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Insect-transmitted plant pathogens threaten crop production and conservation of natural habitat. Despite decades of research aimed at controlling these pathogens in crops, our understanding of vector behavior and ecology and genetic diversity beyond the borders of agriculture is lacking, limiting the efficacy of disease management efforts. This dissertation explores these three factors with regard to the transmission of viruses and fastidious bacterial pathogens by phloem-feeding insects in the suborder Sternorrhyncha. In chapter 1, I report how treating cultivated melon with a synthetic plant hormone analog affects symptom induction by two phylogenetically distant viruses, and how this alteration in symptoms may influence vector behavior in ways that decrease pathogen spread. This work demonstrates the potential utility of disease management tools that mitigate symptom development and disrupt transmission-enhancing vector behaviors, rather than solely controlling vector populations or breeding host plants for resistance. In Chapter 2, I pivot to investigate the ecology and population genetics of the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) and its vector, the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli), in natural plant communities in southern California. I report that CLso and potato psyllids commonly associate with the native perennial Solanum umbelliferum, but these CLso and potato psyllid populations are both genetically distinct from and more diverse than their counterparts in agricultural fields. This suggests that multiple sympatric, but genetically isolated populations of potato psyllid may exist in California, with members of these psyllid populations, and CLso, only rarely moving between crop and wild habitats. In Chapter 3, I tested this hypothesis by sampling potato psyllids from both native and crop plant hosts throughout the state of California. I used restriction enzyme-associated DNA-sequencing (RADseq) to assess genetic connectivi

The unculturable bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (CLso) is responsible for a growing number of emerging crop diseases. However, we know little about the diversity and ecology of CLso and its psyllid vectors outside of agricultural systems, which limits our ability to manage crop disease and understand the impacts this pathogen may have on wild plants in natural ecosystems. In North America, CLso is transmitted to crops by the native potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli). However, the geographic and host plant range of the potato psyllid and CLso beyond the borders of agriculture are not well understood. A recent study of historic herbarium specimens revealed that a unique haplotype of CLso was present infecting populations of the native perennial Solanum umbelliferum in California decades before CLso was first detected in crops. We hypothesized that this haplotype and other potentially novel CLso variants are still present in S. umbelliferum populations. To test this, we surveyed populations of S. umbelliferum in Southern California for CLso and potato psyllid vectors. We found multiple haplotypes of CLso and the potato psyllid associated with these populations, with none of these genetic variants having been previously reported in California crops. These results suggest that CLso and its psyllid vectors are much more widespread and diverse in North American natural plant communities than suggested by data collected solely from crops and weeds in agricultural fields. Further characterization of these apparently asymptomatic haplotypes will facilitate comparison with disease-causing variants and provide insights into the continued emergence and spread of CLso.

Increased left atrial volume and decreased left atrial function have long been associated with atrial fibrillation. The availability of large-scale cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data paired with genetic data provides a unique opportunity to assess the genetic contributions to left atrial structure and function, and understand their relationship with risk for atrial fibrillation. Here, we use deep learning and surface reconstruction models to measure left atrial minimum volume, maximum volume, stroke volume, and emptying fraction in 40,558 UK Biobank participants. In a genome-wide association study of 35,049 participants without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, we identify 20 common genetic loci associated with left atrial structure and function. We find that polygenic contributions to increased left atrial volume are associated with atrial fibrillation and its downstream consequences, including stroke. Through Mendelian randomization, we find evidence supporting a causal role for left atrial enlargement and dysfunction on atrial fibrillation risk.

Deficits in memory performance have been linked to a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. While many studies have assessed the memory impacts of individual conditions, this study considers a broader perspective by evaluating how memory recall is differentially associated with nine common neuropsychiatric conditions using data drawn from 55 international studies, aggregating 15,883 unique participants aged 15-90. The effects of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinsons disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder on immediate, short-, and long-delay verbal learning and memory (VLM) scores were estimated relative to matched healthy individuals. Random forest models identified age, years of education, and site as important VLM covariates. A Bayesian harmonization approach was used to isolate and remove site effects. Regression estimated the adjusted association of each clinical group with VLM scores. Memory deficits were strongly associated with dementia and schizophrenia (p < 0.001), while neither depression nor ADHD showed consistent associations with VLM scores (p > 0.05). Differences associated with clinical conditions were larger for longer delayed recall duration items. By comparing VLM across clinical conditions, this study provides a foundation for enhanced diagnostic precision and offers new insights into disease management of comorbid disorders.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, the manufacture of prostheses is time-consuming and labor-intensive. One possible route to improving access and quality of these devices is the digitalizing of the fabrication process, which may reduce the burden of manual labor and bring the potential for automation that could help unblock access to assistive technologies globally. OBJECTIVES: To identify where there are gaps in the literature that are creating barriers to decision-making on either appropriate uptake by clinical teams or on the needed next steps in research that mean these technologies can continue on a pathway to maturity. STUDY DESIGN: Scoping literature review. METHODS: A comprehensive search was completed in the following databases: Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health Archive, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Association for Computing Machinery, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and Engineering Village, resulting in 3487 articles to be screened. RESULTS: After screening, 130 lower limb prosthetic articles and 117 upper limb prosthetic articles were included in this review. Multiple limitations in the literature were identified, particularly a lack of long-term, larger-scale studies; research into the training requirements for these technologies and the necessary rectification processes; and a high range of variance of production workflows and materials which makes drawing conclusions difficult. CONCLUSIONS: These limitations create a barrier to adequate evidence-based decision-making for clinicians, technology developers, and wider policymakers. Increased collaboration between academia, industry, and clinical teams across more of the pathway to market for new technologies could be a route to addressing these gaps.

