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We present the discoveries of NGTS-31b(= TOI-2721), and NGTS-32b, two hot Jupiters from the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) transiting slightly evolved stars. The orbital periods, radii, and masses are 4.16 and 3.31 d, 1.61 and 1.42 |$R_{J}$|⁠ , and 1.12 and 0.57 |$M_{J}$|⁠ , respectively. Both planets have an incident stellar flux significantly above the threshold where inflation occurs, with both planets showing signs of inflation. These planets have widely different equilibrium temperatures than other hot Jupiters of similar mass and radius, with NGTS-31b having a significantly lower temperature, and NGTS-32b being hotter. This dichotomy raises the question of how prevalent the roles of other inflation mechanisms are in the radius anomaly phenomena and will help further constrain different inflationary models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, planet search surveys have been focusing on solar-type stars, and only recently the high-mass regimes. This is mostly due to challenges arising from the lack of instrumental precision, and more importantly, the inherent active nature of fast-rotating massive stars. Here, we report NGTS-33b (TOI-6442b), a super-Jupiter planet with mass, radius, and orbital period of 3.6 |$\pm$| 0.3 M |$_{\rm J}$|⁠ , 1.64 |$\pm$| 0.07 R |$_{\rm J}$|⁠ , and |$2.827\,972 \pm 0.000\,001$|  d, respectively. The host is a fast-rotating (⁠|$0.6654 \pm 0.0006$|  d) and hot (T |$_{\rm eff}$| = 7437 |$\pm$| 72 K) A9V type star, with a mass and radius of 1.60 |$\pm$| 0.11 M |$_{\odot }$| and 1.47 |$\pm$| 0.06 R |$_{\odot }$|⁠ , respectively. Planet structure and gyrochronology models show that NGTS-33 is also very young with age limits of 10–50 Myr. In addition, membership analysis points towards the star being part of the Vela OB2 association, which has an age of |$\sim$| 20–35 Myr, thus providing further evidence about the young nature of NGTS-33. Its low bulk density of 0.19 |$\pm$| 0.03 g cm |$^{-3}$| is 13 per cent smaller than expected when compared to transiting hot Jupiters (HJs) with similar masses. Such cannot be solely explained by its age, where an up to 15 per cent inflated atmosphere is expected from planet structure models. Finally, we found that its emission spectroscopy metric is similar to JWST community targets, making the planet an interesting target for atmospheric follow-up. Therefore, NGTS-33b's discovery will not only add to the scarce population of young, massive and HJs, but will also help place further strong constraints on current formation and evolution models for such planetary systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Managing stored-product psocids with insecticides including phosphine is difficult. The warehouse pirate bug, Xylocoris flavipes, is commonly associated with insect pests and mites in storage environments and has potential for use as a biocontrol agent in stored-grain psocid pest management. This study aimed to provide data on the functional responses of adult♀ and nymphs of X. flavipes on diets of nymphs, adult♂, and adult♀ of Liposcelis decolor, as well as the attack rate, handling time, maximum predation, predation efficiency, per capita consumption rate, and searching efficiency of each type of predator. The results showed that functional responses of adult♀ and nymphs of X. flavipes on a diet of L. decolor were Holling Type II. Both adult♀ and nymphs of X. flavipes preyed on nymphs, adult♂, and adult♀ of L. decolor but the consumption rate and searching efficiency of the adult♀ predator were higher than those of the nymphs. The high predation rate of X. flavipes indicates positive potential for psocid management. Psocids are difficult to manage using grain protectants and phosphine hence research on non-chemical control methods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) at managing Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae). The functional responses of adult♀ and nymphs of X. flavipes on a diet of nymphs, adult♂, and adult♀ of L. decolor were determined under laboratory conditions at 28 ± 1 °C, 63 ± 5% RH, and a 0:24 (L:D) photoperiod. Maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) of a logistic regression analysis showed that the functional responses of the life stages of X. flavipes on diets of three stages of L. decolor were Holling Type II. Estimates of the attack rate (a), handling time (Th), maximum predation (K) per day, and predation efficiency (η) per day for the two predator life stages against each prey life stage showed that the adult♀ X. flavipes predation rate was better compared with the nymphs. The adult♀ X. flavipes per capita consumption rate and searching efficiency were also higher than those of the nymphs. The data showed adults of L. decolor are more favorable for adult♀ X. flavipes whereas their nymphs prefer nymphs of L. decolor. Field evaluation of X. flavipes is required for their incorporation into psocid pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The local (z = 0.0315) active galactic nucleus (AGN) Mrk 817 was monitored over more than 500 days with space-borne and ground-based instruments as part of a large international campaign, AGN STORM 2. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of the broadband continuum variations using detailed modeling of the broad line region (BLR), several types of disk winds classified by their optical depth, and new numerical simulations. We find that diffuse continuum (DC) emission, with additional contributions from strong and broad emission lines, can explain the continuum lags observed in this source during high- and low-luminosity phases. Disk illumination by the variable X-ray corona contributes only a small fraction of the observed continuum lags. Our BLR models assume radiation-pressure-confined clouds distributed over a distance of 2–122 light days. We present calculated mean emissivity radii of many emission lines, and DC emission, and suggest a simple, transfer-function-dependent method that ties them to cross-correlation lag determinations. We do not find clear indications for large-optical-depth winds, but identify the signature of lower-column-density winds. In particular, we associate the shortest observed continuum lags with a combination of τ (1 Ryd) ≈ 2 wind and a partly shielded BLR. Even smaller optical depth winds may be associated with X-ray absorption features and with noticeable variations in the widths and lags of several high-ionization lines like He ii and C iv. Finally, we demonstrate the effect of torus dust emission on the observed lags in the i and z bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual problem, resulting in adverse effects on the quality of life, of both the patient and the partner. The idea of muscular contraction inhibition during the ejection phase of ejaculation by Botulinum toxin-A injection may delay ejaculation. Aim of study: This study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of Botulinum toxin-A injection in PE treatment. Material and methods: This study included 45 married male patients diagnosed with primary PE. All included patients were injected with 75 units of Dysport equal efficacy of 25 units of Botulinum toxin-A (Botox) into three sites: the root of the penis (Group 1), glans penis (Group 2), and each side of the ischiocavernosus muscle (Group 3). All patients were subjected to an assessment of intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) using a stopwatch and answering the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) Questionnaire before and after treatment. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in IELT after treatment in all groups. The most significant improvement was shown in Group 3 (average 108% increase), followed by Group 1 (74%) and Group 2 (40%), respectively. There was a positive correlation between age and the improvement in improved IELT. There was a statistically significant improvement in PEDTq scores in Group 1 and Group 3. Conclusion: Botulinum toxin-A injection into the root of the penis and ischiocavernosus muscle could be recommended in the treatment of premature ejaculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the etiological landscape and phenotypic differences between 2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) syndromes: DEE with spike–wave activation in sleep (DEE‐SWAS) and epileptic encephalopathy with spike–wave activation in sleep (EE‐SWAS). Methods: All patients fulfilled International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) DEE‐SWAS or EE‐SWAS criteria with a Core cohort (n = 91) drawn from our Epilepsy Genetics research program, together with 10 etiologically solved patients referred by collaborators in the Expanded cohort (n = 101). Detailed phenotyping and analysis of molecular genetic results were performed. We compared the phenotypic features of individuals with DEE‐SWAS and EE‐SWAS. Brain‐specific gene co‐expression analysis was performed for D/EE‐SWAS genes. Results: We identified the etiology in 42/91 (46%) patients in our Core cohort, including 29/44 (66%) with DEE‐SWAS and 13/47 (28%) with EE‐SWAS. A genetic etiology was identified in 31/91 (34%). D/EE‐SWAS genes were highly co‐expressed in brain, highlighting the importance of channelopathies and transcriptional regulators. Structural etiologies were found in 12/91 (13%) individuals. We identified 10 novel D/EE‐SWAS genes with a range of functions: ATP1A2, CACNA1A, FOXP1, GRIN1, KCNMA1, KCNQ3, PPFIA3, PUF60, SETD1B, and ZBTB18, and 2 novel copy number variants, 17p11.2 duplication and 5q22 deletion. Although developmental regression patterns were similar in both syndromes, DEE‐SWAS was associated with a longer duration of epilepsy and poorer intellectual outcome than EE‐SWAS. Interpretation: DEE‐SWAS and EE‐SWAS have highly heterogeneous genetic and structural etiologies. Phenotypic analysis highlights valuable clinical differences between DEE‐SWAS and EE‐SWAS which inform clinical care and prognostic counseling. Our etiological findings pave the way for the development of precision therapies. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:932–943 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and human activities pose significant threats to coastal environments. Here, we investigated the effects of storm surges and coastal urbanization on Caribbean sandy beaches, focusing on changes in morphodynamics and population parameters of the Atlantic ghost crab Ocypode quadrata. We measured beach slope, sediment size, and ghost crab populations in non-urbanized and urbanized beaches in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, before, three days after, and five weeks after storm surges from Hurricane Lee (September 2023). Storm surges impacted beach morphodynamics, causing some beaches to become steeper with coarser sediment in the short term. Ghost crab burrow density declined in every beach immediately after the hurricane, with reductions of 50–98%. However, number of burrows rebounded to pre-hurricane levels within five weeks. Mean burrow width increased while burrow depth decreased immediately post-hurricane, but also returned to pre-storm levels after five weeks. Additionally, ghost crab burrows were clustered in the upper beach zones immediately post-hurricane but redistributed across the shore gradient after five weeks. Our results show that sandy beach ecosystems are strongly affected by storm surges associated with extreme events; however, they display high resilience and may return to their previous state within a few weeks. Nevertheless, given that the frequency of intense tropical cyclones is expected to increase in the near future, more intense and frequent storms could result in chronic perturbations rather than isolated events, which may compromise sandy beaches’ long-term resilience and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of the most eccentric transiting brown dwarf in the brown dwarf desert, TOI-2490b. The brown dwarf desert is the lack of brown dwarfs around main-sequence stars within |$\sim 3$| au and is thought to be caused by differences in formation mechanisms between a star and planet. To date, only |$\sim 40$| transiting brown dwarfs have been confirmed. TOI-2490b is a |$73.6\pm 2.4$|   |$M_{\rm J}$|⁠ , |$1.00\pm 0.02$|   |$R_{\rm J}$| brown dwarf orbiting a |$1.004_{-0.022}^{+0.031}$|   |${\rm M}_{\odot }$|⁠ , |$1.105_{-0.012}^{+0.012}$|   |${\rm R}_{\odot }$| sun-like star on a 60.33 d orbit with an eccentricity of |$0.77989\pm 0.00049$|⁠. The discovery was detected within Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite sectors 5 (30 min cadence) and 32 (2 min and 20 s cadence). It was then confirmed with 31 radial velocity measurements with FEROS by the WINE collaboration and photometric observations with the Next Generation Transit Survey. Stellar modelling of the host star estimates an age of |$\sim 8$| Gyr, which is supported by estimations from kinematics likely placing the object within the thin disc. However, this is not consistent with model brown dwarf isochrones for the system age suggesting an inflated radius. Only one other transiting brown dwarf with an eccentricity higher than 0.6 is currently known in the brown dwarf desert. Demographic studies of brown dwarfs have suggested such high eccentricity is indicative of stellar formation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observed the Seyfert 1 galaxy Mrk 817 during an intensive multiwavelength reverberation mapping campaign for 16 months. Here, we examine the behavior of narrow UV absorption lines seen in the Hubble Space Telescope/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph spectra, both during the campaign and in other epochs extending over 14 yr. We conclude that, while the narrow absorption outflow system (at −3750 km s−1 with FWHM = 177 km s−1) responds to the variations of the UV continuum as modified by the X-ray obscurer, its total column density (log N H = 19.5 − 0.13 + 0.61 cm−2) did not change across all epochs. The adjusted ionization parameter (scaled with respect to the variations in the hydrogen-ionizing continuum flux) is log U H = −1.0 − 0.3 + 0.1 . The outflow is located at a distance smaller than 38 pc from the central source, which implies a hydrogen density of n H > 3000 cm−3. The absorption outflow system only covers the continuum emission source and not the broad emission line region, which suggests that its transverse size is small (< 1016 cm), with potential cloud geometries ranging from spherical to elongated along the line of sight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species that repeatedly evolve phenotypic clines across environmental gradients have been highlighted as ideal systems for characterizing the genomic basis of local environmental adaptation. However, few studies have assessed the importance of observed phenotypic clines for local adaptation: conspicuous traits that vary clinally may not necessarily be the most critical in determining local fitness. The present study was designed to fill this gap, using a plant species characterized by repeatedly evolved adaptive phenotypic clines. White clover is naturally polymorphic for its chemical defence cyanogenesis (HCN release with tissue damage); climate‐associated cyanogenesis clines have evolved throughout its