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In this contribution, we investigate the formation and dissociation of boron–hydrogen (BH) pairs in crystalline silicon under thermal equilibrium conditions. Our samples span doping concentrations of nearly two orders of magnitude and are passivated with a layer stack consisting of thin aluminum oxide and hydrogen-rich silicon nitride (Al 2 O 3 /SiN x :H). This layer stack acts as a hydrogen source during a following rapid thermal annealing. We characterize the samples using low-temperature Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and four-point-probe resistivity measurements. Our findings show that the proportion of hydrogen atoms initially bound to boron (BH pairs) rises with increasing boron concentration. Upon isothermal dark annealing at (163 ± 2) °C, hydrogen present in molecular form, H 2 , dissociates at a rate directly proportional to the concentration of boron atoms, ∝ [ B − ], leading to the formation of BH pairs. With prolonged annealing, an unknown hydrogen complex is formed at a rate that is inversely proportional to the square of the boron concentration, ∝ 1/[B − ] 2 , resulting in the disappearance of BH pairs. Based on experimental observations, we derive a kinetic model in which we describe the formation of the unknown complex through neutral hydrogen H 0 binding to a sink. Additionally, we investigate the temperature dependence of the reaction rates and find that the H 2 dissociation process has an activation energy of (1.11 ± 0.05) eV, which is in close agreement with theoretical predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseño y Comunicación is the property of Cuadernos del Centro de Estudios de Diseno y Comunicacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Serial crystallography (SX) involves combining observations from a very large number of diffraction patterns coming from crystals in random orientations. To compile a complete data set, these patterns must be indexed (i.e. their orientation determined), integrated and merged. Introduced here is TORO (Torch‐powered robust optimization) Indexer, a robust and adaptable indexing algorithm developed using the PyTorch framework. TORO is capable of operating on graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs) and other hardware accelerators supported by PyTorch, ensuring compatibility with a wide variety of computational setups. In tests, TORO outpaces existing solutions, indexing thousands of frames per second when running on GPUs, which positions it as an attractive candidate to produce real‐time indexing and user feedback. The algorithm streamlines some of the ideas introduced by previous indexers like DIALS real‐space grid search [Gildea, Waterman, Parkhurst, Axford, Sutton, Stuart, Sauter, Evans & Winter (2014). Acta Cryst. D70, 2652–2666] and XGandalf [Gevorkov, Yefanov, Barty, White, Mariani, Brehm, Tolstikova, Grigat & Chapman (2019). Acta Cryst. A75, 694–704] and refines them using faster and principled robust optimization techniques which result in a concise code base consisting of less than 500 lines. On the basis of evaluations across four proteins, TORO consistently matches, and in certain instances outperforms, established algorithms such as XGandalf and MOSFLM [Powell (1999). Acta Cryst. D55, 1690–1695], occasionally amplifying the quality of the consolidated data while achieving superior indexing speed. The inherent modularity of TORO and the versatility of PyTorch code bases facilitate its deployment into a wide array of architectures, software platforms and bespoke applications, highlighting its prospective significance in SX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma-wakefield-based acceleration technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of particle accelerators. By providing acceleration gradients orders of magnitude larger than conventional radiofrequency particle accelerators, this technology allows accelerators to be reduced to the centimetre length scale. It also provides a new compact approach for driving free-electron lasers, a valuable source of high-brilliance ultrashort coherent radiation within the infrared to X-ray spectral range for the study of subatomic matter, ultrafast dynamics of complex systems and X-ray nonlinear optics, among other applications. Several laboratories around the world are working on the realization of these new light sources, exploring different configurations for the plasma wakefield driver beam, plasma stage design and operational regime. This Review describes the operating principles of plasma accelerators, an overview of recent experimental milestones for plasma-driven free-electron lasers in self-amplified spontaneous emission and seeded configurations, and highlights the remaining major challenges in the field. This Review examines the principles of operation and progress made in developing free-electron lasers that feature plasma-wakefield-acceleration technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Faecal incontinence (FI) is a prevalent issue which can have a detrimental impact on the patient's quality of life. Current international guidelines lack strong treatment recommendations due to few studies in the field, in combination with the heterogeneity in outcome reporting. To address this, a core outcome set (COS) is proposed to standardize outcome reporting in FI studies, facilitating meta‐analyses and enhancing therapeutic recommendations. Through several steps outlined by COMET 'what' to measure will be determined prior to determining 'how' to measure these outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify 'what' outcomes have been used in FI intervention studies so far in adult patients as a starting phase for the development of a future COS for FI. Method: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library were searched to identify all outcomes reported in comparative effectiveness trials assessing one or more treatment option in adult patients suffering from FI. The outcomes were categorized according to the Core Outcome Measurement in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) taxonomy to standardize outcome terminology, assess completeness, and inform subsequent steps in COS development. Results: A total of 109 studies were included, which revealed 51 unique outcomes classified into 38 domains within four core areas. On average four outcomes were reported per study (range 1–11). The most commonly reported outcomes were "severity of FI" (83%), "quality of life" (64%), "number of FI episodes" (40%), "anorectal motor function" (39%), and "frequency of bowel movements" (16%). Conclusion: This systematic review offers an overview of outcomes reported in FI studies, highlighting the heterogeneity between studies. This heterogeneity emphasizes the need for standardizing outcome reporting which can be established through the creation of a COS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals from industrial waste and anthropogenic activities poses adverse health effects on