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Abstract Limb immobilization causes rapid declines in muscle strength and mass. Given the role of the nervous system in immobilization‐induced weakness, targeted interventions may be able to preserve muscle strength, but not mass, and vice versa. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of two distinct interventions during 1 week of knee joint immobilization on muscle strength (isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque), mass (bioimpedance spectroscopy and ultrasonography), and neuromuscular function (transcranial magnetic stimulation and interpolated twitch technique). Thirty‐nine healthy, college‐aged adults (21 males, 18 females) were randomized into one of four groups: immobilization only (n = 9), immobilization + action observation/mental imagery (AOMI) (n = 10), immobilization + neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) (n = 12), or control group (n = 8). The AOMI group performed daily video observation and mental imagery of knee extensions. The NMES group performed twice daily stimulation of the quadriceps femoris. Based on observed effect sizes, it appears that AOMI shows promise as a means of preserving voluntary strength, which may be modulated by neural adaptations. Strength increased from PRE to POST in the AOMI group, with +7.2% (Cohen's d = 1.018) increase in concentric isokinetic peak torque at 30°/s. However, NMES did not preserve muscle mass. Though preliminary, our findings highlight the specific nature of clinical interventions and suggest that muscle strength can be independently targeted during rehabilitation. This study was prospectively registered: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05072652.

Abstract Introduction Men with African ancestry have the highest incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (PCa) worldwide. Methods This study aimed to identify differentially methylated genes between tumor vs. adjacent normal and aggressive vs. indolent PCa in 121 African American patients. Epigenome‐wide DNA methylation patterns in tumor DNA were assessed using the human Illumina Methylation EPIC V1 array. Results Around 5,139 differentially methylated CpG‐sites (q 0.2) were identified when comparing normal vs. tumor, with an overall trend of hypermethylation in prostate tumors. Multiple representative differentially methylated regions (DMRs), including immune‐related genes, such as CD40, Galectin3, OX40L, and STING, were detected in prostate tumors when compared to adjacent normal tissues. Based on an epigenetic clock model, we observed that tumors’ total number of stem cell divisions and the stem cell division rate were significantly higher than adjacent normal tissues. Regarding PCa aggressiveness, 2,061 differentially methylated CpG‐sites (q .05) were identified when the grade group (GG)1 was compared with GG4/5. Among these 2,061 CpG sites, 155 probes were consistently significant in more than one comparison. Among these genes, several immune system genes, such as COL18A1, S100A2, ITGA4, HLA‐C, and ADCYAP1, have previously been linked to tumor progression in PCa. Conclusion Several differentially methylated genes involved in immune‐oncologic pathways associated with disease risk or aggressiveness were identified. In addition, 261 African American‐specific differentially methylated genes related to the risk of PCa were identified. These results can shedlight on potential mechanisms contributing to PCa disparities in the African American Population.

Abstract Applications for an antenna structure produced with additive manufacturing technology are numerous and promising. This study focuses explicitly on utilizing micro‐laser sintering (MLS) three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology to fabricate two rectangular horn antennas identical to a standard Pasternack® horn antenna, making the fabrication straightforward. The objective is to investigate how surface roughness affects antenna performance in a frequency range of 18 to 26.5 GHz. One antenna is polished and the other is left untouched, resulting in surface roughness of 4 and 6 µm, respectively, measured using a profilometer. Then, a vector network analyzer was used to assess their reflection coefficient, transmission characteristics, and radiation pattern and determine gains of 8.83 and 9.14 dBi for the polished and unpolished antennas, respectively. The study finds that both polished and unpolished antennas perform similarly, and their characteristics closely resembling simulated and standard antennas. Finally, the performance of the MLS‐printed metallic antennas is compared with horn antennas created using other 3D printing techniques. It reveals that the MLS‐printed metallic structures exhibit better performance, indicating that the MLS technology has great potential to print 3D metallic electromagnetic designs.

Abstract This study investigates the escape of Mercury's sodium‐group ions (Na+‐group, including ions with m/q from 21 to 30 amu/e) and their dependence on true anomaly angle (TAA), that is, Mercury's orbital phase around the Sun, using measurements from MESSENGER. The measurements are categorized into solar wind, magnetosheath, and magnetosphere, and further divided into four TAA intervals. Na+‐group ions form escape plumes in the solar wind and magnetosheath, with higher fluxes along the solar wind's motional electric field. The total escape rates vary from 0.2 to 1 × 1025 atoms/s with the magnetosheath being the main escaping region. These rates exhibit a TAA dependence, peaking near the perihelion and similar during Mercury's remaining orbit. Despite Mercury's tenuous exosphere, Na+‐group ions escape rate is comparable to other inner planets. This can be attributed to several processes, including that Na+‐group ions may include several ion species, efficient photoionization frequency for elements within Na‐group, etc.

