalk orchestrates physiological processes such as host defense, tissue repair, metabolism, and thermogenesis. Unraveling these intricate relationships is invaluable to explore the therapeutic potential of neuroimmune interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to the modular vector fields in Poisson geometry, modular derivations are defined for smooth Poisson algebras with trivial canonical bundle. By twisting Poisson module with the modular derivation, the Poisson cochain complex with values in any Poisson module is proved to be isomorphic to the Poisson chain complex with values in the corresponding twisted Poisson module. Then a version of twisted Poincaré duality is proved between the Poisson homologies and cohomologies. Furthermore, a notion of pseudo-unimodular Poisson structure is defined. It is proved that the Poisson cohomology as a Gerstenhaber algebra admits a Batalin-Vilkovisky operator inherited from some one of its Poisson cochain complex if and only if the Poisson structure is pseudo-unimodular. This generalizes the geometric version due to P. Xu. The modular derivation and Batalin-Vilkovisky operator are also described by using the dual basis of the Kähler differential module. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there are no resources to support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women with breast cancer to make decisions about undergoing breast reconstruction (BR). This study evaluated the usability and acceptability of decision aids (DAs) for Vietnamese- and Arabic-speaking women. This two-phase qualitative recruited Vietnamese- (Phase 1) and Arabic-speaking (Phase 2) adult (age ≥ 18 years) women who were diagnosed with breast cancer and could read Vietnamese/Arabic. Women participated in either think-aloud telephone interviews (Phase 1) or semi-structured telephone interviews (Phase 2) and provided feedback on the DA. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed from Vietnamese/Arabic to English, and inductive thematic analysis was undertaken. Additionally, Arabic-speaking women completed the Preparation for Decision Making (PrepDM) scale in Round 2. Twenty-five women were recruited in two phases (Phase 1: Vietnamese-speaking women, n = 14; Phase 2: Arabic-speaking, n = 11). Three themes were developed in Phase 1: (1) DA content and reception; (2) linguistic attributes and cultural appropriateness; and (3) factors that improve the DAs' impact. Three themes were developed in Phase 2: (1) varying perceptions of DA content; (2) linguistic and cultural suitability of information; and (3) impact of DA on decision making. Women from both phases identified areas for improvement: minimising the use of medical terminology, considering the cultural taboos associated with the word 'breast', and addressing remaining information gaps. Both language DAs were generally perceived as acceptable and useful in providing information about BR options and prompting women's reflections about the suitability of BR as part of their treatment. The mean PrepDM score for Arabic-speaking women in Round 2 was 4.8/5 (SD = 0.3). Further work is needed to ensure that culturally adapted DAs take into account the myriad of information needs and health literacy levels. The key role of healthcare professionals in shared decision making among CALD populations should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric escape is a central issue in understanding how Mars lost the habitability and it is critically controlled by the link between the atmosphere and the interplanetary space, i.e. the ionosphere. The predominant driver of the Martian ionospheric variability is the solar extreme ultraviolet radiation. To date, how the ionospheric electrons respond to this radiation has been well investigated, but the responses of various ion species are to be understood. Based on a multi-instrument data set from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, we report direct observations of quasi-periodical variations of photoelectrons and ions, with a common period of ≈27.2 d and almost in exact phase with the solar rotation. These diverse variations present remarkably different amplitudes. The ion density variation has a much larger amplitude than the solar flux variation and the electron density variation has a smaller amplitude. For comparison, the amplitude of the photoelectron intensity variation is nearly identical to that of the solar flux variation. The species-dependent solar rotation effects provide a good diagnostic of the upper atmospheric and ionospheric chemistry, urging reconsiderations of the solar-driven composition and variability of any planetary ionosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat grafting is an increasingly popular procedure. While complication rates are low, the clinical and imaging evaluation of the various complications can be challenging. We report a case of distal migration of a failed gluteal fat graft in a young female patient presenting as a soft tissue mass in the knee, mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma. Surgical resection of the migrated fat graft confirmed the diagnosis. The diagnosis was challenging as the patient was initially reluctant to disclose her surgical history due to perceived negative social stigmas