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Mendelian randomization (MR) leverages genetic information to examine the causal relationship between phenotypes allowing for the presence of unmeasured confounders. MR has been widely applied to unresolved questions in epidemiology, making use of summary statistics from genome-wide association studies on an increasing number of human traits. However, an understanding of essential concepts is necessary for the appropriate application and interpretation of MR. This review aims to provide a non-technical overview of MR and demonstrate its relevance to psychiatric research. We begin with the origins of MR and the reasons for its recent expansion, followed by an overview of its statistical methodology. We then describe the limitations of MR, and how these are being addressed by recent methodological advances. We showcase the practical use of MR in psychiatry through three illustrative examples – the connection between cannabis use and psychosis, the link between intelligence and schizophrenia, and the search for modifiable risk factors for depression. The review concludes with a discussion of the prospects of MR, focusing on the integration of multi-omics data and its extension to delineating complex causal networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum computers will need effective error-correcting codes. Current quantum processors require precise control of each particle, so having fewer particles to control might be beneficial. Although traditionally quantum computers are considered as using qubits (2-level systems), qudits (systems with more than 2-levels) are appealing since they can have an equivalent computational space using fewer particles, meaning fewer particles need to be controlled. In this work, we prove how to construct codes with parameters [ [ 2 N - 1 , 2 N - 1 - 2 N , ≥ 3 ] ] q for any choice of prime q and natural number N ≥ 3 . This is accomplished using the technique of local-dimension-invariant (LDI) codes. Generally, LDI codes have the drawback of needing large local-dimensions to ensure the distance is at least preserved, and so this work also quadratically reduces this requirement by utilizing the structure of CSS codes, allowing for the aforementioned code family to be imported for any local-dimension choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation encompasses a group of classic methods to estimate distribution‐associated functions from potentially censored and truncated data, with extensive applications in survival analysis. These methods, including the Kaplan‐Meier estimator and Turnbull's method, often result in overfitting, especially when the sample size is small. We propose an improvement to these methods by applying kernel smoothing to their raw estimates, based on a BIC‐type loss function that balances the trade‐off between optimizing model fit and controlling model complexity. In the context of a longitudinal study with repeated observations, we detail our proposed smoothing procedure and optimization algorithm. With extensive simulation studies over multiple realistic scenarios, we demonstrate that our smoothing‐based procedure provides better overall accuracy in both survival function estimation and individual‐level time‐to‐event prediction (imputation) by reducing overfitting. Our smoothing procedure decreases the bias (discrepancy between the estimated and true simulated survival function) using interval‐censored data by up to 48% compared to the raw un‐smoothed estimate, with similar improvements of up to 34% and 23% in within‐sample and out‐of‐sample prediction, respectively. Our smoothing algorithm also demonstrates significant overall improvement across all three metrics when compared to a popular semiparametric B‐splines estimation method. Finally, we apply our method to real data on censored breast cancer diagnosis, which similarly shows improvement when compared to empirical survival estimates from uncensored data. We provide an R package, SISE, for implementing our penalized likelihood method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensembles of two-level systems interacting with a single-mode electromagnetic field are increasingly being used for the development of quantum information processors and mesoscopic quantum devices. These systems are characterized by a set of energy-level hybridizations, split by Lamb shifts, that occur when the ensemble and field mode interact coherently with high cooperativity. For high dimensions simulating system dynamics while including the complete set of Lamb shifts is generally intractable. We present a compact description of Lamb shift statistics and behavior across all collective angular momentum and excitation subspaces of the ensemble without resorting to overly restrictive approximations of the state space. We also calculate the averaged effective Lamb shift weighted over the degeneracies of these subspaces to connect our results to experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical fate is a concern at environmentally contaminated sites, but characterizing that fate can be difficult. Identifying and quantifying the movement of chemicals at the air-water interface are important steps in characterizing chemical fate. Superfund sites are often suspected sources of air pollution due to legacy sediment and water contamination. A quantitative assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated PAH (OPAHs) diffusive flux in a river system that contains a Superfund Mega-site, and passes through residential, urban and agricultural land, has not been reported before. Here, passive sampling devices (PSDs) were used to measure 60 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 22 oxygenated PAH (OPAHs) in air and water. From these concentrations the magnitude and direction of