native and introduced range worldwide. We performed landscape genomic analyses on 415 wild genotypes from 43 locations spanning much of the North American species range to assess the relative importance of cyanogenesis loci vs. other genomic factors in local climatic adaptation. We find clear evidence of local adaptation, with temperature‐related climatic variables best describing genome‐wide differentiation between sampling locations. The same climatic variables are also strongly correlated with cyanogenesis frequencies and gene copy number variations (CNVs) at cyanogenesis loci. However, landscape genomic analyses indicate no significant contribution of cyanogenesis loci to local adaptation. Instead, several genomic regions containing promising candidate genes for plant response to seasonal cues are identified — some of which are shared with previously identified QTLs for locally adaptive fitness traits in North American white clover. Our findings suggest that local adaptation in white clover is likely determined primarily by genes controlling the timing of growth and flowering in response to local seasonal cues. More generally, this work suggests that caution is warranted when considering the importance of conspicuous phenotypic clines as primary determinants of local adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the toughest assignments for medical professionals is discovering heart illness indicators as quickly as attainable. Coronary artery disease is an urgent issue and should be treated promptly. The diagnosis of heart illness is complicated by a number of factors affecting health, including high pressure, situated cholesterol levels, inconsistent heartbeat, and several more. Therefore, AI can be helpful in recognising and dealing with ailments at an early stage. This research suggests an ensemble-based method to estimate an individual's risk of heart disease using Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) models. In order to forecast cardiovascular disease, we use six classification methods. A large collection of cardiovascular disease cases that is made open to the world is used to train models. To identify key characteristics related to cardiac illness, we employ Random Forest (RF). The research's results show that the ML ensemble model obtains the highest accuracy of 92.75% in predicting diseases. When compared to conventional machine learning methods like K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Random Forest (RF), and Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLP), the suggested methodology's uniqueness is evaluated by showing a 5.52% increase in efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noise from firearms is well known to be harmful to human hearing. This problem has been addressed by various military units through the use of muzzle suppressors. However, as suppressor technology has advanced, shooters report hearing the mechanical action of gas-operated semi-automatic rifles (ArmaLite Rifle Model 15 style aka AR-15) as being louder than the suppressed muzzle noise. This study aims to evaluate if harmful noise is present in the shooter's ear, even when impulse noise emanating from the muzzle is suppressed. To characterize the impulse noise of the firearm action caused by the reciprocation of the bolt carrier group (BCG) and subsequent impact when it returns to battery (the forward locked position), the muzzle of a rifle was placed through a constructed plywood wall, and the noise of the action/breech was measured independently from the muzzle noise. This research finds that the impact of the BCG returning to battery (132 dBZ) has the potential to be harmful to the shooter's hearing even when the noise from the muzzle is effectively suppressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : The open abdomen (OA), an intentional lack of fascial closure following abdominal cavity opening, is utilized for various indications among surgical-trauma patients. Among intravenous fluid options, administration of albumin as a continuous infusion may improve outcomes in OA. The purpose of this study is to compare the time to abdomen closure among patients with OA according to type of fluid administration. Methods : We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults with OA from 2012 through 2018 and stratified by intravenous fluid administration into one of three groups: continuous albumin infusion, intermittent bolus albumin, or crystalloid. The primary outcome was median time to abdomen closure. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic parameters, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Time to final abdomen closure was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression. Results : Eighty-four patients were included with 28 in each cohort. Compared to crystalloids (44.2 [interquartile range, IQR, 36.3-62.9] hours), median time to abdomen closure was significantly longer in bolus albumin (79.0 [IQR, 44.5-130.8] hours; P =.002) and continuous albumin groups (63.6 [IQR, 42.9-139.6] hours; P =.001) in Cox regression analysis. The incidence of hospital mortality was highest in the bolus albumin cohort (continuous albumin: 21.4% vs bolus albumin: 50.0% vs crystalloid: 25.0%; P =.044). All other secondary outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusions : Among patients with OA, administration of intravenous crystalloid was associated with the shortest time to abdomen closure compared to bolus or continuous albumin. Further evaluation of continuous albumin infusion in patients with OA is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of a brown dwarf orbiting a M1 host star. We first identified the brown dwarf within the Next Generation Transit Survey data, with supporting observations found in TESS sectors 11 and 38. We confirmed the discovery with follow-up photometry from the South African Astronomical Observatory, SPECULOOS-S, and TRAPPIST-S, and radial velocity measurements from HARPS, which allowed us to characterize the system. We find an orbital period of ∼1.25 d, a mass of |$69.0^{+5.3}_{-4.8}$|   M J, close to the hydrogen burning limit, and a radius of 0.95 ± 0.05  R J. We determine the age to be >0.5 Gyr, using model isochrones, which is found to be in agreement with spectral energy distribution fitting within errors. NGTS-28Ab is one of the shortest period systems found within the brown dwarf desert, as well as one of the highest mass brown dwarfs that transits an M dwarf. This makes NGTS-28Ab another important discovery within this scarcely populated region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to integrate research on customer success (CS) management with the service ecosystems perspective of selling to enhance the understanding of the CS management function and the outcomes selling firms should expect based on implementation of CS management. Design/methodology/approach: The authors apply the service ecosystems perspective of selling to describe how CS management is manifested in practice by offering relevant insights and practical industry examples. Findings: Study findings identify relevant ecosystem actors, acting on behalf of the customer, required for the delivery of desirable customer outcomes. Study findings also link the orchestration efforts of CS managers to theory-based tenets for explanation of how CS management facilitates the attainment of competitive advantages via the thickening and thinning of ecosystem crossing points. Research limitations/implications: Given that the research is conceptual, additional research that empirically examines this framework and the insights presented would lend further credence to the recommendations