related to cosmetic contouring procedures. This case highlights the imaging findings of a rare complication following autologous fat grafting for gluteal augmentation and the importance of obtaining a thorough medical history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI) has created global standardized definitions for texture-modified diets (TMDs) and thickened liquids to improve the safety and care for individuals with swallowing difficulties. The IDDSI framework guides health care facilities, such as aged care, to provide food to at-risk patients. Objectives This study aims to design, deliver, and evaluate a tailored intervention to facilitate IDDSI implementation in aged care. Methods Five aged care facilities received tailored interventions, which were guided by the Expert Recommendation for Implementing Change process and used the corresponding barriers identified in the previous study: 1) tailored material, delivery, and planning; 2) opinion leaders and professional input; 3) strategies to attract and involve staff; and 4) reflections and evaluations. Meal compliance against IDDSI standards and staff knowledge acquisition were the primary outcomes evaluating the impact of the intervention. Written consent was obtained from facility managers. Staff trainings were delivered by a dietitian, accompanied with electronic and printed materials. An audit was conducted on all items listed on the TMD daily menu (lunch, dinner, and midmeals). TMD IDDSI audits and staff self-administered surveys were conducted before and 6 mo after the intervention. Results Audits of 68 and 79 TMD meals/items were conducted pre- and postintervention, respectively. Significant improvement in meal compliance was found in all 3 levels of TMDs, including soft and bite-sized (50%; P  = 0.0001), minced and moist (44%; P  = 0.0024), and puréed (42%; P  = 0.0024). The overall IDDSI compliance increased by 46% postintervention (P  < 0.0001). Staff achieved higher scores in both dysphagia and IDDSI knowledge sections (P  < 0.0001). Conclusions Tailored interventions facilitated IDDSI implementation in aged care evidenced by increased TMD compliance and staff knowledge, which remained at 6 mo postintervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online digital encounter, payer-negotiated price, telemedicine, telephone encounter, virtual check-in, price transparency Keywords: online digital encounter; payer-negotiated price; price transparency; telemedicine; telephone encounter; virtual check-in EN online digital encounter payer-negotiated price price transparency telemedicine telephone encounter virtual check-in 3495 3497 3 10/12/22 20221001 NES 221001 INTRODUCTION Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, insurers broadened eligibility for telemedicine.[1] Correspondingly, hospitals expanded telemedicine availability, and utilization is expected to persist.[2] While attention has been paid to statutory Medicare payment rates for telemedicine services, less is known about private payer prices negotiated with healthcare delivery organizations. We restricted analysis to each state's top-ranking hospital disclosing telemedicine pricing given their anticipated resources to comply with price disclosure requirements and offer telemedicine services, as well as in-state requirements to deliver telemedicine. [Extracted from the article]

Psychologists today are challenged as ethical decision makers by the ever-expanding development and use of digital technology in their own lives and in the lives of their clients. In this survey study, 256 doctoral-level U.S. psychologists rated their frequency of engagement in and ethical attitudes regarding four digital boundary crossings: advertising online, providing psychoeducation online, engaging in a digital nonsexual multiple relationship, and patient-targeted Googling. The study also examined six potential predictors of engagement and attitudes: therapist gender, therapist theoretical orientation, therapist years of professional clinical experience, client gender, the interaction of therapist gender and client gender, and digital status (i.e., therapists' self-identification as digital natives or digital immigrants). Practice frequencies and ethicality ratings varied significantly depending on the boundary crossing considered. Significant predictors were identified for only one digital crossing: patient-targeted Googling. Therapist gender predicted the frequencies of patient-targeted Googling and hours of professional clinical experience predicted ethicality ratings. Professional implications, training recommendations for therapists, and directions for additional research are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health apps and wearables are touted to improve physical health and mental well-being. However, it is unclear from existing research the extent to which these health technologies are efficacious in improving physical and mental well-being at a population level, particularly for the underserved groups from the perspective of health equity and social determinants. Also, it is unclear if the relationship between health apps and wearables use and physical and mental well-being differs across individualistic, collectivistic, and a mix of individual–collectivistic cultures. A large-scale online survey was conducted in the U.S. (individualist culture), China (collectivist culture), and Singapore (mix of individual–collectivist culture) using quota sampling after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB-2021-262) of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. There was a total of 1004 respondents from the U.S., 1072 from China, and 1017 from Singapore. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and negative binomial regression. The study found that income consistently had the strongest relationship with physical and mental well-being measures in all three countries, while the use of health apps and wearables only had a moderate association with psychological well-being only in the US. Health apps and wearables were associated with the number of times people spent exercising and some mental health outcomes in China and Singapore, but they were only positively associated with psychological well-being in the US. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the social determinants, social–cultural context of the population, and the facilitating conditions for the effective use of digital health technologies. The study suggests that the combined use of both health apps and wearables is most strongly associated with better physical and mental health, though this association is less pronounced when individuals use only apps or wearables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weld seam detection is particularly crucial within industrial systems, as it promptly reflects the quality of product fabrication and performance, ensuring the final metallurgical product's quality while mitigating potential losses stemming from product quality issues. This paper proposed the InfoFPN Cross Refinement Network (InfoCRNet) for the weld seam detection, achieving an accuracy rate of 98,90% and F1 score of 98,85 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much has been written about India's soft power – how much it has, its sources and origins, and its deficits and applications. This article aims to place India's soft power in context of other nations like China and the US, by applying the Soft Power Rubric, a model that harnesses quantitative data on ordinary human interactions – like foreign visitors appearing in local street markets – to understand the relationships among countries. In this examination of India's soft power, the focus is on the activity of ordinary people, not necessarily actions by the government. The Soft Power Rubric centers around understanding in which foreign countries are people attracted to India and, vice versa, which foreign countries attract Indians to go abroad. The sum of this activity paints a picture of cultural affinity and social interaction unlike any other analysis of soft power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With continued climate changes, soil drought stress has become the main limiting factor for crop growth in arid and semi‐arid regions. A typical characteristic of drought stress is the burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative damage. Plant‐associated microbes, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), can regulate physiological and molecular responses to tolerate drought stress, and they have a strong ability to cope with drought‐induced oxidative damage via enhanced antioxidant defence systems. AMF produce a limited oxidative burst in the arbuscule‐containing root cortical cells. Similar to plants, AMF modulate a fungal network in enzymatic (e.g. GmarCuZnSOD and GintSOD1) and non‐enzymatic (e.g. GintMT1, GinPDX1 and GintGRX1) antioxidant defence systems to scavenge ROS. Plants also respond to mycorrhization to enhance stress tolerance via metabolites and the induction of genes. The present review provides an overview of the network of plant − arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus dialogue in mitigating oxidative stress. Future studies should involve identifying genes and transcription factors from both AMF and host plants in response to drought stress, and utilize transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics to clarify a clear dialogue mechanism between plants and AMF in mitigating oxidative burst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To recycle vanadium from V-bearing steelmaking slag and V-bearing black shale, both were jointly roasted to generate vanadium-rich phase, and then vanadium was separated by magnetic separation in this study. The compositions of samples were determined by X-ray fluorescence meter and the phases in the samples were characterized using X-ray diffractometer. The experimental results showed that with increasing the ratio of CaO content to SiO2 content in the samples the vanadium separation efficiency first decreased, increased, and then decreased again. With increasing roasting temperature from 1423 to 1623 K, the vanadium separation efficiency increased. With increasing roasting time from one hour to four hours, the vanadium separation efficiency increased. The optimum conditions for vanadium recycling are the basicity of 1.2, roasting temperature of 1623 K, and roasting time of 4 hours. Under this condition, the separation efficiency of vanadium reaches 71.6%, and the concentrate contains 3.67% V2O5 