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Determining the abundance of cryptic carnivores is central to building successful conservation management to mitigate conflicts and support coexistence strategies. For these reasons, there is considerable investment in developing reliable, cost‐effective tools for estimating the abundance of wildlife. Nevertheless, field‐based comparisons of abundance methods remain uncommon, even while essential to refining methods and coming to consensus around best practices. Here, we compare two approaches still being tested in real‐world application for an emblematic puma (Puma concolor) population in the Torres del Paine UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in southern Chile: (1) the unmarked estimator, space‐to‐event model (STE), which utilizes photographs gathered with camera traps, and (2) the genotype spatial partial identity model (gSPIM), which is an adaptation of the more established spatially explicit genetic capture‐recapture method (SECR) based on genetic data extracted from scats collected in systematic surveys. We show the tremendous variation in resulting STE estimates depending upon the start time of the analysis and length of the sampling window, and showcase a refined iterative sampling approach in a Bayesian framework to both utilize the full camera data and to stabilize density estimates for a given sampling window. Across all sampling, estimates from the STE model ranged from 3.19 (1.6–5.1 representing 10th and 90th percentile of credible intervals) to 7.38 (3.3–11.6) independent pumas 100 km−2. By comparison, our gSPIM model estimated 5.1 independent pumas 100 km−2 (excluding kittens) (with credible intervals of 2.2–10.3). Neither method was compared with any known density to determine their accuracy. Nevertheless, we provide initial density estimates to guide conservation strategies for wildlife agencies and local communities overseeing and hosting nascent puma tourism and livestock ranching, as well as guidelines for the use of these methods for any wildlife species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large physical size of superconducting qubits and their associated on-chip control structures presents a practical challenge toward building a large-scale quantum computer. In particular, transmons require a high-quality-factor shunting capacitance that is typically achieved by using a large coplanar capacitor. Other components, such as superconducting microwave resonators used for qubit state readout, are typically constructed from coplanar waveguides, which are millimeters in length. Here, we use compact superconducting through-silicon vias to realize lumped-element capacitors in both qubits and readout resonators to significantly reduce the on-chip footprint of both of these circuit elements. We measure two types of devices to show that through-silicon vias are of sufficient quality to be used as capacitive circuit elements and provide a significant reduction in size over existing approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) avalanche photodiodes, a separate absorption, charge, and multiplication design is widely used. AlInAsSb on an InP substrate is a potential multiplication layer with a lattice match to absorber candidates across the SWIR. Our new measurements demonstrate that AlInAsSb on InP is a promising multiplier candidate with a relatively low dark current density of 10−4 A/cm2 at a gain of 30; a high gain, measured up to 245 in this study; and a large differentiation of electron and hole ionization leading to a low excess noise, measured to be 2.5 at a gain of 30. These characteristics are all improvements over commercially available SWIR detectors incorporating InAlAs or InP as the multiplier. We measured and analyzed gain for multiple wavelengths to extract the ionization coefficients as a function of an electric field over the range 0.33–0.6 MV/cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai (HT‐HH) caused the largest enhancement in stratospheric aerosol loading in decades and produced an unprecedented enhancement in stratospheric water vapor, leading to strong stratospheric cooling that in turn induced changes in the large‐scale circulation. Here we use satellite measurements of gas‐phase constituents together with aerosol extinction to investigate the extent to which the thick aerosol, excess moisture, and strong cooling enabled heterogeneous chemical processing. In the southern tropics, unambiguous signatures of substantial chlorine and nitrogen repartitioning appear over a broad vertical domain almost immediately after the eruption, with depletion of N2O5, NOx, and HCl accompanied by enhancement of HNO3, ClO, and ClONO2. After initially rising steeply, HNO3 and ClO plateau, maintaining fairly constant abundances for several months. These patterns are consistent with the saturation of N2O5 hydrolysis, suggesting that this reaction is the primary mechanism for the observed composition changes. The southern midlatitudes and subtropics show similar but weaker enhancements in ClO and ClONO2. In those regions, however, effects of anomalous transport dominate the evolution of HNO3 and HCl, obscuring the signs of heterogeneous processing. Perturbations in chlorine species are considerably weaker than those measured in the southern midlatitude stratosphere in 2020 following the Australian New Year's fires. The