non-target organisms. We evaluated the neurobehavioral and biochemical responses accompanying exposure to ecological relevant concentrations of atenolol (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 µg/L) for seven uninterrupted days in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Atenolol-exposed fish exhibited anxiety-like behavior, characterized by significant bottom-dwelling with marked reduction in vertical exploration. Atenolol-exposed fish exhibited marked increase in the duration and frequency of aggressive events without altering their preference for conspecifics. Biochemical data using brain samples indicated that atenolol disrupted antioxidant enzyme activities and induced oxidative stress. Exposure to atenolol markedly decreased ATP and AMP hydrolysis without affecting ADP hydrolysis and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Atenolol significantly upregulated tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (tph1) mRNA expression but downregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) mRNA. Collectively, waterborne atenolol elicits aggressive and anxiety-like responses in adult zebrafish, accompanied by oxidative stress, reduced nucleotide hydrolysis, altered tph1 and bdnf mRNA expression, which may impact the survival and health of fish in aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful tool in multiple sclerosis (MS) research, enabling more accurate diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment optimization. However, the complexity of developing and deploying ML models poses challenges for domain experts without extensive programming knowledge. We propose a novel domain-specific language (DSL) that simplifies the process of selecting features, choosing appropriate ML models, and defining training rules for MS research. The DSL offers three approaches: AutoML for automated model and feature selection, manual selection for expert-guided customization, and a customizable mode allowing for fine-grained control. The DSL was implemented and evaluated using real-world MS data. By establishing task-specific DSLs, we have successfully identified workflows that enhance the filtering of ML models and features. This method is crucial in determining the T2-related MRI features that accurately predict both process speed time and walk speed. We assess the effectiveness of using our DSL to enhance ML models and identify feature importance within our private data, aiming to reveal the relationships between features. The proposed DSL empowers domain experts to leverage ML in MS research without extensive programming knowledge. By integrating MLOps practices, it streamlines the ML lifecycle, promoting trustworthy AI through explainability, interpretability, and collaboration. This work demonstrates the potential of DSLs in democratizing ML in MS and paves the way for future research in adaptive and evolving DSL architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), there is empirical support for both dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and schema therapy (ST); these treatments have never been compared directly. This study examines whether either of them is more effective than the other in treating patients with BPD. Methods: In this randomized, parallel-group, rater-blind clinical trial, outpatients aged between 18 and 65 years with a primary diagnosis of BPD were recruited in a tertiary outpatient treatment center (Lübeck, Germany). Participants were randomized to DBT or ST with one individual and one group session per week over 1.5 years. The primary outcome was the BPD symptom severity assessed with the mean score of the Borderline Personality Disorder Severity Index at 1-year naturalistic follow-up. Results: Between November 26, 2014, and December 14, 2018, we enrolled 164 patients (mean age = 33.7 [SD = 10.61] years). Of these, 81 (49.4%) were treated with ST and 83 (50.6%) with DBT, overall, 130 (79.3%) were female. Intention-to-treat analysis with generalized linear mixed models did not show a significant difference at 1-year naturalistic follow-up between DBT and ST for the BPDSI total score (mean difference 3.32 [95% CI: –0.58–7.22], p = 0.094, d = −24 [–0.69; 0.20]) with lower scores for DBT. Pre-to-follow-up effect sizes were large in both groups (DBT: d = 2.45 [1.88–3.02], ST: d = 1.78 [1.26–2.29]). Conclusion: Patients in both treatment groups showed substantial improvements indicating that even severely affected patients with BPD and various comorbid disorders can be treated successfully with DBT and ST. An additional non-inferiority trial is needed to show if both treatments are equally effective. The trial was retrospectively registered on the German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00011534 without protocol changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Zeitschrift für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefaesschirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article discusses a study that used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze blood flow in a rabbit model during different cannulation strategies for extracorporeal circulation (ECC) in cardiac surgery. The study found that the blood flow in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta was higher during antegrade perfusion compared to retrograde perfusion. However, there were no significant differences in cerebral or visceral perfusion between the two strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the optimal ECC cannulation strategy for cardiac surgery. [Extracted from the article]

This tutorial is designed for speech scientists familiar with the R programming language who wish to construct experiment interfaces in R. We begin by discussing some of the benefits of building experiment interfaces in R—including R's existing tools for speech data analysis, platform independence, suitability for web-based testing, and the fact that R is open source. We explain basic concepts of reactive programming in R, and we apply these principles by detailing the development of two sample experiments. The first of these experiments comprises a speech production task in which participants are asked to read words with different emotions. The second sample experiment involves a speech perception task, in which participants listen to recorded speech and identify the emotion the talker expressed with forced-choice questions and confidence ratings. Throughout this tutorial, we introduce the new R package speechcollectr, which provides functions uniquely suited to web-based speech data collection. The package streamlines the code required for speech experiments by providing functions for common tasks like documenting participant consent, collecting participant demographic information, recording audio, checking the adequacy of a participant's microphone or headphones, and presenting audio stimuli. Finally, we describe some of the difficulties of remote speech data collection, along with the solutions we have incorporated into speechcollectr to meet