and 46.9% Fe2O3. A flow for joint processing of V-bearing steelmaking slag and V-bearing black shale was proposed, which involves vanadium separating, and tailings utilizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OCA-B, OCA-T1, and OCA-T2 belong to a family of coactivators that bind to POU transcription factors (TFs) to regulate gene expression in immune cells. Here, we identify IκBζ (encoded by the NFKBIZ gene) as an additional coactivator of POU TFs. Although originally discovered as an inducible regulator of NF-κB, we show here that IκBζ shares a microhomology with OCA proteins and uses this segment to bind to POU TFs and octamer-motif-containing DNA. Our functional experiments suggest that IκBζ requires its interaction with POU TFs to coactivate immune-related genes. This finding is reinforced by epigenomic analysis of MYD88 L265P -mutant lymphoma cells, which revealed colocalization of IκBζ with the POU TF OCT2 and NF-κB:p50 at hundreds of DNA elements harboring octamer and κB motifs. These results suggest that IκBζ is a transcriptional coactivator that can amplify and integrate the output of NF-κB and POU TFs at inducible genes in immune cells. [Display omitted] • IκBζ interacts with POU transcription factors via a conserved OCA peptide • IκBζ functions as a coactivator of both POU and NF-κB transcription factors • Several immune genes require the OCA peptide of IκBζ for inducible gene activation • Promoter sequence determines whether cooperativity exists among IκBζ, POU, and NF-κB Alpsoy and Wu et al. demonstrate that a well-studied NF-κB regulator, IκBζ, is also a direct binding partner and cofactor of POU transcription factors. These findings implicate IκBζ as an integrator and amplifier of two distinct families of transcription factors at inducible immune genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tatun Volcanic Group (TVG) is proximal to the metropolis of Taipei City (population of ca. 7 million) and has long been a major concern due to the potential risks from volcanic activity to the population and critical infrastructure. While the TVG has been previously considered a dormant or extinct volcano, recent evidence suggests a much younger age of the last eruption event (~ 6000 years) and possible existence of a magma reservoir beneath the TVG. However, the location, dimension, and detailed geometry of the magma reservoir and plumbing system remains largely unknown. To examine the TVG volcanic plumbing structure in detail, the local P-wave travel time data and the teleseismic waveform data from a new island-wide Formosa Array Project are combined for a 3D tomographic joint inversion. The new model reveals a magma reservoir with a notable P-wave velocity reduction of 19% (ca. ~ 19% melt fraction) at 8–20 km beneath eastern TVG and with possible northward extension to a shallower depth near where active submarine volcanoes that have been detected. Enhanced tomographic images also reveal sporadic magmatic intrusion/underplating in the lower crust of Husehshan Range and northern Taiwan. These findings suggest an active volcanic plumbing system induced by post-collisional extension associated with the collapse of the orogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The medical profession increasingly recognizes the growing need to educate nonpalliative physicians in palliative care. Objective: This study aims to provide a scoping review of the primary palliative care (PPC) education currently available to graduate medical trainees in primary and specialty tracks. Design: Studies of PPC interventions in U.S. residency or fellowship programs of all subspecialties published in English and listed on MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE through January 2020 were included. To meet admission criteria, studies had to describe the content, delivery methods, and evaluation instruments of a PPC educational intervention. Results: Of 233 eligible full texts, 85 studies were included for assessment, of which 66 were novel PPC educational interventions and 19 were standard education. Total number of publications evaluating PPC education increased from 8 (2000–2004) to 36 (2015–2019), across 11 residency and 10 fellowship specialties. Residency specialties representing the majority of publications were emergency medicine, general surgery, internal medicine, and pediatric/medicine-pediatrics. PPC content domains most taught in residencies were communication and symptom management; the primary delivery method was didactics, and the outcome assessed was attitudes. Fellowship specialties representing the majority of publications were pediatric subspecialties, nephrology, and oncology. The PPC content domain most taught in fellowships was communication; the primary delivery method was didactics and the outcome evaluated was attitudes. Conclusions: While PPC education has increased, it remains varied in content, delivery method, and intervention evaluations. Future studies should include more widespread evaluation of behavioral outcomes, longitudinal persistence of use, and clinical impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forbush decreases (Fds) in galactic cosmic ray intensity are related to interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs). The parallel diffusion