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This article reports on two cases of testicular sclerosing stromal tumors (SSTs) that show GLI1 gene alterations. SSTs are neoplasms that were first described in the ovary in 1973 and are characterized by lobulated microscopic appearance. The patients in these cases were aged 35 and 65 years and presented with testicular masses. The tumors demonstrated large areas of hypocellular myxoid/oedematous stroma with scattered hypercellular areas. Both tumors expressed nuclear GLI1. The article suggests that these findings support the existence of rare SSTs in the testis and their potential pathogenesis related to ovarian SSTs. [Extracted from the article]

Information about species' locations can influence what happens to them—from supporting habitat protection to exposing poaching targets. Debate about releasing locations when new species are found highlights the trade‐off between the risk of loss and the benefits of funding and public support. No research so far has collected data on how such decisions are made, and no decision tools easily compare a range of decision‐making scenarios. Here, we present a method to compare the costs and benefits of decisions about the disclosure of information about newly discovered species and populations. We implement our method for seven species where information is completely or partially secret. We ask decision‐makers to estimate the costs and benefits associated with these case studies and apply our method. Results show a range of implications from choices that are always better, to others that depend on risk attitude, and demonstrate that the process of decision‐making can be transparent and easily communicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Academic performance plays a crucial role in long-term educational attainment and occupational function. Chronotype refers to an individual's daily tendencies for times for waking, activity, and sleep. Social jetlag reflects the mismatch between an individual's chronotype and their social schedule. Because school typically starts early in the morning, later chronotype is often associated with daytime sleepiness, insufficient sleep, and poor academic performance. However, the relationship between academic performance, chronotype, and social jetlag has not been extensively examined in large samples like the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. We hypothesized that greater social jetlag would predict poorer cognitive and academic performance. Year 2 (ages 11–14) cross-sectional data from the ABCD cohort (n = 6,890 adolescents) were used to evaluate academic performance (i.e. self-reported past year grades), NIH Toolbox cognitive performance measures, chronotype, and social jetlag from the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. We found that later chronotype and greater social jetlag predicted poorer cognitive and academic performance with small effect sizes. Our findings emphasize the importance of individual differences in chronotype and social jetlag when designing class schedules, as aligning school activities with student optimal sleep-wake times may contribute to improved academic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountains are important suppliers of freshwater to downstream areas, affecting large populations in particular in High Mountain Asia (HMA). Yet, the propagation of water from HMA headwaters to downstream areas is not fully understood, as interactions in the mountain water cycle between the cryo-, hydro- and biosphere remain elusive. We review the definition of blue and green water fluxes as liquid water that contributes to runoff at the outlet of the selected domain (blue) and water lost to the atmosphere through vapor fluxes, that is evaporation from water, ground, and interception plus transpiration (green) and propose to add the term white water to account for the (often neglected) evaporation and sublimation from snow and ice. We provide an assessment of models that can simulate the cryo-hydro-biosphere continuum and the interactions between spheres in high mountain catchments, going beyond disciplinary separations. Land surface models are uniquely able to account for such complexity, since they solve the coupled fluxes of water, energy, and carbon between the land surface and atmosphere. Due to the mechanistic nature of such models, specific variables can be compared systematically to independent remote sensing observations – providing vital insights into model accuracy and enabling the understanding of the complex watersheds of HMA. We discuss recent developments in spaceborne earth observation products that have the potential to support catchment modeling in high mountain regions. We then present a pilot study application of the mechanistic land surface model Tethys & Chloris to a glacierized watershed in the Nepalese Himalayas and discuss the use of high-resolution earth observation data to constrain the meteorological forcing uncertainty and validate model results. We use these insights to highlight the remaining challenges and future opportunities that remote sensing data presents for land surface modeling in HMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Corallococcus species are diverse in the natural environment with 10 new Corallococcus species having been characterized in just the last 5 years. As well as being an abundant myxobacterial genus, they produce several secondary metabolites, including Corallopyronin, Corramycin, Coralmycin, and Corallorazine. We isolated a novel strain Corallococcus spp RDP092CA from soil in South Wales, UK, using Candida albicans as prey bait and characterized its predatory activities against pathogenic bacteria and yeast. Methods and results The size of the RDP092CA genome was 8.5 Mb with a G + C content of 71.4%. Phylogenetically, RDP092CA is closely related to Corallococcus interemptor, C. coralloides , and C. exiguus. However, genome average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values are lower than 95% and 70% when compared to those type strains, implying that it belongs to a novel species. The RDP092CA genome harbours seven types of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and 152 predicted antimicrobial peptides. In predation assays, RDP092CA showed good predatory activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter freundii , and Staphylococcus aureus but not against Enterococcus faecalis. It also showed good antibiofilm activity against all five bacteria in biofilm assays. Antifungal activity against eight Candida spp. was variable, with particularly good activity against Meyerozyma guillermondii DSM 6381. Antimicrobial peptide RDP092CA_120 exhibited potent antibiofilm activity with >50% inhibition and >60% dispersion of biofilms at concentrations down to 1 μg/ml. Conclusions We propose that strain RDP092CA represents a novel species with promising antimicrobial activities, Corallococcus senghenyddensis sp. nov. (=NBRC 116490T =CCOS 2109T), based on morphological, biochemical, and genomic features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Survey Objective: In March of 2020, an original study by Louie et al investigated the impact of COVID-19 on 902 spine surgeons internationally. Since then, due to varying government responses and public health initiatives to the pandemic, individual countries and regions of the world have been affected differently. Therefore, this follow-up study aimed to assess how the COVID-19 impact on spine surgeons has changed 1 year later. Methods: A repeat, multi-dimensional, 90-item survey written in English was distributed to spine surgeons worldwide via email to the AO Spine membership who agreed to receive surveys. Questions were categorized into the following domains: demographics, COVID-19 observations, preparedness, personal impact, patient care, and future perceptions. Results: Basic respondent demographics, such as gender, age, home demographics, medical comorbidities, practice type, and years since training completion, were similar to those of the original 2020 survey. Significant differences between groups included reasons for COVID testing, opinions of media coverage, hospital unemployment, likelihood to be performing elective surgery, percentage of cases cancelled, percentage of personal income, sick leave, personal time allocation, stress coping mechanisms, and the belief that future guidelines were needed (P<.05). Conclusion: Compared to baseline results collected at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, significant differences in various domains related to COVID-19 perceptions, hospital preparedness, practice