Fjords are net carbon sinks with high organic carbon (OC) burial rates; however, the key drivers of OC burial in these systems are not well constrained. To study the role of water column redox condition and OC composition on OC preservation in fjord sediments, we determined OC accumulation rates (OCAR), OC source, and OC degradation in three Swedish fjords with variable redox conditions (long-term oxic, seasonally hypoxic, and long-term anoxic). Average OCARs were variable between and within the fjords studied (2-122 g OC m-2 yr-1), but highest rates were at the mouth for each fjord. Based on a delta 13C mixing model, Swedish fjords bury predominantly marine-derived OC (similar to 83% of the total OC burial) likely because of relatively gentle slopes, low riverine discharge, and high marine inflow. Using a multi-biomarker approach (lignin, photosynthetic pigments, and total hydrolyzable amino acids) we found, terrestrially- and marine-derived OC were moderately degraded under the various redox conditions sampled, suggesting water column redox and OC source are not primary drivers of OC burial in these fjords. Rather, high sediment accumulation rates, common to fjords globally, lead to low oxygen exposure times, thus promoting efficient burial of OC regardless of its chemical composition. Fjords are net carbon sinks due in part to very high organic carbon burial rates. Despite being important in the regulation of earth's climate, the drivers of organic carbon burial in fjords are not well constrained. Here, we characterize the organic carbon buried in Swedish fjord sediments under different oxygen regimes (long-term oxic, seasonally hypoxic, and long-term anoxic) using bulk elemental and biomarker analyses. These fjords effectively bury organic carbon regardless of organic carbon source and water column oxygen conditions, likely because of high sediment accumulation rates. Fjords represent distinctive coastal systems with the capacity to retain reactive organic carbo, Funding Agencies|Jon and Beverly Thompson Endowed Chair in Geological Sciences; Jon and Beverly Thompson Chair in the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Florida; Land Use and Environmental Change Institute; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida [2535-20]; Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (HaV)

Zoos and aquaria in the European Union (EU) can play a crucial role in the conservation of EU species, as they currently hold nearly half (49%) of EU terrestrial vertebrates. In this study, we analyzed the species composition and population sizes of EU zoos and developed a framework to prioritize recommendations for additional ex-situ and in-situ interventions for 277 at-risk EU species. Our results showed that EU zoos currently hold 39% of threatened EU species, 27% of EU endemic species, 62% of EU species vulnerable to climate change, 20% of EU species listed by the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), 25% of Evolutionary Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) EU species, while only 5% are subject to ex-situ conservation. Using our framework, we found that additional captive breeding was recommended for 60-61%% of species while expanding protected areas was recommended for only 2–22%, as 217 out of 277 species already met habitat protection targets. Both interventions were recommended for up to 20% of species, while the remaining 18% required no interventions because captive populations and habitat protection fully met targets. Our flexible framework can support more effective integrated conservation planning decisions for EU species and help identify target species for further in-depth assessment by the IUCN Ex-situ guidelines.

Livelihoods have changed dramatically over the past decade in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). These shifts are happening in tandem with shifts in individual and household food choice behaviors. This scoping review aimed to identify and characterize mechanisms through which livelihood changes could affect food choice behaviors in LMIC, including behaviors relating to food production, acquisition, preparation, distribution, and consumption. A literature search was conducted using 4 databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, AGRICOLA, and Embase. The search was further enhanced by expert solicitations. Studies were included if they measured or focused on a livelihood change, described or assessed a change in ≥1 food choice behavior, and focused on LMIC. Studies were excluded if they focused on migration from LMIC to a high-income country. Of the 433 articles that were identified, 53 met the inclusion criteria. Five mechanisms of how livelihood change can affect food choice were identified: occupation, locality, time, income, and social relations. Changes in occupation altered the balance of the availability and affordability of foods in local food environments compared with individual food production. Changes in location, time use, and income influenced where food was purchased, what types of foods were acquired, and how or where foods were prepared. Additionally, changes in social relationships and norms led to expanded food preferences, particularly among urban populations. Time limitations and higher discretionary income were associated with consumption of ultraprocessed foods. Understanding the relationships between the changes in livelihood occuring in LMIC and food choices of households in these countries can inform the development of policies, programs, and other actions to promote sustainable healthy diets and planetary health.

The Skipper-in-CMOS image sensor integrates the non-destructive readout capability of Skipper Charge Coupled Devices (Skipper-CCDs) with the high conversion gain of a pinned photodiode in a CMOS imaging process, while taking advantage of in-pixel signal processing. This allows both single photon counting as well as high frame rate readout through highly parallel processing. The first results obtained from a 15 x 15 um^2 pixel cell of a Skipper-in-CMOS sensor fabricated in Tower Semiconductor's commercial 180 nm CMOS Image Sensor process are presented. Measurements confirm the expected reduction of the readout noise with the number of samples down to deep sub-electron noise of 0.15rms e-, demonstrating the charge transfer operation from the pinned photodiode and the single photon counting operation when the sensor is exposed to light. The article also discusses new testing strategies employed for its operation and characterization., Comment: 7 pages, 10 figures

Introduction The Delft Self-Grasping Hand (SGH) is an adjustable passive hand prosthesis that relies on wrist flexion to adjust the aperture of its grasp. The mechanism requires engagement of the contralateral hand meaning that hand is not available for other tasks. A commercialised version of this prosthesis, known as the mHand Adapt, includes a new release mechanism, which avoids the need to press a release button, and changes to the hand shape. This study is the first of its kind to compare two passive adjustable hand prostheses on the basis of quantitative scoring and contralateral hand involvement. Methods 10 anatomically intact participants were asked to perform the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP) with the mHand. Functionality and contralateral hand involvement were recorded and compared against SGH data originating from a previous trial involving a nearly identical testing regime. Results mHand exhibited higher functionality scores and less contralateral hand interaction time, especially during release-aiding interactions. Additionally, a wider range of tasks could be completed using the mHand than the SGH. Discussion Geometric changes make the mHand more capable of manipulating smaller objects. The altered locking mechanism means some tasks can be performed without any contralateral hand involvement and a higher number of tasks do not require contralateral involvement when releasing. Some participants struggled with achieving a good initial grip due to the inability to tighten the grasp once already formed. Conclusion The mHand offers the user higher functionality scores with less contralateral hand interaction time and the ability to perform a wider range of tasks. However, there are some design trade-offs which may make it slightly harder to learn to use., Medical Instruments & Bio-Inspired Technology

Ram pressure stripping (RPS) is an important process to affect the evolution of cluster galaxies and their surrounding environment. We present a large MUSE mosaic for ESO 137-001 and its stripped tails, and study the detailed distributions and kinematics of the ionized gas and stars. The warm, ionized gas is detected to at least 87 kpc from the galaxy and splits into three tails. There is a clear velocity gradient roughly perpendicular to the stripping direction, which decreases along the tails and disappears beyond ∼45 kpc downstream. The velocity dispersion of the ionized gas increases to ∼80 km s−1 at ∼20 kpc downstream and stays flat beyond. The stars in the galaxy disc present a regular rotation motion, while the ionized gas is already disturbed by the ram pressure. Based on the observed velocity gradient, we construct the velocity model for the residual galactic rotation in the tails and discuss the origin and implication of its fading with distance. By comparing with theoretical studies, we interpreted the increased velocity dispersion as the result of the oscillations induced by the gas flows in the galaxy wake, which may imply an enhanced degree of turbulence there. We also compare the kinematic properties of the ionized gas and molecular gas from ALMA, which shows they are co-moving and kinematically mixed through the tails. Our study demonstrates the great potential of spatially resolved spectroscopy in probing the detailed kinematic properties of the stripped gas, which can provide important information for future simulations of RPS.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of the U.N. Charter and threatens to upend the rules-based international order established after World War II. With each passing day, there are a growing number of reports of indiscriminate attacks by Russia that likely constitute war crimes. Global outcry over Russia's alleged atrocities has included war crimes accusations at the highest levels, with President Joe Biden calling Russian President Vladimir Putin "a war criminal."To ensure accountability for crimes committed—a­nd to attempt to deter future ones—it is imperative that the international community act swiftly to pursue justice; establish accountability mechanisms where needed for those committing crimes in Ukraine, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression; and enforce penalties. While these steps are unlikely to alter Putin's current course, if Russian soldiers and lower-level leaders see that there is a unified and determined effort to ensure they will be held accountable for atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people, they may change their calculus in carrying out Putin's orders. The international community's message must be clear: Russia's acts of aggression and any human rights violations against the Ukrainian people will not go unpunished.

