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The Indian Study of Healthy Ageing (ISHA) is a large-scale blood-based prospective study in India that aims to examine the burden, causes, and consequences of chronic diseases in the adult population. The study has recruited approximately 220,000 participants and is focused on testing hypotheses related to lifestyle, diet, obesity, and genetic determinants of cancer and other chronic diseases. The population studied is relatively lean, with low rates of tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking but high rates of tobacco chewing. The study will provide valuable insights into the risk factors for vascular and non-vascular mortality in the Indian population and contribute to understanding the impact of lifestyle transitions on chronic diseases. Data-sharing regulations are in place, and future collaborations are encouraged. The study collected baseline data from over 200,000 participants in India, including information on demographics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors, and physical measurements. The findings show that the participants in the study were, on average, younger and more highly educated than those under active follow-up. The study also found that the prevalence of underweight was similar between men and women, but overweight and obesity were slightly more common among women. The study provides valuable data on the health and aging of the Indian population. This table provides data on various health indicators for men and women in different age groups. The data includes the number of participants, age, education level, tobacco and alcohol use, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, lung function, grip strength, prevalence [Extracted from the article]

This scientific commentary discusses the importance of understanding carbon source-sink dynamics in masting tree species, particularly in the context of climate change and drought stress. The authors examine the responses of carbon allocation to environmental constraints in stone pine stands, focusing on reproductive effort, radial growth, and tree-ring isotope composition. They find evidence of a shift from sink-limited to source- and sink-co-limited reproduction, suggesting diminishing carbon resources due to drought stress. However, caution is needed in interpreting the data, and further research is necessary to fully understand carbon allocation in trees. [Extracted from the article]

This document features essays from five women in the field of microscopy, each sharing their unique experiences and perspectives. The essays cover topics such as the challenges faced in academia, the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields, the role of mentorship in career development, and the advancements made by women in leadership positions. The document provides valuable insights into the experiences of women in microscopy and emphasizes the significance of representation and support in the field. Additionally, it highlights the achievements and contributions of three individuals who have made significant impacts in the field of microscopy. [Extracted from the article]

"Joel D. Hamkins.Lectures on the Philosophy of Mathematics" is an introductory textbook written by a prominent set theorist. The book covers both mathematical and philosophical material, combining interesting mathematical material with discussions of philosophical issues. While the book may cover too much mathematical material for some readers, it could be of great interest to students studying a combination of math and philosophy. The book is divided into chapters on Number, Rigor, Infinity, Geometry, Proof, Computability, Incompleteness, and Set theory, with the chapters on Number and Set theory being the longest. The author often adopts a lecturing attitude, introducing key ideas but leaving the issues open for further exploration. The book also discusses the ontological controversy between the universe and multiverse views in set theory, with the author presenting arguments for the multiverse view. Overall, the book provides a wide and ambitious coverage of the philosophy of mathematics, although some readers may find certain topics could have been presented in a different light or more carefully. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of proteins and RNAs in biological pathways and cell function. It highlights the recent advancements in understanding protein and RNA structure and function through computational and experimental techniques. The article also explores the potential applications of this research in developing therapeutic strategies for diseases such as cancer and COVID-19. It focuses on innovative experimental and computational methods used to model proteins and RNAs, including cryo-EM mapping, cross-linking techniques, and molecular dynamics simulations. Additionally, the article discusses the development of AI computational methodologies for complex structure prediction and drug repositioning. The authors hope that these methods will provide valuable insights and advancements in protein and RNA research. [Extracted from the article]

