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Aims: To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of BPL-003, a novel intranasal benzoate salt formulation of 5-methoxy- N,N -dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), in healthy participants. Methods: In all, 44 psychedelic-naïve participants enrolled in the double-blind, placebo-controlled single ascending dose study (1–12 mg BPL-003). Concentrations of 5-MeO-DMT and its pharmacologically active metabolite, bufotenine, were determined in plasma and urine. PD endpoints included subjective drug intensity (SDI) rating, the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ-30) and the Ego Dissolution Inventory (EDI). Results: BPL-003 was well tolerated at doses up to 12 mg. There were no serious adverse events (AEs), and most AEs were mild; the most common being nasal discomfort, nausea, headache and vomiting. 5-MeO-DMT was rapidly absorbed and eliminated; the median time to peak plasma concentration was approximately 8–10 min and the mean terminal elimination half-life was <27 min. 5-MeO-DMT systemic exposure increased approximately dose-proportionally, while plasma bufotenine concentrations and urinary excretion of 5-MeO-DMT and bufotenine were negligible. The intensity of the SDI ratings was associated with plasma 5-MeO-DMT concentrations. MEQ-30 and EDI scores generally increased with the BPL-003 dose; 60% of participants had a 'complete mystical experience' at 10 and 12 mg doses. Profound and highly emotional consciousness-altering effects were observed with BPL-003, with a rapid onset and short-lasting duration. Conclusion: The novel intranasal formulation of BPL-003 was well tolerated with dose-proportional increases in PK and PD effects. The short duration of action and induction of mystical experiences suggest clinical potential, warranting further trials. Clinical trial registration: NCT05347849. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a simple and interesting application of structural equation modeling for a single lecture in an undergraduate econometrics course to introduce students to the concept of using data to recover latent variables. The application centers around using hourly observations on ride wait times at Disney's Magic Kingdom to infer how crowded it is at the theme park. Pedagogically, the material is presented in the context of the linear regression model, so the discussion works to enhance students' understanding of core material, not to introduce new disparate methods. The application provides interesting economic-based insights, like which ride's wait times are categorically most informative about how crowded it is at the park. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notre perception des individus ayant recours aux pratiques sexuelles sadiques a longtemps été influencée par la médiatisation d'infractions sexuelles particulièrement graves, généralement des homicides sexuels sadiques. En effet, la plupart des gens associent le sadisme sexuel à des noms de meurtriers sexuels en série tels que Ted Bundy ou Guy Georges. Toutefois, le profil psychologique et les comportements de ces individus ne sont absolument pas représentatifs du profil des individus qui, dans la population générale, pratiquent les activités sexuelles sadiques dans un cadre consensuel. Au-delà des individus pratiquant des activités sexuelles sadiques, les résultats scientifiques (ex. : enquête populationnelle), mais aussi certains succès de la culture populaire (ex. : livres), mettent en évidence que ce qui pouvait paraître autrefois comme étant stigmatisés et « déviants » l'a peut-être été de manière injustifiée en raison de l'engouement populaire que cette thématique peut susciter. Avec plus de 125 millions d'exemplaires imprimées et électroniques vendus dans le monde en 2015, la trilogie de romans érotiques Fifty Shades of Grey (Cinquante nuances de gris) de E.L. James, qui met en avant les pratiques sexuelles impliquant plusieurs déclinaisons du sadisme, de la servitude et de l'initiation à la soumission sexuelle, est en soi un marqueur intéressant des possibles nuances de sadisme au sein de la population générale. Dans cet entretien avec Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Jonathan James, Alexandre Gauthier, Étienne Garant, Ingrid Ménard et Tamsin Higgs dressent l'état des lieux de cet état du sadisme sexuel, que cela soit notamment en termes de pratiques sexuelles consentantes ou en termes d'intérêt sexuels coercitif sadique. Our perception of individuals who engage in sadistic sexual practices has long been influenced by media coverage of highly severe sexual offenses, typically sadistic sexual homicides. Indeed, most people associate sexual sadism with the names of serial sexual murderers such as Ted Bundy or Guy Georges. However, the psychological profile and behaviors of these individuals are in no way representative of the profile of individuals in the general population who practice sadistic sexual activities in a consensual context. In addition from what seems to be a growing number of individuals engaging in consensual sadistic sexual activities, scientific findings (e.g.: population surveys) and certain popular culture successes (e.g.: books) reflect that what have been stigmatized and "deviant" in the past may have been unjustifiably labeled as such. The tremendous success of E. L. James's Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of erotic novels, which showcases initiation into sexual practices involving several declinations of sadism, bondage and sexual submission, supports this argument. With over 125 million print and electronic copies sold worldwide in 2015, it is in itself an interesting marker of an interest towards sexual sadism within the general population. In this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Jonathan James, Alexandre Gauthier, Étienne Garant, Ingrid Ménard and Tamsin Higgs present the current state of knowledge on sexual sadism, both in terms of consensual sadistic sexual practices as well as the engagement in coercive and illegal sadistic sexual behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of daylight saving time (DST) on fatal road crashes in Australia. I exploit within year transitions to and from DST in a regression discontinuity in time framework. To examine the long run effect of the policy, I use trials of DST implemented in various states, and a DST extension due to the Sydney Olympics. Neither the transition to or out of DST, nor the long run effects of DST have an impact on fatalities on the road. However, there is evidence of reallocation of accidents over the day due to ambient light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing preventable readmissions is important to help manage current strains on healthcare systems. The metric of 30‐day readmissions is commonly cited in discussions regarding this topic. While such thresholds have contemporary funding implications, the rationale for individual cut‐off points is partially historical in nature. Through the examination of the basis for the analysis of 30‐day readmissions, greater insight into the possible benefits and limitations of such a metric may be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) breast biopsy has been recently introduced into clinical practice. This short communication describes the technique and potential as an alternative to MRI-guided biopsy. An additional abnormality was detected on a breast MRI examination in a patient with lobular carcinoma. The lesion was occult on conventional mammography, tomosynthesis and ultrasound and required histological diagnosis. Traditionally, this would have necessitated an MRI-guided breast biopsy, but was performed under CESM guidance. A diagnostic CESM study was performed to ensure the lesion visibility with CESM and then targeted under CESM guidance. A limited diagnostic study, CESM scout and paired images for stereotactic targeting were obtained within a 10 min window following a single injection of iodinated contrast agent. The time from positioning in the biopsy device to