contaminant flux between these two compartments was calculated. The magnitude of PAH flux was greater at sites near or within the Superfund Mega-site than outside of the Superfund Mega-site. The largest net individual PAH deposition at a single site was naphthalene at a rate of − 14,200 (± 5780) (ng/m 2 )/day. The estimated one-year total flux of phenanthrene was − 7.9 × 10 5 (ng/m 2 )/year. Human health risk associated with inhalation of vapor phase PAHs and dermal exposure to PAHs in water were assessed by calculating benzo[ a ]pyrene equivalent concentrations. Excess lifetime cancer risk estimates show potential increased risk associated with exposure to PAHs at sites within and in close proximity to the Superfund Mega-site. Specifically, estimated excess lifetime cancer risk associated with dermal exposure and inhalation of PAHs was above 1 in 1 million within the Superfund Mega-site. The predominant depositional flux profile observed in this study suggests that the river water in this Superfund site is largely a sink for airborne PAHs, rather than a source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive sampling devices were used to measure air vapor and water dissolved phase concentrations of 33 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 22 oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) at four Gulf of Mexico coastal sites prior to, during and after shoreline oiling from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH). Measurements were taken at each site over a 13 month period, and flux across the water-air boundary was determined. This is the first report of vapor phase and diffusive flux of both PAHs and OPAHs during the DWH. Vapor phase sum PAH and OPAH concentrations ranged between 6.6 and 210 ng/m³ and 0.02 and 34 ng/m³ respectively. PAH and OPAH concentrations in air exhibited different spatial and temporal trends than in water, and air-water flux of 13 individual PAHs was shown to be at least partially influenced by the DWH incident. The largest PAH volatilizations occurred at the sites in Alabama and Mississippi at nominal rates of 56 000 and 42 000 ng/m² day-1 in the summer. Naphthalene was the PAH with the highest observed volatilization rate of 52 000 ng/m² day-1 in June 2010. This work represents additional evidence of the DWH incident contributing to air contamination, and provides one of the first quantitative air-water chemical flux determinations with passive sampling technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive sampling devices were used to measure air vapor and water dissolved phase concentrations of 33 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 22 oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs) at four Gulf of Mexico coastal sites prior to, during, and after shoreline oiling from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (DWH). Measurements were taken at each site over a 13 month period, and flux across the water–air boundary was determined. This is the first report of vapor phase and flux of both PAHs and OPAHs during the DWH. Vapor phase sum PAH and OPAH concentrations ranged between 1 and 24 ng/m³ and 0.3 and 27 ng/m³, respectively. PAH and OPAH concentrations in air exhibited different spatial and temporal trends than in water, and air–water flux of 13 individual PAHs were strongly associated with the DWH incident. The largest PAH volatilizations occurred at the sites in Alabama and Mississippi in the summer, each nominally 10 000 ng/m²/day. Acenaphthene was the PAH with the highest observed volatilization rate of 6800 ng/m²/day in September 2010. This work represents additional evidence of the DWH incident contributing to air contamination, and provides one of the first quantitative air–water chemical flux determinations with passive sampling technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deep inelastic and transfer reactions with an 820-MeV, 136Xe beam and various ytterbium and lutetium targets have been employed to study high-spin structures in the neutron-rich thulium isotopes beyond 171Tm. Results in the doubly odd nucleus, 174Tm, include the identification of numerous new two- and four-quasiparticle intrinsic states including several isomers below 1 MeV, and the observation of the Kp=4- ground state rotational band populated via direct decay from a t=153(10)-µs, Kp=14- isomer at 2092 keV. The 398-keV, M1 transition linking the isomer and ground state band is abnormally fast for a highly forbidden, ?K=10 decay. This relative enhancement is explained in terms of mixing of the 13- level with the nearby 13- member of a Kp=8- rotational band, with an interaction strength of V 1.4 keV. Multiquasiparticle calculations are compared with the observed states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the distinction between the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ and redemption applied in Christ. The author discusses this difference particularly with reference to the connection between union with Christ by faith and justification in Christ by faith only. He says that the accomplishment of redemption is linked with the sufferings and glory of the Messiah.