As disruptions from climate change increase, so will the urgency to find shorter-term approaches to ameliorating its harms. This may include calls to implement solar geoengineering, an approach to cooling the planet by reflecting incoming sunlight back to space. While the exact effects of solar geoengineering are still highly uncertain, physical science to date suggests that it may be effective at reducing many aspects of climate change in the short term. One of the biggest concerns about solar geoengineering is the extent to which it may interfere with crucial emissions reductions policies, i.e. mitigation. There are multiple channels by which geoengineering could alter mitigation pathways, both financial and behavioural. Here we define three such linkages and present the evidence available to constrain their potential magnitudes. Because solar geoengineering is not a substitute for mitigation, policies to develop or implement technologies that could be used to carry it out should be designed to accentuate its complementary nature to mitigation and deter the possibility it is used to delay decarbonizing the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbes, including bacteria, archaea, and microeukaryotes, make up the majority of organisms in our biosphere. They play a crucial role in Earth's biogeochemical cycles and have shaped the habitability of our planet throughout its history. The proliferation of microbes has been observed during mass extinctions, but their role as either accomplices or saviors in these events is still debated. On one hand, microbes can generate toxic by-products and greenhouse gases that may have exacerbated mass extinctions. On the other hand, microbes provide essential services such as nitrogen fixation, carbon fixation, and the removal of toxic substrates, which could have mitigated the impacts of mass extinctions. Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between microbes and the environment during these events. [Extracted from the article]

B Professor Adrian E. Raftery b (University of Washington): It is a pleasure to congratulate the authors of these two papers on the important topic of statistical aspects of climate change. For forecasting, numerical weather prediction models did forecast the 2021 heatwave quite successfully even though it was outside the range of all previous experience. They developed new statistical methods for climate problems ranging from the integrated assessment of future global climate change to the detailed modelling of granular atmospheric processes. The purpose is clear, to provide probabilistic forecasts of future water damage for any building in Norway, both with current climate and accounting for future climate change, for insurance purposes. [Extracted from the article]

Thus, understanding the interactions of climate change factors on I g i SB s sb and carbon assimilation behaviors under fluctuations in light will be essential to improve crop productivity and adapting crops to the future climate. In C SB 3 sb crops, elevated atmospheric [CO SB 2 sb ] stimulates photosynthesis by increasing the carboxylation rate of Rubisco and competitively inhibiting the oxygenase reaction, thereby lowering the rate of photorespiration ([6]). Keywords: Crop productivity; elevated CO 2; photosynthesis induction; stomatal conductance; water use efficiency EN Crop productivity elevated CO 2 photosynthesis induction stomatal conductance water use efficiency 2790 2793 4 05/02/23 20230427 NES 230427 Food insecurity is rising around the globe. Four out of the five elite cultivars showed slower I g i SB s sb responses under elevated [CO SB 2 sb ] than under ambient [CO SB 2 sb ]. [Extracted from the article]

Gender diversity in STEM remains a significant issue, as the field continues to be a male dominated one, despite increased attention on the subject. This article examines the interplay between gender diversity on projects funded by a major UK research council, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and the publication activity of a project, as measured by the average journal quality of project publication output, over a 10-year period. The proportion of female representation and leadership on these projects remains very low. For the projects examined as part of this study, over 70% of these projects have no female representation, and less than 15% have a female lead. This study does not find a significant relationship between gender diversity and journal quality output. This study highlights that an important avenue for future work is the development of alternative metrics to assess the performance of research projects in a discipline characterized by very low levels of gender diversity, to fully unpack the impact of project team gender diversity on project output activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat 39 Rosenkranz RRE, Ullrich S, Lochli K, Simm S, Fragkostefanakis S. 2022. Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS WorldCat 6 Bloom AJ, Plant RE. 2021. Keywords: Adaptation; climate change; drought; elevated CO 2; heat stress; mitigation; resilience EN Adaptation climate change drought elevated CO 2 heat stress mitigation resilience 1297 1302 6 03/15/23 20230313 NES 230313 B Climate change is mostly driven by the increase of atmospheric CO SB 2 sb concentration. [Extracted from the article]

