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America faces a national security crisis in fielding a sustainable, formidable military force. This was foreseeable at the inception of the all-volunteer force (AVF) and requires swift action. Over the [...]

Any article about gaming is going to contain big numbers. And the numbers are staggering. But many of these numbers still take some people, even in our industry, by surprise. [...]

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION: THEORY AND PRACTICE A. Universal Jurisdiction Explained B. State Practice: Laws and Prosecutions Using Universal Jurisdiction C. Exploring the [...]

The pace of our industry continues to speed up. However, amidst the rapid evolution and transformation, we often find ourselves entangled in distractions. Examining the contemporary landscape, the Middle East [...]

Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and solvation effects can alter the free energies of ionizable functional groups in proteins and other nanoporous architectures, allowing such structures to tune acid–base chemistry to support specific functions. Herein, we expand on this theme to examine how metal sites (M= H2, ZnII, CoII, CoI) affect the pKaof benzoic acid guests bound in discrete porphyrin nanoprisms (M3TriCage) in CD3CN. These host–guest systems were chosen to model how porous metalloporphyrin electrocatalysts might influence H+transfer processes that are needed to support important electrochemical reactions (e.g., reductions of H+, O2, or CO2). Usefully, the cavities of the host–guest complexes become hydrated at low water concentrations (10–40 mM), providing a good representation of the active sites of porous electrocatalysts in water. Under these conditions, Lewis acidic CoIIand ZnIIions increase the Bro̷nsted acidities of the guests by 4 and 8 pKaunits, respectively, while reduction of the CoIIsites to anionic CoIsites produces an electrostatic potential that lowers acidity by ca. 4 units (8 units relative to the CoIIstate). Lacking functional metal sites, H6TriCageincreases the acidity of the guests by just 2.5 pKaunits despite the 12+ charge of this host and contributions from other factors (hydrogen bonding, hydration) that might stabilize the deprotonated guests. Thus, the metal sites have dominant effects on acid–base chemistry in the M3TriCages, providing a larger pKarange (12.75 to ≥24.5) for an encapsulated acid than attained via other confinement effects in proteins and artificial porous materials.

We investigate magnesium–iron pyroborate MgFeB2O5as a potential cathode material for rechargeable magnesium-ion batteries. Synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy confirm its successful synthesis and iron stabilization in the high-spin Fe(II) state. Initial electrochemical testing against a lithium metal anode yields a first charge capacity near the theoretical value (147.45 mAh·g–1), suggesting MgFeB2O5as a promising cathode candidate. However, multimodal analyses, including scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDS) analysis, operandoX-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and Mössbauer spectroscopy, reveal the absence of any Fe redox reactions. Instead, we propose that the source of the observed capacity involves the irreversible reaction of a small (4–7 wt%) Fe metal impurity. These findings highlight the need for diverse characterization techniques in evaluating the performance of new Mg cathode materials, since promising initial cycling may be caused by competing side reactions rather than Mg (de)intercalation.

ObjectiveTo report a 3-year follow-up from the FemoroAcetabular Impingement Trial, comparing arthroscopic surgery with physiotherapy in the management of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome for the dual primary outcomes of radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) and patient-reported outcome measures of activities of daily living.MethodsTwo-group parallel, assessor-blinded, pragmatic randomised controlled trial across seven sites. 222 participants aged 18–60 years with FAI syndrome confirmed clinically and radiologically were randomised (1:1) to receive arthroscopic hip surgery (n=112) or physiotherapy (n=110). Dual primary outcome measure was minimum joint space width (mJSW) on anteroposterior radiograph at 38 months post-randomisation and Hip Outcome Score ADL (HOS ADL) (higher score indicates superior outcomes). Secondary outcome measures were Scoring Hip Osteoarthritis with MRI (SHOMRI) (lower score indicates less pathology).ResultsmJSW, HOS ADL and MRI data were available for 45%, 77% and 62% of participants at 38 months, respectively. No significant difference in mJSW was seen between groups at 38 months. HOS ADL was higher in the arthroscopy group (mean (SD) 84.2 (17.4)) compared with the physiotherapy group (74.2 (21.9)), difference 8.9 (95% CI 7.0, 10.8)). SHOMRI score total at 38 months was lower in the arthroscopy group (mean (SD) 9.22 (11.43)) compared with the physiotherapy group (22.76 (15.26)), differences (95% CIs) −15.94 (–18.69, –13.19).ConclusionsNo difference was seen between groups on radiographic measures of OA progression. Patients with FAI syndrome treated surgically may experience superior pain and function outcomes, and less MRI-measured cartilage damage compared with physiotherapy.Trial registration numberNCT01893034.