the authors suggest. Practical implications: From a practical perspective, the authors present a "Customer Relationship and Solution Innovation Matrix" which integrates necessary value-creating activities that CS managers perform and the coordination with internal actors that CS managers rely on to create value. Originality/value: Although the practice of CS management is becoming increasingly common, theoretical approaches capable of explaining the function have been lacking. Similarly, while the service ecosystems perspective redefines selling to encompass a broader set of actors than traditionally examined, practical examinations of the theory are limited. The authors address these issues, integrating both research streams for an enhanced understanding of the CS management function through the service ecosystems perspective theoretical lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When second language learners are faced with acquiring a grammar that is a subset of their native language grammar, direct positive evidence is unavailable. We question whether learners can instead use indirect positive evidence: evidence drawn from errors in the learner's L1 made by native speakers of the learner's L2. We examine if naïve English-speaking learners of Mandarin can determine from plural omission errors in Mandarin speakers' English productions that Mandarin marks plural in a subset of conditions under which English does. Participants were exposed to indirect positive evidence via an English-medium dialogue where a native Mandarin-speaking interlocutor produced all contextually plural nouns as singulars. Subsequently, participants learnt 12 Mandarin-like nouns in singular contexts, after which their word learning was tested using both singular and plural pictures as prompts. Forty percent of participants correctly deduced that strings to which they had assigned singular interpretations were also appropriate in plural contexts. Follow-up questions revealed that they noticed the errors in the dialogue and used these to inform their understanding of plural marking in Mandarin. This result suggests that indirect positive evidence may be an effective tool for real language learners to acquire a grammar that is a subset of their native grammar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) is an emerging treatment for patients with primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, its impact on renal function is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate incidence and clinical factors predictive of severe to end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) after SABR for RCC. Methods and materials: This was a Single institutional retrospective analysis of patients with diagnosed primary RCC receiving SABR between 2012–2020. Adult patients with no metastatic disease, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, and at least one post-SABR eGFR at six months or later were included in this analysis. Patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma were excluded. Primary outcome was freedom from severe to end-stage CKD, determined using the Kaplan–Meier estimator. The impact of baseline CKD, age, hypertension, diabetes, tumor size and fractionation schedule were assessed by Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Seventy-eight consecutive patients were included, with median age of 77.8 years (IQR 70–83), tumor size of 4.5 cm (IQR 3.9–5.8) and follow-up of 42.2 months (IQR 23–60). Baseline median eGFR was 58 mls/min; 55% (n = 43) of patients had baseline CKD stage 3 and the remainder stage 1–2. By last follow-up, 1/35 (2.8%) of baseline CKD 1–2, 7/27 (25.9%) CKD 3a and 11/16 (68.8%) CKD 3b had developed CKD stage 4–5. The estimated probability of freedom from CKD stage 4–5 at 1 and 5 years was 89.6% (CI 83.0–97.6) and 65% (CI 51.4–81.7) respectively. On univariable analysis, worse baseline CKD (p < 0.0001) and multi-fraction SABR (p = 0.005) were predictive for development of stage 4–5 CKD though only the former remained significant in multivariable model. Conclusion: In this elderly cohort with pre-existing renal dysfunction, SABR achieved satisfactory nephron sparing with acceptable rates of severe to end-stage CKD. It can be an attractive option in patients who are medically inoperable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six existing equations (three for nonlactating and three for lactating; NRC, 1987, Predicting feed intake of food-producing animals. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, National Academy of Science; doi: 10.17226/950; NRC, 1996, Nutrient requirements of beef cattle, 7th Revised Edition: Update 1996. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; doi: 10.17226/9791; Hibberd and Thrift, 1992. Supplementation of forage-based diets. J. Anim. Sci. 70:181. [Abstr]) were evaluated for predicting feed intake in beef cows. Each of the previously published equations are sensitive to cow-shrunk BW and feed energy concentration. Adjustments in feed intake prediction are provided for level of milk yield in NRC (1987. Predicting feed intake of food-producing animals. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, National Academy of Science; doi: 10.17226/950) and NRC (1996 Nutrient requirements of beef cattle, 7th Revised Edition: Update 1996. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; doi: 10.17226/9791) equations. The equation published in 1996 used data generated between 1979 and 1993. Our objectives were to validate the accuracy of the published equations using more recent data and to propose alternative prediction models. Criteria for inclusion in the evaluation dataset included projects conducted or published since 2002, direct measurement of feed intake, adequate protein supply, and pen feeding (no metabolism crate data). After removing outliers, the dataset included 53 treatment means for nonlactating cows and 32 treatment means for lactating cows. Means for the nonlactating dataset were dry matter intake (DMI) = 13.2 ± 2.9 kg/d, shrunk body weight (SBW) = 578 ± 83.9 kg, body condition score = 5.7 ± 0.73, and Mcal net energy for maintenance (NEm)/kg of feed = 1.27 ± 0.15 Mcal/kg. Means for the lactating dataset were DMI = 14.6 ± 2.24 kg/d, SBW = 503 ± 73.4 kg, body condition score = 4.7 ± 0.58, and Mcal NEm/kg feed = 1.22 ± 0.16. Simple linear regression was used to determine slope, intercept, and bias when observed DMI (y) was regressed against predicted DMI (x). The NRC (1996. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle, 7th Revised Edition: Update 1996. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; doi: 10.17226/9791) nonlactating equation underestimated feed intake in diets moderate to high in energy density with intercept differing from 0 and slope differing from one (P  ≤ 0.01). Average deviation from observed values was 2.4 kg/d. Similarly, when the NRC (1996. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle, 7th Revised Edition: Update 1996. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; doi: 10.17226/9791) equation was used to predict DMI in lactating cows, the slope differed from one (P  < 0.01) with average deviation from observed values of 3.0 kg/d. New models were developed by pooling the two datasets and including a categorical variable for stage of production (0 = nonlactating and 1 = lactating). Continuous variables included study-average SBW0.75 and diet NEm, Mcal/kg. The best-fit empirical model accounted for 68% of the variation in daily feed intake with standard error of the estimate Sy root mean squared error = 1.31. The proposed equation needs to be validated with independent data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of the unofficial runner-up in the 1961–62 design competition for Boston City Hall—the scheme by the Philadelphia-based team of Mitchell/Giurgola Architects (MGA) in association with David A. Crane and Thomas R. Vreeland Jr.