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Previous efforts to measure atmospheric iodine have focused on marine and coastal regions. We report the first ground‐based tropospheric iodine monoxide (IO) radical observations over the central continental United States. Throughout April 2022, IO columns above Storm Peak Laboratory, Colorado (3,220 m.a.s.l.) ranged from 0.7 ± 0.5 to 3.6 ± 0.5 × 1012 (average: 1.9 × 1012 molec cm−2). IO was consistently elevated in air masses transported from over the Pacific Ocean. The observed IO columns were up to three times higher and the range was larger than predicted by a global model, which warrants further investigation into iodine sources, sinks, ozone loss, and particle formation. IO mixing ratios increased with altitude. At the observed levels, iodine may be competitive with bromine as an oxidant of elemental mercury at cold temperatures typical of the free troposphere. Iodine‐induced mercury oxidation is missing in atmospheric models, understudied, and helps explain model underestimation of oxidized mercury measurements. Plain Language Summary: Halogens such as chlorine, bromine, and iodine are highly reactive gases that participate in atmospheric chemistry, including ozone destruction, particle formation, modification of greenhouse gas lifetime (i.e., methane, dimethylsulfide), and the oxidation of elemental mercury. Iodine mainly enters the atmosphere from oceans; therefore, past measurements of atmospheric iodine have focused on marine and polar regions. This study describes the first lower atmospheric measurements of iodine monoxide (IO) radicals at a remote mountaintop site in the central continental United States. These measurements indicate that the concentration of IO radicals showed a large range over the course of 1 month and reached levels up to three times higher than predicted by a global atmospheric chemistry model. These observations suggest that our understanding of the iodine sources and sinks to the free troposphere may be incomplete. Moreover, we suggest that iodine's contribution to ozone destruction and mercury chemistry may be underestimated; in particular, iodine may be competitive with bromine in the oxidation of elemental mercury in the free troposphere. Key Points: Measurements of iodine monoxide radicals at Storm Peak Laboratory are up to three times higher than predicted by GEOS‐ChemIO tropospheric column variability is significant and highlights a need to better understand sources and sinks of tropospheric iodineIodine may rival bromine as a tropospheric mercury oxidant; iodine‐mercury chemistry is understudied and missing in atmospheric models [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present and assess an outlier mitigation method that makes free‐running volumetric cardiovascular MRI (CMR) more robust to motion. Methods: The proposed method, called compressive recovery with outlier rejection (CORe), models outliers in the measured data as an additive auxiliary variable. We enforce MR physics‐guided group sparsity on the auxiliary variable, and jointly estimate it along with the image using an iterative algorithm. For evaluation, CORe is first compared to traditional compressed sensing (CS), robust regression (RR), and an existing outlier rejection method using two simulation studies. Then, CORe is compared to CS using seven three‐dimensional (3D) cine, 12 rest four‐dimensional (4D) flow, and eight stress 4D flow imaging datasets. Results: Our simulation studies show that CORe outperforms CS, RR, and the existing outlier rejection method in terms of normalized mean square error and structural similarity index across 55 different realizations. The expert reader evaluation of 3D cine images demonstrates that CORe is more effective in suppressing artifacts while maintaining or improving image sharpness. Finally, 4D flow images show that CORe yields more reliable and consistent flow measurements, especially in the presence of involuntary subject motion or exercise stress. Conclusion: An outlier rejection method is presented and tested using simulated and measured data. This method can help suppress motion artifacts in a wide range of free‐running CMR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study provides novel insights on the compressive and tensile strength of high strength engineered cementitious composite (HSECC) at elevated temperatures under in‐situ testing condition. An optimized mix design was employed and cylinder and dogbone specimens were tested to study the compressive and tensile strength of HSECC at elevated temperature. The tested results under in‐situ test condition were compared with the residual state by exposing the specimens to temperature up to 600°C. It was found that specimens under in‐situ condition showed a drastic decrease in compressive strength (26.8%–34.5%) at 200°C and the performance was much inferior to that observed for residual state which showed only 12.2% decrease. This trend was consistent for both tensile and compression test results. After this, the in‐situ specimens underwent slight increase in the compressive strength with only around 25% decrease at 400°C and 14%–16% decrease at 600°C. However, the residual state specimens underwent continuous decrease in strength. Therefore, this study confirmed that for high strength cementitious composites exposed to elevated temperatures, the residual test results should not be considered as the lower limit and in‐situ testing results are essential for accurately predicting the behavior of cementitious composites. Thus, this research underscores the importance of conducting both in‐situ and residual state tests in the design of HSECC structural members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to investigate methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) incidence, conversion and outcomes in diabetic foot infections (DFIs). This is a pooled patient‐level analysis of combined data sets from two randomised clinical trials including 219 patients admitted to the hospital with moderate or severe DFIs. Intraoperative bone and tissue cultures identified bacterial pathogens. We identified pathogens at index infections and subsequent re‐infections. We identified MRSA conversion (MSSA to MRSA) in re‐infections. MRSA incidence in index infections was 10.5%, with no difference between soft tissue infections (STIs) and osteomyelitis (OM). MRSA conversion occurred in 7.7% of the re‐infections in patients who initially had MSSA in their cultures. Patients with re‐infection were 2.2 times more likely to have MRSA compared to the first infection (10.5% vs. 25.8%, relative risk [RR] = 2.2, p = 0.001). Patients with MRSA had longer antibiotic treatment during the 1‐year follow‐up, compared to other pathogens (other 49.8 ± 34.7 days, MRSA 65.3 ± 41.5 days, p = 0.04). Furthermore, there were no differences in healing, time to heal, length of stay, re‐infection, amputation, re‐ulceration, re‐admission, surgery after discharge and amputation after discharge compared to other pathogens. The incidence of MRSA at the index was 10.5% with no difference in STI and OM. MRSA incidence was 25.8% in re‐infections. The RR of having MRSA was 2.2 times higher in re‐infections. Patients with MRSA used more antibiotics during the 1‐year follow‐up. Furthermore, there were no differences in clinical outcomes compared to other bacterial pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mechanical and morphological characteristics of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend matrix reinforced with spent coffee ground (SCG) were investigated across various weight ratios (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, and 0/100) and SCG contents (10–40 wt%). SEM micrographs revealed a phase‐separated structure with cracks on the fracture surface, consistent with the lower flexural properties of biocomposites. The incorporation of SCG reduced mechanical properties, mainly due to its incompatibility with the PHA/PLA matrix. Biocomposites with high SCG content demonstrated lower energy absorption capabilities, likely due to SCG aggregates acting as stress concentrators and disrupting load‐transferring mechanisms. Moreover, increasing PHA content in the blends led to higher PLA crystallinity, as PHA acted as a nucleating agent for PLA. For biological treatment, biocomposites with PHA/PLA ratio (50/50) and SCG loading (20 wt%) were employed. The microscopic analysis highlighted well‐dispersed treated SCG within the matrix and improved interfacial contact. Biocomposites with treated SCG demonstrated remarkable enhancements of 52% and 113% in flexural strength and modulus, respectively. These findings proved the effectiveness of sustainable fungal treatment in enhancing interfacial adhesion and improving the mechanical performance of biocomposites. Highlights: Percentage of SCG in bioplastic blend as a significant effect on the flexural properties and impact strength.The ratio of the bioplastic blend has the strong influence on the flexural properties and impact properties.Biological treatment of SCG has improved the interfacial interaction between SCG and bioplastic blend.The treated SCG has rougher surface which facilitates the interfacial locking between bioplastic blend and treated SCG.The biological treatment of SCG has improved the mechanical properties of the composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglial neuroinflammation appears to be neuroprotective in the early pathological stage, yet neurotoxic, which