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Background: Tenuous blood supply carries a risk of wound-healing problems and subsequent infection following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This risk may be increased by the presence of previous incisions. Performing a sham incision procedure allows for detection of wound-healing problems prior to performing TKA. The purpose of this retrospective case series is to describe the indications for and technique of a sham incision procedure in patients with previous knee incisions who underwent TKA following this procedure and to report the clinical outcomes observed in these patients following further surgery. Methods: Patients who had prior knee incisions, had undergone a sham incision prior to TKA, and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified, and their cases were retrospectively reviewed. The identified cases typically adhered to the surgeon's standard protocol, which consisted of making a midline incision adventitious to TKA, dissecting down to deep fascia, and closing the wound with suture. Incisions were then observed for at least 4 weeks to determine the viability of the skin flaps before TKA was performed via the same incision. Results: A total of 47 knees in 47 patients were included in the study cohort. TKA was performed at an average of 21.1 weeks (range, 4 to 163 weeks) following the sham incision. There were no cases of skin necrosis or periprosthetic joint infection at an average follow-up of 4.6 years (range, 2 to 12 years) after sham incision. A total of 11 patients (23.4%) required manipulation under anesthesia for stiffness. Conclusions: In our series, no patients developed skin necrosis or periprosthetic joint infection following TKA subsequent to a sham incision procedure, suggesting that healed sham incisions are safe to use for TKA and may be considered prior to TKA in cases in which local previous incisions increase the risk of wound-healing problems. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of a series of organic polynitriles with [Te4][AsF6]2 in liquid SO2 solution lead either to reduction of [Te4]2+ to elemental tellurium or to the formation of coordination polymers. With 1,3‐dicyanobenzene (1,3‐DCB), 1,4‐dicyanobenzene (1,4‐DCB), 1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene (TCB), tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) and tetracyanochinodimethane (TCNQ) the coordination complexes [Te4][AsF6]2 ⋅ 2(1,3‐DCB), [Te4][AsF6]2 ⋅ 3(1,4‐DCB) ⋅ 2SO2, [Te4][AsF6]2 ⋅ TCB, [Te4][AsF6]2 ⋅ TCNE and [Te4][AsF6]2 ⋅ TCNQ ⋅ 8 SO2 were isolated and characterized by crystal structure analyses and vibrational Raman spectroscopy. The nitriles are coordinated to the square‐planar clusters forming 1D chains, 2D arrangements and 3D networks. Tetrakis(dicyanomethylene)cyclobutendiide [C4(C{CN}2)4]2− is oxidized by [Te4]2+ to the neutral cyanocarbon C4(C{CN}2)4, structurally representing a 4[radialene]. The ionization potentials and electron affinities of the cyanamide anion, cyanogen, 1,2‐DCB, 1,3‐DCB, 1,4‐DCB, TCB, C4(C{CN}2)4, TCNE and TCNQ and those polynitriles, which cause reduction of [Te4]2+, were calculated at coupled‐cluster level of theory in order to examine possible reasons for the stability of the coordination polymers based on electronic properties of the nitriles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A common spine surgery procedure involves decompression of the lumbar spine. The impact of the surgeon's learning curve on relevant clinical outcomes is currently not well examined in the literature. A variety of machine learning algorithms have been investigated in this study to determine how a surgeon's learning curve and other clinical parameters will influence prolonged lengths of stay (LOS), extended operating times (OT), and complications, as well as whether these clinical parameters can be reliably predicted. Methods: A retrospective monocentric cohort study of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis treated with microsurgical (MSD) and full-endoscopic (FED) decompression was conducted. The study included 206 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent FED (63; 30.6%) and MSD (118; 57.3%). Prolonged LOS and OT were defined as those exceeding the 75th percentile of the cohort. Furthermore, complications were assessed as a dependent variable. Using unsupervised learning, clusters were identified in the data, which helped distinguish between the early learning curve (ELC) and the late learning curve (LLC). From 15 algorithms, the top five algorithms that best fit the data were selected for each prediction task. We calculated the accuracy of prediction (Acc) and the area under the curve (AUC). The most significant predictors were determined using a feature importance analysis. Results: For the FED group, the median number of surgeries with case surgery type at the time of surgery was 72 in the ELC group and 274 in the LLC group. FED patients did not significantly differ in outcome variables (LOS, OT, complication rate) between the ELC and LLC group. The random forest model demonstrated the highest mean accuracy and AUC across all folds for each classification task. For OT, it achieved an accuracy of 76.08% and an AUC of 0.89. For LOS, the model reached an accuracy of 83.83% and an AUC of 0.91. Lastly, in predicting complications, the random forest model attained the highest accuracy of 89.90% and an AUC of 0.94. Feature importance analysis indicated that LOS, OT, and complications were more significantly affected by patient characteristics than the surgical technique (FED versus MSD) or the surgeon's learning curve. Conclusions: A median of 72 cases of FED surgeries led to comparable clinical outcomes in the early learning curve phase compared to experienced surgeons. These outcomes seem to be more significantly affected by patient characteristics than the learning curve or the surgical technique. Several study variables, including the learning curve, can be used to predict whether lumbar decompression surgery will result in an increased LOS, OT, or complications. To introduce the provided prediction tools into clinics, the algorithms need to be implemented into open-source software and externally validated through large-scale randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, inpatient nurses faced various work stressors. Little is known about organizational interventions that can mitigate the negative consequences of pandemic-related stressors. Objective: The aim was to provide a synopsis of the literature concerning the types and outcomes of organizational interventions performed during the COVID-19 pandemic that directly (re)organized the work structures of inpatient nurses to address pandemic-related work stressors or to increase nurses' ability to cope. Methods: Within this preregistered systematic literature review, we searched four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL) and two preprint databases (MedRxiv, PsyArXiv) for interventional studies of organizational interventions published between 01/2020 and 03/2023 (k = 990 records). We included 12 primary studies after title-abstract and full-text screening. A synthesis of results without meta-analysis was conducted. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials – version 2 (RoB-2) and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Results: All interventions were implemented in hospitals. The reasons given for implementation included pandemic-related work stressors such as a high workload, understaffing, and a lack of medical resources. To respond to the various work stressors, half of the studies took a multilevel approach combining organizational and person-oriented interventions (k = 6). Most studies (k = 8) took a secondary prevention approach, focusing on the organization of rest breaks (k = 5). With respect to outcomes, the studies examined nurse-related stress and resilience, turnover intention, job satisfaction, and other factors. Risk-of-bias analyses revealed that conclusions about the effectiveness of the interventions are limited due to confounding factors and self-selection. Conclusions: The identified interventions provide a basis for future research to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of organizational interventions during pandemics. The promotion of adequate work breaks could be useful if the work stressors associated with strain and negative consequences cannot be changed directly. However, the same stressors (e.g., high workload) can hinder nurses from participating in offered interventions. This emphasizes the importance of directly addressing inpatient nurses' work stressors. Registration: Prospero-ID CRD42023364807 (March 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite ethical and historical arguments for removing race from clinical algorithms, the consequences of removal remain unclear. Here, we highlight a largely undiscussed consideration in this debate: varying data quality of input features across race groups. For example, family history of cancer is an essential predictor in cancer risk prediction algorithms but is less reliably documented for Black participants and may therefore be less predictive of cancer outcomes. Using data from the Southern Community Cohort Study, we assessed whether race