—reveals not the creation of an isolated monument but a humanist restructuring of a city's urban spaces at the heart of a modernist-inspired post-war government centre. Unusually for the time, this scheme was developed through deep dialogue with an existing urban morphology, historic buildings, and the literal "ground" of the city. This paper highlights the scheme as the first in a series of significant urban design projects undertaken by MGA in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. These projects sought to directly engage with the structure, spaces, and artefacts of the historic American city. Further, MGA's City Hall also crystallised compositional themes that would be pursued and developed by the practice in subsequent decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Student success has multiple meanings; however, the quantitative bias prevalent in the northwest American and Western Canadian postsecondary education sector restricts how student success is defined and measured. Standardised measures of student success assume that the student experience is homogeneous and risk the implementation of policies and programmes based on insufficient information. Findings from several small student focus groups suggest that unless new evaluation approaches are adopted, it is unlikely postsecondary institutions will generate the knowledge and wisdom needed to serve the goals of a diverse array of students. This article presents findings from three small student focus groups (n = 14), in an attempt to understand how students themselves define student success and how it should be measured. The results contributed to the development of five principles for culturally responsive postsecondary performance measurement that include participatory, emergent and appreciative processes and qualitative evaluation methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a rigorous reverberation-mapping analysis of the broad-line region (BLR) in a highly accreting (L / L Edd = 0.74–3.4) active galactic nucleus, Markarian 142 (Mrk 142), for the first time using concurrent observations of the inner accretion disk and the BLR to determine a time lag for the H β λ 4861 emission relative to the ultraviolet (UV) continuum variations. We used continuum data taken with the Niel Gehrels Swift Observatory in the UVW 2 band, and the Las Cumbres Observatory, Dan Zowada Memorial Observatory, and Liverpool Telescope in the g band, as part of the broader Mrk 142 multiwavelength monitoring campaign in 2019. We obtained new spectroscopic observations covering the H β broad emission line in the optical from the Gemini North Telescope and the Lijiang 2.4 m Telescope for a total of 102 epochs (over a period of 8 months) contemporaneous to the continuum data. Our primary result states a UV-to-H β time lag of 8.68 − 0.72 + 0.75 days in Mrk 142 obtained from light-curve analysis with a Python-based running optimal average algorithm. We placed our new measurements for Mrk 142 on the optical and UV radius–luminosity relations for NGC 5548 to understand the nature of the continuum driver. The positions of Mrk 142 on the scaling relations suggest that UV is closer to the "true" driving continuum than the optical. Furthermore, we obtain log (M • / M ⊙) = 6.32 ± 0.29 assuming UV as the primary driving continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous examinations of fully convective M-dwarf stars have highlighted enhanced rates of nanoflare activity on these distant stellar sources. However, the specific role the convective boundary, which is believed to be present for spectral types earlier than M2.5V, plays on the observed nanoflare rates is not yet known. Here, we utilize a combination of statistical and Fourier techniques to examine M-dwarf stellar lightcurves that lie on either side of the convective boundary. We find that fully convective M2.5V (and later subtypes) stars have greatly enhanced nanoflare rates compared with their pre-dynamo mode-transition counterparts. Specifically, we derive a flaring power-law index in the region of 3.00 ± 0.20, alongside a decay timescale of 200 ± 100 s for M2.5V and M3V stars, matching those seen in prior observations of similar stellar subtypes. Interestingly, M4V stars exhibit longer decay timescales of 450 ± 50 s, along with an increased power-law index of 3.10 ± 0.18, suggesting an interplay between the rate of nanoflare occurrence and the intrinsic plasma parameters, e.g., the underlying Lundquist number. In contrast, partially convective (i.e., earlier subtypes from M0V to M2V) M-dwarf stars exhibit very weak nanoflare activity, which is not easily identifiable using statistical or Fourier techniques. This suggests that fully convective stellar atmospheres favor small-scale magnetic reconnection, leading to implications for the flare-energy budgets of these stars. Understanding why small-scale reconnection is enhanced in fully convective atmospheres may help solve questions relating to the dynamo behavior of these stellar sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of indocyanine green (ICG) in genitourinary cancer surgery. ICG is a dye that can be injected and visualized under near-infrared light, allowing for intraoperative visualization of anatomy, blood supply, and lymphatic drainage. The article highlights the diverse applications of ICG in different procedures, such as partial nephrectomy, penile cancer staging, major intra-abdominal oncological surgery, ureteric reimplantation, and ileal conduit formation. It also mentions the potential use of artificial intelligence (AI) to supplement ICG in assessing tissue-specific patterns. Overall, the article emphasizes the role of ICG in improving surgical outcomes and suggests its consideration in complex surgical planning. [Extracted from the article]

This note argues that the Lucretian hexameter-final monosyllable Arcadius sus (5.25) stands at the beginning of a Roman hexameter tradition of satiric final-monosyllable animals, echoed by Vergil's exiguus mus at Georgics 1.181 and Horace's ridiculus mus at Ars poetica 139. Lucretius' sus , in context, deflates and deglamorizes the boarish Labor of Hercules; Vergil's mus makes the satiric subtext explicit, and playfully suggests that pest control is a Herculean task; Horace's mus folds the satiric epic pattern in on itself, by using it to satirize epic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Judges and jurists frequently read police-recorded video as arhetorical. It is not. Footage recorded from the perspective of an officer favors police. Drawing on both Burke's theory of identification and film studies, I consider how footage filmed from an officer's perspective functions as a nonverbal constitutive rhetoric. In an analysis of Harris v. Scott (2007), I demonstrate how police-recorded video encourages viewers to dissolve the space between themselves and the police, inviting audiences to characterize both police and themselves as passive, impartial, and objective viewers of an recorded event. When successful as constitutive rhetoric, footage from police-recorded video makes jurors and judges more suspectable to arguments that characterize police as passive observers in an event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a study of rotation across 30 square degrees of the Orion Star-forming Complex, following a ∼200 d photometric monitoring campaign by the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS). From 