Deep-inelastic reactions and γ-ray spectroscopy have been used to study excited states in 195Au. A three-quasiparticle isomer with a mean-life of 18.6(3) µs has been assigned at 2461 + Δ keV, with decays into newly identified structures. Possible configurations for the isomer are discussed including a Jπ = 31/2- intrinsic state produced by coupling the 11/2- [505] proton hole to the 10+ state obtained from the 9/2+ [624], 11/2+ [615] two-neutron holes, expected from configuration-constrained potential-energy-surface calculations. Residual interactions are evaluated within a semi-empirical shell model basis. New lifetime information is also obtained for the 21/2+ and 25/2+ states at 1813 and 1980 keV. The relationship between these and other newly identified states and the negative-parity states in the even-even neighbors is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-spin states in the odd-proton thulium isotopes 173Tm and 175Tm have been studied using deep-inelastic reactions and γ-ray spectroscopy. In l73Tm, the low-lying structure has been confirmed and numerous new states have been identified, including a three-quasiparticle Kπ = 19/2- isomer with a lifetime of τ = 360(100) ns at 1906 keV and a five-quasiparticle Kπ = 35/2- isomer with a lifetime of τ = 175(40) ns at 4048 keV. The Kπ = 35/2- state is interpreted as a t-band configuration that shows anomalously fast decays. In 175Tm, the low-lying structure has been reevaluated, a candidate state for the 9/2- [514] orbital has been identified at 1175 keV, and the 7/2-[523] bandhead has been measured to have a lifetime of τ = 460(50) ns. Newly identified high- AT structures in 175Tm include a Kπ = 15/2- isomer with a lifetime of τ = 64(3) ns at 947 keV and a Kπ = 23/2- isomer with a lifetime of τ = 30(20) µs at 1518 keV. The Kπ = 15/2- isomer shows relatively enhanced decays to the 7/2-[523] band that can be explained by chance mixing with the 15/2- member of the 7/2- band. Multiquasiparticle calculations have been performed for 173Tm and l75Tm, the results of which compare well with the experimentally observed high-spin states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Scale formation is a serious problem in the mineral processing industry. To better understand the options available for mitigating this problem, a novel scale–velocity model is proposed in this paper for slurry systems commonly found in mineral processing plants. The new qualitative scale growth model predicts that at very low fluid velocities the scale growth rate is enhanced by an increase in fluid velocity due to the mass transfer-controlled scale growth. At higher fluid velocities, the scale growth rate decreases with increasing fluid velocity due to the increased flow erosion effect, for slurry systems. This suggests the potential of particulate erosion as a scale suppression mechanism. The model predicts the existence of an optimal slurry flow velocity, where scaling rate and equipment erosion rate are both zero. The optimal fluid velocity value is proposed to be used as the main parameter to improve engineering design of mineral processes in terms of scale suppression. A novel agitator design, swirl flow technology (SFT), developed and patented by CSIRO and Queensland Alumina Ltd (QAL) in Australia was introduced as an agitator design that better meets requirements for scale suppression than a widely used conventional draft-tube agitator system. SFT agitation has been installed in gibbsite precipitators at QAL''s alumina plant for a decade. As shown by CFD simulations and laboratory measurements, swirled flow agitation generates more uniform velocity distribution and higher velocity values at the wall than conventional agitators for the same power input; this reduces the maximum growth rate of scaling in the tank leading to significantly prolonged precipitator''s service life. Based on the full-scale operational experience at QAL, it can be suggested that SFT agitation roughly halves the scale growth rate as compared to that measured in the conventional draft tube agitator systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the commonest form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, the optimal approach to diagnosis, employing biopsy by either fine needle aspiration (FNA) or surgical excision, remains uncertain. Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic value of biopsy using each of the component diagnostic modalities of FNA (microscopy, cytology and culture), and compare these with excision biopsy in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a predominantly migrant population in Melbourne. Methods: A retrospective examination of tuberculous lymphadenitis cases presenting to Western Health over 12 years was conducted. Using a reference method of positive culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the diagnostic sensitivities of each modality employed in FNA were determined. Results: Forty-two subjects having FNA and 30 having excision biopsy as the initial investigation were compared. Among specimens obtained by FNA, sensitivity of microscopy was 18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5-40%) and sensitivity of cytology was 38% (95% CI: 20-59%). For specimens obtained by excision biopsies, sensitivities for microscopy and histology were 17% (95% CI: 2-32%) and 96% (95% CI: 88-i00%) respectively. Sensitivity of culture performed on FNA specimens was 86% (95% CI: 65-97%). Conclusions: Given the relatively high sensitivity of mycobacterial cultures from FNA, this study supports its routine use as the initial investigation in most patients with suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis. Microscopy and cytology add relatively little to the clinical utility of FNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinicians may avoid continuous pain blocks in pediatric cancer patients at the end of life for fear of complications or of interfering with the desired location of death. To examine the impact of epidural or peripheral nerve catheters on pain control in children and young adults with cancer within the last 3 months of life. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records to assess pain scores, systemic opioid requirements, and impact on death at the preferred location. Ten patients (4.4-21.3 years of age), nine with solid tumors, one with lymphoma, had 14 devices (11 epidural, 3 peripheral nerve catheters) for a range of 3-81 days. Twelve of 13 catheters provided improvement by at least one of three criteria: improved mean pain scores at 24 h (8 of 13) and decreased opioid requirement at 24 h in nine cases and at day 5 in nine cases. Eight patients died in their preferred setting. Six patients had catheters (five epidural, one peripheral) until death, including two who died at home. In some cases, typical contraindications for indwelling catheters (spinal metastasis, vertebral fracture, thrombocytopenia, fever) were superseded by palliative care needs. We found no bleeding, infectious, or neurological complications. Our findings suggest that continuous catheter-delivered pain blockade at the end of life contributes to analgesia, moderates opioid requirements, and usually does not preclude death at the preferred location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the methods used in the design of flotation plants, including benchscale batch and locked cycle tests and pilot plant trials. The methods used to establish appropriate flotation circuits as well as the interpretation of the test work data are also discussed in this paper. Careful and appropriate sample selection must be followed by equally carefully designed and executed flotation test work if a successful outcome is to be achieved. These steps are detailed and the correct use of each type of test and the information which can be obtained is described. Practical design considerations such as flotation time, type, number and size of flotation cells, and the means of froth transport are all important and appropriate test work can guide decisions on all these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cadia Hill Gold Mine and the Hellyer copper, zinc and lead plant present different problems with widely different target grind sizes, liberation characteristics. The contrast is between Hellyer's sequential flotation circuit versus Cadia's 'simple' copper-gold flotation circuit. The common theme is that pyrite forms the principal floatable concentrate diluent. Hellyer ore contains finely disseminated chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena and tetrahedrite. The flotation plant design was based on extensive benchscale test work (including locked cycle tests) on drill core and many months of operation of a 30 t h-1 'pilot plant' using the modified Cleveland Tin Mine processing plant. The Cadia concentrator was designed based on an extensive benchscale variability test work programme. Data from approximately a dozen locked cycle tests conducted on drill core and 2 weeks of continuous pilot plant trials of samples obtained from an adit into the orebody were used as the basis of design. The orebody is a low grade monzonite porphyry with disseminated chalcopyrite/bornite/pyrite (0·17%Cu, 0·73 g t-1 Au). Methods used to establish the appropriated flotation circuits for the treatment of the Hellyer and Cadia ores, as well as the interpretation of the test work data for these particular operations, are discussed. The predicted versus actual operational plant is reviewed and the comparison was found to be satisfactory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleus $\ensuremath {\rm ^{127}Sb}$ , which is on the neutron-rich periphery of the $\ensuremath \beta$ -stability region, has been populated in complex nuclear reactions involving deep-inelastic and fusion-fission processes with $\ensuremath {\rm {}^{136}Xe}$ beams incident on thick targets. The previously known isomer at 2325 keV in $\ensuremath {\rm {}^{127}Sb}$ has been assigned spin and parity $\ensuremath 23/2^+$ , based on the measured $\ensuremath \gamma$ - $\ensuremath \gamma$ angular correlations and total internal conversion coefficients. The half-life has been determined to be 234(12) ns, somewhat longer than the value reported previously. The 2194 keV state has been assigned $\ensuremath J^{\pi} = 19/2^+$ and identified as an isomer with $\ensuremath T_{1/2} = 14(1) {\rm ns}$ , decaying by two $\ensuremath E2$ branches. The observed level energies and transition strengths are compared with the predictions of a shell model calculation. Two $\ensuremath 15/2^+$ states have been identified close in energy, and their properties are discussed in terms of mixing between vibrational and three-quasiparticle configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sowing date and autumn management of sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) were investigated over 3 years in the UK. Replicated plots were sown between April and September in 2003 and 2004. Autumn management treatments were early and late cutting carried out in the establishment year and in subsequent years. Dry matter (DM) yields were measured over 3 years. One harvest was taken from April to July sowings in the establishment year and three harvests in each of the following years. DM yields from sowings in April and May were 2·8 and 3·3 t DM ha−1, respectively, in the establishment year, which were higher ( P < 0·001) than from sowings in June and July. Sowings from April to July yielded 10·9–12·5 t DM ha−1 in the first full-harvest year, and 9·5–11·5 t DM ha−1 in the following year. Sowings in August and September only gave 5 t DM ha−1 year−1. Early-autumn cutting of an established sward reduced yields of sainfoin at the second harvest in the first and second full-harvest years. Sowing in May had the lowest proportion of weed species (0·06) in the establishment year, and sowing in July had the highest (0·53). Crude protein concentration increased as the seasons progressed from 149·8 to 230·1 g kg−1 DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry matter (DM) yield and herbage quality of swards of sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciifolia), meadow fescue ( Festuca pratensis,) and tetraploid perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne) grown in monocultures and in four sainfoin:grass