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Abstract Pressure-induced phase transformations (PTs) in Si, the most important electronic material, have been broadly studied, whereas strain-induced PTs have never been studied in situ. Here, we reveal in situ various important plastic strain-induced PT phenomena. A correlation between the direct and inverse Hall-Petch effect of particle size on yield strength and pressure for strain-induced PT is predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally for Si-I→Si-II PT. For 100 nm particles, the strain-induced PT Si-I→Si-II initiates at 0.3 GPa under both compression and shear while it starts at 16.2 GPa under hydrostatic conditions. The Si-I→Si-III PT starts at 0.6 GPa but does not occur under hydrostatic pressure. Pressure in small Si-II and Si-III regions of micron and 100 nm particles is ∼5–7 GPa higher than in Si-I. For 100 nm Si, a sequence of Si-I → I + II → I + II + III PT is observed, and the coexistence of four phases, Si-I, II, III, and XI, is found under torsion. Retaining Si-II and single-phase Si-III at ambient pressure and obtaining reverse Si-II→Si-I PT demonstrates the possibilities of manipulating different synthetic paths. The obtained results corroborate the elaborated dislocation pileup-based mechanism and have numerous applications for developing economic defect-induced synthesis of nanostructured materials, surface treatment (polishing, turning, etc.), and friction.

Abstract Reducing disparities is vital for equitable access to precision treatments in cancer. Socioenvironmental factors are a major driver of disparities, but differences in genetic variation likely also contribute. The impact of genetic ancestry on prioritization of cancer targets in drug discovery pipelines has not been systematically explored due to the absence of pre-clinical data at the appropriate scale. Here, we analyze data from 611 genome-scale CRISPR/Cas9 viability experiments in human cell line models to identify ancestry-associated genetic dependencies essential for cell survival. Surprisingly, we find that most putative associations between ancestry and dependency arise from artifacts related to germline variants. Our analysis suggests that for 1.2-2.5% of guides, germline variants in sgRNA targeting sequences reduce cutting by the CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease, disproportionately affecting cell models derived from individuals of recent African descent. We propose three approaches to mitigate this experimental bias, enabling the scientific community to address these disparities.

Abstract Migration is one of the most energy-demanding behaviors observed in birds. Mitochondria are the primary source of energy used to support these long-distance movements, yet how mitochondria meet the energetic demands of migration is scarcely studied. We quantified changes in mitochondrial respiratory performance in the White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys), which has a migratory and non-migratory subspecies. We hypothesized that the long-distance migratory Gambel’s subspecies (Z. l. gambelii) would show higher mitochondrial respiratory performance compared to the non-migratory Nuttall’s subspecies (Z. l. nuttalli). We sampled Gambel’s individuals during spring pre-migration, active fall migration, and a period with no migration or breeding (winter). We sampled Nuttall’s individuals during periods coinciding with fall migration and the winter period of Gambel’s annual cycle. Overall, Gambel’s individuals had higher citrate synthase, a proxy for mitochondrial volume, than Nuttall’s individuals. This was most pronounced prior to and during migration. We found that both OXPHOS capacity (state 3) and basal respiration (state 4) of mitochondria exhibit high seasonal flexibility within Gambel’s individuals, with values highest during active migration. These values in Nuttall’s individuals were most similar to Gambel’s individuals in winter. Our observations indicate that seasonal changes in mitochondrial respiration play a vital role in migration energetics.

Abstract Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignancy of childhood. Despite improvements in the overall survival, relapse occurs in ~15% of patients with favorable histology WT (FHWT). Half of these patients will succumb to their disease. Identifying novel targeted therapies remains challenging in part due to the lack of faithful preclinical in vitro models. Here we establish twelve patient-derived WT cell lines and demonstrate that these models faithfully recapitulate WT biology using genomic and transcriptomic techniques. We then perform loss-of-function screens to identify the nuclear export gene, XPO1, as a vulnerability. We find that the FDA approved XPO1 inhibitor, KPT-330, suppresses TRIP13 expression, which is required for survival. We further identify synergy between KPT-330 and doxorubicin, a chemotherapy used in high-risk FHWT. Taken together, we identify XPO1 inhibition with KPT-330 as a potential therapeutic option to treat FHWTs and in combination with doxorubicin, leads to durable remissions in vivo.

Abstract Urbanization that occurs across a gradient from low‐ to high‐density development, is a primary driver of landscape change that can affect biodiversity. Animals balance trade‐offs in obtaining resources and avoiding anthropogenic disturbances across the gradient of urbanization to maximize their fitness. However, additional research is necessary to understand seasonal variations in how animals respond to urbanization, particularly in arid regions, where resource availability shifts drastically across seasons. Our objective was to evaluate the response of a suite of bat species to urbanization and whether species shift their response to urbanization across seasons. We predicted that the response of bats to urbanization would differ among species, with some species being more sensitive to urbanization than others. We also predicted that bat species would increase the use of moderate and highly urbanized areas in the summer season where food and water resources were assumed to be greater compared with wildland areas. To evaluate these predictions, we used a stratified random sampling design to sample 50 sites with stationary acoustic bat monitors across the gradient of urbanization in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona, USA during four seasons. We identified a total of 14 bat species during 1000 survey nights. Consistent with predictions, bat species exhibited different responses to urbanization, with most species exhibiting a negative relationship with urbanization, and some species exhibiting a quadratic or positive relationship with urbanization. Counter to predictions, most species did not appear to shift their response to urbanization across seasons. Consistent with predictions, plant productivity and water were important for some species in the summer season. Differences in the response of bat species to urbanization was likely related to species traits (e.g., wing morphology and echolocation call characteristics) and behavioral strategies that influence a species' sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbances and ability to access available resources in urbanized areas. Ultimately, to promote the management and conservation of bats, it is likely important to maintain resources in urbanized areas for bats that are more tolerant of urbanization and to conserve areas of undeveloped high‐quality habitat with low anthropogenic disturbance in wildland areas for bats that are sensitive to urbanization.