often precedes neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it remains unclear how the microglial activities transit to the neurotoxic state during AD progression, due to complex neuron‐glia interactions. Here, the mechanism of detrimental microgliosis in AD by employing 3D human AD mini‐brains, brain tissues of AD patients, and 5XFAD mice is explored. In the human and animal AD models, amyloid‐beta (Aβ)‐overexpressing neurons and reactive astrocytes produce interferon‐gamma (IFNγ) and excessive oxidative stress. IFNγ results in the downregulation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the upregulation of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated Protein 1 (Keap1) in microglia, which inactivate nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and sensitize microglia to the oxidative stress and induces a proinflammatory microglia via nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB)‐axis. The proinflammatory microglia in turn produce neurotoxic nitric oxide and proinflammatory mediators exacerbating synaptic impairment, phosphorylated‐tau accumulation, and discernable neuronal loss. Interestingly, recovering Nrf2 in the microglia prevents the activation of proinflammatory microglia and significantly blocks the tauopathy in AD minibrains. Taken together, it is envisioned that IFNγ‐driven Nrf2 downregulation in microglia as a key target to ameliorate AD pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding historical changes in root depth attributes is needed for crop productivity and sustainability assessments, but such information is rare. We explored whether newer maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grow roots faster and deeper than older hybrids and quantified the role of management and environment on root trait expression. We measured root front velocity (RFV) and maximum root depth in 11 Bayer Crop Science legacy hybrids released from 1983 to 2017 across five environments in the US Corn Belt during 2021 and 2022. Root depth was measured weekly during vegetative stages with manual probes and the maximum root depth at crop harvest with a Giddings probe. Results indicated that the RFV and maximum root depth slightly increased with the year of hybrid release (0.13% per year, p = 0.1) at 8.7 plants m−2. Historical increases in plant density from 4.7 to 8.7 plants m−2 lowered RFV and maximum root depth, but the new hybrids compensated for this loss, resulting in 4% higher RFV and 3% higher maximum depth when comparing systems from 1983 to 2017. The environment strongly influenced root trait expression (>41%). Rain anomaly and soil bulk density explained a portion of this variation. We found a linear relationship between root depth and leaf number (R2 = 0.95) and a nonlinear relationship between RFV and maximum root depth (R2 = 0.77), which can stimulate crop model improvements. Faster and deeper roots were not correlated with maize yields in our environments. This study enhances our understanding of maize breeding impacts on root traits. Core Ideas: We studied root front velocity (RFV) and maximum root depth in maize hybrids released from 1983 to 2017.RFV and maximum root depth increased by 0.13% per year, a 10‐fold lower increase than grain yield genetic gain.Root depth and collared leaf number were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.95).The environment had the strongest influence on the root depth traits.Faster and deeper roots did not necessarily translate into higher yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of tonic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in brain diseases and its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Tonic GABA inhibition, mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, influences synaptic plasticity, learning, memory, and sensory processing. Dysregulation of tonic GABA inhibition in neurological and psychiatric diseases is associated with cognitive decline and other impairments. Reactive astrocytes, which are commonly observed in pathological conditions, contribute to the dysregulation of GABA tone through increased GABA synthesis. Inhibiting monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), which is upregulated in reactive astrocytes, may be a potential treatment for various brain diseases. The article also discusses the limitations of current MAO-B inhibitors and the potential of reversible MAO-B inhibitors as long-term treatments. Additionally, targeting GABA synthesis and related metabolic pathways can offer benefits beyond reducing GABA tone. The elevated GABA tone resulting from increased MAO-B activity in reactive astrocytes can serve as a potential diagnostic marker for brain diseases. Neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance spectroscopy and positron emission tomography, can be used to visualize reactive astrocytes and MAO-B activity in the brain, aiding in the diagnosis of brain diseases. Overall, understanding and regulating GABA tone through astrocytes is crucial for understanding brain function and dysfunction and developing effective treatments and diagnostic biomarkers for brain diseases. [Extracted from the article]

Many studies have suggested that engineered cementitious composite (ECC) could be a highly efficient and cost‐effective material for enhancing the flexural strength of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Recently two effective retrofitting configurations using steel and polyvinyl‐alcohol hybrid fiber reinforced engineered cementitious composite (SPH‐ECC) were proposed (Qasim et al., Eng Struct, 2023, 284, p. 115992) and their high effectiveness for enhancing the flexural strength of RC beam was verified experimentally. However, to examine the performance of these strengthening configurations thoroughly by conducting experiments to cover practical ranges of design parameters is deemed to be too expensive and time consuming. In this study, a numerical parametric study of SPH‐ECC strengthened RC beams was conducted by employing a validated finite element (FE) modeling procedure developed by the authors. The effects of four key design parameters including the compressive strength of concrete and SPH‐ECC, the thickness of SPH‐ECC strengthening layer and the area of reinforcement bars embedded in SPH‐ECC layers on the flexural performance of the strengthened beams were studied. Parametric study results showed that the area of reinforcement bars in the SPH‐ECC layers could significantly affect the flexural strength of the strengthened beams. Furthermore, in order to allow engineers to predict the flexural strength of the strengthened beams quickly, two simple but accurate analytical models were also developed for the two strengthening configurations considered. Their reliability and accuracy were then verified and confirmed by comparing with the parametric study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The standard of care in newly diagnosed metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is to test for aberrations in three genes for driver mutations – ALK, ROS1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) – and also for immunohistochemistry to be performed for programmed death‐ligand 1 expression level. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS), with or without RNA fusion testing, is increasingly used in standard clinical practice to identify patients with potentially actionable mutations. Stratification of NGS mutation tiers is currently based on the European Society of Medical Oncology Scale for Clinical Actionability of Molecular Targets (ESCAT) Tiers I–V and X. Aim: Our aim was to analyse NSCLC tumour samples for the prevalence of Tiers I–V mutations to establish guidance for current and novel treatments in patients with metastatic disease. Methods: NGS was performed employing the Oncomine Precision Assay (without RNA fusion testing) that interrogates DNA hotspot variants across 45 genes to screen 210 NSCLC tissue samples obtained across six Sydney hospitals between June 2021 and March 2022. Results: In our cohort, 161 of 210 (77%) had at least one gene mutation identified, with 41 of 210 (20%) having two or more concurrent mutations. Tier I mutations included 42 of 210 (20%) EGFR mutations (EIA) and five of 210 (3%) MET exon 14 skipping mutations (EIB). Non‐Tier I variants included 22 of 210 (11%) KRAS G12C hotspot mutations (EIIB), with a further 47 of 210 (22%) having non‐G12C KRAS (EX) mutations. NGS testing revealed an additional 15% of cases with Tier II ESCAT mutations in NSCLC. Forty‐six percent of patients also demonstrated potential Tier III and IV mutations that are currently under investigation in early‐phase clinical trials. Conclusions: In addition to identifying patients with genomic alterations suitable for clinically proven standard‐of‐care therapeutic options, the 45‐gene NGS panel has significant potential in identifying potentially actionable non‐Tier 1 mutations that may become future standard clinical practice in NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusually low density solar wind event was observed in December 2022 moving past both Earth and Mars. The source was traced back to a coronal hole and active region on the Sun's surface. The resulting solar wind lead to the development of a co‐rotating interaction region (CIR) and trailing rarefaction region that lasted for multiple solar rotations. Within this structure, the solar wind conditions, including density, velocity, and magnetic field magnitude and