We examine the distribution of federal research and development funding across the academy early in the researcher's pipeline. We use a unique program, the US National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), to document diversity and disparity in allocation and assess the relative impact of federal funding across four different academic divisions that include engineering, life sciences, math and physical sciences, and social sciences and psychology. After controlling for disciplinary differences in research practices, we find that the impact of federal funding yields similar rates and impact of research. However, we document disparity in how federal funding is allocated across the country to institutions and individuals. Together, these findings prompt a discussion around the trade-offs of funders focusing on national priorities or broadening participation. We conclude with recommendations for the GRFP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the significance of the COP28 UAE Climate and Health Declaration, which was supported by 123 countries at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The declaration expresses concerns about the negative impacts of climate change on health and emphasizes the importance of a global response. Additionally, a consortium of organizations pledged $1 billion to advance understanding of climate change and health and promote adaptation and mitigation interventions. The article highlights the need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening health systems to address climate-sensitive health outcomes. It also emphasizes the importance of research, monitoring, and evaluation to inform strategies and policies for increasing health system resilience. [Extracted from the article]

4D-STEM datasets obtained from EMPAD detectors broke the TEM resolution limits of 0.4Å in 2018 [[37]] and 0.25Å in 2021 [[38]] by using electron ptychography. Optical microscopes inspired the first TEM, and since then several new imaging modalities have been implemented, such as electron holography [[6]], Lorentz electron microscopy [[8]], and scanning TEM (STEM) [[9]]. Multidimensional Electron Microscopy Enabled by Detector Advances Electronic detectors have been used for TEM image acquisition since the early nineties. Keywords: electron microscope; edge computer; high-performance computing; 4D STEM; electron detectors EN electron microscope edge computer high-performance computing 4D STEM electron detectors 10 19 10 11/29/22 20221101 NES 221101 Introduction Ernst Ruska built the first transmission electron microscope (TEM) during his doctoral studies, and it celebrates its eightieth anniversary this year [[1]-[3]]. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a reply to a critique on an article titled "Feasibility of Tracheal Reconstruction using Silicone-Stented Aortic Allografts." The authors express gratitude for the critique and acknowledge the need for further exploration of long-term outcomes and structural changes in aortic allografts. They discuss the importance of comparing their results with long-term data and propose a collaborative study to analyze single-cell sequencing data from postoperative specimens. The authors express their enthusiasm for potential collaborative opportunities to advance the field of tracheal reconstruction. [Extracted from the article]

The activity of prescribed radiopharmaceuticals, which are administered for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, strongly depends on the accuracy of the measuring equipment used in nuclear medicine. This study presents the current status of uncertainty measurements of activity meters used in Lithuanian hospitals. During 2016–2021, the Ionizing Radiation Metrology Laboratory of the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, which is the National Metrology Institute, performed a comparison of activity meters in the nuclear medicine departments of Lithuanian hospitals. Responses of 16 activity meters that were used in the daily hospital practice were compared with the reference standard. In total, around 150 measurements of activity of diagnostic, therapeutic and calibration radionuclides in different sources and geometries were fulfilled. The results of the maximum deviation were determined to be 8.9% for calibration sources, 18.3% for diagnostic radionuclides and 20.1% for radionuclides used for therapeutic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rehschuh and Ruehr did find lower F SB v sb /F SB M sb in the heatwave and droughted heatwave plants; however, it did not lead to long-term damage, as F SB v sb /F SB M sb slowly recovered post-heatwave and drought. Broader questions for ecosystem response to hot drought Rehschuh and Ruehr provide excellent insight into how coniferous seedlings might respond to a heatwave-drought event; however, it is still unclear how these results might scale seasonally, and with mature trees or other plant functional types. This scientific commentary refers to 'Diverging responses of water and carbon relations during and after heat and hot drought stress in Pinus sylvestris' by Rehschuh and Ruehr (doi: 10.1093/treephys/tpab141). [Extracted from the article]