Abstract Background Pharmacists remain an underutilized resource in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Although studies have engaged pharmacists in dispensing medications for OUD (MOUD), few studies have evaluated collaborative care models in which pharmacists are an active, integrated part of a primary care team offering OUD care. Methods This study seeks to implement a pharmacist integrated MOUD clinical model (called PrIMO) and evaluate its feasibility, acceptability, and impact across four diverse primary care sites. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research is used as an organizing framework for study development and interpretation of findings. Implementation Facilitation is used to support PrIMO adoption. We assess the primary outcome, the feasibility of implementing PrIMO, using the Stages of Implementation Completion (SIC). We evaluate the acceptability and impact of the PrIMO model at the sites using mixed-methods and combine survey and interview data from providers, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, administrators, and patients receiving MOUD at the primary care sites with patient electronic health record data. We hypothesize that it is feasible to launch delivery of the PrIMO model (reach SIC Stage 6), and that it is acceptable, will positively impact patient outcomes 1 year post model launch (e.g., increased MOUD treatment retention, medication regimen adherence, service utilization for co-morbid conditions, and decreased substance use), and will increase each site’s capacity to care for patients with MOUD (e.g., increased number of patients, number of prescribers, and rate of patients per prescriber). Discussion This study will provide data on a pharmacist-integrated collaborative model of care for the treatment of OUD that may be feasible, acceptable to both site staff and patients and may favorably impact patients’ access to MOUD and treatment outcomes. Trial registration: The study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05310786) on April 5, 2022, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05310786?id=NCT05310786&rank=1

Abstract The white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys, is a passerine bird with a wide distribution and it is extensively adapted to environmental changes. It has historically acted as a model species in studies on avian ecology, physiology and behaviour. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome of Zonotrichia leucophrys using PacBio and OmniC sequencing data. Gene models were constructed by combining RNA-seq and Iso-seq data from liver, hypothalamus, and ovary. In total a 1,123,996,003 bp genome was generated, including 31 chromosomes assembled in complete scaffolds along with other, unplaced scaffolds. This high-quality genome assembly offers an important genomic resource for the research community using the white-crowned sparrow as a model for understanding avian genome biology and development, and provides a genomic basis for future studies, both fundamental and applied.

Abstract Cities support abundant human and wildlife populations that are shaped indirectly and directly by human decisions, often resulting in unequal access to environmental services and accessible open spaces. Urban land cover drives biodiversity patterns across metropolitan areas, but at smaller scales that matter to local residents, neighborhood socio‐cultural factors can influence the presence and abundance of wildlife. Neighborhood income is associated with plant and animal diversity in some cities, but the influence of other social variables is less well understood, especially across desert ecosystems. We explored wildlife distribution across gradients of neighborhood ethnicity in addition to income and landscape characteristics within residential areas of metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Utilizing data from 38 wildlife cameras deployed in public parks and undeveloped open spaces within or near suburban neighborhoods, we estimated occupancy and activity patterns of common mammal species, including species native to the Sonoran Desert (coyote [Canis latrans] and desert cottontail rabbit [Sylvilagus audubonii]), and non‐native domestic cat (Felis catus). Neighborhood ethnicity (percentage of Latino residents) appeared to exhibit a negative relationship with occupancy for coyotes and cottontail rabbits. Additionally, daily activity patterns of coyotes occurred later in the evenings and mornings in neighborhoods with higher proportions of Latino residents, but activity was unaffected by differences in neighborhood income. This study is one of the first to show that social‐ecological mechanisms associated with patterns of neighborhood ethnicity as well as income may help to shape wildlife distribution in cities. These findings have implications for equitable management and provisioning of ecosystem services for urban residents and highlight the importance of considering a range of social covariates to better understand biodiversity outcomes in urban and urbanizing areas.

Summary: Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) with multidrug-resistant (MDR) viruses have limited therapeutic options and present challenges regarding clinical management. Recent studies have shown that passive transfer of combination broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV and anti-domain 1 CD4 antibody UB-421 can sustain virologic suppression in PLWH in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Yet studies addressing the therapeutic potential of these antibodies and/or detailed characterization of immunologic and virologic parameters in PLWH with MDR HIV are lacking. Methods: We examined levels of immune activation and exhaustion markers on CD8+ T cells and the intact HIV proviral DNA burden in 11 PLWH with MDR viruses. For comparison purposes, we included a control group consisting of 27 ART-naïve viremic PLWH. In addition, we determined the sensitivity of infectious viral isolates obtained from the participants against eight bNAbs (3BNC117, 10-1074, VRC01, VRC07, N6, 10E8, PGDM1400, and PGT121) and two anti-CD4 antibodies (ibalizumab and UB-421) using a TZM-bl-based neutralization/suppression assay. Findings: The level of intact HIV proviral DNA was comparable between the two groups (P = 0.29). The levels of activation and exhaustion markers PD-1 (P = 0.0019), TIGIT (P = 0.0222), 2B4 (P = 0.0015), CD160 (P = 0.0015), and CD38+/HLA-DR+ (P = 0.0138) were significantly lower in the MDR group. The infectious viral isolates from each study participant with MDR HIV were resistant to at least 2 bNAbs; however, they were sensitive to at least one of the CD4-binding and non-CD4-binding site antibodies. The majority of participants had ibalizumab-sensitive viruses although the isolates from some participants showed reduced sensitivity to ibalizumab. Notably, none of the 93 viral isolates obtained from the participants were resistant to UB-421. Interpretation: Our data suggest that combination therapy with HIV-specific bNAbs and/or UB-421 in the presence of optimized background therapy could potentially provide sustained virologic suppression in PLWH with MDR HIV. However, this therapeutic strategy needs to be evaluated in human clinical trials. Funding: Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health.

Abstract The optical microscope has revolutionized biology since at least the 17th Century. Since then, it has progressed from a largely observational tool to a powerful bioanalytical platform. However, realizing its full potential to study live specimens is hindered by a daunting array of technical challenges. Here, we delve into the current state of live imaging to explore the barriers that must be overcome and the possibilities that lie ahead. We venture to envision a future where we can visualize and study everything, everywhere, all at once – from the intricate inner workings of a single cell to the dynamic interplay across entire organisms, and a world where scientists could access the necessary microscopy technologies anywhere.

Abstract Background What people consider to be a mental disorder is likely to influence how they perceive others who are experiencing problems and whether they seek help for their own problems. However, no measure is available to assess individual differences in the expansiveness or breadth of concepts of mental disorder. Four studies aimed to develop and validate two such measures. The Concept Breadth-Vertical (CB-V) scale assesses variability in the severity threshold at which unusual behavior or experience is judged to reflect disorder, whereas the Concept Breadth-Horizontal (CB-H) scale assesses variability in the range of phenomena judged to be disorders. Methods In a pilot study (N = 201) for the CB-V, participants read vignettes of varying severity for each of the 10 mental disorders, and rated whether the subject had a disorder. Study 1 (N = 502) used exploratory factor analyses to examine 10 CB-V items from the pilot study and 20 vignette-based items for constructing the CB-H. Study 2 (N = 298) employed confirmatory factor analysis to validate the scales’ structure and examined their convergent validity with a measure of harm concept breadth and their discriminant validity with measures of mental health literacy. Study 3 (N = 298) explored associations of the scales with other mental health variables, including stigma and help-seeking attitudes. Results Study 1 supported the unifactorial structure of each item set, refined each set into a scale, and demonstrated acceptable reliabilities. Study 2 provided support for the scales’ convergent and discriminant validities. Study 3 showed that the scales were associated negatively with stigma, and positively with help-seeking attitudes and self-reported mental health problems. Studies 2 and 3 further indicated that younger and more politically liberal participants hold broader concepts of mental disorder. Conclusions The new concept breadth scales are psychometrically sound measures of a promising new concept in the study of beliefs and attitudes about mental health. Potential future research directions are discussed.