orientation drastically changed. In this study we analyze the response of the Martian ionosphere using MAVEN data to these changing solar wind conditions. The low density solar wind region associated with the December event resulted in the expansion of the Martian ionospheric boundaries. We show that the ion composition boundary (ICB) is located at extreme altitudes that are beyond previously observed locations from the MAVEN mission between 2015 and 2018. Furthermore, the boundary between shocked solar wind and the Martian ionosphere identified using electron and ion data moved together on the dayside of the planet with the changing solar wind conditions. However, at the flank region these boundaries do not move together, and we show here that the decoupling of the two boundaries may be the result of a change in the interplanetary magnetic field azimuthal angle. Plain Language Summary: The Sun constantly emits fast moving charged particles into interplanetary space in what is known as the solar wind. In December 2022, a region of fast moving solar wind overtook a region of slower moving solar wind. The fast solar wind acted as a broom sweeping up and compressing the slower wind preceding it. This interaction of two solar wind speeds is observed to rotate with the Sun. Trailing this interaction region is a region of low density solar wind. In December 2022, this type of interplanetary solar wind structure interacted with Mars' electrically charged atmosphere, or ionosphere. Throughout this period, the ionosphere boundary characterized by a transition from solar wind ions to planetary ions moved up and down relative to the planet near dusk. As the rarefaction region passed through the system, the ionosphere expanded to unusually high heights as it was not compressed by the solar wind. However, the flapping of the ionospheric boundary seems to depend on the orientation that the solar wind interacts with Mars. Key Points: The disappearing solar wind event observed at Mars in December 2022 was caused by a co‐rotating interaction regionMars' ionosphere expanded further than previously observed locations between 2015 through 2018The flank ion composition boundary experiences large fluctuations in altitude after a change in the interplanetary magnetic field direction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates are at increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate the performance of uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) at 19–24 weeks' gestation to predict the delivery of a SGA neonate in a Chinese population. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data obtained between January 2010 and June 2018. Doppler ultrasonography was performed at 19–24 weeks' gestation. SGA was defined as birth weight below the 10th centile according to the INTERGROWTH‐21st fetal growth standards. The performance of UtA‐PI to predict the delivery of a SGA neonate was assessed using receiver‐operating‐characteristics (ROC)‐curve analysis. Results: We included 6964 singleton pregnancies, of which 748 (11%) delivered a SGA neonate, including 115 (15%) women with preterm delivery. Increased UtA‐PI was associated with an elevated risk of SGA, both in neonates delivered at or after 37 weeks' gestation (term SGA) and those delivered before 37 weeks (preterm SGA). The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for UtA‐PI were 64.4% (95% CI, 61.5–67.3%) and 75.8% (95% CI, 69.3–82.3%) for term and preterm SGA, respectively. The performance of combined screening by maternal demographic/clinical characteristics and estimated fetal weight in the detection of term and preterm SGA was improved significantly by the addition of UtA‐PI, although the increase in AUC was modest (2.4% for term SGA and 4.9% for preterm SGA). Conclusions: This is the first Chinese study to evaluate the role of UtA‐PI at 19–24 weeks' gestation in the prediction of the delivery of a neonate with SGA. The addition of UtA‐PI to traditional risk factors improved the screening performance for SGA, and this improvement was greater in predicting preterm SGA compared with term SGA. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In December 2022, an extremely low‐density solar wind stream encountered first the Earth and then Mars, shortly after the radial alignment of the two planets (i.e., Mars opposition). As the low‐density stream passed Mars, the properties of the Mars‐solar wind interaction changed dramatically in response to the low solar wind Alfvénic Mach number and dynamic pressure. The Martian magnetosphere and its boundaries expanded by thousands of kilometers, extending outside of the nominal average bow shock location. The low upstream Mach number resulted in a low ratio of plasma to magnetic field pressure in the magnetosheath, allowing the formation of a very high but stable ion temperature anisotropy, together with a very low level of electromagnetic instabilities. Meanwhile, the decrease in solar wind dynamic pressure caused the Martian upper ionosphere at the terminator to transition from a magnetized state to an unmagnetized state. This event provides an opportunity to study a unique end‐member state of the Mars‐solar wind interaction. Plain Language Summary: The solar wind consists of a supersonic flow of hot ionized gas (plasma) from the Sun that flows outward through the solar system. The solar wind interacts with planetary atmospheres and magnetic fields, which form shielded regions known as magnetospheres. The characteristics of the solar wind, including its density and speed, vary over a wide range. The shape, extent, and physical characteristics of planetary magnetospheres in turn respond to these changes in the solar wind. In this work, we study the response of the Martian magnetosphere to an extremely low‐density solar wind stream. During the passage of this stream, the Martian magnetosphere expanded by thousands of kilometers, and its physical characteristics changed dramatically. This event reveals a unique outlier state for the Mars‐solar wind interaction. Key Points: An extremely low‐density solar wind stream encountered the Earth and Mars just after Mars opposition in December 2022The Martian magnetosheath developed very unusual properties, with a low level of plasma instabilities and a high ion anisotropyThe Martian magnetosphere and its boundaries expanded by thousands of km, extending outside of the location of the nominal bow shock [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During its first year of operation, the Perseverance rover explored the cratered and fractured floor of Jezero crater on Mars. Here, we report the use of the Scanning Habitability Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) imaging system that includes two high‐resolution cameras, the Autofocus and Contextual Imager (ACI) and Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for Operations and eNgineering (WATSON). ACI is a fixed focus gray scale imager with a resolution of 10.1 μm/pixel whereas WATSON is a variable field of view, variable focus imager capable of resolution down to 14 μm/pixel. WATSON is a reflight of the MArs Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) imager and has similar capabilities. During first‐time activities, WATSON was used to support both science and engineering operations related to sample and abrasion patch assessment and sample collection and caching. WATSON also documented the deployment of the Ingenuity helicopter. The Crater Floor Campaign identified two primary rock units, the Máaz formation and the Séítah formation, which have been interpreted as lava flows and an olivine cumulate, respectively. Interpretation of rock textures with WATSON and ACI images was limited to abraded surfaces because unmodified outcrop surfaces (herein termed "natural surfaces") show high degrees of dust covering, wind abrasion, and coating by secondary mineral products. WATSON and ACI images support the hypothesis that the material of both the Máaz and Séítah formations consists of largely aqueously altered mafic materials with varying igneous origins. Plain Language Summary: The SHERLOC imaging system has been used for a variety of tasks during the first year of operations as part of the Perseverance rover's mission to Jezero Crater. It has been used during scientific observations to understand textures documenting the aqueous alteration history of the crater. It has also been used to support operations by documenting the deployment of the Ingenuity helicopter and the utilization of the sampling and caching hardware. Key Points: High‐resolution imaging is a critical element of rover operationsWATSON imaging has been used for support of both science and engineering operationsImaging provides key context for the understanding of geochemical measurements [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of C‐reactive protein (CRP)/albumin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)/albumin ratio, ESR, CRP and albumin to differentiate bone and soft tissue infection in persons with diabetes. We retrospectively evaluated 242 individuals admitted to hospital with diabetes‐related foot infections (DFI). We categorised DFI cases as either bone (OM) or soft tissue infection based on bone culture and/or histology. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CRP, ESR, albumin, CRP/albumin and ESR/albumin as biomarkers to diagnose OM in persons with diabetes. The median age was 53 years (74% male). There were 224 diabetes‐related patients of which 125 had been diagnosed with osteomyelitis. The ESR/albumin and CRP/albumin ratios cut‐points were >17.84 and >1.83, respectively. ESR/albumin and CRP/albumin ratios had similar diagnostic parameters: AUC (0.71, 0.71), sensitivity (70.0%, 57.0%), specificity (62.0%, 75.0%), positive predictive value (67.0%, 71.0%) and negative predictive value (66.0% and 71.0%). In contrast diagnostic efficiency of CRP and ESR were AUC 0.71 and 0.71, sensitivity (45.6%, 71.2%), specificity (85.5%, 60.7%), positive predictive value (70.0%, 65.9%) and negative predictive value (59.5%, 66.4%), respectively. When comparing area under the curves, the results showed that ESR/albumin was not significantly different to ESR alone (Delong test pvs ESR >0.1). Similarly, CRP/albumin was not significantly different to CRP alone (Delong test pvs CRP >0.1). In conclusion, ESR/albumin and CRP/albumin ratios provided comparable results as using ESR and CRP alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crater mapping using neural networks and other automated methods has increased recently with automated Crater Detection Algorithms (CDAs) applied to planetary bodies throughout the solar system. A recent publication by Benedix et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019ea001005) showed high performance at small scales compared to similar automated CDAs but with a net positive diameter bias in many crater candidates. I compare the publicly available catalogs from Benedix et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019ea001005) and Lee and Hogan (2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cageo.2020.104645) and show that the reported performance is sensitive to the metrics used to test the catalogs. I show how the more permissive comparison methods indicate a higher CDA performance by allowing worse candidate craters to match ground‐truth craters. I show that the Benedix et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019ea001005) catalog has a substantial performance loss with increasing latitude and identify an image projection issue that might cause this loss. Finally, I suggest future applications of neural networks in generating large scientific datasets be validated using secondary networks with independent data sources or training methods. Plain Language Summary: I have compared two computer programs that use neural networks to identify craters on solar system bodies. The crater catalogs created by these programs have been previously compared against an existing human‐made catalog to measure their performance, but each comparison used a different method making it challenging to understand the difference between the catalogs. In this paper, I use the comparison methods from these two independent papers, discuss where the catalogs agree and disagree, and suggest why they disagree. I emphasize the need for more accurate and consistent methods to validate automatic crater‐mapping programs, especially when it is impractical for humans to check the craters found by automated methods. Key Points: The apparent performance of automatic crater detection algorithms is sensitive to the choice of metric used to gauge the performanceFeature Detection Algorithms trained to find spatial features should be used with appropriately projected images where possibleAs neural networks extend crater detection beyond practical human limits, validating their results with a independent networks is critical [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Teacher–Student relationship (TSR) is instrumental for young children and adolescents' socio‐emotional development and wellbeing as well as academic engagement and progress. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to test the psychometric properties, including reliability and factorial, convergent, and predictive validity, of the Teacher–Student Relationship Quality Questionnaire (TSRQ‐Q) with two samples of students. Sample(s): Participants were 294 students from secondary schools in the East Midlands and the East of England. Participants were separated into two samples; those who completed the TSRQ‐Q with their physical education teacher in mind (n = 150 students) and those who completed it with their mathematics teacher in mind (n = 144 students). Method: A multi‐section questionnaire comprised of the TSRQ‐Q and other validated measures was completed on one occasion by students in both samples to assess their perceptions of the quality of the TSR, positive and negative affect, intrinsic motivation, physical self‐concept, enjoyment, and perceived competence. Results: In both samples, the TSRQ‐Q demonstrated good internal consistency, factorial, convergent, and predictive validity. The quality of the TSR had both direct and indirect effects through positive affect on student outcomes in mathematics and physical education. Conclusions: The TSRQ‐Q is a valid measure for assessing students' perceptions of the quality of the relationship with their teacher. The conceptual and practical significance of this unique relationship was reflected by its dual pathway effect on a range of student outcomes and via influencing students' positive affect in the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA genes are the most polymorphic in the human genome. High resolution HLA typing from 13,870 bone marrow donors in Hong Kong was obtained using Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Among the 67 novel alleles identified, official HLA allele names of 50 novel class I alleles (HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C) and 8 novel class II alleles (HLA‐DRB1, ‐DQB1) were assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO) Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although no case of COVID‐19 transmission through transfusion has been reported, blood transfusion service (BTS) continues to implement pre‐donation and post‐donation measures to minimise the risk. In year 2022, when local healthcare system was badly impacted by a major outbreak, it opened an opportunity to re‐examine the viraemia risk in these asymptomatic donors. Materials and Methods: Records were retrieved from blood donors who reported COVID‐19 after donation and follow‐up was also made for recipients who received their blood. Blood samples at donation were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 viraemia by single‐tube nested real‐time RT‐PCR assay designed to detect most SARS‐CoV‐2 variants including the prevailing delta and omicron variants. Results: From 1 January to 15 August 2022, the city with 7.4 M inhabitants recorded 1 187 844 COVID‐19 positive cases and 125 936 successful blood donations were received. 781 donors reported to the BTS after donation with 701 being COVID‐19 related (including close contact and symptoms respiratory tract infection). 525 COVID‐19 were positive at the time of call back or follow‐up. Of the 701 donations, they were processed into 1480 components with 1073 discarded upon donors' call back. For remaining 407 components, no recipient was found to have adverse event or COVID‐19 positive. 510 samples from the above 525 COVID‐19 positive donors were available and all tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA. Discussion: With the negative SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in blood donation samples and follow up data in transfusion recipients, the risk of transfusion transmitted COVID‐19 appears negligible. However, current measures remains important in securing blood safety with ongoing surveillance of their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common immune‐mediated non‐scarring hair loss, with a worldwide incidence between 0.57% and 3.8%. The incidence and prevalence of AA in the Australian general population have not been previously reported. Objective: To describe the incidence and prevalence of AA in Australia using primary care data. A secondary objective was to identify common demographic characteristics, comorbidities and treatment patterns among Australians living with AA. Methods: We analysed electronic health record data captured from a national clinical practice management software over a 10‐year index period between 2011 and 2020 calendar years, inclusive. The incidence of new‐onset AA and the prevalence of active records with AA were estimated. Differences in incidence by sociodemographic groups, and patterns of treatment were also evaluated. Results: There were 976 incident AA records. The incidence of new‐onset AA in the total study cohort was 0.278 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI 0.26–0.295). By age, the incidence was highest in the 19‐ to 34‐year‐old age bracket (0.503 per 1000 person‐years: 95% CI 0.453–0.554). AA incidence was lower among females than males (IRR 0.763, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.673–0.865). Among active records, 520 were prevalent AA records. AA point prevalence at 31/12/2020 was 0.13% (1.26 per 1000 persons; 95% CI 1.15–1.37). Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the epidemiology (incidence and point prevalence) and management of AA in the Australian primary health‐care population through large‐scale database analysis. Incidence and prevalence findings were consistent with earlier estimates from other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to interpret blind sweep ultrasound scans for estimating gestational age (GA) in new clinical settings. The study involved adapting a previously trained AI model to a different probe manufacturer and evaluating its performance on blind sweeps from 824 patients. Without fine-tuning, the model's mean absolute error (MAE) for GA estimation was comparable to standard clinical estimates. However, after fine-tuning on a small number of scans, the model achieved similar performance to the original setting. These findings suggest that AI-based ultrasound assessment can be successfully deployed in new sites and expand access to care in low-resource settings. [Extracted from the article]

Solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation, the solar wind, and solar energetic particles (SEPs) are variable sources of ionization and heating to the Martian atmosphere. Mars Atmosphere Volatile Evolution's (MAVEN's) elliptical orbit provides a means to characterize these solar drivers immediately upstream of Mars. We have calculated the energy fluxes of EUV, solar wind, and SEPs while MAVEN is outside of the Martian induced magnetosphere. By time‐averaging observations over 2–5 month periods, we reduced short‐term variability to resolve seasonal and solar cycle trends. For the duration spanning the declining phase of solar cycle 24 and three Mars years, the calculated energy fluxes in units of 109 eV/cm2/s were 650–1,400 for EUV, 77–180 for solar wind ions, 2.4–7.4 for solar wind electrons, 0.01–2.7 for SEP ions, and 0–0.4 for SEP electrons. We estimated the fraction of these energy fluxes that would reach the atmosphere and determined that precipitating particle fluxes on the dayside would need to exceed 1012 eV/cm2/s to compare to EUV. We also predicted that SEPs may impart as much or more energy flux than solar wind electrons on the nightside during periods of strong and weak coronal mass ejection activity. We then discussed and decoupled seasonal variation from the solar drivers to reveal trends and outliers as a function of solar cycle. Finally, we compared MAVEN observations during a weak solar cycle to prior estimates of EUV, solar wind, and SEPs from the young sun, and identified times when MAVEN‐observed peak energy fluxes were close to the steady‐state energy fluxes of the ancient solar system. Key Points: While solar wind energy fluxes are sometimes comparable to extreme ultraviolet (EUV), the precipitating flux never exceeds EUVSolar energetic particles (SEPs) may impart more energy flux than solar wind electrons and photoelectrons on the nightside during strong and weak coronal mass ejectionsMars Atmosphere Volatile Evolution observations are lower than predicted young sun fluxes, but the March 2015 and September 2017 SEP event peaks are comparable [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT, 80–100 km) region is an important boundary between Earth's atmosphere below and space above and may act as a sensitive indicator for anthropogenic climate change. Existing observational and modeling studies have shown the middle atmosphere and the MLT is cooling and contracting because of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, trend analyses are highly sensitive to the time periods covered, their length, and the measurement type and methodology used. We present for the first time the linear and 11‐year solar cycle responses in the meteor ablation altitude distributions observed by 12 meteor radars at different locations. Decreasing altitudes were seen at all latitudes (linear trends varying from −10.97 to −817.95 m dec−1), and a positive correlation with solar activity was seen for most locations. The divergence of responses at high latitudes indicates an important and complex interplay between atmospheric changes and dynamics at varying time scales. Plain Language Summary: High up in our atmosphere lies the mesosphere/lower thermosphere region (80–100 km); an important transition zone between the atmosphere below and space above. Existing studies indicate that this region is changing (cooling and contracting) in response to increasing greenhouse gas emissions, quite unlike the net warming we see near the surface. However these trend studies are often highly sensitive to choice and length of time period covered, and the methodology and type of measurements used. Here we present for the first time a self‐consistent methodology applied to 12 different meteor radar station datasets located at a diverse range of latitudes. We looked at changes in the mean peak altitude of individual meteoroid detections, and found decreasing peak altitudes at all locations examined (linear trends varying from −10.97 to −817.95 m decade−1) consistent with a global cooling and contracting of the upper atmosphere. We also examined the response to the 11‐year solar cycle and found a positive correlation with solar activity (i.e., increased meteoroid peak altitudes during solar maximum, and vice versa) for low and mid‐latitude locations. However we found an anti‐correlation at high latitudes suggestive of an important and complex interplay between atmospheric changes and dynamics at varying time scales. Key Points: Use of geographically diverse meteor radar peak detection altitudes to assess long‐term and 11‐year solar cycle (SC) trends in mesopause regionThe altitude of observed peak meteor height has decreased over time at all locations, regardless of latitude and data setPositive correlation at low‐ and mid‐latitude locations with the 11‐year SC, but more complex response at high‐latitudes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of the horizontal wind in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) at King Sejong Station (KSS) in the Antarctic Peninsula are investigated using approximately 15‐year (March 2007–November 2021) meteor radar (MR) observations. The 15‐year climatology and variability of the MLT winds at KSS are analyzed for the first time, and comparisons with the observations at other Antarctic stations are performed. The short‐period oscillations (periods between 2 hr and 10 days) of the winds, including tides and several planetary wave components, are examined for each month. Temporal and altitudinal variations in the amplitudes of the semidiurnal and diurnal tides, the two largest short‐period components, are analyzed. Annual and semiannual oscillations of the wind are distinct below and above z = 90 km, respectively. The long‐term trend of the zonal wind is estimated through a multiple linear regression analysis. Statistically significant trends of the zonal wind of ∼0.5–0.8 m s−1 yr−1 appear above z = 90 km in July. To understand observed MLT wind trends, the gravity‐wave momentum flux and gravity‐wave drag (GWD) in the MLT region are estimated from the MR observations at KSS for the 15 years. Similar seasonal variations are found between the trends of the zonal winds and zonal GWDs, especially above z = 94 km. In July where a strong positive zonal wind trend appears, positive correlation between the zonal wind and zonal GWDs is found to be statistically significant above z = 94 km. Plain Language Summary: The mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is the atmospheric layer between the Earth's lower atmosphere and space. A meteor radar (MR) can be used to observe the horizontal winds in the MLT region. In this study, we analyze the characteristics of the MLT winds using the recent 15‐year MR observations at King Sejong Station (KSS; 62.22°S, 58.78°W) located in the Antarctic Peninsula. We find that the zonal and meridional components of the MLT wind at KSS exhibit temporal variability on various timescales. Statistically significant trends of the zonal wind appear above z = 90 km in July. To understand the observed MLT wind trends, we calculated the gravity‐wave momentum flux and gravity‐wave drag (GWD) using the MR observations at KSS for 15 years, which are quite unique data for such a long time period. A similar seasonal pattern between the zonal wind and the zonal GWD suggests that the positive zonal wind trend observed from the MR at KSS in July is likely related to that of the GWD. Key Points: Horizontal winds in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere at King Sejong Station are investigated using 15‐year meteor radar observationsThe 15‐year climatology, short‐ and long‐period variability, and long‐term trends of the observed winds are examinedSignificant positive zonal wind trends above 90 km are, to a certain degree, associated with zonal gravity wave drag trends [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total health care expenses have risen significantly in the United States. There are many factors and variables that can impact hospital operating efficiencies. Among them, engaging a distributor or group purchasing organization (GPO) is one method to influence efficiency throughout the entire supply chain. This research investigates the impact of distributors and GPOs on hospital efficiency and profitability. The data from the 2015 American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Hospital Survey of which 6251 hospitals participated are used. These hospitals were separated by those who purchased supplies through a distributor and those who did not. Likewise, the same was performed for those hospitals that used GPO and those that did not. This study employs DEA‐Solver software to develop four types of bilateral DEA models. The results of the DEA model use a ranking variable (rank sum) to rank the variables within the two groups (distributor and no distributor) to determine if there is a significant difference between distributor and nondistributor. The same is performed for GPO and non‐GPO. We examined the impact of the several control