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Globally, agricultural scientists are challenged with creating, testing, and validating climate‐smart nutrient strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing food security. This study determined maize (Zea mays L.) N recommendations and bias for N‐rate studies conducted in South Dakota using models created for western Minnesota, Iowa, Eastern North Dakota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. From 2019 to 2021, 16 N rate studies were conducted in long‐term no‐tillage (>6 years) fields located in South Dakota. In the randomized block replicated study, the soils were mollisols that were derived in a semi‐arid frigid environment. The economic optimum N rates were calculated using four fertilizer‐to‐maize grain price ratios (4.11, 5.48, 6.85, and 8.23 [$ (kg N)−1] [$ (kg grain)−1]−1). Analysis showed that reducing the yield goal coefficient used in the South Dakota model from 21.4 to 17.9 kg N (Mg grain)−1 reduced the recommended N rate but did not reduce yield. The reduced yield goal coefficient that considered the fertilizer‐to‐maize price ratio also reduced model root mean square error (RMSE), bias, and the estimated partial carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e) by at least 18%. Nitrogen recommendation models developed for western Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota had similar RMSE, bias, and fertilizer recommendations, and adjusting the recommendation based on expected fertilizer cost and maize selling price improved accuracy. This study suggests that yield was not sacrificed by reducing the coefficients from 21.4 to 17.9 kg N (Mg grain)−1 and that recommendations are improved by considering the fertilizer‐to‐maize grain price ratio. Core Ideas: Decreasing the maize yield goal model coefficient from 21.4 to 17.9 kg N (Mg grain)−1 did not reduce the yield.The partial CO2e was reduced up to 16% by considering the fertilizer‐to‐maize grain price ratio.Adjusting the N recommendations based on N fertilizer‐to‐maize price ratio improved accuracy and reduced bias.The modified South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota models had similar root mean square error (RMSE), bias, and fertilizer recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preharvest yield estimates can be used for harvest planning, marketing, and prescribing in‐season fertilizer and pesticide applications. One approach that is being widely tested is the use of machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to estimate yields. However, one barrier to the adoption of this approach is that ML/AI algorithms behave as a black block. An alternative approach is to create an algorithm using Bayesian statistics. In Bayesian statistics, prior information is used to help create the algorithm. However, algorithms based on Bayesian statistics are not often computationally efficient. The objective of the current study was to compare the accuracy and computational efficiency of four Bayesian models that used different assumptions to reduce the execution time. In this paper, the Bayesian multiple linear regression (BLR), Bayesian spatial, Bayesian skewed spatial regression, and the Bayesian nearest neighbor Gaussian process (NNGP) models were compared with ML non‐Bayesian random forest model. In this analysis, soybean (Glycine max) yields were the response variable (y), and spaced‐based blue, green, red, and near‐infrared reflectance that was measured with the PlanetScope satellite were the predictor (x). Among the models tested, the Bayesian (NNGP; R2‐testing = 0.485) model, which captures the short‐range correlation, outperformed the (BLR; R2‐testing = 0.02), Bayesian spatial regression (SRM; R2‐testing = 0.087), and Bayesian skewed spatial regression (sSRM; R2‐testing = 0.236) models. However, associated with improved accuracy was an increase in run time from 534 s for the BLR model to 2047 s for the NNGP model. These data show that relatively accurate within‐field yield estimates can be obtained without sacrificing computational efficiency and that the coefficients have biological meaning. However, all Bayesian models had lower R2 values and higher execution times than the random forest model. Core Ideas: Remote sensing‐based predictive models can estimate in‐season soybean yields.Among the Bayesian models tested, accepting simplifying assumptions reduced the execution times and R2 values.All Bayesian models had lower R2 values and higher execution times than the non‐Bayesian random forest model.Of the regression models, nearest neighbor Gaussian process has the highest R2 for training and testing data set.Model is transferable from one growing season to the next. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equitable access means that timely, sensitive and respectful treatment is offered to all people. Adults with disability access ED care more frequently than the general population. However, in Australia and internationally, people with disability experience poorer healthcare access and outcomes than the general population. There is acknowledgement that ED environments and processes of care could be better designed to promote equitable access, so as not to further disadvantage, disable and create vulnerability. This systematic review aimed to locate and describe evaluated strategies implemented to improve care for people with disability (aged 18–65 years) in the ED. Four databases were searched from inception to June 2024. 1936 peer‐reviewed papers were reviewed by pairs of independent reviewers. Four studies met our inclusion criteria, demonstrating the limited peer‐reviewed literature reporting on evaluated strategies to improve ED care for adults aged 18–65 years. Three studies focused on the needs of people with intellectual disability, and one created a specific treatment pathway for people experiencing status epilepticus. No studies evaluated across patient experience, patient outcomes, system performance and staff experience, with limited evaluation of patient outcomes and system performance measures. We have referenced helpful resources published elsewhere and drawn from our previous reviews of ED care to provide guidance for the development and evaluation of targeted initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The docking of an acyl carrier protein (ACP) domain with a downstream ketosynthase (KS) domain in each module of a polyketide synthase (PKS) helps ensure accurate biosynthesis. If the polyketide chain bound to the ACP has been properly modified by upstream processing enzymes and is compatible with gatekeeping residues in the KS tunnel, a transacylation reaction can transfer it from the 18.1‐Å phosphopantetheinyl arm of the ACP to the reactive cysteine of the KS. AlphaFold‐Multimer predicts a general interface for these transacylation checkpoints. Half of the solutions obtained for 50 ACP/KS pairs show the KS motif TxLGDP forming the first turn of an α‐helix, as in reported structures, while half show it forming a type I β‐turn not previously observed. Solutions with the latter conformation may represent how these domains are relatively positioned during the transacylation reaction, as the entrance to the KS active site is relatively open and the phosphopantetheinylated ACP serine and the reactive KS cysteine are relatively closer—17.2 versus 20.9 Å, on average. To probe the predicted interface, 20 mutations were made to KS surface residues within the model triketide lactone synthase P1‐P6‐P7. The activities of these mutants are consistent with the proposed interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop new tools to analyze the complexity of the conjugacy equivalence relation Elo(G)$E_\mathsf {lo}(G)$, whenever G$G$ is a left‐orderable group. Our methods are used to demonstrate nonsmoothness of Elo(G)$E_\mathsf {lo}(G)$ for certain groups G$G$ of dynamical origin, such as certain amalgams constructed from Thompson's group F$F$. We also initiate a systematic analysis of Elo(π1(M))$E_\mathsf {lo}(\pi _1(M))$, where M$M$ is a 3‐manifold. We prove that if M$M$ is not prime, then Elo(π1(M))$E_\mathsf {lo}(\pi _1(M))$ is a universal countable Borel equivalence relation, and show that in certain cases the complexity of Elo(π1(M))$E_\mathsf {lo}(\pi _1(M))$ is bounded below by the complexity of the conjugacy equivalence relation arising from the fundamental group of each of the JSJ pieces of M$M$. We also prove that if M$M$ is the complement of a nontrivial knot in S3$S^3$ then Elo(π1(M))$E_\mathsf {lo}(\pi _1(M))$ is not smooth, and show how determining smoothness of Elo(π1(M))$E_\mathsf {lo}(\pi _1(M))$ for all knot manifolds M$M$ is related to the L‐space conjecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovations are crucial for the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. They are embedded in and linked to complex value chains, but these interrelationships have not received much attention in the empirical literature yet. Using current typologies of four bioeconomic innovation types and six value chain models, this case study analyzes detailed data from 11 companies in Argentina to identify the drivers of sustainable innovations, their linkage to different value chain characteristics, and the main innovation types. The results show that certain factors such as supply and demand, interindustry cooperation and R&D, diversification strategies, personal values and the search for sustainable solutions particularly shape certain types of innovation. The structure and governance of the value chains influence the type of sustainable innovation. Innovations take place at different levels, and in succession, they complement each other and can thus make the bioeconomy more sustainable. Therefore, appropriate