Abstract Background Hundreds of functional genomic screens have been performed across a diverse set of cancer contexts, as part of efforts such as the Cancer Dependency Map, to identify gene dependencies—genes whose loss of function reduces cell viability or fitness. Recently, large-scale screening efforts have shifted from RNAi to CRISPR-Cas9, due to superior efficacy and specificity. However, many effective oncology drugs only partially inhibit their protein targets, leading us to question whether partial suppression of genes using RNAi could reveal cancer vulnerabilities that are missed by complete knockout using CRISPR-Cas9. Here, we compare CRISPR-Cas9 and RNAi dependency profiles of genes across approximately 400 matched cancer cell lines. Results We find that CRISPR screens accurately identify more gene dependencies per cell line, but the majority of each cell line’s dependencies are part of a set of 1867 genes that are shared dependencies across the entire collection (pan-lethals). While RNAi knockdown of about 30% of these genes is also pan-lethal, approximately 50% have selective dependency patterns across cell lines, suggesting they could still be cancer vulnerabilities. The accuracy of the unique RNAi selectivity is supported by associations to multi-omics profiles, drug sensitivity, and other expected co-dependencies. Conclusions Incorporating RNAi data for genes that are pan-lethal knockouts facilitates the discovery of a wider range of gene targets than could be detected using the CRISPR dataset alone. This can aid in the interpretation of contrasting results obtained from CRISPR and RNAi screens and reinforce the importance of partial gene suppression methods in building a cancer dependency map.

Abstract Purpose How “mental disorder” should be defined has been the focus of extensive theoretical and philosophical debate, but how the concept is understood by laypeople has received much less attention. The study aimed to examine the content (distinctive features and inclusiveness) of these concepts, their degree of correspondence to the DSM-5 definition, and whether alternative concept labels (“mental disorder”, “mental illness”, “mental health problem”, “psychological issue”) have similar or different meanings. Methods We investigated concepts of mental disorder in a nationally representative sample of 600 U.S. residents. Subsets of participants made judgments about vignettes describing people with 37 DSM-5 disorders and 24 non-DSM phenomena including neurological conditions, character flaws, bad habits, and culture-specific syndromes. Results Findings indicated that concepts of mental disorder were primarily based on judgments that a condition is associated with emotional distress and impairment, and that it is rare and aberrant. Disorder judgments were only weakly associated with the DSM-5: many DSM-5 conditions were not judged to be disorders and many non-DSM conditions were so judged. “Mental disorder”, “mental illness”, and “mental health problem” were effectively identical in meaning, but “psychological issue” was somewhat more inclusive, capturing a broader range of conditions. Conclusion These findings clarify important issues surrounding how laypeople conceptualize mental disorder. Our findings point to some significant points of disagreement between professional and public understandings of disorder, while also establishing that laypeople’s concepts of mental disorder are systematic and structured.

Abstract Daily activity patterns of animals can be dynamic across seasons in response to changing environmental conditions. Daily activity, though, has rarely been evaluated in relation to multiple factors (e.g., seasons, demographics, and data collection methods), which could be important for understanding what drives activity patterns. Here, we evaluated the daily activity patterns of a widespread invasive species, wild pigs (Sus scrofa), across two ecologically different study areas at Buck Island Ranch, FL, and Tejon Ranch, CA, from 2015 to 2018. Using GPS telemetry data (62 individuals in FL, 21 individuals in CA) and detections from grids of systematically placed motion‐activated cameras (44 cameras in FL, 48 cameras in CA), we compared activity patterns among seasons, sexes, and data collection methods (GPS and camera traps). Overall, wild pigs were mostly active during crepuscular and nocturnal periods, with their lowest activity during diurnal periods; however, activity patterns varied due to several factors. Daily activity patterns were similar between methods, among seasons, and between sexes in the subtropical climate of Florida. In contrast, daily activity patterns exhibited greater differences between methods and among seasons in California, where seasonal differences in temperature and precipitation were more pronounced. Overall, daily activity patterns estimated using GPS telemetry and camera‐based methods not only exhibited a high degree of overlap in several comparisons but also exhibited marked differences that should be recognized. Given the increasing evaluation of daily activity patterns of animals using multiple types of datasets, our study provides ecologists with valuable information to consider when designing ecological studies, interpreting their results, and comparing research across systems and studies.

IntroductionHuman-wildlife coexistence in cities depends on how residents perceive and interact with wildlife in their neighborhoods. An individual’s attitudes toward and responses to wildlife are primarily shaped by their subjective cognitive judgments, including multi-faceted environmental values and perceptions of risks or safety. However, experiences with wildlife could also positively or negatively affect an individual’s environmental attitudes, including their comfort living near wildlife. Previous work on human-wildlife coexistence has commonly focused on rural environments and on conflicts with individual problem species, while positive interactions with diverse wildlife communities have been understudied. MethodsGiven this research gap, we surveyed wildlife attitudes of residents across twelve neighborhoods in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, AZ to ask: how do the environments in which residents live, as well as their values, identities, and personal characteristics, explain the degree to which they are comfortable living near different wildlife groups (coyotes, foxes, and rabbits)? ResultsWe found that residents who were more comfortable living near wildlife commonly held pro-wildlife value orientations, reflecting the expectation that attitudes toward wildlife are primarily driven be an individual’s value-based judgements. However, attitudes were further influenced by sociodemographic factors (e.g., pet ownership, gender identity), as well as environmental factors that influence the presence of and familiarity with wildlife. Specifically, residents living closer to desert parks and preserves were more likely to have positive attitudes toward both coyotes and foxes, species generally regarded by residents as riskier to humans and domestic animals. DiscussionBy improving understanding of people’s attitudes toward urban wildlife, these results can help managers effectively evaluate the potential for human-wildlife coexistence through strategies to mitigate risk and facilitate stewardship.