This document titled "Highlights from Microscopy and Microanalysis" provides summaries of three articles related to microscopy techniques. The first article discusses the challenges of sample preparation for cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) using primary neuronal cell cultures from Drosophila melanogaster. The authors highlight their efforts to optimize sample preservation and caution practitioners about potential artifacts that could affect biological interpretations. The second article introduces a new imaging technique using a pixelated electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) detector to visualize threading dislocations and surface steps in nitride thin films. The third article presents a versatile and reproducible cryo-sample preparation methodology for atom probe studies, which allows for reliable analysis of sensitive materials specimens at cryogenic temperatures. The authors demonstrate the attachment and preparation of frozen liquids and provide examples of APT results from various materials. [Extracted from the article]

Multivariate spatially oriented data sets are prevalent in the environmental and physical sciences. Scientists seek to jointly model multiple variables, each indexed by a spatial location, to capture any underlying spatial association for each variable and associations among the different dependent variables. Multivariate latent spatial process models have proved effective in driving statistical inference and rendering better predictive inference at arbitrary locations for the spatial process. High‐dimensional multivariate spatial data, which are the theme of this article, refer to data sets where the number of spatial locations and the number of spatially dependent variables is very large. The field has witnessed substantial developments in scalable models for univariate spatial processes, but such methods for multivariate spatial processes, especially when the number of outcomes are moderately large, are limited in comparison. Here, we extend scalable modeling strategies for a single process to multivariate processes. We pursue Bayesian inference, which is attractive for full uncertainty quantification of the latent spatial process. Our approach exploits distribution theory for the matrix‐normal distribution, which we use to construct scalable versions of a hierarchical linear model of coregionalization (LMC) and spatial factor models that deliver inference over a high‐dimensional parameter space including the latent spatial process. We illustrate the computational and inferential benefits of our algorithms over competing methods using simulation studies and an analysis of a massive vegetation index data set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[22] discuss how quantitative genetics can be used to discover useful trait variation and design strategies to improve crop photosynthesis, based on readily available crop plant germplasm. Tools to assess and utilize natural variation in photosynthesis Although the germplasm of most crops already appears to show significant variation for photosynthetic traits, genetic diversity within a crop's germplasm is expected to be significantly less than that of its wild progenitors. Keywords: C 3 photosynthesis; C 4 photosynthesis; CO 2 assimilation; genetic variation; plant breeding; biotechnology EN C 3 photosynthesis C 4 photosynthesis CO 2 assimilation genetic variation plant breeding biotechnology 3053 3056 4 05/25/22 20220523 NES 220523 B Advances in breeding practices during the "Green Revolution" in the 1960s have helped to maintain crop yields in the face of population growth. [Extracted from the article]

Second, the CO SB 2 sb affinity of the ionomer increased the CO SB 2 sb /H SB 2 sb O ratio near the catalyst surface, thereby enhancing the CO SB 2 sb RR. CO SB 2 sb electroreduction (CO SB 2 sb RR) technology is recognized as a promising option toward the carbon-neutral target set in the Paris Agreement, which enables the upgrade of greenhouse CO SB 2 sb to chemical feedstocks. Considering the nano effects and molecular benefits of the pH factor, the strategies at the catalyst level may rely on surface-structuring engineering and functional ligand assembly to reform Cu-based catalysts. [Extracted from the article]

It is currently fashionable to take Putnamian model-theoretic worries seriously for mathematics, but not for discussions of ordinary physical objects and the sciences. However, I will argue that (under certain mild assumptions) merely securing determinate reference to physical possibility suffices to rule out the kind of nonstandard interpretations of our number talk Putnam invokes. So, anyone who accepts determinate reference to physical possibility should not reject determinate reference to the natural numbers on Putnamian model-theoretic grounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In fact, this is a rapidly developing area in both electromagnetic physics and wireless communications, which require new theories, new methods, new designs, and new technologies. In 2019, a concept of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) or intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) was proposed independently by several groups in the wireless communication community to control the wireless environment as desired and enhance wireless coverage. On the other hand, electronic and information technology, together with industry, needs new physics to satisfy challenging requirements for new-generation wireless communications. [Extracted from the article]

