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Objective Static endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (SEES) is an instrumental evaluation developed for in‐office identification of patients who may benefit from a modified barium swallow study (MBSS). We aim to determine the predictive value of SEES for evaluating dysphagia. Methods A retrospective case series was performed on adults evaluated for dysphagia using SEES followed by MBSS at a single tertiary care center. Studies were evaluated by two blinded expert raters. Results Fifty‐eight patients were included. Thin liquid penetration on SEES had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.86 (95% CI 0.70‐0.95), 0.63 (95% CI 0.24‐0.91), 0.91 (95% CI 0.76‐0.98), and 0.5 (0.19‐0.81), respectively, for predicting thin liquid penetration on MBSS, and 1.0 (95% CI 0.59‐1.0), 0.29 (95% CI 0.15‐0.47), 0.23 (95% CI 0.10‐0.41), and 1.0 (95% CI 0.69‐1.0) for predicting thin liquid aspiration on MBSS. Thin liquid aspiration on SEES had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.67 (95% CI 0.09‐0.99), 0.85 (95% CI 0.66‐0.96), 0.33 (95% CI 0.04‐0.78), and 0.96 (95% CI 0.79‐1.0), respectively, for predicting thin liquid aspiration on MBSS. Conclusions SEES may be used as an objective in‐office test to screen for aspiration and penetration. Thin liquid penetration on SEES is moderately sensitive for predicting penetration on MBSS. Absence of thin liquid penetration or aspiration on SEES has a high NPV for excluding aspiration on MBSS. Abnormalities on SEES or the need to view the entire swallowing mechanism should prompt an MBSS for a more complete evaluation of dysphagia. Level of Evidence: 4, Static endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (SEES) is an instrumental evaluation developed for in‐office identification of patients who may benefit from a modified barium swallow study (MBSS). SEES may be used as an objective in‐office test to screen for aspiration and penetration. Absence of thin liquid penetration or aspiration on SEES has a high NPV for excluding aspiration on MBSS.

Satellite-based earth observation sensors are increasingly able to monitor geophysical signals related to natural hazards, and many groups are working on rapid data acquisition, processing, and dissemination to data users with a wide range of expertise and goals. A particular challenge in the meaningful dissemination of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data to non-expert users is its unique differential data structure and sometimes low signal to noise ratio. In this study, we evaluate the online dissemination of ground deformation measurements from InSAR through Twitter, alongside the provision of open access InSAR data from the Centre for Observation and Modelling of Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Tectonics (COMET) Looking Into Continents from Space with Synthetic Aperture Radar (LiCSAR) processing system. Our aim is to evaluate (1) who interacts with disseminated InSAR data, (2) how the data are used and (3) to discuss strategies for meaningful communication and dissemination of open InSAR data. We found that InSAR Twitter activity was primarily associated with natural hazard response, specifically following earthquakes and volcanic activity, where InSAR measurements of ground deformation were disseminated, often using wrapped and unwrapped interferograms. For earthquake events, Sentinel-1 data were acquired, processed, and tweeted within 4.7±2.8 days (shortest was one day). Open access Sentinel-1 data dominated the InSAR tweets and were applied to volcanic and earthquake events in the most engaged with (retweeted) content. Open access InSAR data provided by LiCSAR was widely accessed, including automatically processed and tweeted interferograms and interactive event pages revealing ground deformation following earthquake events. The further work required to integrate dissemination of InSAR data into longer-term disaster risk reduction strategies is highly specific, both to hazard-type, international community of practice, and local political setting and civil protection mandates. Notably, communication of uncertainties and processing methodologies are still lacking. We conclude by outlining the future direction of COMET LiCSAR products to maximise their useability.

Gains in pitch from gender affirming voice training (GVT) alone in trans women have historically been shown to decline after 1 year. Currently no standard exists for length and type of GVT that yields meaningful behavioral change and patient satisfaction with voice outcomes in trans women. This study aims to determine whether GVT alone leads to sustained pitch elevation and patient satisfaction in trans women.Retrospective review from 2016 to 2020 of trans women patients who underwent GVT alone for voice change. Charts were reviewed for acoustic analysis of pitch including sustained vowel fundamental frequency, speaking fundamental frequency, and quality of life data from the Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire at pre-therapy, immediate post-therapy, and extended post-therapy time intervals.A total of 157 patients presented to our Voice Center, of which 34 participated in the full course of GVT. Patients underwent an average of six sessions of GVT (range 5-7) over an average of 13.14 weeks (range 6-16). Average time between completing GVT and presenting for extended follow-up was 11.37 months (range 6-31). Compared to initial presentation prior to therapy, at extended follow-up after completing GVT average change in F0/a/, SF0, and TWVQ were 64.6 Hz, 31.3 Hz, and 32.45. No significant change was noted between immediate post-therapy and extended post-therapy acoustic measures. TWVQ demonstrated continued improvement between immediate post-therapy and extended post-therapy.In self-selected patients who present for extended follow-up, GVT alone can result in sustained pitch elevation and voice-related quality life in trans women.4 Laryngoscope, 2023.