To promote financial inclusivity while being responsive to technology demands, the Philippine government implemented a framework that requires banks to improve and innovate their payment systems. The introduction of the National Retail Payment System raises the question of whether the aim of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in advancing digital financial inclusion significantly impacts the financial stability of universal and commercial banks. This correlational study examines the impact of digital financial inclusion on bank stability utilizing principal component analysis and linear regression analysis from a dataset of 19 universal and commercial banks from 2017 to 2019. Findings showed that a higher level of digital financial inclusion is associated with higher banking stability for Philippine universal and commercial banks. While the results support the study hypothesis of a positive relationship between the two (2) variables, the statistical significance cannot be guaranteed at the outset of this analysis due to the limited number of years examined.

Abstract Avian migratory processes are typically precisely oriented, yet vagrants are frequently recorded outside their normal range. Wind displaced vagrants often show corrective behaviour, and as an appropriate response is likely adaptive. We investigated the physiological response to vagrancy in passerines. Activation of the emergency life-history stage (ELHS), assessed by high baseline plasma corticosterone, is a potential mechanism to elicit compensatory behaviour in response to challenges resulting from navigational error, coupled with response to fuel load and flight. We compared circulating plasma corticosterone concentrations and body condition between three migratory groups in autumn: (1) wind displaced southwest (SW) vagrants and (2) long range southeast (SE) vagrants on the remote Faroe Islands, and (3) birds within the expected SW migratory route (controls) on the Falsterbo peninsula, Sweden. Vagrants were further grouped by those sampled immediately upon termination of over-water migratory flight and those already on the island. In all groups there was no indication of the activation of the ELHS in response to vagrancy. We found limited support for an increased rate of corticosterone elevation within our 3 min sample interval in a single species, but this was driven by an individual ELHS outlier. Fat scores were negatively correlated with circulating corticosterone; this relationship may suggest that ELHS activation depends upon an individual’s energetic states. Interestingly, in individuals caught at the completion of an obligate long-distance flight, we found some evidence of corticosterone suppression. Although limited, data did support the induction of negative feedback mechanisms that suppress corticosterone during endurance exercise, even when fuel loads are low.

Abstract Skin-mounted wearable electronics are attractive for continuous health monitoring and human-machine interfacing. The commonly used pre-gelled rigid and bulky electrodes cause discomfort and are unsuitable for continuous long-term monitoring applications. Here, we design carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based electrodes that can be fabricated using different textile manufacturing processes. We propose woven and braided electrode design using CNTs wrapped textile yarns which are highly conformable to skin and measure a high-fidelity electrocardiography (ECG) signal. The skin-electrode impedance analysis revealed size-dependent behavior. To demonstrate outstanding wearability, we designed a seamless knit electrode that can be worn as a bracelet. The designed CNT-based dry electrodes demonstrated record high signal-to-noise ratios and were very stable against motion artifacts. The durability test of the electrodes exhibited robustness to laundering and practicality for reusable and sustainable applications.

Abstract Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl species (PFAS) remain ever-present drinking water contaminants. While some physical adsorption technologies for PFAS removal have been implemented on a large scale, they are limited by high cost and low effectiveness. In this work, an amphiphilic coating was developed and used to functionalize an aluminum oxide hydroxide membrane. Dynamic filtration of challenge water containing eighteen PFAS demonstrated >99% removal of eleven of eighteen PFAS as defined in EPA 537.1. Comparable performance was observed under gravity filtration conditions with >90% removal of fifteen of the eighteen PFAS. A comparison of breakthrough rates using amphiphilic silanes versus granular activated carbon (GAC), the commonly used filtration technology, was performed. Filters with the new amphiphilic coating outperformed GAC under dynamic filtration conditions by more than an order of magnitude for the perfluorooctanoic acid adsorption capacity and even greater for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to compute the free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of interactions between coatings and six PFAS contaminants. Computed interaction free-energy (FE) values agree with experimental filtration performance across contaminants. The ability to use simulated FE values to predict filtration efficiency presents an opportunity for future in-silico rational design with overall reduced cost and development time.

Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) is an important mechanism of bacterial competition. Here, Bartelli et al. show that proteolytic processing of a CDI toxin induces a conformational switch required for translocation into target bacteria.

Abstract The lithium–palladium and lithium–palladium–hydrogen systems are investigated at high pressures at and above room temperature. Two novel lithium–palladium compounds are found below $${18.7}\,{\mathrm{GPa}}$$ 18.7 GPa . An ambient temperature phase is tentatively assigned as $$F{\bar{4}}3m\,\hbox {Li}_{17}\hbox {Pd}_{4}$$ F 4 ¯ 3 m Li 17 Pd 4 , with $$a = 17.661(1)$$ a = 17.661 ( 1 ) Å at 8.64 GPa, isostructural with $$\hbox {Li}_{17}\hbox {Sn}_{4}$$ Li 17 Sn 4 . The other phase occurs at high-temperature and is $$I{\bar{4}}3m\, \hbox {Li}_{11}\hbox {Pd}_{2}$$ I 4 ¯ 3 m Li 11 Pd 2 , $$a = 9.218(1)$$ a = 9.218 ( 1 ) Å at 3.88 GPa and 200 $$^\circ {\mathrm{C}}$$ ∘ C , similar to $$\hbox {Li}_{11}\hbox {Pt}_{2}$$ Li 11 Pt 2 , which is also known at high pressure. The presence of hydrogen in the system results in an $$I{\bar{4}}3m$$ I 4 ¯ 3 m structure with $$a = 8.856(1)$$ a = 8.856 ( 1 ) Å at 9.74 GPa. This persists up to $${13.3}\,\mathrm{GPa}$$ 13.3 GPa , the highest pressure studied. Below $${2}\,{\mathrm{GPa}}$$ 2 GPa an fcc phase with a large unit cell, $$a = 19.324(1)$$ a = 19.324 ( 1 ) Å at 0.39 GPa, is also observed in the presence of hydrogen. On heating the hydrogen containing system at 4 GPa the $$I{\bar{4}}3m$$ I 4 ¯ 3 m phases persists to the melting point of lithium. In both systems melting the lithium results in the loss of crystalline diffraction from palladium containing phases. This is attributed to dissolution of the palladium in the molten lithium, and on cooling the palladium remains dispersed.

Abstract Social network analysis (SNA) tools and concepts are essential for addressing many environmental management and sustainability issues. One method to gather SNA data is to scrape them from environmental organizations’ websites. Web-based research can provide important opportunities to understand environmental governance and policy networks while potentially reducing costs and time when compared to traditional survey and interview methods. A key parameter is ‘search depth,’ i.e., how many connected pages within a website to search for information. Existing research uses a variety of depths and no best practices exist, undermining research quality and case study comparability. We therefore analyze how search depth affects SNA data collection among environmental organizations, if results vary when organizations have different objectives, and how search depth affects social network structure. We find that scraping to a depth of three captures the majority of relevant network data regardless of an organization’s focus. Stakeholder identification (i.e., who is in the network) may require less scraping, but this might under-represent network structure (i.e., who is connected). We also discuss how scraping web-pages of local programs of larger organizations may lead to uncertain results and how our work can combine with mixed methods approaches.