mixtures (0·33 sainfoin:0·66 meadow fescue, 0·66 sainfoin:0·33 meadow fescue, 0·33 sainfoin:0·66 perennial ryegrass and 0·66 sainfoin:0·33 perennial ryegrass), established by direct sowing or undersowing in spring barley, were investigated over 3 years in a field experiment in the UK. Direct sowing produced a mean yield across all species and mixtures of 1·8 t DM ha−1 in the establishment year, whereas undersowing produced no measurable yield except for that of the spring barley. Undersowing reduced the yields of sainfoin and sainfoin-grass mixtures in the first full-harvest year but not in the second. The annual yield of a monoculture of sainfoin was 7·53 t DM ha−1 and that of sainfoin-grass mixtures was 8·33 t DM ha−1 averaged over 3 years. Both sainfoin and the sainfoin-grass mixtures had higher annual DM yields than the grass monocultures. The mixture of 0·66 sainfoin:0·33 meadow fescue gave the highest mean annual yield (9·07 t DM ha−1) over the 3 years. There was a higher proportion of sainfoin maintained in mixtures with perennial ryegrass than with meadow fescue. The proportion of sainfoin in sainfoin–meadow fescue mixtures declined from 0·62 in the first year to 0·32 in the third year, whereas the proportion in sainfoin–perennial ryegrass increased from 0·48 in the first year to 0·67 in the second year and remained stable in the third year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive set of quality parameters has been recorded for meat and fat from groups of castrate and ram lambs raised on pasture and slaughtered in groups of six at 91-day intervals from 122 to 668 days of age. These include mechanical evaluation of meat tenderness, sensory evaluations of meat flavour and fat odour, and measurements of fat colour, fatty acid composition, vitamins C and E, free glucose and iron in the meat, and of the concentrations of the flavour compounds indoles, phenols, and branched chain fatty acids in the fat. There was significant variation in many parameters between slaughter days, including markedly lower meat tenderness in one slaughter group, probably in response to unfavourable pasture conditions. Older ram lambs tended to be less tender than castrates of the same age. However, no longer-term age-related trends were observed in tenderness or flavour quality. Concentrations of free glucose in rigor muscle and vitamin C showed a declining trend with age. Concentrations of the branched chain fatty acids 4-methyloctanoic and 4-methylnonanoic acids in fat increased with age. Sex category effects were observed for the branched chain fatty acids and for indole and skatole. Higher concentrations were observed in ram lambs. The data indicate there is only a limited decline in lamb meat quality characteristics up to nearly 2 years of age, but that pasture feeding conditions may affect quality significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described in January 1977. Even today, it is often regarded as an unusual or exotic disease, when in fact it is a very common form of community and nosocomial acquired pneumonia. The major roles of the acute care nurse, including patient health education; psychosocial needs of the patient; and strategies for disease prevention and control, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of condensed tannins (CT) from Lotus corniculatus and L. pedunculatus (also known as L. uliginosus) depend on their structure in terms of monomer units, their mean degree of polymerisation (mDP) and the linkage-type between flavan-3-ol units with a considerable range of structural variation. To ascertain the identity of the individual units that make up the CT, the polymer chains are subjected to strong acid-catalysed cleavage in the presence of phloroglucinol or benzyl mercaptan. Mass spectrometry (MS) can also be utilized to probe CT structural differences. MALDI-TOF MS has been used to study L. corniculatus cultivars.We have examined the chemical composition of Sephadex LH-20 CT fractions from both L. corniculatus and L. pedunculatus by strong acid-catalysed cleavage with benzyl mercaptan (thiolysis), and by high-performance liquid-chromatography (HPLC)-electrospray mass spectrometry (ES/MS) with detection in negative ion mode. The thiolysis study confirmed earlier findings that CT from the two species are composed of procyanidin (PC) and prodelphinidin (PD) units with the L. pedunculatus CTs (PC:PD; 19:81) having a higher proportion of prodelphinidin units than L. corniculatus CTs (PC:PD; 84:16). However, using a gradient fractionation approach eluting first with water, L. pedunculatus CT was found to include a high molecular weight polymer (mDP 44), not found in L. corniculatus. In the gradient fractionation a series of oligomer fractions were also separated for L. pedunculatus CTs (mDP 1.7, 3.6, 6.3 and 12) and L. corniculatus CTs (mDP 1.9, 6.3 and 19). Ions from oligomeric species (DP 2–10) were detected in these fractions by LC/ES/MS. Fractions with an identical mDP of 6.3 by thiolysis for the two species have shown a different compositional dispersion (range of DP) of oligomeric CTs by ES/MS with a DP range of 2–7 for L. corniculatus and 4–6 for L. pedunculatus.Chemical degradation and MS techniques have shown that dispersion of polymer size, for L. corniculatus and L. pedunculatus CTs, and not solely their concentration in the plant may influence biological activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Successful strategies for nurse-led management of heart failure within hospitals can be adapted for the primary care setting. Gary Lane explains how this will help to achieve NSF recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effect of oral progesterone on the oestrogenised postmenopausal endometrium. Implications on the dosage of progesterone; Change on the secretory histology; Provocation of the end organ response.