of particles is reduced because the magnetic turbulence level in the sheath region bounded by the ICME's leading edge and shock is high. In the sheath and magnetic cloud (MC) energetic particles would feel an enhanced magnetic focusing effect caused by the strong inhomogeneity of the background magnetic field. Therefore, particles would be partially blocked in the sheath–MC structure. Here, we study two-step Fds by considering the magnetic turbulence and background magnetic field in the sheath–MC structure with diffusion coefficients calculated using theoretical models, to reproduce the Fd associated with the ground-level enhancement event on 2000 July 14 by solving the focused transport equation. The sheath and MC are set to spherical caps that are portions of spherical shells with enhanced background magnetic field. The magnetic turbulence levels in the sheath and MC are set to higher and lower than those in ambient solar wind, respectively. In general, the simulation result conforms to the main characteristics of the Fd observation, such as the pre-increase precursor, amplitude, total recovery time, and two-step decrease of the flux at the arrival of the sheath and MC. It is suggested that the sheath plays an important role in the amplitude of the Fd while the MC contributes to the formation of the second-step decrease and prolonged recovery time. It is also inferred that both magnetic turbulence and background magnetic field in the sheath–MC structure are important for reproducing the observed two-step Fd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Early signs of an R&D turnaround: Phase II success rates improved from 19% to 53%. • Sharp therapeutic area focus deepened our understanding of biology and drug targets. • Selectively diversifying modalities expanded the range of eligible drug targets. • Portfolio governance strengthened through more systematic quantitative metrics. The pharmaceutical industry has faced declining research and development (R&D) productivity for decades. During the early 2010s, Pfizer saw its R&D productivity drop even more sharply than did its industry peers. As impactful medicines the company had developed and brought to patients in previous years lost exclusivity, Pfizer faced a steep patent cliff with a cumulative revenue impact of >US$28 billion through 2018. Since 2010, the company has embarked on a focused turnaround effort to improve R&D productivity. Although some efforts will need more time to prove themselves, there are early signs of a turnaround now, particularly in terms of Phase II success rates. Here, we share some learnings from a decade of experience as one of the largest R&D organizations in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food neophobia (FN) describes problematic fear-based avoidance/restriction of novel foods. Using the novel parent-reported Measure of Food Neophobia (MFN), the authors examined FN symptoms and impairment in 305 Salvadorian children and explored clinical correlates. Factor analysis supported the MFN’s designed structure to inquire about FN symptoms and FN impairment. At least one FN symptom was observed in 91% of the sample; however, only 9% were rated as having moderate or greater impairment. Demographic variables were not associated with FN; however, FN was positively correlated with internalizing, externalizing, inattention, health anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Inattention symptoms and health anxiety emerged as significant predictors of FN symptoms, while FN symptoms were the only significant predictor of FN impairment. The present study supports the MFN and provides information about FN in a general population, including the prevalence of clinically significant symptoms and association with psychological domains. Continued investigation of FN is still needed. (Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the twin-roll inclined strip casting, simulate the fluid-thermal coupling in molten pool by mathematical model, and analyze the effect of tilt angle on flow field and temperature field in molten pool. The increase of inclination angle would enhance the asymmetry of temperature field and flow field, which provided a basis for adjustment of control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground-level enhancements generally accompany fast interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs), and ICME-driven shocks are sources of solar energetic particles (SEPs). Observations of the GLE event of 2000 July 14 show that a very fast and strong magnetic cloud (MC) is behind the ICME shock and the proton intensity-time profiles observed at 1 au had a rapid two-step decrease near the sheath and MC. Therefore, we study the effect of sheath and MC on SEPs accelerated by an ICME shock by numerically solving the focused transport equation. The shock is regarded as a moving source of SEPs with an assumed particle distribution function. The sheath and MC are set to thick spherical caps with enhanced magnetic field, and the turbulence levels in the sheath and MC are set to be higher and lower than those of the ambient solar wind, respectively. The simulation results of proton intensity-time profiles agree well with the observations in energies ranging from ∼1 to ∼100 MeV, and the two-step decrease