releasing compression after biopsy and marker clip placement was 15 min. The biopsy confirmed the presence of multifocal breast cancer. CESM-guided breast biopsy is a new technique that can be successfully used as an alternative to MRI-guided breast biopsy. CESM-guided biopsy can be used to sample breast lesions which remain occult on standard mammography and ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Traditionally B3 breast lesions are treated surgically, but overtreatment is a concern, as the majority have a final benign diagnosis. A national screening program introduced vacuum-assisted excision (VAE) for managing B3 lesions in late 2016. This retrospective study aimed to assess the outcomes associated with this approach. Methods: All B3 lesions diagnosed between 01/2017 and 12/2019 were identified at two centres. Information was obtained on the initial biopsy and final histology, and method of VAE image guidance, needle size and number of cores. Lesions were excluded if there was cancer elsewhere in the breast at the time of diagnosis; the lesion was not suitable for VAE due to position in the breast or had B3 pathology for which open biopsy was still required. The final decision to offer VAE was always made at a multidisciplinary meeting (MDM). Risk difference was used to test the significance at p ≤.05. Results: In total, 258 B3 lesions were diagnosed, 105 (40.7%) met the inclusion criteria and underwent VAE. VAE was performed under X-ray (89/105) or ultrasound guidance (16/105), taking an average of 18.5 cores with the 10-G needle or 10.8 cores with the 7-G needle. Nine cases (8.6%) were upgraded to a malignant diagnosis following VAE. Malignancy was found in 15.5% (9/58) of B3 lesions with epithelial atypia, but in none without atypia (0/47) (p =.004). No new lesions or malignancy has occurred at the site of the VAE with an average mammographic follow-up of 2.2 years. Conclusion: Upgrade to malignancy following VAE was uncommon (8.6%) and associated with atypia in the initial biopsy. VAE is an alternative approach to the management of B3 lesions, reducing open surgical procedures. Key Points: • Upgrade to malignancy after a vacuum-assisted excision of a B3 breast lesion is uncommon with an 8.6% upgrade rate. • The risk of a malignant diagnosis after a vacuum-assisted excision was significantly higher for B3 lesions with atypia compared to those without (+15.5% difference, p =.004). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notre perception des auteurs d'homicide sexuel a depuis longtemps été influencée par la médiatisation de leur crime les plus extrêmes, ceux qui se distinguent par leurs degrés de violence et de cruauté. En conséquence, l'opinion du public a été façonnée en partie par les questionnements que peuvent provoquer de telles descriptions : Comment une personne peut-elle être si détachée émotionnellement et motivée par des besoins si destructeurs ? Comment ces individus peuvent-ils obtenir du plaisir à travers des actes si violents ? Tandis que ces descriptions reposent sur des événements qui ont vraiment eu lieu, cette image des auteurs d'homicide sexuel n'est pas un portrait représentatif de qui ils sont vraiment. Bien que les auteurs d'homicide sexuel sadique et sériel existent, ils représentent l'arbre qui cache la forêt. Dans cet entretien, les psychologues Jonathan James et Jean Proulx dressent l'état des lieux sur ce phénomène d'un point de vue épidémiologique, indiquent l'impact que peut avoir ce type de crime sur la vie en communauté, définissent ce à quoi il correspond, décrivent les caractéristiques des différents types d'auteurs d'homicide sexuel, fournissent des indications quant à leur risque de récidive et des recommandations concernant leur traitement. Our perception of sexual murderers has long been influenced by the mediatization of the most spectacular of these crimes–crimes that stand out by virtue of their extreme cruelty and violence, and by the degradation of the victims. Consequently, public opinion has been partly forged by the questions raised by such descriptions: How can anyone be so insensitive to others and driven by such destructive urges? How can these individuals derive any positive experience from such extremely violent acts? But although they are anchored in actual events, these impressions of sexual murderers are not accurate portraits of these individuals' true nature. While sadistic and serial sexual murderers do in fact exist, they nevertheless remain the threes that hide the forest. Through this interview, our objectives are to take stock of the phenomenon from an epidemiological point of view, to indicate the impact that this type of crime can have on community life, to define what it corresponds to, to describe the characteristics of the different types of sexual homicide offenders, but also to provide indications as to their risk of recidivism and recommendations concerning their clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with the duration of criminal investigations and determine whether these factors influence the seriality of sexual murderers. To this end, data on the investigation of 62 sexual homicides (homicides committed by a serial sexual murderer = 24; homicides committed by a nonserial sexual murderer = 38), were analyzed. Organized behaviors, typical of serial sexual murderers, were not all associated with a longer criminal investigation. However, it was possible to develop a model of the duration of investigations, and predict the seriality of sexual murderers, by taking into account the decisions of murderers and investigators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates a method of generating a unique dataset that has been underused—a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The UK's FOI Act came into force in 2005, allowing the public to make requests of publicly held data. We set out to understand the determinants of the quality responses to FOI requests. We also explain how requests can be made and provide suggestions to construct effective data-driven requests. We applied for data on hate crime from all police forces and on uptake of maternity leave from all universities. We find that observable characteristics of the local area, police force and universities neither determine whether the request was fulfilled, nor the speed of response, suggesting that the data from these FOI requests are representative of the institutions from which they were requested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a simple and interesting method to introduce and teach undergraduate students about preference estimation using random utility models. The example centers around estimating preferences over rides at Disneyland theme parks and uses actual stated-preference survey data. The lesson is designed to be self-contained in a single 90 minute lecture. Given the strong background that many undergraduate economic students have with consumer choice theory, introducing preference estimation as a real-world application into econometrics curriculum can be an enriching experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this study was to describe and compare the modus operandi, and associated contextual and situational factors, of French serial sexual murderers (SSMs) and nonserial sexual murderers (NSMs). A further objective was to verify the generalizability of the conclusions of James and Proulx's 2016 systematic review of the modus operandi of sexual murderers, the majority of whom were American or English. Detailed data on the precrime, modus operandi, postcrime, and victimology factors of 120 French sexual murderers (SSMs: n = 33; NSMs: n = 87) were compared. The results suggest that choice-structuring properties that shape the modus operandi of French sexual murderers are similar to those reported by James and Proulx: The modus operandi of French SSMs was shaped by homicidal, sadistic, and rape fantasies, while that of NSMs was shaped by the need to satisfy immediate, especially sexual, needs. However, it should be noted that while the modus operandi of American and