adjustments could allow risk prediction models to capture varying data quality by race, focusing on colorectal cancer risk prediction. We analyzed 77,836 adults with no history of colorectal cancer at baseline. The predictive value of self-reported family history was greater for White participants than for Black participants. We compared two cancer risk prediction algorithms--a race-blind algorithm which included standard colorectal cancer risk factors but not race, and a race-adjusted algorithm which additionally included race. Relative to the race-blind algorithm, the race-adjusted algorithm improved predictive performance, as measured by goodness of fit in a likelihood ratio test (P-value: <0.001) and area under the receiving operating characteristic curve among Black participants (P-value: 0.006). Because the race-blind algorithm underpredicted risk for Black participants, the race-adjusted algorithm increased the fraction of Black participants among the predicted high-risk group, potentially increasing access to screening. More broadly, this study shows that race adjustments may be beneficial when the data quality of key predictors in clinical algorithms differs by race group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) uses [177Lu]Lu-[DOTA0-Tyr3]octreotate ([177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE) to treat patients with neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) overexpressing the somatostatin receptor 2A (SSTR2A). It has shown significant short-term improvements in survival and symptom alleviation, but there remains room for improvement. Here, we investigated whether combining [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE with chemotherapeutics enhanced the in vitro therapeutic efficacy of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. Results: Transfected human osteosarcoma (U2OS + SSTR2A, high SSTR2A expression) and pancreatic NET (BON1 + STTR2A, medium SSTR2A expression) cells were subjected to hydroxyurea, gemcitabine or triapine for 24 h at 37oC and 5% CO2. Cells were then recovered for 4 h prior to a 24-hour incubation with 0.7–1.03 MBq [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE (25 nM) for uptake and metabolic viability studies. Incubation of U2OS + SSTR2A cells with hydroxyurea, gemcitabine, and triapine enhanced uptake of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE from 0.2 ± 0.1 in untreated cells to 0.4 ± 0.1, 1.1 ± 0.2, and 0.9 ± 0.2 Bq/cell in U2OS + SSTR2A cells, respectively. Cell viability post treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE in cells pre-treated with chemotherapeutics was decreased compared to cells treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE monotherapy. For example, the viability of U2OS + SSTR2A cells incubated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE decreased from 59.5 ± 22.3% to 18.8 ± 5.2% when pre-treated with hydroxyurea. Control conditions showed no reduced metabolic viability. Cells were also harvested to assess cell cycle progression, SSTR2A expression, and cell size by flow cytometry. Chemotherapeutics increased SSTR2A expression and cell size in U2OS + SSTR2A and BON1 + STTR2A cells. The S-phase sub-population of asynchronous U2OS + SSTR2A cell cultures was increased from 45.5 ± 3.3% to 84.8 ± 2.5%, 85.9 ± 1.9%, and 86.6 ± 2.2% when treated with hydroxyurea, gemcitabine, and triapine, respectively. Conclusions: Hydroxyurea, gemcitabine and triapine all increased cell size, SSTR2A expression, and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE uptake, whilst reducing cell metabolic viability in U2OS + SSTR2A cells when compared to [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE monotherapy. Further investigations could transform patient care and positively increase outcomes for patients treated with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malassezia yeasts are almost universally present on human skin worldwide. While they can cause diseases such as pityriasis versicolor, their implication in skin homeostasis and pathophysiology of other dermatoses is still unclear. Their analysis using native microscopy of skin tape strips is operator dependent and requires skill, training and significant amounts of hands‐on time. Objectives and Methods: To standardise and improve the speed and quality of diagnosis of Malassezia in skin tape strip samples, we sought to create an artificial intelligence‐based algorithm for this image classification task. Three algorithms, each using different internal architectures, were trained and validated on a manually annotated dataset of 1113 images from 22 samples. Results: The Vision Transformer‐based algorithm performed the best with a validation accuracy of 94%, sensitivity of 94.0% and specificity of 93.5%. Visualisations providing insight into the reasoning of the algorithm were presented and discussed. Conclusion: Our image classifier achieved very good performance in the diagnosis of the presence of Malassezia yeasts in tape strip samples of human skin and can therefore improve the speed and quality of, and access to this diagnostic test. By expanding data sources and explainability, the algorithm could also provide teaching points for more novice operators in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has remained high during the consecutive SARS-CoV-2 pandemic waves. Early discrimination of patients at high mortality risk is crucial for optimal patient care. Symmetric (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) have been proposed as possible biomarkers to improve risk prediction of COVID-19 patients. We measured SDMA, ADMA, and other L-arginine-related metabolites in 180 patients admitted with COVID-19 in four German university hospitals as compared to 127 healthy controls. Patients were treated according to accepted clinical guidelines and followed-up until death or hospital discharge. Classical inflammatory markers (leukocytes, CRP, PCT), renal function (eGFR), and clinical scores (SOFA) were taken from hospital records. In a small subgroup of 23 COVID-19 patients, sequential blood samples were available and analyzed for biomarker trends over time until 14 days after admission. Patients had significantly elevated SDMA, ADMA, and L-ornithine and lower L-citrulline concentrations than controls. Within COVID-19 patients, SDMA and ADMA were significantly higher in non-survivors (n = 41, 22.8%) than in survivors. In ROC analysis, the optimal cut-off to discriminate non-survivors from survivors was 0.579 µmol/L for SDMA and 0.599 µmol/L for ADMA (both p < 0.001). High SDMA and ADMA were associated with odds ratios for death of 11.45 (3.37–38.87) and 5.95 (2.63–13.45), respectively. Analysis of SDMA and ADMA allowed discrimination of a high-risk (mortality, 43.7%), medium-risk (15.1%), and low-risk group (3.6%); risk prediction was significantly improved over classical laboratory markers. We conclude that analysis of ADMA and SDMA after hospital admission significantly improves risk prediction in COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the gauge group U 1 L μ − L τ has received a lot of attention since it can, in principle, account for the observed excess in the anomalous muon magnetic moment (g − 2)μ, as well as the Hubble tension. Due to unavoidable, loop-induced kinetic mixing with the SM photon and Z, the U 1 L μ − L τ gauge boson A′ can contribute to stellar cooling via decays into neutrinos. In this work, we perform for the first time an ab initio computation of the neutrino emissivities of white dwarf stars due to plasmon decay in a model of gauged U 1 L μ − L τ . A key result is that current observations of the early-stage white dwarf neutrino luminosity at the 30% level exclude previously allowed regions of the parameter space favoured by a simultaneous explanation of the (g – 2)μ and H0 anomalies. In this work, we present the relevant white dwarf cooling limits over the entire A′ mass range. In particular, we have performed a rigorous computation of the luminosities in the resonant regime, where the A′ mass is comparable to the white dwarf plasma frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systematically screening published literature to determine the relevant publications to synthesize in a review is a time-consuming and difficult task. Large language models (LLMs) are an emerging technology with promising capabilities for the automation of language-related tasks that may be useful for such a purpose. Methods: LLMs were used as part of an automated system to evaluate the relevance of publications to a certain topic based on defined criteria and based on the title and abstract of each publication. A Python script was created to generate structured prompts consisting of text strings for instruction, title, abstract, and relevant criteria to be provided to an LLM. The relevance of a publication was evaluated by the LLM on a Likert scale (low relevance to high relevance). By specifying a threshold, different classifiers for inclusion/exclusion of publications could then be defined. The approach was used with four different openly available LLMs on ten published data sets of biomedical literature reviews and on a newly human-created data set for a hypothetical new systematic literature review. Results: The performance of the classifiers varied