The ability to replicate scientific experiments is a cornerstone of the scientific method. Sharing ideas, workflows, data, and protocols facilitates testing the generalizability of results, increases the speed that science progresses, and enhances quality control of published work. Fields of science such as medicine, the social sciences, and the physical sciences have embraced practices designed to increase replicability. Granting agencies, for example, may require data management plans and journals may require data and code availability statements along with the deposition of data and code in publicly available repositories. While many tools commonly used in replicable workflows such as distributed version control systems (e.g. 'git') or script programming languages for data cleaning and analysis may have a steep learning curve, their adoption can increase individual efficiency and facilitate collaborations both within entomology and across disciplines. The open science movement is developing within the discipline of entomology, but practitioners of these concepts or those desiring to work more collaboratively across disciplines may be unsure where or how to embrace these initiatives. This article is meant to introduce some of the tools entomologists can incorporate into their workflows to increase the replicability and openness of their work. We describe these tools and others, recommend additional resources for learning more about these tools, and discuss the benefits to both individuals and the scientific community and potential drawbacks associated with implementing a replicable workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Can flagellar analyses be scaled up to provide automated tracking of motile sperm, and does knowledge of the flagellar waveform provide new insight not provided by routine head tracking?Summary Answer: High-throughput flagellar waveform tracking and analysis enable measurement of experimentally intractable quantities such as energy dissipation, disturbance of the surrounding medium and viscous stresses, which are not possible by tracking the sperm head alone.What Is Known Already: The clinical gold standard for sperm motility analysis comprises a manual analysis by a trained professional, with existing automated sperm diagnostics [computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA)] relying on tracking the sperm head and extrapolating measures. It is not currently possible with either of these approaches to track the sperm flagellar waveform for large numbers of cells in order to unlock the potential wealth of information enclosed within.Study Design, Size, Duration: The software tool in this manuscript has been developed to enable high-throughput, repeatable, accurate and verifiable analysis of the sperm flagellar beat.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Using the software tool [Flagellar Analysis and Sperm Tracking (FAST)] described in this manuscript, we have analysed 176 experimental microscopy videos and have tracked the head and flagellum of 205 progressive cells in diluted semen (DSM), 119 progressive cells in a high-viscosity medium (HVM) and 42 stuck cells in a low-viscosity medium. Unscreened donors were recruited at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust after giving informed consent.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: We describe fully automated tracking and analysis of flagellar movement for large cell numbers. The analysis is demonstrated on freely motile cells in low- and high-viscosity fluids and validated on published data of tethered cells undergoing pharmacological hyperactivation. Direct analysis of the flagellar beat reveals that the CASA measure 'beat cross frequency' does not measure beat frequency; attempting to fit a straight line between the two measures gives ${\mathrm{R}}^2$ values of 0.042 and 0.00054 for cells in DSM and HVM, respectively. A new measurement, track centroid speed, is validated as an accurate differentiator of progressive motility. Coupled with fluid mechanics codes, waveform data enable extraction of experimentally intractable quantities such as energy dissipation, disturbance of the surrounding medium and viscous stresses. We provide a powerful and accessible research tool, enabling connection of the mechanical activity of the sperm to its motility and effect on its environment.Large Scale Data: The FAST software package and all documentation can be downloaded from www.flagellarCapture.com.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The FAST software package has only been tested for use with negative phase contrast microscopy. Other imaging modalities, with bright cells on a dark background, have not been tested but may work. FAST is not designed to analyse raw semen; it is specifically for precise analysis of flagellar kinematics, as that is the promising area for computer use. Flagellar capture will always require that cells are at a dilution where their paths do not frequently cross.Wider Implications Of the Findings: Combining tracked flagella with mathematical modelling has the potential to reveal new mechanistic insight. By providing the capability as a free-to-use software package, we hope that this ability to accurately quantify the flagellar waveform in large populations of motile cells will enable an abundant array of diagnostic, toxicological and therapeutic possibilities, as well as creating new opportunities for assessing and treating male subfertility.