Dysregulation in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation and degradation may play a role in the pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19; however, its role in the pediatric manifestations of this disease, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and chilblain-like lesions (CLLs), otherwise known as "COVID toes,"remains unclear. Studying multinational cohorts, we found that, in CLLs, NETs were significantly increased in serum and skin. There was geographic variability in the prevalence of increased NETs in MIS-C, in association with disease severity. MIS-C and CLL serum samples displayed decreased NET degradation ability, in association with C1q and G-actin or anti-NET antibodies, respectively, but not with genetic variants of DNases. In adult COVID-19, persistent elevations in NETs after disease diagnosis were detected but did not occur in asymptomatic infection. COVID-19-affected adults displayed significant prevalence of impaired NET degradation, in association with anti-DNase1L3, G-actin, and specific disease manifestations, but not with genetic variants of DNases. NETs were detected in many organs of adult patients who died from COVID-19 complications. Infection with the Omicron variant was associated with decreased NET levels when compared with other SARS-CoV-2 strains. These data support a role for NETs in the pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19 in pediatric and adult patients.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of the U.N. Charter and threatens to upend the rules-based international order established after World War II. With each passing day, there are a growing number of reports of indiscriminate attacks by Russia that likely constitute war crimes. Global outcry over Russia's alleged atrocities has included war crimes accusations at the highest levels, with President Joe Biden calling Russian President Vladimir Putin "a war criminal."To ensure accountability for crimes committed—a­nd to attempt to deter future ones—it is imperative that the international community act swiftly to pursue justice; establish accountability mechanisms where needed for those committing crimes in Ukraine, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression; and enforce penalties. While these steps are unlikely to alter Putin's current course, if Russian soldiers and lower-level leaders see that there is a unified and determined effort to ensure they will be held accountable for atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people, they may change their calculus in carrying out Putin's orders. The international community's message must be clear: Russia's acts of aggression and any human rights violations against the Ukrainian people will not go unpunished.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a clear violation of the U.N. Charter and threatens to upend the rules-based international order established after World War II. With each passing day, there are a growing number of reports of indiscriminate attacks by Russia that likely constitute war crimes. Global outcry over Russia's alleged atrocities has included war crimes accusations at the highest levels, with President Joe Biden calling Russian President Vladimir Putin "a war criminal."To ensure accountability for crimes committed—a­nd to attempt to deter future ones—it is imperative that the international community act swiftly to pursue justice; establish accountability mechanisms where needed for those committing crimes in Ukraine, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression; and enforce penalties. While these steps are unlikely to alter Putin's current course, if Russian soldiers and lower-level leaders see that there is a unified and determined effort to ensure they will be held accountable for atrocities committed against the Ukrainian people, they may change their calculus in carrying out Putin's orders. The international community's message must be clear: Russia's acts of aggression and any human rights violations against the Ukrainian people will not go unpunished.

BACKGROUND: As the largest conduit vessel, the aorta is responsible for the conversion of phasic systolic inflow from ventricular ejection into more continuous peripheral blood delivery. Systolic distention and diastolic recoil conserve energy and are enabled by the specialized composition of the aortic extracellular matrix. Aortic distensibility decreases with age and vascular disease. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we sought to discover epidemiologic correlates and genetic determinants of aortic distensibility and strain. METHODS: We trained a deep learning model to quantify thoracic aortic area throughout the cardiac cycle from cardiac magnetic resonance images and calculated aortic distensibility and strain in 42,342 UK Biobank participants. RESULTS: Descending aortic distensibility was inversely associated with future incidence of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke (HR: 0.59 per SD; P = 0.00031). The heritabilities of aortic distensibility and strain were 22% to 25% and 30% to 33%, respectively. Common variant analyses identified 12 and 26 loci for ascending and 11 and 21 loci for descending aortic distensibility and strain, respectively. Of the newly identified loci, 22 were not significantly associated with thoracic aortic diameter. Nearby genes were involved in elastogenesis and atherosclerosis. Aortic strain and distensibility polygenic scores had modest effect sizes for predicting cardiovascular outcomes (delaying or accelerating disease onset by 2%-18% per SD change in scores) and remained statistically significant predictors after accounting for aortic diameter polygenic scores. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic determinants of aortic function influence risk for stroke and coronary artery disease and may lead to novel targets for medical intervention.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vitreous humor of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This is a prospective case control study. Eighteen patients with primary RRD without proliferative vitreoretinopathy C (PVR C) were enrolled as cases, and twenty-two non-diabetic retinopathy patients who were candidates for complete pars plana vitrectomy due to Macular Hole or Epiretinal Membrane were included as the control group. Undiluted vitreal samples were collected during the initiation of Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) prior to any infusion into the posterior cavity. Vitreous samples were also collected from 21 fresh cadaveric globes. The vitreous concentration of VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and compared between these two groups. The vitreal concentration of VEGF was 0.643 ± 0.088 ng/mL in the RRD group. Measured concentrations of VEGF in controls were 0.043 ± 0.104 ng/mL, and in cadaveric eyes they were 0.033 ± 0.058 ng/mL. The mean VEGF concentration in the RRD group was statistically higher than in the control group (p < 0.0001) and cadaveric eyes (p < 0.0001). Our study shows that vitreal VEGF concentrations significantly increase in patients with RRD.