impact, personal impact, and future perceptions have developed. Follow-up assessment of spine surgeons has further indicated that telemedicine and virtual education are mainstays. Such findings may help to inform and manage expectations and responses to any future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The near‐surface boundary layer can mediate the response of mountain glaciers to external climate, cooling the overlying air and promoting a density‐driven glacier wind. The fundamental processes are conceptually well understood, though the magnitudes of cooling and presence of glacier winds are poorly quantified in space and time, increasing the forcing uncertainty for melt models. We utilize a new data set of on‐glacier meteorological measurements on three neighboring glaciers in the Swiss Alps to explore their distinct response to regional climate under the extreme 2022 summer. We find that synoptic wind origins and local terrain modifications, not only glacier size, play an important role in the ability of a glacier to cool the near‐surface air. Warm air intrusions from valley or synoptically‐driven winds onto the glacier can occur between ∼19% and 64% of the time and contribute between 3% and 81% of the total sensible heat flux to the surface during warm afternoon hours, depending on the fetch of the glacier flowline and its susceptibility to boundary layer erosion. In the context of extreme summer warmth, indicative of future conditions, the boundary layer cooling (up to 6.5°C cooler than its surroundings) and resultant katabatic wind flow are highly heterogeneous between the study glaciers, highlighting the complex and likely non‐linear response of glaciers to an uncertain future. Plain Language Summary: The presence of a 0°C ice surface cools the near‐surface air and generates a unique micro‐climate that complicates a glaciers response to future warming. Using a new data series on three glaciers during an extreme summer of 2022, we explore how variable this cooling is in space and time and investigate the factors that can control it. We focus largely on the role of valley and synoptic winds that are found to affect glaciers of varying size and orientation differently, influencing the amount of heat transfer to the ice surface that glaciers receive from outside its own micro‐climate. Moreover, we find that the presence of glacier winds can act to enhance or reduce overall heat transfer to the glacier, depending on the wind strength and degree of boundary layer disruption. We highlight the complexities that are ignored in simpler melt modeling frameworks and demonstrate how, especially under extreme summer heat, indicative of future conditions, static parameters to relate glacier melt to temperature are likely to be inappropriate. Key Points: Glacier size and alignment with valley/synoptic wind gradients control the magnitude of near‐surface coolingValley/synoptic winds can occur between 19% and 64% of the time and contribute between 3% and 81% of total sensible heat to the ice surfaceLocalized cooling and turbulence in the boundary layer increase the complexity and non‐linearity of glacier response to climate [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study Objective: Given changes in bone density induced by degenerative disease, general measures of bone health (ie DEXA) are inadequate to evaluate bone density in surgical areas of interest. Regional differences in HU in the cervical spine may influence surgical strategies. The purposes of our study were to determine whether cervical Hounsfield units (HU) vary by level, examine their relationship with age, comorbidities, and alignment, and propose a technique to measure HU in the lateral masses. Methods: Two hundred twenty-four patients with degenerative spine pathology with a cervical computed tomography were included (2015-2019). Measurements were performed in each vertebral body (C2-T1; mid-axial, anterior-axial, posterior-axial, mid-coronal, and mid-sagittal) and 2 regions of the lateral masses (C3-C6; mid-cor, mid-sag). To evaluate reliability, 6 observers each measured 355 HU values, inter-relater reliability assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients Correlations of HU with age, BMI, comorbidities, and cervical alignment were evaluated. Results: Bone density differed by level, with the lowest HU scores in the lower cervical spine (C6-T1) (P <.001). No correlations were found between LM HU and age, BMI, CCI, or alignment (P >.05). Increased kyphosis was weakly correlated with VB HU, while age and CCI showed moderate correlations with VB HU at all levels (P<.001). ICC for HU measurements were good to excellent for the VBs, but poor to moderate for the LMs. Conclusion: Bone is least dense in the lower cervical spine. HU scoring is not reliable in the lateral masses. We recommend that a level-specific approach to bone density is considered in surgical planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: Identify optimal lumbar lordosis in adult deformity correction to achieve age-adjusted targets and sustained alignment. Methods: Surgical adult spinal deformity patients reaching an age-adjusted ideal alignment at one year were identified. Multilinear regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between regional curvatures (LL and TK) that enabled achievement of a given global alignment (T1 pelvic angle, TPA) based on pelvic incidence (PI). Results: 347 patients out of 1048 available reached their age-adjusted TPA within 5° (60-year-old, 72% women, body mass index 29 ± 6.2). They had a significant improvement in all sagittal parameters (except PI) from pre-operative baseline to 1 year following surgery (P <.001). Multilinear regression predicting L1-S1 based on TK, TPA, and PI demonstrated excellent results (R2 =.85). Simplification of the coefficients of prediction combined with a conversion to an age-based formula led to the following: LL = PI - 0.3TK - 0.5Age + 10. Internal validation of the formula led to a mean error of −.4°, and an absolute error of 5.0°. Internal validation on patients with an age-adjusted alignment revealed similar accuracy across the entire age-adjusted TPA spectrum (ranges of LL errors: ME =.2° to 1.7°, AE = 4.0° to 5.3°). Conclusion: This study provides a simple guideline to identify the amount of LL needed to reach a given alignment (i.e., age-adjusted target) based on PI and associated TK. Implementation of this predictive formula during pre-operative surgical planning may help to reduce unexpected sub-optimal post-operative alignment outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on keynote speech by the then Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Topics include range of social movements arrayed in opposition to colonialism, poverty, and racism mobilized during the Democratic Convention in Chicago to protest; and taking the initiative by planning workshops and social actions to unsettle the discipline's establishment sociology.

With renewed interest in Marxism, class is back on the intellectual agenda. But so too is the familiar charge of "class reductionism." This charge conflates two distinct claims regarding what we term the structural and political primacy of class. Structural primacy refers to the determinant role of class in social explanation, whereas political primacy refers to its centrality in radical politics. Crossing these distinct claims, we identify four possible positions on the primacy of class. Here, we focus on the two that affirm the structural primacy of class. What we call "class abstractionism," which presumes to derive the political primacy of class from an account of its structural primacy, ultimately relies on an abstract conception of class that effectively presupposes its political primacy. In contrast, a more adequate account of structural primacy—what we call "class dynamism"—requires us to abandon the presupposition of class's necessary political primacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nephropathic Cystinosis (NC), a rare disease characterised by intra-lysosomal accumulation of cystine, results in progressive kidney failure (KF). Compliance to lifelong oral cysteamine, the only therapy, is often compromised. The relationship between compliance and costs of NC has not been previously formally assessed. The present study evaluates the impact of compliance on lifetime (direct) costs of treating KF in NC patients in the United Kingdom. Methods: A three-state (KF-free, post-KF, death) partitioned survival model was developed for hypothetical 'Good Compliance' (GC) and 'Poor Compliance' (PC) cohorts. Survival in the KF-free state was determined by a published regression