5749 light curves of Orion members, we report periodic signatures for 2268 objects and analyse rotation period distributions as a function of colour for 1789 stars with spectral types F0–M5. We select candidate members of Orion using Gaia data and assign our targets to kinematic sub-groups. We correct for interstellar extinction on a star-by-star basis and determine stellar and cluster ages using magnetic and non-magnetic stellar evolutionary models. Rotation periods generally lie in the range 1–10 d, with only 1.5 per cent of classical T Tauri stars or Class I/II young stellar objects rotating with periods shorter than 1.8 d, compared with 14 per cent of weak-line T Tauri stars or Class III objects. In period–colour space, the rotation period distribution moves towards shorter periods among low-mass (>M2) stars of age 3–6 Myr, compared with those at 1–3 Myr, with no periods longer than 10 d for stars later than M3.5. This could reflect a mass-dependence for the dispersal of circumstellar discs. Finally, we suggest that the turnover (from increasing to decreasing periods) in the period–colour distributions may occur at lower mass for the older-aged population: ∼K5 spectral type at 1–3 Myr shifting to ∼M1 at 3–6 Myr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic mulch is used for agricultural production to improve crop performance and mediate local environmental concerns. Paper mulch is an alternative to plastic mulch, it is effective and more biodegradable. The performance of plastic and paper mulch materials in agricultural production varies according to climatic environments, production practices, and crops. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of paper mulch compared with plastic mulch and bare soil for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) field production in 2018 and 2021. Data on weed control, soil temperature, and tomato yield were recorded. Weed coverage and weeding time were reduced in paper and plastic mulch treatments compared to bare soil. Soil temperature in 2021 was lower in paper and plastic mulch treatments than in bare soil. Tomato yield was greater in plastic mulch than paper mulch and bare soil. Tomato yield for paper mulch treatments was not different from that of bare soil treatments. Paper mulch offered comparable weed control benefits as plastic mulch, and comparable tomato yield as bare soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper traces the influence that pioneering Australian architectural historian David Saunders (1928–1986) exerted over the development of the University of Melbourne’s Cross Street Co-operative Housing Development in Carlton designed by Earle, Shaw & Partners (1970–1971). Cross Street is one of a number of public–private medium-density housing developments that were constructed on large sites resumed by the Housing Commission of Victoria after World War II. While the Housing Commission was demolishing large areas of inner Melbourne for tabula rasa high-rise modernist development, Saunders argued for the retention, adaptation, and acculturation of urban form, exemplified in the house he and architect wife Doreen designed for themselves in Parkville (1962). Saunders took an active role in commissioning Cross Street and his influence meant that it became the first large-scale urban project in Australia that consciously articulated an understanding of its historic environment. The project demonstrates many of his key urban ideas such as the importance of the nineteenth-century terrace form and shared pedestrianised spaces. This paper argues that the project presaged the so-called rediscovery of the city in Australia, emerged amidst the rise of local architectural history as a discipline, heritage activism, and an institution positioning itself for expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Winterkill is a major concern for turf‐type bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. and C. dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt‐Davy] when cultivated in the US transition zone and frequently occurring drought conditions challenge bermudagrass management. Therefore, developing new bermudagrasses with both drought resistance and winter survivability are needed for the future sustainability of the turfgrass industry in the transition zone. How these two traits interact within bermudagrass populations is not widely reported. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to estimate reliability for spring green‐up (SG) (as an indicator of winter survivability) and drought response in turf‐type bermudagrasses. A total of 77 experimental genotypes and 7 cultivars were planted in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications over 2 years in Goodwell, OK, USA. Substantial genetic variations were found for drought response and SG parameters when analyzed by year, but variations for SG parameters and leaf firing were not significant when analyzed across years. The reliability estimates for drought response ranged from low to moderate (i2 = 0.24–0.61), whereas the subsequent estimates for SG were low (i2 = 0.13–0.33), suggesting poor reliability. The low‐to‐moderate reliability values in SG were likely due to antecedent drought injuries, indicating that winter survivability and drought resistance may need to be evaluated in separate trials. Core Ideas: The reliability was low to moderate for drought response and low for spring green‐up when tested in the same trial.Drought stress injuries affected spring green‐up in the next year.To accurately evaluate winter hardiness, water deficit stress in the prior growing season should be prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dipper is a novel class of young stellar object associated with large drops in flux on the order of 10–50 per cent lasting for hours to days. Too significant to arise from intrinsic stellar variability, these flux drops are currently attributed to disc warps, accretion streams, and/or transiting circumstellar dust. Dippers have been previously studied in young star-forming regions, including the Orion Complex. Using Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) data, we identified variable stars from their light curves. We then applied a machine learning random forest classifier for the identification of new dipper stars in Orion using previous variable classifications as a training set. We discover 120 new dippers, of which 83 are known members of the Complex. We also investigated the occurrence rate of discs in our targets, again using a machine learning approach. We find that all dippers have discs, and most of these are full discs. We use dipper periodicity and model-derived stellar masses to identify the orbital distance to the inner disc edge for dipper objects, confirming that dipper stars exhibit strongly extended sublimation radii, adding weight to arguments that the inner disc edge is further out than predicted by simple models. Finally, we determine a dipper fraction (the fraction of stars with discs which are dippers) for known members of 27.8 ± 2.9 per cent. Our findings represent the largest population of dippers identified in a single cluster to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first results from a 100-day Swift, NICER, and ground-based X-ray–UV–optical reverberation mapping campaign of the Narrow-line Seyfert 1 Mrk 335, when it was in an unprecedented low X-ray flux state. Despite dramatic suppression of the X-ray variability, we still observe UV–optical lags as expected from disk reverberation. Moreover, the UV–optical lags are consistent with archival observations when the X-ray luminosity was >10 times higher. Interestingly, both