The expansion of commercial agriculture is one of the primary drivers of livelihood and land-use changes in the world. Globalisation and other factors have intensified this expansion to the point where booms in single cash crops overtake entire regions before going bust, a pattern that is particularly pervasive in resource frontiers. Using case studies across the Mekong Region, a place which serves as a harbinger for crop booms globally, we propose a new analytical framework for understanding and governing crop booms. We combine multiple theoretical approaches to study crop booms and draw on insights from case study work conducted across temporal and spatial scales. The framework consists of three components: 1) the nested nature of crop boom-bust trajectories, 2) the cyclical spatial and temporal patterns of crop booms, and 3) the variegated pathways and impacts of agrarian change. The framework presents new insights into the processes of agricultural intensification in frontier spaces. As such, it facilitates a better understanding of the drivers, characteristics and impacts of crop booms for researchers and decision-makers alike with the intention of supporting efforts to develop more sustainable pathways in the region and beyond.

In this essay a comparative analysis will be conducted on two mass graves from the terminal classics in the Maya lowlands. This will be done by analysing interpretations of the Cancuén site in Guatemala. Cancuén was a major trading port city in the terminal classics’ southern lowlands. It flourished until its decline in the late 700’s CE. Around the year 800 CE a violent event led to the death of close to 50 elite individuals including the king of Cancuén. Two mass graves have been discovered in the hydraulic system of the city. Individuals in both mass graves represent a variety of ages and genders. A comparative analysis of osteological similarities and differences in the two graves will be based on osteological reports. Previously published work regarding interpretations of the mass graves will be used in an analysis of possible motives behind massacre. Trauma evident in the mass graves as well as their surrounding context suggests that a termination ritual took place after the massacre that the victims were subjected to., I denna uppsats utförs en komparativ analys av två massgravar från senklassiska perioden i Mayarikets Cancuén, Guatemala. Cancuén var en hamnstad med stort inflytande i låglandet under den senklassiska epoken. Stadens tillväxt av influens och ekonomi skedde under det sena 700–talet e.vt. En våldsam händelse ca 800 e.vt ledde till döden av 50 individer av Cancuéns elit samt stadens egna kung. Två massgravar har påträffats i stadens hydraulsystem. Båda massgravar visar på en variation demografi för både sex och kön. En komparativ analys av osteologiska likheter och skillnader i massgravarna har baserats på osteologiska rapporter. Tidigare publikationer används i en analys av potentiella motivationer bakom massakern. Skeletal trauma i massgravarna samt dess omkringliggande kontext indikerar att en terminations ritual tagit palts efter massakern.

Aims/hypothesis: The aim of this study was to explore the utility of islet autoantibody (IAb) levels for the prediction of type 1 diabetes in autoantibody-positive children. Methods: Prospective cohort studies in Finland, Germany, Sweden and the USA followed 24,662 children at increased genetic or familial risk of developing islet autoimmunity and diabetes. For the 1403 who developed IAbs (523 of whom developed diabetes), levels of autoantibodies against insulin (IAA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA) and insulinoma-associated antigen-2 (IA-2A) were harmonised for analysis. Diabetes prediction models using multivariate logistic regression with inverse probability censored weighting (IPCW) were trained using 10-fold cross-validation. Discriminative power for disease was estimated using the IPCW concordance index (C index) with 95% CI estimated via bootstrap. Results: A baseline model with covariates for data source, sex, diabetes family history, HLA risk group and age at seroconversion with a 10-year follow-up period yielded a C index of 0.61 (95% CI 0.58, 0.63). The performance improved after adding the IAb positivity status for IAA, GADA and IA-2A at seroconversion: C index 0.72 (95% CI 0.71, 0.74). Using the IAb levels instead of positivity indicators resulted in even better performance: C index 0.76 (95% CI 0.74, 0.77). The predictive power was maintained when using the IAb levels alone: C index 0.76 (95% CI 0.75, 0.76). The prediction was better for shorter follow-up periods, with a C index of 0.82 (95% CI 0.81, 0.83) at 2 years, and remained reasonable for longer follow-up periods, with a C index of 0.76 (95% CI 0.75, 0.76) at 11 years. Inclusion of the results of a third IAb test added to the predictive power, and a suitable interval between seroconversion and the third test was approximately 1.5 years, with a C index of 0.78 (95% CI 0.77, 0.78) at 10 years follow-up. Conclusions/interpretation: Consideration of quantitative patterns of IAb levels i

Minerals are solid state nuclear track detectors - nuclear recoils in a mineral leave latent damage to the crystal structure. Depending on the mineral and its temperature, the damage features are retained in the material from minutes (in low-melting point materials such as salts at a few hundred degrees C) to timescales much larger than the 4.5 Gyr-age of the Solar System (in refractory materials at room temperature). The damage features from the $O(50)$ MeV fission fragments left by spontaneous fission of $^{238}$U and other heavy unstable isotopes have long been used for fission track dating of geological samples. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the readout of defects caused by nuclear recoils with energies as small as $O(1)$ keV. This whitepaper discusses a wide range of possible applications of minerals as detectors for $E_R \gtrsim O(1)$ keV nuclear recoils: Using natural minerals, one could use the damage features accumulated over $O(10)$ Myr$-O(1)$ Gyr to measure astrophysical neutrino fluxes (from the Sun, supernovae, or cosmic rays interacting with the atmosphere) as well as search for Dark Matter. Using signals accumulated over months to few-years timescales in laboratory-manufactured minerals, one could measure reactor neutrinos or use them as Dark Matter detectors, potentially with directional sensitivity. Research groups in Europe, Asia, and America have started developing microscopy techniques to read out the $O(1) - O(100)$ nm damage features in crystals left by $O(0.1) - O(100)$ keV nuclear recoils. We report on the status and plans of these programs. The research program towards the realization of such detectors is highly interdisciplinary, combining geoscience, material science, applied and fundamental physics with techniques from quantum information and Artificial Intelligence., Comment: 115 pages, many pictures of tracks. Please see the source file for higher resolution versions of some plots. v2: matches the published version

The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of higher doses of PU-91, quercetin, or in combination on transmitochondrial cybrid cell lines with various mtDNA haplogroups derived from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma (Glc), keratoconus (KC), and normal (NL) individuals. Cybrids were treated with PU-91 (P) (200 µM) alone, quercetin (Q) (20 µM) alone, or a combination of PU-91 and quercetin (P+Q) for 48 h. Cellular metabolism and the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by MTT and H2DCFDA assays, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of genes associated with mitochondrial biogenesis, antioxidant enzymes, inflammation, apoptosis, and senescence pathways. PU-91(P) (i) improves cellular metabolism in AMD cybrids, (ii) decreases ROS production in AMD cybrids, and (iii) downregulates the expression of LMNB1 in AMD cybrids. Combination treatment of PU-91 plus quercetin (P+Q) (i) improves cellular metabolism in AMD, (ii) induces higher expression levels of TFAM, SOD2, IL6, and BAX in AMD cybrids, and (iii) upregulates CDKN1A genes expression in all disease cybrids. Our study demonstrated that the P+Q combination improves cellular metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in AMD cybrids, but senescence is greatly exacerbated in all cybrids regardless of disease type by the P+Q combined treatment.