policies to promote the bioeconomy in Argentina and beyond should consider the type of value chains and specific innovation systems involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Thermochromic gel phantoms provide a controlled medium for visual assessment of thermal ablation device performance. However, there are limited studies reporting on the comparative assessment of ablation profiles assessed in thermochromic gel phantoms against those in ex vivo tissue. The objective of this study was to compare microwave ablation zones in a thermochromic tissue‐mimicking gel phantom and ex vivo bovine liver and to report on measurements of the temperature‐dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the phantom. Methods: Thermochromic polyacrylamide phantoms were fabricated following a previously reported protocol. Phantom samples were heated to temperatures in the range of 20°C–90°C in a temperature‐controlled water bath, and colorimetric analysis of images of the phantom taken after heating was used to develop a calibration between color changes and the temperature to which the phantom was heated. Using a custom, 2.45 GHz water‐cooled microwave ablation antenna, ablations were performed in fresh ex vivo liver and phantoms using 65 W applied for 5 min or 10 min (n = 3 samples in each medium for each power/time combination). Broadband (500 MHz–6 GHz) temperature‐dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the phantom were measured over the temperature range of 22°C–100°C. Results: Colorimetric analysis showed that the sharp change in gel phantom color commences at a temperature of 57°C. Short and long axes of the ablation zone in the phantom (as assessed by the 57°C isotherm) for 65 W, 5 min ablations were aligned with the extents of the ablation zone observed in ex vivo bovine liver. However, for the 65 W, 10 min setting, ablations in the phantom were on average 23.7% smaller in the short axis and 7.4 % smaller in the long axis than those observed in ex vivo liver. Measurements of the temperature‐dependent relative permittivity, thermal conductivity, and volumetric heat capacity of the phantom largely followed similar trends to published values for ex vivo liver tissue. Conclusion: Thermochromic tissue‐mimicking phantoms provides a controlled, and reproducible medium for comparative assessment of microwave ablation devices and energy delivery settings. However, ablation zone size and shapes in the thermochromic phantom do not accurately represent ablation sizes and shapes observed in ex vivo liver tissue for high energy delivery treatments (65 W, 10 min). One cause for this limitation is the difference in temperature‐dependent thermal and dielectric properties of the thermochromic phantom compared to ex vivo bovine liver tissue, as reported in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slowly establishing salt‐tolerant perennial grasses reduced nitrous oxide (N2O‐N) emissions from saline/sodic soil compared to barren areas. Other salt‐tolerant species may accelerate vegetative establishment and reduce N2O‐N emissions. In a greenhouse study, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), Florida broadleaf mustard (Brassica juncea L.), and Kernza intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D. R. Dewey] were grown for 63 days to compare shoot biomass and chemical composition, N2O‐N emissions, and the soil microbiome between saline/sodic and productive (non‐salt impacted) soils. Emissions were measured six times daily from 1 to 22 and 42 to 63 days after planting (DAP). Shoot and soil microbial biomass and communities were quantified 63 DAP. N2O‐N emissions were 87% greater from no‐plant saline/sodic than no‐plant productive soil (p < 0.05). N2O‐N emissions were reduced from planted treatments soon after plant emergence. N2O‐N emissions reductions from saline/sodic soil during the first 22 DAP were 84%, 76%, and 61% for barley, mustard, and Kernza, respectively. Barley had the greatest shoot biomass and impact on the soil microbial community, increasing the fungi to bacteria ratio from 0.063 to 0.094 in the productive soil and from 0.056 to 0.076 in the saline/sodic soil. Plant‐induced changes to the soil microbiome, and decreased soil inorganic N and water, contributed to N2O‐N emission reductions. Archived field samples from grass‐established saline/sodic soil areas had a fourfold increase in nos‐Z gene copy number compared to no‐plant controls, which may, in part, explain decreased N2O‐N emissions. Establishing these vigorous species may aid in restoring multiple ecosystem services to saline/sodic areas. Core Ideas: Barren Northern Great Plains saline/sodic soils provide few ecosystem services.Barley, Florida broadleaf mustard, and Kernza wheatgrass reduced N2O‐N emissions from saline/sodic soil soon after emergence.N2O‐N emission reductions were attributed to plants decreasing soil water and N and changing the soil microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the manual counting of soybean (Glycine max) plants, pods, and seeds/pods is unsuitable for soybean yield predictions, alternative methods are desired. Therefore, the objective was to determine if satellite remote sensing‐based artificial intelligence (AI) models could be used to predict soybean yield. In the study, multiple remote sensing‐based AI models were developed for soybean growth stage ranging from VE/VC (plant emergence) to R6/R7 (full seed to beginning maturity). The ability of the deep neural network (DNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and AdaBoost to predict soybean yield, based on blue, green, red, and near‐infrared reflectance data collected by the PlanetScope satellite at six growth stages, was determined. Remote sensing and soybean yield monitor data from three different fields in 2 years (2019 and 2021) were aggregated into 24,282 grid cells that had the dimensions of 10 m by 10 m. A comparison across models showed that the DNN outperformed the other models. Moreover, as crops matured from VE/VC to R4/R5, the R2 value of the models increased from 0.26 to over 0.70. These findings indicate that remote sensing data collected at different growth stages can be combined for soybean yield predictions. Moreover, additional work needs to be conducted to assess the model's ability to predict soybean yield with vegetation indices (VIs) data for fields not used to train the model. Core Ideas: Remote sensing‐based artificial intelligence (AI) models can estimate soybean yield.Of the AI techniques tested, the deep neural network (DNN) generally explained the most yield variability (R2).Yield predictions were improved by combining satellite images collected at multiple growth stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops improve soil health and reduce the risk of soil erosion. However, their impact on the carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2e) is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this 2‐yr study was to quantify the effect of cover crop‐induced differences in soil moisture, temperature, organic C, and microorganisms on CO2e, and to develop machine learning algorithms that predict daily N2O–N and CO2–C emissions. The prediction models tested were multiple linear regression, partial least square regression, support vector machine, random forest (RF), and artificial neural network. Models' performance was accessed using R2, RMSE and mean of absolute value of error. Rye (Secale cereale L.) was dormant seeded in mid‐October, and in the following spring it was terminated at corn's (Zea mays L.) V4 growth stage. Soil temperature, moisture, and N2O–N and CO2–C emissions were measured near continuously from soil thaw to harvest in 2019 and 2020. Prior to termination, the cover crop decreased N2O–N emissions by 34% (p =.05), and over the entire season, N2O–N emissions from cover crop and no cover crop treatments were similar (p =.71). Based on N2O–N and CO2–C emissions over the entire season and the estimated fixed cover crop‐C remaining in the soil, the partial CO2e were −1,061 and 496 kg CO2e ha–1 in the cover crop and no cover crop treatments, respectively. The RF algorithm explained more of the daily N2O–N (73%) and CO2–C (85%) emissions variability during validation than the other models. Across models, the most important variables were temperature and the amount of cover crop‐C added to the soil. Core Ideas: The rye cover crop decreased N2O–N emission during early growth and increased emission during decomposition.The rye cover crop reduced the partial CO2e from 496 to −1,061.In 2019 and 2020, decomposing cover crop emitted 27 and 69% of fixed C, respectively.The random forest model outperformed other models by accounting for 73% of the variation in the N2O–N daily emissions.Daily CO2‐C emissions was also best predicted by the random forest model with 85% of variation explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preservation of the culturally important traditional herbal medicine practice in Ghana is threatened by the growth of allopathic medicine. It is argued that two main factors comprise this threat: significant safety concerns over many traditional herbal preparations, and a conflict in therapeutic frameworks which provides a substrate for the production of misinformation regarding allopathic medicine. Poorly enforced regulation of the commercial herbal market and a total lack of regulation of the traditional herbal market have led to prevalent contamination of herbal preparations with pathogenic bacteria and an unacceptable risk of pharmacological toxicity due to inconsistent production methods and understanding of the active components in these preparations. Simultaneously, misinformation spread by traditional herbal practitioners about allopathic