Abstract van der Waals solids are ideal platforms for the discovery of new states of matter and emergent properties under external stimuli. Under pressure, complex chalcogenides like MPS3 (M = Mn, Ni, Co, V) host sliding and structural transitions, insulator-to-metal transitions, the possibility of an orbitally-selective Mott state, piezochromism, and superconductivity. In this work, we bring together diamond anvil cell techniques, infrared and Raman scattering spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction with a detailed symmetry analysis and first-principles calculations to uncover a series of high-pressure phases in NiPS3. Remarkably, we find five different states of matter between ambient conditions and 39 GPa—quite different than in the other MPS3 materials. Even more strikingly, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction combined with a symmetry analysis reveal both metallicity and loss of the inversion center above ~23 GPa suggesting that NiPS3 may be a polar metal with a P3m1 space group under these conditions and P1 symmetry under maximum compression. In addition to identifying a candidate polar metal ripe for further inquiry, we suggest that pressure may tune other complex chalcogenides into this elusive state.

Abstract Dehydrogenation of alkanes is of increasing importance in fulfilling global demand for olefins and offers a potential source of carbon‐neutral hydrogen as a co‐product. Currently commercial dehydrogenation processes occur at high‐temperatures (500–900 °C) which is energy intensive and results in side reactions and rapid coking of the catalysts. In addition, the hydrogen produced is often burned to maintain temperature and to inhibit the back reaction. Here, pressure is utilized as a parameter to enable novel chemical catalytic processes, and ambient‐temperature dehydrogenation of alkanes by palladium is observed at 50–100 MPa, with both hydrogen gas and olefins recovered on decompression. This reaction follows a fundamentally different path to current commercial high‐temperature low‐pressure dehydrogenation processes with the palladium catalyst reversibly forming a hydride intermediate.

Diffusion-Weight Imaging (DWI) is increasingly used to explore a range of outcomes in pediatric concussion, particularly the neurobiological underpinnings of symptom recovery. However, the DWI findings within the broader pediatric concussion literature are mixed, which can largely be explained by methodological heterogeneity. To address some of these limitations, the aim of the present study was to utilize internationally- recognized criteria for concussion and a consistent imaging timepoint to conduct a comprehensive, multi-parametric survey of white matter microstructure after concussion. Forty-three children presenting with concussion to the emergency department of a tertiary level pediatric hospital underwent neuroimaging and were classified as either normally recovering (n = 27), or delayed recovering (n = 14) based on their post-concussion symptoms at 2 weeks post-injury. We combined multiple DWI metrics across four modeling approaches using Linked Independent Component Analysis (LICA) to extract several independent patterns of covariation in tissue microstructure present in the study cohort. Our analysis did not identify significant differences between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups and no component significantly predicted delayed recovery. If white matter microstructure changes are implicated in delayed recovery from concussion, these findings, alongside previous work, suggest that current diffusion techniques are insufficient to detect those changes at this time.

Abstract An individual’s spatial behavior is shaped by social and environmental factors and provides critical information about population processes to inform conservation and management actions. Heterogeneity in spatial overlap among conspecifics can be evaluated using estimates of home ranges and core areas and used to understand factors influencing space use and territoriality. To understand and test predictions about spatial behavior in an invasive large mammal, the wild pig (Sus scrofa), we examined variation in space use between sexes and seasons. We predicted that if animals were territorial that there would be a reduction in space-use overlap when comparing overlap of home ranges (HR–HR), to home ranges and core areas (HR–CA), and in-turn between core areas (CA–CA). Home ranges and core areas were estimated for 54 wild pigs at Buck Island Ranch, FL from GPS telemetry data. Overlap indices were calculated to estimate the strength (space-use overlap) and number of potential interactions within three wet seasons (June–October) and two dry seasons (December–April). Among sexes, home range size did not vary seasonally, and males exhibited larger home ranges compared to females (M = 10.36 ± 0.79 km2 (± SE), F = 3.21 ± 0.16 km2). Strength of overlap varied by season with wild pig home ranges overlapping more during the dry season. Males interacted with a greater number of individuals of both sexes, compared to females, and exhibited greater strength of overlap during the dry season. Consistent with our predictions, wild pigs appeared to exhibit territorial behavior, where strength of overlap decreased when comparing HR–HR to HR–CA and HR–CA to CA–CA. Our framework can be used to understand patterns of space use and territoriality in populations, which has important implications in understanding intraspecific interactions and population processes, such as how pathogens and parasites might spread within and among populations.

Abstract Background Infection with Bartonella species is common in cats but reported effects of bacteremia on laboratory variables differ. Objectives Evaluate for associations between Bartonella bacteremia and CBC and serum biochemical changes in sick and healthy cats throughout the United States. Animals A total of 3964 client‐owned cats. Methods Retrospective cohort study using submissions to a commercial laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Serum biochemistry and CBC abnormalities (categorized as above or below reference intervals), age, and location (high‐ or low‐risk state for Ctenocephalides felis) in presumed healthy and sick cats were evaluated for associations with presence of Bartonella spp. DNA, detected by PCR. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Bartonella spp. DNA was amplified from 127 (3.2%) of 3964 cats; 126 (99.2%) of 127 were from high flea risk states and 121 (95.3%) of 127 were presumed sick. Fever of unknown origin was the most common PCR panel requested. In the multivariable analysis, neutrophilia, decreased ALP activity, clinical status (presumed sick), and young age (≤2 years) each were positively associated whereas neutropenia and hyperproteinemia both were negatively associated with Bartonella spp. bacteremia. Presence of Bartonella spp. DNA had no association with test results for other infectious disease agents. Conclusions and Clinical Importance In both healthy and sick cats, active Bartonella infections had minimal association with clinically relevant laboratory abnormalities. However, based on these results, in areas considered high risk for C. felis, active infection with Bartonella spp. is a reasonable differential diagnosis for cats presented with unexplained fever and neutrophilia, particularly if the cat is young.