BACKGROUND: The novel optic neuritis (ON) diagnostic criteria include intereye differences (IED) of optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters. IED has proven valuable for ON diagnosis in multiple sclerosis but has not been evaluated in aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (AQP4+NMOSD). We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of intereye absolute (IEAD) and percentage difference (IEPD) in AQP4+NMOSD after unilateral ON >6 months before OCT as compared with healthy controls (HC). METHODS: Twenty-eight AQP4+NMOSD after unilateral ON (NMOSD-ON), 62 HC and 45 AQP4+NMOSD without ON history (NMOSD-NON) were recruited by 13 centres as part of the international Collaborative Retrospective Study on retinal OCT in Neuromyelitis Optica study. Mean thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) and macular ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) were quantified by Spectralis spectral domain OCT. Threshold values of the ON diagnostic criteria (pRNFL: IEAD 5 µm, IEPD 5%; GCIPL: IEAD: 4 µm, IEPD: 4%) were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve (AUC) metrics. RESULTS: The discriminative power was high for NMOSD-ON versus HC for IEAD (pRNFL: AUC 0.95, specificity 82%, sensitivity 86%; GCIPL: AUC 0.93, specificity 98%, sensitivity 75%) and IEPD (pRNFL: AUC 0.96, specificity 87%, sensitivity 89%; GCIPL: AUC 0.94, specificity 96%, sensitivity 82%). The discriminative power was high/moderate for NMOSD-ON versus NMOSD-NON for IEAD (pRNFL: AUC 0.92, specificity 77%, sensitivity 86%; GCIP: AUC 0.87, specificity 85%, sensitivity 75%) and for IEPD (pRNFL: AUC 0.94, specificity 82%, sensitivity 89%; GCIP: AUC 0.88, specificity 82%, sensitivity 82%). CONCLUSIONS: Results support the validation of the IED metrics as OCT parameters of the novel diagnostic ON criteria in AQP4+NMOSD.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in military populations can cause disruptions in brain structure and function, along with cognitive and psychological dysfunction. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) can detect alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure, but few studies have examined brain asymmetry. Examining asymmetry in large samples may increase sensitivity to detect heterogeneous areas of WM alteration in mild TBI. Through the Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics Through Meta-Analysis Military-Relevant Brain Injury working group, we conducted a mega-analysis of neuroimaging and clinical data from 16 cohorts of Active Duty Service Members and Veterans (n = 2598). dMRI data were processed together along with harmonized demographic, injury, psychiatric, and cognitive measures. Fractional anisotropy in the cingulum showed greater asymmetry in individuals with deployment-related TBI, driven by greater left lateralization in TBI. Results remained significant after accounting for potentially confounding variables including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and handedness, and were driven primarily by individuals whose worst TBI occurred before age 40. Alterations in the cingulum were also associated with slower processing speed and poorer set shifting. The results indicate an enhancement of the natural left laterality of the cingulum, possibly due to vulnerability of the nondominant hemisphere or compensatory mechanisms in the dominant hemisphere. The cingulum is one of the last WM tracts to mature, reaching peak FA around 42 years old. This effect was primarily detected in individuals whose worst injury occurred before age 40, suggesting that the protracted development of the cingulum may lead to increased vulnerability to insults, such as TBI.

Introduction: Biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO), including untreated amendments are often used to improve soil fertility and are particularly important in organic agriculture. However, application of untreated manure on cropland can potentially introduce foodborne pathogens into the soil and onto produce. Certified organic farms follow the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards that stipulate a 90- or 120-day interval between application of untreated manure and crop harvest, depending on whether the edible portion of the crop directly contacts the soil. This time-interval metric is based on environmental factors and does not consider a multitude of factors that might affect the survival of the main pathogens of concern. The objective of this study was to assess predictors for the prevalence of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (non-O157 STEC) in soils amended with untreated manure on USDA-NOP certified farms. Methods: A longitudinal, multi-regional study was conducted on 19 farms in four USA regions for two growing seasons (2017–2018). Untreated manure (cattle, horse, and poultry), soil, and irrigation water samples were collected and enrichment cultured for non-O157 STEC. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyze the predictors of non-O157 STEC in the soil up to 180 days post-manure application. Results and discussion: Results show that farm management practices (previous use with livestock, presence of animal feces on the field, season of manure application) and soil characteristics (presence of generic E. coli in the soil, soil moisture, sodium) increased the odds of STEC-positive soil samples. Manure application method and snowfall decreased the odds of detecting STEC in the soil. Time-variant predictors (year and sampling day) affected the presence of STEC. This study shows that a single metric, such as the time interval between application of untreated manure and crop harvest, may not be sufficient to reduce th

Mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) is the most unearthed peptide encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). It is an important regulator of the nuclear genome during times of stress because it promotes an adaptive stress response to maintain cellular homeostasis. Identifying MOTS-c specific binding partners may aid in deciphering the complex web of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded signals. Mitochondrial damage and dysfunction have been linked to aging and the accelerated cell death associated with many types of retinal degenerations. Furthermore, research on MOTS-c ability to revive oxidatively stressed RPE cells has revealed a significant protective role for the molecule. Evidence suggests that senescent cells play a role in the development of age-related retinal disorders. This review examines the links between MOTS-c, mitochondria, and age-related diseases of the retina. Moreover, the untapped potential of MOTS-c as a treatment for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration is reviewed.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common diabetic microvascular complication and cause of blindness in adults under the age of 65. Our results suggest that, when comparing transcriptomes of cultures grown in hypoxic conditions versus room-air, cybrids containing mitochondria from African and Asian diabetic subjects ([Afr + Asi]/DM) have some uniquely different transcriptome profiles compared to European/diabetic (Euro/DM) cybrids (e.g., fatty acid metabolism: EnrichR rank 10 in [Afr + Asi]/DM, rank 85 in Euro/DM; Endocytosis: rank 25 in [Afr + Asi]/DM, rank 5 in Euro/DM; Ubiquitin Mediated Proteolysis: rank 34 in [Afr + Asi]/DM, rank 7 in Euro/DM). As determined by both RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results, transcription of the gene encoding oleoyl-ACP hydrolase (OLAH) was significantly increased in [Afr + Asi]/DM cybrids compared to Euro/DM cybrids in hypoxic conditions. Additionally, our results show that in hypoxic conditions, Euro/DM cybrids and [Afr + Asi]/DM cybrids show similar decreases in ROS production. All cybrids showed decreased ZO1-minus protein levels, but their phagocytic functions were not significantly altered in hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the "molecular memory" imparted by [Afr + Asi]/DM mtDNA may act through one of the molecular pathways seen in transcriptome analysis, such as fatty acid metabolism, without significantly changing essential RPE functions.