medicine has caused significant morbidity and mortality in Ghana. Evidence from the literature and experience from clinical practice in a hospital in the Eastern region of Ghana are used to explore these factors and provide recommendations. First, thorough regulation of the herbal practice is needed to allay safety concerns. Second, the overall healthcare landscape will have to change to resolve the current tensions between practices. One solution would be the formation of a cooperative healthcare system which incorporates both the allopathic and herbal practices with well‐defined, nonoverlapping scopes of practice. However, such a novel landscape may be unrealistic, with the potential for traditional herbal practices being relegated to secondary role, mainly providing pharmacologically inert preparations while continuing to benefit patients through spiritual, cultural and pastoral interventions. Key points: The continued existence of traditional herbal practice in Ghana is threatened by the growth of allopathic medicine due to concerns over the safety of such traditional preparations and tension between practices due to conflicting therapeutic frameworks.Thorough regulation of the traditional herbal practice is required urgently to address the potential for unintentional overdosing, drug–drug interactions and the widespread contamination of preparations with pathogens.The traditional practice could be incorporated into an overarching health landscape based on allopathic medicine or it could be relegated to a secondary role focussing on its nonpharmacological elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the value and potential pitfalls of using morphometric analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in epilepsy, particularly in patients with first unprovoked seizures. The Morphometric Analysis Program (MAP) can help detect focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in MRI-negative patients, potentially converting a nonlesional MRI into a lesional one. The commentary emphasizes the importance of cross-correlations and clinical concordance in interpreting MAP results, highlighting the need for expert interpretation and consideration of multiple imaging outputs. The authors caution against solely relying on MAP findings without considering clinical semiology and electroencephalographic (EEG) data, as epilepsy remains a clinical diagnosis that requires careful evaluation. [Extracted from the article]

Pathways into and the impact of homelessness on young people have been extensively explored. There is less emphasis on young people's perspectives of the interventions designed to assist them to avoid or exit homelessness. This study undertook a systematic review of the youth homelessness interventions literature that included the perspectives of young people experiencing these interventions. Our review identified five key approaches as useful in assisting young people to exit or avoid homelessness, namely (1) the centrality of relationships, (2) a youth‐centred approach, (3) integrated and multi‐disciplinary service provision, (4) a beyond housing approach and (5) strength‐based therapeutic models/interventions. The review enhances the capacity of practitioners to provide supportive and contextually situated services to young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. However, further research is required to understand the bundles of interconnected practices within these approaches that are performed by workers and young people to address homelessness and risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of completed large‐scale sediment remediation projects has revealed mixed effectiveness at reducing risks, thus highlighting uncertainties regarding whether and which remedial measures are necessary to achieve protective goals. To support valid statements about changes over time and the overall effectiveness of sediment remedial action, robust pre‐ and postremediation monitoring is required with sufficient time points, reference sites, and biological metrics. The five completed Puget Sound sediment remediation case studies reviewed here (Bellingham Bay, St. Paul Waterway, Eagle Harbor, Hylebos Waterway, and Sinclair Inlet) employed particularly robust remedy effectiveness monitoring programs that spanned decades, revealing common lessons for improving remediation outcomes. First, although sediment remediation can play an important role in reducing contaminant exposure in areas with higher sediment concentrations, at lower levels, sediment links with fish tissue concentrations diminish. As water column exposure from diverse sources becomes predominant, remediating sediments with lower concentrations yields proportionately less risk reduction. Second, timely monitoring of effective source controls achieving substantial (i.e., >80%) contaminant source load reductions as well as large‐scale capping projects have revealed rapid changes in Puget Sound surface sediment concentrations and biological recovery metrics with an average recovery half‐time of 1.6 ± 0.8 years. The weight of evidence suggests that natural recovery of Puget Sound surface sediments is significantly accelerated by exchange across the sediment–water interface from benthic organism feeding behaviors, porewater flux, and tide‐generated currents. As a result, effective source controls in Puget Sound have rapidly improved surface sediment quality and achieved more significant risk reductions than broadscale sediment remediation. Going forward, comprehensive Puget Sound source control efforts that incorporate robust monitoring in an adaptive management framework are the best way to achieve protective remediation objectives. These lessons may apply more broadly across similar complex urban aquatic ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1355–1365. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC). Key Points: Reviews of completed sediment remediation actions in Puget Sound reveal that remediating sediments with lower concentrations yields proportionately less risk reduction, and that effective source controls have achieved more significant risk reduction than broadscale sediment remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐field MRI of the equine stifle provides high‐resolution information about soft tissues that is useful in the diagnosis of stifle lameness. The aim of this prospective anatomic study was to describe the appearance, position, size, and shape of the equine femorotibial ligaments, meniscal ligaments, and menisci using 3 Tesla MRI under extended, extended‐loaded, and flexed conditions. Additionally, histologic examination of the collateral and cruciate ligaments (CLs) of a single stifle was performed to compare with MRI images. In extension, mild variations in MRI signal intensity were apparent in the CLs, and the cranial had two distinct longitudinal regions indicating two ligament bundles. Flexion had minor effects on CL signal intensity and altered the tibial angles of attachment. Histology indicated that both CLs were comprised of two fiber bundles. The collateral ligaments were the same low‐signal intensity. The medial collateral ligament had a smaller cross‐sectional area than the lateral, and flexion increased the length of the medial collateral ligament and the cross‐sectional area of the lateral. Low loads in extension did not affect the MRI appearance of stifle soft tissues. Flexion of the stifle impacted cruciate ligament insertion angles and the size and shape of collateral ligaments. This study provides support for the use of MRI to understand the anatomy and function of stifle ligaments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzed farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) payment and uncertainties toward carbon market through a 2021 U.S. Midwest farmer survey. The findings showed that farmer carbon supply was elastic at intermediate prices ($20–50/Mg), but inelastic at low ($10–20/Mg) and high ($50–70/Mg) price levels. While perceived co‐benefits play significant roles in promoting participation at low‐price levels, variables such as age, education, farm size, and soil quality are more likely to influence producers' choices at intermediate‐ and high‐price levels. To enhance farmers' support for carbon programs, measures should be taken to improve benefit, while reducing cost and uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial‐derived natural products remain a major source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds and chemical scaffolds that have the potential as new therapeutics to target drug‐resistant pathogens and cancers. In particular, genome mining has revealed the vast number of cryptic or low‐yield biosynthetic gene clusters in the genus Streptomyces. However, low natural product yields—improvements to which have been hindered by the lack of high throughput methods—have slowed the discovery and development of many potential therapeutics. Here, we describe our efforts to improve yields of landomycins—angucycline family polyketides under investigation as cancer therapeutics—by a genetically modified Streptomyces cyanogenus 136. After simplifying the extraction process from S. cyanogenus cultures, we identified a wavelength at which the major landomycin products are absorbed in culture extracts, which we used to systematically explore culture medium compositions to improve total landomycin titers. Through correlational analysis, we simplified the culture optimization process by identifying an alternative wavelength at which culture supernatants absorb yet is representative of total landomycin titers. Using the subsequently improved sample throughput, we explored landomycin production during the culturing process to further increase landomycin yield