moderate HT‐HH‐induced enhancements in reactive chlorine seen throughout the southern middle and low‐latitude stratosphere, far smaller than those in typical winter polar vortices, do not lead to appreciable chemical ozone loss; rather, extrapolar lower‐stratospheric ozone remains primarily controlled by dynamical processes. Plain Language Summary: The January 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai (HT‐HH) volcano caused the largest increase in stratospheric aerosol in decades and produced an unprecedented increase in stratospheric water vapor, which led to strong stratospheric cooling that in turn altered stratospheric winds. Here we use satellite measurements to investigate the extent to which the thick aerosol, excess moisture, and strong cooling enabled heterogeneous chemical processing. In the southern tropics, unambiguous signatures of substantial changes in several chlorine and nitrogen species appear over a broad vertical range almost immediately after the eruption, with decreases in some species mirrored by increases in others. The southern midlatitudes and subtropics show similar but weaker evidence of chemical processing. In those regions, however, effects of anomalous wind patterns obscure the signs of heterogeneous processing in some species. Perturbations in chlorine are considerably weaker than those measured in the southern midlatitude stratosphere following the Australian New Year's fires in 2020. The moderate HT‐HH‐induced enhancements in reactive chlorine seen throughout the southern middle and low‐latitude stratosphere, far smaller than those in typical winter polar vortices, do not lead to appreciable chemical ozone loss; rather, outside the polar regions, lower‐stratospheric ozone remains primarily controlled by dynamical processes. Key Points: Satellite data show widespread stratospheric chlorine and nitrogen repartitioning in 2022 following the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruptionObserved composition changes are consistent with heterogeneous processing on volcanic sulfate aerosol, in particular the hydrolysis of N2O5Moderate enhancements in reactive chlorine in the southern mid‐ and low‐latitude stratosphere did not cause appreciable chemical ozone loss [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the medium-term oncological outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) for T1 colorectal cancer (CRC). eFTR is a minimally invasive diagnostic and potential therapeutic approach for smaller T1 CRCs. The study analyzed data from the Dutch prospective eFTR registry and found that eFTR had high rates of complete resection and low cancer recurrence rates over a median follow-up of 42 months. The findings suggest that eFTR is an efficient first-line treatment for T1 CRCs and allows for organ preservation in many patients. [Extracted from the article]

The objective of this laboratory study was to assess the cardiorespiratory consequences related to the use of different back-support exoskeletons during a repetitive lifting task. Fourteen women and thirteen men performed a dynamic stoop lifting task involving full flexion/extension of the trunk in the sagittal plane. This task was repeated for 5 min with a 10 kg load to handle. Four conditions were tested: with a passive exoskeleton (P-EXO), with two active exoskeletons (A-EXO1 and A-EXO2), as well as without exoskeleton (FREE). The oxygen consumption rate and cardiac costs were measured continuously. Results showed a significantly lower (p < 0.05) oxygen consumption rate for all exoskeletons as compared to FREE (12.6 ± 2.2 ml/kg/min). The values were also significantly lower (p < 0.001) for A-EXO1 (9.1 ± 1.8 ml/kg/min) compared to A-EXO2 (11.0 ± 1.8 ml/kg/min) and P-EXO (11.8 ± 2.4 ml/kg/min). Compared to FREE (59.7 ± 12.9 bpm), the cardiac cost was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) only for A-EXO1 (45.1 ± 11.5 bpm). Several factors can explain these differences on the cardiorespiratory parameters observed between exoskeletons: the technology used (passive vs active), the torque provided by the assistive device, the weight of the system, but also the level of anthropomorphism (related to the number of joints used by the exoskeleton). Our results also highlighted the lack of interaction between the exoskeleton and sex. Thereby, the three back-support exoskeletons tested appeared to reduce the overall physical workload associated with a repetitive lifting task both for men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

30 Dachet L, Ravits S. Predicting disease stage specific spinal motor neurons and glia in sporadic ALS patients. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2012; 32 Song C, Ravits L. Activation of microglial neuregulin1 signaling in the corticospinal tracts of ALS patients with upper motor neuron signs. Monocytes of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis linked to gene mutations display altered TDP-43 subcellular distribution. [Extracted from the article]