English NSMs is primarily shaped by general deviance, that of French NSMs appear be primarily shaped by sexual deviance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual homicide typically implies a crime involving two people: perpetrator and victim. Thus, multiple-perpetrator and multiple concurrent victim sexual murderers are unusual, empirically invisible due to their exclusion from (or burying within) research samples. The present study examines 21 such cases of male sexual murderers having perpetrated at least one sexual homicide either together with a co-offender or alone but killing two victims at once. The aim was to investigate just how unusual, or not, these cases may be in relation to current scientific understanding of sexual murderers and their crimes. A descriptive analysis of offenses (co-offender and offender-victim dynamics, modus operandi) and offender characteristics is presented. Main findings, that multiple-perpetrator and multiple concurrent victim sexual murderers are not so unusual in that they are well conceptualized through application of the established sexualized, grievance, and rape murderer typology, are discussed in relation to clinical and empirical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We exploit an expansion of post-compulsory schooling that occurred from the late 1980s to the early 1990s to investigate the effect of education on the timing of fertility in England and Wales. We do not find a significant effect on the probability of having a child as a teenager but instead find that the variation in education led to delays in childbearing. Our estimates suggest that an increase in education by one year led to a 5.3% increase in probability of first birth aged 24 or above, 9.4% increase in probability of first birth aged 27 or above, and 13.3% increase in probability of first birth aged 30 or above. The mechanisms driving these findings are not due to an incapacitation effect – by keeping young people in school or university they have less time or opportunity to have a child – but due to a combination of human capital and signalling effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop and evaluate a low-cost computer-based tool to elicit dietary choices in an incentive compatible manner, which can be used on-line or as part of a laboratory study. Methods: The study was conducted with around 255 adults. Respondents were asked to allocate a fixed monetary budget across a choice of around a hundred grocery items with the prospect of receiving these items with some probability delivered to their home by a real supermarket. The tool covers a broad range of food items, allows inference of macro-nutrients and calories, and allows the researcher to fix the choice set participants can choose from. We compare the information derived from our incentivized tool, and compare it to alternative low-cost ways of measuring dietary intake, namely the food frequency questionnaire and a one-shot version of the 24-hour dietary recall, which are both based on self-reports. We compare the calorie intake indicators derived from each tool with a number of biometric measures for each subject, namely weight, body-mass-index (BMI) and waist size. Results: The results show that the dietary information collected is only weakly correlated across the three methods. We find that only the calorie intake measure from our incentivized tool is positively and significantly related to each of the biometric indicators. Specifically, a 10% increase in calorie intake is associated with a 1.5% increase in BMI. By contrast, we find no significant correlations for either of the two measures based on self-reports. Conclusion: The computer-based tool is a promising new, low-cost measure of dietary choices, particularly in one-shot situations where such behaviours are only observed once, whereas other tools like 24-hour dietary recalls and food frequency questionnaires may be more suited when they are administered repeatedly. The tool may be useful for research conducted with limited time and budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a psychosocial profile of sexual murderers and characterize their life context at the moment they decided to commit homicide—in some cases, on repeated occasions. To this end, serial sexual murderers (SSMs, n = 33) and nonserial sexual murderers (NSMs, n = 87) were compared in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, general and sexual lifestyles, criminal behaviors, cognitions, stressful events, and motivation to commit sexual homicide. The results of this study indicate that sexual murderers are marginalized individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives and whose crimes are triggered by stressful events. However, unlike NSMs, SSMs have a psychosocial profile and the criminal skills that allow them to avoid arousing the suspicion of neighbors and police. Moreover, the sexual tension they experience daily motivates them to commit carefully planned crimes. Taken together, these characteristics partially explain why these individuals are more likely than NSMs to commit a series of sexual homicides. While sexual homicide is an extreme phenomenon, it is nevertheless primarily committed by individuals whose characteristics resemble those of individuals who commit less spectacular crimes. It is thus not surprising that psychological theories of sexual assault and criminological theories are suitable for the study of this phenomenon. Highlights • Sexual murderers are not different from the criminals described by classic criminology. • Sexual murderers are marginalized individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives. • Nonserial murderers were described as dysfunctional and having alcohol problems. • Serial murderers avoid arousing the suspicion of neighbors and police. • Homicidal fantasy may partially explain why some murderers become serial murderers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conduct a field experiment in 31 primary schools in England to test the effectiveness of different temporary incentives on increasing choice and consumption of fruit and vegetables at lunchtime. In each treatment, pupils received a sticker for choosing a fruit or vegetable at lunch. They were eligible for an additional reward at the end of the week depending on the number of stickers accumulated, either individually (individual scheme) or in comparison to others (competition). Overall, we find no significant effect of the individual scheme, but positive effects of competition. For children who had margin to increase their consumption, competition increases choice of fruit and vegetables by 33% and consumption by 48%. These positive effects generally carry over to the week immediately following the treatment, but are not sustained effects six months later. We also find large differences in effectiveness across demographic characteristics such as age and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this current systematic review was to describe the characteristics of the modus operandi of serial and nonserial sexual murderers, and the contextual and situational factors associated with them. It analyzes detailed data on 1836 sexual murderers (serial sexual murderers = 176; nonserial sexual murderers = 1660) taken from 45 empirical descriptive studies carried out between 1985 and 2013. In order to better characterize serial sexual murderers (SSMs) and nonserial sexual murderers (NSMs), four categories of variables were established: precrime variables; crime scene and modus operandi variables; postcrime variables; and victimology variables. Sexual murder possesses specific choice-structuring properties, and interactions between internal constraints and external constraints produce a limited number of crime scripts. SSMs' modus operandi reflects sadistic sexual fantasies, sexual sadism, and organization. SSMs plan their murders in order to make them as congruent as possible with their fantasies. NSMs' modus operandi is the result of an explosion of anger. These sexual murderers are impulsive and