function of composite compliance score (CCS). The CCS is a summation of annual compliance scores (ACS) over treatment duration prior to KF. ACSs are indexed on annual (average) leukocyte cystine levels (LCL). The Poor Compliance cohort was defined to reflect NC patients in a previous study with a mean LCL of 2.35 nmols nmol half-cystine/mg protein over the study period – and an estimated mean ACS of 1.64 over a 13.4 year treatment duration. The Good Compliance cohort was assumed to have an ACS of 2.25 for 21 years. Major KF costs were evaluated – i.e., dialysis, kidney transplants, and subsequent monitoring. Results: The mean CCS was 47 for the GC and 22 for the PC cohort respectively, corresponding to estimated lifetime KF costs of £92,370 and £117,830 respectively – i.e., a cost saving of £25,460/patient, or £1,005/patient for every 1-unit improvement in CCS. Conclusion: This analysis indicates that lifetime costs of KF in NC can be reduced through improved treatment compliance with oral cysteamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent detections of aromatic species in dark molecular clouds suggest that formation pathways may be efficient at very low temperatures and pressures, yet current astrochemical models are unable to account for their derived abundances, which can often deviate from model predictions by several orders of magnitude. The propargyl radical, a highly abundant species in the dark molecular cloud TMC-1, is an important aromatic precursor in combustion flames and possibly interstellar environments. We performed astrochemical modeling of TMC-1 using the three-phase gas-grain code NAUTILUS and an updated chemical network, focused on refining the chemistry of the propargyl radical and related species. The abundance of the propargyl radical has been increased by half an order of magnitude compared to the previous GOTHAM network. This brings it closer in line with observations, but it remains underestimated by 2 orders of magnitude compared to its observed value. Predicted abundances for the chemically related C4H3N isomers within an order of magnitude of observed values corroborate the high efficiency of CN addition to closed-shell hydrocarbons under dark molecular cloud conditions. The results of our modeling provide insight into the chemical processes of the propargyl radical in dark molecular clouds and highlight the importance of resonance-stabilized radicals in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to (i) validate the Response Evaluation Criteria in PSMA (RECIP 1.0) criteria in a cohort of biochemically recurrent (BCR) prostate cancer (PCa) patients and (ii) determine if this classification could be performed fully automatically using a trained artificial intelligence (AI) model. Methods: One hundred ninety-nine patients were imaged with [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT once at the time of biochemical recurrence and then a second time a median of 6.0 months later to assess disease progression. Standard-of-care treatments were administered to patients in the interim. Whole-body tumour volume was quantified semi-automatically (TTVman) in all patients and using a novel AI method (TTVAI) in a subset (n = 74, the remainder were used in the training process of the model). Patients were classified as having progressive disease (RECIP-PD), or non-progressive disease (non RECIP-PD). Association of RECIP classifications with patient overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the log rank test and univariate Cox regression analysis with derivation of hazard ratios (HRs). Concordance of manual and AI response classifications was evaluated using the Cohen's kappa statistic. Results: Twenty-six patients (26/199 = 13.1%) presented with RECIP-PD according to semi-automated delineations, which was associated with a significantly lower survival probability (log rank p < 0.005) and higher risk of death (HR = 3.78 (1.96–7.28), p < 0.005). Twelve patients (12/74 = 16.2%) presented with RECIP-PD according to AI-based segmentations, which was also associated with a significantly lower survival (log rank p = 0.013) and higher risk of death (HR = 3.75 (1.23–11.47), p = 0.02). Overall, semi-automated and AI-based RECIP classifications were in fair agreement (Cohen's k = 0.31). Conclusion: RECIP 1.0 was demonstrated to be prognostic in a BCR PCa population and is robust to two different segmentation methods, including a novel AI-based method. RECIP 1.0 can be used to assess disease progression in PCa patients with less advanced disease. This study was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12615000608561) on 11 June 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High Mountain Asia (HMA) is among the most vulnerable water towers globally and yet future projections of water availability in and from its high‐mountain catchments remain uncertain, as their hydrologic response to ongoing environmental changes is complex. Mechanistic modeling approaches incorporating cryospheric, hydrological, and vegetation processes in high spatial, temporal, and physical detail have never been applied for high‐elevation catchments of HMA. We use a land surface model at high spatial and temporal resolution (100 m and hourly) to simulate the coupled dynamics of energy, water, and vegetation for the 350 km2 Langtang catchment (Nepal). We compare our model outputs for one hydrological year against a large set of observations to gain insight into the partitioning of the water balance at the subseasonal scale and across elevation bands. During the simulated hydrological year, we find that evapotranspiration is a key component of the total water balance, as it causes about the equivalent of 20% of all the available precipitation or 154% of the water production from glacier melt in the basin to return directly to the atmosphere. The depletion of the cryospheric water budget is dominated by snow melt, but at high elevations is primarily dictated by snow and ice sublimation. Snow sublimation is the dominant vapor flux (49%) at the catchment scale, accounting for the equivalent of 11% of snowfall, 17% of snowmelt, and 75% of ice melt, respectively. We conclude that simulations should consider sublimation and other evaporative fluxes explicitly, as otherwise water balance estimates can be ill‐quantified. Plain Language Summary: The Himalayan mountains are a crucial source of water for local communities and the densely populated lowlands. Snow and glaciers are important for the water cycle in mountains, and many studies have focused on them. However, vegetation can play a central role, too. To better understand the water cycle in a high‐elevation Himalayan basin, we use a computer model that considers physical processes of snow and glaciers, soil, and vegetation in high detail. We simulate the catchment water balance and investigate the importance of single components at different elevations and in different seasons. We find that the transfer of water, in vapor form from the ground, snow and ice and the transpiration of plants are important for the water budget in the study basin, causing more water to return to the atmosphere than ice melt contributing to river runoff. Above 6,500 m above sea level, it is the transformation of snow into water vapor and below 4,000 m the transpiration from vegetation that dominate the water budget. We conclude that models simulating the water cycle in high mountain regions should consider vapor fluxes, as otherwise estimates of the water balance can be misleading. Key Points: Land surface modeling reveals high altitudinal/subseasonal variability in water balance partitioning in a glacierized Himalayan catchmentWater loss through evapotranspiration, dominated by snow sublimation, exceeds water production from glacier melt by 59% at catchment scaleDepletion of cryospheric water budget is dominated by snow melt, but at high elevations is primarily dictated by snow and ice sublimation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New innovations within spine surgery continue to propel the field forward. These technologies improve surgeons' understanding of their patients and allow them to optimize treatment planning both in the operating room and clinic. Additionally, changes in the implants and surgeon practice habits continue to evolve secondary to emerging biomaterials and device design. With ongoing advancements, patients can expect enhanced preoperative decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and better intraoperative execution. Additionally, these changes may decrease many of the most common complications following spine surgery in order to reduce morbidity, mortality, and