Quality measurement across healthcare is undertaken with a goal of improving care and outcomes for patients; however, the relationship between quality measurement and patient outcomes remains largely untested, particularly in inpatient behavioral health. Using a retrospective quantitative design, we assessed 142 behavioral health organizations' quality data submitted to the Hospital-Based Inpatient Psychiatric Services and Inpatient Psychiatric Facility Quality Reporting programs from 2017 to 2018 and tested relationships between compliance on 16 quality measures and symptom improvement on patient self-report outcomes (SROs) at the facility level. Performance on many quality measures was negatively skewed (at least four have almost no room for improvement on average), and there was high interrelatedness between most quality measures. Nine of the assessed measures correlated with patient SROs but not in clear groupings. Findings indicate that an underlying organizational construct may be driving compliance rates on quality measures, but the measures are not linked to treatment outcomes as expected. We encourage an expansion of the current framework of behavioral health quality measurement beyond process and organization and suggest the addition of patient outcomes such as SROs as quality measures to directly assess patient improvement.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS An artificial intelligence (AI) tool was developed using audio clips of cis-male and cis-female voices based on spectral analysis to assess %probability of a voice being perceived as female (%Prob♀). This program was validated with 92% accuracy in cisgender speakers. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of fo on %Prob♀ by a validated AI tool in a cohort of trans females who underwent intervention to feminize their voice with behavioral modification and/or surgery. STUDY DESIGN Cohort study. METHODS Fundamental frequency (fo ) from prolonged vowel sounds (fo /a/) and fo from spontaneous speech (fo -sp) were measured using the Kay Pentax Computerized Speech Lab (Montvale, NJ) in trans females postintervention. The same voice samples were analyzed by the AI tool for %Prob♀. Chi-square analysis and regression models were performed accepting >50% Prob♀ as female voice. RESULTS Forty-two patients were available for analysis after intervention. fo -sp post-treatment was positively correlated with %Prob♀ (R = 0.645 [P 50% for the speech samples and fo -sp >160 Hz (P 160 Hz. Of these, the AI program only perceived nine patients as female (>50 %Prob♀). CONCLUSION Patients with fo -sp >160 Hz after feminization treatments are not necessarily perceived as having a high probability of being female by a validated AI tool. AI may represent a useful outcome measurement tool for patients undergoing gender affirming voice care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2567-2571, 2021.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS VT is often considered the preferred treatment for vocal feminization in transgender patients. However, Wendler glottoplasty offers a surgical option for increasing fundamental frequency and perception of vocal femininity. We aimed to determine whether the addition of glottoplasty to VT results in greater fundamental frequency elevation and improvement in quality-of-life measures. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Forty-eight trans female patients were treated for vocal feminization. Twenty-seven patients underwent VT, and 21 patients underwent VT with additional glottoplasty (VTWG). Pre- and posttreatment acoustic measures, Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ), and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) data were compared. RESULTS Glottoplasty in combination with VT elevated average speaking fundamental frequency (SF0) to a greater extent than VT alone (P

OBJECTIVES Voice therapy has been the primary treatment for voice feminization in transfemale patients due to concerns that surgery worsens voice quality. We aim to determine the impact of Wendler glottoplasty on acoustic measures of voice. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Transgender female patients treated for vocal feminization with Wendler glottoplasty at a single tertiary care center were identified. Pre- and postoperative measures were taken with the Kay Elemetrics Real-Time Pitch, Analysis of Dysphonia in Speech and Voice, and Multidimensional Voice Program. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients were included in this study. There were no statistically significant changes in fundamental frequency variation, peak amplitude variation, soft phonation index, noise-to-harmonics ratio, cepstral peak prominence, or cepstral spectral index of dysphonia at a significance level of P

To date, 1-year evaluation of pitch elevation in patients undergoing modified Wendler glottoplasty (WG) in combination with VT has not been assessed.To determine whether 1-year pitch elevation is sustained in patients who undergo modified WG in combination with VT for voice feminization.A retrospective review of patients who underwent WG in combination with voice therapy (VT) was performed from 2016 to 2020. Charts were reviewed for sustained vowel fundamental frequency (F0/a/), speaking fundamental frequency (SF0), and Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ) at preoperative, initial postoperative (3-6 months after surgery), and 12-month postoperative visits.Change in average F0/a/, SF0 and TWVQ was 50.25 Hz, 32.96 Hz, and 32.6 at 12-months postoperatively compared to preoperative values. Initial and 12-month postoperative SF0 were significantly higher than preoperative SF0 (Mann-Whitney U test p = 0.0042, p = 0.0010). There was no difference in initial postoperative and 12-month postoperative SF0 (p = 0.50). TWVQ at 12 months was significantly lower than preoperative TWVQ (ANOVA p 0.001, Tukey honestly significant difference HSD p 0.05).Pitch elevation remains sustained at one year in patients undergoing modified WG in combination with VT. Modified Wendler glottoplasty combined with VT results in relatively long-term improvements in voice-related quality of life and is possibly a beneficial addition in the long-term management of patients who desire voice feminization.4 Laryngoscope, 2022.