depending on the LLM being used and on the data set analyzed. Regarding sensitivity/specificity, the classifiers yielded 94.48%/31.78% for the FlanT5 model, 97.58%/19.12% for the OpenHermes-NeuralChat model, 81.93%/75.19% for the Mixtral model and 97.58%/38.34% for the Platypus 2 model on the ten published data sets. The same classifiers yielded 100% sensitivity at a specificity of 12.58%, 4.54%, 62.47%, and 24.74% on the newly created data set. Changing the standard settings of the approach (minor adaption of instruction prompt and/or changing the range of the Likert scale from 1–5 to 1–10) had a considerable impact on the performance. Conclusions: LLMs can be used to evaluate the relevance of scientific publications to a certain review topic and classifiers based on such an approach show some promising results. To date, little is known about how well such systems would perform if used prospectively when conducting systematic literature reviews and what further implications this might have. However, it is likely that in the future researchers will increasingly use LLMs for evaluating and classifying scientific publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to cognitive impairment in human brain disorders for decades. Still, the molecular mechanisms linking vitamin B6 to these pathologies remain poorly understood, and whether vitamin B6 supplementation improves cognition is unclear as well. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate phosphatase (PDXP), an enzyme that controls levels of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), the co-enzymatically active form of vitamin B6, may represent an alternative therapeutic entry point into vitamin B6-associated pathologies. However, pharmacological PDXP inhibitors to test this concept are lacking. We now identify a PDXP and age-dependent decline of PLP levels in the murine hippocampus that provides a rationale for the development of PDXP inhibitors. Using a combination of small-molecule screening, protein crystallography, and biolayer interferometry, we discover, visualize, and analyze 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) as a direct and potent PDXP inhibitor. 7,8-DHF binds and reversibly inhibits PDXP with low micromolar affinity and sub-micromolar potency. In mouse hippocampal neurons, 7,8-DHF increases PLP in a PDXP-dependent manner. These findings validate PDXP as a druggable target. Of note, 7,8-DHF is a well-studied molecule in brain disorder models, although its mechanism of action is actively debated. Our discovery of 7,8-DHF as a PDXP inhibitor offers novel mechanistic insights into the controversy surrounding 7,8-DHF- mediated effects in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-gasochromic supraparticles that undergo rapid eye-readable and gas-specific colour changes upon reaction with hydrogen or ammonia are reported. This functionality is achieved by tailoring the solid–liquid–gas interface within the mesoporous framework of supraparticles via spray-drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a rare and elusive chronic inflammatory disease. It can manifest itself in any organ, but preferentially affects the lungs and the skin. Our case of an elderly woman with cutaneous and pulmonary sarcoidosis presented with exacerbated itchy, scaly skin changes to our department. The clinical and histopathological findings were consistent with sarcoidosis and eczematized psoriasis. The case represents a unique presentation of sarcoidosis with cutaneous involvement and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to overlapping clinical features and histology covering the three diagnoses. We discuss the immunological complexities underlying this overlap and resulting possible treatment options, highlighting the role of dermatology in systemic autoimmune diseases involving the skin and the need for pathophysiology-based tailored management approaches in these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge in diagnostic radiology and performance of point-of-care ultrasound are integral to acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs) in the inpatient settings, especially true in specialty areas such as interventional radiology and critical care. However, existing ACNP training programs, including at our institution, often lack robust relevant course content. To address this educational gap, we designed and implemented a pilot acute care radiology course, incorporating a flipped classroom approach and hands-on simulation activities led by expert faculty. Our course evaluation revealed high levels of student satisfaction, self-reported confidence, and perceived course effectiveness. The course aligns with key competencies outlined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, demonstrating its potential to advance ACNP education in radiology content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to connectivity and automation trends, the medical device industry is experiencing increased demand for safety and security mechanisms. Anomaly detection has proven to be a valuable approach for ensuring safety and security in other industries, such as automotive or IT. Medical devices must operate across a wide range of values due to variations in patient anthropometric data, making anomaly detection based on a simple threshold for signal deviations impractical. For example, surgical robots directly contacting the patient's tissue require precise sensor data. However, since the deformation of the patient's body during interaction or movement is highly dependent on body mass, it is impossible to define a single threshold for implausible sensor data that applies to all patients. This also involves statistical methods, such as Z-score, that consider standard deviation. Even pure machine learning algorithms cannot be expected to provide the required accuracy simply due to the lack of available training data. This paper proposes using hybrid filters by combining dynamic system models based on expert knowledge and data-based models for anomaly detection in an operating room scenario. This approach can improve detection performance and explainability while reducing the computing resources needed on embedded devices, enabling a distributed approach to anomaly detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: In 2018, CMS established reimbursement for the first Medicare-covered artificial intelligence (AI)--enabled clinical software: CT fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) to assist in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This study quantified Medicare utilization of and spending on FFRCT from 2018 through 2022 and characterized adopting hospitals, clinicians, and patients. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis, using 100% Medicare fee-for-service claims data, of the hospitals, clinicians, and patients who performed or received coronary CT angiography with or without FFRCT. METHODS: We measured annual trends in utilization of and spending on FFRCT among hospitals and clinicians from 2018 through 2022. Characteristics of FFRCT-adopting and nonadopting hospitals and clinicians were compared, as well as the characteristics of patients who received FFRCT vs those who did not. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2022, FFRCT billing volume in Medicare increased more than 11-fold (from 1083 to 12,363 claims). Compared with nonbilling hospitals, FFRCT-billing hospitals were more likely to be larger, part of a health system, nonprofit, and financially profitable. FFRCT-billing clinicians worked in larger group practices and were more likely to be cardiac specialists. FFRCT-receiving patients were more likely to be male and White and less likely to be dually enrolled in Medicaid or receiving disability benefits. CONCLUSIONS: In the initial 5 years of Medicare reimbursement for FFRCT, growth was concentrated among well-resourced hospitals and clinicians. As Medicare begins to reimburse clinicians for the use of AI-enabled clinical software such as FFRCT, it is crucial to monitor the diffusion of these services to ensure equal access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐case design (SCD) is a quantitative experimental technique in which participants serve as their own control. The use of an effect size in SCD allows evaluation of outcomes as well as comparison of outcomes via meta‐analyses. Characteristics of SCD research make the selection of an appropriate effect size complicated. Additionally, there are a number of factors that complicate the use of SCDs as a means to improve academic skills. The purpose of this study was to examine patterns by which SCD effect sizes are used to quantify outcomes from academic interventions. To do so, a descriptive analysis of an extant database of SCD studies was conducted. The authors created frequency tables for each effect size identified in the database as well as graphs to show the extent to which the use of effect sizes changed over time. The authors also determined whether the most frequently used effect sizes were appropriate for summarizing changes in academic outcomes. Although many effect sizes have been developed, only a small number are routinely used in SCD research for academic skills. The most frequently used effect sizes were those that come from standardized