Background doping polarity is a critical design parameter for the performance of many optoelectronic devices, including avalanche photodiodes. We have applied a technique by using capacitance–voltage (CV) measurements on double mesa structures with a p-i-n or n-i-p homojunction to determine the background polarity type of the unintentionally doped intrinsic region. Because CV measurements scale with the size of the mesa, they support design flexibility in producing variable-sized top and bottom mesa diameters. In this work, we grew, fabricated, and tested AlGaAsSb and AlInAsSb random alloy double mesa p-i-n structures and undertook CV measurements at 295, 150, and 77 K. It was found that the capacitance varied with the top mesa diameter for both material systems, and not the bottom mesa diameter, indicating that the unintentionally doped intrinsic region is n-type in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the 15 January 2022 Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption, several trace gases measured by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) displayed anomalous stratospheric values. Trajectories and radiance simulations confirm that the H2O, SO2, and HCl enhancements were injected by the eruption. In comparison with those from previous eruptions, the SO2 and HCl mass injections were unexceptional, although they reached higher altitudes. In contrast, the H2O injection was unprecedented in both magnitude (far exceeding any previous values in the 17‐year MLS record) and altitude (penetrating into the mesosphere). We estimate the mass of H2O injected into the stratosphere to be 146 ± 5 Tg, or ∼10% of the stratospheric burden. It may take several years for the H2O plume to dissipate. This eruption could impact climate not through surface cooling due to sulfate aerosols, but rather through surface warming due to the radiative forcing from the excess stratospheric H2O. Plain Language Summary: The violent Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption on 15 January 2022 not only injected ash into the stratosphere but also large amounts of water vapor, breaking all records for direct injection of water vapor, by a volcano or otherwise, in the satellite era. This is not surprising since the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai caldera was formerly situated 150 m below sea level. The massive blast injected water vapor up to altitudes as high as 53 km. Using measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder on NASA's Aura satellite, we estimate that the excess water vapor is equivalent to around 10% of the amount of water vapor typically residing in the stratosphere. Unlike previous strong eruptions, this event may not cool the surface, but rather it could potentially warm the surface due to the excess water vapor. Key Points: Following the Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai eruption, the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder measured enhancements of stratospheric H2O, SO2, and HClThe mass of SO2 and HCl injected is comparable to that from prior eruptions, whereas the magnitude of the H2O injection is unprecedentedExcess stratospheric H2O will persist for years, could affect stratospheric chemistry and dynamics, and may lead to surface warming [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychotherapeut is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article, published in the journal Endoscopy, explores the risk factors for distant metastasis (DM) in patients with submucosal invasive colorectal cancers (T1 CRCs) and how this affects colorectal cancer-specific survival (CSS). The study analyzed a large cohort of T1 CRC patients treated between 2000 and 2017 in Dutch hospitals. The results showed that non-pedunculated morphology, size greater than 40 mm, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), high-grade differentiation, and resection of 10 or more lymph nodes were independently associated with distant metastases. The study also found that CRC-specific mortality in T1 CRCs was related to the development of distant metastasis and treatment-related deaths. The authors suggest that the benefit of resecting the draining lymph nodes in high-risk T1 CRC patients is questionable. [Extracted from the article]

The 2019/2020 Australian New Year's wildfires injected record amounts of smoke and biomass burning products into the lower stratosphere. The Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) tracked the evolution of distinct plumes of fire–influenced air as they rapidly spiraled up to the mid–stratosphere. In the months following the fires, smoke spread throughout the Southern Hemisphere (SH) stratosphere. We contrast the evolution of the SH midlatitude lower stratosphere in 2020 with the 17–year MLS record. Long after the coherent plumes dispersed, data from MLS and other satellite instruments show unprecedented persistent and pervasive depletion in HCl (50%–60% below climatology) and enhancements in ClO and ClONO2 that were not transport related; peak anomalies occurred in mid–2020. We conclude that the observed perturbations likely arose from heterogeneous chlorine activation on widespread smoke particles. The sustained chlorine activation was far weaker than in typical winter polar vortices, inducing at most minor changes in ozone. Plain Language Summary: In late December 2019/early January 2020, during the Black Summer fire season in Australia, an intense outbreak of a number of fire–induced and smoke–infused thunderstorms occurred, collectively known as the Australian New Year's event. Multiple plumes of polluted air were rapidly lofted from the surface and deposited in the lower stratosphere (above 14 km altitude). The largest of the plumes of biomass burning pollutants were tracked