Abstract Objectives Phenobarbital (PB) is a long‐acting GABA A‐agonist with favorable pharmacokinetics (long half‐life and duration of effect) that allows effective treatment of alcohol withdrawal (AW) after administration of a single loading dose. Current evidence suggests that in the setting of AW, PB administration may be associated with decreased hospital admissions and hospital length of stay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety outcomes of AW patients who were treated and discharged from the emergency department (ED) after receiving PB for AW. Methods This retrospective chart review included a convenience sample of 33 AW patients who presented to four EDs within an 18‐month span. Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to describe demographics, distribution of resources and referrals, and the safety outcomes of PB administration for low‐risk AW patients. Patients were selected for inclusion in consultation with a medical toxicologist, treated with PB, and discharged from the ED. Electronic medical records were utilized to gather information on the patient cohort. Results All patients were treated with at least a single loading dose of 5‒10 mg/kg (ideal body weight) of intravenous or per os PB during their ED stay. Only one patient had an unanticipated event after discharge, which was related to driving against advice. Two additional patients had ED revisits for recurrent alcohol use within 72 h, and 16 patients had recurrent alcohol use within 30 days. All 33 patients were provided with resources for linkage to treatment. None required hospital admission. Conclusion ED PB “load and go” may be a safe, effective AW treatment that could help treat AW, facilitate linkage to specific rehabilitation treatments, and decrease hospital admissions.

Abstract Recent observations suggest that El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impacts basal melting of West Antarctic ice shelves, yet sparse ocean observations limit our understanding of the associated processes. Here we investigate how ENSO events modulate subsurface West Antarctic shelf temperatures using high‐resolution global ocean‐sea ice model simulations. During El Niño, the subsurface shelf warming between 150 m and the shelf bottom can be up to 0.5°C in front of ice shelves. This warming arises from a weaker Amundsen Sea Low (ASL) and weaker coastal easterlies that reduce on‐shelf Ekman transport of cold surface waters, enabling enhanced transport of warm Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) onto the shelf. A largely opposite response occurs during La Niña, with a stronger ASL and stronger Ekman transport that results in less cross‐shelf CDW transport and cooling in the subsurface. These findings have implications for interpreting basal melting on interannual to decadal time‐scales in West Antarctica.

Abstract Background Attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is critical to health of calves; however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of TPI in individual beef animals are limited. Objectives To report agreement between 4 tests evaluating individual TPI status in beef calves. Animals One hundred ninety‐six beef calves born to cows and heifers presenting for calving management or dystocia. Methods Retrospective study to assess serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentrations via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI), gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), serum total protein (TP), and single radial immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard). Test agreement was evaluated using Passing‐Bablok regression, Bland‐Altman analysis, Cohen's kappa, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with and without covariate adjustment to determine optimal thresholds. Results Correlation between RID and test results varied: TI, ρ = 0.757; TP, ρ = 0.715; GGT: ρ = 0.413. For the TI compared to RID, regression analysis identified a constant (intercept = −0.51 [CI: −2.63, 3.05]) and proportional (slope = 1.87 [CI: 1.69, 2.08]) bias. Based on ROC, TI concentrations of ≤9.89 and ≤13.76 g/L, and TP concentrations of ≤5.5 and ≤6.0 g/dL, indicated IgG concentrations

Abstract Background Colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is critical to the attainment of adequate transfer of passive immunity in cattle, however, studies comparing available tools for measurement of colostral IgG concentration in beef cattle are limited. Objectives To report the agreement between 3 commercially available tests for evaluating IgG concentration in beef colostrum. Animals Two hundred six beef‐breed cows hospitalized for calving management or dystocia. Methods Retrospective study to assess IgG of whole colostrum measured stall‐side via turbidimetric immunoassay (TI) and brix refractometry (BRIX), compared to fat separated (FS) analysis via single radial‐immunodiffusion (RID; reference standard), TI‐FS and BRIX‐FS. Test performance was assessed using Passing Bablock regression, Bland‐Altman analysis, and area under the curve to determine optimal thresholds. Results Correlation between RID and TI‐FS, BRIX‐FS, or BRIX was similar (Spearman's ρ = 0.717, 0.715, 0.716, respectively) but correlation for TI was poor (ρ = 0.586). Regression analysis identified a substantial constant (−214.75 [CI: −272.03 to −178.07]) and proportional (13.24 [CI: 11.81‐15.37]) bias between the RID and TI‐FS which was similar for TI. TI‐FS concentrations of 28.47, 38.75, and 50.62 g/L, BRIX‐FS of ≤21.9%, ≤24.0%, and ≤27.4%, and BRIX of ≤21.3%, ≤23.8%, and ≤26.4% indicated IgG concentrations

Abstract Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a promising technology for long‐duration energy storage; but they suffer from inefficiencies in part due to the overvoltages at the electrode surface. In this work, more than 70 electrode treatments are reviewed that are previously shown to reduce the overvoltages and improve performance for vanadium RFBs (VRFBs), the most commercialized RFB technology. However, identifying treatments that improve performance the most and whether they are industrially implementable is challenging. This study attempts to address this challenge by comparing treatments under similar operating conditions and accounting for the treatment process complexity. The different treatments are compared at laboratory and industrial scale based on criteria for VRFB performance, treatment stability, economic feasibility, and ease of industrial implementation. Thermal, plasma, electrochemical oxidation, CO2 treatments, as well as Bi, Ag, and Cu catalysts loaded on electrodes are identified as the most promising for adoption in large scale VRFBs. The similarity in electrode treatments for aqueous‐organic RFBs (AORFBs) and VRFBs is also identified. The need of standardization in RFBs testing along with fundamental studies to understand charge transfer reactions in redox active species used in RFBs moving forward is emphasized.