Background Treatment options to assist patients to produce a more perceptually feminine voice include voice therapy (VT) and surgeries to elevate pitch such as the Wendler glottoplasty (WG). The Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ) is a validated quality of life measure for trans women's self-reported perceptions of their voice and is frequently administered before and after such interventions. The 30 statements broadly pertain to how feminine a patient feels their voice is, how effortful it is to produce their voice, and how their voice impacts them psychosocially, making it a useful and specific outcome measure when treating trans females for voice concerns. Objective To compare quality of life outcomes between VT and VT with adjunct WG (VT+WG) based on changes in ratings of individual statements on the TWVQ. Materials and Methods A retrospective case series of 31 trans female patients treated was completed. A total of 17 patients underwent VT and 14 underwent VT with adjunctive WG. Ratings for each of the 30 TWVQ statements were compared before and after treatment for each group. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare rating changes before and after treatment. Spearman rank-order correlation tests were used to assess the association between total TWVQ score and “current voice” rating. Results WG was associated with statistically significantly improved ratings for every statement on the TWVQ except one. In contrast, VT was associated with statistically significant improvements in 16 of the 30 statements, which largely pertained to patient emotions surrounding their voice rather than physical aspects such as pitch and dysphonia. Furthermore, while both WG+VT and VT improved the “current voice” rating significantly, WG improved the score by nearly 1 unit more. Lastly, we found a positive association between the total TWVQ score and current voice rating, indicating that lower scores were associated with more self-perceived feminine-sounding voices (P Conclusions Both VT and VT+WG result in improvements in the TWVQ. The specific statements on the TWVQ offer insight into specific quality of life treatment outcomes, with VT associated with improvements in mostly psychosocial aspects of voice production and VT+WG with both psychosocial and physical aspects.

Volcanoes have dormancy periods that may last decades to centuries meaning that eruptions at volcanoes with no historical records of eruptions are common. Baseline monitoring to detect the early stages of reawakening is therefore important even in regions with little recent volcanic activity. Satellite techniques, such as InSAR, are ideally suited for routinely surveying large and inaccessible regions, but the large datasets typically require expert interpretation. Here we focus on Turkey where there are 10 Holocene volcanic systems, but no eruptions since 1855 and consequently little ground-based monitoring. We analyse data from the first five years of the European Space Agency Sentinel-1 mission which collects data over Turkey every 6 days on both ascending and descending passes. The high relief edifices of Turkey’s volcanoes cause two challenges: 1) snow cover during the winter months causes a loss of coherence and 2) topographically-correlated atmospheric artefacts could be misinterpreted as deformation. We propose mitigation strategies for both. The raw time series at Hasan Dag volcano shows uplift of ~ 10 cm between September 2017 and July 2018, but atmospheric corrections based on global weather models demonstrate that this is an artefact and reduce the scatter in the data to

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has a wide global distribution with many ecotypes, and has been bred in captivity for various traits, making it a useful evolutionary model system. The Y chromosome represents one of the most informative markers of phylogeography, yet it has not been well-studied in the red fox due to a lack of the necessary genomic resources. We used a target capture approach to sequence a portion of the red fox Y chromosome in a geographically diverse red fox sample, along with other canid species, to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, 13 of which we validated for use in subsequent studies. Phylogenetic analyses of the Y chromosome sequences, including calibration to outgroups, confirmed previous estimates of the timing of two intercontinental exchanges of red foxes, the initial colonization of North America from Eurasia approximately half a million years ago and a subsequent continental exchange before the last Pleistocene glaciation (∼100,000 years ago). However, in contrast to mtDNA, which showed unidirectional transfer from Eurasia to North America prior to the last glaciation, the Y chromosome appears to have been transferred from North America to Eurasia during this period. Additional sampling is needed to confirm this pattern and to further clarify red fox Y chromosome phylogeography.