low- and high-flux states reveal UV–optical lags that are 6–11 times longer than expected from a thin disk. These long lags are often interpreted as due to contamination from the broad line region; however the u- band excess lag (containing the Balmer jump from the diffuse continuum) is less prevalent than in other active galactic nuclei. The Swift campaign showed a low X-ray-to-optical correlation (similar to previous campaigns), but NICER and ground-based monitoring continued for another 2 weeks, during which the optical rose to the highest level of the campaign, followed ∼10 days later by a sharp rise in X-rays. While the low X-ray countrate and relatively large systematic uncertainties in the NICER background make this measurement challenging, if the optical does lead X-rays in this flare, this indicates a departure from the zeroth-order reprocessing picture. If the optical flare is due to an increase in mass accretion rate, this occurs on much shorter than the viscous timescale. Alternatively, the optical could be responding to an intrinsic rise in X-rays that is initially hidden from our line of sight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eudora Welty's The Golden Apples exemplifies the upended pastoral through subversive symbolism of natural elements and uses dynamic natural settings to reveal individual characters' resistance to oppressive community ideologies and awareness of the often-inescapable nature of those ideologies. Two natural elements that figure strongly in The Golden Apples are bodies of water and trees. Through the short story cycle, Welty manipulates the traditional trope of water as purifying and epiphanic. Instead, bodies of water frequently highlight class divisions and represent the impossibility of being part of the community once ejected from it. Often sites of death, near death, and faked death, Welty's bodies of water are deceptively placid but are portals to dissolved relationships. Additionally, The Golden Apples ' woods and trees are settings for Morgana's boys and men to behave in aggressively masculine ways. These locations portray masculine performance as comical and expose male characters' insecurities about their reputations. For Morgana's women, trees are associated with sorrow, anger, resignation, unachieved dreams, and barriers that exist between the individual and the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feature-based approaches to acquisition principally focus on second language (L2) learners' ability to perceive non-native consonants when the features required are either contrastively present or entirely absent from the first language (L1) grammar. As features may function contrastively or allophonically in the consonant and/or vowel systems of a language, we expand the scope of this research to address whether features that function contrastively in the L1 vowel system can be recombined to yield new vowels in the L2; whether features that play a contrastive role in the L1 consonant system can be reassigned to build new vowels in the L2; and whether L1 allophonic features can be 'elevated' to contrastive status in the L2. We examine perception of the oral–nasal contrast in Brazilian Portuguese listeners from French, English, Caribbean Spanish, and non-Caribbean Spanish backgrounds, languages that differ in the status assigned to [nasal] in their vowel systems. An AXB discrimination task revealed that, although all language groups succeeded in perceiving the non-naïve contrast /e/–/ẽ/ due to their previous exposure to Québec French while living in Montréal, Canada, only French and Caribbean Spanish speakers succeeded in discriminating the naïve contrast /i/–/ĩ/. These findings suggest that feature redeployment at first exposure is only possible if the feature is contrastive in the L1 vowel system (French) or if the feature is allophonic but variably occurs in contrastive contexts in the L1 vowel system (Caribbean Spanish). With more exposure to a non-native contrast, however, feature redeployment from consonant to vowel systems was also supported, as was the possibility that allophonic features may be elevated to contrastive status in the L2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present fast (∼200 s sampling) |$\it ugriz$| photometry of the low -mass AGN NGC 4395 with the Liverpool Telescope, followed by very fast (3 s sampling) us , gs , rs , is , and zs simultaneous monitoring with HiPERCAM on the 10.4m GTC. These observations provide the fastest ever AGN multiband photometry and very precise lag measurements. Unlike in all other AGN, gs  lags us  by a large amount, consistent with disc reprocessing but not with reprocessing in the broad-line region (BLR). There is very little increase in lag with wavelength at long wavelengths, indicating an outer edge (Rout) to the reprocessor. We have compared truncated disc reprocessing models to the combined HiPERCAM and previous X-ray/UV lags. For the normally accepted mass of 3.6 × 105 M ⊙, we obtain reasonable agreement with zero spin, Rout ∼ 1700 Rg  and the done physically motivated temperature-dependent disc colour-correction factor (f |$\rm _{col}$|⁠). A smaller mass of 4 × 104 M ⊙ can only be accommodated if f |$\rm _{col}=2.4$|⁠ , which is probably unrealistically high. Disc self gravity is probably unimportant in this low-mass AGN but an obscuring wind may provide an edge. For the small mass, the dust sublimation radius is similar to Rout so the wind could be dusty. However, for the more likely large mass, the sublimation radius is further out so the optically thick base of a line-driven gaseous wind is more likely. The inner edge of the BLR is close to Rout in both cases. These observations provide the first good evidence for a truncated AGN disc and caution that truncation should be included in reverberation lag modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the discovery of three new hot Jupiters with the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) as well as updated parameters for HATS-54b, which was independently discovered by NGTS. NGTS-23b, NGTS-24b, and NGTS-25b have orbital periods of 4.076, 3.468, and 2.823 d and orbit G-, F-, and K-type stars, respectively. NGTS-24 and HATS-54 appear close to transitioning off the main-sequence (if they are not already doing so), and therefore are interesting targets given the observed lack of hot Jupiters around sub-giant stars. By considering the host star luminosities and the planets' small orbital separations (0.037–0.050 au), we find that all four hot Jupiters are above the minimum irradiance threshold for inflation mechanisms to be effective. NGTS-23b has a mass of 0.61 M J and radius of 1.27  R J and is likely inflated. With a radius of 1.21  R J and mass of 0.52 M J, NGTS-24b has a radius larger than expected from non-inflated models but its radius is smaller than the predicted radius from current Bayesian inflationary models. Finally, NGTS-25b is intermediate between the inflated and non-inflated cases, having a mass of 0.64 M J and a radius of 1.02  R J. The physical processes driving radius inflation remain poorly understood, and by building the sample of hot Jupiters we can aim to identify the additional controlling parameters, such as metallicity and stellar age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdTe is a high‐efficiency thin‐film photovoltaic technology that has seen tremendous commercial success over the past decade. Yet despite the improvement of other device characteristics, the fabrication of an ohmic hole back contact layer has remained a challenge due to the high ionization potential of CdTe, which limits the external potential that can be feasibly