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Bond of Bards is a short, musical, friendship-building game about forming a crew of singing pirates to serenade a vengeful kraken.

One of the most dynamic components of Earth surface mass variability is the constant global redistribution of terrestrial water storage (TWS) across temporal scales of hours to decades. Mass loading and unloading from TWS changes induce instantaneous elastic deformation of the solid earth, producing predominantly vertical transient displacements that are observable by geodetic methods. The global expansion of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) networks during the last decade have provided new opportunities of directly estimating changes in TWS at high spatial and temporal resolutions. While contemporary GNSS studies have demonstrated the ability to map regional-scale water storage variability, incorporating these geodetic TWS estimates with in-situ hydrologic measurements can provide further insights on the physical mechanisms underlying the terrestrial water cycle. In this study, we investigate the potential of using GNSS-derived TWS estimates to infer individual watershed condition along California’s Sierra Nevada, a major water source for urban and agricultural use. Utilizing the dense GNSS network in the western United States, we invert vertical displacements for TWS change at subbasin scale spatial resolution (USGS HUC-8). Joint analysis of our TWS estimates and stream gauge data shows contrasting seasonal behaviours in the northern and southern Sierra Nevada. The snow-dominated southern section exhibits a significant time lag between maximum storage and maximum baseflow from March to May, indicating wet-season decoupling between surface storage and the subsurface reservoirs that drive baseflow. In contrast, the northern section exhibits little to no lag, indicative of persistent surface-to-subsurface coupling, consistent with the higher rain-to-snow ratio in the north. Furthermore, we demonstrate that GNSS-derived TWS estimates can be used to infer watershed antecedent storage conditions, in which interannual variability in summer storage (dry season) influences streamflow recession behaviours during early precipitation season. Continued development of GNSS-based water storage estimates and future assimilation with hydrologic models should provide additional understanding of the water budget and hillslope hydrology in the Sierra Nevada.

Studies indicate prescription stimulant use for cognitive performance enhancement is normalized, contributing to increases in non-medical prescription stimulant use (NPSU) through peer recommendati...

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04363203

IntroductionThe association of weather factors on dengue transmission in an urbanized tropical environment remains inconclusive. This study aims to assess the impact of weather factors on dengue incidence in Singapore between 2012 and 2019.MethodsData on weather variables (daily temperature, air quality, rainfall & wind speed) and weekly dengue incidence rates were collected from 1 January 2012 to 25 August 2019. Statistically significant correlated variables identified from cross-correlation analysis using Pearson’s correlation were examined in univariate ARIMA model. Quasi-Poisson model with a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was established to assess any non-linear association between climatic factors and dengue incidence. FindingsPoor air quality (PSI: 150) and high wind speeds (12 km/h) were associated with reduced risk of dengue transmission in an urbanized tropical environment. Only a limited temperature range (27-32 °C and 23-25 °C) promotes dengue transmission whereas extreme heat inhibited dengue incidence (27°C, Ref. 25.14 °C; RR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.93). Rainfall exerts positive and negative influence alternately on weekly dengue cases across lags but the influence was not robust in sensitivity analysis. Based on split-sample model validation, mean temperature was the best predictor of dengue in prediction part (MAE: 43.15, RMSE: 51.39).

We analyze data from 580 continuous global positioning system (GPS) stations in California to quantify differences in published velocity estimates from five analysis centers. Horizontal and vertical rates for individual stations can differ up to 5 mm/yr, with systematic differences in some areas comparable to deformation rates. Published velocity uncertainties vary between analysis centers and are systematically underreported in the horizontal relative to empirical uncertainties calculated from the scatter of analysis center velocities. In the vertical, published velocity uncertainties are both over and underreported and vary more widely between centers. An interpolated ensemble vertical velocity field shows high‐subsidence regions in the Central Valley and Salton Trough have the largest empirical uncertainties, while station density has a modest impact on uncertainties. Applications that rely on subcentimeter GPS accuracy should consider the possibility that formal errors published with velocity rate estimates understate true velocity uncertainties in both the horizontal and vertical.

The study of vertical crustal motion in the contiguous United States (CONUS) has traditionally focused on the high-amplitude deformation caused by glacial isostatic adjustment. To better understand more subtle vertical crustal motion resulting from other geophysical processes, we take advantage of the ongoing expansion of continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) networks, whose geodetic observations provide ever-increasing accuracy and spatial resolution of surface deformation. Using position data for 2,782 GPS stations operating between 2007 and 2017, we produce a new vertical crustal velocity field for the CONUS region. We estimate our own station velocities to ensure consistent treatment of time series outliers, noise, and offsets, and we use adaptive smoothing and interpolation to account for spatially varying station density. Our velocity field reveals spatially coherent vertical features that are representative of regional tectonics, hydrologic, and anthropogenic processes. By removing the effects of modeled glacial isostatic adjustment and hydrologic loading estimated from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) data, we reduce the variance in our velocity field by 36% and show residuals potentially due to geocenter motion and underlying tectonics.