Abstract Excessive immune activation and immunosuppression are opposing factors that contribute to the dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses seen in severe inflammation and sepsis. Here, a novel analog of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA‐OH), was incorporated into immunomodulatory poly(lactic acid)‐based nanoparticles (iNP‐SAHA) by employing a prodrug approach through the covalent modification of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) with SAHA‐OH. iNP‐SAHA formulation allowed for controlled incorporation and delivery of SAHA‐OH from iNP‐SAHA and treatment led to multimodal biological responses including significant reductions in proinflammatory cytokine secretions and gene expression, while increasing the survival of primary macrophages under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Using a lethal LPS‐induced endotoxemia mouse model of sepsis, iNP‐SAHA administration improved the survival of mice in a dose‐dependent manner and tended to improve survival at the lowest doses compared to iNP control. Further, iNP‐SAHA reduced the levels of plasma proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines associated with sepsis more significantly than iNP and similarly improved inflammation‐induced spleen and liver toxicity as iNP, supporting its potential polypharmacological activity. Collectively, iNP‐SAHA offers a potential drug delivery approach to modulate the multifaceted inflammatory responses observed in diseases such as sepsis.

Abstract Among nearly 300 near‐Mercury tail current sheet crossings performed by the MESSENGER spacecraft, we identified 37 traversals of an asymmetric current sheet, wherein the lobe densities on opposite sides differ by a factor of three or more. These asymmetric current sheet crossings primarily occur on the dawnside. A global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulation was found to be in excellent agreement with the observations. The results suggest that the north–south density asymmetry is caused by solar wind entering via an upstream‐connected window in one hemisphere. Furthermore, the Parker spiral interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) controls the near‐tail density asymmetries, whereas Mercury's offset dipole magnetic field controls those in mid‐ or distant‐tail regions. We propose that hemispheric asymmetries in Mercury's magnetospheric convection occur under strong IMF conditions.

Abstract Factors driving freshwater salinization syndrome (FSS) influence the severity of impacts and chances for recovery. We hypothesize that spread of FSS across ecosystems is a function of interactions among five state factors: human activities, geology, flowpaths, climate, and time. (1) Human activities drive pulsed or chronic inputs of salt ions and mobilization of chemical contaminants. (2) Geology drives rates of erosion, weathering, ion exchange, and acidification‐alkalinization. (3) Flowpaths drive salinization and contaminant mobilization along hydrologic cycles. (4) Climate drives rising water temperatures, salt stress, and evaporative concentration of ions and saltwater intrusion. (5) Time influences consequences, thresholds, and potentials for ecosystem recovery. We hypothesize that state factors advance FSS in distinct stages, which eventually contribute to failures in systems‐level functions (supporting drinking water, crops, biodiversity, infrastructure, etc.). We present future research directions for protecting freshwaters at risk based on five state factors and stages from diagnosis to prognosis to cure.

Abstract Background Rabies expert on demand (REOD) telehealth service is provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist public health practitioners, health providers, and the public to interpret national and international rabies prevention guidelines. REOD is staffed by subject matter experts of the CDC Poxvirus and Rabies Branch to assess each unique situation and provide evidence‐based guidance to stakeholders. This study aims to describe the utilization of a rabies telehealth system and provide insight into common consultations. Methods A cross‐sectional study of the nature of inquiries to REOD was done using the data collected from September 1, 2017 to September 30, 2021. An inquiry tracking form and Microsoft Access database were developed to document all inquiries received. Inquired ones were summarized to determine the frequency of inquiries by month, category, and location. Results Over a 49‐month period, REOD received 5228 inquiries. Peak inquiries (n = 108) occurred during August 2019. The most frequent inquiries received pertained to risk assessment and management of rabies exposures (n = 1109), requests for testing assistance (n = 912), consultation for suspected human rabies (n = 746), rabies exposures and post‐bite treatment occurring internationally (n = 310), and consultation for deviations in the recommended pre‐ and postexposure prophylaxis regimen (n = 300). Conclusion REOD is a global resource for consultation related to managing rabies exposures, diagnostic issues, and rabies control strategies. REOD is a regularly utilized CDC service, as the demand for up‐to‐date rabies guidance remains high. REOD fulfills a critical role for the interpretation and consultation on rabies prevention guidelines to stakeholder.

Abstract Conservation practitioners often rely on captive breeding programs to supplement wild populations at risk of extinction. While supplementation has been successful for some taxa, the success of using hatchery fish to supplement wild populations is severely impacted by predation. Elevated predation on hatchery fish may arise because hatchery environments often differ from wild environments and constrain the ability of hatchery fish to be adapted to the environments in which they are released. We assessed the effects of abiotic enrichment on the expression of behavioral and morphological phenotypes across three populations of a species of conservation concern, the Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini). We also used a factorial approach to assess whether abiotic enrichment and predator training increases survival during encounters with a novel predator. We found that abiotic enrichment affected ecomorphological attributes associated with fins; generally, measures of the caudal and pectoral fin decreased in the treatment group compared to the control treatment. Behaviorally, darters reared with abiotic enrichment increased feeding and decreased movement compared to the control group. Importantly, we found that in combination with predator training, abiotic enrichment increased the probability of surviving first encounters with a predator. We therefore recommend conservation practitioners incorporate abiotic enrichment and predator training in hatchery programs. Captive breeding programs are used to supplement wild populations at risk of extinction, but hatchery‐reared fish often do not survive after release. Using the threatened Arkansas darter, we show that abiotic enrichment and predator training of hatchery populations impact behavior and morphology and increase the probability of surviving first encounters with a non‐native predator.