Bleeding is common in patients with haematological malignancies undergoing intensive therapy. We aimed to assess the effect of tranexamic acid on preventing bleeding and the need for platelet transfusions.

In this comprehensive study, the authors review and summarize the literature on numerical aberrations of the orbital muscles of ocular motility and the levator palpebrae superioris muscle.

ABX3-type hybrid organic–inorganic structures have recently emerged as a new class of meltable materials. Here, by the use of phenylphosphonium derivatives as A cation, we study liquid- and glass-forming behavior of a new family of hybrid structures, (RPh3P)[Mn(dca)3] (R = Me, Et, Ph; dca = dicyanamide). These new compounds melt at 196–237 °C (Tm) and then vitrify upon cooling to room temperature, forming glasses. In situglass formation of this new family of materials was probed on a large scale using a variable-temperature PXRD experiment. Structure analyses of the crystalline and the glasses were carried out by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and synchrotron X-ray total scattering techniques for using the pair distribution function. The mechanical properties of the glasses produced were evaluated showing promising durability. Thermal and electrical conductivities showed low thermal conductivities (κ ∼ 0.07–0.09 W m–1K–1) and moderate electrical conductivities (σ ∼ 10–4–10–6S m–1) at room temperature, suggesting that by the precise control of the A cation, we can tune meltable hybrid structures from moderate conductors to efficient thermal insulators. Our results raise attention on the practical use of this new hybrid material in applications including, e.g., photovoltaic devices to prevent light-deposited heat (owing to low κRT), energy harvesting thermoelectric, etc., and advance the structure–property understanding.

Objective: Statistically model the likelihood of changes in the activities of daily living (ADLs) over time for three groups of older adults: those on a pension at all time periods, those never on a pension, and those who transition onto a public pension. Methods: Our study used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), a large national survey. We used data from baseline (2010–2015) and the first follow-up wave (2015–2018). We used logistic regression to model the likelihood of ADL changes in males and females by pension receipt status, controlling for several potential confounders and allowing for the impact of public pensions to be modified by baseline income. Results: The magnitudes of the estimates indicated that those who transition to a public pension are less likely to report ADL degradation and more likely to report ADL improvement compared to those with no public pension. In the lowest baseline income group, those who transitioned onto a pension at follow-up had a 15% (male) or 11% (female) lower likelihood of reporting degraded ADL scores compared to those not receiving a pension at follow-up. Those who transitioned onto a pension in the lowest income group were more likely to report an improved ADL score at follow-up. Conclusion: Our results could provide evidence for the potential health benefits of more comprehensive guaranteed annual income programs beyond the pension program. The penalty of being low-income was mitigated by the stability of the pension income in terms of ADL improvement or degradation.

IMPORTANCE: Drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has been associated with hippocampal pathology. Most surgical treatment strategies, including resection and responsive neurostimulation (RNS), focus on this disease epicenter; however, imaging alterations distant from the hippocampus, as well as emerging data from responsive neurostimulation trials, suggest conceptualizing TLE as a network disorder. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether brain networks connected to areas of atrophy in the hippocampus align with the topography of distant neuroimaging alterations and RNS response. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between July 2009 and June 2022. Data collection for this multicenter, population-based study took place across 4 tertiary referral centers in Montréal, Canada; Querétaro, México; Nanjing, China; and Salt Lake City, Utah. Eligible patients were diagnosed with TLE according to International League Against Epilepsy criteria and received either neuroimaging or neuroimaging and RNS to the hippocampus. Patients with encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, or bilateral TLE were excluded. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Spatial alignment between brain network topographies. RESULTS: Of the 110 eligible patients, 94 individuals diagnosed with TLE were analyzed (51 [54%] female; mean [SD] age, 31.3 [10.9] years). Hippocampal thickness maps in TLE were compared to 120 healthy control individuals (66 [55%] female; mean [SD] age, 29.8 [9.5] years), and areas of atrophy were identified. Using an atlas of normative connectivity (n = 1000), 2 brain networks were identified that were functionally connected to areas of hippocampal atrophy. The first network was defined by positive correlations to temporolimbic, medial prefrontal, and parietal regions, whereas the second network by negative correlations to frontoparietal regions. White matter changes colocalized to the positive network (t93 = –3.82; P = 2.44 × 10−4). In contrast, cortical atrophy localized to the negative network (t93 = 3.54; P = 6.29 × 10−3). In an additional 38 patients (20 [53%] female; mean [SD] age, 35.8 [11.3] years) treated with RNS, connectivity between the stimulation site and atrophied regions within the negative network was associated with seizure reduction (t212 = −2.74; P = .007). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The findings in this study indicate that distributed pathology in TLE may occur in brain networks connected to the hippocampal epicenter. Connectivity to these same networks was associated with improvement following RNS. A network approach to TLE may reveal therapeutic targets outside the traditional target in the hippocampus.