the need for reoperation. This article reviews some of these technological advancements and how they are projected to impact the field. As the field continues to advance, it is vital that practitioners remain knowledgeable of these changes in order to provide the most effective treatment possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the current evidence for universal school‐based (USB) social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions for students in kindergarten through 12th grade available from 2008 through 2020. The sample includes 424 studies from 53 countries, reflecting 252 discrete USB SEL interventions, involving 575,361 students. Results endorsed that, compared to control conditions, students who participate in USB SEL interventions experienced significantly improved skills, attitudes, behaviors, school climate and safety, peer relationships, school functioning, and academic achievement. Significant heterogeneity in USB SEL content, intervention features, context, and implementation quality moderated student experiences and outcomes. Strengths and limitations of this evidence and implications for future USB SEL research, policy, and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models based on ecological processes (process‐explicit models) are often used to predict ecosystem responses to environmental changes or management scenarios. However, models are imperfect and need to be validated, ideally by testing their assumptions and outputs against independent empirical data sets. Examples of validation of process‐explicit models are rare. Recently, stochastic population models have been developed to predict the likely responses (over 10–120 years) of a riverine fish (golden perch, Macquaria ambigua) to flow management in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) in eastern Australia, one of the world's most regulated river basins. Declines in golden perch (and other species) are a direct consequence of altered hydrology, and managers require information to predict how fish will respond to possible future hydrological conditions to guide substantial investments in flow management. Here, we use two independent field data sets to validate our population model. We compared model predictions to observed trends to ask: (1) How do predicted population sizes and growth rates compare with observed data? (2) Does the correlation between predicted and observed population sizes and growth rates vary among populations? (3) Does the correlation between predicted and observed population sizes and growth rates vary across observed hydrological conditions? (4) How do modeled and observed fish movement rates compare? We found reasonable correlations between fish population sizes and growth rates as predicted by the model and observed in independent data sets for several populations (Aim 1), but the strength of these correlations varied among populations (Aim 2) and hydrological conditions (Aim 3). Predicted and observed fish movement rates were strongly correlated (Aim 4). Population models are frequently used in conservation decision‐making but are rarely validated. We demonstrate that: (1) validation can identify model strengths and weaknesses; (2) observed data sets often have inherent limitations that can preclude robust validations; (3) validation is likely to be more common if appropriate observed data sets are available; and (4) validation should consider the purpose of modeling. Wider consideration of these messages would contribute to more critical examinations of models, so they can be most appropriately used in conservation decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the association of disagreement in the perception of patient disability between patients and family caregivers with physical and psychological quality of life (QOL) in both parties. A cross-sectional analysis of data collected from male stroke patients and family caregivers was conducted. Physical and psychological QOL in patients and caregivers were measured using the WHOQOL BREF. Perceptions of patient disability were measured using the 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (DAS). Using DAS scores reported independently by patients and caregivers, dyads were categorized into one of four groups representing agreement or disagreement about patient disability. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between WHOQOL scores in patients and caregivers and these four groups. Among 56 dyads enrolled, approximately 52% were categorized into 'agreement' groups and 48% were categorized into 'disagreement' groups. The disagreement in perception about patient disability were significantly associated with poor patient physical QOL. However, the disagreement in perception were not significantly associated with caregiver QOL. Findings suggest the association of disagreement with QOL differs between patients and caregivers. Further research is needed to carefully appraise the relationship and interaction between patient and caregiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique optical cycling efficiency of alkaline earth metal–ligand molecules has enabled significant advances in polyatomic laser cooling and trapping. Rotational spectroscopy is an ideal tool for probing the molecular properties that underpin optical cycling, thereby elucidating the design principles for expanding the chemical diversity and scope of these platforms for quantum science. We present a comprehensive study of the structure and electronic properties in alkaline earth metal acetylides with high-resolution microwave spectra of 17 isotopologues of MgCCH, CaCCH, and SrCCH in their ²Σ+ ground electronic states. The precise semiexperimental equilibrium geometry of each species has been derived by correcting the measured rotational constants for electronic and zero-point vibrational contributions calculated with high-level quantum chemistry methods. The well-resolved hyperfine structure associated with the 1,2H, 13C, and metal nuclear spins provides further information on the distribution and hybridization of the metal-centered, optically active unpaired electron. Together, these measurements allow us to correlate trends in chemical bonding and structure with the electronic properties that promote efficient optical cycling essential to next-generation experiments in precision measurement and quantum control of complex polyatomic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of a developed boundary layer decouples a glacier's response from ambient conditions, suggesting that sensitivity to climate change is increased by glacier retreat. To test this hypothesis, we explore six years of distributed meteorological data on a small Swiss glacier in the period 2001–2022. Large glacier fragmentation has occurred since 2001 (−35% area change up to 2022) coinciding with notable frontal retreat, an observed switch from down‐glacier katabatic to up‐glacier valley winds and an increased sensitivity (ratio) of on‐glacier to off‐glacier temperature. As the glacier ceases to develop density‐driven katabatic winds, sensible heat fluxes on the glacier are increasingly determined by the conditions occurring outside the boundary layer of the glacier, sealing the glacier's demise as the climate continues to warm and experience an increased frequency of extreme summers. Plain Language Summary: Down‐glacier winds promote a unique micro‐climate, maintaining relatively lower temperatures over the surface of mountain glaciers. Using six years of meteorological data in the period 2001–2022, we observe increases in the relative changes of above‐ice air temperatures compared to temperatures outside the glacier. As the glacier ceases to develop its own micro‐climate, warmer winds generated by heated valley slopes increasingly control the amount of heat transfer to melt glacier ice. This work offers new observational evidence that suggests that, as glaciers continue to shrink and fragment, they becoming increasingly sensitive to future climate warming. Key Points: On‐glacier air temperatures have become more sensitive to ambient temperatures in a warming climateUp‐valley winds have increased >20% between 2001 and 2021, making sensible heat fluxes more dependent on conditions outside the glacierThe decay of the katabatic system due to glacier retreat indicates a nonlinear sensitivity of the glacier to continued warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: Cross-sectional, anonymous, international survey. Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the rapid adoption of telemedicine in spine surgery. This study sought to determine the extent of adoption and global perspectives on telemedicine in spine surgery. Methods: All members of AO Spine International were emailed an anonymous survey covering the participant's experiences with and perceptions of telemedicine. Descriptive statistics were used to depict responses. Responses were compared among regions. Results: 485 spine surgeons participated in the survey. Telemedicine usage rose from <10.0% to >39.0% of all visits. A majority of providers (60.5%) performed at least one telemedicine visit. The format of "telemedicine" varied widely by region: European (50.0%) and African (45.2%) surgeons were more likely to use phone calls, whereas North (66.7%) and South American (77.0%) surgeons more commonly used video (P < 0.001). North American providers used telemedicine the most during COVID-19 (>60.0% of all visits). 81.9% of all providers "agreed/strongly agreed" telemedicine was easy to use. Respondents tended to "agree" that imaging review, the initial appointment, and postoperative care could be performed using telemedicine. Almost all (95.4%) surgeons preferred at least one in-person visit prior to the day of surgery. Conclusion: Our study noted significant geographical differences in the rate of telemedicine adoption and the platform of telemedicine utilized. The results suggest a significant increase in telemedicine utilization, particularly in North America. Spine surgeons found telemedicine feasible for imaging review, initial visits, and follow-up visits although the vast majority still preferred at least one in-person preoperative visit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oncology patients have had to make many changes to minimise their exposure to COVID-19, causing stress. Despite education, some patients still do not recognise potential COVID symptoms. Aims: We assessed patient knowledge of COVID, and its impact on their behaviours, concerns, and healthcare experience. Methods: A 16-page questionnaire was distributed to 120 oncology patients attending the day unit of a tertiary Irish cancer centre for systemic anti-cancer therapy (May/June 2020). The Irish 7-day COVID incidence during this period ranged from 2 to 11 cases/100,000 people. Results: One hundred and one responses were received, 1% had tested positive for COVID, and 31% had undergone testing. Participant insight into their knowledge about COVID and their own behaviour was limited in some cases. Seventy-five percent reported total compliance with restrictions, but many were not fully compliant. Self-reported confidence in knowledge was high, but did not predict demonstrated knowledge. Sixty percent did not recognise two or more symptoms; 40% did not self-identify as high-risk. Patients reported more health-related worry (72%), loneliness (51%), and lower mood (42%) since the pandemic began. Financial toxicity worsened, with increased financial worry (78%), reductions in household income (40%), and increased costs due to lockdown (62%). Use of facemasks introduced new communications barriers for 67% of those with hearing loss. Conclusions: Despite self-reported confidence in knowledge, some patient's recognition of COVID symptoms and the preventative strategies they should use are not optimal, highlighting the need for further education in this regard. COVID has been a significant stressor for patients and more practical, financial, and psychological supports are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ice cliff distribution plays a major role in determining the melt of debris‐covered glaciers but its controls are largely unknown. We assembled a data set of 37,537 ice cliffs and determined their characteristics across 86 debris‐covered glaciers within High Mountain Asia (HMA). We find that 38.9% of the cliffs are stream‐influenced, 19.5% pond‐influenced and 19.7% are crevasse‐originated. Surface velocity is the main predictor of cliff distribution at both local and glacier scale, indicating its dependence on the dynamic state and hence evolution stage of debris‐covered glacier tongues. Supraglacial ponds contribute to maintaining cliffs in areas of thicker debris, but this is only possible if water accumulates at the surface. Overall, total cliff density decreases exponentially with debris thickness as soon as the debris layer reaches a thickness of over 10 cm. Plain Language Summary: Debris‐covered glaciers are common throughout the world's mountain ranges and are characterized by the presence of steep ice cliffs among the debris‐covered ice. It is well‐known that the cliffs are responsible for a large portion of the melt of these glaciers but the controls on their formation, development and distribution across glaciers remains poorly understood. Novel mapping approaches combined with high‐resolution satellite and drone products enabled us to disentangle some of these controls and to show that the ice cliffs are generally formed and maintained by the surface hydrology (ponds or streams) or by the opening of crevasses. As a result, they depend both at the local and glacier scale on the dynamic state of the glaciers as well as the evolution stage of their debris cover. This provides a pathway to better represent their contribution to glacier melt in predictive glacier models. Key Points: We derived an unprecedented data set of 37,537 ice cliffs and their characteristics across 86 debris‐covered glaciers in High Mountain AsiaWe find that 38.9% of the cliffs are stream‐influenced, 19.5% pond‐influenced and 19.7% are crevasse‐originatedIce cliff distribution can be predicted by velocity, as an indicator of the dynamics and state of evolution of debris‐covered glaciers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copious research demonstrates the benefits of adding active learning to traditional lectures to enhance learning and reduce failure/withdrawal rates. However, many questions remain about how best to implement active learning to maximize student outcomes. This paper investigates several "second generation" questions regarding infusing active learning, via Think-Pair-Share (TPS), into a large lecture course in Computer Science. During the "Share" phase of TPS, what is the best way to debrief the associated course concepts with the entire class? Specifically, does student learning differ when instructors debrief the rationale for every answer choice (full debrief) versus only the correct answer (partial debrief)? And does the added value for student outcomes vary between tasks requiring recall versus deeper comprehension and/or application of concepts? Regardless of discipline, these questions are relevant to instructors implementing TPS with multiple-choice questions, especially in large lectures. Similar to prior research, when lectures included TPS, students performed significantly better (~13%) on corresponding exam items. However, students' exam performance depended on both the type of debrief and exam questions. Students performed significantly better (~5%) in the full debrief condition than the partial debrief condition. Additionally, benefits of the full debrief condition were significantly stronger (~5%) for exam questions requiring deeper comprehension and/or application of underlying Computer Science processes, compared to simple recall. We discuss these results and lessons learned, providing recommendations for how best to implement TPS in large lecture courses in STEM and other disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present a systematic review of elementary school universal school-based (USB) social and emotional learning (SEL) interventions from 2008 through 2020 for two groups of minoritized students in education research and practice: students with disabilities and/or minoritized racial identities. Completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards, in this review the authors identified 269 studies for inclusion, which reflected 107 USB SEL interventions. Eleven studies explicitly excluded students with disabilities. Studies varied widely in how disability and racial identity were categorized within and across studies and provided limited evidence of effectiveness through the use of subgroup analyses to support meaningful assessment of how students with disabilities and racially minoritized elementary school age students are benefiting from USB SEL interventions. The authors discuss the limitations of findings, education research best practices, and the minimum reporting standards necessary to ensure ability and racially minoritized youth representation in future USB SEL research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of a COVID-19 outbreak on levels of social capital on a college campus, drawing on survey data collected from students