is reproduced when the sheath and MC arrived at the Earth. The simulation results show that the sheath-MC structure reduced the proton intensities for about 2 days after the shock passed through the Earth. It is found that the sheath contributed most of the decrease while the MC facilitated the formation of the second step decrease. The simulation also infers that the coordination of magnetic field and turbulence in sheath-MC structure can produce a stronger reduction of SEP intensities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parenting practices of both transracially adopted Korean American adults and multiracial families are often overlooked in developmental science, yet are important to address, given that the majority of Korean adoptees are now adults with families of their own and given rapid increases in the multiracial population. This qualitative study examined the cultural socialization beliefs and practices among transracially adopted Korean Americans who are parents of multiracial Asian-White children. Drawing upon interviews with 31 Korean adoptee parents (29 female: Mage = 41.26), we identified four themes that capture parents' understanding of their children's multiracial identities, how that understanding subsequently shapes their cultural socialization practices, and how parents' socialization beliefs and practices vary by developmental stage. These themes described the ways that parents' cultural socialization practices were shaped by their children's phenotypes, parents' understanding of their children's multiracial identities, geographic location, and the multiracial family context. This study also demonstrated how multiracial couples in our sample engaged in cultural socialization together. Results suggest that Korean adoptee parents largely acknowledged their children's multiracial identities through labels, but primarily socialized children as monoracial minorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: On April 1, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced bundled-payment programs for hip replacement and knee replacement (HKR) in selected metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) to decrease the costs and cost variability of HKR and to increase the quality of care. Early program analyses showed cost savings; however, studies also demonstrated a trend toward the selection of healthier patients for HKR performed under the bundled system. We compared the characteristics of patients who underwent HKR before implementation of the bundled-payment system (pre-policy) with those of patients who underwent HKR after implementation (post-policy).Methods: Patients who underwent HKR from 2015 to 2016 were identified from Medicare inpatient claims files. After matching for MSA characteristics, we used a difference-in-difference design to evaluate changes in patient case mix from pre-policy to post-policy by comparing Medicare beneficiaries receiving HKR in bundled MSAs (bMSAs) with those receiving HKR in non-bundled MSAs (nbMSAs). The main characteristics of interest were race, dual eligibility (for Medicare and Medicaid), tobacco use, obesity, presence of diabetes with or without complications, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) value. We also evaluated pre-policy to post-policy changes in patient case mix by comparing Medicare beneficiaries in bMSAs who underwent HKR compared with those who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty. Hip hemiarthroplasty was used as a control to determine whether there were changes in access to HKR.Results: We found significant differences in the unadjusted baseline characteristics between the bMSA and nbMSA cohorts, both for unmatched and matched samples. We found no significant post-policy changes in the characteristics of patients undergoing HKR. Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty had significantly higher CCI values than did those undergoing HKR in bMSAs post-policy, although the difference was small (0.36-point higher CCI value; p < 0.01). Patients undergoing hemiarthroplasty were also 2.4% more likely to have diabetes mellitus without complications compared with those who underwent HRK post-policy (p < 0.01).Conclusions: In contrast to previous investigators, we found little to no significant change in the characteristics (including race, dual eligibility, tobacco use, obesity, presence of diabetes with or without complications, and CCI value) of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent HKR after the initiation of the CMS mandatory bundled-payment policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an adaptive enrichment approach to test an active factor, which is a factor whose effect is non-zero in at least one subpopulation. We implement a two-stage play-the-winner design where all subjects in the second stage are enrolled from the subpopulation that has the highest observed effect in the first stage. We recommend a weighted Fisher's combination of the most powerful test for each stage, respectively: the first stage Hotelling's test and the second stage noncentral chi-square test. The test is further extended to cover binary outcomes and time-to-event outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between caregivers' and youths' treatment expectations