Humanin is the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptide. Humanin-G (HNG) is a variant of Humanin that has significantly higher cytoprotective properties. Here, we describe the stability features of HNG in different conditions and characterize HNG degradation, oxidation, and dimerization patterns over short-term and long-term periods. HNG solutions were prepared in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) water or MO formulation and stored at either 4 °C or 37 °C. Stored HNG samples were analyzed using HPLC and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Using HPLC, full-length HNG peptides in HPLC water decreased significantly with time and higher temperature, while HNG in MO formulation remained stable up to 95% at 4 °C on day 28. HNG peptides in HPLC water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and MO formulation were incubated at 37 °C and analyzed at day 1, day 7 and day 14 using HRMS. Concentrations of full-length HNG peptide in HPLC water and PBS declined over time with a corresponding appearance of new peaks that increased over time. These new peaks were identified to be singly oxidized HNG, doubly oxidized HNG, homodimerized HNG, singly oxidized homodimerized HNG, and doubly oxidized homodimerized HNG. Our results may help researchers improve the experimental design to further understand the critical role of HNG in human diseases.

BackgroundCone contrast threshold testing (CCT) provides quantitative measurements of color and contrast function to reveal changes in vision quality that are not standard endpoints in clinical trials. We utilize CCT to measure visual function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), epiretinal membrane (ERM), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).MethodsRetrospective data was gathered from 237 patients of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Subjects included 17 patients with MS, 45 patients with AMD, 41 patients with ERM, 11 patients with RVO, and 123 healthy controls. Patients underwent the primary measurement outcome, CCT testing, as well as Sloan visual acuity test and spectral domain optical coherence tomography during normal care.ResultsColor and contrast deficits were present in MS patients regardless of history of optic neuritis. AMD with intermediate or worse disease demonstrated reduced CCT scores. All 3 stages of ERM demonstrated cone contrast deficits. Despite restoration of visual acuity, RVO-affected eyes demonstrated poorer CCT performance than unaffected fellow eyes.ConclusionsCCT demonstrates color and contrast deficits for multiple retinal diseases with differing pathophysiology. Further prospective studies of CCT in other disease states and with larger samples sizes is warranted.

PurposeThe present study tests the hypothesis that mitochondrial genes have retrograde signaling capacity that influences the expression of nuclear genes related to angiogenesis pathways. Cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) in vitro cell lines with patient specific mitochondria inserted into an immortalized retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19) were used to test this hypothesis. This type of analysis can provide important information to identify the optimal regimen of anti-VEGF treatment, personalizing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) therapies.MethodsMitochondria deficient ARPE-19 cells (Rho0) were fused with AMD donor's platelets to create individual cybrid cell lines containing mitochondria from patients with phenotypic AMD disease and nuclear DNA from the immortalized RPE cell line. The cybrids were treated with Ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech, San Francisco, CA), at 4 different concentrations for 24 h, and subsequently the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), gene expression for VEGF-A, hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-a) and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) were measured. The clinical evolution of the two AMD-donors were correlated with the molecular findings found in their 'personalized' cybrids.ResultsCybrids from Patient-01 showed down-regulation of gene expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1a at both 1X and 4X Ranibizumab concentrations. Patient-01 AMD cybrid cultures had an increase in the ROS levels at 1X (P = 0.0317), no changes at 2X (P = 0.8350) and a decrease at 4X (P = 0.0015) and 10X (P = 0.0011) of Ranibizumab. Clinically, Patient-01 responded to anti-VEGF therapy but eventually developed geographic atrophy. Patient-02 cybrids demonstrated up-regulation of gene expression of VEGF-A and HIF-1a at Ranibizumab 1X and 4X concentrations. There was decreased ROS levels with Ranibizumab 1X (P = 0.1606), 2X (P = 0.0388), 4X (P = 0.0010) and 10X (P = < 0.0001). Clinically, Patient-02 presented with a neovascular lesion associated wi

In this essay a comparative analysis will be conducted on two mass graves from the terminal classics in the Maya lowlands. This will be done by analysing interpretations of the Cancuén site in Guatemala. Cancuén was a major trading port city in the terminal classics’ southern lowlands. It flourished until its decline in the late 700’s CE. Around the year 800 CE a violent event led to the death of close to 50 elite individuals including the king of Cancuén. Two mass graves have been discovered in the hydraulic system of the city. Individuals in both mass graves represent a variety of ages and genders. A comparative analysis of osteological similarities and differences in the two graves will be based on osteological reports. Previously published work regarding interpretations of the mass graves will be used in an analysis of possible motives behind massacre. Trauma evident in the mass graves as well as their surrounding context suggests that a termination ritual took place after the massacre that the victims were subjected to., I denna uppsats utförs en komparativ analys av två massgravar från senklassiska perioden i Mayarikets Cancuén, Guatemala. Cancuén var en hamnstad med stort inflytande i låglandet under den senklassiska epoken. Stadens tillväxt av influens och ekonomi skedde under det sena 700–talet e.vt. En våldsam händelse ca 800 e.vt ledde till döden av 50 individer av Cancuéns elit samt stadens egna kung. Två massgravar har påträffats i stadens hydraulsystem. Båda massgravar visar på en variation demografi för både sex och kön. En komparativ analys av osteologiska likheter och skillnader i massgravarna har baserats på osteologiska rapporter. Tidigare publikationer används i en analys av potentiella motivationer bakom massakern. Skeletal trauma i massgravarna samt dess omkringliggande kontext indikerar att en terminations ritual tagit palts efter massakern.