Background Timely imaging is essential for patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Our objective was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of low‐field portable magnetic resonance imaging (pMRI) for bedside evaluation following MT. Methods Patients with suspected large‐vessel occlusion undergoing MT were screened for eligibility. All pMRI examinations were conducted in the standard ferromagnetic environment of the interventional radiology suite. Clinical characteristics, procedural details, and pMRI features were collected. Subsequent high‐field conventional MRI within 72±12 hours was analyzed. If a conventional MRI was not available for comparison, computed tomography within the same time frame was used for validation. Results Twenty‐four patients were included (63% women; median age, 76 years [interquartile range, 69–84 years]). MT was performed with a median access to revascularization time of 15 minutes (interquartile range, 8–19 minutes), and with a successful outcome as defined by a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of ≥2B in 90% of patients. The median time from the end of the procedure to pMRI was 22 minutes (interquartile range, 16–32 minutes). The median pMRI examination time was 30 minutes (interquartile range, 17–33 minutes). Of 23 patients with available subsequent imaging, 9 had infarct progression compared with immediate post‐MT pMRI and 14 patients did not have progression of their infarct volume. There was no adverse event related to the examination. Conclusion Low‐field pMRI is safe and feasible in a post‐MT environment and enables timely identification of ischemic changes in the interventional radiology suite. This approach can facilitate the assessment of baseline infarct burden and may help guide physiological interventions following MT.

Abstract The decline in amphibian populations is one of the starkest examples of the biodiversity crisis. For stream breeding amphibians, alterations to natural flow regimes by dams, water diversions, and climate change have been implicated in declines and extirpations. Identifying drivers of amphibian declines requires long time series of abundance data because amphibian populations can exhibit high natural variability. Multiple population viability analysis (MPVA) models integrate abundance data and share information from different populations to estimate how environmental factors influence population growth. Flow alteration has been linked to declines and extirpations in the Foothill Yellow‐legged Frog (Rana boylii), a stream breeding amphibian native to California and Oregon. To date, no study has jointly analyzed abundance data from populations throughout the range of R. boylii in an MPVA model. We compiled time series of egg mass counts (an index of adult female abundance) from R. boylii populations in 36 focal streams and fit an MPVA model to quantify how streamflow metrics, stream temperature, and surrounding land cover affect population growth. We found population growth was positively related to stream temperature and was higher in the years following a wet year with high total annual streamflow. Density dependence was weakest (i.e., carrying capacity was highest) for streams with high seasonality of streamflow and intermediate rates of change in streamflow during spring. Our results highlight how altered streamflow can further increase the risk of decline for R. boylii populations. Managing stream conditions to better match natural flow and thermal regimes would benefit the conservation of R. boylii populations.

Abstract Background Despite robust weight loss and cardiometabolic benefit, lean mass loss following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) confers health risk. Bisphosphonates are a potential therapeutic agent for lean mass maintenance. Thus, our objective was to explore the effect of 6 months of risedronate (vs. placebo) on change in dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐ and computed tomography (CT)‐derived lean mass metrics in the year following SG. Methods Twenty‐four SG patients were randomized to 6 months of 150‐mg oral risedronate or placebo capsules (NCT03411902). Body composition was assessed at baseline and 6 months with optional 12‐month follow‐up using whole‐body DXA and CT at the lumbar spine and mid‐thigh. Group treatment effects and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated from a mixed model using contrast statements at 6 and 12 months, adjusted for baseline values. Results Of 24 participants enrolled [55.7 ± 6.7 years (mean ± SD), 79% Caucasian, 83% women, body mass index (BMI) 44.7 ± 6.3 kg/m2], 21 returned for 6‐month testing and 14 returned for 12‐month testing. Six‐month weight loss was −16.3 kg (−20.0, −12.5) and −20.9 kg (−23.7, −18.1) in the risedronate and placebo groups, respectively (P = 0.057). Primary analysis at 6 months revealed a non‐significant sparing of appendicular lean mass in the risedronate group compared with placebo [−1.2 kg (−2.3, −0.1) vs. −2.1 kg (−3.0, −1.2)]; P = 0.20. By 12 months, the risedronate group displayed no change in appendicular lean mass from baseline [−0.5 kg (−1.5, 0.6)]; however, the placebo group experienced significantly augmented loss [−2.9 kg (−3.6, −2.1)]. Conclusions Pilot data indicate that risedronate treatment may mitigate appendicular lean mass loss following SG. Further study is warranted.