reached even as other characteristics of the device improve. MXenes, a family of 2D materials with rapidly growing scientific and commercial interest, offer a promising route to forming low‐cost, low‐barrier contacts due to their demonstrated high work function, metallic conductivity, and facile solution processing from benign solvents. Here, it is shown that Ti3C2Tx MXene films processed from an aqueous colloidal dispersion can perform as a highly efficient hole contact material for CdTe solar cells, resulting in high power‐conversion efficiencies. The role of the Schottky barrier formation in Ti3C2Tx‐contacted CdTe devices is probed, and potential pathways for the future development of this potent combination of materials are elucidated. The modularity of the expansive MXene family of materials presents a promising strategy for developing next‐generation hole contacts for CdTe solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant challenge for dual-beam, codesigned systems, such as for simultaneous radar and communications transmission, has been identified as the spurious beams produced by spatial intermodulation from nonlinearities in the transmitter power amplifier. We demonstrate that tuning the load impedance of the power amplifiers can reverse the elementwise power amplifier nonlinear distortion, reducing the magnitude of the unwanted beam transmissions and restoring the integrity of the dual-beam antenna pattern for application to an active electronically scanned array. A comparison to a recently documented predistortion approach for correcting spurious transmissions is provided, and it is shown that impedance tuning can address both element output power and linearity, whereas predistortion addresses only the linearity issue and causes the amplifier gain in many of the array elements to suffer. For multiple dual-beam angle scenarios, simulation results show that impedance tuning is effective at maximizing beam power in both beam directions, maximizing current gain in the element power amplifiers, and minimizing the size of the unwanted spurious beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of diet energy density on ranking for dry matter intake (DMI), residual feed intake (RFI), and greenhouse gas emissions. Forty-two mature, gestating Angus cows (600 ± 69 kg body weight [ BW ]; body condition score [ BCS ] 5.3 ± 1.1) with a wide range in DMI expected progeny difference (−1.38 to 2.91) were randomly assigned to two diet sequences; forage then concentrate (FC) or concentrate then forage (CF). The forage diet consisted of long-stem native grass hay plus protein supplement (HAY; 1.96 Mcal ME/kg DM). The concentrate diet consisted of 35% chopped grass hay and 65% concentrate feeds on a dry matter basis (MIX; 2.5 Mcal ME/kg DM). The GreenFeed Emission Monitoring system was used to determine carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), oxygen (O 2 ), and methane (CH 4 ) flux. Cow performance traits, ultrasound back fat and rump fat, feed DMI, and gas flux data were analyzed in a crossover design using a mixed model including diet, period, and sequence as fixed effects and pen and cow within sequence as random effects. For all measured traits excluding DMI, there was a diet × sequence interaction (P < 0.05). The correlation between MIX and HAY DMI was 0.41 (P = 0.067) and 0.47 (P = 0.03) for FC and CF sequences, respectively. There was no relationship (P > 0.66) between HAY and MIX average daily gain (ADG), regardless of sequence. Fifty-seven percent of the variation in DMI was explained by metabolic BW, ADG, and BCS for both diets during the first period. During the second period, the same three explanatory variables accounted for 38% and 37% of the variation in DMI for MIX and HAY diets, respectively. The negative relationship between BCS and DMI was more pronounced when cows consumed the MIX diet. There was no relationship between MIX and HAY RFI, regardless of sequence (P > 0.18). During the first period, correlations for CO2, CH4, and O2 with MIX DMI were 0.69, 0.81, and 0.56 (P ≤ 0.015), respectively, and 0.76, 0.74, and 0.64 (P < 0.01) with HAY DMI. During the second period, correlations for CO2, CH4, and O2 with MIX DMI were 0.62, 0.47, and 0.56 (P ≤ 0.11), respectively. However, HAY DMI during the second period was not related to gas flux (P > 0.47). Results from this experiment indicate that feed intake of two energy-diverse diets is moderately correlated while ADG while consuming the two diets is not related. Further experimentation is necessary to determine if gas flux data can be used to predict feed intake in beef cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (pcRPLND) for residual nodal masses is a critical component of care in metastatic testicular germ cell tumour (GCT). However, the procedure is not of therapeutic value in up to 50% of individuals in whom histopathology demonstrates post-treatment necrosis or fibrosis alone. Improved diagnostic tools and clinicopathologic features are needed to separate individuals who benefit from pcRPLND and avoid surgery in those who do not. Methods: A prospectively registered meta-analysis of studies reporting clinicopathologic features associated with teratoma, GCT and/or necrosis/fibrosis at pcRPLND for metastatic non-seminoma GCT (NSGCT) was undertaken. We examined the effect of various clinicopathologic factors on the finding of necrosis/fibrosis at pcRPLND. The log odds ratios (ORs) of each association were pooled using random-effects models. Results: Using the initial search strategy, 4,178 potentially eligible abstracts were identified. We included studies providing OR relating to clinicopathologic factors predicting pcRPLND histopathology, or where individual patient-level data were available to permit the calculation of OR. A total of 31 studies evaluating pcRPLND histopathology in 3,390 patients were eligible for inclusion, including two identified through hand-searching the reference lists of eligible studies. The following were associated with the presence of necrosis/fibrosis at pcRPLND: absence of teratomatous elements in orchidectomy (OR 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.94-4.17); presence of seminomatous elements at orchidectomy (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.37-5.37); normal pre-chemotherapy serum bHCG (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.62-2.36); normal AFP (OR 3.22, 95% CI 2.49-4.15); elevated LDH (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.37-2.17); >50% change in mass during chemotherapy (OR 4.84, 95% CI 3.94-5.94); and smaller residual mass size (<2 cm versus >2 cm: OR 3.93, 95% CI 3.23-4.77; <5 cm versus >5 cm: OR 4.13, 95% CI 3.26-5.23). Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, clinicopathologic features helped predict the presence of pcRPLND necrosis/fibrosis. Collaboration between centres that provide individual patient-level data is required to develop and validate clinical models and inform routine care to direct pcRPLND to individuals most likely to derive benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frichot argues for the transformative power of women challenging the status quo and advocating for diverse forms of situated knowledge in architecture, an apt conclusion to this collection of articles commemorating the influence of Edquist's scholarship. By focusing on the interplay between the fields of design, architecture, exhibitions and curatorial practices, the authors in this special issue of I Fabrications i have uncovered new historical connections, shed new light on iconic buildings, and furthered new methodologies and theoretical approaches. [Extracted from the article]