and characteristics of exposure tasks (quantity, mastery, compliance) in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for childhood anxiety. Additionally, compliance with exposure tasks was tested as a mediator of the relationship between treatment expectations and symptom improvement. Data were from youth (N = 279; 7-17 years old) enrolled in the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS) and randomized to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or the combination of CBT and sertraline for the treatment of separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social phobia. Caregivers and youth independently reported treatment expectations prior to randomization, anxiety was assessed pre- and post-treatment by independent evaluators blind to treatment condition, and exposure characteristics were recorded by the cognitive-behavioral therapists following each session. For both caregivers and youths, more positive expectations that anxiety would improve with treatment were associated with greater compliance with exposure tasks, and compliance mediated the relationship between treatment expectations and change in anxiety symptoms following treatment. Additionally, more positive parent treatment expectations were related to a greater number and percentage of sessions with exposure. More positive youth treatment expectations were associated with greater mastery during sessions focused on exposure. Findings underscore the importance of addressing parents' and youths' treatment expectations at the outset of therapy to facilitate engagement in exposure and maximize therapeutic gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluteal augmentation with autologous fat grafting is an increasingly popular procedure. While complication rates are low, the clinical and imaging evaluation of the various complications can be challenging. We report a case of distal migration of a failed gluteal fat graft in a young female patient presenting as a soft tissue mass in the knee, mimicking a soft tissue sarcoma. Surgical resection of the migrated fat graft confirmed the diagnosis. The diagnosis was challenging as the patient was initially reluctant to disclose her surgical history due to perceived negative social stigmas related to cosmetic contouring procedures. This case highlights the imaging findings of a rare complication following autologous fat grafting for gluteal augmentation and the importance of obtaining a thorough medical history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To inform health behavior intervention design, we sought to quantify loneliness and its correlates, including social media use, among adults in the United States.Design: Cross-sectional research panel questionnaire.Setting: Responses were gathered from individuals in all 50 states surveyed via Internet from February 2018 to March 2018.Participants: A total of 20 096 US panel respondents aged 18+.Measures: The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale (theoretical score range = 20-80) was administered along with demographic, structural, cognitive, and behavioral items.Analysis: After calibrating the sample to population norms, we conducted multivariable linear regression analysis.Results: The overall mean survey-weighted loneliness score was 44.03 (standard error = 0.09). Social support (standardized β [sβ] = -0.19) and meaningful daily interactions (sβ = -0.14) had the strongest associations with lower loneliness, along with reporting good relationships, family life, physical and mental health, friendships, greater age, being in a couple, and balancing one's daily time. Social anxiety was most strongly associated with greater loneliness (sβ = +0.20), followed by self-reported social media overuse (sβ = +0.05) and daily use of text-based social media (sβ = +0.03).Conclusion: Our findings confirm that loneliness decreases with age, and that being in a relationship as well as everyday behavioral factors in people's control are most strongly related to loneliness. Population health promotion efforts to reduce loneliness should focus on improving social support, decreasing social anxiety, and promoting healthy daily behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loading a 3‐m granite slab containing a saw‐cut simulated fault, we generated slip events that spontaneously nucleate, propagate, and arrest before reaching the ends of the sample. This work shows that slow (0.07 mm/s slip speeds) and fast (100 mm/s) contained slip events can occur on the same fault patch. We also present the systematic changes in radiated seismic waves both in time and frequency domain. The slow earthquakes are 100 ms in duration and radiate tremor‐like signals superposed onto a low‐frequency component of their ground motion. They are often preceded by slow slip (creep) and their seismic radiation has an ω−1 spectral shape, similar to slow earthquakes observed in nature. The fastest events have slip velocity, stress drop, and apparent stress (0.2 m/s, 0.4 MPa, and 1.2 kPa, respectively) similar to those of typical M −2.5 earthquakes, with a single distinct corner frequency and ω−2 spectral falloff at high frequencies, well fit by the Brune earthquake source model. The gap between slow and fast is filled with intermediate events