these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On September 26th, 2022, the detonations at the gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 resulted in some of the largest non-natural releases of methane known. The distribution of methane in the surrounding seawater and the possible effects were not apparent. To trace the pathways of methane we recorded CH4 concentrations and the isotopic signal (δ13C-CH4) in seawater, and air. A week post-explosion, we detected methane concentrations up to 4 orders of magnitude above the natural Baltic Sea background. The released fossil methane created a distinct plume with δ13C-CH4 ratios differing from natural background values. The strong water stratification preserved the distribution pattern initiated by the explosion, shown by the laterally strong concentration gradient within the plume. Our analysis encompasses three stages of the explosion's impact; the initial sea-air methane release, measurements taken during our research expedition one week later, and a third stage triggered by the shift from summer to winter conditions as an outlook on how winter mixing and microbial activity will influence the plume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women with PCOS have been found to have an unbalanced diet and deficiencies in essential nutrients. This study aimed to assess the levels of folate and vitamin B12 (B12) and their relationship with metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Anthropometric, clinical, and genetic analyses were conducted to evaluate markers related to one-carbon metabolism in women with PCOS and in a control group. The PCOS group had a higher BMI and HOMA-IR (1.7 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001). HDL cholesterol levels were 23% lower and triglyceride levels were 74% higher in women with PCOS. Although there were no significant differences in folate and B12 levels between the PCOS and control groups, over 60% of women with PCOS had low B12 levels (<300 pg/mL) and high homocysteine levels. In addition, the MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS. Moreover, erythrocyte folate levels were positively correlated with fasting glucose, triglycerides, and free androgen index, and negatively correlated with SHBG and LH levels. These results suggest that B vitamins may be associated with the metabolic phenotype in PCOS. This study emphasizes the potential link between folate, vitamin B12, and metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journalism & Communication Monographs is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Loneliness may exacerbate poor health outcomes particularly among cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the risk factors of loneliness among cancer survivors. We evaluated the risk factors of loneliness in the context of COVID-19 pandemic-related prevention behaviors and lifestyle/psychosocial factors among cancer survivors. Cancer survivors (n = 1471) seen at Huntsman Cancer Institute completed a survey between August–September 2020 evaluating health behaviors, medical care, and psychosocial factors including loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were classified into two groups: 'lonely' (sometimes, usually, or always felt lonely in past month) and 'non-lonely' (never or rarely felt lonely in past month). 33% of cancer survivors reported feeling lonely in the past month. Multivariable logistic regression showed female sex, not living with a spouse/partner, poor health status, COVID-19 pandemic-associated lifestyle factors including increased alcohol consumption and marijuana/CBD oil use, and psychosocial stressors such as disruptions in daily life, less social interaction, and higher perceived stress and financial stress were associated with feeling lonely as compared to being non-lonely (all p < 0.05). A significant proportion of participants reported loneliness, which is a serious health risk among vulnerable populations, particularly cancer survivors. Modifiable risk factors such as unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and psychosocial stress were associated with loneliness. These results highlight the need to screen for unhealthy lifestyle factors and psychosocial stressors to identify cancer survivors at increased risk of loneliness and to develop effective management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an investigation into Japanese kimono academies. These are organizations that offer classes on kimono wearing, known as kitsuke in Japanese. While common in Japan since the 1970s, these academies have rarely featured in scholarship. These academies present a paradox, increasing in popularity even as the prevalence of wearing the kimono has declined since the 1970s, with sales of kimono steadily decreasing. This article demonstrates how these academies have established themselves by selling more than just kimono-wearing classes. First, they market themselves by promising to inculcate a refined, elegant, and cultured "Japanese femininity" through the kimono. This article explores how this marketing strategy is particularly successful among middle-aged women rather than young women and unpicks the connections between age, gender, class, and a sense of feminine "Japaneseness." Second, this article explores the ways in which kimono academies mostly portray themselves as cultural institutions rather than businesses. I argue that this points to a broader discomfort in Japanese society with the commercialization of traditional knowledge and anxiety surrounding the relationship between business and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New methods are proposed for the verification of the presence of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in freshly mixed concrete and estimation of SAP quantity. The methods are in general based on flushing concrete with excess water. They allow separating the light, water-sorbed hydrogel particles from the mineral components in the fresh concrete and making these particles available for further tests. Two types of tests are proposed: Test 1 serves for a visual verification of the presence of SAP (qualitative test), while Test 2 enables quantifying the mass of the collected SAP as a proxy of their concentration in concrete (quantitative test). Different procedures are proposed for these two test methods and their performance is evaluated. The testing procedures were scrutinized in an interlaboratory study carried out by 14 participants from 12 countries. All participating groups detected the presence of SAP in the mix using the qualitative procedures (Test 1). Based on this outcome, we suggest that this method should be applied in the field. In contrast, while most participants obtained reasonably reliable results with the quantification procedure of Test 2, some participants reported large errors. Therefore, the quantification method needs to be further refined, starting from the experience gained in this interlaboratory study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stomata