extremely violent, and use sexual murder to diminish their internal tension [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The method of diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) has changed since the 1980s. The aim of this audit was to assess changes in the preoperative diagnosis of DCIS since the introduction of needle core biopsy, particularly the proportion with a preoperative biopsy diagnosis of DCIS. Methods and results: The preoperative diagnoses of patients with a final diagnosis of DCIS in the surgical specimen were reviewed (i) in 809 patients who presented through breast screening from 1997 to 2021, and (ii) in all patients in 5 individual years at 5‐year intervals from 2000 to 2020 (254 in total). For screening‐detected DCIS the proportion with a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS increased from 75% to 98% over the study period. In a detailed analysis of all cases of DCIS in 5 separate years the proportion with a preoperative diagnosis of DCIS increased from 68% in 2000 to 96% in 2020. For high‐grade DCIS the proportion increased from 87% to 97%, and for low‐ or intermediate‐grade DCIS from 48% to 93%. The proportion of women who had vacuum‐assisted biopsy increased from 7% in 2000 to 58% in 2015. There was a small increase in the number of biopsies that had basal cytokeratin and oestrogen receptor immunohistochemistry to aid diagnosis. Conclusion: There has been an increase in the preoperative diagnosis of DCIS, particularly of low‐ or intermediate‐grade, over the last two decades. The increasing use of vacuum‐assisted biopsy is likely to be a major contributory factor to this increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of a key source of wealth (the stock market) on road traffic collisions. Using data on over 2 million road accidents we do not find a linear relationship between stock prices and road crashes (fatal or otherwise) in Great Britain. However, we do find a V-shaped effect – collisions respond to the absolute change in stock market returns. The results are robust to a series of falsification exercises that potentially support a causal interpretation. We also examine another source of wealth that has not previously been examined – house prices. Similarly, we do not find that changes in monthly house prices have an impact on accidents, but a symmetric V-shaped is also shown for slight and serious accidents. • We examine the impact of stock price changes on road collisions in Great Britain. • We use administrative data on road collisions by type: fatal, serious and slight. • There is not a linear relationship between stock prices changes and collisions. • Collisions instead respond to the absolute change in stock market returns. • Using another source of wealth, house prices, we find a similar V-shaped effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the issue of self-selection of stakeholders into participation and collaboration in policy-relevant experiments. We document and test the implications of self-selection in the context of randomised policy experiment we conducted in primary schools in the UK. The main questions we ask are (1) is there evidence of selection on key observable characteristics likely to matter for the outcome of interest and (2) to what extent does selection matter. The experimental work consists in testing the effects of an intervention aimed at encouraging children to make more healthy choices at lunch. We recruited schools through local authorities and randomised schools across two incentive treatments and a control group. We document the selection-taking place both at the level of local authorities and at the school level. Overall we find mild evidence of selection on key observables such as obesity levels and socio-economic characteristics. We find evidence of selection along indicators of involvement in healthy lifestyle programmes at the school level, but the magnitude is small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I exploit a reform that expanded UK post-compulsory education during the 1980s and 1990s to examine the effect of education on health. The expansion resulted in a rapid increase in education over the whole education distribution. I find evidence that education had an effect in reducing body mass index, waist circumference and weight. For other health measures (self-reported general health, long term or limiting illnesses), blood pressure and health behaviours (smoking and drinking) there were small to no improvements. There is suggestive evidence that the mechanisms driving these results are improvements in labour market and social status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To establish whether lower resolution, lower cost viewing devices have the potential to deliver mammographic interpretation training. Methods: On three occasions over eight months, fourteen consultant radiologists and reporting radiographers read forty challenging digital mammography screening cases on three different displays: a digital mammography workstation, a standard LCD monitor, and a smartphone. Standard image manipulation software was available for use on all three devices. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) were used to determine the significance of differences in performance between the viewing devices with/without the application of image manipulation software. The effect of reader's experience was also assessed. Results: Performance was significantly higher ( p < .05) on the mammography workstation compared to the other two viewing devices. When image manipulation software was applied to images viewed on the standard LCD monitor, performance improved to mirror levels seen on the mammography workstation with no significant difference between the two. Image interpretation on the smartphone was uniformly poor. Film reader experience had no significant effect on performance across all three viewing devices. Conclusion: Lower resolution standard LCD monitors combined with appropriate image manipulation software are capable of displaying mammographic pathology, and are potentially suitable for delivering mammographic interpretation training. Key points: • This study investigates potential devices for training in mammography interpretation. • Lower resolution standard LCD monitors are potentially suitable for mammographic interpretation training. • The effect of image manipulation tools on mammography workstation viewing is insignificant. • Reader experience had no significant effect on performance in all viewing devices. • Smart phones are not suitable for displaying mammograms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Current AI algorithms show breast cancer detection rates that are comparable to human readers, but it is not clear whether AI and humans detect cancers with similar characteristics. As these factors will influence survival, we aimed to compare the invasiveness status, histological grade, lymph node stage, and tumour size of cancers. Women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2009 and 2019 from three UK double-reading sites were included in this retrospective cohort evaluation. From 1718 screen-detected cancers (SDCs) and 293 interval cancers (ICs), AI indicated 85.9% and 31.7%, respectively, as suspicious. The first human reader detected 90.8% of SDCs and 7.2% of ICs. There were no differences in the detected proportion for any of the investigated prognostic factors. The AI algorithm detected more ICs. These findings imply that using AI has limited or no downstream effects on screening programmes, supporting its potential role in the double-reading workflow. Invasiveness status, histological grade, lymph node stage, and tumour size are important prognostic factors for breast cancer survival. This evaluation aims to compare these features for cancers detected by AI and human readers using digital mammography. Women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2009 and 2019 from three UK double-reading sites were included in this retrospective cohort evaluation. Differences in prognostic features of