and reduce culture time. Testing the antimicrobial activity of the isolated landomycins, we report broad inhibition of Gram‐positive bacteria, inhibition of fungi by landomycinone, and broad landomycin resistance by Gram‐negative bacteria that is likely mediated by the exclusion of landomycins by the bacterial membrane. Finally, the anticancer activity of the isolated landomycins against A549 lung carcinoma cells agrees with previous reports on other cell lines that glycan chain length correlates with activity. Given the prevalence of natural products produced by Streptomyces, as well as the light‐absorbing moieties common to bioactive natural products and their metabolic precursors, our method is relevant to improving the yields of other natural products of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) increase herbage intake in grazing cattle. We hypothesized that BFT spatially separated from grasses would increase preferential grazing of BFT and herbage intake compared to grass and BFT in mixed rows. Methods: Binary mixtures of BFT were established with orchardgrass, meadow bromegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass in alternating and in mixed rows. Pastures were rotationally stocked with Jersey heifers, and herbage mass, intake, and preferential grazing were estimated. Results: Planting BFT in alternating rows did not affect herbage mass, intake, or BFT preference. Regardless of spatial arrangement, pasture production averaged 4116 kg ha−1 per rotation, of which 32% was BFT. BFT comprised 39% of herbage intake in alternating and mixed rows, 7% greater (p = 0.001) than offered, indicating partial preference for BFT. Greatest preferential grazing of BFT was in tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures, but less than commonly reported for legumes grown in more contrasting spatial arrangements with cool‐season grasses. Conclusions: Grazing heifers showed partial preference for BFT over grass. However, the lack of an effect of spatial arrangement on herbage mass, herbage intake, and diet preference indicates that spatial arrangements greater than alternating rows may be needed to increase overall herbage intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world lost a towering figure when primatologist Frans de Waal passed away on March 14, 2024. Many are aware of his multitude of contributions to the field. His ability to see what animals were actually doing changed how we viewed first primates, then other species. He shared these insights through both traditional scientific outputs, such as journal articles and scientific presentations, and less common outputs, such as 15 books and two TED talks viewed millions of times. What may be less well known is his impact as a mentor. Here, 25 of us who were Frans' graduate students, postdocs, and long‐term research assistants share his personal impact on our lives. Research Highlights: Frans de Waal was a towering figure in primatology.He published more than 400 pieces and 16 books.He was also a mentor who made a lasting impact on his students.Twenty‐five of us share our thoughts on his mentorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ebola virus poses a severe public health threat, yet understanding factors influencing disease outcomes remains incomplete. Our study aimed to identify critical pathways and hub genes associated with fatal and survivor Ebola disease outcomes. We analyzed differentially expressed hub genes (DEGs) between groups with fatal and survival outcomes, as well as a healthy control group. We conducted additional analysis to determine the functions and pathways associated with these DEGs. We found 13,198 DEGs in the fatal and 12,039 DEGs in the survival group compared to healthy controls, and 1873 DEGs in the acute fatal and survivor groups comparison. Upregulated DEGs in the comparison between the acute fatal and survivor groups were linked to ECM receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, and PI3K‐Akt signaling. Upregulated hub genes identified from the acute fatal and survivor comparison (FGB, C1QA, SERPINF2, PLAT, C9, SERPINE1, F3, VWF) were enriched in complement and coagulation cascades; the downregulated hub genes (IL1B, 1L17RE, XCL1, CXCL6, CCL4, CD8A, CD8B, CD3D) were associated with immune cell processes. Hub genes CCL2 and F2 were unique to fatal outcomes, while CXCL1, HIST1H4F, and IL1A were upregulated hub genes unique to survival outcomes compared to healthy controls. Our results demonstrate for the first time the association of EVD outcomes to specific hub genes and their associated pathways and biological processes. The identified hub genes and pathways could help better elucidate Ebola disease pathogenesis and contribute to the development of targeted interventions and personalized treatment for distinct EVD outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A few Capsicum (pepper) species produce yellow‐colored floral nectar, but the chemical identity and biological function of the yellow pigment are unknown.A combination of analytical biochemistry techniques was used to identify the pigment that gives Capsicum baccatum and Capsicum pubescens nectars their yellow color. Microbial growth assays, visual modeling, and honey bee preference tests for artificial nectars containing riboflavin were used to assess potential biological roles for the nectar pigment.High concentrations of riboflavin (vitamin B2) give the nectars their intense yellow color. Nectars containing riboflavin generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to light and reduce microbial growth. Visual modeling also indicates that the yellow color is highly conspicuous to bees within the context of the flower. Lastly, field experiments demonstrate that honey bees prefer artificial nectars containing riboflavin.Some Capsicum nectars contain a yellow‐colored vitamin that appears to play roles in (1) limiting microbial growth, (2) the visual attraction of bees, and (3) as a reward to nectar‐feeding flower visitors (potential pollinators), which is especially interesting since riboflavin is an essential nutrient for brood rearing in insects. These results cumulatively suggest that the riboflavin found in some Capsicum nectars has several functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We exploit nonlinear elastodynamic properties of fractured rock to probe the micro‐scale mechanics of fractures and understand the relation between fluid transport and fracture aperture under dynamic stressing. Experiments were conducted on rough, tensile‐fractured Westerly granite subject to triaxial stresses. We measure fracture permeability for steady‐state fluid flow with deionized water. Pore pressure oscillations are applied at amplitudes ranging from 0.2 to 1 MPa at 1 Hz frequency. During dynamic stressing we transmit ultrasonic signals through the fracture using an array of piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) to monitor evolution of interface properties. We examine the influence of fracture aperture and contact area by conducting measurements at effective normal stresses of 10–20 MPa. Additionally, the evolution of contact area with stress is characterized using pressure sensitive film. These experiments are conducted separately with the same fracture and map contact area at stresses from 9 to 21 MPa. The measurements are a proxy for "true" contact area for the fracture surface and we relate them to elastic properties using the calculated PZT sensor footprints via numerical modeling of Fresnel zones. We compare the elastodynamic response of the fracture using the stress‐induced changes in ultrasonic wave velocities for transmitter‐receiver pairs to image spatial variations in contact properties. We show that nonlinear elasticity and permeability enhancement decrease with increasing normal stress. Additionally, post‐oscillation wave velocity and permeability exhibit quick recoveries toward pre‐oscillation values. Estimates of fracture contact area (global and local) demonstrate that the elastodynamic and permeability responses are dominated by fracture topology. Plain Language Summary: We perform laboratory experiments with fractured rock to understand the relation between fluid flow, fracture openness, and elastic properties under oscillating stresses. These experiments are conducted on rough, pre‐fractured granite specimens under normal stress conditions similar to those found in the shallow earth, a few kilometers in depth. Fluid pressure in the fracture is oscillated at various amplitudes at a fixed frequency. During this dynamic stressing, we use an ultrasonic device to monitor the evolution of the fracture interface. We examine the influence of fracture aperture and contact area by conducting measurements at increasing normal stress state. Additionally, the evolution of contact area with stress is characterized using pressure sensitive film, showing an image of where the two halves of the fracture are in contact. The ultrasonic monitoring reveals spatial variations in contact properties, which is informed by fracture contact area measurements. These measurements are also related to the fluid‐flow in response to dynamic stressing and similar comparisons are made for how the fracture interface evolves, recovers, following the stress perturbations. Key Points: Lab experiments to simulate fracture processes under dynamic stressingSimultaneous measurements of fluid flow and elastic wave properties to quantify elastodynamic and hydraulic responses to dynamic stressingLocal fracture aperture, not necessarily the stress state, dominates elastic and hydraulic responses to dynamic stressing [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a parsimonious deep learning weather prediction model to forecast seven