are pores on plant aerial surfaces, each bordered by a pair of guard cells. They control gas exchange vital for plant survival. Understanding how guard cells respond to environmental signals such as atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels is not only insightful to fundamental biology but also relevant to real-world issues of crop productivity under global climate change. In the past decade, multiple important signaling elements for stomatal closure induced by elevated CO2 have been identified. Yet, there is no comprehensive understanding of high CO2-induced stomatal closure. In this work, we assemble a cellular signaling network underlying high CO2-induced stomatal closure by integrating evidence from a comprehensive literature analysis. We further construct a Boolean dynamic model of the network, which allows in silico simulation of the stomatal closure response to high CO2 in wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana plants and in cases of pharmacological or genetic manipulation of network nodes. Our model has a 91% accuracy in capturing known experimental observations. We perform network-based logical analysis and reveal a feedback core of the network, which dictates cellular decisions in closure response to high CO2. Based on these analyses, we predict and experimentally confirm that applying nitric oxide (NO) induces stomatal closure in ambient CO2 and causes hypersensitivity to elevated CO2. Moreover, we predict a negative regulatory relationship between NO and the protein phosphatase ABI2 and find experimentally that NO inhibits ABI2 phosphatase activity. The experimental validation of these model predictions demonstrates the effectiveness of network-based modeling and highlights the decision-making role of the feedback core of the network in signal transduction. We further explore the model's potential in predicting targets of signaling elements not yet connected to the CO2 network. Our combination of network science, in silico model simulation, and experimental assays demonstrates an effective interdisciplinary approach to understanding system-level biology. Stomata are pores on plant surfaces that can be opened or closed by pairs of guard cells in response to environmental signals. This study analyzes CO2-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana using network-based modelling and experimental validation, uncovering that feedback loops in a core signal transduction network regulate decision-making in guard cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study is to evaluate the evolving phenotype and genetic spectrum of patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD) in long‐term follow‐up. Longitudinal clinical and biochemical data of 22 pediatric and 9 adult individuals with SSADHD from the patient registry of the International Working Group on Neurotransmitter related Disorders (iNTD) were studied with in silico analyses, pathogenicity scores and molecular modeling of ALDH5A1 variants. Leading initial symptoms, with onset in infancy, were developmental delay and hypotonia. Year of birth and specific initial symptoms influenced the diagnostic delay. Clinical phenotype of 26 individuals (median 12 years, range 1.8–33.4 years) showed a diversifying course in follow‐up: 77% behavioral problems, 76% coordination problems, 73% speech disorders, 58% epileptic seizures and 40% movement disorders. After ataxia, dystonia (19%), chorea (11%) and hypokinesia (15%) were the most frequent movement disorders. Involvement of the dentate nucleus in brain imaging was observed together with movement disorders or coordination problems. Short attention span (78.6%) and distractibility (71.4%) were the most frequently behavior traits mentioned by parents while impulsiveness, problems communicating wishes or needs and compulsive behavior were addressed as strongly interfering with family life. Treatment was mainly aimed to control epileptic seizures and psychiatric symptoms. Four new pathogenic variants were identified. In silico scoring system, protein activity and pathogenicity score revealed a high correlation. A genotype/phenotype correlation was not observed, even in siblings. This study presents the diversifying characteristics of disease phenotype during the disease course, highlighting movement disorders, widens the knowledge on the genotypic spectrum of SSADHD and emphasizes a reliable application of in silico approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed whether extended molecular profiling can predict the development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene T790M mutation, which is the most frequent resistance alteration in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after treatment with the first‐/second‐generation (1G/2G) EGFR inhibitors (tyrosine kinase inhibitors [TKIs]), but only weakly associated with clinical characteristics. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on pretreatment tumor tissue with matched normal samples from NSCLC patients with (n = 25, detected in tissue or blood rebiopsies) or without (n = 14, negative tissue rebiopsies only) subsequent EGFR p.T790M mutation after treatment with 1G/2G EGFR TKI. Several complex genetic biomarkers were assessed using bioinformatic methods. After treatment with first‐line afatinib (44%) or erlotinib/gefitinib (56%), median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 12.1 and 33.7 months, respectively. Clinical and tumor genetic characteristics, including age (median, 66 years), sex (74% female), smoking (69% never/light smokers), EGFR mutation type (72% exon 19 deletions), and TP53 mutations (41%) were not significantly associated with T790M mutation (p > 0.05). By contrast, complex biomarkers including tumor mutational burden, the clock‐like mutation signature SBS1 + 5, tumor ploidy, and markers of subclonality including mutant‐allele tumor heterogeneity, subclonal copy number changes, and median tumor‐adjusted variant allele frequency were significantly higher at baseline in tumors with subsequent T790M mutation (all p < 0.05). Each marker alone could predict subsequent development of T790M with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72–0.77, but the small number of cases did not allow confirmation of better performance for biomarker combinations in leave‐one‐out cross‐validated logistic regression (AUC 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.50–0.87). Extended molecular profiling with WES at initial diagnosis reveals several complex biomarkers associated with subsequent development of T790M resistance mutation in NSCLC patients receiving first‐/second‐generation TKIs as the first‐line therapy. Larger prospective studies will be necessary to define a forecasting model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immobilisation plays an important role in the industrial application of enzymes. The stabilisation and reusability of immobilised enzymes reduce the cost of the catalyst and facilitate their use in continuously operated reactors. For