The level structures of 212Ra and 213Ra have been established via time-correlated γ-ray spectroscopy following the 204Pb(12C,4n)212Ra and 204Pb(13C,4n)213Ra reactions. In 212Ra, levels up to ∼6.2MeV were identified and firm spin-parity assignments were achieved to a Jπ=19+ isomer with a mean life of 31(3) ns. For 213Ra the corresponding values were ∼4.5MeV in excitation energy and Jπ=33/2+. Two isomeric states with Jπ=23/2+, τ=27(3) ns and Jπ=33/2+, τ=50(3) ns were discovered in 213Ra. The experimental data were compared with semiempirical shell-model calculations, which allowed dominant configurations to be assigned to most of the observed levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SABRE (Sodium iodide with Active Background REjection) is a direct detection dark matter experiment based on arrays of radio-pure NaI(Tl) crystals. The experiment aims at achieving an ultra-low background rate and its primary goal is to confirm or refute the results from the DAMA/LIBRA experiment. The SABRE Proof-of-Principle phase was carried out in 2020–2021 at the Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), in Italy. The next phase consists of two full-scale experiments: SABRE South at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, in Australia, and SABRE North at LNGS. This paper focuses on SABRE South and presents a detailed simulation of the detector, which is used to characterise the background for dark matter searches including DAMA/LIBRA-like modulation. We estimate an overall background of 0.72 cpd/kg/ keV ee in the energy range 1–6 keV ee primarily due to radioactive contamination in the crystals. Given this level of background and considering that the SABRE South has a target mass of 50 kg, we expect to exclude (confirm) DAMA/LIBRA modulation at 4 (5) σ within 2.5 years of data taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure of 210Fr has been established up to an excitation energy of ∼5.5 MeV and spins of ∼25ℏ, via time-correlated γ-ray spectroscopy and using the Au197(O18,5n)Fr210 reaction with pulsed beams at an energy of 97 MeV. A significantly different level scheme has been obtained compared to previous publications. Several isomers are reported here, including a Jπ=(23)+,τ=686(9)-ns state at 4417 keV and a 10−, 29.8(11)-ns state at 1113 keV. The former isomer has been associated with the π (h9/2³i13/2²)ν(p1/2-2f5/2-1) configuration and decays via proposed E3 transitions with strengths of 8.4(3) and 21.2(8) W.u. There are only very few known cases of a high-spin isomer decaying via two parallel E3 transitions. Indeed, this is not seen in other Fr nuclei, and consequently these strengths differ from related decays in the neighboring isotopes. However, by examining the systematics of E3 transitions in trans-lead nuclei, we suggest that the weaker of the two transitions decays to a mixed 20- state. Systematics of the 10- isomer are also discussed. Comparisons are made between the observed spectrum of states and those predicted from semiempirical shell-model calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disparity in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, including within high-income countries, is driven by a heightened risk of cardio-metabolic diseases. The current study recruited independent panels of experts in Indigenous cardio-metabolic health from Australia, New Zealand and the United States, in order to establish local consensus opinion and initiate dialogue on appropriate prevention strategies. Therefore, a three-round Delphi process was used to consolidate and compare the opinions of 60 experts, 20 from each country. Round one, the experts were asked twelve open-ended questions across six domains: (i) prevention; (ii) consultation; (iii) educational resources; (iv) societal issues; (v) workforce issues; (vi) culture and family. Round two, the experts completed a structured questionnaire based on results from the first round, in which they ranked items according to their importance. Final round, the experts were asked to re-rank the same items after receiving summary feedback about the rank ordering from the previous round. Several themes emerged common to all three countries: (i) socio-economic and education inequalities should be addressed; (ii) educational, behaviour change and prevention strategies should address physical environmental determinants and be responsive to the local context, including being culturally appropriate; and (iii) cultural appropriateness can be achieved through consultation with Indigenous communities, cultural competency training, use of Indigenous health workers, and use of appropriate role models. These findings highlight several key priorities that can be used to initiate dialogue on appropriate prevention strategies. Such strategies should be contextualized to the local Indigenous populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) are increasingly used to control postoperative and chronic pain. At our pediatric oncology institution, the duration of CPNBs is often prolonged. The risk of catheter-associated infection with prolonged CPNBs has not been previously investigated. Aim: We analyzed the incidence of CPNB-related infection and its relation to catheter duration, catheter site, intensive care stay, and antibiotic coverage. Methods: All CPNBs placed at our institution between August 1, 2005 and October 31, 2010 were studied. Primary diagnosis and the site, indication, duration, and infectious adverse effects of CPNBs were obtained from our Pain Service QI database. Patients' age and sex, antibiotic administration, and number of days in intensive care were collected from patients' medical records. Results: The use of 179 catheters in 116 patients was evaluated. Mean age at CPNB placement was 15.1 years (median, 14.7; range, 0.4-26.9). The