cancers detected by AI and the first human reader (R1) were assessed using chi-square tests, with significance at p < 0.05. From 1718 screen-detected cancers (SDCs) and 293 interval cancers (ICs), AI flagged 85.9% and 31.7%, respectively. R1 detected 90.8% of SDCs and 7.2% of ICs. Of the screen-detected cancers detected by the AI, 82.5% had an invasive component, compared to 81.1% for R1 (p-0.374). For the ICs, this was 91.5% and 93.8% for AI and R1, respectively (p = 0.829). For the invasive tumours, no differences were found for histological grade, tumour size, or lymph node stage. The AI detected more ICs. In summary, no differences in prognostic factors were found comparing SDC and ICs identified by AI or human readers. These findings support a potential role for AI in the double-reading workflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The use for small temporary incentives to encourage healthy eating is promising at least to trigger changes in the short run. • Long-run effects are less studied, the little evidence available suggests temporary incentives are not effective in changing habits permanently. • There is little evidence that incentives backfire. This article reviews recent evidence on the effectiveness of using small monetary and non-monetary incentives to encourage children to choose healthier foods. We discuss the rationale for using such incentives from the perspective of behavioral economics, and discuss the controversial aspects of such interventions. In reviewing the evidence, we compare key parameters of incentives schemes, such as their nature (monetary or not), the frequency at which they are given and how long they are in place. Overall, we find the evidence for using incentives encouraging, even if there is little evidence they succeed in permanently changing dietary habits. They are nevertheless very effective in changing behavior in the short run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this current systematic review is to identify the main characteristics of sexual murderers and the areas in which further research is warranted. It analyzes detailed data on 1836 sexual murderers (serial sexual murderers = 176; nonserial sexual murderers = 1660) taken from 45 empirical descriptive studies carried out between 1985 and 2013. In order to better characterise serial sexual murderers (SSMs) and nonserial sexual murderers (NSMs), three categories of variables were established: developmental variables; adult life and criminal career variables; and psychopathological variables. Characteristics of different types of sexual murderers were identified. Sexuality and sadism are the key features of SSMs. They are socially isolated, rejected, and humiliated, and take refuge in compulsive masturbation in paraphilias, which compensate for the poverty of their emotional, relational, and sexual lives. NSMs are polymorphic criminals who are easily angered when their immediate needs are not met. They adopt a victim stance, and sexual murder is a way of exacting vengeance and an outlet for their anger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stressor experiences during the juvenile period may increase vulnerability to anxiety and depressive-like symptoms in adulthood. Stressors may also promote palatable feeding, possibly reflecting a form of self-medication. The current study investigated the short- and long-term consequences of a stressor applied during the juvenile period on anxiety- and depressive-like behavior measured by the elevated plus maze (EPM), social interaction and forced swim test (FST). Furthermore, the effects of stress on caloric intake, preference for a palatable food and indices of metabolic syndrome and obesity were assessed. Male Wistar rats exposed to 3 consecutive days of variable stressors on postnatal days (PD) 27–29, displayed elevated anxiety-like behaviors as adults, which could be attenuated by consumption of a palatable high-fat diet. However, consumption of a palatable food in response to a stressor appeared to contribute to increased adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Formalin fixation, duration of tissue storage and tissue enrichment techniques can affect DNA methylation yield but these effects have not been quantitatively measured. The aim is to investigate the relative impact of these conditions on DNA methylation in rectal cancer. Methods: 10 rectal cancers with matched undissected fresh frozen tissues, laser capture microdissected (LCM) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues, manual macrodissected FFPE tissues, adjacent normal mucosa and stromal tissues were analysed for APC and LINE-1 methylation using bisulphite pyrosequencing. Results: FFPE cancer tissues, which had been stored for at least 4years showed similar APC and LINE-1 methylation changes to matched fresh frozen cancer tissues. Laser capture microdissection did not increase the degree of methylation detected compared to manual macrodissection. Analysis of stromal tissues showed that they had undergone significant methylation changes compared to adjacent macroscopically normal mucosa, but not to the same extent as cancer tissues. Conclusion: Reliable DNA methylation results can be obtained from FFPE rectal cancer tissues, which have been in long-term storage. Because only minor differences in methylation between macrodissected and LCM cancer tissues were found, our results do not support the routine use of LCM to enrich for cancer cells for DNA methylation studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-021-08157-5 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Reading time of DBT was double that of 2D FFDM images in the screening setting. • Reading times decreased as readers accrued greater experience in the interpretation of DBT. • Understanding reading times is crucial when considering logistics of DBT implementation in national screening programmes. To analyse digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) reading times in the screening setting, compared to 2D full-field digital mammography (FFDM), and investigate the impact of reader experience and professional group on interpretation times. Reading time data were recorded in the PROSPECTS Trial, a prospective randomised trial comparing DBT plus FFDM or synthetic 2D mammography (S2D) to FFDM alone, in the National Health Service (NHS) breast screening programme, from January 2019-February 2023. Time to read DBT+FFDM or DBT+S2D and FFDM alone was calculated per case and reading times were compared between modalities using dependent T-tests. Reading times were compared between readers from different professional groups (radiologists and radiographer readers) and experience levels using independent T-tests. The learning curve effect of using DBT in screening on reading time was investigated using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Forty-eight readers interpreted 1,242 FFDM batches (34,210 FFDM cases) and 973 DBT batches (13,983 DBT cases). DBT reading time was doubled compared to FFDM (2.09 ± 0.64 min vs. 0.98 ± 0.30 min; p < 0.001), and DBT+S2D reading was longer than DBT + FFDM (2.24 ± 0.62 min vs. 2.04 ± 0.46 min; p = 0.006). No difference was identified in reading time between radiologists and radiographers (2.06 ± 0.71 min vs. 2.14 ± 0.46 min, respectively; p = 0.71). Readers with five or more years of experience reading DBT were quicker than those with less experience (1.86 ± 0.56 min vs. 2.37 ± 0.65 min; p = 0.008), and DBT reading time decreased after less than 9 months accrued screening experience (p = 0.01). DBT reading times were double those of FFDM in the screening setting, but there was a short learning curve effect with readers showing significant improvements in reading times within the first nine months of DBT experience. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03733106. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The beauty-contest framework of Morris and Shin (2002) is extended to allow sub-groups within the population of agents to differ in the quality (i.e. precision) of their private information. We discuss the inefficiency of the resulting model''s equilibrium, and assess the relative effectiveness in remedying this inefficiency of: (i) a Pigouvian tax scheme; (ii) direct policy intervention by means of an instrument which can modify the state of the world. The disclosure-policy implications of each of these two policy approaches are also analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper provides field evidence on the effects of diet on educational outcomes, exploiting a campaign lead in the UK in 2004, which introduced drastic changes in the meals offered in the schools of one borough – Greenwich – shifting from low-budget processed meals towards healthier options. We evaluate the effect of the campaign on educational outcomes in primary schools using a difference in differences approach; comparing educational outcomes in primary schools (Key Stage 2 outcomes more specifically) before and after the reform, using the neighbouring Local Education Authorities as a control group. We find evidence that educational outcomes did improve significantly in English and Science. We also find that authorised absences – which are most likely linked to illness and health – fell by 14%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper investigates the implications of disclosure by the central bank to the private sector of information relating to the current realizations of macroeconomic disturbances. In the context of an economy in which the goods market is monopolistically competitive and where wages are set by atomistic unions, we find that greater precision of information provided to wage setters in respect of supply shocks has ambiguous welfare effects, both from the perspective of the social loss function and from the viewpoint of unions who act on the information. An important feature of the model is an externality in union wage setting which implies the outcome of the wage determination process is collectively inefficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the missionary activity in India brought about by satellite technology. There are four 24-hour Christian networks that feature televangelists in India. Ninety-five percent of all Indian televangelism programmes are based on genre of straight preaching, mainly 15-20 minutes sermons recorded during Church services or crusades and edited for television broadcast.

Abstract: Neutron stress measurements require specimens of complex geometry to be speedily and accurately positioned and oriented with respect to the neutron beam. Recognition that a majority of the specimen positioning systems in use at strain scanning facilities are effectively serial robot manipulators, suggests that the methods of serial robot kinematic modelling may be applied to advantage. The adoption of robotics methods provides a simple and reliable framework for controlling positioning systems of arbitrary geometry and complexity. In addition the numerical solution of the inverse kinematic problem is facilitated, allowing specimens to be automatically positioned and orientated so that pre-determined strain components are measured. It is also shown that, given sufficient degrees of freedom, a secondary characteristic of the measurement position such as the measurement count time may be simultaneously optimised. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Interferon-α (IFN-α) is used as a front-line treatment for cancer and other diseases. Reports of depression as a consequence of IFN-α therapy scatter the literature, generating interest in the CNS disruptions elicited by this cytokine. In the present work, we investigated the short- and long-term effects of a single systemic injection of vehicle, 10, or 1000 units of IFN-α on temperature, body weight, food intake, sickness behaviours, locomotor activity, and brain stimulation reward (BSR) thresholds elicited from the ventral tegmental area in female Long–Evans rats. Pioneered for studying motivational processes, BSR has been exploited as a tool for tracking hedonic status in animal models of depression. In this study, the main findings were that IFN-α did not induce anhedonia as defined by no increase in frequency thresholds. However, the analyses of sickness behaviours unveiled a significant increase in piloerection in all sham control animals that received an IFN-α injection while the BSR animal scores remained relatively unchanged between pre- and post-injection days. This pattern was also evident in the overall total sickness behaviour scores. Our data suggest that a single exposure to IFN-alpha treatment in female rats elicits long-term somatic effects, without altering hedonic status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reducing drink drive limits is generally regarded an effective strategy to save lives on the road. Using several new administrative data sources, we evaluate the effect of a stricter limit introduced in Scotland in 2014. This reduction had no effect on drink driving and road collisions. Estimates from a supply-of-offenses function suggests that the reform did not have much ex-ante scope for sizeable effects. The unavailability of cheaper alternative means of transportation and weak law enforcement seem to have been the main channels behind the lack of an impact. We find no externality on a wide range of domains, from alcohol consumption to criminal activities other than drink driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This retrospective study determined whether a test-set based assessment scheme (PERFORMS) used in a national breast screening programme could be used to predict real-life performance by investigating if the number of cancers missed by mammography readers in real-life related to the number of cancers missed in the PERFORMS test-set and whether real-life reading volumes affected performance.Method: Data was obtained from consenting readers in the screening programme in England (NHSBSP) where double reading is standard. The rate of cancers missed by individual first readers but correctly identified by second readers was compared with the number of cancers missed in the PERFORMS test-set over a 3-year period. NHSBSP readers are required to interpret at least 1500 cases per year as a first reader, so results were compared between readers who exceeded this target and those that did not. Parametric and non-parametric correlations were calculated.Results: Amongst the 536 readers, there was a highly significant positive correlation between the real-life and PERFORMS test-set missed cancer metrics (Pearson Correlation = 0.228, n = 536, p < .0001, Spearman's rho = 0.265, n = 536, p < .0001). There was no significant difference in rates of missed cancers between the 452 readers who exceeded the 1500 first read per year target and those who did not (t(94.2) = -1.87, p = .0643, r = 0.19).Conclusions: The use of a test-set based assessment scheme accurately reflects real-life mammography reading performance, indicating that it can be a useful tool in identifying poor reader performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactive-proactive aggression dichotomy is a valid, reliable, and useful concept widely used in psychology and criminology but paradoxically largely ignored in the field of sexual offending research. The objective of this study was to test whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) as well as psychopathology relevant to physical and sexual violence (psychopathy and sexual sadism) predict the type of aggression (reactive/proactive) exhibited in the commission of a sexual homicide. Data were collated from criminal case files held across 46 courthouses in France. Reactive sexual homicide offenders (SHO-R, n = 31) and proactive sexual homicide offenders (SHO-P, n = 58) were compared in terms of ACEs and psychometric measures of psychopathy (PCL: SV) and sexual sadism (SeSaS). The findings indicated that ACEs and PCL: SV Factor 2 were associated with reactive aggression in the context of sexual homicide, whereas PCL: SV Factor 1 and sexual sadism were associated to proactive aggression. This study