It is increasingly common for apex predators to face a multitude of complex conservation issues. In Australia, dingoes are the mainland apex predator and play an important role in ecological functioning. Currently, however, they are threatened by hybridization with modern domestic dogs in the wild. As a consequence, we explore how increasing our understanding of the evolutionary history of dingoes can inform management and conservation decisions. Previous research on whole mitochondrial genome and nuclear data from five geographical populations showed evidence of two distinct lineages of dingo. Here, we present data from a broader survey of dingoes around Australia using both mitochondrial and Y chromosome markers and investigate the timing of demographic expansions. Biogeographic data corroborate the presence of at least two geographically subdivided genetic populations, southeastern and northwestern. Demographic modeling suggests that dingoes have undergone population expansion in the last 5,000 years. It is not clear whether this stems from expansion into vacant niches after the extinction of thylacines on the mainland or indicates the arrival date of dingoes. Male dispersal is much more common than female, evidenced by more diffuse Y haplogroup distributions. There is also evidence of likely historical male biased introgression from domestic dogs into dingoes, predominately within southeastern Australia. These findings have critical practical implications for the management and conservation of dingoes in Australia; particularly a focus must be placed upon the threatened southeastern dingo population.

Evaluation of the clinician’s role in the optimal interpretation of clinical exome sequencing (ES) results. Retrospective chart review of the first 155 patients who underwent clinical ES in our Exome Clinic and direct interaction with the ordering geneticist to evaluate the process of interpretation of results. The most common primary indication was neurodevelopmental problems (~66%), followed by multiple congenital anomalies (~10%). Based on sequencing data, the overall diagnostic yield was 36%. After assessment by the medical geneticist, incorporation of detailed phenotypic and molecular data, and utilization of additional diagnostic modalities, the final diagnostic yield increased to 43%. Seven patients in our cohort were included in initial case series that described novel genetic syndromes, and 23% of patients were involved in subsequent research studies directly related to their results or involved in efforts to move beyond clinical ES for diagnosis. Clinical management was directly altered due to the ES findings in 12% of definitively diagnosed cases. Our results emphasize the usefulness of ES, demonstrate the significant role of the medical geneticist in the diagnostic process of patients undergoing ES, and illustrate the benefits of postanalytical diagnostic work-up in solving the “diagnostic odyssey.” Genet Med advance online publication 02 March 2017

Domestic dogs have been central to life in the North American Arctic for millennia. The ancestors of the Inuit were the first to introduce the widespread usage of dog sledge transportation technology to the Americas, but whether the Inuit adopted local Palaeo-Inuit dogs or introduced a new dog population to the region remains unknown. To test these hypotheses, we generated mitochondrial DNA and geometric morphometric data of skull and dental elements from a total of 922 North American Arctic dogs and wolves spanning over 4500 years. Our analyses revealed that dogs from Inuit sites dating from 2000 BP possess morphological and genetic signatures that distinguish them from earlier Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and identified a novel mitochondrial clade in eastern Siberia and Alaska. The genetic legacy of these Inuit dogs survives today in modern Arctic sledge dogs despite phenotypic differences between archaeological and modern Arctic dogs. Together, our data reveal that Inuit dogs derive from a secondary pre-contact migration of dogs distinct from Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and probably aided the Inuit expansion across the North American Arctic beginning around 1000 BP. Domestic dogs have been central to life in the North American Arctic for millennia. The ancestors of the Inuit were the first to introduce the widespread usage of dog sledge transportation technology to the Americas, but whether the Inuit adopted local Palaeo-Inuit dogs or introduced a new dog population to the region remains unknown. To test these hypotheses, we generated mitochondrial DNA and geometric morphometric data of skull and dental elements from a total of 922 North American Arctic dogs and wolves spanning over 4500 years. Our analyses revealed that dogs from Inuit sites dating from 2000 BP possess morphological and genetic signatures that distinguish them from earlier Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and identified a novel mitochondrial clade in eastern Siberia and Alaska. The genetic legacy of these Inuit dogs survives today in modern Arctic sledge dogs despite phenotypic differences between archaeological and modern Arctic dogs. Together, our data reveal that Inuit dogs derive from a secondary pre-contact migration of dogs distinct from Palaeo-Inuit dogs, and probably aided the Inuit expansion across the North American Arctic beginning around 1000 BP.

Lettuce downy mildew, caused by Bremia lactucae, is the most important foliar disease of lettuce in California. In recent years, there were apparent failures of fungicides containing fosetyl-aluminum (Aliette) to control downy mildew in commercial lettuce fields in California. Consequently, we characterized 134 isolates collected over 2 years from throughout the coastal growing areas of California for insensitivity to the fungicides fosetyl-aluminum and maneb, pathotype, and mating type. Tests using seedlings in controlled growth room conditions demonstrated the widespread occurrence of insensitivity to fosetyl-aluminum in California populations of B. lactucae. Fifty percent of the isolates assayed sporulated profusely in the presence of fosetyl-aluminum applied at rates twice the normal field dosage, and an additional 40% showed moderate sporulation at this rate. Fosetyl-aluminum-insensitive isolates were detected from all regions sampled. Insensitivity was also observed in multiple pathotypes. Insensitivity was not complete, however, because quantitative analysis of the number of lesions on older plants revealed that applications of fosetyl-aluminum could reduce the levels of disease by 50%. Therefore, while fosetyl-aluminum may have utility under low disease pressure in the field, other control measures are required to provide control under conditions favorable to the disease.