most frequent indication for CPNB was surgery (89.4%), most commonly orthopedic (78.8%). Mean CPNB duration was 7.2 days (median, 5.0; range, 1-81 days). Two cases (1.12%) of CPNBs developed signs of infection, both associated with femoral catheters. The infections were mild and necessitated catheter removal at days 10 and 13, respectively. Conclusion: Nerve block catheter-associated infections are infrequent at our institution despite prolonged CPNB use. Both patients with infection had femoral catheters and prolonged catheter (⩾10 days) use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of propofol for palliative sedation of children is not well documented. Objective: Here we describe our experience with the use of propofol palliative sedation therapy (PST) to alleviate intractable end-of-life suffering in three pediatric oncology patients, and propose an algorithm for the selection of such candidates for PST. Patients and Methods: We identified inpatients who had received propofol PST within 20 days of death at our institution between 2003 and 2010. Their medical records were reviewed for indicators of pain, suffering, and sedation from 48 hours before PST to the time of death. We also tabulated consumption of opioids and other symptom management medications, pain scores, and adverse events of propofol, and reviewed clinical notes for descriptors of suffering and/or palliation. Results: Three of 192 (1.6%) inpatients (aged 6-15 years) received propofol PST at the end of life. Consumption of opioids and other supportive medications decreased during PST in two cases. In the third case, pain scores remained high and sedation was the only effective comfort measure. Clinical notes suggested improved comfort and rest in all patients. Propofol infusions were continued until the time of death. Conclusions: Our experience demonstrates that propofol PST is a useful palliative option for pediatric patients experiencing intractable suffering at the end of life. We describe an algorithm that can be used to identify such children who are candidates for PST. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A summary of methods for process intensification in stirred reactors is presented, based mainly on the experience from R&D in the minerals processing industry. The process intensification concept is broadened to include innovations which lead to dramatically increased throughput for large-scale processing reactors, in contrast to the traditional definition of reactor size reduction, which has so far been ignored by the minerals industry. Methods enabling operating at high solids concentrations in processing tanks are reviewed to increase the throughput. It is proposed that the agitation power constraint at a high solids loading can be overcome by removal of baffles, for slowly reacting slurry systems typical in minerals processing. It is also suggested that the difficulty of pumping of high-concentration slurry feed can be overcome by operating with stratification, such that the solids residence time is made longer than the bulk flow residence time. Production loss through tank downtime is common in the mineral process industry, thus, a need to reduce the tank downtime should not be underestimated in the context of process intensification. Methods including the swirl flow technology developed by CSIRO and Queensland Alumina Ltd in Australia to suppress the scaling growth, and agitator design principles to reduce erosion are introduced. Enhanced mass transfer toward process intensification is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nuclei 131I and 133I have been populated in multi-nucleon transfer reactions between 136Xe ions and various targets, and their structure investigated by time-correlated γ-ray coincidence spectroscopy and the measurement of γ-ray angular correlations. A 19/2- isomer at 1918 keV, with a half-life of 24(1) µs, has been identified in 131I, as well as nanosecond isomers with Jπ = 23/2+ in both isotopes. A T1/2 = 25(3) ns isomer at 4308 keV in 131I is suggested to have Jπ = (31/2-, 33/2-) and is primarily attributed to the coupling of an odd proton in the d5/2 or g7/2 orbit with the $(\pi^2)_{0^+} (\nu h_{11/2}^{-3} d_{3/2}^{-1})_{15^-}$ configuration in 130Te, responsible for the 15- isomer in that nucleus. The observed level properties are compared with predictions of a shell-model calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-year experiment on competition between sainfoin ( Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), meadow fescue ( Festuca pratensis) and tetraploid perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne) was conducted using plants grown in plastic containers outdoors. Root and shoot systems of sainfoin and the grasses were separated in order to investigate full and no competition of root and shoots, at two planting ratios (0·33 grass:0·66 sainfoin and 0·66 grass:0·33 sainfoin). Survival of sainfoin plants was lower at the higher grass:sainfoin ratio. More sainfoin plants died in the winter than during the growing season. Root competition had no effect on survival of sainfoin plants, but shoot competition reduced survival of sainfoin plants during one growing season. Companion grass species had no effect on survival of sainfoin plants, except in the first winter, when fewer sainfoin plants survived when grown with meadow fescue than perennial ryegrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excited states in 208Fr have been identified using the 197Au(16O, 5n)208Fr reaction and a variety of time-correlated $ \gamma$ -ray and conversion electron spectroscopic techniques. Transitions above and below a $ \tau$ = 623(16) ns 10- isomer are placed in the level scheme. This isomer is analogous to that observed in the odd-odd isotone 206At for which additional spectroscopic information