statistics, compared with those that utilized principles of regression or Bayesian analysis. Practitioner Points: Using an effect size in single‐case design allows for the empirical evaluation of outcomes.Although many effect sizes have been developed, only a few are routinely used in single‐case design research for academic skills.Practitioners should strive to use concrete and methodologically sound effect sizes when utilizing single‐case design for academic skills problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quickest way to a student’s mind is through engagement. As legal writing professors, we can assign pages on how to organize an analysis, provide helpful examples, and orally describe the process. However, some students need a more hands-on approach. In this article, I explain my process of actively engaging students to draft their first CREAC together. By collaboratively working together to assemble this ungraded CREAC over a series of classes, the students develop an understanding of how to properly organize their analysis of a discrete issue based on the assigned facts and law. For each part of the CREAC we draft in class, the students are directed to apply their newfound knowledge to tackling the memorandum’s remaining CREACs on their own. The results of this teaching technique are clearer expectations, increased selfconfidence, and higher quality work product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Youth use different forms of screen time (e.g., streaming, gaming) that may be related to body mass index (BMI). Screen time is non-independent from other behaviors, including physical activity and sleep duration. Statistical approaches such as isotemporal substitution or compositional data analysis (CoDA) can model associations between these non-independent behaviors and health outcomes. Few studies have examined different types of screen time, physical activity, and sleep duration simultaneously in relation to BMI. Methods: Data were baseline (2017–2018) and one-year follow-up (2018–2019) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, a multi-site study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. youth (N = 10,544, mean [SE] baseline age = 9.9 [0.03] years, 48.9% female, 45.4% non-White). Participants reported daily minutes of screen time (streaming, gaming, socializing), physical activity, and sleep. Sex-stratified models estimated the association between baseline behaviors and follow-up BMI z-score, controlling for demographic characteristics, internalizing symptoms, and BMI z-score at baseline. Results: In females, isotemporal substitution models estimated that replacing 30 min of socializing (β [95% CI] = -0.03 [-0.05, -0.002]), streaming (-0.03 [-0.05, -0.01]), or gaming (-0.03 [-0.06, -0.01]) with 30 min of physical activity was associated with a lower follow-up BMI z-score. In males, replacing 30 min of socializing (-0.03 [-0.05, -0.01]), streaming (-0.02 [-0.03, -0.01]), or gaming (-0.02 [-0.03, -0.01]) with 30 min of sleep was associated with a lower follow-up BMI z-score. In males, replacing 30 min of socializing with 30 min of gaming was associated with a lower follow-up BMI z-score (-0.01 [-0.03, -0.0001]). CoDA estimated that in males, a greater proportion of time spent in baseline socializing, relative to the remaining behaviors, was associated with a higher follow-up BMI z-score (0.05 [0.02, 0.08]). In females, no associations between screen time and BMI were observed using CoDA. Conclusions: One-year longitudinal associations between screen time and BMI may depend on form of screen time, what behavior it replaces (physical activity or sleep), and participant sex. The alternative statistical approaches yielded somewhat different results. Experimental manipulation of screen time and investigation of biopsychosocial mechanisms underlying the observed sex differences will allow for causal inference and can inform interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 1994 Rwandan genocide transformed the leadership of the Anglican Church in a way that mirrored the ethnic divides that had precipitated the genocide itself. This transition was effected through a church conflict that unfolded in the midst of a cataclysmic civil war. Understanding the nature of the conflict and leadership transition illuminates the way in which African church identity is constructed as a result of an interplay between local, regional and global actors. The post-genocide conflict in the diocese of Kigali is studied at particular length to indicate the ways in which these actors each sought position and influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protection of the environment is currently of the uppermost importance and all legal fields have to contribute to this goal. This includes criminal law, both on a national and an international level. The debate in international criminal law focusses on a proposal to introduce a new core crime of "ecocide" to the Rome Statute. Much has been contributed to this debate, and often the ultima ratio approach has been mentioned in this context. However, the contents of this principle remain vague. In my article, I assess the ultima ratio principle for international criminal law and apply it to the discussion about the introduction of a new core crime of ecocide to the Rome Statute. My assessment reveals that under the current circumstances, this cannot be considered a good fit. Rather, alternatives exist that are to be expected to serve the urgent interest of protecting the natural environment better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper refers to Langlands' big set of notes devoted to the question if the (normalized) local Hecke–Tate root number Δ=Δ(E,χ)$\Delta =\Delta (E,\chi)$, where E is a finite separable extension of a fixed nonarchimedean local field F, and χ a quasicharacter of E×$E^\times$, can be appropriately extended to a local ε‐factor εΔ=εΔ(E,ρ)$\varepsilon _\Delta =\varepsilon _\Delta (E,\rho)$ for all virtual representations ρ of the corresponding Weil group WE$W_E$. Whereas Deligne has given a relatively short proof by using the global Artin–Weil L‐functions, the proof of Langlands is purely local and splits into two parts: the algebraic part to find a minimal set of relations for the functions Δ, such that the existence (and unicity) of εΔ$\varepsilon _\Delta$ will follow from these relations; and the more extensive arithmetic part to give a direct proof that all these relations are actually fulfilled. Our aim is to cover the algebraic part of Langlands' notes, which can be done completely in the framework of representations of solvable profinite groups, where two modifications of Brauer's theorem play a prominent role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspects of Anglican theology have in the recent past emphasized the importance of place. Indigenous knowledge and worldviews speak of the centrality of land. Tessayshis places place-based thinking alongside land-based thinking to argue that these distinct ways of thinking can be mutually enriching and challenging. The essay limits itself primarily to Anglican-related authors while also contextualizing this theology within a broader scope of thinking about place. The paper concludes with suggestions for ways in which place- and land-based thinking can enrich Anglican approaches to ministry and mission, particularly in relation to the Doctrine of Discovery and ownership of property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of voltage induced strain to switch magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) is a promising solution for reducing the switching energy in MRAM technologies. The MTJ is integrated with a piezoelectric layer to generate the strain. A very thin layer is needed to switch with small voltages and small energy dissipation. It is challenging to synthesize ultrathin piezoelectric layers that retain a high degree of piezoelectricity. An alternate approach is to use time-varying strain generated by a surface acoustic wave (SAW). This approach does not require a thin piezoelectric layer since the SAW is confined to the surface of the layer. In this study, we fabricated in-plane MTJs on piezoelectric LiNbO3 substrates and used IDTs to generate the SAW signal within the substrate. Our results showed that the SAW signal had a significant influence on the resistance and the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) ratio of the MTJs. The influence was much less significant in nanometer size MTJs than in micrometer sized ones. Most surprisingly, the SAW signal caused the tunneling magnetoresistance ratio (TMR) to drop below zero for the micrometer size MTJ, meaning that the antiparallel resistance RAP is temporarily less than the parallel resistance RP under SAW excitation. Our results provide insight into the dynamic behavior of MTJs under periodic strain and the dependence of this behavior on the device dimensions as they are scaled down to nanometer sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This Letter reports on the experimental observation of a topologically non-trivial electromagnetic wave propagating perpendicular to an applied magnetic field at the interface between a gaseous plasma and metal. The resulting one-way wave-guiding is a demonstration of topological non-reciprocity