We present new Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations of surface deformation in the Altiplano–Puna region (South America) where previous studies documented a broad uplift at an average rate of ∼10 mm/yr. We use data from the Sentinel-1 satellite mission to produce high-resolution velocity maps and time series of surface displacements between years 2014–2017. The data reveal that the uplift has slowed down substantially compared to the 1992–2010 epoch and is characterized by short-term fluctuations on time scales of months to years. The observed variations in uplift rate may indicate a non-steady supply of melt and/or volatiles from the partially molten Altiplano–Puna Magma Body (APMB) into an incipient diapir forming in the roof of the APMB.

Successful detection of SARS-COV-2 in wastewater suggests the potential utility of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19 community surveillance. This systematic review aims to assess the performance of wastewater surveillance as early warning system of COVID-19 community transmission. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Embase and the WBE Consortium Registry according to PRISMA guidelines for relevant articles published until 31st July 2021. Relevant data were extracted and summarized. Quality of each paper was assessed using an assessment tool adapted from Bilotta et al.'s tool for environmental science. Of 763 studies identified, 92 studies distributed across 34 countries were shortlisted for qualitative synthesis. A total of 26,197 samples were collected between January 2020 and May 2021 from various locations serving population ranging from 321 to 11,400,000 inhabitants. Overall sample positivity was moderate at 29.2% in all examined settings with the spike (S) gene having maximum rate of positive detections and nucleocapsid (N) gene being the most targeted. Wastewater signals preceded confirmed cases by up to 63 days, with 13 studies reporting sample positivity before the first cases were detected in the community. At least 50 studies reported an association of viral load with community cases. While wastewater surveillance cannot replace large-scale diagnostic testing, it can complement clinical surveillance by providing early signs of potential transmission for more active public health responses. However, more studies using standardized and validated methods are required along with risk analysis and modelling to understand the dynamics of viral outbreaks., Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image

Introduction and Aims Substitution is operationalised as a conscious choice made by users to use one drug instead of, or in conjunction with another based on: perceived safety, level of addiction potential, effectiveness in relieving symptoms, access and level of acceptance. Harm reduction is a set of strategies that aim to minimise problems associated with drug use while recognising that for some users, abstinence may be neither a realistic nor a desirable goal. In this paper, we aim for deeper understandings of older adult cannabis users' beliefs and substitution practices as part of the harm reduction framework. Design and Methods We present selected findings from our qualitative study of Baby Boomer (born 1946–1964) marijuana users in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although the sample consisted of primary cannabis users, many had personal experience with other drugs throughout their lifetimes. Data collection consisted of an audio-recorded, semi-structured in-depth life history interview followed by a questionnaire and health survey. Qualitative interviews were analysed to discover users' harm reduction beliefs and cannabis substitution practices. Results Study participants described using cannabis as a safer alternative for alcohol, illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals based on their perceptions of less adverse side effects, low-risk for addiction and greater effectiveness at relieving symptoms, such as chronic pain. Discussion and Conclusions Cannabis substitution can be an effective harm reduction method for those who are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs completely. More research is needed on cannabis as a safer alternative. [Lau N, Sales P, Averill S, Murphy F, Sato S, Murphy S. A safer alternative: Cannabis substitution as harm reduction. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:654–659]

Findings for this article are derived from our National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded study of older and younger Baby Boomers and marijuana use. We explore Baby Boomers’ use of a variety of cannabis products and the motives behind the choices they make concerning these preparations. Cannabis concentrates and edible goods have become increasingly popular over the years. With so many new ways to consume marijuana and a growing number of medical marijuana dispensaries, more and more people are using alternative cannabis products to relieve physical ailments, to improve mental health issues, and for recreational purposes. We explore Baby Boomers’ motives to use and how aging may change those motives and influence their choices in cannabis delivery systems. As they get older, Boomers’ health concerns grow and many have turned to these alternative cannabis products to improve mental and physical well-being, and even to reduce the potential risks of traditional marijuana smoking.