Over the course of thinking, interviewing, and writing this edition of Ear Wave Event, my own thinking about listening has transformed and deepened. This process began as a way to think through the differences between Indigenous listening practices and Deep Listening™. Previous discussions about listening in dreams and listening to dreams with family members and people, like artist Scott Benesiinaabandan, have pressed on the edges of the word listening itself, listening beyond the body, through the body, the body as a tool for listening to the Other World. In a following discussion, Anishinaabekwe poet, scholar, and musician Leanne Simpson told me, “They’re [elders are] listening to sounds as a way of relating, as a way of communicating with plants, with animals, with spirits. They’re listening to sounds in conversation with their ancestors and with those that are yet to be born.” What is inaudible? What is unlistenable? Who is trying to speak to us on a different frequency on the radio dial (Leroy Little Bear)? And how can we begin to listen without perpetuating a colonizing and ‘New Age’ harm towards other beings?…, https://www.librarystack.org/ear-wave-event-issue-7/?ref=unknown

In this brief, we used December 2022 data from a nationally representative survey of adults ages 18 to 64 to examine rates at which adults with and without disabilities reported they were treated or judged unfairly in the past year in three settings: at doctors' offices, clinics, or hospitals; at work; and when applying for public benefits. We also examined the impact of such treatment on their well-being.Despite important federal antidiscrimination protections, people with disabilities experience unfair treatment in health care settings, workplaces, and when applying for public benefits. Understanding and addressing these experiences is necessary to ensure that people with disabilities have equitable access to health care, employment opportunities, and economic support essential for meeting basic needs.

In this brief, we used December 2022 data from a nationally representative survey of adults ages 18 to 64 to examine rates at which adults with and without disabilities reported they were treated or judged unfairly in the past year in three settings: at doctors' offices, clinics, or hospitals; at work; and when applying for public benefits. We also examined the impact of such treatment on their well-being.Despite important federal antidiscrimination protections, people with disabilities experience unfair treatment in health care settings, workplaces, and when applying for public benefits. Understanding and addressing these experiences is necessary to ensure that people with disabilities have equitable access to health care, employment opportunities, and economic support essential for meeting basic needs.

Over the course of thinking, interviewing, and writing this edition of Ear Wave Event, my own thinking about listening has transformed and deepened. This process began as a way to think through the differences between Indigenous listening practices and Deep Listening™. Previous discussions about listening in dreams and listening to dreams with family members and people, like artist Scott Benesiinaabandan, have pressed on the edges of the word listening itself, listening beyond the body, through the body, the body as a tool for listening to the Other World. In a following discussion, Anishinaabekwe poet, scholar, and musician Leanne Simpson told me, “They’re [elders are] listening to sounds as a way of relating, as a way of communicating with plants, with animals, with spirits. They’re listening to sounds in conversation with their ancestors and with those that are yet to be born.” What is inaudible? What is unlistenable? Who is trying to speak to us on a different frequency on the radio dial (Leroy Little Bear)? And how can we begin to listen without perpetuating a colonizing and ‘New Age’ harm towards other beings?…, https://www.librarystack.org/ear-wave-event-issue-7/?ref=unknown

The relation between the resolved star formation rate per unit area and the non-thermal radio continuum emission is studied in 21 Virgo cluster galaxies and the two nearby spiral galaxies, NGC6946 and M51. For the interpretation and understanding of our results we used a 3D model where star formation, 2D cosmic ray (CR) propagation, and the physics of synchrotron emission are included. Based on the linear correlation between the star formation rate per unit area and the synchrotron emission and its scatter radio-bright and radio-dim regions can be robustly defined for our sample of spiral galaxies. We identified CR diffusion or streaming as the physical causes of radio-bright regions of unperturbed symmetric spiral galaxies as NGC6946. We identified the probable causes of radio-bright regions in several galaxies as CR transport, via either gravitational tides (M51) or galactic winds (NGC4532) or ram pressure stripping (NGC4330 and NGC4522). Three galaxies are overall radio-dim: NGC4298, NGC4535, and NGC4567. Based on our model of synchrotron-emitting disks we suggest that the overall radio-dim galaxies have a significantly lower magnetic field than expected by equipartition between the magnetic and turbulent energy densities. Radio-bright regions frequently coincide with asymmetric ridges of polarized radio continuum emission, and we found a clear albeit moderate correlation between the polarized radio continuum emission and the radio/SFR ratio. When compression or shear motions of the interstellar medium (ISM) are present in the galactic disk, the radio-bright regions are linked to the commonly observed asymmetric ridges of polarized radio continuum emission and represent a useful tool for the interaction diagnostics. Based on our results, we propose a scenario for the interplay between star formation, CR electrons, and magnetic fields in spiral galaxies., Comment: 36 pages, accepted for publication in A&A

We report LOFAR and VLA detections of extended radio emission in the spiral galaxy HCG 97b, hosted by an X-ray bright galaxy group. The extended radio emission detected at 144 MHz, 1.4 GHz and 4.86 GHz is elongated along the optical disk and has a tail that extends 27 kpc in projection towards the centre of the group at GHz frequencies or 60 kpc at 144 MHz. Chandra X-ray data show two off-nuclear ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs), with the farther one being a plausible candidate for an accreting intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH). The asymmetry observed in both CO emission morphology and kinematics indicates that HCG 97b is undergoing ram-pressure stripping, with the leading side at the southeastern edge of the disk. Moreover, the VLA 4.86 GHz image reveals two bright radio blobs near one ULX, aligning with the disk and tail, respectively. The spectral indices in the disk and tail are comparable and flat ($\alpha > -1$), suggesting the presence of recent outflows potentially linked to ULX feedback. This hypothesis gains support from estimates showing that the bulk velocity of the relativistic electrons needed for transport from the disk to the tail is approximately $\sim 1300$ $\rm km~s^{-1}$. This velocity is much higher than those observed in ram-pressure stripped galaxies ($100-600$ $\rm km~s^{-1}$), implying an alternative mechanism aiding the stripping process. Therefore, we conclude that HCG 97b is subject to ram pressure, with the formation of its stripped radio tail likely influenced by the putative IMBH activities., Comment: 19 pages, 18 figures. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We report on a study of the Multiview Observatory for Solar Terrestrial Science (MOST) mission that will provide comprehensive imagery and time series data needed to understand the magnetic connection between the solar interior and the solar atmosphere/inner heliosphere. MOST will build upon the successes of SOHO and STEREO missions with new views of the Sun and enhanced instrument capabilities. This article is based on a study conducted at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center that determined the required instrument refinement, spacecraft accommodation, launch configuration, and flight dynamics for mission success. MOST is envisioned as the next generation great observatory positioned to obtain three-dimensional information of large-scale heliospheric structures such as coronal mass ejections, stream interaction regions, and the solar wind itself. The MOST mission consists of 2 pairs of spacecraft located in the vicinity of Sun-Earth Lagrange points L4 (MOST1, MOST3) and L5 (MOST2 and MOST4). The spacecraft stationed at L4 (MOST1) and L5 (MOST2) will each carry seven remote-sensing and three in-situ instrument suites, including a novel radio package known as the Faraday Effect Tracker of Coronal and Heliospheric structures (FETCH). MOST3 and MOST4 will carry only the FETCH instruments and are positioned at variable locations along the Earth orbit up to 20{\deg} ahead of L4 and 20{\deg} behind L5, respectively. FETCH will have polarized radio transmitters and receivers on all four spacecraft to measure the magnetic content of solar wind structures propagating from the Sun to Earth using the Faraday rotation technique. The MOST mission will be able to sample the magnetized plasma throughout the Sun-Earth connected space during the mission lifetime over a solar cycle., Comment: 42 pages, 19 figures, 8 tables, to appear in J. Atmospheric and Solar Terrestrial Physics