variables on hospital efficiency for distributors and GPOs. Results indicate that the control variables (region, education, profit/nonprofit, government/nongovernment, and system/nonsystem) made a significant difference for hospitals that used a distributor and a GPO. Lessons and implications are discussed for future research issues, such as quality of patient care and a frontier production function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a method to determine energy-dependent geometric factors for charged particle instruments in electron energy range of 125–2,200 keV aboard the geostationary satellite GEO-KOMPSAT-2A (GK2A), stationed at 128.2°E longitude. As deduced from the GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation, the response function of the instrument in a matrix form was employed to undertake forward-fitting of the differential energy spectra against various functions such as the double Maxwellian (DM), relativistic kappa (KP), and power-law (PL). Thereby, we determined the energy-dependent geometric factors for each energy channel and instrument. The forward-fitting method was performed for a selected period of geomagnetically quiet days from May to November 2019, by applying stringent conditions to geomagnetic indices and the residual from the fit. It was found that the KP and DM functions provided better fits overall, whereas the PL function yielded considerably worse fits to the measurements. For the KP and DM functions, the validity of the geometric factors was examined against the distributions of the measured count rates and inferred model fluxes. The estimated model parameters, such as the spectral index from the KP function or the temperature from the DM functions, were also analyzed. The present study shows that the instruments provided quantitative observations of the outer radiation belt at a vantage point of 128.2°E longitude and allowed for a simple and reliable means to obtain electron fluxes based on combinations of results from numerical simulation, ground calibration, and space measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Anaemia is a common sequela of surgery, although its relationship with patient recovery is unclear. The goal of this investigation was to assess the associations between haemoglobin concentrations at the time of hospital discharge following major surgery and early post‐hospitalisation outcomes, with a primary outcome of 30 day unanticipated hospital readmissions. This investigation includes data from two independent population‐based observational cohorts of adult surgical patients (aged ≥ 18 years) requiring postoperative intensive care unit admission between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2019 in hospitals in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2017 in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California integrated healthcare system, California. Cox proportional hazards models assessed the associations between discharge haemoglobin concentrations (per 10 g.l–1) and outcomes, with prespecified multivariable adjustment. A total of 3260 patients were included from Olmsted County hospitals and 29,452 from Kaiser Permanente Northern California. In adjusted analyses, each 10 g.l–1 decrease in haemoglobin at hospital discharge was associated with a 9% (hazard ratio 1.09, 95%CI 1.02–1.18; p = 0.014) and 8% increase (hazard ratio 1.08, 95%CI 1.06–1.11; p < 0.001) in the hazard for readmission within 30 days in Olmsted County and Kaiser Permanente Northern California, respectively. In a sensitivity analysis exploring relationships across varying levels of pre‐operative anaemia severity, these associations remained consistent, with lower discharge haemoglobin concentrations associated with higher readmissions irrespective of pre‐operative anaemia severity. Anaemia at hospital discharge in surgical patients requiring postoperative intensive care is associated with increased rates of hospital readmission in two large independent cohorts. Future studies are necessary to evaluate strategies to prevent and/or treat anaemia in these patients for the improvement of post‐hospitalisation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unusually large peak electron density values of ∼5 × 1010 m−3 are sporadically observed in the nightside ionosphere of Mars in regions of strong and open crustal magnetic field. However, the associated vertical structure of the ionosphere has not previously been observed. Here, we present three vertical electron density profiles from the nightside ionosphere of Mars that have comparably large values of peak electron density. They were acquired by the Radio Occultation Science Experiment on the MAVEN spacecraft on 23, 24, and 29 March 2021. In these profiles, the peak density is large (2–4 × 1010 m−3), the peak altitude is low (60–90 km), and the plasma layer is broad (full width at half maximum greater than 100 km, Chapman layer lengthscale of ∼30 km). Even if the peak altitude is at the upper end of this range, 90 km, the plasma density at 60 km would still be large, approximately 70% of the peak density. These findings hold even if the ionosphere was patchy, not spherically symmetric, during these observations. These three profiles were acquired at times when fluxes of energetic protons, but not electrons, were enhanced above background levels. The apparent association of large nightside electron density values with protons, rather than electrons, is contrary to previous findings. Key Points: Nightside ionospheric layers with peak density of 2–4 × 1010 m−3, peak altitude of 60–90 km, and thicknesses >100 km are seen on MarsThese layers are seen in association with enhanced fluxes of energetic protons, but not electronsThese findings hold if the ionosphere is patchy, not spherically symmetric, over the observed region [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Introduction: b In the Phase 3 POLARIX study (NCT03274492), polatuzumab vedotin with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (Pola-R-CHP) significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) compared with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP), with a similar safety profile in pts aged 18-80 years with previously untreated DLBCL (Tilly et al., 2022). B Results: b Overall, 284 pts were analyzed for efficacy (Pola-R-CHP, I n i = 141; R-CHOP, I n i = 143) and 280 pts were analyzed for safety (Pola-R-CHP, I n i = 137; R-CHOP, I n i = 143). [Extracted from the article]

Here, we evaluate the reporting of other common symptoms using PRO and clinician-reported data in POLARIX. B Introduction: b The safety profiles of novel agents are mainly based on clinician-reported adverse events (AEs) from clinical trials. [Extracted from the article]

B Introduction: b The lymphoma microenvironment contributes to clinical treatment outcome. In contrast, Pola-R-CHP may achieve therapeutic responses in patients who lack a favorable immune contexture, suggesting Pola-R-CHP can decouple treatment outcome from the lymphoma microenvironment, likely due to its distinct mechanism of action. IMMUNE CONTEXTURE ANALYSIS IN POLARIX SUGGESTS RESPONSE TO POLA-R-CHP TREATMENT REDUCES TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT DEPENDENCY. [Extracted from the article]

CIRCULATING TUMOR DNA (CTDNA) STATUS AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS (PTS) WITH PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED DIFFUSE LARGE B-CELL LYMPHOMA (DLBCL) IN THE POLARIX STUDY B Introduction: b In the POLARIX study, pts with previously untreated DLBCL were randomized to Pola-R-CHP or R-CHOP (NCT03274492; Tilly et al., 2022). [Extracted from the article]

Various upstream spacecraft have now observed the solar wind conditions affecting the Earth since the 1970s, covering over four solar activity cycles. These measurements provide a long term picture of the related patterns in large scale incident plasma and magnetic field parameters of interest for both interpreting cycles in geospace effects, and understanding how the Sun controls our space environment. This paper focuses on the latter, in part to provide context at the start of the new solar cycle 25, and toward establishing connections between the 1 AU ecliptic solar wind behavior and the unprecedented near‐Sun measurements of heliospheric features on Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter. Magnetograph data‐based potential field source surface models provide a basic picture of how the solar wind sources, including those that give rise to corotating high speed streams in the ecliptic, have changed since the beginning of the record of regular solar wind measurements. In particular, they suggest the contributions from low to mid latitude coronal holes dominate the observed cycles (21–24), especially the weaker cycles (23 and 24), impacting upstream measurement interpretations, modeling, and forecasting considerations. For example, recurring features are affected by differential rotation of the Sun's surface field, which through its effects on the corona, can produce solar wind streams reappearing at ∼25–30 days intervals instead of at the canonical 27.3 days Carrington rotation rate. In addition, the conditions that lead to the corotating stream structure that can dominate periods of low solar activity are seen to be more complicated than suggested by the simple concepts of early studies. The overall results illustrate where in the cycles well‐defined, long‐lived large scale structures can be expected, and