In the US, prescription stimulants are prescribed for a variety of conditions including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Over the last two decades, dramatic increases in stimulant prescriptions have led to greater availability and increased risk for diversion and nonmedical use. Our own and other investigators' findings indicate that many drug "suppliers" do not fit into the traditional image of drug "dealers." These suppliers typically do not identify themselves as "dealers," but instead understand their drug distribution as sharing with people they know. Coomber and colleagues' (2007; 2013) concept of "social supply" raises the question: When friends supply or facilitate supply of drugs to friends, is this really dealing? Further, if dealing and supplying are distinct kinds of social transactions, should different types of criminal justice approaches be applied? Social supply extends our understanding of drug dealing as a complex social activity. In this article, we examine the issue of social supply among nonmedical users of prescription stimulants. We conducted a 36-month National Institute on Drug Abuse-funded project to conduct a qualitative, mixed methods study of 150 adult nonmedical prescription stimulant users in the San Francisco Bay Area. We explore intersecting factors, including life stage and social location, that contribute to decisions to use prescription stimulants nonmedically, motivations to use, knowledge about risks and benefits of prescription stimulant use, any adverse health or social consequences experienced, availability, acquisition and diversion of prescription stimulants, and differences in attitudes and behaviours. For this analysis, we rely on participants' narratives concerning prescription stimulant acquisition practices and how they understood these interactions, purchases, and exchanges with the suppliers of prescription stimulants in their social networks. The authors argue that acknowledging the distinction between social supply and "proper" drug dealing would redress the disparity between drug sharing and profiteering particularly regarding criminal sentencing.

We present a case of a 49-year-old woman who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy for symptomatic treatment of an obstructive periampullary duodenal mass initially found on CT imaging. Histologically, the tumor showed a triphasic pattern including small round cells, a spindle-cell component and ganglion cells of varying size. Furthermore, the tumor was surrounded by a proliferation of pancreatic ducts. These features led to the diagnosis of a gangliocytic paraganglioma arising in an ectopic pancreas. Sections of the tumor were then stained for SOX10, a neural crest transcription factor, and it was shown to be positive in the ganglion cells. The exact origin of gangliocytic paragangliomas has not yet been clearly defined. However, this finding of aberrant expression of SOX10 supports the idea of these lesions being neoplastic in nature.

Background Cannabis use is becoming more accepted in mainstream society. In this paper, we use Zinberg's classic theoretical framework of drug, set, and setting to elucidate how older adult cannabis users managed health, social and legal risks in a context of normalized cannabis use. Methods We present selected findings from our qualitative study of Baby Boomer (born 1946–1964) cannabis users in the San Francisco Bay Area. Data collection consisted of a recorded, in-depth life history interview followed by a questionnaire and health survey. Qualitative interviews were analyzed to discover the factors of cannabis harm reduction from the users' perspectives. Results Interviewees made harm reduction choices based on preferred cannabis derivatives and routes of administration, as well as why, when, where, and with whom to use. Most interviewees minimized cannabis-related harms so they could maintain social functioning in their everyday lives. Responsible and controlled use was described as moderation of quantity and frequency of cannabis used, using in appropriate settings, and respect for non-users. Users contributed to the normalization of cannabis use through normification. Conclusion Participants followed rituals or cultural practices, characterized by sanctions that helped define "normal" or "acceptable" cannabis use. Users contributed to cannabis normalization through their harm reduction methods. These cultural practices may prove to be more effective than formal legal prohibitions in reducing cannabis-related harms. Findings also suggest that users with access to a regulated market (medical cannabis dispensaries) were better equipped to practice harm reduction. More research is needed on both cannabis culture and alternative routes of administration as harm reduction methods.

Substitution is operationalised as a conscious choice made by users to use one drug instead of, or in conjunction with another based on: perceived safety, level of addiction potential, effectiveness in relieving symptoms, access and level of acceptance. Harm reduction is a set of strategies that aim to minimise problems associated with drug use while recognising that for some users, abstinence may be neither a realistic nor a desirable goal. In this paper, we aim for deeper understandings of older adult cannabis users' beliefs and substitution practices as part of the harm reduction framework.We present selected findings from our qualitative study of Baby Boomer (born 1946-1964) marijuana users in the San Francisco Bay Area. Although the sample consisted of primary cannabis users, many had personal experience with other drugs throughout their lifetimes. Data collection consisted of an audio-recorded, semi-structured in-depth life history interview followed by a questionnaire and health survey. Qualitative interviews were analysed to discover users' harm reduction beliefs and cannabis substitution practices.Study participants described using cannabis as a safer alternative for alcohol, illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals based on their perceptions of less adverse side effects, low-risk for addiction and greater effectiveness at relieving symptoms, such as chronic pain.Cannabis substitution can be an effective harm reduction method for those who are unable or unwilling to stop using drugs completely. More research is needed on cannabis as a safer alternative.