is also obtained, including a precise lifetime of $ \tau$ = 1173(30) ns. The $ \gamma$ -rays assigned to 208Fr are the same as the main transitions erroneously assigned to 209Fr in previous work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mineral flotation in mechanically agitated vessels (cells) involves complex interaction between bubbles, particles and the liquid phase. Ideally, just enough power input from the impeller is needed to so that the frequency of particle-bubble collision and attachment is maximised, while at the same time detachment events are minimised. This paper firstly investigated how the slip velocity of 2-10mm diameter bubbles, a size commonly encountered in flotation devices, was influenced by turbulence intensity. The measurements confirmed the earlier correlation by [Lane, G.L., 2005, Numerical modelling of gas-liquid flow in stirred tanks, Ph.D. Thesis, University of Newcastle, Australia], which was then inputted into a computational fluid dynamic model to describe the gas dispersion in a mechanically agitated tank. The model provided turbulence intensity values that were then coupled with both slip velocity and critical Weber number models to generate both bubble size and gas holdup profiles for the entire vessel. Moreover, a simple equation was introduced to allow prediction of cavity formation behind the rotating impeller blades, which is a common occurrence in most flotation cells they normally operate at high gas loadings. This inclusion allowed the model to predict power reduction resulting from the presence of the cavities. Finally, extension of the computational model to include flotation hydrodynamics, such as probabilities of collision, adhesion and stabilisation of the particles at the bubble surface, is also described. The model is able to compute net attachment rates, and hence the particle flux entering the froth recovery phase, as a function of bubble and particle diameter, gas flowrate and power input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A seven-quasiparticle isomer withandT1/2 = 53 ( + 3-7) ns has been identified in179Ta. By comparing its excitation energy with results from multi-quasiparticle calculations that include the effects of blocking and residual nucleon-nucleon interactions, the isomer is assigned the(5/2 +[402], 7/2 +[404],(5/2-[512], 7/2-[514], 7/2-[503], 9/2 +[624]) configuration. The decay of this isomer is found to be unusually fast, a feature that is attributed to a mixing with a specific collective level. The interaction strength is found to be orders of magnitude lower than that observed between interacting collective levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Individually sown plants of a forage-type pea (Pisum sativum L.), cv. Magnus, and a grain-type pea cv. Eiffel, were harvested several times over the growing season to determine how the quantity of plant components changed with time from sowing. There was no difference between the pea types in the mean dry weight per plant. The leaf-to-stem ratio of the two types was also not different. An appropriate grain-type pea cultivar could be a suitable substitute for forage-type cultivar in some forage production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of cholesterol-lowering therapy on death from coronary heart disease in older patients with previous coronary heart disease and average cholesterol levels is uncertain.Objective: To compare the relative and absolute effects of pravastatin on cardiovascular disease outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease who are 65 years of age or older with those in patients 31 to 64 years of age.Design: Subgroup analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.Setting: 87 centers in Australia and New Zealand.Patients: 3514 patients 65 to 75 years of age, chosen from among 9014 patients with previous myocardial infarction or unstable angina and a baseline plasma cholesterol level of 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L (155 to 271 mg/dL).Intervention: Pravastatin, 40 mg/d, or placebo.Measurements: Major cardiovascular disease events over 6 years.Results: Older patients were at greater risk than younger patients (31 to 64 years of age) for death (20.6% vs. 9.8%), myocardial infarction (11.4% vs. 9.5%), unstable angina (26.7% vs. 23.2%), and stroke (6.7% vs. 3.1%) (all P < 0.001). Pravastatin reduced the risk for all cardiovascular disease events, and similar relative effects were observed in older and younger patients. In patients 65 to 75 years of age, pravastatin therapy reduced mortality by 21% (CI, 7% to 32%), death from coronary heart disease by 24% (CI, 7% to 38%), coronary heart disease death or nonfatal myocardial infarction by 22% (CI, 9% to 34%), myocardial infarction by 26% (CI, 9% to 40%), and stroke by 12% (CI, -15% to 32%). For every 1000 older patients treated over 6 years, pravastatin prevented 45 deaths, 33 myocardial infarctions, 32 unstable angina events, 34 coronary revascularization procedures, 13 strokes, or 133 major cardiovascular events, compared with 22 deaths and 107 major cardiovascular events per 1000 younger patients. Among older patients, the numbers needed to treat were 22 (CI, 17 to 36) to prevent one death from any cause, 35 (CI, 24 to 67) to prevent one death from coronary heart disease, and 21 (CI, 17 to 31) to prevent one coronary heart disease death or nonfatal myocardial infarction.Conclusions: In older patients with coronary heart disease and average or moderately elevated cholesterol levels, pravastatin therapy reduced the risk for all major cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Since older patients are at greater risk than younger patients for these events, the absolute benefit of treatment is significantly greater in older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]