Abstract Objective The reconstruction of large scalp defects poses both functional and cosmetic challenges. While free tissue transfer remains the standard for defects larger than 30 cm2, prolonged anesthesia and postoperative complications remain significant limitations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of O‐Z flaps for the reconstruction of large scalp defects and to describe the techniques employed. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of ten patients who underwent reconstructive surgery using an O‐Z flap approach for large scalp defects between July 2017 and June 2019. The parameters included in this study were patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and postoperative management, collected for at least a year after surgery. Results In this cohort, the mean age was 76.1 years and 90% were male. All patients were treated for neoplastic skin lesions, with 70% located on the vertex and 30% located on the temporoparietal region. The mean size of defect was 52.0 cm2 (range: 38.6 to 63.8 cm2). The maximum hospital stay was two days, and no patients were readmitted within 30 days of surgery. There were no cases of wound infection or flap necrosis. All patients reported pain control with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Four patients received adjuvant radiation, and there was no delay to receiving treatment following surgery. Conclusions The O‐Z flap is a reliable alternative for the reconstruction of non‐irradiated scalp defects in the vertex and temporoparietal regions up to 63 cm2. This technique provides advantages for patients, including hairline preservation, shorter hospital stays, and decreased postoperative complications.

Abstract Rooting in deep regolith enables forests to withstand seasonal and annual precipitation shortfalls. Despite its ecological importance, spatial patterns in regolith thickness within forest ecosystems are scarcely documented. Regolith thickness was estimated at 66 sites throughout a 543‐ha watershed in the southern Sierra Nevada by hand auger to point of failure or a maximum depth of 7.5 m, describing a minimum thickness estimate. Regolith consists of 1–2 m of soil overlying thick and porous weathered granodiorite. Depth to auger failure ranged from 1.52 to an indeterminate depth beyond 7.5 m. A total of 27 points exceeded 7.5 m depth. Normal, lognormal, and gamma data distribution models were fitted to observations to extrapolate thickness across the watershed and estimate thicknesses beyond the measurement limitation. Predictions for the 95th percentile of regolith thickness varied substantially; 26.05 m for lognormal, 16.87 m for gamma, and 9.56 m for normal. Considering any best fit model, >55% of the watershed area was deeper than 5 m. Depth classes were formed to evaluate the extent to which topography is associated with spatial trends in regolith thickness. Spatial patterns were related to two covariate proxies (distance from stream channel and topographic wetness) with the general landscape trend of shallow depth classes (7.5 m) in uplands. The normalized difference vegetation index signatures over the late stages of a 5‐year drought were greener in the lowlands. In contrast, upland forests displayed widespread tree die‐off, suggesting deep water storage does not maintain forests over long‐term drought.

Abstract Parametric modeling of downwelling longwave irradiance under all‐sky conditions (LW↓) typically involves “correcting” a clear‐ (or non‐overcast) sky model estimate using solar‐irradiance‐based proxies of cloud cover in lieu of actual cloud cover given uncertainties and measurement challenges of the latter. While such approaches are deemed sound, their application in time and space is inherently limited. We report on a correction model free of solar irradiance‐derived cloud proxies that is applicable at the true daily (24 hr) and global scales. The new “cloud‐free” correction model demonstrates superior performance in a range of environments relative to existing cloud‐free modeling approaches and to corrections based on solar‐derived cloudiness proxies. Literature‐based performance benchmarking indicates a performance that is often comparable to—and in some cases superior to—performances yielded by conventional parametric modeling approaches employing locally or regionally calibrated parameters, as well as to performances of satellite‐based algorithms.

Abstract The pursuit of ungulates as game animals, whether for recreation, cultural tradition, or meat, is a dominant activity on public and private lands in North America and much of the world. Strategic regulation of hunting is key for managing game population abundance, age and sex structure, and distribution, with harvest rates a function of both hunter success and participation. Hunter satisfaction is often linked to success and ultimately with hunter recruitment and retention, a growing concern for wildlife agencies. Yet knowledge is lacking about what hunter characteristics or behaviors are linked with success, and how these may differ among common hunt types. We used survey and spatial data from hunters (n = 416) during a 6‐year observational study in northeastern Oregon, USA to characterize hunter traits associated with success for 3 hunt types for antlered males: rifle deer (Odocoileus spp.), archery elk (Cervus canadensis), and rifle elk. We modeled the success for rifle deer and rifle elk hunters using logistic regression models in a Bayesian hierarchical approach. Annual success rates were highly variable, ranging from 4 to 76% for rifle deer and 20 to 56% for rifle elk hunters, and from 0 to 14% for archery elk. Age distributions of hunters were similar across hunt types (x ̅ = 47.2 years), and male hunters were ~8 times as common as females (n = 370 vs. n = 46, respectively). Success rates for men and women, however, were comparable within hunt types. Successful hunters spent more hours per day outside camp (x ̅ = 7.4 vs. 6.4 for unsuccessful hunters) and expended a slightly larger percentage of their hunting effort on foot (x ̅ = 87.8%) than did unsuccessful hunters (x ̅ = 84.6%). The best model predicting success of rifle deer hunters was based on hours per day spent outside camp during the hunting hours, with each additional hour increasing odds of success by 26%. For rifle elk hunters, the best model included time outside camp and a binary covariate for scouting. The odds of success increased by 418% for hunters who scouted versus those who did not, and by 18% with each additional hour per day spent hunting outside of camp. Summed model weights indicated that hours per day outside camp and scouting were most informative, and that use of an all‐terrain vehicle, age, and experience were unrelated to hunter success. Both models performed reasonably well (correct classification rates of 0.74 and 0.70 for rifle deer and rifle elk models, respectively). Our study augmented the relatively limited published information about behavioral factors associated with successful harvest of deer and elk, and we recommend additional research to better unravel the nexus of success and hunter characteristics and behavior to help sustain recreational hunting and big game populations.