associated with the edge state within the gap between the lower and upper X-modes of the bulk plasma. Electromagnetic wave excitation using simple dipole antennas results in a 20 dB isolation at 10.8 GHz with the plasma biased with a magnetic field of 87 mT. We show that reducing the magnetic field gradually diminishes the strength of the transmitted wave due to the closing of the X-mode gap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of multiple reproductives in eusocial insects is widespread, yet the decisions leading to additional queen acceptance are not well understood. Unlike in vertebrates, acceptance decisions are likely controlled by the more numerous helper population rather than the parent reproductive. Yet there are likely to be queen-worker differences in acceptance criteria because workers and queens differ in their relatedness to a secondary queen. We develop a model that examines queen-worker conflict in two scenarios: accepting a queen's sister or daughter. We additionally ask how the mating frequency and split sex ratios affect the outcomes of these conflicts. Our results reveal that conflict over queen acceptance is highest in monandrous mating systems. We identify a "window of conflict" in which a queen is selected to accept her sister but her workers do not. Our result, that polyandry neutralizes conflict over acceptance thresholds, suggests that conflict suppression may be an additional contributor to the maintenance of polyandrous mating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

➤ Malnutrition is common among subsets of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. ➤ Serum proteins, in particular, albumin, may be used in the evaluation of nutritional status. ➤ Anthropometric measurements and surveys also play a role in the evaluation of nutritional status. ➤ Increased energy and nutrient requirements due to surgical procedures necessitate increased caloric and protein intake in the perioperative period, which may be achieved through diet or supplementation. ➤ Evidence supports the use of protein-calorie, amino acid, and immunonutrition supplements. Vitamin D supplementation is an area of further consideration. ➤ Diet restriction, activity alterations, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery are all safe, effective approaches to weight loss, although the optimal timing and magnitude of preoperative weight loss require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence of an interdisciplinary team of neurocritical care specialists to organize the Curing Coma Campaign is the first effort of its kind to coordinate national and international research efforts aimed at a deeper understanding of disorders of consciousness (DoC). This process of understanding includes translational research from bench to bedside, descriptions of systems of care delivery, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and ethical frameworks. The description and measurement of varying confounding factors related to hospital care was thought to be critical in furthering meaningful research in patients with DoC. Interdisciplinary hospital care is inherently varied across geographical areas as well as community and academic medical centers. Access to monitoring technologies, specialist consultation (medical, nursing, pharmacy, respiratory, and rehabilitation), staffing resources, specialty intensive and acute care units, specialty medications and specific surgical, diagnostic and interventional procedures, and imaging is variable, and the impact on patient outcome in terms of DoC is largely unknown. The heterogeneity of causes in DoC is the source of some expected variability in care and treatment of patients, which necessitated the development of a common nomenclature and set of data elements for meaningful measurement across studies. Guideline adherence in hemorrhagic stroke and severe traumatic brain injury may also be variable due to moderate or low levels of evidence for many recommendations. This article outlines the process of the development of common data elements for hospital course, confounders, and medications to streamline definitions and variables to collect for clinical studies of DoC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Bedeutung einer Störung der Konzentration und Aufmerksamkeit im Erwachsenenalter (ADHS) für die Entstehung, Aufrechterhaltung und Behandlung von Substanzgebrauchsstörungen und Verhaltenssüchten ist lange Zeit stark unterschätzt worden. Die im aktuellen Projekt »ADHS und Sucht« gefundenen Prävalenzen zwischen 9 und 20 Prozent bestätigen diese Einschätzung. Die daraus resultierenden Veränderungen bzw. Anforderungen für die beraterische und therapeutische Arbeit im Bereich der Suchthilfe sind erheblich. Außerdem erscheint es auf dieser Basis wünschenswert bzw. beinahe unvermeidbar, dass die Basiskompetenzen im Umgang mit den verschiedenen Aspekten des ADHS verbessert werden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The church in many parts of the north Atlantic world is experiencing a period of institutional change as parts of the church combine with or fold into one another. This essay is a theological reflection on one such process of institutional change, namely, the work of two Canadian theological colleges to form a new ecumenical institution. That process was assisted by and deepened theological reflection on the nature of the church as the body of Christ, the importance of Christian hospitality, and the significance of people committing to other people in the context of the Christian faith. Institutional change will continue to happen in the church and must be resourced by adequate theological reflection to ensure its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Most analytical techniques used to study the surface chemical properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are barely suitable for in situ investigations in liquids, where SPIONs are mostly applied for hyperthermia therapy, diagnostic biosensing, magnetic particle imaging or water purification. Magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS) can resolve changes in magnetic interactions of SPIONs within seconds at ambient conditions. Herein, we show that by adding mono- and divalent cations to citric acid capped SPIONs, the degree of agglomeration can be utilized to study the selectivity of cations towards surface coordination motifs via MPS. A favored chelate agent, like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for divalent cations, removes cations from coordination sites on the SPION surface and causes redispersion of agglomerates. The magnetic determination thereof represents what we call a "magnetically indicated complexometric titration". The relevance of agglomerate sizes for the MPS signal response is studied on a model system of SPIONs and the surfactant cetrimonium bromide (CTAB). Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) reveal that large micron-sized agglomerates are required to significantly change the MPS signal response. With this work, a fast and easy-to-use characterization method to determine surface coordination motifs of magnetic nanoparticles in optically dense media is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low back pain is a widely prevalent symptom and the foremost cause of disability on a global scale. Although various degenerative imaging findings observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been linked to low back pain and disc herniation, none of them can be considered pathognomonic for this condition, given the high prevalence of abnormal findings in asymptomatic individuals. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge regarding whether radiomics features in MRI images combined with clinical features can be useful for prediction modeling of treatment success. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of radiomics feature analysis combined with clinical features and artificial intelligence-based techniques (machine learning/deep learning) in identifying MRI predictors for the prediction of outcomes after lumbar disc herniation surgery. Methods: We included n = 172 patients who underwent discectomy due to disc herniation with preoperative T2-weighted MRI examinations. Extracted clinical features included sex, age, alcohol and nicotine consumption, insurance type, hospital length of stay (LOS), complications, operation time, ASA score, preoperative CRP, surgical technique (microsurgical versus full-endoscopic), and information regarding the experience of the performing surgeon (years of experience with the surgical technique and the number of surgeries performed at the time of surgery). The present study employed a semiautomatic region-growing volumetric segmentation algorithm to segment herniated discs. In addition, 3D-radiomics features, which characterize phenotypic differences based on intensity, shape, and texture, were extracted from the computed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. Selected features identified by feature importance analyses were utilized for both machine learning and deep learning models (n = 17 models). Results: The mean accuracy over all models for training and testing in the combined feature set was 93.31 ± 4.96 and 88.17 ± 2.58. The mean accuracy for training and testing in the clinical