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Global warming is amplified in the Arctic. However, numerical models struggle to represent key processes that determine Arctic weather and climate. To collect data that help to constrain the models, the HALO–(𝒜𝒞)3 aircraft campaign was conducted over the Norwegian and Greenland seas, the Fram Strait, and the central Arctic Ocean in March and April 2022. The campaign focused on one specific challenge posed by the models, namely the reasonable representation of transformations of air masses during their meridional transport into and out of the Arctic via northward moist- and warm-air intrusions (WAIs) and southward marine cold-air outbreaks (CAOs). Observations were made over areas of open ocean, the marginal sea ice zone, and the central Arctic sea ice. Two low-flying and one long-range, high-altitude research aircraft were flown in colocated formation whenever possible. To follow the air mass transformations, a quasi-Lagrangian flight strategy using trajectory calculations was realized, enabling us to sample the same moving-air parcels twice along their trajectories. Seven distinct WAI and 12 CAO cases were probed. From the quasi-Lagrangian measurements, we have quantified the diabatic heating/cooling and moistening/drying of the transported air masses. During CAOs, maximum values of 3 K h−1 warming and 0.3 g kg−1 h−1 moistening were obtained below 1 km altitude. From the observations of WAIs, diabatic cooling rates of up to 0.4 K h−1 and a moisture loss of up to 0.1 g kg−1 h−1 from the ground to about 5.5 km altitude were derived. Furthermore, the development of cloud macrophysical (cloud-top height and horizontal cloud cover) and microphysical (liquid water path, precipitation, and ice index) properties along the southward pathways of the air masses were documented during CAOs, and the moisture budget during a specific WAI event was estimated. In addition, we discuss the statistical frequency of occurrence of the different thermodynamic phases of Arctic low-level clouds, the interaction of Arctic cirrus clouds with sea ice and water vapor, and the characteristics of microphysical and chemical properties of Arctic aerosol particles. Finally, we provide a proof of concept to measure mesoscale divergence and subsidence in the Arctic using data from dropsondes released during the flights.

Atmospheric ice-nucleating particle (INP) concentration data from the free troposphere are sparse but urgently needed to understand vertical transport processes of INPs and their influence on cloud formation and properties. Here, we introduce the new High-volume flow aERosol particle filter sAmpler (HERA) which was specially developed for installation on research aircraft and subsequent offline INP analysis. HERA is a modular system consisting of a sampling unit and a powerful pump unit, and it has several features which were integrated specifically for INP sampling. Firstly, the pump unit enables sampling at flow rates exceeding 100 L min−1, which is well above typical flow rates of aircraft INP sampling systems described in the literature (∼ 10 L min−1). Consequently, required sampling times to capture rare, high-temperature INPs (≥ −15 ∘C) are reduced in comparison to other systems, and potential source regions of INPs can be confined more precisely. Secondly, the sampling unit is designed as a seven-way valve, enabling switching between six filter holders and a bypass with one filter being sampled at a time. In contrast to other aircraft INP sampling systems, the valve position is remote-controlled via software so that manual filter changes during flight are eliminated and the potential for sample contamination is decreased. This design is compatible with a high degree of automation, i.e., triggering filter changes depending on parameters like flight altitude, geographical location, temperature, or time. In addition to presenting the design and principle of operation of HERA, this paper describes laboratory characterization experiments with size-selected test substances, i.e., SNOMAX® and Arizona Test Dust. The particles were sampled on filters with HERA, varying either particle diameter (300 to 800 nm) or flow rate (10 to 100 L min−1) between experiments. The subsequent offline INP analysis showed good agreement with literature data and comparable sampling efficiencies for all investigated particle sizes and flow rates. Furthermore, the collection efficiency of atmospheric INPs in HERA was compared to a straightforward filter sampler and good agreement was found. Finally, results from the first campaign of HERA on the High Altitude and LOng range research aircraft (HALO) demonstrate the functionality of the new system in the context of aircraft application.