A key goal of evolutionary genomics is to harness molecular data to draw inferences about selective forces that have acted on genomes. The field progresses in large part through the development of advanced molecular-evolution analysis methods. Here we explored the intersection between classical sequence-based tests for selection and an empirical expression-based approach, using stem cells from Mus musculussubspecies as a model. Using a test of directional, cis-regulatory evolution across genes in pathways, we discovered a unique program of induction of translation genes in stem cells of the Southeast Asian mouse M. m. castaneusrelative to its sister taxa. We then mined population-genomic sequences to pursue underlying regulatory mechanisms for this expression divergence, finding robust evidence for alleles unique to M. m. castaneusat the upstream regions of the translation genes. We interpret our data under a model of changes in lineage-specific pressures across Mus musculusin stem cells with high translational capacity. Our findings underscore the rigor of integrating expression and sequence-based methods to generate hypotheses about evolutionary events from long ago.

This study investigates the experiences of two music educators/researchers across new spaces of teaching and learning related to holistic education. Narrative perspectives are derived from stories of experience, conversations, and interviews - where issues arising from a global pandemic are deconstructed as music instruction moves online. Themes emerge from a framework of critical friendship protocol, postmodern feminist theory, and holistic perspectives related to music education. Results suggest new practices in music education can embrace embodied learning holisticalfy, recognize and compensate for new delivery platforms, and provide some meaningful and authentic classroom experiences. Keywords: holistic music education, narrative, collaborative self-study pandemic, This critical friendship collaborative self-study investigates the embodied experiences of two music teacher educators/researchers related to holistic education during a global pandemic. This is a part of a collaborative self-study [...]

The African Continental Free Trade Area is arguably the most ambitious trade zone on the planet, but after a dramatic first year, defined by the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, [...]

The UK's housing stock - the oldest and least energy efficient in Europe - contributes around 20% of the nation's annual greenhouse gas emissions, mainly stemming from gas heating and [...]

Trade, technology and tourism were all on the agenda as policymakers discussed how Africa can bounce back from the Covid-ig pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. Jack Dutton reports from [...]

In a year where wildfires, cyclones and devastating floods dominated the news cycle, the stakes were particularly high for Cop2o, and millions of Africans whose fate depended on its results. [...]

Below its Jahn–Teller transition temperature, TJT, NaNiO2has a monoclinic layered structure consisting of alternating layers of edge-sharing NaO6and Jahn–Teller-distorted NiO6octahedra. Above TJTwhere NaNiO2is rhombohedral, diffraction measurements show the absence of a cooperative Jahn–Teller distortion, accompanied by an increase in the unit cell volume. Using neutron total scattering, solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) experiments as local probes of the structure we find direct evidence for a displacive, as opposed to order–disorder, Jahn–Teller transition at TJT. This is supported by ab initiomolecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. To our knowledge this study is the first to show a displacive Jahn–Teller transition in any material using direct observations with local probe techniques.

The recent advent of highly effective anti-obesity medications (AOM) provides pediatric clinicians a powerful tool to augment the treatment of obesity and improve outcomes. The 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines state clinicians “should offer adolescents 12 years and older with obesity weight loss pharmacotherapy, according to medication indications, risks, and benefits, as an adjunct to health behavior and lifestyle treatment”. This article will provide an update on the integration of AOM into practice, emphasizing clinical pearls and practical tips.

This article from N-Photo explores the world of macro insect photography through the experiences of photographer Tony North and his apprentice Sonia. They venture into a marshland in Bolton to capture dragonflies in their natural habitat. Tony shares his techniques for photographing insects, including using studio lights and adjusting camera settings. The article provides detailed instructions and tips for capturing stunning images of dragonflies, as well as showcasing Tony's own portfolio of nature photography. [Extracted from the article]