feature set was 91.28 ± 4.56 and 87.69 ± 3.62. Conclusions: Our results suggest a minimal but detectable improvement in predictive tasks when radiomics features are included. However, the extent of this advantage should be considered with caution, emphasizing the potential of exploring multimodal data inputs in future predictive modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Organisms that reproduce asexually must respond to abiotic stresses in their environment while contending with the potential disadvantage of the reduced ability for genetic variation through recombination. Common duckweed (Lemna minor) is an aquatic plant that reproduces predominantly asexually through the budding of ramets. As a freshwater plant, duckweed experiences stress from salt (e.g., NaCl), which detrimentally affects growth, photosynthesis, and cellular processes. We took a demographic approach to examine whether ancestral exposure to salt stress affects the ability of duckweed offspring to tolerate immediate exposure to the same stress. Methodology. We placed three consecutive clonal generations of duckweed in an environment with 2 g L−1 NaCl (nonlethal salt stress) or 0 g L−1 NaCl (control), followed by an additional zero to three generations in the control environment to vary the presence and schedule of ancestral stress. After these treatments, we used the offspring produced as focal plants for the experiment. Half were placed into the salt stress environment, and half were placed in control conditions; focal plants were tracked longitudinally. Pivotal results. Immediate stress decreased fitness as a result of a slowing of reproduction, suggesting a cost of stress tolerance. The effects of ancestral stress, and the interaction of immediate and ancestral stress, were more complex. Specifically, recent ancestral stress induced plants to produce offspring more quickly but with the potential cost of lowered offspring quality. Conclusions. Our results amplify findings that responses to, and fitness consequences of, current stressors can be contingent on past exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Time spent on screens and adiposity change rapidly from childhood to adolescence, with differences by gender and race/ethnicity. Objective: Apply time‐varying effect models (TVEMs) to a nationally representative sample of youth to identify the age ranges when the cross‐sectional associations between television viewing, computer use, and adiposity are significant. Methods: Data from 8 to 15‐year‐olds (n = 3593) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018) were extracted. TVEMs estimated the associations between television viewing, computer use, and fat mass index as dynamic functions of the participants' age, stratified by gender and race/ethnicity. Results: TVEMs revealed age‐specific statistically significant associations that differed by gender and race/ethnicity. Notably, computer use was related to higher adiposity in non‐Hispanic White females aged 9.3–11.4 years (slope β‐range: 0.1–0.2) and in non‐Hispanic Black females older than 14.8 years (β‐range: 0.1–0.5). In males, these age windows were 13.5–15.0 years (non‐Hispanic White, β‐range: 0.1–0.2), 11.4–13.0 years (non‐Hispanic Black, β‐range: 0.1–0.14), and older than 13.0 years (Hispanic, β‐range: 0.1–0.4). Conclusions: More research during the specific age ranges in the demographic subgroups identified here could increase our understanding of tailored interventions in youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perylenediimide (PDI) compounds are widely used as the active units of thin-film organic lasers. Lately, PDIs bearing two sterically hindering diphenylphenoxy groups at the 1,7-bay positions have received attention because they provide a way to red-shift the emission with respect to bay-unsubstituted PDIs, while maintaining a good amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) performance at high doping rates. Here, we report the synthesis of a series of six PDI derivatives with different aryloxy groups (PDI 6 to PDI 10) or ethoxy groups (PDI 11) at the 1,7 positions of the PDI core, together with a complete characterization of their optical properties, including absorption, photoluminescence, and ASE. We aim to stablish structure-property relationships that help designing compounds with optimized ASE performance. Film experiments were accomplished at low PDI concentrations in the film, to resemble the isolated molecule behaviour, and at a range of increasing doping rates, to investigate concentration quenching effects. Compounds PDI 10 and PDI 7, bearing substituents in the 2′ positions of the benzene ring (the one contiguous to the linking oxygen atom) attached to the 1,7 positions of the PDI core, have shown a better threshold performance, which is attributed to conformational (steric) effects. Films containing PDI 11 show dual ASE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Most insect species, like most other animal species, host a number of different viruses, and because the number of insect species are so great, the diversity of viruses in insects is expected to be larger than in any other animal lineage. Despite this expectation, few studies are conducted to characterize such viruses and fewer still are carried out to describe the evolutionary dynamics between host and virus. Here we studied a virus that infects an agriculturally important moth species corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) by comparing host and viral genomes. From this comparison it was found that the virus has incorporated several host genes among which the gene cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase is not known from any other virus and thus may provide a unique study system for better understanding the function of this gene. Additionally, undescribed genes were found in both the virus and host that possess sequences originating from bacteria. Lastly the prevalence of the virus was tested across a broad geographic range and found to be present in nearly all host populations tested. Given these findings, more studies should be initiated to characterize insect viruses for novel molecular interactions with possible uses in gene editing and insect biological control. Insect viruses have been described from numerous lineages, yet patterns of genetic exchange and viral prevalence, which are essential to understanding host–virus coevolution, are rarely studied. In Helicoverpa zea, the virus HzNV-2 can cause deformity of male and female genitalia, resulting in sterility. Using ddPCR, we found that male H. zea with malformed genitalia (agonadal) contained high levels of HzNV-2 DNA, confirming previous work. HzNV-2 was found to be prevalent throughout the United States, at more than twice the rate of the baculovirus HaSNPV, and that it contained several host-acquired DNA sequences. HzNV-2 possesses four recently endogenized lepidopteran genes and several more distantly related genes, including one gene with a bacteria-like sequence found in both host and virus. Among the recently acquired genes is cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT). In nearly all tested H. zea, cSHMT contained a 200 bp transposable element (TE) that was not found in cSHMT of the sister species H. armigera. No other virus has been found with host cSHMT, and the study of this shared copy, including possible interactions, may yield new insights into the function of this gene with possible applications to insect biological control, and gene editing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactions of tellurium with metal pentafluorides MF5 (M=As, Sb, Nb, Ta) in liquid SO2 under supercritical conditions at 160 °C yield (Te7)[MF6]2 containing the polymeric Zintl cation (Te72+)n consisting of chair‐shaped Te6 rings connected via single Te atoms. Crystal structure analyses show all four compounds to crystallize isotopically in the (Te7)[AsF6]2 structure type. Monitoring the reactions via Raman spectra reveal that (Te4)[MF6]2 is formed as an intermediate, which reacts with Te finally to (Te7)[MF6]2. Crystal structures of (Te4)[MF6]2 (M=Nb, Ta) were determined. Microwave assisted solvothermal synthesis give analogous results in very short reaction time. All compounds are also accessible via electrochemical oxidation of Te in presence of [MF6]− as electrolyte. (Te7)[AsF6]2 is a semiconductor with σ=10−7 S/cm at 300 K and an energy for the thermally activated electron process of 0.91 eV. Theoretical calculations on the self‐consistent hybrid DFT level confirm that the fundamental band gap is independent from the kind of M. The frontier orbitals are predominantly composed of Te states. Raman bands at 196, 178, 153, and 138 cm−1 are specific for (Te72+)n. Phonon calculations of (Te7)[TaF6]2 confirm three intensive Raman bands at 210, 174 and 163 cm−1. The corresponding normal modes are mainly localized on (Te7)n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a critical diagnostic tool for the assessment of various spinal pathologies, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. The accurate identification and quantification of the dural sack cross-sectional area are essential for the evaluation of these conditions. Current manual measurement methods are time-consuming and prone to inter-observer variability. Our study developed and validated deep learning models, specifically U-Net, Attention U-Net, and MultiResUNet, for the automated detection and measurement of the dural sack area in lumbar spine MRI, using a dataset of 515 patients with symptomatic back pain and externally validating the results based on 50 patient scans. The U-Net model achieved an accuracy of 0.9990 and 0.9987 on the initial and external validation datasets, respectively. The Attention U-Net model reported an accuracy of 0.9992 and 0.9989, while the MultiResUNet model displayed a remarkable accuracy of 0.9996 and 0.9995, respectively. All models showed promising precision, recall, and F1-score metrics, along with reduced mean absolute errors compared to the ground truth manual method. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of these deep learning models for the automated detection and measurement of the dural sack cross-sectional area in lumbar spine MRI. The proposed models achieve high-performance metrics in both the initial and external validation datasets, indicating their potential utility as valuable clinical tools for the evaluation of lumbar spine pathologies. Future studies with larger sample sizes and multicenter data are warranted to validate the generalizability of the model further and to explore the potential integration of this approach into routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species identification is necessary to prevent introductions of exotic plant pests through global trade. Many of these pests are understudied and lack publicly available DNA sequence data on which rapid molecular identification methods can be based. One such lineage is the genus Chrysodeixis, which includes three species of potential concern for United States trade initiatives: C. includens, C. chalcites, and C. eriosoma. Here we describe a method to generate robust 45S rDNA profiles using long read sequencing in order to clarify evolutionary relationships and develop a real-time PCR identification technique. Such an identification tool will be useful in rapidly differentiating between Chrysodeixis species of quarantine concern where traditional morphological identification methods are insufficient. Molecular methods such as this greatly reduce the time spent identifying each specimen, allow for detection of eDNA, vastly increase throughput, and increase the probability of detection. The methods presented here will be generally adaptable to any understudied lepidopteran taxa that necessitates a molecular diagnostic assay and, with adjustment or testing of the primers, could be applied to any group for which development of rDNA profiles in a benchtop setting would prove useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The integration of magnetic resonance tomography into clinical linear accelerators provides high‐contrast, real‐time imaging during treatment and facilitates online‐adaptive workflows in radiation therapy treatments. The associated magnetic field also bends the trajectories of charged particles via the Lorentz force, which may alter the dose distribution in a patient or a phantom and affects the dose response of dosimetry detectors. Purpose: To perform an experimental and Monte Carlo‐based determination of correction factors kB,Q$k_{B,Q}$, which correct the response of ion chambers in the presence of external magnetic fields in high‐energy photon fields. Methods: The response variation of two different types of ion chambers (Sun Nuclear SNC125c and SNC600c) in strong external magnetic fields was investigated experimentally and by Monte Carlo simulations. The experimental data were acquired at the German National Metrology Institute, PTB, using a clinical linear accelerator with a nominal photon energy of 6 MV and an external electromagnet capable of generating magnetic flux densities of up to 1.5 T in opposite directions. The Monte Carlo simulation geometries corresponded to the experimental setup and additionally to the reference conditions of IAEA TRS‐398. For the latter, the Monte Carlo simulations were performed with two different photon spectra: the 6 MV spectrum of the linear accelerator used for the experimental data acquisition and a 7 MV spectrum of a commercial MRI‐linear accelerator. In each simulation geometry, three different orientations of the external magnetic field, the beam direction and the chamber orientation were investigated. Results: Good agreement was achieved between Monte Carlo simulations and measurements with the SNC125c and SNC600c ionization chambers, with a mean deviation of 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. The magnitude of the correction factor kB,Q$k_{B,Q}$ strongly depends on the chamber volume and on the orientation of the chamber axis relative to the external magnetic field and the beam directions. It is greater for the SNC600c chamber with a volume of 0.6 cm3 than for the SNC125c chamber with a volume of 0.1 cm3. When the magnetic field direction and the chamber axis coincide, and they are perpendicular to the beam direction, the ion chambers exhibit a calculated overresponse of less than 0.7(6)% (SNC600c) and 0.3(4)% (SNC125c) at 1.5 T and less than 0.3(0)% (SNC600c) and 0.1(3)% (SNC125c) for 0.35 T for nominal beam energies of 6 MV and 7 MV. This chamber orientation should be preferred, as kB,Q$k_{B,Q}$ may increase significantly in other chamber orientations. Due to the special geometry of the guard ring, no dead‐volume effects have been observed in any orientation studied. The results show an intra‐type variation of 0.17% and 0.07% standard uncertainty (k=1) for the SNC125c and SNC600c, respectively. Conclusion: Magnetic field correction factors kB,Q$k_{B,Q}$ for two different ion chambers and for typical clinical photon beam qualities were presented and compared with the few data existing in the literature. The correction factors may be applied in clinical reference dosimetry for existing MRI‐linear accelerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pupillometry has a rich history in the study of perception and cognition. One perennial challenge is that the magnitude of the task‐evoked pupil response diminishes over the course of an experiment, a phenomenon we refer to as a fatigue effect. Reducing fatigue effects may improve sensitivity to task effects and reduce the likelihood of confounds due to systematic physiological changes over time. In this paper, we investigated the degree to which fatigue effects could be ameliorated by experimenter intervention. In Experiment 1, we assigned participants to one of three groups—no breaks, kinetic breaks (playing with toys, but no social interaction), or chatting with a research assistant—and compared the pupil response across conditions. In Experiment 2, we additionally tested the effect of researcher observation. Only breaks including social interaction significantly reduced the fatigue of the pupil response across trials. However, in all conditions we found robust evidence for fatigue effects: that is, regardless of protocol, the task‐evoked pupil response was substantially diminished (at least 60%) over the duration of the experiment. We account for the variance of fatigue effects in our pupillometry data using multiple common statistical modeling approaches (e.g., linear mixed‐effects models of peak, mean, and baseline pupil diameters, as well as growth curve models of time‐course data). We conclude that pupil attenuation is a predictable phenomenon that should be accommodated in our experimental designs and statistical models. Pupillometry is used widely to investigate perception and cognition, but researchers typically do not account for systematic physiological changes over the course of an experiment. The present study advances current knowledge by examining potential interventions to prevent fatigue of the pupil response, and suggests solutions for modeling across‐experiment physiological changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female faculty remain a minority in academic research and women are often perceived to lack the qualities needed to be successful scientists, which may contribute to discrimination and prejudice against female researchers. Research administrators play a pivotal role in the development of strategic, catalytic, and capacity-building activities designed to encourage faculty in attracting extramural research funding. The purpose of this investigation was to explore whether research administrators evaluate extramural grant applicants differently based on gender and different career ranks. Contrary to previous research examining faculty gender biases and stereotypes, our study showed that applicants were rated similarly in researcher competence across both male and female applicants by research administrators (Hypothesis 1). Our research also showed that female candidates were generally seen as more likeable (researcher collegiality) and were rated higher for mentoring potential than male candidates (Hypothesis 2). Furthermore, consistent with prior research, findings suggest that those in the senior career rank were more highly rated for research competence and skill (Hypothesis 3). Although we did not list a formal hypothesis, our findings did support the notion that senior career rank applicants are more highly rated for biosketch design and comprehension, most likely due to their perceived competence and advanced experience. These findings, while preliminary, suggest that traditional barriers related to perceived female researcher competence are not experienced as they interact with research administrators. The main implication of this study is that research administrators do not appear to significantly contribute to the previously reported discrimination and prejudice against the competence of female researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial structures of turbulent flow in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are complex and diverse. Multi-point spatial correlation measurements can help improve our understanding of these structures and their statistics. In this context, we investigate Taylor's hypothesis and the statistics of spatial structures on the microscale. For the first time, simultaneous horizontally distributed wind measurements with a fleet of 20 quadrotor UAS (unmanned aerial systems) are realized. The measurements were taken at different heights and under different atmospheric conditions at the boundary layer field site in Falkenberg of the German Meteorological Service (DWD). A horizontal flight pattern has been specifically developed, consisting of measurements distributed along and lateral to the mean flow direction with separation distances of 5 ... 