Right unilateral ultrabrief (RUL-UB) pulse width electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has attracted much research attention recently due to its smaller effect on memory than is associated with other forms of ECT, such as bitemporal placement or unilateral standard pulse width. However, RUL-UB has demonstrated slower antidepressant efficacy in comparison to the other techniques. One method to enhance the speed of response to RUL-UB ECT is administration of 5 times a week (termed "daily") treatments as opposed to the more standard twice or thrice weekly schedule. In this open label study, we treated 20 depressed patients with daily RUL-UB treatments for up to 2 weeks (ie, 10 treatments) using standardized assessments of depression and retrograde amnesia. Response and remission rates were commensurate with those reported in other recent studies using this technique with twice or thrice weekly treatment frequencies, and there was no clinically significant effect on retrograde memory function. We conclude that daily administration of RUL-UB ECT may shorten the duration of the course of ECT treatments without compromising cognition. A randomized trial comparing this technique to a thrice weekly schedule of RUL-UB treatments is indicated.

Species have been shaped by past environmental conditions. Ancient remnants of species (bones, teeth, coprolites, pollen, shed cells, etc.) with preserved DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) can reveal responses to past environmental changes through genetic information in the form of ancient DNA. Here we review the uses of ancient DNA to gain insights into ecological and evolutionary processes by investigating: (1) how climate has affected population dynamics through time, (2) how species react differently to climate change, (3) what triggers extinction for some species, (4) the detection of genomic adaptation to the environment and (5) how ancient DNA can be used to reconstruct past environmental conditions/habitats. The details that we can glean from past responses to climate change will provide information on how we can expect species to respond to future climate change. Key Concepts Ancient DNA (aDNA) can be utilised to infer how species reacted to past ecological changes. Populations are dynamic and respond to past climate change in many ways; through population size change, altered distributions and migrations. In combination with environmental data, ancient DNA is helping to elucidate what drove some species to extinction. Species have adapted to past climates. Ancient DNA, primarily through candidate gene searches, has revealed the genes behind these adaptations. Indirect methods of sampling soil for ancient DNA has aided in reconstructing past habitats. Ancient DNA can decipher how species responded to past natural climate change. This information can be used to aid in conservation. Keywords: ancient DNA; demography; adaptation; climate change; extinction

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to explore patient perception and perceived benefit of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) by assessing the real-world experience of adult patients who received ECT, focusing on clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed patient self-report of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire), perception of physical and cognitive ECT adverse effects (ECT Outcomes Survey) and satisfaction with treatment (Patient Satisfaction Survey). Symptoms and adverse effects were measured at both intake and final ECT session for comparison over time. Data were collected from 1089 adult patients with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder in 23 psychiatric facilities in the United States and its territories from 2014 to 2015. RESULTS On average, patient scores reflect satisfaction with treatment and reduction in depressive symptoms and adverse effects across the course of ECT treatment. Patients reported a decrease in depression, with an average Patient Health Questionnaire change of 13.2 from intake to final ECT session (P < 0.001). Furthermore, 85.5% of patients indicated on the Patient Satisfaction Survey that they benefited or improved as a result of their ECT. Subsequent analyses revealed alleviation of depressive symptoms and ability to return to social, and work life tasks are significant contributors to satisfaction with treatment, whereas adverse effects including memory problems have less influence on satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Patients tend to perceive ECT as a safe and beneficial treatment option for severe mood disorders, even when considering adverse effects. This study reinforces the value of standardized data collection and outcomes measures to better monitor patient response to treatment, refine the clinical practice of ECT, and provide data to support patient education.

Highlights • Global magnitude–frequency relationship for large explosive volcanic eruptions • Conservative treatment of rounding and under-recording • Return period for super-eruptions (1000 Gt) estimated as 17ka (95% CI: 5.2ka, 48ka) • Much shorter than the previous estimate, wider implications for risk management For volcanoes, as for other natural hazards, the frequency of large events diminishes with their magnitude, as captured by the magnitude–frequency relationship. Assessing this relationship is valuable both for the insights it provides about volcanism, and for the practical challenge of risk management. We derive a global magnitude–frequency relationship for explosive volcanic eruptions of at least of erupted mass (or M4.5). Our approach is essentially empirical, based on the eruptions recorded in the LaMEVE database. It differs from previous approaches mainly in our conservative treatment of magnitude-rounding and under-recording. Our estimate for the return period of ‘super-eruptions’ (, or M8) is (95% CI: , ), which is substantially shorter than previous estimates, indicating that volcanoes pose a larger risk to human civilisation than previously thought.