emphasized the role of ACEs and personality traits in the development of different types of aggression exhibited in sexual homicide and highlighted advantages of applying mainstream psychological and criminological concepts to extreme violence phenomena. • Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Sexual Homicide Offenders. • Adverse childhood experiences were associated with reactive aggression (RA). • Sexual sadism was associated with proactive aggression (PA). • Impulsive-antisocial psychopathic traits were associated with RA. • Affective-interpersonal psychopathic traits were associated with PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling for very fast transients (VFTs) requires good knowledge of the behaviour of gas insulated substation (GIS) components when subjected to high frequencies. Modelling usually takes the form of circuit-based insulation coordination type studies, in an effort to determine the maximum overvoltages and waveshapes present around the system. At very high frequencies, standard transmission line modelling assumptions may not be valid. Therefore, the approach to modelling of these transients must be re-evaluated. In this work, the high frequency finite element analysis (FEA) was used to enhance circuit-based models, allowing direct computation of parameters from geometric and material characteristics. Equivalent models that replicate a finite element model's frequency response for bus-spacer and 90° elbow components were incorporated in alternative transients program-electromagnetic transients program (ATP-EMTP) using a pole-residue equivalent circuit derived following rational fitting using the well-established and robust method of vector fitting (VF). A large model order is often required to represent this frequency dependent behaviour through admittance matrices, leading to increased computational burden. Moreover, while highly accurate models can be derived, the data extracted from finite element solutions can be non-passive, leading to instability when included in time domain simulations. A simple method of improved stability for FEA derived responses along with a method for identification of a minimum required model order for stability of transient simulations is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) can improve diagnostic accuracy compared to 2D mammography, but DBT reporting is time-consuming and potentially more fatiguing. Changes in diagnostic accuracy and subjective and objective fatigue were evaluated over a DBT reporting session, and the impact of taking a reporting break was assessed. Materials and methods: Forty-five National Health Service (NHS) mammography readers from 6 hospitals read a cancer-enriched set of 40 DBT cases whilst eye tracked in this prospective cohort study, from December 2020 to April 2022. Eye-blink metrics were assessed as objective fatigue measures. Twenty-one readers had a reporting break, 24 did not. Subjective fatigue questionnaires were completed before and after the session. Diagnostic accuracy and subjective and objective fatigue measures were compared between the cohorts using parametric and non-parametric significance testing. Results: Readers had on average 10 years post-training breast screening experience and took just under 2 h (105.8 min) to report all cases. Readers without a break reported greater levels of subjective fatigue (44% vs. 33%, p = 0.04), which related to greater objective fatigue: an increased average blink duration (296 ms vs. 286 ms, p < 0.001) and a reduced eye-opening velocity (76 mm/s vs. 82 mm/s, p < 0.001). Objective fatigue increased as the trial progressed for the no break cohort only (ps < 0.001). No difference was identified in diagnostic accuracy between the groups (accuracy: 87% vs. 87%, p = 0.92). Conclusions: Implementing a break during a 2-h DBT reporting session resulted in lower levels of subjective and objective fatigue. Breaks did not impact diagnostic accuracy, which may be related to the extensive experience of the readers. Clinical relevance statement: DBT is being incorporated into many mammography screening programmes. Recognising that reporting breaks are required when reading large volumes of DBT studies ensures this can be factored in when setting up reading sessions. Trial registration: Clinical trials registration number: NCT03733106 Key Points: • Use of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in breast screening programmes can cause significant reader fatigue. • The effectiveness of incorporating reading breaks into DBT reporting sessions, to reduce mammography reader fatigue, was investigated using eye tracking. • Integrating breaks into DBT reporting sessions reduced reader fatigue; however, diagnostic accuracy was unaffected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jusqu'à tout récemment, la population générale avait tendance à croire qu'une femme ne pouvait être l'auteur de comportements sexuels coercitifs. Tandis qu'il est difficile d'identifier les éléments ayant pu alimenter cette croyance, il est possible que celle-ci soit associée à des conceptions erronées concernant les comportements féminins (exemple : une femme est rarement violente, elle est plutôt la cible de violences) et/ou les agressions sexuelles (exemple : une agression sexuelle consiste en un viol, cela implique nécessairement une pénétration vaginale pénienne). Cependant, la recherche a mis en évidence ces dernières années que les femmes sont aussi capables de commettre des infractions sexuelles (exemple : attouchements), seules ou avec un partenaire, parfois sous la contrainte et d'autres fois de leur propre initiative. Qui sont donc ces femmes ? Dans le cadre de cet entretien avec Jean-Pierre Bouchard, c'est à cette question qu'Alexandre Gauthier, Ingrid Ménard, Tamsin Higgs et Jonathan James tentent de répondre, en abordant : les fausses croyances entourant cette forme de délinquance et leurs impacts sur les taux de prévalence ; le profil type de la délinquante sexuelle, en distinguant celles qui agissent seules de celles qui agissent avec un partenaire ; et les principaux modèles explicatifs de cette forme de délinquance. Les chercheurs terminent en présentant les principaux paramètres à prendre en considération dans la prise en charge de ces femmes dans un contexte thérapeutique. Until recently, the general population tended to believe that a woman could not be the perpetrator of coercive sexual behavior. While it is difficult to identify what may have fueled this belief, it may be associated with misconceptions about female behavior (example: a woman is rarely violent, but rather the target of violence) and/or sexual assault (example: a sexual assault is rape, which necessarily involves penile vaginal penetration). However, research in recent years has shown that women are also capable of committing sexual offenses (example: touching), alone or with a partner, sometimes under duress and other times on their own initiative. Who are these women? During this interview with Jean-Pierre Bouchard, Alexandre Gauthier, Ingrid Ménard, Tamsin Higgs, and Jonathan James attempt to answer this question by addressing: the false beliefs surrounding this form of delinquency and their impact on prevalence rates; the typical profile of female sexual offenders, distinguishing between those who act alone and those who act with a partner; and the main explanatory models of this form of delinquency. The researchers conclude by presenting the main parameters to be considered in the management of these women in a therapeutic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dans le discours populaire, pédophile et agresseur sexuel d'enfant sont généralement compris comme étant des synonymes : les pédophiles seraient des individus qui ont commis une agression sexuelle sur un enfant et les agresseurs sexuels d'enfants seraient nécessairement des individus ayant une préférence sexuelle pour les enfants. Bien que les études antérieures aient mis en évidence que la préférence sexuelle envers les enfants joue un rôle important dans le processus de passage à l'acte