We present the results from the HST WFC3 and ACS data on an archetypal galaxy undergoing ram pressure stripping (RPS), ESO 137-001, in the nearby cluster Abell 3627. ESO 137-001 is known to host a prominent stripped tail detected in many bands from X-rays, Halpha to CO. The HST data reveal significant features indicative of RPS such as asymmetric dust distribution and surface brightness as well as many blue young star complexes in the tail. We study the correlation between the blue young star complexes from HST, HII regions from Halpha (MUSE) and dense molecular clouds from CO (ALMA). The correlation between the HST blue star clusters and the HII regions is very good, while their correlation with the dense CO clumps are typically not good, presumably due in part to evolutionary effects. In comparison to the Starburst99+Cloudy model, many blue regions are found to be young (< 10 Myr) and the total star formation (SF) rate in the tail is 0.3 - 0.6 M_Sun/yr for sources measured with ages less than 100 Myr, about 40% of the SF rate in the galaxy. We trace SF over at least 100 Myr and give a full picture of the recent SF history in the tail. We also demonstrate the importance of including nebular emissions and a nebular to stellar extinction correction factor when comparing the model to the broadband data. Our work on ESO 137-001 demonstrates the importance of HST data for constraining the SF history in stripped tails., Comment: 22 pages, 20 figures, 4 tables, published in MNRAS 06/2023

Consumption of unsafe foods increases morbidity and mortality and is currently an issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Policy actions to ensure food safety are dominated by mitigation of biological and chemical hazards through supply-side risk management, lessening the degree to which consumer perspectives of food safety are considered.

Minerals are solid state nuclear track detectors - nuclear recoils in a mineral leave latent damage to the crystal structure. Depending on the mineral and its temperature, the damage features are retained in the material from minutes (in low-melting point materials such as salts at a few hundred degrees C) to timescales much larger than the 4.5 Gyr-age of the Solar System (in refractory materials at room temperature). The damage features from the $O(50)$ MeV fission fragments left by spontaneous fission of $^{238}$U and other heavy unstable isotopes have long been used for fission track dating of geological samples. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the readout of defects caused by nuclear recoils with energies as small as $O(1)$ keV. This whitepaper discusses a wide range of possible applications of minerals as detectors for $E_R \gtrsim O(1)$ keV nuclear recoils: Using natural minerals, one could use the damage features accumulated over $O(10)$ Myr$-O(1)$ Gyr to measure astrophysical neutrino fluxes (from the Sun, supernovae, or cosmic rays interacting with the atmosphere) as well as search for Dark Matter. Using signals accumulated over months to few-years timescales in laboratory-manufactured minerals, one could measure reactor neutrinos or use them as Dark Matter detectors, potentially with directional sensitivity. Research groups in Europe, Asia, and America have started developing microscopy techniques to read out the $O(1) - O(100)$ nm damage features in crystals left by $O(0.1) - O(100)$ keV nuclear recoils. We report on the status and plans of these programs. The research program towards the realization of such detectors is highly interdisciplinary, combining geoscience, material science, applied and fundamental physics with techniques from quantum information and Artificial Intelligence., Comment: 115 pages, many pictures of tracks. Please see the source file for higher resolution versions of some plots. v2: matches the published version

The expansion of commercial agriculture is one of the primary drivers of livelihood and land-use changes in the world. Globalisation and other factors have intensified this expansion to the point where booms in single cash crops overtake entire regions before going bust, a pattern that is particularly pervasive in resource frontiers. Using case studies across the Mekong Region, a place which serves as a harbinger for crop booms globally, we propose a new analytical framework for understanding and governing crop booms. We combine multiple theoretical approaches to study crop booms and draw on insights from case study work conducted across temporal and spatial scales. The framework consists of three components: 1) the nested nature of crop boom-bust trajectories, 2) the cyclical spatial and temporal patterns of crop booms, and 3) the variegated pathways and impacts of agrarian change. The framework presents new insights into the processes of agricultural intensification in frontier spaces. As such, it facilitates a better understanding of the drivers, characteristics and impacts of crop booms for researchers and decision-makers alike with the intention of supporting efforts to develop more sustainable pathways in the region and beyond.

Investigators in the cognitive neurosciences have turned to Big Data to address persistent replication and reliability issues by increasing sample sizes, statistical power, and representativeness of data. While there is tremendous potential to advance science through open data sharing, these efforts unveil a host of new questions about how to integrate data arising from distinct sources and instruments. We focus on the most frequently assessed area of cognition - memory testing - and demonstrate a process for reliable data harmonization across three common measures. We aggregated raw data from 53 studies from around the world which measured at least one of three distinct verbal learning tasks, totaling N = 10,505 healthy and brain-injured individuals. A mega analysis was conducted using empirical bayes harmonization to isolate and remove site effects, followed by linear models which adjusted for common covariates. After corrections, a continuous item response theory (IRT) model estimated each individual subject’s latent verbal learning ability while accounting for item difficulties. Harmonization significantly reduced inter-site variance by 37% while preserving covariate effects. The effects of age, sex, and education on scores were found to be highly consistent across memory tests. IRT methods for equating scores across AVLTs agreed with held-out data of dually-administered tests, and these tools are made available for free online. This work demonstrates that large-scale data sharing and harmonization initiatives can offer opportunities to address reproducibility and integration challenges across the behavioral sciences.

In this paper, we present a grammar-based natural language framework for robot programming, specifically for pick-and-place tasks. Our approach uses a custom dictionary of action words, designed to store together words that share meaning, allowing for easy expansion of the vocabulary by adding more action words from a lexical database. We validate our Natural Language Robot Programming (NLRP) framework through simulation and real-world experimentation, using a Franka Panda robotic arm equipped with a calibrated camera-in-hand and a microphone. Participants were asked to complete a pick-and-place task using verbal commands, which were converted into text using Google's Speech-to-Text API and processed through the NLRP framework to obtain joint space trajectories for the robot. Our results indicate that our approach has a high system usability score. The framework's dictionary can be easily extended without relying on transfer learning or large data sets. In the future, we plan to compare the presented framework with different approaches of human-assisted pick-and-place tasks via a comprehensive user study., Comment: submitted to IROS 2023