at two colleges—one that experienced an outbreak and one that did not. Social capital is examined as an individual level resource and as a campus level normative tool used to fight collective action problems. We test the hypothesis that the outbreak, as a "shock" to the campus, diminished social capital. We also test hypotheses on gender, race, and ethnicity and social capital, informed by prior research. Our findings suggest that the outbreak did reduce social capital at both the individual and campus levels, though individual social capital had a mitigating effect that increased campus social capital. We find also that gender was significantly linked to campus social capital, while race was predictive of individual level social capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the retirement of coal-fired power stations, wet-stored stockpile fly ash is increasingly receiving attention for use in concrete. An important consideration for dry fly ash in this application is its impact on air entrainment, which can be affected by unburnt carbon present, influencing bubble stability and air-entraining admixture (AEA) dose requirements. Preliminary tests suggest wet storage can influence the process and the present study examined this for laboratory-moistened and stockpile fly ashes. The research indicated that chemical processes lead to product formation on particle surfaces and increases in loss-on-ignition in the material. Agglomeration of fly ash also occurred with wet storage, developing with time. While median particle size and specific surface area (by nitrogen (N2) adsorption) of fly ash increased, both foam index and Acid Blue 80 adsorption were less with wet storage. Mortar tests mainly gave increased air content at fixed AEA dose for material held under these conditions. The data suggest admixture accessibility to wet-stored fly ash particles influenced behaviour and this increased with the breakdown of particle agglomerates (by grinding). Some influences of particle surface chemistry on the process were also found. A pilot-scale processing trial with stockpile fly ash gave general agreement with effects observed in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the retirement of coal-fired power stations, wet-stored stockpile fly ash is increasingly receiving attention for use in concrete. An important consideration for dry fly ash in this application is its impact on air entrainment, which can be affected by unburnt carbon present, influencing bubble stability and air-entraining admixture (AEA) dose requirements. Preliminary tests suggest wet storage can influence the process and the present study examined this for laboratory-moistened and stockpile fly ashes. The research indicated that chemical processes lead to product formation on particle surfaces and increases in loss-on-ignition in the material. Agglomeration of fly ash also occurred with wet storage, developing with time. While median particle size and specific surface area (by nitrogen (N2) adsorption) of fly ash increased, both foam index and Acid Blue 80 adsorption were less with wet storage. Mortar tests mainly gave increased air content at fixed AEA dose for material held under these conditions. The data suggest admixture accessibility to wet-stored fly ash particles influenced behaviour and this increased with the breakdown of particle agglomerates (by grinding). Some influences of particle surface chemistry on the process were also found. A pilot-scale processing trial with stockpile fly ash gave general agreement with effects observed in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planned burning generates different types of pyrodiversity, however, experimental tests of how alternative spatial patterns of burning influence animal communities remain rare. Field tests are needed to understand the mechanisms through which spatial variation in planned fire affects fauna, and how fire can be applied to benefit biodiversity.We tested five hypotheses of how fire‐driven variation in habitat composition and configuration affects fauna at fine scales. Small mammal, reptile and invasive predator activity was monitored at 12 burnt and eight unburnt sites through the year following a large, planned burn in semi‐arid 'mallee' woodlands of southern Australia. We explored measures of burnt or unburnt habitat ('habitat status'); amount of unburnt vegetation ('habitat amount'); interspersion of burnt and unburnt patches ('habitat complementation'); distance to external or internal unburnt vegetation ('habitat connectivity'); and unburnt patch size and local vegetation cover ('habitat refuge'). Generalized linear models were used to test the influence of each variable on capture rates of three small mammal and 11 reptile species; activity of the introduced red fox (Vulpes vulpes); and species richness of native animals.We found strong support for the habitat status hypothesis and moderate support for four hypotheses relating to spatial patterns of fire. Reptile assemblages varied between burnt and unburnt sites, and relationships were identified between abundance of one or more reptile species and each measure of spatial variation. Reptile species richness was higher at unburnt sites and at sites with more unburnt vegetation in the surrounding area. Sites that were less connected to unburnt vegetation had fewer reptile species. Mammals did not have clear relationships with fine‐scale fire patterns.Synthesis and applications. Application of planned fire to promote biodiversity is globally important. We show that retaining unburnt areas and well‐connected habitat refuges is important for reptile diversity. We also found that several species of small mammals and reptiles appear resilient to the fine‐scale patterns of planned fire experienced in this study, despite activity of introduced predators. The diversity of animals can remain relatively high in areas subject to planned fire, provided that internal and external habitat refuges are retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Approximately 6.2 million Americans aged 65 or older have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD). Unpaid family members and friends provide the bulk of caregiving for these individuals. Caregiving in rural areas adds unique challenges, particularly for ethnically/racially diverse caregivers. This study provides a profile of diverse, rural ADRD caregivers with an emphasis on multi-level factors that influence physical and mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 156 diverse rural ADRD caregivers. Results: 65% of participants identified as White/Non-Hispanic (WNH; n = 101) and 35% identified as ethnically/racially diverse (ERD; n = 55). The majority of participants reported economic deprivation. More ERD caregivers were uninsured and had at least one chronic health condition. Higher proportions of ERD caregivers smoked cigarettes, consumed alcohol regularly, and had not seen or talked to a doctor in the previous year. There were no ethnic/racial group differences in stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, subjective health, or sleep quality. Conclusion: Rural caregivers, regardless of ethnicity/race, may benefit from extra supports in order to maintain optimal health. Further research is needed to disentangle the complex relationship between culture, caregiving, and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latinx and American Indians experience high rates of chronic health conditions. Family members play a significant role as informal caregivers for loved ones with chronic conditions and both patients and family caregivers report poor psychosocial outcomes. This systematic review synthesizes published studies about psychosocial interventions for Latinx and American Indian care dyads to determine: (i) the benefits of these interventions; (ii) their distinguishing features or adaptations, and; (iii) recommendations for future intervention development. Out of 366 records identified, seven studies met inclusion criteria. Interventions demonstrated benefits to outcomes such as disease knowledge, caregiver self-efficacy and burden, patient and caregiver well-being, symptom distress, anxiety and depression, and dyadic communication. Distinguishing features included tailoring to cultural values, beliefs, and delivery preferences, participants' level of acculturation, and population-specific issues such as migratory stressors and support networks. Based upon this review, six recommendations for future intervention development are put forth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rotational spectra of five isotopic species of the Ar–SiO complex have been observed