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In this research work, a graded‐channel AlGaN/GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) featuring a cliff AlGaN barrier with a gate length of 60 nm is investigated. The inclusion of a foot cliff barrier layer confines the 3DEG distribution, thereby reducing electron scattering and potentially improving carrier mobility. The cliff‐graded‐channel device shows a peak cutoff frequency fT of 253 GHz and power‐added efficiency of 68% at 30 GHz, which represents a significant 60% improvement in comparison with conventional graded‐channel devices. These results clearly indicate that the graded‐channel AlGaN/GaN HEMT with a new cliff barrier design has great potential for mmW applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent findings of NO near Gale Crater on Mars have been explained by two pathways: formation of nitric acid (HNO3) in a warm climate or formation of peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2) in a cool climate. Here, we put forth two hitherto unexplored pathways: (a) deposition of nitric/peroxynitric acid onto ice particles in a cold atmosphere, which settle quickly onto Mars' surface and (b) solar energetic particle‐induced production of nitric/peroxynitric acid. The deposition rates are enhanced and NO production is more efficient under the higher atmospheric pressures typical of Mars' ancient atmosphere. Depending on the unknown rate at which nitric/peroxynitric acid is lost from the surface, the new pathways could result in larger NO‐levels than those detected by the Mars Science Laboratory. We predict a 2:1 ratio of nitrite:nitrate would have deposited in cool surface climates with an icy atmosphere, whereas orders of magnitude more nitrate than nitrite is expected from warm surface climates. Plain Language Summary: The nitrogen oxides discovered in present‐day soil on Mars likely formed in the atmosphere before being deposited on the ground. Two possible mechanisms are deposition of nitric acid (HNO3) when Mars had a warm climate and deposition of peroxynitric acid (HO2NO2) during cold climate. The latter scenario involves processes that have not been considered previously and leads to a much faster deposition rate for nitrogen oxides than was reported in previous studies: solar energetic particles splitting N2 in the middle atmosphere, reactions of nitrogen oxides on the surfaces of ice particles in the atmosphere, and deposition of peroxynitric acid onto the Martian surface when surface pressure was higher. Depending on the unknown rate at which they are lost from the surface due to UV photolysis, the maximum accumulation rate for nitrogen oxides could be much larger than is required to explain the present day measurements. We predict that more nitrite would form than nitrate in a cool climate with an icy atmosphere, whereas in a warm climate much more nitrate than nitrite is expected. So, an investigation of the relative amounts of NO2:NO3 in the soil in the present‐day measurements could reveal the climate state under which the salts formed. Key Points: In a cold climate, heterogeneous reactions with atmospheric ice particles would cause faster deposition of HNOx than dry depositionFormation of HNOx species is faster for earlier Martian climates of larger surface pressureModeled NO accumulates to amounts greater than present‐day measurements, so we propose there may be a loss mechanism that is unidentified [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions From 2007 to 2017, sorafenib was the sole systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but nine new therapies were approved from 2017 to 2022. No studies have yet examined population‐level treatment patterns for HCC since these approvals.For this retrospective cohort, Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare data were used to identify patients who had HCC diagnosed between 2014 and 2019 with claims through 2020. The authors examined patient characteristics, comorbidities, and receipt of local (e.g., transplantation, resection, embolization) and systemic (e.g., sorafenib, lenvatinib, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab) therapies. Cohort characteristics, treatment patterns, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed, and χ2 tests and t‐tests were used to compare treatments between the 2014–2017 and 2018–209 cohorts. Adjusted Cox models were used to compare median OS between treatment groups.Among 11,766 patients (men, 69.2%; White, 76.9%; median age, 71 years), 60.5% received treatment within 1 year, which remained stable over time (2014–2017, 60.4%; 2018–2019, 61.0%; p = .84). The use of local therapy also remained stable (2014–2017, 52.1%; 2018–2019, 52.8%; p = .43), whereas the use of systemic therapy slightly decreased (2014–2017, 17.0%; 2018–2019, 15.2%; p = .01). First‐line systemic treatments shifted significantly, with sorafenib use dropping from 84.5% (2014–2017) to 41.3% (2018–2019). The median OS among patients who received no treatment, systemic therapies first, or local therapies first was 2.2, 12.0, and 23.6 months, respectively. Patients who were diagnosed in 2019 had better OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74–0.86) as did those who received systemic therapy first (HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.18–0.61), but survival was worse for those who received local therapy first (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.08–1.84) compared with those who were diagnosed in 2014.Local therapy patterns remained stable, but novel therapies replaced sorafenib as the preferred first‐line treatment, improving survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Elevated ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is postulated as one of multiple, interrelated environmental stressors driving amphibian population declines globally. However, key knowledge gaps remain in elucidating the link between elevated UVR and amphibian declines in a changing climate, including whether timing and irradiance of UVR exposure in early life dictates the onset of detrimental carryover effects post‐metamorphosis. In this study, striped marsh frog larvae (Limnodynastes peronii) were exposed to UVR at one of two different irradiances for up to 7 days, either as hatchlings (Gosner stage 23) or as older larvae (Gosner stage 25−28). These animals were then reared to metamorphosis in the absence of UVR to examine independent and interactive carryover effects throughout development. Older larvae were more sensitive to UVR than hatchlings, with 53.1% and 15.6% mortality in larvae exposed to high and low irradiance respectively, compared with no mortality of hatchlings in either irradiance treatment. Irradiance and timing of UVR exposure had interactive effects on larval body length, causing stunted growth patterns and a lack of compensatory growth following UVR exposure, particularly in animals exposed to high irradiance UVR later in development. Timing of UVR exposure also determined the severity of carryover effects into metamorphosis, including delayed metamorphosis and the first published account (to our knowledge) of latent UVR‐induced depigmentation in an amphibian. These findings highlight how acute changes to the larval UVR exposure regime can impact on amphibian health later in life, with implications for our understanding of the effects of climate change on UVR‐related amphibian declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many surfactants, such as higher mole alcohol ethoxylates like C12‐15–7EO and C9‐11–8EO, when diluted in water, will form a gel at specific concentrations and temperatures. Gels can be highly viscous and semi‐solid and should be avoided since they take time and energy to disperse once formed. Historically, the creation of gel diagrams or maps for our technical product brochures primarily has depended on visual observation, leading to variable interpretations and inconsistent results over time. Also, completing a gel map for one surfactant grade requires a minimum of one day, due to testing many samples across various concentrations and temperatures. To improve objectivity, consistency, and speed in gel mapping, oscillatory rheology was utilized to identify gels using viscoelastic properties by testing samples prepared at various concentrations. The digitization of the gel mapping technique provides two significant benefits. It offers a rheological‐based approach giving a non‐subjective, digital gel map and it is faster than our visual‐based method. Furthermore, this digital method is consistent with our visual‐based method giving good discrimination between surfactant grades and reproducibility within batches of the same grade. This work also demonstrates the promising potential of utilizing machine learning algorithms to model the rheological behavior of gel maps effectively. R and Python, programming languages widely used for data analysis, graphing, and machine learning, were employed. Overall, the new digital approach presented yields several benefits for surfactant gel behavior study, including a reduction in subjectivity, faster data generation, and increased efficiency in the gel map analysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on water absorption from the air by urea fertilizers and on NH3 loss when applied to grasslands is limited. Urea application to grassland is typically broadcast (Bcast), whereas urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN) is applied either Bcast or in bands (dribble). This work was conducted to (1) evaluate water absorption from the air by Bcast granular urea, Bcast UAN, and