Aminated nitrogen heterocycles are valuable motifs across numerous chemical industries, perhaps most notably in small molecule drug discovery. While numerous strategies for installing nitrogen atoms onto azaarenes exist, most require prefunctionalization and methods for direct C–H amination are almost entirely limited to position C2. Herein, we report a method for the direct C2 and C4 C–H amination of fused azaarenes via in situactivation with a bispyridine-ligated I(III) reagent, [(Py)2IPh]2OTf, or Py-HVI. Unlike commonly used N-oxide chemistry, the method requires no preoxidation of the azaarene and provides unprecedented direct access to C4 amination products. The resulting N-heterocyclic pyridinium salts can be isolated via simple trituration. The free amine can be liberated under mild Zincke aminolysis, or the amination and cleavage can be telescoped to a one-pot process. The scope of the method is broad; the conditions are mild and operationally simple, and the aminated products are produced in good to excellent yields. Computational studies provide insights into the mechanism of activation, which involves an unusual direct nucleophilic functionalization of an I(III) ligand, as well as a kinetic basis for the observed C2 and C4 amination products.

The stakes could not be higher for November's crucial climate conference. Tanguy Gahouma-Bekale, the Gabonese chair of the African Group of Negotiators in the global talks, tells Jack Dutton about [...]

Resistance exercise (RE) stimulates collagen synthesis in skeletal muscle and tendon but there is limited and equivocal evidence regarding an effect of collagen supplementation and exercise on collagen synthesis. Furthermore, it is not known if a dose–response exists regarding the effect of hydrolyzed collagen (HC) ingestion and RE on collagen synthesis.

•APC inhibition exacerbates thrombin generation, inflammation, and end-organ damage in a mouse model of SCD.•APC-PAR1-R46–biased agonism reduces inflammation, suggesting that targeting this pathway may mitigate vascular complications of SCD.

Objectives: The aim of this clinical audit was to assess patient demographics, outcomes and experience with care in patients who received acupuncture in a private practice setting in the United Kingdom.Methods: Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patients’ records over a 7-year period. The Measure Yourself Medical Outcomes Profile (MYMOP) questionnaire and an adapted Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale were used routinely to monitor patient outcomes over an 18-month period. Finally, a retrospective questionnaire was used to assess patient beliefs regarding treatment effectiveness, adverse events and overall experience with care. Patients not providing consent or known to be deceased were excluded.Results: Data were collected for 306 patients presenting with 376 separate health complaints, 58% of which were musculoskeletal. Follow-up outcomes (MYMOP scores (n = 51) and PGIC scale responses (n = 50)) showed a clinically significant improvement compared to baseline for the majority of health complaints (93% of PGIC scores were ‘improved’ and 79% MYMOP demonstrated > 1 point change). Total mean MYMOP severity scores were reduced by almost 50% (p < 0.001) after 1–4 weeks, and this was sustained in the medium-to-long term. There was a strong negative correlation (r = −0.767, p < 0.001) between the MYMOP and PGIC scores. A total of 118 health complaints were reported by 85/255 patients who responded to a retrospective questionnaire. Over 84% of patients believed that the treatments they received were ‘effective’ at addressing their health complaints. Seven minor adverse events were reported and four patients experienced negative treatment outcomes.Conclusions: Although musculoskeletal conditions were the most common, this audit found that patients sought treatment for a wide range of predominantly chronic health complaints, for many of which there is a currently a lack of quality evidence to support the use of acupuncture. Overall, the small sample of patients who responded to outcome questionnaires reported clinically meaningful and sustained improvements.

Background:During the COVID-19 pandemic face-to-face activities were suspended, boosting the delivery of online teaching. As students returned to campuses, the delivery of active learning teaching methods followed a blended learning style. The flipped classroom, which is a student-centred approach, appears to be an effective teaching method, generating improved learning outcomes. No systematic review has so far explored students' experiences of this teaching method – a knowledge gap that this review aims to address.Methods:Studies published between 2012 and 2023 were identified from seven databases. The JBI critical appraisal tool was adopted to select high-quality studies and add credibility. Following extraction of qualitative data, meta-aggregation was used to identify synthesised findings.Results:The findings were aggregated into seven categories. Based on meaning similarity, three synthesised findings were identified to answer the research question on how nursing students experience the flipped classroom method.Conclusion:Several factors affect the student experience. Although variables are interrelated and complex to analyse, this approach is a valuable teaching method, positively experienced by students with the potential to improve engagement and learning outcomes. The group activities used as a feature of the flipped classroom can be seen as an instrument to deliver a safer and high quality of care.

Both established and artisanal miners believe they are underpaid for their gold compared to the international market, but government reforms could improve matters. Jack Dutton reports Henrietta Rushwaya was arrested [...]