Purpose: Toxocariasis is a zoonosis that is mainly caused by the dog roundworm Toxocara canis and the cat roundworm T. cati. The prevalence of T. canis-specific antibodies in humans is 2-5% in Germany. Many infections with Toxocara spp. have a subclinical course, but can develop into a severe disease, with visceral, ocular, or neurotoxic manifestations. While first serological antibody detection methods were based on the whole lysate from T. canis larvae, meanwhile Toxocara excretory/secretory (TES) antigens from larvae cultures are used. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of a new ELISA based on a highly purified larval antigen from T. canis and recombinant TES antigen. Methods & Materials: [1] Comparison with an external quality assessment scheme (NEQAS, UK) encompassing 9 positive and 8 negative sera.[2] Agreement study with a commercial Toxocara canis IgG ELISA (based on T. canis antigens; IBL International, Germany) including 117 sera pre-characterised by IBL ELISA.[3] Specificity was evaluated with respect to a control panel containing 586 sera from healthy blood donors, 98 from pregnant women and 197 from children as well as a cross-reactivity panel (135 sera from patients infected with Strongyloides, Schistosoma, Ascaris, Trichinella and other parasitic/bacterial infections). Results: Results obtained with the Anti-Toxocara ELISA were 100% in agreement with the NEQAS target values (sensitivity: 88.9%, specificity: 100%).The agreement between the two methods was substantial (79%, κ=0.57). The EUROIMMUN ELISA found 86 and the IBL ELISA 71 positive samples (negative predictive value=1). The EUROIMMUN ELISA found 23 and the IBL ELISA 41 negative samples. Thirteen discrepant samples were positive in the EUROIMMUN ELISA but negative in the IBL ELISA.The Anti-Toxocara ELISA was reactive in 25.9% of samples in the cross-reactivity panel and in 4.5% of the samples from healthy individuals, yielding a combined specificity of 92.6%. Conclusion: The novel Anti-Toxocara ELISA is a valuable screening test for sensitive serological detection of T. canis infections. Possible past infections or double infections with other parasites should be considered when evaluating the test result. A positive ELISA test result could be confirmed by a corresponding Western blot, which is available from EUROIMMUN.

Introduction: Heart failure is well investigated in adults, but data in children is lacking. To overcome this shortage of reliable data, appropriate bioanalytical assays are required. Objectives: Development and validation of a bioanalytical assay for the determination of aldosterone concentrations in small sample volumes applicable to clinical studies under Good Clinical Laboratory Practice. Methods: An immunoassay was developed based on a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and validated according to current bioanalytical guidelines of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Results: The assay (range 31.3–1000 pg/mL [86.9–2775 pmol/L]) is characterized by a between-run accuracy from − 3.8% to − 0.8% and a between-run imprecision ranging from 4.9% to 8.9% (coefficient of variation). For within-run accuracy, the relative error was between − 11.1% and + 9.0%, while within-run imprecision ranged from 1.2% to 11.8% (CV). For parallelism and dilutional linearity, the relative error of back-calculated concentrations varied from − 14.1% to + 8.4% and from − 7.4% to + 10.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The immunoassay is compliant with the bioanalytical guidelines of the EMA and FDA and allows accurate and precise aldosterone determinations. As the assay can run low-volume samples of 40 μL, it is especially valuable for pediatric investigations. Keywords: Aldosterone, Immunoassay, Pediatric, Pharmacodynamic, Validation, Low-volume

We study the positive solutions to steady state reaction diffusion equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions of the forms: \begin{align} -u''&=\left\{\begin{array}{ll} \lambda[au-bu^{2}-c], & x\in(L,1-L),\\ \lambda[au-bu^{2}], & x\in(0,L)\cup(1-L,1), \end{array} \right.\tag{A}\\ u(0)&=0 =u(1),\nonumber \end{align} and \begin{align} -u''&=\left\{\begin{array}{ll} \lambda[au-bu^{2}-c], & x\in(0,\frac{1}{2}),\\ \lambda[au-bu^{2}], & x\in(\frac{1}{2},1), \end{array} \right.\tag{B}\\ u(0)&=0 =u(1).\nonumber \end{align} Here $\lambda, a, b, c$ and $L$ are positive constants with $0

In this contribution extinction of electromagnetic waves inside a medium consisting of cylindrical absorbing particles is considered. Near fields are calculated using a numerical solution of Maxwell’s equations and compared to results given by Lambert- Beer’s law.