Abstract Cities are seen as quintessentially human; however, because they can offer viable habitat to many plants, animals and other forms of life, cities are also dynamic ecosystems. As urban areas expand to house more of the global human population and reduce natural habitat for wildlife, the need for wildlife‐inclusive urban planning and design becomes increasingly pressing. The 2019 Urban Wildlife Information Network Summit responded to this need by connecting a group of 80 scientists, urban planners and designers to examine the role of cities in combating the global biodiversity crisis. The Summit focused on identifying and addressing barriers to transdisciplinary work between these communities, such as disciplinary silos, varying incentive structures, funding, differences in spatio‐temporal scale, existing infrastructure and values and bias. We explore the challenges to network building for wildlife‐inclusive design and planning revealed by the Summit and offer potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles for more effective collaboration around wildlife‐inclusive cities. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

A new design for a quasi-endfire spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP) leaky-wave antenna (LWA) is presented for wearable application. The antenna consists of an ultra-thin corrugated metallic structure screen-printed on a flexible textile substrate, which supports extremely confined spoof surface plasmon polaritons. To enable a highly directional leaky mode, two unit-cell designs with different surface impedances are incorporated to realize binary perturbations on the in-plane wavenumber. An auto-adaptive multi-objective optimizer (MOO) is utilized to intelligently design the surface impedance configuration, which achieves significant dimensional reduction compared to the periodically modified SSPP LWAs. A final miniaturized version with 28-unit-cells achieved about 70% size reduction in comparison to the longer design of 75 unit-cells. For proof of concept, the antenna is designed and optimized for operation at 6 GHz. A bandwidth of >200 MHz (5.90 GHz - 6.13 GHz) is achieved, centered around 6 GHz, for which the highly directional endfire pattern can be tilted to 22° and 14° for the 28 and 75 unit-call designs, respectively. The measured results agree well with the simulations. Meanwhile, experimental results show that the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is lower than 1.6 W/kg standard when the antenna is 2 mm away from the human phantom. This textile-based antenna realized with advanced screen-printing technology is extremely suitable for garment integration due to its high flexibility, low-profile, good fabrication accuracy, and robustness in its performance.

Abstract CRISPR loss of function screens are powerful tools to interrogate biology but exhibit a number of biases and artifacts that can confound the results. Here, we introduce Chronos, an algorithm for inferring gene knockout fitness effects based on an explicit model of cell proliferation dynamics after CRISPR gene knockout. We test Chronos on two pan-cancer CRISPR datasets and one longitudinal CRISPR screen. Chronos generally outperforms competitors in separation of controls and strength of biomarker associations, particularly when longitudinal data is available. Additionally, Chronos exhibits the lowest copy number and screen quality bias of evaluated methods. Chronos is available at https://github.com/broadinstitute/chronos .

Abstract Electrochemical advanced oxidative processes (EAOP) are a promising route to destroy recalcitrant organic contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. Central to EAOP are catalysis-induced reactive free radicals for breaking the carbon fluorine bonds in PFAS. Generating these reactive species electrochemically at electrodes provides an advantage over other oxidation processes that rely on chemicals or other harsh conditions. Herein, we report on the performance of niobium (Nb) doped rutile titanium oxide (TiO2) as a novel EAOP catalytic material, combining theoretical modeling with experimental synthesis and characterization. Calculations based on density functional theory are used to predict the overpotential for oxygen evolution at these candidate electrodes, which must be high in order to oxidize PFAS. The results indicate a non-monotonic trend in which Nb doping below 6.25 at.% is expected to reduce performance relative to TiO2, while higher concentrations up to 12.5 at.% lead to increased performance, approaching that of state-of-the-art Magnéli Ti4O7. TiO2 samples were synthesized with Nb doping concentration at 10 at.%, heat treated at temperatures from 800 to 1100 °C, and found to exhibit high oxidative stability and high generation of reactive oxygen free radical species. The capability of Nb-doped TiO2 to destroy two common species of PFAS in challenge water was tested, and moderate reduction by ~ 30% was observed, comparable to that of Ti4O7 using a simple three-electrode configuration. We conclude that Nb-doped TiO2 is a promising alternative EAOP catalytic material with increased activity towards generating reactive oxygen species and warrants further development for electrochemically destroying PFAS contaminants.

Background: In this report, we outline our approach to implementing a hybrid in-person and virtual clinic model at a student-run free clinic (SRFC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) are at an increased risk for COVID-19 infection and severe clinical outcomes. It is unclear if telehealth is a viable continuity of care enabler for the underserved. Methods: The Weill Cornell Community Clinic (WCCC) implemented a novel telehealth clinic model to serve uninsured patients in May 2020. A phone survey of was conducted to assess WCCC patients access to technology needed for telehealth visits (eg, personal computers, smartphones). Patient no-show rates were retrospectively assessed for both in-person (pre-pandemic) and hybrid continuity of care models. Results: The phone survey found that 90% of WCCC patients had access to technology needed for telehealth visits. In the 8 months following implementation of the hybrid model, telehealth and in-person no-show rates were 11% (14/128) and 15% (10/67) respectively; the combined hybrid no-show rate was 12% (24/195). For comparison, the in-person 2019 no-show rate was 23% (84/367). This study aligns with previous reports that telehealth improves patient attendance. Conclusion: Literature on the transition of SRFCs from in-person to telehealth care delivery models is limited. At the WCCC, the reduction in no-show rates supports the feasibility and benefits of adopting telehealth for the delivery of care to underserved patient populations. We believe the hybrid telehealth model described here is a viable model for other student run free clinics to increase access to care in low SES communities.

BackgroundTechnology-based interventions (TBIs; ie, web-based and mobile interventions) have the potential to promote health equity in substance use treatment (SUTx) for underrepresented groups (people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and American Indian/Alaskan Native) by removing barriers and increasing access to culturally relevant effective treatments. However, technologies (emergent and more long-standing) may have unintended consequences that could perpetuate health care disparities among people who identify as a member of one of the underrepresented groups. Health care research, and SUTx research specifically, is infrequently conducted with people who identify with these groups as the main focus. Therefore, an improved understanding of the literature at the intersection of SUTx, TBIs, and underrepresented groups is warranted to avoid exacerbating inequities and to promote health equity. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore peer-reviewed literature (January 2000-March 2021) that includes people who identify as a member of one of the underrepresented groups in SUTx research using TBIs. We further seek to explore whether this subset of research is race/ethnicity conscious (does the research consider members of underrepresented groups beyond their inclusion as study participants in the introduction, methods, results, or discussion). MethodsFive electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycInfo) were searched to identify SUTx research using TBIs, and studies were screened for eligibility at the title/abstract and full-text levels. Studies were included if their sample comprised of people who identify as a member of one of the underrepresented groups at 50% or more when combined. ResultsTitle/abstract and full-text reviews were completed in 2021. These efforts netted a sample of 185 studies that appear to meet inclusionary criteria. Due to the uniqueness of tobacco relative to other substances in the SUTx space, as well as the large number of studies netted, we plan to separately publish a scoping review on tobacco-focused studies that meet all other criteria. Filtering for tobacco-focused studies (n=31) netted a final full-text sample for a main scoping review of 154 studies. The tobacco-focused scoping review manuscript is expected to be submitted for peer review in Spring 2022. The main scoping review data extraction and data validation to confirm the accuracy and consistency of data extraction across records was completed in March 2022. We expect to publish the main scoping review findings by the end of 2022. ConclusionsResearch is needed to increase our understanding of the range and nature of TBIs being used in SUTx research studies with members of underrepresented groups. The planned scoping review will highlight research at this intersection to promote health equity. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/34508

The determination of whether cancer cell lines recapitulate the molecular features of corresponding patient tumours remains essential for the selection of appropriate cell line models for preclinical studies. The method developed here, Celligner, integrates cancer cell line and tumour RNA-seq datasets and reveals large differences in their concordance across cell lines and cancer types.