at high-spectral resolution between 8 and 18 GHz using chirped Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and a discharge nozzle source; follow-up cavity measurements have extended these measurements to as high as 35 GHz. The spectrum of the normal species is dominated by an intense progression of a-type rotational transitions arising from increasing quanta in the Si–O stretch, in which lines up to v = 12 (∼14 500 cm−1) were identified. A structural determination by isotopic substitution and a hyperfine analysis of the Ar–Si17O spectrum both suggest that the complex is a highly fluxional prolate symmetric rotor with a vibrationally averaged structure between T-shaped and collinear in which the oxygen atom lies closer to argon than the silicon atom, much like Ar–CO. To complement the experimental studies, a full dimensional potential and a series of effective vibrationally averaged, two-dimensional potential energy surfaces of Ar + SiO have been computed at the CCSD(T)-F12b/CBS level of theory. The equilibrium structure of Ar–SiO is predicted to be T-shaped with a well depth of 152 cm−1, but the linear geometry is also a minimum, and the potential energy surface has a long, flat channel between 140 and 180°. Because the barrier between the two wells is calculated to be small (of order 5 cm−1) and well below the zero-point energy, the vibrationally averaged wavefunction is delocalized over nearly 100° of angular freedom. For this reason, Ar–SiO should exhibit large amplitude zero-point motion, in which the vibrationally excited states can be viewed as resonances with long lifetimes. Calculations of the rovibrational level pattern agree to within 2% with the transition frequencies of normal and isotopic ground state Ar–SiO, and the putative Ka = ±1 levels for Ar–28SiO, suggesting that the present theoretical treatment well reproduces the salient properties of the intramolecular potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess European Association of Urology (EAU) risk groups for biochemical recurrence (BCR) of prostate cancer relative to prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) status and oncological outcomes. Patients and Methods A retrospective analysis of a study that incorporated PSMA-PET for men with BCR after radical prostatectomy (RP) was undertaken. EAU risk groups were considered relative to clinical variables, PSMA-PET findings, and deployment of salvage radiotherapy (SRT). The primary oncological outcome was event-free survival (EFS) and this was analysed relative to clinical and imaging variables. An 'event' occurred if prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level rose >0.2 ng/mL above nadir or additional therapies were introduced. Results A total of 137 patients were included, most of whom had EAU high-risk disease (76%) and/or low PSA levels (80% <0.5 ng/mL) at the time of PSMA-PET. EAU risk group was not associated with regional nodal/distant metastasis on PSMA-PET. Regional nodal/distant metastasis on PSMA PET (compared to negative/local recurrence: hazard ratio [HR] 2.2; P = 0.002) and SRT use (vs no SRT: HR 0.44; P = 0.004) were associated with EFS. EAU high-risk status was not significantly associated with worse EFS (HR 1.7, P = 0.12) compared to EAU low-risk status. Among patients who received SRT, both regional/distant metastasis on PSMA-PET (HR 3.1; P < 0.001) and EAU high-risk status (HR 2.9; P = 0.04) were independently associated with worse EFS, which was driven by patients in the EAU high-risk group with regional/distant metastases (38%; HR 3.1, P = 0.001). Conclusions In patients with post-RP BCR, PSMA-PET findings and receipt of SRT predicted EFS. In patients receiving SRT, PSMA status combined with EAU risk grouping was most predictive of EFS. These findings suggest that the EAU risk groups could be improved with the addition of PSMA-PET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melt from supraglacial ice cliffs is an important contributor to the mass loss of debris-covered glaciers. However, ice cliff contribution is difficult to quantify as they are highly dynamic features, and the paucity of observations of melt rates and their variability leads to large modelling uncertainties. We quantify monsoon season melt and 3D evolution of four ice cliffs over two debris-covered glaciers in High Mountain Asia (Langtang Glacier, Nepal, and 24K Glacier, China) at very high resolution using terrestrial photogrammetry applied to imagery captured from time-lapse cameras installed on lateral moraines. We derive weekly flow-corrected digital elevation models (DEMs) of the glacier surface with a maximum vertical bias of ± 0.2 m for Langtang Glacier and ± 0.05 m for 24K Glacier and use change detection to determine distributed melt rates at the surfaces of the ice cliffs throughout the study period. We compare the measured melt patterns with those derived from a 3D energy balance model to derive the contribution of the main energy fluxes. We find that ice cliff melt varies considerably throughout the melt season, with maximum melt rates of 5 to 8 cm d -1 , and their average melt rates are 11–14 (Langtang) and 4.5 (24K) times higher than the surrounding debris-covered ice. Our results highlight the influence of redistributed supraglacial debris on cliff melt. At both sites, ice cliff albedo is influenced by the presence of thin debris at the ice cliff surface, which is largely controlled on 24K Glacier by liquid precipitation events that wash away this debris. Slightly thicker or patchy debris reduces melt by 1–3 cm d -1 at all sites. Ultimately, our observations show a strong spatio-temporal variability in cliff area at each site, which is controlled by supraglacial streams and ponds and englacial cavities that promote debris slope destabilisation and the lateral expansion of the cliffs. These findings highlight the need to better represent processes of debris redistribution in ice cliff models, to in turn improve estimates of ice cliff contribution to glacier melt and the long-term geomorphological evolution of debris-covered glacier surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current Chilean megadrought has led to acute water shortages in central Chile since 2010. Glaciers have provided vital fresh water to the region's rivers, but the quantity, timing and sustainability of that provision remain unclear. Here we combine in‐situ, remote sensing and climate reanalysis data to show that from 2010 to 2018 during the megadrought, unsustainable imbalance ablation of glaciers (ablation not balanced by new snowfall) strongly buffered the late‐summer discharge of the Maipo River, a primary source of water to Santiago. If there had been no glaciers, water availability would have been reduced from December through May, with a 31 ± 19% decrease during March. Our results indicate that while the annual contributions of imbalance ablation to river discharge during the megadrought have been small compared to those from precipitation and sustainable balance ablation, they have nevertheless been a substantial input to a hydrological system that was already experiencing high water stress. The water‐equivalent volume of imbalance ablation generated in the Maipo Basin between 2010 and 2018 was 740 × 106 m3 (19 ± 12 mm yr−1), approximately 3.4 times the capacity of the basin's El Yeso Reservoir. This is equivalent to 14% of Santiago's potable water use in that time, while total glacier ablation was equivalent to 59%. We show that glacier retreat will exacerbate river discharge deficits and further jeopardize water availability in central Chile if precipitation deficits endure, and conjecture that these effects will be amplified by climatic warming. Plain Language Summary: Since 2010, central Chile has experienced a long period of drought or "megadrought." There has been considerably less water in rivers and streams, causing a wide range of societal problems. In our study, we explore the role glaciers have played in maintaining river levels during the megadrought. We focus on the basin of the Maipo River, from which the Chilean capital Santiago derives a large portion of its water supply. Our results suggest that meltwater from the glaciers has been much less sustainable since the megadrought began in 2010, and that if there had been no glaciers, water availability during the megadrought would have been substantially reduced in late summer. We found that even without the seasonal snow that falls on them, glaciers provided enough meltwater from 2010 to 2018 to meet 14% of Santiago's potable water use. Given predictions of a drier future in central Chile, our results have implications for the water resilience of