this purpose, an applicable type of immobilisation needs to be identified. In this study, we investigate the conversion of CDP and PolyP to CTP by NDP polyphosphate phosphotransferase 3 from Ruegeria pomeroyi (RpPPK2-3) and describe the covalent immobilisation of RpPPK2-3. In order to select a suitable carrier for the immobilisation of RpPPK2-3, a screening with different amino methacrylate (glutaraldehyde-pre-activated) and epoxy methacrylate carriers was carried out. The epoxy methacrylate carrier ECR8209M (Purolite®) was found to be the most suitable. With a half-life of 462 d when stored at 6 °C and a 50-fold reusability with a 93% residual activity, the immobilised enzyme showed a higher stability compared to the soluble enzyme with a half-life of 0.04 d. Although the half-life of the soluble enzyme could be increased to 32 d by adding PPi, it could not reach the stability of the immobilisate. Due to the resilience of the immobilisate, it is suitable for application in continuous reactor set-ups, e.g., packed-bed reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litter decomposition represents a major path for atmospheric carbon influx into Arctic soils, thereby controlling below‐ground carbon accumulation. Yet, little is known about how tundra litter decomposition varies with microenvironmental conditions, hindering accurate projections of tundra soil carbon dynamics with future climate change. Over 14 months, we measured landscape‐scale decomposition of two contrasting standard litter types (Green tea and Rooibos tea) in 90 plots covering gradients of micro‐climate and ‐topography, vegetation cover and traits, and soil characteristics in Western Greenland. We used the tea bag index (TBI) protocol to estimate relative variation in litter mass loss, decomposition rate (k) and stabilisation factor (S) across space, and structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify relationships among environmental factors and decomposition. Contrasting our expectations, microenvironmental factors explained little of the observed variation in both litter mass loss, as well as k and S, suggesting that the variables included in our study were not the major controls of decomposer activity in the soil across the studied tundra landscape. We use these unexpected findings of our study combined with findings from the current literature to discuss future avenues for improving our understanding of the drivers of tundra decomposition and, ultimately, carbon cycling across the warming Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using standpoint epistemology and critical mass theory this study analyzes the potential impact on work culture and conditions in German newsrooms following a call for voluntary gender quotas in newsroom leadership. In-depth interviews with 53 journalists in 21 leading newsrooms in Germany find positive changes in work culture and conditions for all journalists in all newsrooms that reached or approached critical mass of women in leadership. Through the eyes of women and men working in these national newsrooms, an increase in women in newsrooms that came near or superseded the voluntary quota in leadership positions helped boost ongoing institutional support regarding paid parental leave and childcare options and augmented transparency around opportunities for mentoring, coaching, and hiring through more institutionalized processes. We recommend a continued implementation of voluntary quotas and further research to document and analyze long-term structural and systemic changes that more women in newsroom leadership could bring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 11‐year‐old, 500 kg, healthy mare was admitted for tenovaginoscopy. A jugular venous catheter was inserted to administer detomidine for diagnostic imaging and for anaesthesia‐related drug administration. The horse was premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine and intravenous flunixin. For sedation, 7.5 mL of a solution, presumed to be xylazine 2%, was drawn up in a syringe and labelled with a sticker. Two minutes after injection of 7.5 mL from xylazine‐labelled syringe, the horse showed severe ataxia and fell. Nystagmus and catatonia appeared while one person sat on its neck, to prevent it from rising. After 8 minutes, the horse could not be kept down and took several uncoordinated attempts to stand, still showing nystagmus and ataxia for several minutes. The xylazine‐labelled syringes were analysed. They contained pure ketamine. This case report should raise awareness about clinical errors, a healthy error culture and use of Morbidity and Mortality Rounds to improve patient and personnel care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stomatal pores, vital for CO2 uptake and water loss regulation in plants, are formed by two specialized guard cells. Despite their importance, there is limited understanding of how guard cells sense and respond to changes in vapor pressure difference (VPD). This study leverages a selection of CO2 hyposensitive and abscisic acid (ABA) signaling mutants in Arabidopsis, including heterotrimeric G protein mutants and RLK (receptor-like kinase) mutants, along with a variety of canola cultivars to delve into the intracellular signaling mechanisms prompting stomatal closure in response to high VPD. Stomatal conductance response to step changes in VPD was measured using the LI-6800F gas exchange system. Our findings highlight that stomatal responses to VPD utilize intracellular signaling components. VPD hyposensitivity was particularly evident in mutants of the ht1 (HIGH LEAF TEMPERATURE1) gene, which encodes a protein kinase expressed mainly in guard cells, and in gpa1-3, a null mutant of the sole canonical heterotrimeric Gα subunit, previously implicated in stomatal signaling. Consequently, this research identifies a nexus in the intricate relationships between guard cell signal perception, stomatal conductance, environmental humidity, and CO2 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: At present, it is difficult to evaluate the cartilage of an equine stifle with the most accessible imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography and radiography. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been established as the optimal noninvasive modality for a global evaluation of joints in humans. With technical advances, MRI is becoming more available for equine patients as well. Currently there is no general consensus on the optimal sequence for cartilage evaluation even though there are many possibilities. This study compares a routinely used two-dimensional (2D) sequence to four different three dimensional sequences (3D). Measuring the cartilage thickness in 30 different regions of interest (ROI) in each sequence and comparing them to macroscopic measurements showed that the 3D sequences were more accurate than the 2D sequence. Specifically, the 3D VIEW T2W HR and T1W VISTA SPAIR depicted cartilage thickness most accurately. Knowing the accuracy of different sequences improves the evaluation of equine cartilage and the early detection of cartilage pathologies. This promotes MRI as a noninvasive imaging modality for horses suffering from stifle lameness with no findings using conventional imaging methods. Furthermore, since 3D sequences are more accurate in depicting cartilage, they may replace 2D sequences, shortening scanning time. The objective of this study was to compare articular cartilage thickness observed in the different 2D and 3D sequences to the cartilage thickness of the equine stifle in cadavers to determine the accuracy of each sequence. The study was conducted as a blinded laboratory study using seven equine stifle specimens. The 2D (T2W TSE) and 3D (3D VIEW T2W HR, T2 3D mFFE, T1W VISTA SPAIR, 3D PDW SPAIR) 3-tesla MRI sequences of each stifle were obtained. Cartilage thickness was measured at 30 locations on MRI and on gross pathology. Thickness measurements were compared using a Bland–Altman plot and post hoc analysis tests. The 3D sequences were found to be generally more accurate than the 2D sequence (p < 0.001). The smallest difference to macroscopic measurements was observed in the 3D VIEW T2W HR and T1W VISTA SPAIR sequences with no statistical difference between each other. Knowing the accuracy of different sequences will improve the evaluation of equine cartilage and the early detection of cartilage pathologies. This would promote MRI as a noninvasive imaging modality for horses suffering from stifle lameness with no findings in conventional imaging methods. Furthermore, since 3D sequences seem to have better accuracy in depicting cartilage, they may replace 2D sequences, thereby shortening scanning times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a collection of essays titled "Rethinking Locality in Japan," which explores the concept of "the local" in contemporary Japan from various academic perspectives. The essays cover topics such as the definition of localities, their relationship with the people who live in them, the impact of environmental and economic risks, and food and energy production. The book is divided into five sections, each focusing on different aspects of locality. The essays draw on original research and ethnographic experience in Japan. The article highlights the diversity of theoretical approaches used in the book, including socio-spatial approaches and theories of globalization. It also mentions the concept of assemblage, which views localities as a coming together of various components. The article concludes by recommending the book as essential reading for students and scholars in various disciplines. [Extracted from the article]

Understanding the future evolution of permafrost requires a better understanding of its climatological past. This requires permafrost models to efficiently simulate the thermal dynamics of permafrost over the past centuries to millennia, taking into account highly uncertain soil and snow properties. In this study, we present a computationally efficient numerical permafrost model which satisfactorily reproduces the current ground temperatures and active layer thicknesses of permafrost in the Arctic and their trends over recent centuries. The performed simulations provide insights into the evolution of permafrost since the 18th century and show that permafrost on the North American continent is subject to early degradation, while permafrost on the Eurasian continent is relatively stable over the investigated 300-year period. Permafrost warming since industrialization has occurred primarily in three "hotspot" regions in northeastern Canada, northern Alaska, and, to a lesser extent, western Siberia. We find that the extent of areas with a high probability (p3m>0.9) of near-surface permafrost (i.e., 3 m of permafrost within the upper 10 m of the subsurface) has declined substantially since the early 19th century, with loss accelerating during the last 50 years. Our simulations further indicate that short-term climate cooling due to large volcanic eruptions in the Northern Hemisphere in some cases favors permafrost aggradation within the uppermost 10 m of the ground, but the effect only lasts for a relatively short period of a few decades. Despite some limitations, e.g., with respect to the representation of vegetation, the presented model shows great potential for further investigation of the climatological past of permafrost, especially in conjunction with paleoclimate modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bike sharing systems have become a sustainable alternative to motorized private transport in urban areas. However, users often face high costs and availability issues due to the operational effort required to redistribute bicycles between stations. For addressing those issues, the AuRa (Autonomes Rad, Eng. Autonomous Bicycle) project introduces a new mobility offer in terms of an on-demand, shared-use, self-driving cargo bikes service (OSABS) that enables automated redistribution. Within the project, we develop different order management and rebalancing strategies and validate them using simulation models. One prerequisite for this is sound demand scenarios. However, due to the novelty of OSABS, there is currently no information about its utilization. Consequently, the objective of this study was to develop an approach for defining OSABS demand scenarios in a temporally and spatially disaggregated manner as an input for simulation models. Therefore, we first derived city-wide usage potentials of OSABS from a survey on mobility needs. We then spatially and temporally disaggregated the determined usage likelihood using travel demand matrices and usage patterns from a conventional bike-sharing system, respectively. Finally, we performed cluster analyses on the resulting annual demand to summarize sections of the yearly profile into representative units and thus reduce the simulation effort. As we applied this approach as a case study to the city of Magdeburg, Germany, we could show that our methodology enables the determination of reasonable OSABS demand scenarios from scratch. Furthermore, we were able to show that annual usage patterns of (conventional) bike sharing systems can be modeled by using demand data for only eight representative weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling of Nd–Fe–B magnets is an ongoing challenge regarding circular economy. State‐of‐the‐art magnet production methods, such as hot deformation, have limitations with respect to direct recycling of magnet scrap particles that differ from pristine melt‐spun Nd–Fe–B powder. Recent work has shown that a combination of presintering by field‐assisted sintering technology/spark plasma sintering (FAST/SPS) and hot deformation by flash spark plasma sintering (flash SPS) has the potential to directly produce Nd–Fe–B magnets from 100% scrap material. Both processes have the capability to adjust and monitor process parameters closely, resulting in recycled magnets with properties similar to commercial magnets but made directly from crushed and recycled Nd–Fe–B powder that partially or completely replaces pristine melt‐spun Nd–Fe–B powder. Herein, a systematic study is done inserting recycled magnet particles into a flash SPS deformed magnet, considering the effects of different weight percentages of scrap material of varied particle size fractions. In some cases, coercivity HcJ of >1400 kAm−1 and remanence Br of 1.1 T can be achieved with 20 wt% scrap material. The relationship between particle size fraction, oxygen uptake, and percentage of recyclate in a final magnet are all explored and discussed with respect to magnets made from pristine material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS), developing secondary to intrathecal tendinopathy, is commonly diagnosed using ultrasonography and contrast tenography. However, precise pre-operative diagnosis remains challenging. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the sensitivity and specificity of low-field MRI and direct low-field MRI tenography (MRIt) to detect experimentally created lesions of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF) and proximal scutum in 21 DFTS cadavers. Proximal scutum lesions (Sensitivity: 38% versus 50%, p = 0.80; specificity: 96% versus 96%, p = 1) and SDFT lesions (Sensitivity: 39% versus 54%, p = 0.72; specificity: 93% versus 96%, p = 1) were less frequently identified by MRI compared to MRIt, respectively. MRI detected DDFT lesions (sensitivity 34%; specificity 100%) better than MRIt (sensitivity 32%, p = 0.77; specificity 98%, p = 1). This was similar for MF lesions (MRI sensitivity 61%; specificity 100% vs. MRIt sensitivity 50%, p = 0.68; specificity 96%, p = 1). Lesion size was significantly associated with MRI or MRIt diagnosis (p = 0.001). Tenosynovitis of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) is diagnosed using ultrasonography and contrast tenography. Nevertheless, making a precise preoperative diagnosis is challenging. This study aimed to determine and compare the sensitivity and specificity of low-field MRI and MRI tenography (MRIt) to detect artificially created soft-tissue lesions in the DFTS. In 21 DFTSs, 118 lesions were made tenoscopically in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), manica flexoria (MF) and proximal scutum. MRI and MRI, following intrathecal gadolinium administration (MRIt), were performed. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI and MRIt were calculated and compared. Proximal scutum lesions were less frequently identified by MRI (Sensitivity 38%, specificity 96%) compared to MRIt (Sensitivity: 50%, p = 0.80; specificity: 96%, p = 1). This was similar for SDFT lesions (Sensitivity: 39% versus 54%, p = 0.72; specificity: 93% versus 96%, p = 1). MRI detected DDFT lesions (sensitivity 34%; specificity 100%) better than MRIt (sensitivity 32%, p = 0.77; specificity 98%, p = 1). This was similar for MF lesions (MRI sensitivity 61%; specificity 100% vs. MRIt sensitivity 50%, p = 0.68; specificity 96%, p = 1). Lesion size was significantly associated with MRI or MRIt diagnosis (p = 0.001). The intrathecal administration of gadolinium did not significantly improve the ability of low-field MRI to diagnose artificial DFTS tendon lesions. Small lesion length was a significant discriminating factor for lesion detection. MRI and MRIt specificity were high, thus being helpful in diagnosing an intact structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the quantum coherence of solid-state systems is a decisive factor in realizing solid-state quantum technologies. The key to optimize quantum coherence lies in reducing the detrimental influence of noise sources such as spin noise and charge noise. Here we demonstrate that we can utilize highly-excited Rydberg excitons to neutralize charged impurities in the semiconductor Cuprous Oxide - an effect we call purification. Purification reduces detrimental electrical stray fields drastically. We observe that the absorption of the purified crystal increases by up to 25% and that the purification effect is long-lived and may persist for hundreds of microseconds or even longer. We investigate the interaction between Rydberg excitons and impurities and find that it is long-ranged and based on charge-induced dipole interactions. Using a time-resolved pump-probe technique, we can discriminate purification from Rydberg blockade, which has been a long-standing goal in excitonic Rydberg systems. Charged impurities are a major source of charge noise in semiconductors. Here, using pump-probe time-resolved relative transmission measurements on cuprous oxide, the authors demonstrate a strategy for mitigating charged impurities by injection and subsequent breakdown of Rydberg excitons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of latent traits and investigation of relations between these and a potentially large set of explaining variables is typical in psychology, economics, and the social sciences. Corresponding analysis often relies on surveyed data from large-scale studies involving hierarchical structures and missing values in the set of considered covariates. This paper proposes a Bayesian estimation approach based on the device of data augmentation that addresses the handling of missing values in multilevel latent regression models. Population heterogeneity is modeled via multiple groups enriched with random intercepts. Bayesian estimation is implemented in terms of a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling approach. To handle missing values, the sampling scheme is augmented to incorporate sampling from the full conditional distributions of missing values. We suggest to model the full conditional distributions of missing values in terms of non-parametric classification and regression trees. This offers the possibility to consider information from latent quantities functioning as sufficient statistics. A simulation study reveals that this Bayesian approach provides valid inference and outperforms complete cases analysis and multiple imputation in terms of statistical efficiency and computation time involved. An empirical illustration using data on mathematical competencies demonstrates the usefulness of the suggested approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Lepidoptera Research is the property of Association for Tropical Lepidoptera and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Direito e Práxis is the property of Editora da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (EdUERJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although the circular economy is considered an avenue to sustainable development, the transition toward circularity is moving slowly. Academic literature has examined how various factors can affect the adoption of circular business models in specific industries and organizational types. However, no research has systematically reviewed the determinants of circular business model adoption. Through a systematic literature review, this study provides a holistic overview of the determining drivers of and barriers to the adoption of circular business