atmospheric variables with 3‐hr time resolution for up to 1‐year lead times on a 110‐km global mesh using the Hierarchical Equal Area isoLatitude Pixelization (HEALPix). In comparison to state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) machine learning (ML) weather forecast models, such as Pangu‐Weather and GraphCast, our DLWP‐HPX model uses coarser resolution and far fewer prognostic variables. Yet, at 1‐week lead times, its skill is only about 1 day behind both SOTA ML forecast models and the SOTA numerical weather prediction model from the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. We report several improvements in model design, including switching from the cubed sphere to the HEALPix mesh, inverting the channel depth of the U‐Net, and introducing gated recurrent units (GRU) on each level of the U‐Net hierarchy. The consistent east‐west orientation of all cells on the HEALPix mesh facilitates the development of location‐invariant convolution kernels that successfully propagate weather patterns across the globe without requiring separate kernels for the polar and equatorial faces of the cube sphere. Without any loss of spectral power after the first 2 days, the model can be unrolled autoregressively for hundreds of steps into the future to generate realistic states of the atmosphere that respect seasonal trends, as showcased in 1‐year simulations. Plain Language Summary: Weather forecasting traditionally relies on numerical weather prediction models that solve physical equations to simulate the evolution of the atmosphere. Such numerical models are compute intensive, and their performance is increasingly challenged by less compute demanding but still highly sophisticated machine learning (ML) approaches. Yet, a downside for many of these new ML models is they tend to drift away from climatology while producing excessively smoothed fields if they are iteratively stepped forward for several months. Here, a parsimonious machine learning model is developed to forecast just seven atmospheric variables that can be stepped forward to give realistic weather patterns over a full year. Despite using at least a factor of 10 less variables than the 67–227 in the best ML models, our model generates 8‐day forecasts with errors that are only a day behind those from state‐of‐the‐art ML forecasts. Our model provides a path toward sub‐seasonal and seasonal forecasting that could potentially improve planning for agriculture, water resources, disaster preparedness, and energy production. Key Points: The model forecasts seven atmospheric variables, an order of magnitude less than that used in state‐of‐the‐art ML weather forecast modelsForecasts are generated on the HEALPix mesh, facilitating the development of location invariant convolution kernelsWithout converging to climatology, the model produces realistic atmospheric states in 365‐day iterative rollouts [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth is now experiencing declines in insect abundance and diversity unparalleled in human history. The drivers underlying those declines are many, complex, and incompletely known. Here, using a natural experiment, we report the first test of the hypothesis that forest defoliation by an invasive outbreak insect compromises the fitness of a native insect via damage‐induced increases in toxicity of the forest canopy. We demonstrate that defoliation by the invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) elicits an average 8.4‐fold increase in foliar defense expression among aspen (Populus tremuloides) genotypes. In turn, elevated defense dramatically reduces survivorship, feeding, and growth of a charismatic mega moth (Anthereae polyphemus). This work suggests that changes to the phytochemical landscape of forests, mediated by invasive outbreak insects, are likely to negatively impact native insects, with potential repercussions for community diversity and ecosystem function across expansive scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empathy is a complex, multi‐dimensional capacity that facilitates the sharing and understanding of others' emotions. As our closest living relatives, bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (P. troglodytes) provide an opportunity to explore the origins of hominin social cognition, including empathy. Despite certain assumptions that bonobos and chimpanzees may differ empathically, these species appear to overlap considerably in certain socio‐emotional responses related to empathy. However, few studies have systematically tested for species variation in Pan empathic or socio‐emotional tendencies. To address this, we synthesise the growing literature on Pan empathy to inform our understanding of the selection pressures that may underlie the evolution of hominin empathy, and its expression in our last common ancestor. As bonobos and chimpanzees show overlaps in their expression of complex socio‐emotional phenomena such as empathy, we propose that group comparisons may be as or more meaningful than species comparisons when it comes to understanding the evolutionary pressures for such behaviour. Furthermore, key differences, such as how humans and Pan communicate, appear to distinguish how we experience empathy compared to our closest living relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Classification of renal neoplasms on small tissue biopsies is in increasing demand, and maintaining broad differential diagnostic considerations in this setting is necessary. When evaluating a renal or perirenal tumour biopsy with sarcomatoid morphology, together with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma and sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma as top diagnostic considerations, it is vital to additionally consider the possibility of well‐differentiated and de‐differentiated liposarcoma. Methods and results: This study reports a series of 30 biopsy samples from sites in or around the kidney collected from four institutions in which the correct diagnosis was either well‐differentiated or de‐differentiated liposarcoma. The majority (26 of 30, 87%) of lesions were accurately diagnosed on biopsy sampling, all of which incorporated testing for MDM2 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) or a combination of the two as part of the diagnostic work‐up. Tumour expression of MDM2 by IHC without confirmatory FISH analysis was sometimes (30%) sufficient to reach a diagnosis, but demonstration of MDM2 amplification by FISH was ascertained in the majority (57%) of biopsy samples. A diagnosis of de‐differentiated liposarcoma was not definitively established until resection in four (13%) patients, as no MDM2 testing was performed on the corresponding pre‐operative biopsies. Conclusions: When a retroperitoneal tumour is not clinically suspected, histological consideration of a liposarcoma diagnosis may be overlooked. Implementation of ancillary immunohistochemical and cytogenetic testing can ultimately lead to a definitive diagnosis in this potentially misleading anatomical location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Paleocene‐Eocene thermal maximum (PETM, 56 Ma) is an ancient global warming event closely coupled to the release of massive amounts of 13C‐depleted carbon into the ocean‐atmosphere system, making it an informative analogue for future climate change. However, uncertainty still exists regarding tropical sea‐surface temperatures (SSTs) in open ocean settings during the PETM. Here, we present the first paired δ13C:Mg/Ca record derived in situ from relatively well‐preserved subdomains inside individual planktic foraminifer shells taken from a PETM record recovered in the central Pacific Ocean at Ocean Drilling Program Site 865. The δ13C signature of each individual shell was used to confirm calcification during the PETM, thereby reducing the unwanted effects of sediment mixing that secondarily smooth paleoclimate signals constructed with fossil planktic foraminifer shells. This method of "isotopic screening" reveals that shells calcified during the PETM have elevated Mg/Ca ratios reflecting exceptionally warm tropical SSTs (∼33–34°C). The increase in Mg/Ca ratios suggests ∼6°C of warming, which is more congruent with SST estimates derived from organic biomarkers in PETM records at other tropical sites. These extremely warm SSTs exceed the maximum temperature tolerances of modern planktic foraminifers. Important corollaries to the findings of this study are (a) the global signature of PETM warmth was uniformly distributed across different latitudes, (b) our Mg/Ca‐based SST record may not capture peak PETM warming at tropical Site 865 due to the thermally‐induced ecological exclusion of planktic foraminifers, and (c) the record of such transitory ecological exclusion has been obfuscated by post‐depositional sediment mixing at Site 865. Plain Language Summary: The Paleocene‐Eocene thermal maximum (PETM, about 56 million years ago) is a global warming event that is widely regarded as an ancient analogue for climate change being driven by the current rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Accurate measurements of PETM warmth in the tropical oceans are crucial to validating climate model simulations and gauging the effect of global warming on oceanic ecosystems. However, chemical analyses of marine microfossils (foraminifera) typically yield tropical sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for the PETM that are cooler than those computed by climate models. Primary reasons for this discrepancy are poor preservation of the foraminifer shells and displacement of shells from the cooler pre‐PETM interval into overlying PETM sediments via sediment mixing processes. Here, we use in situ microanalytical techniques to measure both the carbon