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): M.T.G., G.C., J.C.K-B. and D.J.S. gratefully acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Healthcare Technologies Challenge Award (Rapid Sperm Capture EP/N021096/1). J.C.K-B. is funded by a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) and Health Education England, Senior Clinical Lectureship Grant: The role of the human sperm in healthy live birth (NIHRDH-HCS SCL-2014-05-001). This article presents independent research funded in part by the NIHR and Health Education England. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health. The data for experimental set (2) were funded through a Wellcome Trust-University of Birmingham Value in People Fellowship Bridging Award (E.H.O.).The authors declare no competing interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea that the Holocene is over and a new human-dominated geological epoch, the Anthropocene, is in progress has been widely discussed. The article aims to outline the published definitions and current patterns on the Anthropocene, highlighting an agenda of emerging risks, challenges and possibilities for the health of the world's population in this new era. We performed a review on the complexities of planetary health in the Anthropocene, which generated 42 initial references for full-text reading; we selected 25 of them and carried out analysis and interpretation. Anthropogenic activities have increasing impacts on the environment and a fundamental change in the relationship between humans and the terrestrial system, in many ways that exert intentional and unintentional influences on natural and social processes. The burgeoning literature on health promotion and global public health talks about the anthropogenic forces, claiming a solid critical theory of action to confront, modify and reduce the deleterious effects of such forces. For that reason, the 23rd IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion, scheduled to be held in New Zealand in 2019, emphasizes the theme 'Promoting Planetary Health and Sustainable Development for All'. It recognizes that the current paradigm of economic unlimited growth and exploitation of limited natural resources is unfair and unsustainable, leading to geopopulational and temporal inequities between generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami resulted in widespread property destruction and over 250,000 displaced residents. We sought to examine whether the type of housing arrangement available to the affected victims was associated with a differential incidence of depressive symptoms. In this prospective cohort study, which comprised participants aged ≥65 years from Iwanuma as a part of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study, we had information about the residents' mental health both before the disaster in 2010 and 2.5 years afterward. The Geriatric Depression Scale was used. Type of accommodation after the disaster was divided into 5 categories: no move, prefabricated housing (temporary housing), existing private accommodations (temporary apartment), newly established housing, and other. Poisson regression analysis was adopted, with and without multiple imputation. Among the 2,242 participants, 16.2% reported depressive symptoms at follow-up. The adjusted rate ratio for depressive symptoms among persons moving into prefabricated housing, compared with those who did not, was 2.07 (95% confidence interval: 1.45, 2.94). Moving into existing private accommodations or other types of accommodations was not associated with depression. The relationship between living environment and long-term mental health should be considered for disaster recovery planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic resistance is a global health concern declared by the WHO as one of the largest threats to modern healthcare. In recent years, metagenomic DNA sequencing has started to be applied as a tool to study antibiotic resistance in different environments, including the human microbiota. However, a multitude of methods exist for metagenomic data analysis, and not all methods are suitable for the investigation of resistance genes, particularly if the desired outcome is an assessment of risks to human health. In this review, we outline the current state of methods for sequence handling, mapping to databases of resistance genes, statistical analysis and metagenomic assembly. In addition, we provide an overview of important considerations related to the analysis of resistance genes, and recommend some of the currently used tools and methods that are best equipped to inform research and clinical practice related to antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With regard to the vdW interactions and atomic-layered nature of 2D atomic crystals (2DACs), Duan I et al. i show how to construct a high-quality heterostructure/superlattice via 2DACs [[9]]. For example, Zhang I et al. i survey the recent advances in wet-chemical synthesis of 2D metal nanomaterials and establish the interdependence of electrocatalytic performance and structure of these 2D catalysts [[2]]. Novoselov I et al. i highlight the application of multifunctional 2D materials for antiviral protection and detection, which is a good response to the COVID-19 pandemic [[6]]. [Extracted from the article]