the Chilean capital, its agricultural sector, and the health of its upstream mountain ecosystems. Key Points: Imbalance glacier ablation has strongly buffered the late‐summer discharge of the Maipo River during the current Chilean megadroughtBetween 2010 and 2018, almost a quarter of total glacier ablation in the Maipo Basin was not balanced by new snowfallBy buffering river discharge during drought, glaciers, distinct from seasonal snow, provide a valuable hydrologic service to Santiago [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet stored fly ash is increasingly being considered as a cement component in concrete. However, the effect of these conditions on the material's reactivity is uncertain. The research described here investigated this property for wet laboratory-stored (10% moisture) and site stockpile fly ashes, using lime consumption (BS EN 196-5, Frattini) and activity index (BS EN 450-1) tests. Progressive reactivity losses occurred with laboratory storage up to 730 days. This was influenced by dry fly ash fineness and holding period, suggesting that the formation of agglomerates/products (assessed by scanning electron microscopy) affects lime's access to particle surfaces, with similar type behaviour for stockpile materials. Compressive (cube) strength reductions were also found between dry and wet stored fly ash concretes. Stockpile fly ash reactivity following laboratory- (drying/ball milling) and pilot-scale (flash drying/de-agglomerating, air classifying, micronising and carbon removal) processing was then investigated. Exposure of reactive material using these methods appears to be important, with greater improvements generally noted as the fly ash particle size is reduced and at later test ages. To meet activity index requirements, fly ash sub-10 μm contents, with the Portland cement used, needed to exceed about 30%, irrespective of the storage conditions/processing used. Minor benefits to concrete strength were obtained with increasing sub-10 μm contents, particularly beyond 28 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by episodes of depression and mania and disrupted circadian rhythms. Lithium is an effective therapy for BD, but only 30%–40% of patients are fully responsive. Preclinical models show that lithium alters circadian rhythms. However, it is unknown if the circadian rhythm effects of lithium are essential to its therapeutic properties. Methods: In secondary analyses of a multi‐center, prospective, trial of lithium for BD, we examined the relationship between circadian rhythms and therapeutic response to lithium. Using standardized instruments, we measured morningness, diurnal changes in mood, sleep, and energy (circadian rhythm disturbances) in a cross‐sectional study of 386 BD subjects with varying lithium exposure histories. Next, we tracked symptoms of depression and mania prospectively over 12 weeks in a subset of 88 BD patients initiating treatment with lithium. Total, circadian, and affective mood symptoms were scored separately and analyzed. Results: Subjects with no prior lithium exposure had the most circadian disruption, while patients stable on lithium monotherapy had the least. Patients who were stable on lithium with another drug or unstable on lithium showed intermediate levels of disruption. Treatment with lithium for 12 weeks yielded significant reductions in total and affective depression symptoms. Lithium responders (Li‐Rs) showed improvement in circadian symptoms of depression, but non‐responders did not. There was no difference between Li‐Rs and nonresponders in affective, circadian, or total symptoms of mania. Conclusions: Exposure to lithium is associated with reduced circadian disruption. Lithium response at 12 weeks was selectively associated with the reduction of circadian depressive symptoms. We conclude that stabilization of circadian rhythms may be an important feature of lithium's therapeutic effects. Clinical Trials Registry: NCT0127253. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of dried blood spot (DBS) samples can facilitate the implementation of reflex testing by circumventing the need for centrifugation and freezing of venous blood samples. This systematic review assessed the accuracy of using DBS samples to diagnose chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify articles published up to July 2020 evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA and HCV core antigen tests using DBS. Screening, data extraction, quality appraisal and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations certainty of the evidence assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Meta‐analysis, meta‐regression and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The evidence demonstrates that laboratory‐based anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA tests using DBS samples have high diagnostic accuracy. All comparisons were between DBS and venous samples. For the detection of anti‐HCV, sensitivity was 95% (95% CI: 92%–97%) and specificity was 99% ([95% CI: 98%–99%]; n = 25; I2 = 81%; moderate certainty). For the detection of HCV‐RNA, the sensitivity was 95% (95% CI: 93%–97%) and specificity was 97% ([95% CI: 94%–98%]; n = 20; I2 = 52%; moderate certainty). The sensitivity of HCV core antigen tests was 86% (95% CI: 79%–91%) and specificity was 98% ([95% CI: 94%–99%]; n = 5; I2 = 37%; low certainty) compared with HCV‐RNA (the gold standard for detecting chronic HCV). DBS samples could facilitate diagnosis of chronic HCV infection as the necessary sequential tests (anti‐HCV and then HCV‐RNA or HCV core antigen) can be undertaken using the same blood sample. This could reduce loss of patient follow‐up and support international efforts towards HCV elimination in both high and low prevalence settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Context: Feral cats (Felis catus), wild dogs/dingoes (Canis familiaris) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are predators of the endangered bridled nail-tailed wallaby (BNTW; Onychogalea frenata). Predator-proof fencing is advocated as a solution to ensure their conservation in the wild. Aims: The aims of this study were to determine whether predator control translated into a reduction in their activity, find evidence of cats preying on BNTWs and understand factors that influence changes in the BNTW population size living in an unfenced reserve, particularly focusing on the influence of cat and dog control and rainfall. Methods: An activity index, calculated using spoor on sand pads and images on remote cameras, was undertaken to monitor predator activity. The stomach contents of cats caught were examined to determine how commonly BNTWs feature as a prey item. The size of the BNTW population and annual survival of individuals was assessed through annual capture–mark–recapture (CMR) surveys and vehicle spotlight counts. Rainfall was measured at the study site and using data from the Bureau of Meteorology. Key results: The core BNTW population estimated by CMR data increased by 214% over 4 years (2013–2017), to 400 individuals in 2017, whereas spotlight data indicated that the population had increased by 262% over 8 years (2012–2020), to 1265 individuals in 2020. The percentage of small (≤3.5 kg) BNTWs caught increased substantially over the study period. There was no detectable difference in cat or dog activity following control and no correlation was found among predator activity, rainfall and BNTW survival. The remains of BNTWs were found in 20% of cats removed from the core BNTW area. Conclusions: The study confirmed that cats frequently ate BNTWs, and a combination of control methods is required to manage the threat, but there was no statistical support for a relationship between predator activity and BNTW survival. Implications: The study found that native species conservation in fox-free environments is possible without the need for predator-proof fences and the ongoing maintenance costs. Predator-proof fences are advocated to conserve threatened species. We report on a thriving endangered wallaby population living in an unfenced reserve where threats are managed. Despite an increasing wallaby population, no meaningful correlation was found between wallaby survival and predator activity and rainfall. The lack of a significant correlation highlights the difficulty of seeking scientific evidence from single-site studies aimed at ascertaining the effectiveness of endangered species conservation programs, particularly where the imperative is to actively manage threats. Photograph by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, J. Augusteyn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]