with source spectra depleted near the corner frequency. This work shows that a fault patch of length p with conditions favorable to rupture can radiate in vastly different ways, based on small changes in ph*, where h* is a critical nucleation length scale. Such a mechanism can help explain atypical scaling observed for low‐frequency earthquakes that compose tectonic tremor. Plain Language Summary: Some faults slip slowly and silently, while others are locked and then slip spontaneously in an abrupt fashion. There is debate on whether slow and fast slip are distinct processes or lie on a continuum of fault slip modes in nature. Recent laboratory observations show that a single fault can slip in both modes and at some intermediate velocities, creating a spectrum of slow to fast earthquakes. We have conducted laboratory earthquake experiments where we force a fault cut in a 3‐m‐long granite rock to slip under pressure. The experiments show that by giving a rupture more distance to accelerate before it runs in to unfavorable fault conditions and dies, it can emit high‐frequency energy more efficiently and exhibit resemblance to natural regular earthquakes. On the other hand, if a rupture barely accelerates before stopping, it will emit weak tremors. This proposed mechanism and the seismic consequences highlighted in this study may explain the puzzling behavior of deep tectonic tremor sometimes radiated from slow earthquakes. Key Points: We generate contained earthquake‐like slip events on a 3 m dry, homogeneous granite fault that do not rupture through the sample endsWe create a spectrum of slow to fast events, ranging from M −3.2 events with 50 kPa stress drop to M −2.5 quakes with 0.4 MPa stress dropSlow events produce tremor‐like seismic radiation and have an ω−1 spectral shape that matches slow earthquakes in nature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of leading ultrasonic vibrations on the process forces in the friction stir lap welding of AA 6061-T6 with and without ultrasonic vibrations is investigated at varied welding speeds. The axial force, traverse force, and tool torque in the processes are determined by adopting a recently developed method that uses electrical signals of the servo motors and main spindle AC motor of the friction stir welding machine during the welding process. It is found that the exerted ultrasonic vibrations decrease the welding forces without compromising the mechanical properties of welds. The effect of ultrasonic vibrations on traverse force is more pronounced than that on the tool torque and axial force. Force measurements at different welding speeds indicated that the axial force and traverse force varied significantly with travel speed of tool. Not much difference is found in the tool torque variation. With ultrasonic vibrations, the reduction in welding force in different directions is affected differently by welding speed. The ultrasonic effect on welding forces is found to be governed by the travel speeds of both the tool and workpiece. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family accommodation (FA) has been linked with myriad negative outcomes in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but extant literature has yielded differential relationships between FA and clinical variables of interest. Consequently, this study examined the phenomenology, clinical profile, and effects of comorbid psychopathology on FA to better understand these behaviors. A total of 150 youths and their caregivers completed clinician- and self-reported measures at a baseline visit for a larger randomized controlled trial. Sociodemographic variables were not associated with FA, but specific types of OCD symptom clusters were. Higher OC-symptom severity and functional impairment were associated with increased FA. Comorbid anxiety disorders moderated the relationship between OC-symptom severity and FA, but comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity, oppositional defiant, and mood disorders did not. Internalizing and externalizing problems both mediated the relationship between FA and functional impairment. These findings provide clinical implications for important treatment targets and factors that may impact FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lithium ion dynamics in graphite, an important anode material for lithium ion batteries, is strongly related with the layer-to-layer distance (d-spacing) and the stacking modes of graphite. We studied these relationships by first-principles calculations. It is found that a larger d-spacing results in the easier transformation of the stacking mode from A-B stacking to A-A stacking when lithium atoms are inserted. This transformation is unfavorable to the lithium diffusion because of the larger diffusion energy barrier for lithium in A-A stacking graphite compared to that in A-B one. On the other hand, as the d-spacing increases, the diffusion energy barrier for lithium in A-A stacking graphite decreases substantially, thus being favorable to the lithium diffusion. These results give a better understanding of the lithium ion dynamics in graphite, and show that it is possible to optimize the lithium ion dynamics in graphite by properly adjusting the d-spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]