Abstract Coastal areas are some of the most densely populated and economically important regions in the world. As such, protecting the health of the human population and ecosystems at the coastal interface and understanding the impacts of environmental stressors such as air pollutants provides wide‐ranging benefits. Air quality (AQ) processes within coastal regions have been studied using ground and space‐based platforms, with intensive field campaigns focused on addressing key science questions that are typically partitioned into either direct atmospheric effects (e.g., anthropogenic emissions creating air pollution) or indirect processes and feedback loops (e.g., terrestrial/marine biogenic processes modifying atmospheric properties). The atmospheric planetary boundary layer (PBL) and its depth (or height) connect land, air, and the water surface via many pathways, especially with transport and exchange processes tied to the complexities of the coastal interface. We still cannot accurately characterize—through field, aircraft, or space‐based observations—the spatial and temporal PBL variability and processes within the PBL that couple together coastal dynamics and air quality. Several upcoming geostationary and polar‐orbiting satellite missions are likely to make significant progress in characterizing these air/land/water interactions over the next decade. Here, we present a framework of the current understanding of the PBL's role in coastal regions, primarily regarding air quality and atmospheric deposition, to motivate future concerted efforts from ground‐ and space‐based platforms to achieve a holistic understanding of the coastal interface.

Abstract Rivers and lakes are intrinsically connected waterbodies yet they are rarely used to hydrologically constrain one another with remote sensing. Here we begin to bridge the gap between river and lake hydrology with the introduction of the LakeFlow algorithm. LakeFlow uses river‐lake mass conservation and observations from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite to provide river discharge estimates of lake and reservoir inflows and outflows. We test LakeFlow performance at three lakes using a synthetic SWOT data set assuming the maximum measurement errors defined by the mission science requirements, and we include modeled lateral inflow and lake evaporation data to further constrain the mass balance. We find that LakeFlow produces promising discharge estimates (median Nash‐Sutcliffe efficiency = 0.88, relative bias = 14%). LakeFlow can inform water resources management by providing global lake inflow and outflow estimates, highlighting a path for recognizing rivers and lakes as an interconnected system.

Better management of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) requires a clearer understanding of tumor biology and disease risk. Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) have been studied in several cancers, including thyroid, salivary, and GI, but their role in HNSCC has not been explored. We found that HNSCC patient samples and cell lines expressed functional T2Rs on both the cell and nuclear membranes. Bitter compounds, including bacterial metabolites, activated T2R‐mediated nuclear Ca2+ responses leading to mitochondrial depolarization, caspase activation, and ultimately apoptosis. Buffering nuclear Ca2+ elevation blocked caspase activation. Furthermore, increased expression of T2Rs in HNSCCs from The Cancer Genome Atlas is associated with improved overall survival. This work suggests that T2Rs are potential biomarkers to predict outcomes and guide treatment selection, may be leveraged as therapeutic targets to stimulate tumor apoptosis, and may mediate tumor‐microbiome crosstalk in HNSCC.

Abstract Introduction Aging is the biggest cancer risk, and immune checkpoint (IC) inhibition (ICI) is a revolutionary cancer immunotherapy approach. Nonetheless, there are limited preclinical/clinical data regarding aging effects on ICI outcomes or age effects on IC expression in different organs or tumors. Methods Flow cytometry assessed IC on immune and non‐immune cells in various organs in young and aged BL6 mice. Comparisons: aged versus young naïve WT versus interferon‐γKO mice and WT challenged with B16F10 melanoma and treated with αPD‐1 or αPD‐L1 ICI. We co‐cultured young and aged T cells and myeloid cells in vitro and used OMIQ analyses to test cell–cell interactions. Results αPD‐1 ICI treated melanoma in young and aged hosts, whereas αPD‐L1 ICI was only effective in young. We found considerable, previously undescribed age effects on expression of various IC molecules participating in the ICI treatment, including PD‐1, PD‐L1, PD‐L2, and CD80, in distinct organs and in the tumor. These data help explain differential ICI efficacy in young and aged hosts. Host interferon‐γ influenced age effects on IC expression in both directions depending on specific IC molecule and tissue. IC expression was further affected by tumor challenge on immune, non‐immune, and tumor cells in tumor and other organs. In in vitro co‐culture, αPD‐1 versus αPD‐L1 distinctly influenced polyclonal T cells in young versus aged, suggesting mechanisms for distinct age‐related ICI outcomes. Conclusion Age affects IC expression on specific immune cells in an organ‐ and tissue‐specific manner. ICs were generally higher on aged immune cells. High immune‐cell PD‐1 could help explain αPD‐1 efficacy in aged. High co‐expression of CD80 with PD‐L1 on dendritic cells could help explain lack of αPD‐L1 efficacy in aged hosts. Factors other than myeloid cells and interferon‐γ also affect age‐related IC expression and T cell function, meriting additional studies.