205 m. The validity of Taylor's hypothesis is studied by examining the cross-correlations of longitudinally distributed UAS and comparing them with the autocorrelations of single UAS. To assess the similarity of flow structures on different scales, the lateral and longitudinal coherence of the streamwise velocity component is examined. Two modeling approaches for the decay of coherence are compared. The experimental results are in good agreement with the model approaches for neutral atmospheric conditions, whereas in stable and convective ABL, the exponential approaches are not unconditionally valid. The validation results and the agreement with the literature on coherence in the ABL underline the potential of the UAS fleet for the purpose of spatial turbulence measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is concern that microplastics can act as a vector for cadmium (Cd), altering the bioavailability and subsequent toxicity of Cd to ecologically important species such as Daphnia magna. The toxicity of Cd to D. magna has been well described; however, what is not known, and what the present study addresses, was how the addition of polyethylene microplastic altered Cd toxicity. Using high‐throughput feeding assays and size assessments, the present study quantified effects of exposure to Cd, microplastic, or their mixture on daphnids from neonate to adult. Exposure to Cd inhibited feeding efficiency, while exposure to microplastic inhibited growth rates of juveniles. Daphnia magna coexposed to Cd and microplastic showed significant decreases in both feeding and prereproductive growth rate. There were no differences in life‐history traits across any treatments. The alterations of feeding and growth while maintaining reproductive endpoints (time to first brood, reproductive frequency, the number of neonates released at each reproductive event, and the size of neonates produced) might be the result of a shift in energy allocation away from somatic growth, allowing individuals to maintain reproductive output despite lower nutritional reserves. Our findings suggest that cocontamination of microplastic and Cd has additive effects on feeding and growth rates, resulting in a greater energy allocation shift. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1401–1408. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of this writing, twenty‐one states have passed laws barring transgender youth‐athletes from competing on public‐school sports teams in accordance with their gender identity. Proponents of these regulations claim that transgender females in particular have inherent physiological advantages that threaten a "level playing field" for their cisgender competitors. Existing evidence is limited but does not support these restrictions. Gathering more robust data will require allowing transgender youth to compete (rather than preemptively barring them), but even if trans females are shown to retain some advantage, this would not have greater moral significance than the many other "fair" physical and economic advantages found across sports. These regulations deprive transgender youth, an exceptionally vulnerable population, from the vast physical, mental, and social benefits of sports. While we advocate for transgender inclusion under our current, gender‐segregated model of sport, we propose changes to the overarching structure that would promote a more inclusive and fairer athletic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Multi-axis ionization chamber arrays can be used for quality assurance (QA) and measurement of linear accelerator (linac) specific data. In this work,the ability of the IC Profiler (Sun Nuclear Corp.,Melbourne,Florida) detector array to measure the photon beam quality specifier %dd(10)x and TPR20,10 was investigated. To investigate the method for beam energy QA using a twodimensional detector array, a Monte Carlo-based model of the detector array was developed and validated. Methods: A Monte Carlo-based model of the IC Profiler detector array with Quad Wedge accessories was developed in detail from drawings provided by the manufacturer using the egs++ class library from the EGSnrc code system. Monte Carlo simulations were used to calculate the absorbed dose in the 251 ionization chambers of the IC profiler in the 6 MV Elekta Precise radiation field. To validate the results from the Monte Caro simulations, measurements were performed on clinical 6 MV linacs. To vary the photon beam quality of the Elekta 6 MV linac, the current of the bending magnet was varied. Furthermore, the area ratio AR was calculated from IC Profiler measurements with the Quad Wedge accessories. Results: Measurements as well as Monte Carlo simulations confirmed the linear relationship between the area ratio AR and the investigated photon beam quality specifier %dd(10)x and TPR20,10 for the investigated radiation source. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo-simulated data were within the 95% confidence interval of the linear fit to the measured data. This enabled the Monte Carlobased IC Profiler model to be used for further investigations. The AR values were calculated for various electron beam sizes and the angle of incidence on the target of the linac. Conclusions: A Monte-Carlo-based model of the detector array was developed, which could successfully reproduce measurements, demonstrating that even very complex geometries can be modeled in EGSnrc. Moreover, the study showed that the validated Monte Carlo model has the potential to investigate variations in beam parameters and their effects on AR ratios and %dd(10)x that may not be investigated experimentally. While these findings may help users gain a deeper understanding of the QA method, the Monte Carlo model enables other complex investigations, such as the simulation of measurements in the presence of magnetic fields, or the simulation of measurements on novel treatment delivery techniques and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To compare health and behavior outcomes for dogs that underwent vasectomy or ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy) with sexually intact dogs or dogs that had undergone traditional castration or spay. SAMPLE 6,018 dog owners responded to a web-based survey between November 3, 2021, and January 7,2022. PROCEDURES Participants were asked demographic questions and to provide information about 1 or more dogs (living or deceased). Options for reproductive status were as follows: sexually intact, castrated, spayed (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy), vasectomy, or ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy). Participants were asked questions about orthopedic and other health problems, cancer, and problematic behavior. Logistic regression models, survival analyses, and descriptive statistics were used to assess relationships between reproductive status and outcomes. RESULTS Owners provided valid surveys for 6,018 dogs, including 1,056 sexually intact, 1,672 castrated, and 58 vasectomized male dogs and 792 sexually intact, 2,281 spayed, and 159 female dogs that had undergone ovary-sparing spay. Longer exposure to gonadal hormones, regardless of reproductive status, was associated with reduced odds of general health problems and both problematic and nuisance behaviors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE To our knowledge, this study provides the first data on health and behavior outcomes of vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs and is the first to compare these outcomes to sexually intact and gonadectomized dogs. It adds to accumulating data on the mixed benefits and risks of removing the gonads to prevent reproduction and emphasizes the irnportance of developing an informed, case-by-case assessment of each patient, taking into consideration the potential risks and benefits of spaying or neutering and alternative reproductive surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]