models. Building on a sample of 67 journal articles, this study identifies 54 different determinants and classifies them into eight macro categories: culture, regulation, market, strategy, business case, collaboration, operations, and knowledge. The findings can guide policy‐makers, researchers, and decision makers across industries in understanding what obstacles to avoid and drivers to employ when they wish to increase circular business model adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on six detailed case studies of languages in which focus is marked morphosyntactically, we propose a novel formal theory of focus marking, which can capture these as well as the familiar English-type prosodic focus marking. Special attention is paid to the patterns of focus syncretism, that is, when different size and/or location of focus are indistinguishably realized by the same form. The key ingredients to our approach are that complex constituents (not just words) may be directly focally marked, and that the choice of focal marking is governed by blocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transboundary region of the Iishana system in the western Cuvelai Basin, between southern Angola and northern Namibia, is frequently affected by floods at irregular intervals. As a result, the predominantly rural, subsistence farming population has experienced crop failures, human, and economic losses. To date, very little is known about the generation of floods, flood concentration, and stormwater drainage dynamics in this region. In this study, 2D‐hydrodynamic modeling was applied to reconstruct one of the latest major flood events during the rainy season from November 2008 to March 2009 in order to study the runoff behavior and interconnectivity of the Iishana system. The model focused on the eastern part of the Iishana system, which was most affected by floods and flood damage due to the high population density in and around Oshakati, the regional capital. Two main streams were identified noteworthy because they merge and subsequently affect Oshakati. Regarding the simulated flood event water depths vary from 0.1 m to 14 m, with an average of 0.2 m, while water depths above 5 m were attributed to borrow pits. The inundation area ranged up to 1860 km2 and the amount of water left after the rainy season on March 25th, 2009, was determined between 0.116 and 0.547 km3, depending on the amount of evapotranspiration considered in the model. Thus, in the Angolan part of the Iishana system, significantly larger quantities of water are available for longer periods of time during the subsequent dry season, whereas the system in Namibia stores less water, resulting in a shorter water retention period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this prospective, monocentric study, we investigated the potency of a novel three-dimensional (3D) body scanner for external pelvic assessment in birth planning for intended vaginal breech delivery. Between April 2021 and June 2022, 73 singleton pregnancies with intended vaginal birth from breech presentation (>36.0 weeks of gestation) were measured using a pelvimeter by Martin, a three-dimensional body scanner, and MR-pelvimetry. Measures were related to vaginal birth and intrapartum cesarean section. A total of 26 outer pelvic dimensions and 7 inner pelvic measurements were determined. The rate of successful vaginal breech delivery was 56.9%. The AUC (area under the curve) of the obstetric conjugate (OC) measured by MRI for predicting the primary outcome was 0.62 (OR 0.63; p = 0.22), adjusted for neonatal birth weight 0.66 (OR 0.60; p = 0.19). Of the 22 measured 3D body scanner values, the ratio of waist girth to maternal height showed the best prediction (AUC = 0.71; OR 1.27; p = 0.015). The best predictive pelvimeter value was the distantia spinarum with an AUC of 0.65 (OR = 0.80). The 3D body scanner technique is at least equal to predict successful vaginal breech delivery compared to MRI diagnostics. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to verify these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies on risk factors for primary intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) focus on short-term predictive values of distinct clinical parameters or computed tomography (CT) markers and disregard the others. We, therefore, studied independent predictive values of demographic, clinical, and CT markers regarding ICH expansion, late ICH recurrence, and late mortality. Methods: In a retrospective study of 288 patients with primary ICH, ICH localization (158 lobar, 81 deep, and 49 cerebellar), volume, blend sign, spot sign, finger-like projections, and subarachnoid haemorrhages were evaluated. ICH localization-specific differences for demographic (age, sex), clinical parameters (vascular risk factors, antiplatelet, and anticoagulation therapy), and CT markers were evaluated using logistic regression. We applied Cox proportional hazards modelling using these parameters to predict risk factors for ICH expansion, late ICH recurrence, and late mortality. Results: The blend sign in lobar ICH relates to increased risk of ICH expansion (HR2.3), late ICH recurrence (HR2.3), and mortality (HR1.6). Age, conditions requiring antiplatelet medication, deep ICH localization, volume, and blend sign represented the most important independent factors impacting overall mortality. Conclusions: Blend sign at baseline ICH is a manifestation of underlying detrimental vascular processes that signal increased ICH expansion risk, although is also indicative of long-term risks for late recurrent ICH and late mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following deglaciation during the final stages of the Pleistocene, vast landscapes became increasingly accessible for human dispersal. With no historical analogs, it remains uncertain how people were adapting to these unknown and often unstable environments and whether dispersals were sustained or characterized by local retreat or extinction events. We here address these uncertainties by using climate niche modeling to investigate the relationship between climate and the archaeological record of such a dispersal event: the Late Upper Paleolithic Hamburgian settlement of northern Europe. Our models consider temperature and precipitation from paleoclimate models with high temporal and spatial resolution. They suggest that rising temperatures instead of precipitation changes drove dispersal events by allowing carriers of the Hamburgian tradition to occupy a specific northward-shifting climate space. Similarly, our models suggest a subsequent constriction and fragmentation of this climate space caused by declining temperatures. This climatic downturn and shifting climate space coincide with the disappearance of the Hamburgian tradition from the archaeological record. We argue that this sudden climatic change altered the social and demographic costs of northward dispersal to become unsustainable, leading to a depopulation of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]