Abstract Accurate diagnosis of otitis media is imperative to judicious antibiotic prescription. Visualization of the tympanic membrane and accurate identification of middle ear effusion with standard otoscopy is inherently challenging in pediatrics, especially in the youngest children who are most at risk for otitis media. With the average diagnostic accuracy among primary care physicians of 50% and accurate identification of normal tympanic membrane versus acute otitis media versus otitis media with effusion ranging from 30% to 84% among pediatricians, there is great opportunity for diagnostic improvement and decreasing unnecessary antibiotic use. In a 96‐pediatrician‐blinded otoscopy diagnosis quiz, addition of optical coherence tomography, a novel depth‐imaging technology, resulted in a 32% improvement in fluid identification, and 21% increase in diagnostic accuracy. This study suggests that the clinical use of this technology promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic stewardship in pediatrics.

Background We compared cardiac outcomes for surgery‐eligible patients with stage III non‐small‐cell lung cancer treated adjuvantly or neoadjuvantly with chemotherapy versus chemo‐radiation therapy in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results‐Medicare database. Methods and Results Patients were age 66+, had stage IIIA/B resectable non‐small‐cell lung cancer diagnosed between 2007 and 2015, and received adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemo‐radiation within 121 days of diagnosis. Patients having chemo‐radiation and chemotherapy only were propensity‐score matched and followed from day 121 to first cardiac outcome, noncardiac death, radiation initiation by patients who received chemotherapy only, fee‐for‐service enrollment interruption, or December 31, 2016. Cause‐specific hazard ratios (HRs) and competing risks subdistribution HRs were estimated. The primary outcome was the first of these severe cardiac events: acute myocardial infarction, other hospitalized ischemic heart disease, hospitalized heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass graft, cardiac death, or urgent/inpatient care for pericardial disease, conduction abnormality, valve disorder, or ischemic heart disease. With median follow‐up of 13 months, 70 of 682 patients who received chemo‐radiation (10.26%) and 43 of 682 matched patients who received chemotherapy only (6.30%) developed a severe cardiac event (P=0.008) with median time to first event 5.45 months. Chemo‐radiation increased the rate of severe cardiac events (cause‐specific HR: 1.62 [95% CI, 1.11–2.37] and subdistribution HR: 1.41 [95% CI, 0.97–2.04]). Cancer severity appeared greater among patients who received chemo‐radiation (noncardiac death cause‐specific HR, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.93–3.33] and subdistribution HR, 2.52 [95% CI, 1.90–3.33]). Conclusions Adding radiation therapy to chemotherapy is associated with an increased risk of severe cardiac events among patients with resectable stage III non‐small‐cell lung cancer for whom survival benefit of radiation therapy is unclear.

Background The trends in outcomes in patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement are well described in the literature. Some of these trends are driven by the decreasing risk profile of patients because of changing indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We aimed to evaluate these trends in different age groups and quantify how much of these trends are driven by changes in procedural characteristics. Methods and Results Using the National Inpatient Sample from 2012 to 2018, we identified 204 230 adult patients who underwent transfemoral aortic valve replacement. The study's primary objective was to evaluate the changes in age‐based trends in in‐hospital mortality driven by changes in procedural characteristics over time. The secondary objectives were to evaluate similar trends in cardiac and noncardiac complications and resource use. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression were used to obtain effect sizes. From 2012 to 2018, in‐hospital mortality decreased from 1.8% to 0.79% in the age group 18 to 64 years, from 3.8% to 1.6% in the age group 65 to 80 years, and from 5.3% to 1.5% in the age group >80 years (P trend

Abstract Introduction Internationally, trans women are disproportionately impacted by HIV, encounter specific barriers navigating safer sex and face inequities accessing HIV prevention, including pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Aotearoa/New Zealand (hereafter Aotearoa) was one of the first countries internationally to publicly fund PrEP in 2018, including for trans people. However, few data exist on PrEP awareness or sexual negotiation among trans populations to guide implementation. We present the first Aotearoa data on trans people's ability to negotiate barrier protection and awareness of PrEP efficacy and availability. Methods We used data from a large, diverse community‐based nationwide survey of trans (including non‐binary) people in Aotearoa: Counting Ourselves (N = 1178) conducted from 21 June to 30 September 2018. Generalized regression analyses were carried out among participants who have had sex (n = 704; Mage = 32.5) to identify associations between demographic factors (age, gender and sexual attraction, ethnicity, income, education qualification and current sex work involvement) and the Trans‐Specific Barrier Negotiation Self‐Efficacy (T‐Barrier) Scale and PrEP awareness. Results The mean value of a 40‐point T‐Barrier Scale was 33.45 (SD: 6.89), suggesting a relatively high perceived ability among our participants to negotiate protective barrier usages in different situations. Asian participants scored 3.46 points lower compared to Pākehā (White) participants, and trans women attracted to men (cisgender and/or trans men) scored 2.40 points higher than trans women not attracted to men. Three‐fifths (59.7%) were aware that PrEP reduced HIV risks and did not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI) transmission, and only two‐fifths (40.2%) knew PrEP was publicly funded for trans people. In multivariate models, we found participants who were older, trans women or those with lower education qualifications were less likely to have increased levels of PrEP awareness. Conclusions Participants attracted to men have a higher potential need for PrEP and were more likely to report PrEP awareness and that they could negotiate protective barrier usage. However, trans women and those with lower educational qualifications reported lower levels of PrEP awareness. More trans‐competent sexual health education, drawing on the newly released PrEP guidelines, is needed to promote the benefits of PrEP in the Aotearoa HIV epidemic context, particularly for trans women.