isotope composition (δ13C) and Mg/Ca ratio within the same individual shells. The δ13C values of shells were used to identify displaced pre‐PETM specimens with higher, background δ13C ratios and exclude them from our Mg/Ca‐based temperature record. Our new "isotopically filtered" Mg/Ca‐based temperature record suggests ∼6°C of warming in the tropical Pacific, with SSTs (33–34°C) likely exceeding the maximum temperature tolerances of many calcifying plankton during the PETM. Key Points: Microanalytical techniques used to measure paired δ13C and Mg/Ca ratios in individual foraminifer shells from a pelagic Paleocene‐Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) recordδ13C values of individual foraminifers used to identify and exclude reworked non‐PETM specimens from Mg/Ca‐based sea‐surface temperature (SST) recordUnmixed Mg/Ca‐based temperature record indicates tropical SSTs increased by ∼6°C in central Pacific Ocean during PETM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Contingency management (CM) is the most effective treatment for reducing methamphetamine use. We sought to understand why CM has not been taken up to manage methamphetamine use disorder in Australia. Methods: Six focus groups (4–8 participants per group) were conducted with health workers from agencies in Australia that provided drug‐related health care to people who use methamphetamine. These agencies had no previous experience delivering CM for substance use. The potential acceptability and feasibility of implementing CM in their services were discussed. Results: Participants felt that it would be beneficial to have an evidence‐based treatment for methamphetamine use disorder. This sentiment was offset by concerns that CM conflicted with a client‐centred harm‐reduction approach and that it dictated the goal of treatment as abstinence. It was also perceived as potentially coercive and seen to reify the power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship and therefore potentially reinforce stigma. There was also concern about the public's perception and the political acceptability of CM, who would fund CM, and the inequity of providing incentives only to clients with a methamphetamine use disorder. Some concerns could be ameliorated if the goals and structure of CM could be tailored to a client's needs. Discussion and Conclusions: Many healthcare workers were keen to offer CM as an effective treatment option for people with methamphetamine use disorder, but CM would need to be sufficiently flexible to allow it to be tailored to client needs and implemented in a way that did not adversely impact the therapeutic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Including soil health and physical measurements with traditional soil fertility measurements has the potential to improve corn (Zea mays L.) P fertilizer recommendations. The objectives for this study were to (1) evaluate the accuracy of current South Dakota corn P recommendations in predicting yield increases and (2) determine if the predictability of yield response to P fertilization improves by including selected soil biological, physical, and chemical measurements. This project was conducted in central and eastern South Dakota from 2019 to 2022 at 117 experimental sites that varied in management, landform, and soil type. A treatment of 48.9 kg P2O5‐P ha−1 was compared to a control with no P fertilizer. Soil samples (0–15 cm) collected before fertilization were analyzed for selected soil physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Analysis suggested that the current critical P value of 16 mg Olsen‐P kg−1 was still accurate as it was still within the 68% confidence interval for the linear (12–19 mg kg−1) and quadratic plateau (16–26 mg kg−1) models. Using the critical value of 16 mg Olsen‐P kg−1, we correctly predicted P responsiveness 70% of the time. The accuracy of predicting P responsiveness was not further improved by considering selected enzymes, permanganate oxidizable C, soil respiration, total C, or total N, but was improved by considering pH, soil organic matter, and apparent cation exchange capacity. Therefore, the use of typical soil fertility measurements without soil physical and biological measurements is currently the best option for predicting the responsiveness of corn to P fertilization in South Dakota. Core Ideas: South Dakota's corn Olsen soil test phosphorus (STP) critical value should remain at 16 mg kg−1.Below 16 mg kg−1 STP, corn yields increased 10% at 78% of the sites with P application.P response predictions were not improved by considering biological and physical indicators.Using STP in making P response predictions in South Dakota remains the best method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Lurbinectedin is a novel oncogenic transcription inhibitor active in several cancers, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We aimed to describe the first Australian experience of the clinical efficacy and tolerability of lurbinectedin for the treatment of SCLC after progression on platinum‐containing therapy. Methods: Multicentre real‐world study of individuals with SCLC initiating lurbinectedin monotherapy (3.2 mg/m2 three‐weekly) on an early access programme between May 2020 and December 2021. Key outcomes were clinical utilisation, efficacy and tolerability. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Outcome data were collected within the AUstralian Registry and biObank of thoRacic cAncers (AURORA). Results: Data were analysed for 46 individuals across seven sites. Lurbinectedin was given as second‐ (83%, 38/46) or subsequent‐ (17%, 8/46) line therapy, mostly with prior chemoimmunotherapy (87%, 40/46). We report dose modifications (17%, 8/46), interruptions/delays (24%, 11/46), high‐grade toxicities (28%, 13/46) and hospitalisations (54%, 25/46) during active treatment. The overall response rate was 33% and the disease control rate was 50%. Six‐month OS was 44% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.0–57.1). Twelve‐month OS was 15% (95% CI: 6.5–26.8). From lurbinectedin first dose, the median PFS was 2.5 months (95% CI: 1.8–2.9) and OS was 4.5 months (95% CI: 3.5–7.2). From SCLC diagnosis, the median OS was 12.9 months (95% CI: 11.0–17.2). Individuals with a longer chemotherapy‐free interval prior to lurbinectedin had longer PFS and OS. Conclusion: This real‐world national experience of lurbinectedin post‐platinum chemotherapy and immunotherapy for individuals with SCLC was similar to that reported in clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prevention and early intervention of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a public health priority, yet there are gaps in our understanding of how AUD emerges, which symptoms of AUD come first, and whether there are modifiable risk factors that forecast the development of the disorder. This study investigated potential early‐warning‐sign symptoms for the development of AUD. Methods: Data were from the RADAR study, a prospective cohort study of contemporary emerging adults across Australia (n = 565, mean age = 18.9, range = 18–21 at baseline, 48% female). Participants were interviewed five times across a 2.5‐year period. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) AUD criteria and diagnoses were assessed by clinical psychologists using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID‐IV), modified to cover DSM‐5 criteria. Hazard analyses modeled the time from first alcoholic drink to the emergence of any AUD criteria and determined which first‐emergent AUD criteria were associated with a faster transition to disorder. Results: By the final time point, 54.8% of the sample had experienced at least one DSM‐5 AUD criterion and 26.1% met criteria for DSM‐5 AUD. The median time from first AUD criterion to a diagnosis of AUD was 4 years. Social problems from drinking (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.24, CI95 = 2.14, 4.92, p < 0.001), major role (HR = 2.53, CI95 = 1.58, 4.06, p < 0.001), and drinking larger amounts/for longer than intended (HR = 2.04, CI95 = 1.20, 3.46, p = 0.008) were first‐onset criteria associated with a faster transition to AUD. Conclusion: In the context of a prospective general population cohort study of the temporal development of AUD, alcohol‐related social problems, major role problems, and using more or for longer than intended are key risk factors that may be targeted for early intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The disclosure of deafness is complex, given the historic and on‐going stigma associated with being deaf. The aim of this study was to explore how identity, stigma, and quality of life may be impacted when using cochlear implants (CIs) and totally implantable cochlear implants (TICIs). The physical difference between these two assistive listening devices is significant, given many CI users opt to hide their sound processor behind hair or headwear, in contrast to TICIs (an emerging technology) whereby all components are implanted internally and thus invisible. Methods: This qualitative study involved semistructured interviews and demographic questionnaires with 12 adult participants with more than 1 year of experience using their CI. Participants were recruited Australia‐wide through community organisations that support deaf and hard‐of‐hearing individuals. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically, with the themes generated through an inductive process, with consensus generated through group working with three members from the research team. Results: Four major themes were identified: (1) CI challenges; (2) The importance of social and support networks; (3) Identity and disclosure and (4) Concerns about TICIs. The underlying finding was centred around the construction of deaf identity. Participant attitudes were generally categorised as 'Loud and proud', with the recognition that displaying the CI was an extension of self, something to be proud of, and a means to normalise deafness; or 'Out of sight and out of mind', which sought to minimise the visibility of deafness. While both identities differed in how deafness is disclosed, they are fundamentally related to the same ideas of self‐agency and empowerment. Conclusion: TICIs present a novel opportunity—the ability for CI users to control the visibility of their deafness and thus control disclosure. This study explored the impact of stigma and categorised two core identities that CI users construct. Future directions include investigating potential CI candidates, to explore if TICIs may be a facilitator to CI uptake. Patient or Public Contribution: The semistructured interview guide was developed in consultation with adults with CIs. Feedback led to adjustments and improvement to the interview guide. In addition, F. R. has a lived experience with hearing loss, and C. Y. L. is an executive committee member for a nonprofit charity organisation that supports families that are D/deaf and hard‐of‐hearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A proposal to change the conserved type of Ipomoea was published in December 2020, and recommended by the Nomenclature Committee in 2023. This was done in the light of the possible negative consequences for a name change in the crop sweetpotato, which risk our proposal would significantly minimize. Recently, Muñoz‐Rodríguez & al. have published a rebuttal to this proposal, which we respond to here. The objections raised by these authors focus as much on the expertise and credibility of our group of authors as on the merits of our arguments. In this "rebuttal to the rebuttal", we respond to the scientific questions raised, highlight demonstrated misinterpretation of the specialised literature relevant to this discussion and counter the assertion that a reclassification of Ipomoeeae is impossible given existing evidence. While the currently recognised genera of Ipomoeeae are not all monophyletic, the proposal to change the conserved type of Ipomoea is a necessary step that will allow exploring an improved classification for the tribe Ipomoeeae, either in the form of a better recircumscription of the genera or an efficient infrageneric classification for Ipomoea. Previously published literature has not advocated for the integration of all genera into a single genus, as Muñoz‐Rodríguez and co‐authors have incorrectly suggested, and instead have recommended a reanalysis of the high morphological diversity of the group in the context of expanded phylogenetic studies, with the possible maintenance of some of the existing genera. We believe that, in a concerted collaborative approach and with the contribution of experts from different regions and scientific backgrounds, an improved classification of Ipomoeeae that integrates the principles of monophyly and diagnosability may soon be achieved, and until when some uncertainty may need to be accommodated, with the added reassurance that, regardless of the direction of future systematic rearrangements, the stability of the scientific name of sweetpotato would be preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of spring phytoplankton blooms is crucial to many species that have adapted their development to benefit from the enhanced feeding opportunity they offer. Any change to their timing may affect the productivity of an entire ecosystem. This study explores the relationship between the ocean climate, the timing of the spring bloom and the secondary production on the Newfoundland and Labrador shelf. It is found that over interannual cycles, the ocean climate is significantly correlated with the timing of the bloom and the abundance of Calanus finmarchicus, a key zooplankton species for the ecosystem. It also appears that the spring bloom is initiated by the onset of ocean re‐stratification following winter mixing. Understanding how annual variation in climate relates to the timing of the spring bloom and zooplankton abundance, that is, the base of the marine food web, can inform the development of ecosystem‐informed models for higher trophic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future trajectory of global forests is closely intertwined with tree demography, and a major fundamental goal in ecology is to understand the key mechanisms governing spatio‐temporal patterns in tree population dynamics. While previous research has made substantial progress in identifying the mechanisms individually, their relative importance among forests remains unclear mainly due to practical limitations. One approach to overcome these limitations is to group mechanisms according to their shared effects on the variability of tree vital rates and quantify patterns therein. We developed a conceptual and statistical framework (variance partitioning of Bayesian multilevel models) that attributes the variability in tree growth, mortality, and recruitment to variation in species, space, and time, and their interactions – categories we refer to as organising principles (OPs). We applied the framework to data from 21 forest plots covering more than 2.9 million trees of approximately 6500 species. We found that differences among species, the species OP, proved a major source of variability in tree vital rates, explaining 28–33% of demographic variance alone, and 14–17% in interaction with space, totalling 40–43%. Our results support the hypothesis that the range of vital rates is similar across global forests. However, the average variability among species declined with species richness, indicating that diverse forests featured smaller interspecific differences in vital rates. Moreover, decomposing the variance in vital rates into the proposed OPs showed the importance of unexplained variability, which includes individual variation, in tree demography. A focus on how demographic variance is organized in forests can facilitate the construction of more targeted models with clearer expectations of which covariates might drive a vital rate. This study therefore highlights the most promising avenues for future research, both in terms of understanding the relative contributions of groups of mechanisms to forest demography and diversity, and for improving projections of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: A better characterization of deaths in children following emergency care is needed to inform timely interventions. This study aimed to describe the timing, location, and causes of death to 1 year among a cohort of injured and medically ill children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children <18 years requiring emergency care in six states from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2017, with follow‐up through December 31, 2018, for patients who were not discharged from the emergency department (ED). In this cohort, 1‐year mortality, time to death within 1 year, and causes of death were assessed from ED, inpatient, and vital status records. Results: There were 546,044 children during the 6‐year period. The 1‐year mortality rate was 2.2% (n = 1356) for injured children and 1.4% (n = 6687) for medically ill children. Matched death certificates were available for 861 (63.5%) of 1356 deaths in the injury cohort and for 4712 (70.5%) of 6687 deaths in the medical cohort. Among deaths in the injury cohort, 1274 (94.0%) occurred in the ED or hospital. The most common causes of death were motor vehicle collisions, firearm injuries, and pedestrian injuries. Among the 6687 deaths in the medical cohort, 5081 (76.0%) children died in the ED or hospital (primarily in the ED) and 1606 (24.0%) occurred after hospital discharge. The most common causes of death were sudden infant death syndrome, suffocation and drowning, and congenital conditions. Conclusions: The 1‐year mortality of children presenting to an ED is 2.2% for injured children and 1.4% for medically ill children with most deaths occurring in the ED. Future interventional trials, quality improvement efforts, and health policy focused in the ED could have the potential to improve outcomes of pediatric patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire is one example of a larger class of wicked environmental management problems that require community‐based management for long‐term success. This study aimed to support participatory decision making in a data poor and complex system by using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) within the decision‐making framework Structured Decision Making (SDM) to develop a community‐based wildfire management plan in partnership with a local group in Wai'anae Hawaiʻi. SDM is an organized process to create and evaluate decisions that can clarify trade‐offs and increase transparency. FCM is a semi‐quantitative method to describe system relationships that can handle low data and high uncertainty. We used SDM to define the problem, articulate community concerns related to wildfire, and identify management actions. We then used FCM to model how these actions affected valued ecosystem services and other stakeholder‐identified objectives. Modeling results highlighted the trade‐offs across three valued ecosystem services from three community‐led wildfire management actions. We found that native species outplanting was the most beneficial action to each of the three valued ecosystem services. Through this participatory research, we conclude that the SDM and FCM pairing provided an inclusive and cost‐effective way to engage with a specific wildfire management context, and that the process effectively engaged stakeholders while tackling uncertainty. This