the advantages of synoptic displays of 1 AU solar wind parameters for anticipating timings of recurring features. Plain Language Summary: The solar wind is generally composed of a complex set of plasma (ionized gas) streams that flow out of regions where the coronal magnetic field is "open" to interplanetary space. These "coronal holes," or solar wind sources, have locations and shapes that depend on the solar magnetic field and so evolve with the solar cycle. Models have been developed that can describe the solar wind structure at any time, based on the solar field observations. These are useful for understanding the Earth's space environment, but we now wish to use them to make forecasts. The work described here suggests that by examining the long‐term behavior of both the solar wind observations and the models, we can provide better forecasts by identifying and making projections based on solar cycle‐dependent trends. This is particularly relevant to forecasting the times of return of so‐called "corotating" structures: large spatial scale, "high speed" streams, and their related density compressions, that seem to reappear roughly every month‐producing significant responses in near‐Earth space. Key Points: The solar wind in the ecliptic varies with the solar cycle as coronal field topology changes with the surface magnetic fieldPotential field source surface models present a picture of this evolution as global coronal hole distributions and low‐latitude locations where the open fields mapLow latitude coronal holes dominate the local solar wind for much of the cycle, including long periods of recurring high speed streams [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid and reliable detection of organophosphorus (OP) threats is essential for facilitating efficient and timely countermeasures. This work describes the design and operation of a miniaturized electrochemical sensor array chip, based on strategic coupling of diverse MOF‐based biomimetic and biocatalytic reagent layers (offering tunable OP target specificities) with different potentiometric, voltametric, and amperometric transducers to generate information‐rich analytical data and robust discrimination power towards rapid field identification of key classes of OP threats. This uniquely integrated 4‐electrode sensor array yields rich analytical data that enables rapid and efficient discrimination of P−F‐ and P−Cl‐type OP nerve agents (NAs) and OP pesticides from coexisting environmental pollutants. The sensor array outputs lead to distinct binary codes for the target OP threats that enable their rapid digital identification. This sensor array chip thus presents a significant advance towards reliable OP threat‐sensing hand‐held devices that meet the urgent demands of different defense surveillance applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several inflammatory dermatoses, including dermatomyositis (DM), may present as erythematous papules or plaques on the dorsal aspects of the hands over the joints. Limited skin involvement in these entities may pose a diagnostic challenge. (Video)dermoscopy is being utilized more frequently to aid in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory skin conditions. Objective: To describe the dermoscopic findings in Gottron's papules and compare them with dermoscopic features of other dermatoses involving the dorsal aspects of the hands. Methods: Videodermoscopic images from patients presenting with erythematous papules or plaques on the dorsal surface of the hands were retrospectively analysed for the presence of standardized dermoscopic parameters. Results: Dermoscopic images from patients with DM (n = 12), psoriasis (n = 19), chronic dermatitis (n = 16), mycosis fungoides (n = 7), lichen planus (n = 5) and pityriasis rubra pilaris (n = 3) were included. Gottron's papules were characterized by pleomorphic vessels (dotted vessels accompanied by thick or thin linear vessels with branches or linear curved vessels) in 66.7% of cases, arranged in an unspecified pattern (91.7%), and accompanied by white or pink structureless areas (75.0%). Psoriatic plaques were characterized by dotted vessels arranged in a uniform pattern (94.7%). Vessels arranged in a ring pattern were nearly exclusively observed in psoriasis, while yellow structureless areas and erosions were more frequently present in chronic dermatitis. White lines, corresponding to Wickham striae, were specific for lichen planus. Conclusions: Videodermoscopy might be of value in differentiating Gottron's papules from other dermatoses involving dorsa of the hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a pair of oppositely valenced stimuli, rating the first one sometimes leads to a more extreme evaluation for the second (e.g., if the second is negatively valenced, rating the first stimulus would lead to a more negative rating for the second). We considered an evaluation bias in the case of clinical diagnosis relating to eating disorders. A population sample which included experienced clinical psychologists and psychiatrists showed partial evidence of an evaluation bias, when judging descriptions of individuals designed to be consistent with eating disorders or not. Quantum probability theory, the probability rules from quantum mechanics without any of the physics, is particularly well‐suited to modeling the evaluation bias (and constructive influences generally), because a measurement (or judgment) can change the state of the system. We applied a previous quantum model to the present result, an extension of the model embodying noisy processes, and belief adjustment model. We discuss how model fits inform an examination of rationality in the observed behavior. There has been evidence of so‐called constructive influences in decision making, whereby a decision appears to alter the underlying mental state. We explore such influences in the case of clinical judgments, based on realistic case information. Can such constructive influences be rational? We apply two models to the data, one based on quantum theory and one on heuristics, as a way to address this question and understand relevant behaviour better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two stereocontrolled, efficient, and modular syntheses of eicosanoid lipoxin B4 (LXB4) are reported. One features a stereoselective reduction followed by an asymmetric epoxidation sequence to set the vicinal diol stereocentres. The dienyne was installed via a one‐pot Wittig olefination and base‐mediated epoxide ring opening cascade. The other approach installed the diol through an asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction followed by a Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons olefination to afford the common dienyne intermediate. Finally, a Sonogashira coupling and an alkyne hydrosilylation/proto‐desilylation protocol furnished LXB4 in 25 % overall yield in just 10 steps. For the first time, LXB4 has been fully characterized spectroscopically with its structure confirmed as previously reported. We have demonstrated that the synthesized LXB4 showed similar biological activity to commercial sources in a cellular neuroprotection model. This synthetic route can be employed to synthesize large quantities of LXB4, enable synthesis of new analogs, and chemical probes for receptor and pathway characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐instrument data from Jang Bogo Station (JBS) in Antarctica were utilized to study ionospheric responses to the 11 May 2019 moderate geomagnetic storm. These include Vertical Incident Pulsed Ionospheric Radar (VIPIR)/Dynasonde, Fabry‐Perot Interferometer (FPI), GPS vertical total electron content (vTEC), and magnetometer. The VIPIR/Dynasonde observed long‐lasting (>11 hr) severe depletion of the electron density in the F‐region ionosphere over JBS. During the depletion interval, GPS TEC also correspondingly decreased, FPI neutral temperature was significantly enhanced, and the polar magnetic field variations showed positive and negative excursions in the Y (east) and Z (vertical) components, respectively. GK‐2 A satellite, located ∼2.5 hr west of JBS, observed negative magnetic field perturbations in the azimuthal BD component at geosynchronous orbit during the depletion of ionospheric plasma. Such a BD perturbation at geosynchronous orbit is due to the field‐aligned currents flowing out of the ionosphere. From these observations we suggest that transpolar ionospheric currents connected to the field‐aligned currents flowing on a substorm wedge‐shaped circuit act as a source of polar atmospheric heating during the moderate geomagnetic storm interval and that elevated heavy molecular gases (O2 and N2) by atmospheric heating contribute to the electron density depletion via increased recombination rate. Plain Language Summary: Geomagnetic storms considerably influence the high‐latitude ionosphere in its density distributions as well as dynamics. In the present paper, we report results of multi‐instruments observations of the stom‐time ionospheric changes with simultaneously observed thermospheric anc magnetospheric changes. The Vertical Incident Pulsed Ionospheric Radar/Dynasonde and total electron contents measured by ground GPS receiver observed depletion of the ionospheric electron density. We confirmed from model results that the depletion was caused by the upwelling atmospheric molecular gases. The heated neutral atmosphere was also confirmed by the observations for the themosphere from a Fabry‐Perot