Abstract Background Skeletal muscle atrophy manifests across numerous diseases; however, the extent of similarities/differences in causal mechanisms between atrophying conditions in unclear. Ageing and disuse represent two of the most prevalent and costly atrophic conditions, with resistance exercise training (RET) being the most effective lifestyle countermeasure. We employed gene‐level and network‐level meta‐analyses to contrast transcriptomic signatures of disuse and RET, plus young and older RET to establish a consensus on the molecular features of, and therapeutic targets against, muscle atrophy in conditions of high socio‐economic relevance. Methods Integrated gene‐level and network‐level meta‐analysis was performed on publicly available microarray data sets generated from young (18–35 years) m. vastus lateralis muscle subjected to disuse (unilateral limb immobilization or bed rest) lasting ≥7 days or RET lasting ≥3 weeks, and resistance‐trained older (≥60 years) muscle. Results Disuse and RET displayed predominantly separate transcriptional responses, and transcripts altered across conditions were mostly unidirectional. However, disuse and RET induced directly inverted expression profiles for mitochondrial function and translation regulation genes, with COX4I1, ENDOG, GOT2, MRPL12, and NDUFV2, the central hub components of altered mitochondrial networks, and ZMYND11, a hub gene of altered translation regulation. A substantial number of genes (n = 140) up‐regulated post‐RET in younger muscle were not similarly up‐regulated in older muscle, with young muscle displaying a more pronounced extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune/inflammatory gene expression response. Both young and older muscle exhibited similar RET‐induced ubiquitination/RNA processing gene signatures with associated PWP1, PSMB1, and RAF1 hub genes. Conclusions Despite limited opposing gene profiles, transcriptional signatures of disuse are not simply the converse of RET. Thus, the mechanisms of unloading cannot be derived from studying muscle loading alone and provides a molecular basis for understanding why RET fails to target all transcriptional features of disuse. Loss of RET‐induced ECM mechanotransduction and inflammatory profiles might also contribute to suboptimal ageing muscle adaptations to RET. Disuse and age‐dependent molecular candidates further establish a framework for understanding and treating disuse/ageing atrophy.

Abstract Tumor cell‐intrinsic programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) signals mediate immunopathologic effects in breast, colon, and ovarian cancers and in melanomas, but bladder cancer (BC) effects are unreported. We show here that BC cell‐intrinsic PD‐L1 signals in mouse MB49 and human RT4, UM‐UC3, and UM‐UC‐14 BC cells regulate important pathologic pathways and processes, including effects not reported in other cancers. α‐PD‐L1 antibodies reduced BC cell proliferation in vitro, demonstrating direct signaling effects. BC cell‐intrinsic PD‐L1 promoted mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signals in vitro and augmented in vivo immune‐independent cell growth and metastatic cancer spread, similar to effects we reported in melanoma and ovarian cancer. BC cell‐intrinsic PD‐L1 signals also promoted basal and stress‐induced autophagy, whereas these signals inhibited autophagy in melanoma and ovarian cancer cells. BC cell‐intrinsic PD‐L1 also mediated chemotherapy resistance to the commonly used BC chemotherapy agents cis‐platinum and gemcitabine and to the mTORC1 inhibitor, rapamycin. Thus, BC cell‐intrinsic PD‐L1 signals regulate important virulence and treatment resistance pathways that suggest novel, actionable treatment targets meriting additional studies. As a proof‐of‐concept, we showed that the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine improved cis‐platinum treatment efficacy in vivo, with greater efficacy in PD‐L1 null versus PD‐L1‐replete BC.

Abstract Humidified rapid‐insufflation ventilatory exchange (HRIVE) is an option for maintenance of oxygenation. This technique allows for oxygenation while the patient is apnoeic due to continuous positive airway pressure and gas exchange through flow‐dependent dead space flushing. There is no study about the usage of HRIVE during rigid bronchoscopy. This retrospective study looked at rigid bronchoscopy cases utilizing HRIVE. Data points assessing adequacy of oxygenation and ventilation were recorded at time points: oxygen saturation (SpO2), partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Our nine cases had an average baseline SpO2 of 99.26%, 95.56% at 10 min into HRIVE and 95.27% at the end of HRIVE. The average baseline PaO2 was 309.01 mmHg, 124.99 mmHg at 10 min into HRIVE and 128.17 mmHg at the end of HRIVE. The average baseline PaCO2 was 43.26 mmHg, 68.76 mmHg at 10 min into HRIVE and 75.52 mmHg at the end of HRIVE. The average pre‐HRIVE end‐tidal CO2 (ETCO2) was 38.56 mmHg and the average post‐HRIVE ETCO2 was 61.22 mmHg. The average baseline pH was 7.36, 7.22 at 10 min into HRIVE and 7.19 at the end of HRIVE. In this small cohort study, HRIVE was able to maintain adequate oxygenation via the rigid bronchoscope in a select group of patients. Hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis did result after 10 min, which may predispose certain patient populations to complications. HRIVE potentially offers an additional option of oxygenation via the rigid bronchoscope.