Volcanoes can produce far-reaching hazards that extend distances of tens or hundreds of kilometres in large eruptions, or in certain conditions for smaller eruptions. About a tenth of the world’s population lives within the potential footprint of volcanic hazards and lives are regularly lost through volcanic activity: volcanic fatalities were recorded in 18 of the last 20 years. This paper identifies the distance and distribution of fatalities around volcanoes and the activities of the victims at the time of impact, sourced from an extensive search of academic and grey literature, including media and official reports. We update and expand a volcano fatality database to include all data from 1500 AD to 2017. This database contains 635 records of 278,368 fatalities. Each record contains information on the number of fatalities, fatal cause, incident date and the fatality location in terms of distance from the volcano. Distance data were previously available in just 5% of fatal incidents: these data have been significantly increased to 72% (456/635) of fatal incidents, with fatalities recorded from inside the crater to more than 100 km from the summit. Local residents are the most frequently killed, but tourists, volcanologists and members of the media are also identified as common victims. These latter groups and residents of small islands dominate the proximal fatality record up to 5 km from the volcano. Though normally accounting for small numbers of fatalities, ballistics are the most common cause of fatal incidents at this distance. Pyroclastic density currents are the dominant fatal cause at 5 to 15 km. Lahars, tsunami and tephra dominate the record after about 15 km. The new location data are used to characterise volcanic threat with distance, as a function of eruption size and hazard type, and to understand how certain activities increase exposure and the likelihood of death. These findings support assessment of volcanic threat, population exposure and vulnerabilities related to occupation or activity. Published version

Dogs in The Bahamas have been documented since the time of Columbus, so dogs have been residents of the country for at least as long as our written records. While the term “potcake” has been associated with mongrel dogs in The Bahamas for some time, written references have been traced back only as far as 1970. Since then, the written word potcake has become relatively common. Potcakes, while reviled by some, are considered as quintessentially Bahamian by others. This paper attempts to determine if the potcake is unique to The Bahamas. Our analysis of potcake DNA from New Providence and Grand Bahama suggests that the importation of dogs has diluted the pool of any ancient potcake DNA to an extent that the Bahamian potcake, if it ever existed, is now either extinct or highly admixed. Some implications for demystifying this Bahamian icon based upon the current welfare offered potcakes are proposed. The Dogology of Nassau is a science worthy of profound study and investigation by all those dogmatically inclined (Wilson, 1864, pp. 28-29).

Domesticated animals that revert to a wild state can become invasive and significantly impact native biodiversity. Although dogs can be problematic locally, only the Australasian dingo is known to occur in isolation from humans. Western dogs have experienced more intense artificial selection, which potentially limits their invasiveness. However, feral dogs eradicated from Isabela Island, Galápagos in the 1980s could be the first-known exception. We used DNA and morphometric data from 92 of these dogs to test the hypotheses that (i) these dogs persisted independently of humans for up to a century and a half since descending from a handful of dogs introduced in the early 1800s, vs. (ii) similarly to other western feral dog populations, they reflected continuous recruitment of strays from human settlements on a portion of the Island. We detected one dominant maternal lineage and one dominant paternal lineage shared by the three subpopulations, along with low autosomal genetic diversity, consistent with the hypothesized common origins from a small founder population. Genetic diversity patterns among the three island subpopulations were consistent with stepping-stone founder effects, while morphometric differentiation suggested rapid phenotypic divergence, possibly due to drift and reinforced by selection corresponding to distinct microclimates and habitats on Isabela. Despite the continued presence of free-ranging dogs in the vicinity of settlements on Isabela and other Galápagos Islands, feral populations have not reestablished in remote areas since the 1980s, emphasizing the rarity of conditions necessary for feralization of modern western dogs.

The domestic dog fulfills many functions for their human companions, such as hauling, guarding, and protection. Consequently, humans have taken dogs to nearly every corner of the globe. Recent translocations of Western dogs stemming from the Victorian era dog fancy have erased some of the ancient genetic signatures of these earlier migrations. Here we used DNA of ancient and modern dogs from the North American Arctic of Alaska and Greenland to assess their genetic continuity in time and space. We successfully sequenced 23 archaeological (ca. AD 1250–1910) and recent (ca. AD 1930–1990) surface-collected Canis bone and tooth samples and compared them to 51 modern Inuit Sled Dogs and to published sequences of modern Alaskan Malamutes (and additional Inuit Sled Dogs) to test for evidence of lineage replacement or genetic continuity through time. Ancient samples from Alaska and Greenland and modern sequences from Greenland all contained a high frequency of haplotype A31, which was previously described only in modern North American Arctic dogs. Thus, A31 was a common thread tying the entire North American Arctic together prior to European colonization and, in the Eastern Arctic, indicates genetic continuity between past and present dogs as well. However, A31 is rare in modern Alaskan dogs, consistent with post-colonization replacement by Eurasian matrilines.