Millimetre waves: soliton solutions in optical microcavity Powerful high-frequency radio waves can be generated by shining laser-driven resonating microcavity solitons onto tiny photodiodes, researchers in the USA have shown. Millimetre-waves (mmWaves), at the top end of the radio spectrum, will improve bandwidth and resolution for future telecommunication technologies, and recent breakthroughs promise ways to generate mmWaves through photonic, rather than electronic, methods. Now, Beichen Wang at the University of Virginia and co-workers have directed laser light into a microscopic ring-shaped silicon nitride resonator, generating solitary wave packets (solitons) that illuminate a tiny photodiode to produce 100 Gigahertz mmWaves at one of the highest powers ever reported. The researchers believe their system could be modified to generate higher-frequency mmWaves of several hundred Gigahertz. Moreover, the microresonator absorbs only a small portion of the laser power, which could be recycled to drive other microresonators.

Background Oncogenes act in a cell-intrinsic way to promote tumorigenesis. Whether oncogenes also have a cell-extrinsic effect on suppressing the immune response to cancer is less well understood.Methods We use an in vivo expression screen of known cancer-associated somatic mutations in mouse syngeneic tumor models treated with checkpoint blockade to identify oncogenes that promote immune evasion. We then validated candidates from this screen in vivo and analyzed the tumor immune microenvironment of tumors expressing mutant protein to identify mechanisms of immune evasion.Results We found that expression of a catalytically active mutation in phospho-inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), PIK3CA c.3140A>G (H1047R) confers a selective growth advantage to tumors treated with immunotherapy that is reversed by pharmacological PI3K inhibition. PIK3CA H1047R-expression in tumors decreased the number of CD8+ T cells but increased the number of inhibitory myeloid cells following immunotherapy. Inhibition of myeloid infiltration by pharmacological or genetic modulation of Ccl2 in PIK3CA H1047R tumors restored sensitivity to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) checkpoint blockade.Conclusions PI3K activation enables tumor immune evasion by promoting an inhibitory myeloid microenvironment. Activating mutations in PI3K may be useful as a biomarker of poor response to immunotherapy. Our data suggest that some oncogenes promote tumorigenesis by enabling tumor cells to avoid clearance by the immune system. Identification of those mechanisms can advance rational combination strategies to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy.

In many communities, regions, or landscapes, there are numerous environmental groups working across different sectors and creating stewardship networks that shape the environment and the benefits people derive from it. The make-up of these networks can vary, but generally include organizations of different sizes and capacities. As the Covid-19 pandemic (2020 to the present) shuts down businesses and nonprofits, catalyzes new initiatives, and generally alters the day-to-day professional and personal lives, it is logical to assume that these stewardship networks and their environmental work are impacted; exactly how, is unknown. In this study, we analyze the self-reported effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on stewardship groups working in southeast New England, USA. Stewardship organizations were surveyed from November 2020 to April 2021 and asked, among other questions, “How is Covid-19 affecting your organization?” We analyzed responses using several qualitative coding approaches. Our analysis revealed group-level impacts including changes in group capacity, challenges in managing access to public green spaces, and altered forms of volunteer engagement. These results provide insights into the varied effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and government responses such as stay-at-home orders and social distancing policies on stewardship that can inform the development of programs to reduce negative outcomes and enhance emerging capacities and innovations.

Abstract Background Targeted contrast nanoparticles for breast tumor imaging facilitates early detection and improves treatment efficacy of breast cancer. This manuscript reports the development of an epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) specific, bi-modal, dendrimer conjugate to enhance computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of HER-2-positive breast cancer. This material employs generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers, encapsulated gold nanoparticles, chelated gadolinium, and anti-human HER-2 antibody to produce the nanoparticle contrast agent. Results Testing in two mouse tumor models confirms this contrast agent’s ability to image HER-2 positive tumors. Intravenous injection of this nanoparticle in mice bearing HER-2 positive mammary tumors significantly enhances MRI signal intensity by ~ 20% and improves CT resolution and contrast by two-fold. Results by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy validate the specific targeting of the conjugate and its internalization in human HER-2 positive cells. Conclusion These results demonstrate that this nanoparticle conjugate can efficiently target and image HER-2 positive tumors in vivo and provide a basis for the development of this diagnostic tool for early detection, metastatic assessment and therapeutic monitoring of HER-2 positive cancers.

In this paper, a compact and low-profile proximity-fed textile-based antenna with robust performance and improved bandwidth is proposed for body-area network (BAN) applications. The employed proximity-fed antenna differs from traditional wearable antennas in the sense that it not only exhibits improved bandwidth but also a reduced footprint. The proposed antenna also possesses an extreme robustness when subject to structural deformation and human body loading effects. In addition, the impact of the uncertainty in the dielectric constant (a characteristic associated with most textile material systems) is investigated for the first time. Experimental results show that the proposed proximity-fed antenna outperforms wearable antennas that employ more conventional feeding methodologies. The antenna was fabricated using two different flexible textile-based material systems (i.e., one printed and one embroidered). The advantages and disadvantages of each fabrication approach are discussed. The proposed antenna is characterized in free-space and on a human body, yielding robust performance in both cases.

Integrating independent large-scale pharmacogenomic screens can enable unprecedented characterization of genetic vulnerabilities in cancers. Here, the authors show that the two largest independent CRISPR-Cas9 gene-dependency screens are concordant, paving the way for joint analysis of the data sets.