In the latter part of the 20th century, fishery research expanded from its original biological base to include new areas, notably investigations of fishing-gear performance and fish-detection by sonar. The past 50 years have seen huge advances in technology and the combination of physical and biological insights in fishery research. Fishing-gear investigations initially focussed on the economics of commercial fishing, but in the 1970s energy consumption in fishing became a major issue. Thereafter, the objectives changed to support for fishery management through gear innovations and research, giving a better understanding of exploitation patterns. During this period, fishery acoustics advanced from crude beginnings in the 1960s to the powerful stock-assessment tool it is today. Progress in these fields has depended on multi-disciplinary research involving both the physical and biological sciences. There have been failures along the way, but there is now good understanding of how technology as well as science can make a positive contribution to fishery management. This essay describes these developments as seen from my personal involvement over the past half century. It concludes with some pointers to the future, and practical advice to young researchers considering a career in fishery research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Businesses increasingly conduct operations in remote areas where medical evacuation [Medevac(s)] carries more risk. Royal Dutch Shell developed a remote healthcare strategy whereby enhanced remote healthcare is made available to the patient through use of telemedicine and telemetry. To evaluate that strategy, a review of Medevacs of Shell International employees [i.e. expatriate employees (EEs) and frequent business travellers (FBTs)] was undertaken.Method: A retrospective review of Medevac data (period 2008-12) that were similar in operational constraints and population profile was conducted. Employee records and Human Resource data were used as a denominator for the population. Analogous Medevac data from specific locations were used to compare patterns of diagnoses.Results: A total of 130 Medevacs were conducted during the study period, resulting in a Medevac rate of 4 per 1000 of population with 16 per 1000 for females and 3 per 1000 for males, respectively. The youngest and oldest age-groups required Medevacs in larger proportions. The evacuation rates were highest for countries classified as 'high' or 'extreme risk'. The most frequent diagnostic categories for Medevac were: trauma, digestive, musculoskeletal, cardiac and neurological. In 9% of the total, a strong to moderate link could be made between the pre-existing medical condition and diagnosis leading to Medevac.Conclusion: This study uniquely provides a benchmark Medevac rate (4 per 1000) for EEs and FBTs and demonstrates that Medevac rates are highest from countries identified as 'high risk'; there is an age and gender bias, and pre-existing medical conditions are of notable relevance. It confirms a change in the trend from injury to illness as a reason for Medevac in the oil and gas industry and demonstrates that diagnoses of a digestive and traumatic nature are the most frequent. A holistic approach to health (as opposed to a predominant focus on fitness to work), more attention to female travellers, and the application of modern technology and communication will reduce the need for Medevacs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