The inflammatory response is typically initiated by infection or cellular injury, and provides host protection aimed at clearing the initial triggering event, as well as providing long-term protective immunity. When properly functioning, the inflammatory process is a mediator of acute injury to restore tissue health and is characteristically self-limiting once tissue repair and homeostasis have been restored. If tissue health is not restored, such as if the tissue harbors a continuous low grade inflammatory stimulant, then the inflammatory process becomes a chronic response that continuously damages the surrounding tissue in its attempt to provide repair. Left unchecked, long-term inflammation can result in diseases of chronic inflammation, such as autoimmunity or age-related diseases. Choice of current anti-inflammatory therapies is often limited by patient risk-benefit considerations. Traditional approaches to manage chronic inflammation include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids which provide short-term benefits, but are often plagued with significant side effects that preclude their use for long-term therapy. The newest classes of anti-inflammatory therapeutics, biologics, are engineered monoclonal antibodies that bind pro-inflammatory mediators and neutralize their effects by preventing pro-inflammatory signaling. Unfortunately, biologic therapies are often prohibitively expensive and have serious, sometimes life-threatening side effects. In lieu of biologics or chemically synthesized small molecules, natural products have provided a rich source of small molecule effectors. One particular natural product, 1,8-cineole, also called eucalyptol, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant activity. Several clinical trials have established potent anti-inflammatory activity for 1,8-cineole, which may suggest its use as a primary treatment, or at the very least, an adjunct therapy for current anti-inflammatory agents. We argue that use of 1,8-cineole as an anti-inflammatory agent needs greater study in other diseases with a chronic inflammatory component, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and arthritic complications.

Tephra layers in marine sediment cores from scientific ocean drilling largely record high‐magnitude silicic explosive eruptions in the Japan arc for up to the last 20 million years. Analysis of the thickness variation with distance of 180 tephra layers from a global data set suggests that the majority of the visible tephra layers used in this study are the products of caldera‐forming eruptions with magnitude (M) > 6, considering their distances at the respective drilling sites to their likely volcanic sources. Frequency of visible tephra layers in cores indicates a marked increase in rates of large magnitude explosive eruptions at ∼8 Ma, 6–4 Ma, and further increase after ∼2 Ma. These changes are attributed to major changes in tectonic plate interactions. Lower rates of large magnitude explosive volcanism in the Miocene are related to a strike‐slip‐dominated boundary (and temporary cessation or deceleration of subduction) between the Philippine Sea Plate and southwest Japan, combined with the possibility that much of the arc in northern Japan was submerged beneath sea level partly due to previous tectonic extension of northern Honshu related to formation of the Sea of Japan. Changes in plate motions and subduction dynamics during the ∼8 Ma to present period led to (1) increased arc‐normal subduction in southwest Japan (and resumption of arc volcanism) and (2) shift from extension to compression of the upper plate in northeast Japan, leading to uplift, crustal thickening and favorable conditions for accumulation of the large volumes of silicic magma needed for explosive caldera‐forming eruptions., Key Points Increase in volcanic activity in Japan at ∼8, 4–6, and ∼2 MaTephra layers in distal sediment cores represent magnitude 6 or greater eruptionsTectonic changes driving rates of explosive volcanism in Japan

Purpose: This article provides a review of published evidence-based guidance about culturally sensitive assessment and treatment intervention strategies addressing perinatal depression in black American women. Culturally sensitive approaches focus more on the woman’s environment than on her race and thus may improve access to treatment for perinatal depression by increasing health literacy. Methods: The authors abstracted evidence-based guidance from articles published between November 2005 and September 2011, including only articles specifically analyzing a discrete sample of black American women during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum. They also examined research on unique cultural characteristics of black American women. To obtain relevant studies, the authors searched for research literature indexed in PubMed, using key terms associated with 2 systematic reviews of prevalence and risk factors for perinatal depression and additional keywords as used in the articles found. They abstracted the focus, design and methods, population, and results for each article in a table; discussed the findings; and suggested assessment and intervention strategies based on the studies’ results. Findings: Sixteen articles from 13 journals provide compelling evidence of culture-based risk factors for perinatal depression for black American women and information to guide culturally sensitive assessments and interventions. The literature provides a rich compendium of relevant and useful implications for clinical practice in assessing and addressing depression among pregnant black American women. Conclusions: Primary care providers may want to incorporate culturally sensitive screening questions to early identify and facilitate treatment interventions for depressive symptoms in their pregnant black American patients.