et la récidive des individus, elle constitue un facteur parmi d'autres (ex.: manque d'empathie, distorsions cognitives). Dans le cadre de cet entretien, les chercheurs apportent quelques nuances en, notamment, délimitant plusieurs concepts tels que celui d'agression sexuelle d'enfant et en abordant : les différents types de délits sexuels, les caractéristiques et les profils des agresseurs sexuels d'enfant et les différences entre la pédophilie et l'agression sexuelle d'enfants. Les chercheurs terminent en présentant le concept de pédophile abstinent , soit un individu ayant une préférence sexuelle envers les enfants, mais qui n'a jamais commis d'infraction sexuelle. Les chercheurs présentent les ressources qui s'offrent à ce type d'individus, les difficultés qu'ils peuvent vivre au quotidien et proposent des pistes de réflexion en matière d'accompagnement et de traitement. In popular discourse, the terms pedophile and child sex. offender are generally understood to be synonymous : pedophiles are considered to be individuals who have sexually assaulted a child and child sex. offenders are necessarily defined as individuals with a sexual preference for children. Although previous studies have shown that sexual preference for children plays an important role in the offending process and in recidivism, it is but one factor among others (e.g. lack of empathy, cognitive distortions). In this interview, the researchers provide some nuance by, among other things, delimiting several concepts such as child sexual abuse and by addressing the different types of sexual offenses, the characteristics and profiles of child sexual offenders and the differences between pedophilia and child sexual abuse. The researchers conclude by introducing the concept of the non-offending pedophile, an individual with a sexual preference towards children but who has never committed a sexual offense. The researchers discuss the resources available to this type of individual, the difficulties they may experience on a daily basis and suggest areas of further reflection in terms of support and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Hypermethylation of SNAP91 as an Alternative Mechanism of Epidermal Growth Factor Signalling Dysregulation: A Genome-Wide Meta-analysis With Validation of Colorectal Cancers" by Andrew Beggs et al. is presented.

Objective: To compare the accuracy of standard supplementary views and GE digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for assessment of soft-tissue mammographic abnormalities. Methods: Women recalled for further assessment of soft-tissue abnormalities were recruited and received standard supplementary views (typically spot compression views) and two-view GE DBT. The added value of DBT in the assessment process was determined by analysing data collected prospectively by radiologists working up the cases. Following anonymization of cases, there was also a retrospective multireader review. The readers first read bilateral standard two-view digital mammography (DM) together with the supplementary mammographic views and gave a combined score for suspicion of malignancy on a five-point scale. The same readers then read bilateral standard two-view DM together with two-view DBT. Pathology data were obtained. Differences were assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: The study population was 342 lesions in 322 patients. The final diagnosis was malignant in 113 cases (33%) and benign/normal in 229 cases (67%). In the prospective analysis, the performance of two-view DM plus DBT was at least equivalent to the performance of two-view DM and standard mammographic supplementary views--the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.946 and 0.922, respectively, which did not reach statistical significance. Similar results were obtained for the retrospective review--AUC was 0.900 (DBT) and 0.873 (supplementary views), which did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: The accuracy of GE DBT in the assessment of screen detected soft-tissue abnormalities is equivalent to the use of standard supplementary mammographic views. Advances in knowledge: The vast majority of evidence relating to the use of DBT has been gathered from research using Hologic equipment. This study provides evidence for the use of the commercially available GE DBT system demonstrating that it is at least equivalent to supplementary mammographic views in the assessment of soft-tissue screen-detected abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multichannel microfluidic platform for real-time monitoring of epithelial barrier integrity by electrical impedance has been developed. Growth and polarization of human epithelial cells from the airway or gastrointestinal tract was continuously monitored over 5 days in 8 parallel, individually perfused microfluidic chips. Electrical impedance data were continuously recorded to monitor cell barrier formation using a low-cost bespoke impedance analyser. Data was analysed using an electric circuit model to extract the equivalent transepithelial electrical resistance and epithelial cell layer capacitance. The cell barrier integrity steadily increased overtime, achieving an average resistance of 418 ± 121 Ω cm2 (airway cells) or 207 ± 59 Ω cm2 (gastrointestinal cells) by day 5. The utility of the polarized airway epithelial barrier was demonstrated using a 24 hour challenge with double stranded RNA to mimic viral infection. This caused a rapid decrease in barrier integrity in association with disruption of tight junctions, whereas simultaneous treatment with a corticosteroid reduced this effect. The platform is able to measure barrier integrity in real-time and is scalable, thus has the potential to be used for drug development and testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenging physical environment associated with electromagnetic launchers (EMLs) makes reliable in situ measurements of physical parameters particularly difficult. The resulting lack of data hinders the validation of simulation codes that are used to support the design of new EMLs. As a result, there have been substantial efforts to develop new instrumentation that is compatible with the harsh environment of an EML. This paper will describe recent developments from Georgia Tech and U.S. Navy research to improve instrumentation capabilities for temperature and strain. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Pathological complete response (pathCR) in rectal cancer is beneficial, as up to 75% of patients do not experience regrowth of the primary tumour, but it is poorly understood. We hypothesised that the changes seen in the pre-treatment biopsies of pathCR but not seen in residual tumour after chemoradiotherapy were the determinants of responsiveness.Methods: Two groups of patients with either complete response (pathCR group, N = 24) or no response (poor response group, N = 24) were retrieved. Pre-treatment biopsies of cancers from these patients underwent high read depth amplicon sequencing for a targeted panel, exome sequencing, methylation profiling and immunohistochemistry for DNA repair pathway proteins.Results: Twenty four patients who underwent pathCR and twenty-four who underwent poor response underwent molecular characterisation. Patients in the pathCR group had significantly higher tumour mutational burden and neoantigen load, frequent copy number alterations but fewer structural variants and enrichment for driver mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. There were no significant differences in tumour heterogeneity as measured by MATH score. Methylation analysis demonstrated enrichment for hypomethyation in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway.Discussion: The phenomenon of pathCR in rectal cancer may be related to immunovisibility caused by a high tumour mutational burden phenotype. Potential therapy resistance mechanisms involve the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway, but tumour heterogeneity does not seem to play a role in resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]