Active participation of youth and surrogate decision-makers in providing informed consent and assent for mental health treatment is critical. However, the procedural elements of an informed consent process, particularly for youth in child welfare custody, are not well defined. Given calls for psychotropic medication oversight for youth in child welfare custody, this study proposes a taxonomy for the procedural elements of informed consent policies based upon formal and informal child welfare policies and then examines whether enacted state formal policies across the United States endorsed these elements. A sequential multi-method study design included: (1) semi-structured interviews with key informants (n = 58) primarily from state child welfare agencies to identify a taxonomy of procedural elements for informed consent of psychotropic medications and then (2) a legislative review of the 50 states and D.C. to characterize whether formal policies endorsed each procedural element through February 2022. Key informants reported five procedural elements in policy, including how to: (1) gather social and medical history, (2) prescribe the medication, (3) authorize its use through consent and youth assent, (4) notify relevant stakeholders, and (5) routinely review the consenting decision. Twenty-three states endorsed relevant legislation; however, only two states specified all five procedural elements. Additionally, the content of a procedural element, when included, varied substantively across policies. Further research and expert consensus are needed to set best practices and guide policymakers in setting policies to advance transparency and accountability for informed consent of mental health treatment among youth in child welfare custody.

We evaluated the effectiveness of a statewide Medicaid program providing in-home Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention services to young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder living in a rural southern state. Program effectiveness was assessed via the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R). A multi-level growth model was used to show significant variation among children's initial ABLLS-R scores and their growth trajectories. Hispanic children tended to have lower initial scores but demonstrated similar growth compared to their non-Hispanic peers. Children who were older at initial start in the program appeared to have higher initial composite scores and higher growth trajectories. Children in more populous counties had higher initial scores but grew at similar rates to children in more rural counties.

Background: High altitude exposure triggers a series of physiological changes to maintain homeostasis. Although longer-term (days to years) acclimatization processes are well studied, less is known about the physiological changes upon rapid ascent. We took advantage of Peru’s geography to measure the first physiological changes following rapid transport from a low to a high-altitude environment among lowlanders. Methods: Blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and salivary cortisol among healthy lowland Peruvians were measured before and after glucose ingestion at 40 m and upon arrival at 3470 m. Resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were also monitored. Results: At high altitude, we find a significant ( pp Conclusions: Although many overlapping environmental and physiological factors are present in the high-altitude environment, the first steps of acclimatization in this population appear to be caused by increased energy expenditure and glucose metabolism to maintain oxygen homeostasis until the longer-term acclimatization mechanisms become more significant.

Background: High altitude exposure triggers a series of physiological changes to maintain homeostasis. Although longer-term (days to years) acclimatization processes are well studied, less is known about the physiological changes upon rapid ascent. We took advantage of Peru’s geography to measure the first physiological changes following rapid transport from a low to a high-altitude environment among lowlanders. Methods: Blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and salivary cortisol among healthy lowland Peruvians were measured before and after glucose ingestion at 40 m and upon arrival at 3470 m. Resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were also monitored. Results: At high altitude, we find a significant ( pp Conclusions: Although many overlapping environmental and physiological factors are present in the high-altitude environment, the first steps of acclimatization in this population appear to be caused by increased energy expenditure and glucose metabolism to maintain oxygen homeostasis until the longer-term acclimatization mechanisms become more significant.

Evidence-based practices have been identified for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the co-occurrence of ASD and visual impairments (VI), it is critical that the effectiveness of these practices be assessed with children who have ASD and VI. Structured work systems have not been evaluated for children with ASD and VI. Structured work systems have been identified as evidence-based practices for children and youth with ASD under the category of visual supports. Additionally, while parent-implemented interventions have proven effective for children with multiple disabilities, parent-implemented interventions are most often researched with young children with insufficient focus on maintenance and generalization. Using a multiple baseline across routines, this study assesses the effectiveness of structured work systems implemented by a parent on independence in skills for a child with ASD and VI. Parent-implemented structured work system were effective across three routines, maintained at 1, 2, and 3 weeks post treatment, and generalized to another parent and new materials.