Some aspects of psychiatrization can be understood as forms of concept creep, the progressive expansion of concepts of harm. This article compares the two concepts and explores how concept creep sheds light on psychiatrization. We argue that although psychiatrization is in some respects a broader concept than concept creep, addressing institutional and societal dimensions of the expanding reach of psychiatry in addition to conceptual change, concept creep is broader in other respects, viewing the expansion of psychiatric concepts as examples of the broadening of a more extensive range of harm-related concepts. A concept creep perspective on psychiatrization clarifies the different forms of expansion it involves, the centrality of harm to it, its benefits as well as its costs, its variations across individuals and groups, and the drivers of psychiatrization in the general public and in fields beyond psychiatry.

Hormones mediate physiological and behavioral changes in adults as they transition into reproduction. In this study, we characterize the circulating levels of five key hormones involved in reproduction in rock doves (Columba livia): corticosterone, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, and prolactin using univariate and multivariate approaches. We show similar patterns as previous studies in the overall patterns in circulating levels of these hormones, i.e., testosterone (males) and estradiol (females) high during nest-building or egg-laying, prolactin increasing at mid-incubation and peaking at hatching (both sexes), and elevated corticosterone levels in later incubation and early nestling development. In our investigation of hormone co-variation, we find a strong correlation between prolactin and corticosterone across sampling stages and similarities in earlier (early to mid-incubation) compared to later (late incubation to nestling d9) sampling stages in males and females. Finally, we utilized experimental manipulations to simulate nest loss or altered caregiving lengths to test whether external cues, internal timing, or a combination of these factors contributed most to hormone variation. Following nest loss, we found that both males and females responded to the external cue. Males generally responded quickly following nest loss by increasing circulating testosterone, but this response was muted when nest loss occurred early in reproduction. Similar treatment type, e.g., removal of eggs, clustered similarly in hormone space. These results suggest internal drivers limited male response early in reproduction to nest loss. In contrast, circulating levels of these hormones in females either did not change or decreased following nest manipulation suggesting responsiveness to external drivers, but unlike males, this result suggests that reproductive processes were decreasing.

Summary: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in K–12 schools was rare during in 2020–2021; few studies included Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended screening of asymptomatic individuals. We conduct a prospective observational study of SARS-CoV-2 screening in a mid-sized suburban public school district to evaluate the incidence of asymptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), document frequency of in-school transmission, and characterize barriers and facilitators to asymptomatic screening in schools. Staff and students undergo weekly pooled testing using home-collected saliva samples. Identification of >1 case in a school prompts investigation for in-school transmission and enhancement of safety strategies. With layered mitigation measures, in-school transmission even before student or staff vaccination is rare. Screening identifies a single cluster with in-school staff-to-staff transmission, informing decisions about in-person learning. The proportion of survey respondents self-reporting comfort with in-person learning before versus after implementation of screening increases. Costs exceed $260,000 for assays alone; staff and volunteers spend 135–145 h per week implementing screening.

The importance of mechanical force in biology is evident across diverse length scales, ranging from tissue morphogenesis during embryo development to mechanotransduction across single adhesion proteins at the cell surface. Consequently, many force measurement techniques rely on optical microscopy to measure forces being applied by cells on their environment, to visualize specimen deformations due to external forces, or even to directly apply a physical perturbation to the sample via photoablation or optogenetic tools. Recent developments in advanced microscopy offer improved approaches to enhance spatiotemporal resolution, imaging depth, and sample viability. These advances can be coupled with already existing force measurement methods to improve sensitivity, duration and speed, amongst other parameters. However, gaining access to advanced microscopy instrumentation and the expertise necessary to extract meaningful insights from these techniques is an unavoidable hurdle. In this Live Cell Imaging special issue Review, we survey common microscopy-based force measurement techniques and examine how they can be bolstered by emerging microscopy methods. We further explore challenges related to the accompanying data analysis in biomechanical studies and discuss the various resources available to tackle the global issue of technology dissemination, an important avenue for biologists to gain access to pre-commercial instruments that can be leveraged for biomechanical studies.

Ethnic and racial group differences in help-seeking are a barrier to the effective and equitable delivery of mental health services. Asian American populations demonstrate relatively low levels of help-seeking. Explanations for this effect typically point to elevated levels of stigma in these populations. An alternative explanation is that low help-seeking might also reflect holding a relatively circumscribed concept of mental disorder. Individuals and groups with less inclusive concepts of disorder may be less likely to identify problems as appropriate for mental health treatment. This study aimed to test whether group differences in the breadth of the mental disorder concept account for group differences in help-seeking attitudes. A sample of 212 American participants (102 Asian Americans and 110 White Americans) were assessed on personal stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and mental disorder concept breadth. Mediation analyses examined whether stigma and concept breadth mediated group differences in attitudes. Compared to White Americans, Asian Americans reported higher levels of stigma and narrower concepts of mental disorder, both of which were associated with less positive help-seeking attitudes. Stigma and concept breadth both partially mediated the group difference in attitudes. Theoretical and practical implications for mental health promotion and culturally sensitive clinical practices are explored.

Investigation of the negative impacts of stress on reproduction has largely centered around the effects of the adrenal steroid hormone, corticosterone (CORT), and its influence on a system of tissues vital for reproduction—the hypothalamus of the brain, the pituitary gland, and the gonads (the HPG axis). Research on the action of CORT on the HPG axis has predominated the stress and reproductive biology literature, potentially overshadowing other influential mediators. To gain a more complete understanding of how elevated CORT affects transcriptomic activity of the HPG axis, we experimentally examined its role in male and female rock doves (Columba livia). We exogenously administrated CORT to mimic circulating levels during the stress response, specifically 30 min of restraint stress, an experimental paradigm known to increase circulating CORT in vertebrates. We examined all changes in transcription within each level of the HPG axis as compared to both restraint-stressed birds and vehicle-injected controls. We also investigated the differential transcriptomic response to CORT and restraint-stress in each sex. We report causal and sex-specific effects of CORT on the HPG transcriptomic stress response. Restraint stress caused 1567 genes to uniquely differentially express while elevated circulating CORT was responsible for the differential expression of 304 genes. Only 108 genes in females and 8 in males differentially expressed in subjects that underwent restraint stress and those who were given exogenous CORT. In response to elevated CORT and restraint-stress, both sexes shared the differential expression of 5 genes, KCNJ5, CISH, PTGER3, CEBPD, and ZBTB16, all located in the pituitary. The known functions of these genes suggest potential influence of elevated CORT on immune function and prolactin synthesis. Gene expression unique to each sex indicated that elevated CORT affected more gene transcription in females than males (78 genes versus 3 genes, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate the role of CORT in HPG genomic transcription during a stress response. We present an extensive and openly accessible view of the role corticosterone in the HPG transcriptomic stress response. Because the HPG system is well conserved across vertebrates, these data have the potential to inspire new therapeutic strategies for reproductive dysregulation in multiple vertebrate systems, including our own.