However, although historically their emissions have been great, most of the developed economies decoupled their carbon emissions and economic growth with the decarbonizing industry, and peaked their emissions by the first decade of this century [[2]]. Although theoretically these countries emit much less CO SB 2 sb , they appear to be more sensitive and susceptible to climate change, and it is very difficult for academics to conduct thorough studies in order to understand their emission baselines and track their climate change mitigation efforts. Therefore, their work advocates international assistance for these emerging emitters and reveals the important role of historically major emitters in addressing global climate change, not only to provide technical and financial assistance to reduce emissions, but also to prioritize their own emission reduction agenda. [Extracted from the article]

Each year, the Microscopy Society of America asks members to vote for individuals who will provide direction for MSA and the microscopy community. I hope all in the United States and elsewhere have fulfilled their civic duty and voted for their favorite candidate in recent local and national elections. Short biographies and mission statements for all candidates can be found on the MSA website: Welcome | Microscopy Society of America. [Extracted from the article]

Theoretical studies have revealed that dust grains are usually moving fast through the turbulent interstellar gas, which could have significant effects upon interstellar chemistry by modifying grain accretion. This effect is investigated in this work on the basis of numerical gas-grain chemical modelling. Major features of the grain motion effect in the typical environment of dark clouds (DC) can be summarized as follows: (1) decrease of gas-phase (both neutral and ionic) abundances and increase of surface abundances by up to 2-3 orders of magnitude; (2) shifts of the existing chemical jumps to earlier evolution ages for gas-phase species and to later ages for surface species by factors of about 10; (3) a few exceptional cases in which some species turn out to be insensitive to this effect and some other species can show opposite behaviours too. These effects usually begin to emerge from a typical DC model age of about 105 yr. The grain motion in a typical cold neutral medium (CNM) can help overcome the Coulomb repulsive barrier to enable effective accretion of cations on to positively charged grains. As a result, the grain motion greatly enhances the abundances of some gas-phase and surface species by factors up to 2-6 or more orders of magnitude in the CNM model. The grain motion effect in a typical molecular cloud (MC) is intermediate between that of the DC and CNM models, but with weaker strength. The grain motion is found to be important to consider in chemical simulations of typical interstellar medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At high frequencies, the acceleration spectral amplitude decreases rapidly; this has been modelled with the spectral decay factor κ. Its site component, κ0, is used widely today in ground motion prediction and simulation, and numerous approaches have been proposed to compute it. In this study, we estimate κ for the EUROSEISTEST valley, a geologically complex and seismically active region with a permanent strong motion array consisting of 14 surface and 6 downhole stations. Site conditions range from soft sediments to hard rock. First, we use the classical approach to separate local and regional attenuation and measure κ0. Second, we take advantage of the existing knowledge of the geological profile and material properties to examine the correlation of κ0 with different site characterization parameters. κ0 correlates well with Vs30, as expected, indicating a strong effect from the geological structure in the upper 30 m. But it correlates equally well with the resonant frequency and depth-to-bedrock of the stations, which indicates strong effects from the entire sedimentary column, down to 400 m. Third, we use our results to improve our physical understanding of κ0.We propose a conceptual model of κ0 with Vs, comprising two new notions. On the one hand, and contrary to existing correlations, we observe that κ0 stabilizes for high Vs values. This may indicate the existence of regional values for hard rock κ0. If so, we propose that borehole measurements (almost never used up to now for κ0) may be useful in determining these values. On the other hand, we find that material damping, as expressed through travel times, may not suffice to account for the total κ0 measured at the surface. We propose that, apart from material damping, additional site attenuation may be caused by scattering from small-scale variability in the profile. If this is so, then geotechnical damping measurements may not suffice to infer the overall crustal attenuation under a site; but starting with a regional value (possibly from a borehole) and adding damping, we might define a lower bound for site-specific κ0. More precise estimates would necessitate seismological site instrumentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Antibiotic-polluted environments may function as reservoirs for novel resistance plasmids not yet encountered in pathogens. The aims of this study were to assess the potential of resistance transfer between bacteria from such environments and Escherichia coli, and to characterize the conjugative elements involved.Methods: Sediment samples from Kazipally lake and Asanikunta tank, two Indian lakes with a history of severe pollution with fluoroquinolones, were investigated. Proportions of resistant bacteria were determined by selective cultivation, while horizontal gene transfer was studied using a GFP-tagged E. coli as recipient. Retrieved transconjugants were tested for susceptibility by Etest(®) and captured conjugative resistance elements were characterized by WGS.Results: The polluted lakes harboured considerably higher proportions of ciprofloxacin-resistant and sulfamethoxazole-resistant bacteria than did other Indian and Swedish lakes included for comparison (52% versus 2% and 60% versus 7%, respectively). Resistance plasmids were captured from Kazipally lake, but not from any of the other lakes; in the case of Asanikunta tank because of high sediment toxicity. Eight unique IncA/C and IncN resistance plasmids were identified among 11 sequenced transconjugants. Five plasmids were fully assembled, and four of these carried the quinolone resistance gene qnrVC1, which has previously only been found on chromosomes. Acquired resistance genes, in the majority of cases associated with class 1 integrons, could be linked to decreased susceptibility to several different classes of antibiotics.Conclusions: Our study shows that environments heavily polluted with antibiotics contain novel multiresistance plasmids transferrable to E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]