process also aided consensus‐building and group member communication. This pairing can be used to aid community decision‐making across diverse management problems as it provides a way to elicit objectives and model trade‐offs, even under uncertainty and data limitations, while including stakeholders impacted by such decisions. Key Points: Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) within Structured Decision Making (SDM) offered a flexible way to incorporate diverse stakeholder values into a community‐led fire management decision‐making processParticipants valued biodiversity and the FCMs found native species outplanting to be the most beneficial action for group member objectivesTogether, FCM and SDM overcame uncertainty and data limitations while enhancing the transparency and consensus of complex decisions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of pediatric Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) Medical Directors in the U.S. found that the majority would consider using emicizumab as a prophylactic treatment for infants under 12 months of age, even in those who have not been previously treated or minimally treated. The main reason for this decision is to prevent intracranial hemorrhage, which is a high risk for children with hemophilia. While there is a lack of data and experience in this age group, real-world data and the HAVEN 7 study support the safety and efficacy of emicizumab in infants. It is important for providers and families to engage in shared decision-making when considering this treatment option. However, the survey has limitations, such as a small sample size and potential variation in practices among different hematologists, and further studies are needed to explore the rationale for delaying emicizumab initiation. [Extracted from the article]

In agriculture, important unanswered questions about machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) include will ML/AI change how food is produced and will ML algorithms replace or partially replace farmers in the decision process. As ML/AI technologies become more accurate, they have the potential to improve profitability while reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment. However, despite these benefits, there are many adoption barriers including cost, and that farmers may be reluctant to adopt a decision tool they do not understand. The goal of this special issue is to discuss cutting‐edge research on the use of ML/AI technologies in agriculture, barriers to the adoption of these technologies, and how technologies can affect our current workforce. The papers are separated into three sections: Machine Learning within Crops, Pasture, and Irrigation; Machine Learning in Predicting Crop Disease; and Society and Policy of Machine Learning. Core Ideas: There are concerns that decision‐making tools using machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML/AI) in farming could replace human knowledge and labor.ML/AI technologies have the potential to improve precision farming using site‐specific algorithms.This special issue aims to open a dialogue about the role of ML/AI in agriculture and identify inequalities that may result from its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision agriculture (PA) has been defined as a "management strategy that gathers, processes and analyzes temporal, spatial and individual data and combines it with other information to support management decisions according to estimated variability for improved resource use efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability and sustainability of agricultural production." This definition suggests that because PA should simultaneously increase food production and reduce the environmental footprint, the barriers to adoption of PA should be explored. These barriers include (1) the financial constraints associated with adopting decision support system (DSS); (2) the hesitancy of farmers to change from their trusted advisor to a computer program that often behaves as a black box; (3) questions about data ownership and privacy; and (4) the lack of a trained workforce to provide the necessary training to implement DSSs on individual farms. This paper also discusses the lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful efforts to implement DSSs, the importance of communication with end users during DSS development, and potential career opportunities that DSSs are creating in PA. Core Ideas: Decision support systems (DSSs) are one component of precision agriculture (PA).The accuracy of DSSs may be improved by using algorithms based on machine learning.Barriers to DSSs include financial constraints, hesitancy to change, data privacy, and workforce limitations.Professional opportunities exist to overcome DSS adoption barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poor weight gain has been identified as an independent risk factor for increased surgical morbidity and mortality for patients with single‐ventricle physiology undergoing staged surgical palliation. Conversely, excessive weight gain has also emerged as an independent risk factor predicting increased morbidity and mortality in a single‐center study. Given this novel single‐center concept, we investigated the impact of excessive weight on patients with single‐ventricle physiology undergoing bidirectional Glenn palliation in a multicenter study model. Methods: Patients from the Pediatric Heart Network Single Ventricle Reconstruction Trial (n = 387) were analyzed in a retrospective cohort study examining the independent effect of weight percentile on intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) and ventilator days. Locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) regression was used to plot weight‐for‐length (WFL) percentiles by ICU LOS and ventilator days. Unadjusted and adjusted ordinal regression was used to model ICU LOS and ventilator days. Results: Scatterplots and LOESS regression curves demonstrated increasing ICU LOS and ventilator days for increasing WFL percentiles. Unadjusted ordinal regression analysis of ICU LOS demonstrated a trend of increasing ICU LOS for increasing WFL percentiles that was not statistically significant (P = 0.11). A similar trend was demonstrated in adjusted ordinal regression that was not statistically significant (P = 0.48). Unadjusted and adjusted ordinal regression analysis of ventilator days did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.07). Conclusion: Excessive weight gain has a clinically relevant but not statistically significant association with increased ICU LOS and ventilator days for those patients in the >90th WFL percentile for age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Takeaways: Flow imaging microscopy (FIM) combines a flow cytometer's fluidic architecture with a microscope's spatial resolution to allow morphometric analysis of objects in suspensions such as water. FIM's real‐time analysis and identification of potential cyanotoxin producers help utilities understand population dynamics to maintain healthier source waters and reduce response times when a bloom is indicated. Case studies show FIM's advantages and limitations in harmful algal bloom monitoring programs for reservoir management and water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Introduction: Improved outcomes of liver disease in childhood and young adulthood have resulted in an increasing number of young adults (YA) entering adult liver services. The adult hepatologist therefore requires a working knowledge in diseases that arise almost exclusively in children and their complications in adulthood. Aims: To provide adult hepatologists with succinct guidelines on aspects of transitional care in YA relevant to key disease aetiologies encountered in clinical practice. Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken using the Pubmed, Medline, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane database from 1980 to 2023. MeSH search terms relating to liver diseases ('cholestatic liver diseases', 'biliary atresia', 'metabolic', 'paediatric liver diseases', 'autoimmune liver diseases'), transition to adult care ('transition services', 'young adult services') and adolescent care were used. The quality of evidence and the grading of recommendations were appraised using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: These guidelines deal with the transition of YA and address key aetiologies for the adult hepatologist under the following headings: (1) Models and provision of care; (2) screening and management of mental health disorders; (3) aetiologies; (4) timing and role of liver transplantation; and (5) sexual health and fertility. Conclusions: These are the first nationally developed guidelines on the transition and management of childhood liver diseases in adulthood. They provide a framework upon which to base clinical care, which we envisage will lead to improved outcomes for YA with chronic liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the need for food and environmental security and the challenges in reaching a common vision. It highlights the importance of a skilled workforce and new innovations in solving complex problems. The article also addresses the lack of consensus on fundamental facts and the different definitions of terms in different disciplines. It explores the use of life cycle analysis and land capability classifications as benchmarks for comparison, but acknowledges their limitations. The authors emphasize the need for transparent and thoughtful dialogue, agreement on definitions, and respectful discussions of different visions for the future in order to reach a common vision for improving economic and environmental sustainability in food production. [Extracted from the article]