dribble UAN under laboratory conditions, and (2) compare NH3 losses from Bcast urea, Bcast UAN, and dribble UAN when applied to a grassland. Six field studies were conducted from 2017 to 2019. In the laboratory, Bcast UAN exposed to 100% relative humidity absorbed water from air at a faster rate than dribble UAN and Bcast urea. In the field, all three fertilizers lost similar amounts of NH3 when applied to relatively wet soil (> −0.1 MPa). In contrast, when the fertilizers were applied to dry soil (≤ −1.2 MPa), Bcast UAN lost the most NH3 (17.3% and 19.8%) likely because of its capacity to absorb water from the air. Also, at −1.2 MPa, dribble UAN lost more NH3 than Bcast urea (15.3 vs. 10.7%, p < 0.05), probably because the low osmotic potential of UAN (−55 MPa) allowed it to absorb water from the soil at a faster rate than urea could absorb water from the air. In contrast, when the soil water potential was −5.7 MPa, dribble UAN lost less NH3 than Bcast urea (4.4 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.05), likely because the low soil water potential reduced its water absorption. Core Ideas: Water absorption from air was faster for broadcast (Bcast) urea‐ammonium nitrate (UAN) than from banded UAN or granular urea.Urea concentration in solution decreased faster below 6 mol L−1 in Bcast and banded UAN than in granular urea.Bcast UAN lost more NH3 than banded UAN or granular urea when soil water content was low (< −1.2 MPa).UAN (Bcast or banded) and granular urea lost similar amounts of ammonia when soil water content was high (> −0.1 MPa). Plain Language Summary: Granular urea or nitrogen solutions containing urea can be broadcast (Bcast) or applied in bands to grasslands, where they absorb water from the air or from the soil to release nitrogen to the forage. In grasslands, a significant portion of the applied fertilizer falls on leaves and therefore absorbs water from the air. This work was conducted to evaluate absorption of water from the air for Bcast and banded nitrogen solution and from Bcast granular urea. Bcast nitrogen solution absorbed water from the air at a faster rate than banded nitrogen solution or granular urea. This study also evaluated gaseous losses of ammonia from Bcast and banded nitrogen solution and from Bcast granular urea when applied to a grassland. Ammonia losses were similar for all three fertilizers when the soil water content was high, but when the water content was low, Bcast nitrogen solution lost more ammonia than banded nitrogen solution or Bcast granular urea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firearm examiners may face challenges with subclass characteristics. Subclass characteristics have the potential to be confused with individual characteristics if a careful analysis for the presence of subclass characteristics is not performed. Several case studies are reported in the literature that discuss the presence of subclass characteristics and advise firearm examiners to disregard these characteristics for identification purposes. As far as can be determined, no fundamental study has been performed that explores the various methods used in firearm manufacturing and assess the potential of subclass characteristics being produced. In this study broaching, plunge milling, and lathe turning were used to produce consecutively manufactured breech faces for a Thompson/Center® (T/C®) Contender® G2 pistol. The breech faces were finished by tumbling or glass bead blasting. The 3D topographical scans of the breech faces were collected using a confocal microscope and then compared using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) congruent matching cells (CMC) algorithm. The results of this study demonstrated the presence of subclass characteristics after manufacturing by broaching and plunge milling. Lathe turning did not produce any subclass characteristics. ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were used to determine significant differences between finishing methods within each manufacturing method. Significant differences were found in glass bead blasting versus tumbling and glass bead blasting versus no finish. No significant differences were found in no finish versus tumbling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the experiences of 17 teacher candidates who participated in a literacy‐focused service‐learning initiative in the aftermath of destructive tornadoes in their community. In response to the natural disaster, the Literacy Ambassadors, composed of university literacy faculty and teacher candidates, sought to address the critical need for book access among area students impacted by the tornadoes. Over the course of 8 months, researchers collected initial questionnaires, participant reflections, meeting transcripts, and anecdotal notes as the group met to learn about book matching, text complexity, and to acquire, sort, and curate book bags for individual preK‐12 students. Books were shared with community members on three occasions—two occurred 12 months after the tornadoes and served eight schools; another occurred 16 months after the event and served one school. Participants revealed themes of shifting identity, a developing understanding of the complexity of literacy, and the relational power of literacy—offering valuable insights into the impact of community engagement on teacher candidates in response to disaster. These findings support previous research that emphasizes the potential of service‐learning as real‐life experiences that address community needs while simultaneously enriching the professional growth of future educators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease neuropathologic change (ADNC) have been instrumental in developing effective disease‐modifying therapeutics. However, to prevent/treat dementia effectively, we require biomarkers for non‐AD neuropathologies; for this, neuropathologic examinations and annotated tissue samples are essential. METHODS: We conducted clinicopathologic correlation for the first 100 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Neuropathology Core (NPC) cases. RESULTS: Clinical syndromes in this cohort showed 95% sensitivity and 79% specificity for predicting high/intermediate ADNC, a 21% false positive rate, and a ∼44% false negative rate. In addition, 60% with high/intermediate ADNC harbored additional potentially dementing co‐pathologies. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that clinical presentation imperfectly predicts ADNC and that accurate prediction of high/intermediate ADNC does not exclude co‐pathology that may modify presentation, biomarkers, and therapeutic responses. Therefore, new biomarkers are needed for non‐AD neuropathologies. The ADNI NPC supports this mission with well‐characterized tissue samples (available through ADNI and the National Institute on Aging) and "gold‐standard" diagnostic information (soon to include digital histology). Highlights: The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) Neuropathology Core (NPC) brain donation cohort now exceeds 200 cases.ADNI NPC data in National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center format are available through the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging.Digitized slide files from the ADNI NPC will be available in 2025.Requests for ADNI brain tissue samples can be submitted online for ADNI/National Institute on Aging evaluation.Clinical diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease (AD)/AD and related dementias (ADRD) do not always predict post mortem neuropathology.Neuropathology is essential for the development of novel AD/ADRD biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of a surgical safety checklist can help prevent sentinel events; however, a lack of adherence to the checklist can result in inadequate preoperative patient readiness and negative outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to address preoperative concerns that prevent patient readiness in a military hospital. To change practice, the project involved the use of an evidence‐based practice model and Kurt Lewin's change theory. The primary investigator provided an educational initiative on the required checklist for perioperative personnel and collected data on key elements (ie, consent completion, laboratory test results, antibiotic availability, checklist completion) for 30 days after the initiative. Consent completion rates were 100% both before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis (chi‐square [χ2]) showed significant improvement for the remaining three elements. The results were the most significant for laboratory test results (χ21 = 33.496, P <.00001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ocular surface disorders have been reported among patients with various medical conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD). Nonetheless, validated algorithms to identify conjunctivitis and keratitis in claims data are lacking. Objective: Develop validated, claims‐based algorithms for conjunctivitis and keratitis among patients with AD using medical records. Methods: Patients with AD were identified in a claims database between March 2017 and November 2019. Among these patients, candidate algorithms were developed that included diagnosis codes for conjunctivitis or keratitis, alone and in combination with ophthalmic treatments. Among patients who met ≥ 1 candidate algorithms, a subset was randomly selected for medical record review. Additionally, records from a random sample of patients with AD were reviewed to assess sensitivity. Overall, 341 records were sought and 262 adjudicated by an expert ophthalmologist. The positive predictive value (PPV) of each algorithm was calculated and compared to a pre‐specified threshold of ≥ 70%. Results: For conjunctivitis, the final algorithm was ≥ 1 conjunctivitis diagnosis (PPV = 81%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 73%–87%). For keratitis, the final algorithm combined the following 2 candidate algorithms: ≥ 1 keratitis diagnosis and ≥ 1 dispensing of a topical antibiotic or antibiotic–steroid combination (PPV = 91%); and ≥ 1 keratitis diagnosis and ≥ 1 dispensing of an ophthalmic corticosteroid, topical immune‐modulator, or topical NSAID (PPV = 68%) for an overall PPV of 80% (95% CI: 55%–93%). Conclusion: The first claims‐based algorithms to identify conjunctivitis and keratitis among AD patients were developed and validated. They are available for use in future studies, particularly to better understand conjunctivitis and keratitis occurrence among patients with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long‐term opioid use is related to numerous harms and has uncertain efficacy for chronic, non‐cancer pain. Identification of individuals at risk for long‐term opioid use can help support treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to determine psychosocial factors associated with opioid use 6 months after a work‐related injury. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study incorporating surveys and administrative data. Eligibility included a workers' compensation claim for an injury between June 2019 and September 2021, no opioid use within 3 months before injury, and opioid use within 6 weeks after injury. The outcome was self‐reported opioid use at the 6‐month follow‐up survey (no use, use some days, or use most or every day). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to calculate relative risk ratios (RRRs) for associations between self‐reported psychosocial factors and long‐term opioid use. Results: Of the 1724 respondents, 301 (17.5%) reported taking long‐term opioids on some days and 87 (5.0%) reported taking long‐term opioids on most or every day. After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical covariates, workers reporting work fear‐avoidance had a higher relative risk of opioid use most or every day, versus no opioid use at the 6‐month survey, compared to those without work fear‐avoidance (RRR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.08, 3.50). Anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and recovery expectations were not associated with long‐term opioid use after covariate adjustment. Conclusions: Work fear‐avoidance was associated with long‐term opioid use in this study of injured workers. Addressing fears surrounding an injury and returning to work may help deter reliance on long‐term opioids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative experiences with police present serious risks for mental health. However, interpretation plays a meaningful and little understood role in the effects of those experiences. This study expands on previous work exploring coping responses to negative police experiences and investigates the relation between negative experiences with police and mental health outcomes. Participants (N = 198) were from a diverse sample of young adults at a minority‐serving institution. Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and Middle Eastern/North African participants reported significantly more negative police experiences than White and Asian/Asian American participants. Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx also showed more negative perceptions of police. Negative police experiences were positively related to depression but not posttraumatic stress symptoms. There were also meaningful interactive effects between negative experiences and perceptions of police on levels of posttraumatic stress and depression, suggesting negative perceptions of police may buffer negative effects of negative police experiences. Our findings point to the importance of addressing negative encounters with police as mental health stressors, as well as effects of crucial differences in perceptions of police by race. This research contributes to a growing understanding of the complex nature and effects of experiences with police on mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms often ask consumers to either spend time to save money (e.g., Lyft's “Wait & Save”) or spend money to save time (e.g., Uber's “Priority Pickup”). Across six preregistered studies (N = 3631), including seven reported in Appendix S1 (N = 2930), we find that asking consumers to spend time to save money is perceived as fairer than asking them to spend money to save time (all else equal), with downstream consequences for word‐of‐mouth, purchase intentions, willingness‐to‐pay (WTP), and incentive‐compatible choice. This is because spend‐time‐to‐save‐money offers reduce concerns about firms' profit‐seeking motives, which consumers find aversive and unfair. The effect is thus mediated by inferences about profit‐seeking and attenuates when concerns about those motives are less salient (e.g., for non‐profits). At the same time, we find that spend‐money‐to‐save‐time offers (e.g., expedited shipping) are more common in the marketplace. This research reveals how normatively equivalent trade‐offs can nevertheless yield contradictory fairness judgments, with meaningful implications for marketing theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andreae proved that the cop number of connected H $H$‐minor‐free graphs is bounded for every graph H $H$. In particular, the cop number is at most ∣ E(H − h ) ∣ $| E(H-h)| $ if H − h $H-h$ contains no isolated vertex, where h ∈ V( H ) $h\in V(H)$. The main result of this paper is an improvement on this bound, which is most significant when H $H$ is small or sparse, for instance, when H − h $H-h$ can be obtained from another graph by multiple edge subdivisions. Some consequences of this result are improvements on the upper bound for the cop number of K3 , t ${K}_{3,t}$‐minor‐free graphs, K2 , t ${K}_{2,t}$‐minor‐free graphs and linklessly embeddable graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetic acid (AA), a vital compound in chemical production and materials manufacturing, is conventionally synthesized by starting with coal or methane through multiple steps including high‐temperature transformations. Here we present a new synthesis of AA from ethane through photocatalytic selective oxidation of ethane by H2O2 at 0–25 °C. The catalyst designed for this process comprises g‐C3N4 with anchored Pd1 single‐atom sites. In situ studies and computational simulation suggest the immobilized Pd1 atom becomes positively charged under photocatalytic condition. Under photoirradiation, the holes on the Pd1 single‐atom of OH−Pd1⊕ ${{}^{\oplus }}$ /g‐C3N4 serves as a catalytic site for activating a C−H instead of C−C of C2H6 with a low activation barrier of 0.14 eV, through a concerted mechanism. Remarkably, the selectivity for synthesizing AA reaches 98.7 %, achieved under atmospheric pressure of ethane at 0 °C. By integrating photocatalysis with thermal catalysis, we introduce a highly selective, environmentally friendly, energy‐efficient synthetic route for AA, starting from ethane, presenting a promising alternative for AA synthesis. This integration of photocatalysis in low‐temperature oxidation demonstrates a new route of selective oxidation of light alkanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quasi‐vertical gallium nitride (GaN) fin field effect transistor (FinFET) is designed and analyzed to assess the performance of electrical parameters. The device is deployed on a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate and analyzed using technology computer‐aided design (TCAD). The donor concentration in the critical regions is identified as a significant limiting factor for FinFET electrical properties. Hence, the influence of channel and drift layer doping concentrations (Nd) on performance characteristics is investigated in this work. The electrical characteristics such as threshold voltage, ION/IOFF ratio, subthreshold swing (SS), specific ON‐resistance, and breakdown voltage (VBV) are evaluated for various doping profiles. The doping profile with channel and drift layer concentration of 4 × 1015 cm−3 for a 300 nm fin width and 1 μm thick drift layer exhibits normally OFF behavior with a threshold voltage (Vt) of 1.5 V. It also demonstrates a VBV of 139 V. The corresponding doping profile reveals a low SS of 61 mV dec−1, which is comparable to other similar power devices. This demonstrates the significant potential of the device for medium‐power switching applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Meiotic crossovers (COs) generate genetic diversity and are crucial for viable gamete production. Plant COs are typically limited to 1–3 per chromosome pair, constraining the development of improved varieties, which in wheat is exacerbated by an extreme distal localisation bias. Advances in wheat genomics and related technologies provide new opportunities to investigate, and possibly modify, recombination in this important crop species. Here, we investigate the disruption of FIGL1 in tetraploid and hexaploid wheat as a potential strategy for modifying CO frequency/position.We analysed figl1 mutants and virus‐induced gene silencing lines cytogenetically. Genetic mapping was performed in the hexaploid.FIGL1 prevents abnormal meiotic chromosome associations/fragmentation in both ploidies. It suppresses class II COs in the tetraploid such that CO/chiasma frequency increased 2.1‐fold in a figl1 msh5 quadruple mutant compared with a msh5 double mutant. It does not appear to affect class I COs based on HEI10 foci counts in a hexaploid figl1 triple mutant. Genetic mapping in the triple mutant suggested no significant overall increase in total recombination across examined intervals but revealed large increases in specific individual intervals.Notably, the tetraploid figl1 double mutant was sterile but the hexaploid triple mutant was moderately fertile, indicating potential utility for wheat breeding. See also the Commentary on this article by Phillips & Lloyd, 244: 341–343. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Mixed‐data models incorporating remote antenna detections from PIT‐tagged fish together with physical capture data (mixed data) can improve precision of mark–recapture abundance estimates, particularly for spawning fish. However, if the entire population is not available for physical capture during the mark–recapture sampling period, abundance estimates will be biased low. Our objectives were to examine bias and precision of two modeling approaches and develop a simple diagnostic to determine whether the entire population was sampled. Methods: We use a simulation modeling approach to compare specified abundances with abundance estimates from closed‐capture models using mixed data (the mixed‐data approach) and using only marked (e.g., PIT‐tagged) individuals divided by the proportion of individuals that are marked (proportional approach). We use the difference in bias between the two models as our diagnostic of whether a population was randomly sampled. We then applied our diagnostic to two case studies: a spawning population of adfluvial June Sucker Chasmistes liorus in Utah Lake, Utah, 2008–2020, and a spawning population of Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus in the Imnaha River, a tributary of the Snake River, Oregon, 2013–2020. Result: Simulation experiments revealed that the mixed‐data approach became increasingly negatively biased as the proportion of the population that was unavailable for physical capture increased, yet the proportional approach remained unbiased. Abundance estimates from the proportional approach averaged approximately 6× greater for June Sucker and 2× greater for Bull Trout compared to the mixed‐data approach, suggesting a proportion of the population was not available for physical capture in both case studies. Conclusion: Understanding the magnitude of bias in abundance estimates is particularly important for the management of imperiled species that are subject to recovery plans. Comparing estimates using the unbiased proportional approach that we described here with those from a mixed‐data approach when PIT tag detection data are used to estimate abundance is a straightforward method to evaluate bias in these estimates. Impact statementEstimates of population abundance can be biased low when remote detections of marked (e.g., PIT‐tagged) fish and physical capture data are used in closed‐capture population models because not all fish are available for physical capture. Estimating population abundance of marked fish divided by the proportion of marked fish is a method for identifying and correcting this bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transportation of CO2 from the capture site to the storage location is a crucial phase in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) process. For offshore operations, ship transportation is considered a viable alternative, and this would entail operations at low temperatures (down to 223.15 K). A review of the literature revealed that there is limited experimental data on CO2‐rich systems at low temperatures, thus, the need to investigate the phase behaviour of CO2‐rich systems at these conditions. This study validated and compared the accuracies of Peng–Robinson (PR) equation of state (EoS) with three different mixing rules (the classical with original and adjusted binary interaction parameters, the Wong–Sandler, and the Orbey–Wong–Sandler mixing rules) against the multi‐fluid helmholtz energy approximation (MFHEA ‐ with original and adjusted binary‐specific reducing parameters) EoS in the prediction of bubble points of CO2‐rich binary systems (CO2‐CH4, CO2–O2, CO2–Ar, and CO2–N2) for CCUS applications. The experimental studies used for the validation of the models were conducted at low temperatures (228.15–273.15 K with overall uncertainties of 0.14 K) and for five different CO2 mole ratios (99.5, 99, 98.5, 98 and 95% with overall uncertainties of 0.032%) using the constant composition expansion method. The overall uncertainty of the pressure measurements was 0.03 MPa. From the study, it was observed that there was a significant effect of binary interaction parameters (BIP) adjustment on the performance of PR‐EoS with classical mixing rule, especially for the CO2–N2 system. For all the systems, the predictions of PR‐EoS with the classical mixing rules and the adjusted BIPs were the most accurate in terms of the average absolute deviations from the experimental data. The model also predicted the literature data well in comparison with the other models (with less than 5% deviations for all the data points). Further analysis also proved that the model dew point predictions were in reasonable agreement with the available literature data at the considered conditions. As a result, the model could be adopted to fill the existing knowledge gaps of the studied systems at conditions (143.15–223.15 K) where experimental studies were not feasible. © 2024 The Author(s). Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to biodiversity declines worldwide, over 190 nations committed to protect 30% of their lands and waters by 2030 (hereafter, 30×30). Systematic conservation planning and return on investment analysis can be helpful tools for determining where protection efforts could deliver the most efficient and effective reserve design, and supporting decision‐making when trade‐offs among objectives are required. Here, we propose a framework for efficient "30×30" implementation and apply it to the state of California (USA). Because conservation of a region's full suite of biodiversity is the primary objective of the global initiative, we prioritized representation in our analysis. We used Zonation to identify networks that close the gap in representation of major habitat types in California's protected area network and that also conserve the places important for biodiversity or climate change mitigation. We identified networks that are efficient relative to metrics likely to be important in implementation including land acquisition cost, number of transactions, and conservation benefit per hectare, and we illustrate not only trade‐offs associated with these metrics but also differences in the co‐benefits achieved. Five of the eight major habitat types in California are not currently protected at a 30% level statewide, and if representation was achieved solely through private land acquisition, targets could be met for as little as $5.84 billion, with as few as 364 transactions, or with 2.18 million additional conserved hectares. Implementation of 30×30 will likely require more flexibility than a single network design. A "no regrets" action would be to protect properties that were prioritized across all networks and additional implementation should include properties with characteristics of any of the individual networks. Our analytical framework and implementation guidance can be applied to other geographies and jurisdictions to increase the likelihood of both meeting 30×30 targets and delivering the conservation benefits they aim to secure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore the role of fibrocytes in the recurrence and calcification of fibrous epulides. Methods: Different subtypes of fibrous epulides and normal gingival tissue specimens were first collected for histological and immunofluorescence analyses to see if fibrocytes were present and whether they differentiated into myofibroblasts and osteoblasts upon stimulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Electron microscopy and elemental analysis were used to characterize the extracellular microenvironment in different subtypes of fibrous epulides. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were subsequently isolated from in vitro models to mimic the microenvironment in fibrous epulides to identify whether TGF‐β1 as well as the calcium and phosphorus ion concentration in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a fibrous epulis trigger fibrocyte differentiation. Results: Fibrous epulides contain fibrocytes that accumulate in the local inflammatory environment and have the ability to differentiate into myofibroblasts or osteoblasts. TGF‐β1 promotes fibrocytes differentiation into myofibroblasts in a concentration‐dependent manner, while TGF‐β1 stimulates the fibrocytes to differentiate into osteoblasts when combined with a high calcium and phosphorus environment. Conclusions: Our study revealed fibrocytes play an important role in the fibrogenesis and osteogenesis in fibrous epulis, and might serve as a therapeutic target for the inhibition of recurrence of fibrous epulides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A size‐based, histological analysis of the reproductive life history of the blacktip grouper, Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål 1775), was conducted in Indonesia to evaluate the error rate associated with macroscopic reproductive analysis. Histological results indicated that E. fasciatus was protogynous with female L50 at 13.4 cm total length (LT) and a size at sexual transition of 22.0 cm LT. The weight–length relationship for the species was W = 0.011 L3.13. Overall sex ratios were significantly female biased, operational sex ratios were significantly male biased, and sex ratios of mature individuals varied predictably with length from female to male dominance as size increased. No significant relationship between length and batch fecundity was found. The population has a spawning period from February to August. Overall, 54.4% of macroscopic evaluations were incorrect compared to histological results. Of the errors, 14.8% were a failure to detect ovotestes, 12.7% were classifying non‐gonadal tissue as ovary or testis, 12.2% were misclassifying sex, and 12.7% were misclassifying maturity status. However, the largest source of error (47.7%) was from misclassifying both sex and maturity status. Of these, 92.9% were macroscopically classified as immature females, but were histologically confirmed to be mature males. Compared to histological results, the only accurate macroscopic results were the absence of a sex‐based difference in weight–length relationship and spawning seasonality estimated by a gonadosomatic index (February–June). The use of macroscopic methods to estimate reproductive life‐history parameters for sex‐changing reefes fish may introduce significant inaccuracies and misinterpretations. Of the parameters estimated by histological methods, size at maturity, size‐specific sex ratios, and spawning seasonality have the greatest potential to inform local fishery management policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Planning conservation action requires accurate estimates of abundance and distribution of the target species. For many mammals, particularly those inhabiting tropical forests, there are insufficient data to assess their conservation status. We present a framework for predicting species distribution using jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), a poorly known felid for which basic information on abundance and distribution is lacking. Location: Mesoamerica and South America. Time Period: From 2003 to 2021. Taxa: Herpailurus yagouaroundi. Methods: We combined camera‐trap data from multiple sites and used an occupancy modelling framework accounting for imperfect detection to identify habitat associations and predict the range‐wide distribution of jaguarundis. Results: Our model predicted that the probability of jaguarundi occupancy is positively associated with rugged terrain, herbaceous cover, and human night‐time light intensity. Jaguarundi occupancy was predicted to be higher where precipitation was less seasonal, and at intermediate levels of diurnal temperature range. Our camera data also revealed additional detections of jaguarundis beyond the current International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) range distribution, including the Andean foothills of Colombia and Bolivia. Main Conclusion: Occupancy was predicted to be low throughout much of Amazonian lowlands, a vast area at the centre of jaguarundi known range. Further work is required to investigate whether this area represents sub‐optimal conditions for the species. Overall, we estimate a crude global jaguarundi population of 35,000 to 230,000 individuals, covering 4,453,406 km2 of Meso‐ and South America at the 0.5 probability level of occupancy. Our current framework allows for an initially detailed, well‐informed species distribution that should be challenged and refined with improved habitat layers and additional records of jaguarundi detection. We encourage similar studies of lesser‐known mammals, pooling existing by‐catch data from the growing bank of camera‐trap surveys around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Objectives Method Results Discussion Determining an accurate treatment goal weight (TGW) is critical for treating eating disorders requiring weight restoration. This is challenging in adolescents since body mass index (BMI) normally increases over time. Median BMI (mBMI) is often used to determine TGW, though use of historical growth trajectories is increasingly common. Using the appropriate method to set TGW may be particularly important in treating individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) whose prior growth was substantially above or below the median, and in atypical anorexia (AAN) where prior growth is, by definition, above the median.(1) Compare differences between TGWs based on mBMI and historical BMI percentile (hBMI) in patients with AN and AAN. (2) Determine whether either TGW method better predicted scores on the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), heart rate, and menstrual status during treatment.Retrospective chart review of 197 adolescents with AN or AAN completing a partial hospitalization program (PHP).For AN, the within‐person variation between methods varied up to 11.3 kg, though the average TGW was similar if derived from the mBMI or hBMI. In AAN, the average hBMI TGW was higher than mBMI TGW, and within‐person variation was up to 19.3 kg. Associations between hBMI TGW and mBMI with heart rate, menstrual status, and EDE scores varied.Within‐person differences in TGWs derived from hBMI versus mBMI can be large, with prominent differences in AAN, where hBMI TGW is significantly higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) is the most widely used self‐report measure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is frequently modeled as having four correlated factors consistent with the DSM‐5 symptom structure. Some researchers have argued that item order may influence factor structure. Although two studies have examined this, they were both based on DSM‐IV criteria, and neither utilized a randomized design. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether item order impacts the factor structure of the PCL‐5, using two independent samples of community participants (N = 347, 67.7% female, 85.3% White) and veterans (N = 409, 83.6% male, 61.9% Black/African American). Approximately half of each sample was randomized to receive the PCL‐5 in the original fixed order, whereas the other half received a uniquely randomized version. We compared the DSM‐5 four‐factor model to several theoretically relevant models and found improved model fit in the seven‐factor hybrid model, community sample: ∆χ2 = 153.87, p < .001; veterans: ∆χ2 = 152.61, p < . 001. Consequently, the DSM‐5 four‐factor and seven‐factor hybrid models were retained for invariance testing. Across both samples, measurement invariance was examined between the randomized and fixed‐order groups. Configural invariance, partial metric invariance, and partial scalar invariance were achieved in both samples, ps = .054–.822, suggesting that the fit of the DSM‐5 four‐factor structure and the seven‐factor hybrid model, as measured using the PCL‐5, are not due to order effects. These findings support the continued use of the PCL‐5 in a fixed fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient delivery systems based on biopolymers offer new solutions to enhance food security by boosting crop yield and quality while decreasing agrochemical input and mitigating environmental impact. Herein, a novel Pickering emulsion fabrication method that utilizes antibody‐functionalized silk fibroin to enhance foliar adhesion upon application for efficient agrochemicals delivery is reported. Silk fibroin microparticles (SFMPs) stabilize both nonpolar and polar oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsions, revealing the cooperative function of both oil phase polarity and aqueous media pH in stabilization, where phytohormones addition influenced the stability and oil‐water contact angle. Phytohormone‐containing Pickering emulsions are functionalized with anti‐pectic polysaccharide (alpha‐1,5‐arabinan) antibody labeled SFMPs through adsorption, to enhance droplet adhesion to leaf cuticle surface. As a proof‐of‐concept, Pickering emulsion containing 0.1 mM jasmonic acid (JA) is applied to Arabidopsis thaliana via foliar spraying. Following washing, treatment with antibody‐functionalized Pickering emulsion increased trichome numbers on young leaves by 20% and 3%, when compared to nonencapsulated JA and nonfunctionalized emulsions, respectively. The functionalized Pickering emulsion stabilized by SFMPs exhibited no plant toxicity and biodegraded 50 wt.% in 7 days, catalyzed by Streptomyces griseus protease. Results highlight the potential of SFMP‐stabilized oleic acid‐in‐water Pickering emulsion as a sustainable and biodegradable solution to precisely deliver agrochemicals through foliar spray. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radical S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM) enzymes couple the reductive cleavage of SAM to radical‐mediated transformations that have proven to be quite broad in scope. DesII is one such enzyme from the biosynthetic pathway of TDP‐desosamine where it catalyzes a radical‐mediated deamination. Previous studies have suggested that this reaction proceeds via direct elimination of ammonia from an α‐hydroxyalkyl radical or its conjugate base (i.e., a ketyl radical) rather than 1,2‐migration of the amino group to form a carbinolamine radical intermediate. However, without a crystal structure, the active site features responsible for this chemistry have remained largely unknown. The crystallographic studies described herein help to fill this gap by providing a structural description of the DesII active site. Computational analyses based on the solved crystal structure are consistent with direct elimination and indicate that an active site glutamate residue likely serves as a general base to promote deprotonation of the α‐hydroxyalkyl radical intermediate and elimination of the ammonia group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last three decades, the world has experienced a rapid emergence of megacities. The increasing demographics, urbanization, and water demand brought severe and undesired effects on the quantity and quality of their water resources. A prime example is Lagos (Nigeria, West Africa), which is projected to become the world's largest city by 2100, and faces water scarcity challenges common to other megacities of developing countries. A literature review reveals the vast gap between water demand and regulated supply, inadequate knowledge and information on the current state of water (re)sources, and major, yet unregulated, use of groundwater. It further highlights the impacts of uncontrolled wastewater discharge into surface waters and aquifers, the role of increasing paved surfaces and blocked drainages on flooding, the inadequate supply of potable water, and the unsustainable abstraction of groundwater. Here, we examine the potential of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) to address these recurrent challenges across the megacity. The analysis reveals the opportunities and potential risks associated with the capture of wastewater, storm water, and brackish surface water for MAR. These waters, after appropriate treatment and subsurface storage may bridge the growing water supply–demand gap and mitigate the effects of groundwater (over)exploitation, including aquifer depletion, saltwater intrusion and land subsidence. Immediate efforts should focus on improving the conceptual and quantitative knowledge of Lagos' hydrogeology and groundwater resources through comprehensive spatial–temporal groundwater monitoring and socio‐economic studies of groundwater access and use. The insights provided may inform other fast‐growing coastal megacities in Africa and the wider developing world. This article is categorized under:Science of Water > Water and Environmental ChangeEngineering Water > Water, Health, and SanitationHuman Water > Value of WaterScience of Water > Hydrological Processes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proponents of globalization claim that economic globalization (EGLO) is a catalyst for women's economic empowerment (WEE), whereas the opponents of EGLO are of the view that it is detrimental to WEE, especially in developing countries, as it can exacerbate preexisting inequality. This study has examined the impact of EGLO on WEE from 2005 to 2020 for 45 African countries. The analysis disaggregated the EGLO variable into trade and financial globalizations to examine their individual impact on WEE. The system generalized method of moments is used as the estimation technique. The results show that overall EGLO, trade globalization and financial globalizations significantly promote WEE. Furthermore, the paper reveals that female labour force participation and human development expedite WEE. The results obtained from the analyses of the segregated data – official English and non‐English speaking countries – are consistent with the aggregated data. Given these findings, this paper sheds light on how WEE could be enhanced on the African continent. Promoting WEE has the potential to expedite the achievement of some of the sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Keck‐PAD (pixel array detector) was developed at Cornell as a burst‐rate imager capable of recording images from successive electron bunches (153 ns period) from the Advanced Photon Source (APS). Both Si and hole‐collecting Schottky CdTe have been successfully bonded to this ASIC (application‐specific integrated circuit) and used with this frame rate. The facility upgrades at the APS will lower the bunch period to 77 ns, which will require modifications to the Keck‐PAD electronics to image properly at this reduced period. In addition, operation at high X‐ray energies will require a different sensor material having a shorter charge collection time. For the target energy of 40 keV for this project, simulations have shown that electron‐collecting CdTe should allow >90% charge collection within 35 ns. This collection time will be sufficient to sample the signal from one frame and prepare for the next. 750 µm‐thick electron‐collecting Schottky CdTe has been obtained from Acrorad and bonded to two different charge‐integrating ASICs developed at Cornell, the Keck‐PAD and the CU‐APS‐PAD. Carrier mobility has been investigated using the detector response to single X‐ray bunches at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source and to a pulsed optical laser. The tests indicate that the collection time will meet the requirements for 77 ns imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various tillage systems have limitations on soil health, such as the degradation of soil structure and organic matter under conventional tillage (CT) systems, as well as shortterm soil compaction in conservation tillage systems. A 3-year field experiment was established to evaluate the integration of cover crop (CC) and organic amendments (OAs) into CT and strip tillage (ST) systems, and their impact on soil properties and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) productivity. The CC was cereal rye (Secale cereale), and the combined application of animal manure and biochar constituted the OA. In the third year, differences in soil compaction between the CT and ST systems were observed when the measurements were made after tillage. Moreover, integrating CC and OA under the CT and ST systems increased the soil depth to compaction zones. Soil compaction was observed at 27.5-cm depth under CT, at 30- cm depth under CT integrated with CC and OA, at 10-cm depth under ST, and at 15-cm depth under ST integrated with CC and OA, using 2 MPa as the threshold. In general, the integration of CC and OA tended to increase soil respiration, organic matter, and available nutrients, but the effects were not consistent across years and soil depth. Despite differences in the various soil health properties, the management systems had minimum impact on cotton productivity and fiber quality, indicating the ST was effective in preparing the seedbed. Moreover, the differences in soil properties were not at yield-limiting levels within 3 years of the study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy PointsWorkers' compensation agencies have instituted opioid review policies to reduce unsafe prescribing. Providers reported more limited and cautious prescribing than in the past; both patients and providers reported collaborative pain‐management relationships and satisfactory pain control for patients.Despite the fears articulated by pharmaceutical companies and patient advocates, opioid review programs have not generally resulted in unmanaged pain or reduced function in patients, anger or resistance from patients or providers, or damage to patient–provider relationships or clinical autonomy.Other insurance providers with broad physician networks may want to consider similar quality‐improvement efforts to support safe opioid prescribing. Context: Unsafe prescribing practices have been among the central causes of improper reception of opioids, unsafe use, and overdose in the United States. Workers' compensation agencies in Washington and Ohio have implemented opioid review programs (ORPs)—a form of quality improvement based on utilization review—to curb unsafe prescribing. Evidence suggests that such regulations indeed reduce unsafe prescribing, but pharmaceutical companies and patient advocates have raised concerns about negative impacts that could also result. This study explores whether three core sets of problems have actually come to pass: (1) unmanaged pain or reduced function among patients, (2) anger or resistance to ORPs from patients or providers, and (3) damage to patient–provider relationships or clinical autonomy. Methods: In‐depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 48 patients (21 from Washington, 27 from Ohio) and 32 providers (18 from Washington, 14 from Ohio) who were purposively sampled to represent a range of injury and practice types. Thematic coding was conducted with codebooks developed using both inductive and deductive approaches. Findings: The consequences of opioid regulations have been generally positive: providers report more limited prescribing and a focus on multimodal pain control; patients report satisfactory pain control and recovery alongside collaborative relationships with providers. Participants attribute these patterns to a broad environment of opioid caution; they do not generally perceive workers' compensation policies as distinctly impactful. Both patients and providers comment frequently on the difficult aspects of interacting with workers' compensation agencies; effects of these range from simple inconvenience to delays in care, unmanaged pain, and reduced potential for physical recovery. Conclusions: In general, the three types of feared negative impacts have not come to pass for either patients or providers. Although interacting with workers' compensation agencies involves difficulties typical of interacting with other insurers, opioid controls seem to have generally positive effects and are generally perceived of favorably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root‐knot nematode (RKN; Meloidogyne incognita Kofoid & White) and reniform nematode (RN; Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford & Oliveira) are serious pathogens of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that significantly affect yield and fiber quality