Under a new scheme, African cities including Addis Ababa, Kinshasa and Fez will be helped to adapt to climate change. Jack Dutton reports on how new funding will help Africa's [...]

It really is lonely at the top. Employees may receive ample feedback during the early and mid-points of their careers, but that lessens as they grow in leadership positions. 'By [...]

Imagine the bit being in front of your horse's mouth. Instead of pulling back, you want to push him forward into the bit for a softer, springier horse.--Phillip Dutton Seven-time [...]

Dear Editor, Here at Ft Leonard Wood, we've noticed that the M17/M18 MHS (pistol) load chamber indicator (LCI) is remaining in the up position, even after a good cleaning. Soldiers [...]

As the first months of the coronavirus pandemic dragged on, the real estate industry felt the impact of shutdowns and stay-at-home orders almost immediately. For the office sector, that meant [...]

Classroom training isn't just a lectern and whiteboard anymore. Even before COVID-19 struck, corporate classrooms were being turned upside down and inside out to reflect the many ways individuals learn. [...]

After the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the U.S. in mid-March, leading to devastating job losses and economic impact, the multifamily industry scrambled to adjust operations and property management for tens [...]

The adMare Executive Institute aims to grow C-level talent for the Canadian biopharmaceutical sector. Here's how this 10-month program works, and the results it is generating. The Canadian biotech industry [...]

In November of 2022, the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation held a Consensus Conference on Hemodynamic Instability with invited experts. The objective was to review the science and use expert consensus to produce best practice recommendations to address the issue of perioperative hemodynamic instability. After expert presentations, a modified Delphi process using discussions, voting, and feedback resulted in 17 recommendations regarding advancing the perioperative care of the patient at risk of, or with, hemodynamic instability. There were 17 high-level recommendations. These recommendations related to the following 7 domains: Current Knowledge (5 statements); Preventing Hemodynamic Instability-Related Harm During All Phases of Care (4 statements); Data-Driven Quality Improvement (3 statements); Informing Patients (2 statements); The Importance of Technology (1 statement); Launch a National Campaign (1 statement); and Advancing the Science (1 statement). A summary of the recommendations is presented in Table 1.

This article will use the Fourth Statistical Account of East Lothian, which was produced by a consortium of local history societies, to provide a case study of how the church in the county developed between 1945 and 2000. Because East Lothian is the only Scottish county to have a fourth statistical account, the study provides a unique opportunity to trace the development of the church within a Scottish local authority during the second half of the twentieth century. The article will use, as its main sources, essays on four established denominations and the sections on ‘Belief’ in each of the parish entries. It will detail how the Church of Scotland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Methodist Church contracted between 1945 and 2000; show that, while the Roman Catholic Church was more stable, it began to suffer from a lack of vocations and the disinterest of younger members of the Catholic population, and that, while the Baptist Church increased its presence in the county and Pentecostal congregations and ‘house churches’ were formed, the Brethren and Church of Christ both declined and, as a consequence, these other churches remained on the margins of the church in East Lothian.

The atomistic structure of lithium nickelate (LiNiO2), the parent compound of Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes for Li-ion batteries, continues to elude a comprehensive understanding. The common consensus is that the material exhibits local Jahn–Teller distortions that dynamically reorient, resulting in a time-averaged undistorted R3̅mstructure. Through a combination of ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations and variable-temperature X-ray diffraction (VT-XRD), we explore Jahn–Teller distortions in LiNiO2as a function of temperature. Static Jahn–Teller distortions are observed at low temperatures (T< 250 K) via AIMD simulations, followed by a broad phase transition that occurs between 250 and 350 K, leading to a highly dynamic, displacive phase at high temperatures (T> 350 K), which does not show the four short and two long bonds characteristic of local Jahn–Teller distortions. These transitions are followed in the AIMD simulations via abrupt changes in the calculated pair distribution function and the bond-length distortion index and in X-ray diffraction via the monoclinic lattice parameter ratio, amon/bmon, and δ angle, the fit quality of an R3̅m-based structural refinement, and a peak sharpening of the diffraction peaks on heating, consistent with the loss of distorted domains. Between 250 and 350 K, a mixed-phase regime is found via the AIMD simulations where distorted and undistorted domains coexist. The repeated change between the distorted and undistorted states in this mixed-phase regime allows the Jahn–Teller long axes to change direction. These pseudorotations of the Ni–O long axes are a side effect of the onset of the displacive phase transition. Antisite defects, involving Li ions in the Ni layer and Ni ions in the Li layer, are found to pin the undistorted domains at low temperatures, impeding cooperative ordering at a longer length scale.