Introduction: The purpose of this survey was to obtain information that would elucidate what types and amounts of international clinical experiences are available to midwifery students in accredited midwifery programs. Furthermore, the survey assessed the need for and interest in an online pre-trip preparation course and the possibility of future collaborative efforts between midwifery programs. Methods: A formal electronic descriptive survey was sent to eligible directors of midwifery education (DOME) from 38 accredited institutions in the United States. Results: Twenty-nine of 38 (76%) responded to the survey, and 9 of 29 programs (31%) offer international clinical experiences. Sixteen (80%) of the 20 programs not currently offering international experiences indicated interest in offering these experiences. Of the 9 programs that have international experiences, only 1 reported offering a formal pre-trip course. Discussion: The results of this survey suggest that there is interest in collaborative efforts for developing a formal pre-trip preparation course and sharing international experiences that would promote sustainable programs of international experiences for student midwives.

Heterokaryon incompatibility (HI) is a nonself recognition phenomenon occurring in filamentous fungi that is important for limiting resource plundering and restricting viral transfer between strains. Nonself recognition and HI occurs during hyphal fusion between strains that differ athetloci. If two strains undergo hyphal fusion, but differ in allelic specificity at ahetlocus, the fusion cell is compartmentalized and undergoes a rapid programmed cell death (PCD). Incompatible heterokaryons show a macroscopic phenotype of slow growth and diminished conidiation, and a microscopic phenotype of hyphal compartmentation and cell death. To understand processes associated with HI and PCD, we used whole-genome microarrays forNeurospora crassato assess transcriptional differences associated with induction of HI mediated by differences inhet-c pin-chaplotype. Our data show that HI is a dynamic and transcriptionally active process. The production of reactive oxygen species is implicated in the execution of HI and PCD inN. crassa, as are several genes involved in phosphatidylinositol and calcium signalling pathways. However, genes encoding mammalian homologues of caspases or apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) are not required for HI or programmed cell death. These data indicate that PCD during HI occurs via a novel and possibly fungal-specific mechanism, making this pathway an attractive drug target for control of fungal infections.

The contemporary genetic structure of animal populations is sculpted by past events, including demographic bottlenecks and expansions and movement of animals by humans. In an analysis of microsatellite DNA of black bears (Ursus americanus; n 5 540) across California, we discovered distinct population structure and genetic evidence of 2 historic colonization events. First, genotypes of bears sampled in southern California are most related to those from the Yosemite National Park region and not with spatially intervening populations. Historical records recount the translocation of 28 black bears from the Yosemite National Park area of the central Sierra Nevada to the San Bernardino Mountains in southern California in the 1930s. Second, before colonization of California by Europeans, the Central Coast region was inhabited by the now extinct California grizzly bear (Ursus arctos californiensis), but not black bears. Following an apparent competitive release and range expansion during the past century, black bears now inhabit the Central Coast region of California. Black bears in California’s Central Coast display lower genetic diversity (founder effect) and a genetic signature most closely allied with black bears from the southern Sierra Nevada. In both these cases, molecular genetic techniques allowed historical reconstruction of anthropogenic events leading to changes in animal distributions.

Background Volcanic eruptions can cause loss of life and livelihoods, damage critical infrastructure and have long-term impacts, including displaced populations and long-lasting economic implications. Many factors contribute to disasters from natural hazards. One of these is the institutional capacity to enable hazard assessment for pre-emergency planning to protect populations and environments, provide early warning when volcanoes threaten to erupt, to provide forecasts and scientific advice during volcanic emergencies, and to support post-eruption recovery and remediation. Volcano observatories play a critical role in supporting communities to reduce the adverse effects of eruptions [Chapter 15]. Their capacity to monitor volcanoes is thus a central component of disaster risk reduction. The resources are not available for extensive monitoring of all 596 historically active volcanoes. The availability of resources varies on local, national, regional and global scales, resulting in highly variable monitoring levels from volcano to volcano. Some countries have observatories dedicated to volcano monitoring, others monitor from within larger organisations, and still others have no permanent monitoring group. Individual volcanoes may have large comprehensive monitoring networks of multiple monitoring systems whilst a neighbouring volcano is unmonitored. It is therefore vital to understand the monitoring capacity at local, national, regional and global scales to establish how well volcanoes are monitored, the distribution of monitoring equipment, the human resources, experience and education and the instrumental and laboratory capabilities. To this end a database has been developed: Global Volcano Research and Monitoring Institutions Database (GLOVOREMID). GLOVOREMID In 2011 IAVCEI funded the development of VOMODA (Volcano Monitoring Database), whose main purpose was to obtain a realistic diagnosis of volcano monitoring and training of the human resources working on volcanological research and monitoring institutions (VRMI) in Latin America. In 2013, VOMODA was adopted and adapted for worldwide use as GLOVOREMID. The Global Volcano Model (GVM) supports this work. It is currently in both Spanish and English. This database will contribute to improving communication and cooperation between scientists and technicians responsible for volcano monitoring and may help to reduce the effects of volcanic crises. GLOVOREMID can be accessed online via http://132.248.182.158/glovoremid/.