annually. Here, we describe two upland cotton germplasm lines that have combined resistance to RKN and RN while maintaining good yield and fiber quality traits. Upland germplasm lines MS‐4857 (Reg. no. GP‐1147, PI 704481) and MS‐4878 (Reg. no. GP‐1148, PI 704482) are F6 recombinant inbred lines from a cross between M240 RNR (RKN resistant) and MT2468 Ren1 (moderately RN resistant). These lines are highly resistant to RKN and show ∼30% fewer RN eggs g−1 root than the MT2468 Ren1 parent due to significantly improved root system development compared with MT2468 Ren1. Yield and fiber quality traits are equivalent or superior to the parental lines. The upland‐derived RN resistance in these lines provides a valuable alternative source of resistance to cotton breeding programs, especially in combination with high‐level RKN resistance. Core Ideas: Root‐knot (RKN) and reniform nematode (RN) are serious cotton pathogens.Combining resistance to multiple nematode species is important to the cotton community.MS‐4857 and MS‐4878 are highly resistant to RKN and moderately resistant to RN.MS‐4857 and MS‐4878 RN resistance is improved over the parent lines.The upland‐derived RN resistance provides an alternative to currently deployed RN resistance QTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults in nursing and care homes (NCHs) are vulnerable to severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, hospitalization, and death. This study aimed to gather data on RSV disease among older adults in NCHs and identify reported risk factors for RSV hospitalization and case fatality. Methods: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022371908). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Global Health databases to identify articles published between 2000 and 2023. Observational and experimental studies conducted among older adults in NCHs requiring assistive care and reporting RSV illness were included and relevant data were extracted. Results: Of 18,690 studies screened, 32 were selected for full‐text review, and 20 were included. Overall, the number of NCH residents ranged from 42 to 1459 with a mean age between 67.6 and 85 years. Attack rates ranged from 6.7% to 47.6% and annual incidence ranged from 0.5% to 14%. Case fatality rates ranged from 7.7% to 23.1%. We found similar annual incidence rates of RSV‐positive acute respiratory infection (ARI) of 4582 (95% CI: 3259–6264) and 4785 (95% CI: 2258–10,141) per 100,000 reported in two studies. Annual incidence rate of RSV‐positive lower respiratory tract infection was 3040 (95% CI: 1986–4454) cases per 100,000 adults. Annual RSV‐ARI hospital admission rates were between 600 (95% CI: 190–10,000) and 1104 (95% CI: 350–1930) per 100,000 person‐years. Among all RSV disease cases, commonly reported chronic medical conditions included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, ischemic heart disease, coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, cerebrovascular accident, malignancies, dementia, and those with a Charlson comorbidity score > 6.5. Conclusion: Data on RSV infection among NCH residents are limited and largely heterogeneous but document a high risk of illness, frequent hospitalization, and high mortality. Preventive interventions, such as vaccination, should be considered for this high‐risk population. Nationally representative epidemiologic studies and NCH‐based viral pathogen surveillance could more precisely assess the burden on NCH residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) has been used for chemotherapy for colorectal and other cancers for over 50 years. The prevailing view of its mechanism of action is inhibition of thymidine synthase leading to defects in DNA replication and repair. However, 5‐FU is also incorporated into RNA causing defects in RNA metabolism, inhibition of pseudouridine modification, and altered ribosome function. We examined the impact of 5‐FU on post‐transcriptional small RNA modifications (PTxMs) and the expression and export of RNA into small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). EVs are secreted by all cells and contain a variety of proteins and RNAs that can function in cell‐cell communication. We found that treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells with 5‐FU represses sEV export of miRNA and snRNA‐derived RNAs, but promotes export of snoRNA‐derived RNAs. Strikingly, 5‐FU treatment significantly decreased the levels of pseudouridine on both cellular and sEV small RNA profiles. In contrast, 5‐FU exposure led to increased levels of cellular small RNAs containing a variety of methyl‐modified bases. These unexpected findings show that 5‐FU exposure leads to altered RNA expression, base modification, and aberrant trafficking and localization of small RNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This report documents the exposure of passengers and crew of a commercial international flight to the zoonotic pathogen Brucella canis after an infected dog aborted in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. This case demonstrates the challenges associated with brucellosis screening and the risks that airline personnel, airport employees and travellers face when animals with unrecognized zoonotic infections are transported. Methods/Results: The public health investigation of this case was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Health and the Illinois Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with a local veterinary clinic and several academic and federal diagnostic laboratories. It included an extensive diagnostic evaluation of the dam and aborted foetuses to confirm a diagnosis of canine brucellosis. Passengers, airline personnel and staff from the veterinary clinic where the dogs were treated underwent risk assessments, and clinic staff also received detailed guidance regarding infection prevention practices. Conclusions: Animal shelters and breeding programs are recommended to screen dogs routinely for brucellosis, but it is not unusual for domestic or imported animals to have unknown health histories, including the dog's brucellosis status, at the time of purchase, adoption, or re‐homing. Testing recommendations and requirements vary by state, making it challenging for state public health and animal health agencies to monitor and respond appropriately. This case highlights the importance of Brucella spp. screening in sexually intact dogs prior to breeding, purchase, or domestic or international transportation of the dogs. The transportation of pregnant dogs may present a previously unrecognized public health threat in addition to contributing to unnecessary stress and health risks for pregnant animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the successful establishment of a local rare blood registry in Brazil, focusing on the efforts of HEMOCE, a public blood center. By implementing a strategic screening panel and engaging donors, HEMOCE has identified over 500 rare donors since 2013, contributing significantly to the Brazilian Rare Blood Donors registry. The program's success is attributed to cost-effective screening methods, donor education, and a dedicated donor search team, making it a valuable model for other centers aiming to develop or improve their rare blood donor registries. [Extracted from the article]

Pump‐and‐treat technologies are widely used in groundwater remediation and site cleanup. Such technologies involve pumping contaminated groundwater to the surface for treatment. Following treatment, the water is often reinjected back into the aquifer (referred to as pump‐treat‐inject or PTI) for potential reuse. The treatment system is often designed to remove dissolved‐phase contaminants in groundwater such that water meets applicable cleanup standards (herein referred to as "full treatment"). However, in some cases, the treatment system may not effectively reduce the dissolved‐phase concentrations (herein referred to as "partial treatment") for some of the contaminants present in groundwater. Modeling PTI under partial treatment conditions is challenging because contaminant concentrations in injected water depend on the pumped water concentrations and the system treatment efficiency. Essentially, the injected water concentration (a transport model input) is unknown prior to transport simulation. This study presents a novel iterative approach to modeling PTI under partial treatment scenarios, where the injected water concentration is linked to the modeled pumped water concentration. The method was developed for a complicated three‐dimensional (3D) flow and transport modeling study conducted for a confidential remediation site where PTI with partial treatment was applied. However, due to the complexity of the 3D model and the confidential information of the site, a simple two‐dimensional (2D) numerical model is presented to demonstrate the iterative method. The 2D model test runs and the 3D model application in a remediation site showed that the iterative simulation results quickly converged to a viable final solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large portion of the American electorate holds contempt for elected representatives who skip floor votes. As a result, political challengers, and the national political media in the U.S., rarely miss a chance to inform the electorate of the shirking behavior of its representatives. New research suggests that, in 2020, the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives may have developed protection, albeit temporary, to legislators who engage in shirking behavior. That protection came via passage of House Resolution 965, which authorized "remote voting by proxy" in the U.S. House of Representatives due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study extends the literature on proxy voting by empirically examining the factors that influenced the tendency of members of the U.S. House of Representatives to either shirk (i.e., skip) the vote on proxy voting (i.e., HR 965) or to vote in favor of the resolution (i.e., HR 965) allowing for the proxy vote. Econometric results suggest that Representatives' gender, age, legislative tenure, and past penchant for participatory shirking worked to determine parliamentary participation, and the direction of one's vote, on HR 965. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To examine the climatic and biogeographic drivers of plant trait variation across Caribbean tropical dry forests, a system characterised by high rates of plant endemism despite low moisture availability, high rainfall variability and persistent exposure to hurricanes. Location: Caribbean tropical dry forests. Taxon: Woody plants. Methods: We used a database of 572 woody vegetation plots spanning across the Caribbean, including Florida. We then extracted seed mass, specific leaf area and wood density from global trait databases. We supplemented additional trait data from herbaria collections and calculated phylogenetic imputation of traits. Furthermore, we calculated presence–absence community means and functional diversity and correlated these metrics with bioclimatic variables in addition to island and dry forest area using generalised additive models. Results: Despite occurring in climatically distinct regions, Caribbean tropical dry forests are functionally similar, and the trait space of many dry forests are nested within the functional space of others. In line with island biogeographic theory, island area, dry forest area and island isolation were correlated with functional diversity. Although temperature and precipitation were important determinants of trait variation and functional diversity, environmental variables differently impacted trait variation and the variance explained was generally low. Main Conclusions: The high functional overlap among Caribbean dry forests is remarkable given the broad climatic gradient across these islands. High functional overlap suggests that environmental and biogeographic filters constrain plant form and function in these intrinsically fascinating systems. The trait space of these insular dry forest systems points to dispersal‐limitation, in addition to high temperature and water limitations, and favouring persistence strategies to withstand high frequency hurricane disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertified land abounds. The critical question is whether such land can provide security of tenure, access to finance, effective urban planning, and highest and best use. While much research contests the prospects and problems of conventional land title registration, the power of uncertified land is an issue rarely raised and, if done, hardly resolved holistically. Fundamentally still, economists, philosophers, urbanists and others continue to dispute such power, contending that certified and commodified land is the answer to urban problems. Such theoretical contests lead to the following bigger puzzles: (1) Do uncertified land tenure systems address questions of insecurity of tenure, access to finance, effective planning, and highest and best use, as claimed by the theory of 'the commons in an age of uncertainty'? (2) Are the experiences of land title registration congruent with the theory of certified and commodified land? (3) Why do states pursue land title registration over other land policies? Thematic analysis of original data, collected between 2019 and 2023 in Bali, Indonesia, well documented as a place with an alternative land tenure system undergoing rapid commodification, helps to answer these questions. Our data seem to indicate that uncertified land can address the questions raised about security of land tenure, finance, effective planning, and highest and best use—prospects that elude certified and commodified land. The preference for the latter as the vision of land policy, we find, is rooted in political‐economic structures that favour, and are reproduced by, a transnational alliance of monopolists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Primary care is central to ongoing health care following bariatric surgery and patients indicate a preference for receiving follow‐up support by their primary care practitioner (PCP). This meta‐synthesis investigates the perspectives of both PCPs and patients in post‐bariatric surgery care provided by PCPs. The aim was to synthesize themes from qualitative research to recommend improvements in post‐bariatric surgery clinical care in primary care settings. Systematic searches of Scopus, Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar resulted in the inclusion of eight papers in the meta‐synthesis. Papers were critiqued using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) and thematically coded in Quirkos Cloud. Seven themes were reached by author consensus including stigma and judgment; clinician barriers and facilitators; patient‐related support needs; communication considerations; patient context or determinants; health care setting; and adapting to life after surgery. PCPs reported barriers including poor communication and guidance from bariatric surgery centers, limited knowledge and training in bariatric patient care, and patients who may have unrealistic outcomes and poor health literacy. Patients seek comprehensive care from their PCP, however, barriers hindering the provision of this care include adverse surgical outcomes, a poor relationship with their PCP, and limited and short‐term follow‐up care from the PCP. Insights from this meta‐synthesis offer actionable recommendations for PCPs and bariatric surgery centers to enhance patient care immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: No published evidence was identified regarding the use of oxygen in the treatment of drowning in two recent systematic reviews. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of on scene, pre‐Emergency Medical Services (EMS) oxygen therapy by lifeguards in the resuscitation of drowning victims. Method: We conducted a retrospective case match analysis of drowning patients presenting to the EDs of Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. Patients were matched for age, sex and severity of drowning injury. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included positive pressure ventilation (PPV) by EMS and the ED, as well as admission to the Intensive Care Unit. Results: There were 108 patients in each group. Median (IQR) age was 22 (15–43) in the oxygen group and 23 (15–44) years in the non‐oxygen group. There were 45 females in the oxygen group and 41 females in the non‐oxygen group. Sixteen patients had suffered cardiac arrest and three patients respiratory arrest in each group. There were five deaths in each group. Initial oxygen saturation on arrival of EMS was identical in both groups 89.2% (±19.9) in the oxygen group versus 89.3% (±21.1) (P = 0.294) in the non‐oxygen group. The oxygen group required PPV more frequently with EMS (19 vs 11, P < 0.01) and in the ED (19 vs 15, P < 0.01). Conclusion: On scene treatment with oxygen by lifeguards did not improve oxygenation or outcomes in drowning patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term 'left behind' has come to connote political disaffection, alongside social and spatial inequalities in wealth and opportunity. Yet the term is also widely contested, often prioritising a regional and economic perspective at the expense of a more local and nuanced approach. In response, we argue that neighbourhood context is integral to understanding and identifying 'left behind' places. Building a neighbourhood classification of 'left behindness' for England, we evaluate the extent to which the neighbourhood trajectory contributes to our understanding of a range of multidimensional individual‐level outcomes. Our findings reveal a geography of neighbourhoods that are systematically disadvantaged over time, concentrated in major urban conurbations, and post‐industrial and coastal towns. The magnitude and impact is highlighted through poorer economic, health, social and political outcomes for those living in 'left behind' areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenge of managing aquatic connectivity in a changing climate is exacerbated in the presence of additional anthropogenic stressors, social factors, and economic drivers. Here we discuss these issues in the context of structural and functional connectivity for aquatic biodiversity, specifically fish, in both the freshwater and marine realms. We posit that adaptive management strategies that consider shifting baselines and the socio‐ecological implications of climate change will be required to achieve management objectives. The role of renewable energy expansion, particularly hydropower, is critically examined for its impact on connectivity. We advocate for strategic spatial planning that incorporates nature‐positive solutions, ensuring climate mitigation efforts are harmonized with biodiversity conservation. We underscore the urgency of integrating robust scientific modelling with stakeholder values to define clear, adaptive management objectives. Finally, we call for innovative monitoring and predictive decision‐making tools to navigate the uncertainties inherent in a changing climate, with the goal of ensuring the resilience and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]