interferometer. The current system is a key process to enhanced the lower atmospheric temperature. During the depletion interval, the magnetic field on the ground showed significant variations. The geosynchronous satellite also observed negative fluctuations in the azimuthal component at around Jang Bogo Station, which corresponds to the fluctuation of the ground magnetic field. Such fluctuations at geosynchronous orbit are strongly related with field‐aligned current that are part of a current system associated with substorm. These observations support that field‐aligned current plays as a source of polar ionospheric heating during the moderate geomagnetic storm. Key Points: The disappearance of the F‐region ionosphere was observed during storm in the polar cap regionThe disappearance is associated with the atmospheric upwelling and resulting enhancement of the recombinationThe polar cap ionosphere can be significantly affected by substorm‐induced field‐aligned currents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines a pediatric hyperthermia homicide in which the decedent was placed into a room with only a diaper on and left unattended overnight. There were no furnishings in the room except for a 1500‐W space heater and a stroller. The following morning, emergency personnel were summoned to the residence. A caretaker said the decedent was playing normally 5 min before making the 911 call. The decedent's initial rectal temperature was 42.2°C. Law enforcement asked how long the child had to be exposed to a high temperature in order to induce fatal hyperthermia in an empty bedroom. The scene was reconstructed using the child's residence and the same heater. Environmental data were gathered over a 16‐h period. The thermal parameters of the room and environment were analyzed using a lumped‐element thermal model. These parameters were then fed into an adapted Gagge's two‐node model of human thermal regulation, which provided a time‐window of exposure necessary to elicit hyperthermia, which in this case, depending on certain variables, ranged from 45 min to 4 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collisional grinding of interplanetary meteoroids should continually produce grains over a wide range of sizes, including down to the nanometer‐size regime. Once generated, nanodust grains are subject to interplanetary electromagnetic forces from the solar wind due to their relatively large charge‐to‐mass ratios, resulting in complex and highly time‐dependent dynamics. Here, we use the coupled Wang‐Sheeley‐Arge solar corona and Enlil solar wind models together with a nanodust charging and dynamics model to explore the behavior and variability of nanodust dynamics in the inner heliosphere (<1 au) both within and across multiple solar cycles. In particular, we quantify the relative accessibility of these grains to 1 au across solar cycles 23 and 24, including focusing and defocusing heliospheric conditions. Finally, we qualitatively compare our model results with STEREO A (STA)/WAVES observations and identify correlations between the STA/WAVES single‐hit rate and the relative flux of >10 nm grains. Using solar cycle 23 as a proxy for the behavior of solar cycle 25, since both solar cycles share the same defocusing‐to‐focusing transition, we predict the relative flux of nanodust grains in the future and identify times at which nanodust impacts may reappear in the STA/WAVES data set. Continued analysis of future STA/WAVES observations will provide an important test of this prediction, either bolstering or weakening the interpretation of electromagnetically accelerated nanodust grains as the source of single‐hit events in the STA/WAVES Time Domain Sampler data set. Key Points: Inner heliospheric nanodust dynamics are modeled over a broad range of solar cycles and IMF polarityCessation of single‐hit impacts on STA/WAVES is correlated with model predictions of declining nanodust fluxes at 1 auWe predict single‐hit impacts due to nanodust impacts should gradually reappear in STA/WAVES between 2022 and 2028 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nail melanoma (NM) is an important differential diagnosis in patients with longitudinal melanonychia. However, diagnosis is often challenging as it is difficult to differentiate from other pigmented nail disorders. The main challenge for diagnosis is obtaining adequate nail matrix biopsy specimens for histopathological assessment. Furthermore, the histopathological changes in the early stages of NM are subtle and contribute to a delay in diagnosis and care. Therefore, the integration of clinical and histopathological analyses is essential. Clinical and dermoscopic features, such as a broadened width of asymmetric bands in an irregular pattern, with multicolour pigmentation, periungual pigmentation, and continuous growth, are features that support the diagnosis of NM. The essential histological features that must be assessed are cellular morphology, architectural features, melanocyte density, and inflammatory changes. The reported mutations in NMs were BRAF (0–43%), NRAS (0–31%), KIT (0–50%), NF1 (0–50%), and GNAQ (0–25%). Surgery is the primary treatment for NM. The recommended treatment for in situ or minimally invasive NM is functional surgery, but cases with suspected bone invasion should be treated with amputation. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are indicated for advanced stages of NM. This review summarizes the updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of NM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Comprehensive evidence regarding the treatment of non‐anaemic iron deficiency in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association between non‐anaemic iron deficiency and postoperative outcomes in these patients. We retrospectively analysed 321 patients of which 180 (56%) had iron deficiency (defined as serum ferritin < 100 ng.ml‐1 or < 300 ng.ml‐1 with transferrin saturation < 20%). While the iron‐deficient group had lower pre‐operative haemoglobin levels than the non‐iron deficient group (median (IQR [range]) 134 (127–141 [120–172]) g.l‐1, 143 (133–150 [120–179]) g.l‐1, p = 0.001), there was no between‐group difference in allogeneic red blood cell transfusion. Median (IQR [range]) days alive and out of hospital at postoperative day 90 was 1 day shorter in the iron‐deficient group (80 (77–82 [9–85]) days vs. 81 (79–83 [0–85]) days, p = 0.026). In multivariable analysis, only cardiopulmonary bypass duration (p = 0.032) and intra‐operative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (p = 0.011) were significantly associated with reduced days alive and out of hospital at postoperative day 90. Iron deficiency did not exert any adverse influence on secondary outcomes except length of hospital stay. Our findings indicate that non‐anaemic iron deficiency alone is not associated with adverse effects in patients undergoing valvular heart surgery when it does not translate into an increased risk of allogeneic transfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete aurora at Mars, characterized by their small spatial scale and tendency to form near strong crustal magnetic fields, are emissions produced by particle precipitation into the Martian upper atmosphere. Since 2014, Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN's (MAVEN's) Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph (IUVS) has obtained a large collection of UV discrete aurora observations during its routine periapsis nightside limb scans. Initial analysis of these observations has shown that, near the strongest crustal magnetic fields in the southern hemisphere, the IUVS discrete aurora detection frequency is highly sensitive to the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angle. However, the role of other solar wind properties in controlling the discrete aurora detection frequency has not yet been determined. In this work, we use the IUVS discrete aurora observations, along with MAVEN observations of the upstream solar wind, to determine how the discrete aurora detection frequency varies with solar wind dynamic pressure, IMF strength, and IMF cone angle. We find that, outside of the strong crustal field region (SCFR) in the southern hemisphere, the aurora detection frequency is relatively insensitive to the IMF orientation, but significantly increases with solar wind dynamic pressure, and moderately increases with IMF strength. Interestingly however, although high solar wind dynamic pressures cause more aurora to form, they have little impact on the brightness of the auroral emissions. Alternatively, inside the SCFR, the detection frequency is only moderately dependent on the solar wind dynamic pressure, and is much more sensitive to the IMF clock and cone angles. In the SCFR, aurora are unlikely to occur when the IMF points near the radial or anti‐radial directions when the cone angle (arccos(Bx/|B|)) is less than 30° or between 120° and 150°. Together, these results provide the first comprehensive characterization of how upstream solar wind conditions affect the formation of discrete aurora at Mars. Key Points: Outside the strong crustal field region, high solar wind pressures increase the aurora detection frequency but not the emission brightnessIMF orientation affects the aurora detection frequency more prominently near strong crustal fieldsIn the strong crustal field region, aurora are rare when the IMF points near the radial or anti‐radial directions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]