by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) on NASA's Aura satellite for several months as they circled the globe. In addition to those distinct confined plumes, smoke from the fires permeated the Southern Hemisphere (SH) lower stratosphere. Well after the discrete plumes dispersed, MLS and other satellite instruments observed widespread and long–lasting perturbations in the composition of the SH midlatitude lower stratosphere. In particular, unprecedented depletion in the main stratospheric chlorine reservoir species (HCl) was accompanied by enhancements in another chlorine reservoir (ClONO2) as well as the ozone–destroying form of chlorine (ClO), with maximum departures from average measured in mid–2020. These anomalous signatures likely arose from chemical processing on smoke particles. The enhancement in the ozone–destroying form of chlorine, far weaker than that in winter polar regions, had only minor effects on ozone. Key Points: Satellite data show strongly depleted HCl and enhanced ClO and ClONO2 in the southern midlatitude lower stratosphere through much of 2020The unprecedented midlatitude chlorine repartitioning likely arose from heterogeneous activation on widespread Australian wildfire smokeThe sustained midlatitude chlorine activation was far weaker than in typical winter polar vortices, inducing at most minor changes in ozone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate low noise random alloy (RA) Al0.85Ga0.15AsSb (hereafter AlGaAsSb) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) nearly lattice-matched to InP substrates. In contrast to digital alloy (DA), RAs are manufacturable due to the ease of growth. The 910 nm-thick RA AlGaAsSb was grown at a low temperature around 450 °C to mitigate phase separation by suppressing surface mobility of adatoms. The high quality of the RA AlGaAsSb material was verified by x-ray diffraction, Nomarski, and atomic force microscope images. Capacitance–voltage measurement found that the background doping concentration was 6–7 × 1014 cm−3, indicating very low impurity density in the RA AlGaAsSb material. Current–voltage measurements were carried out under dark condition and 455 nm laser illumination at room temperature. The breakdown occurs at −58 V. The dark current density at a gain of 10 was found to be 70 μA/cm2. This value is three orders of magnitude lower than previously reported DA AlAs0.56Sb0.44 APDs [Yi et al., Nat. Photonics 13, 683 (2019)], one order of magnitude lower than DA AlGaAsSb [Lee et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 118, 081106 (2021)], and comparable to RA AlInAsSb APDs [Kodati et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 118, 091101 (2021)]. In addition, the measured excess noise shows a low k (the ratio of impact ionization coefficients) of 0.01. These noise characteristics make the RA AlGaAsSb multiplier suitable for commercial applications, such as optical communication and LiDAR systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital alloy Al0.85Ga0.15As0.56Sb0.44 and random alloy Al0.79In0.21As0.74Sb0.26 avalanche photodiodes with a 1-μm multiplication layer exhibit low excess noise under 543-nm laser illumination comparable to Si avalanche photodiodes. This has motivated a study of the optical characteristics of these materials. The absorption coefficients and complex refractive indices were extracted via variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. Features of three semiconductor layer fitting approaches are compared, and a Kramers–Kronig-consistent basis spline function was chosen due to its flexibility and accuracy of approximating optical constants of quaternary materials. The external quantum efficiency has been calculated based on the extracted absorption coefficients and is shown to agree well with the measured external quantum efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Overhead works (OHW) are identified as a major risk factor for shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. The use of upper-limb exoskeletons (EXOUL) is emerging to address these challenges. This research tested the influence of EXOUL design and load on the upper-limb and postural muscles activity, and on the balance control, during OHW. Methods: This study compared two passive EXOUL, notably differing by the level of assistive torque delivered. Both EXOUL was examined in two load conditions (2 vs. 8 kg). Twenty-nine volunteers performed a static OHW for each condition. Results: Both EXOUL led to similar reductions in shoulder flexor muscle activity (12.3 ± 7.8% of RMSREF), compared to without equipment (29.0 ± 14.2% RMSREF). Both EXOUL resulted in a reduction in the activity of shoulder (3.6 ± 3.2% RMSREF) and wrist (2.4 ± 1.7% RMSREF) extensor muscles (4.9 ± 3.9 and 5.9 ± 6.1% RMSREF, respectively). The use of EXOUL led to reductions in back muscle activity, depending on the exoskeleton design (in % RMSREF, 12.9 ± 9.4 for EXO1, 22.8 ± 12.6 for EXO2 and 32.0 ± 18.4 without equipment). Wearing EXOUL induced changes in balance regulation, depending on both exoskeleton design and load condition. Conclusion: The increase of assistive torque was not associated with an increase in EXOUL performance. However, the exoskeleton design (mass, balance, and assistive torque) has to be suitable for the load handled during static OHW to optimize the effects of using an EXOUL on the postural muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder featuring palmoplantar keratoderma, nail dystrophy, oral leucokeratosis, pilosebaceous cysts and natal teeth. PC results from dominant mutations in one of five genes (KRT6A, KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, KRT17) encoding keratin proteins. Aim: To delineate the clinical and genetic features of PC in a series of Israeli patients. Methods: We used direct sequencing of genomic DNA, and also used cDNA sequencing where applicable. Results: We collected clinical information and molecular data in a cohort of Israeli families diagnosed with PC (n = 16). Most of the patients were Ashkenazi Jews and had a family history of PC. The most common clinical findings were painful focal plantar keratoderma (94%) accompanied by nail dystrophy (81%), pilosebaceous cysts (31%) and prenatal/natal teeth (13%). In contrast to the high prevalence of KRT6A mutations in other populations, we found that KRT16 mutations were the most common type among Israeli patients with PC (56%). Most (77%) of the Israeli patients with PC with KRT16 mutation carried the same variant (c.380G>A; p.R127H) and shared the same haplotype around the KRT16 locus, suggestive of a founder effect. Conclusion: The data gleaned from this study emphasizes the importance of population‐specific tailored diagnostic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the gain, noise, and dark current characteristics of random alloy Al0.79In0.21As0.74Sb0.26 (hereafter AlInAsSb)-based avalanche photodiodes (APDs) on InP substrates. We observe, at room temperature, a low excess noise corresponding to a k value (ratio of impact ionization coefficients) of 0.018 and a dark current density of 82 μA/cm2 with a gain of 15. These performance metrics represent an order of magnitude improvement of the k-value over commercially available APDs with InAlAs and InP multiplication layers grown on InP substrates. This material is also competitive with a recently reported low noise AlAsSb on InP [Yi et al., Nat. Photonics 13, 683 (2019)], with a comparable excess noise and a room temperature dark current density almost three orders of magnitude lower at the same gain. The low excess noise and dark current of AlInAsSb make it a candidate multiplication layer for integration into a separate absorption, charge, and multiplication layer avalanche photodiode for visible to short-wavelength infrared applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NRLMSIS® 2.0 is an empirical atmospheric model that extends from the ground to the exobase and describes the average observed behavior of temperature, eight species densities, and mass density via a parametric analytic formulation. The model inputs are location, day of year, time of day, solar activity, and geomagnetic activity. NRLMSIS 2.0 is a major, reformulated upgrade of the previous version, NRLMSISE‐00. The model now couples thermospheric species densities to the entire column, via an effective mass profile that transitions each species from the fully mixed region below ~70 km altitude to the diffusively separated region above ~200 km. Other changes include the extension of atomic oxygen down to 50 km and the use of geopotential height as the internal vertical coordinate. We assimilated extensive new lower and middle atmosphere temperature, O, and H data, along with global average thermospheric mass density derived from satellite orbits, and we validated the model against independent samples of these data. In the mesosphere and below, residual biases and standard deviations are considerably lower than NRLMSISE‐00. The new model is warmer in the upper troposphere and cooler in the stratosphere and mesosphere. In the thermosphere, N2 and O densities are lower in NRLMSIS 2.0; otherwise, the NRLMSISE‐00 thermosphere is largely retained. Future advances in thermospheric specification will likely require new in situ mass spectrometer measurements, new techniques for species density measurement between 100 and 200 km, and the reconciliation of systematic biases among thermospheric temperature and composition data sets, including biases attributable to long‐term changes. Key Points: A major, reformulated upgrade to NRLMSISE‐00 is presented using extensive new data sets from the ground to ~100 km altitudeVertical structure of the atmosphere is now self‐consistently coupled; O density now extends down to 50 kmNew model is warmer in upper troposphere, cooler in stratosphere and mesosphere; thermospheric N2 and O densities are lower [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the demonstration of Al0.85Ga0.15As0.56Sb0.44 (hereafter, AlGaAsSb) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with a 1000 nm-thick multiplication layer. Such a thick AlGaAsSb device was grown by a digital alloy technique to avoid phase separation. The current-voltage measurements under dark and illumination conditions were performed to determine gain for the AlGaAsSb APDs. The highest gain was ∼ 42, and the avalanche initiation occurred at 21.6 V. The breakdown voltage was found to be around −53 V. The measured dark current densities of bulk and surface components were 6.0 μA/cm2 and 0.23 μA/cm, respectively. These values are about two orders of magnitude lower than those for previously reported 1550 nm-thick AlAs0.56Sb0.44 APDs [Yi et al., Nat. Photonics 13, 683 (2019)]. Excess noise measurements showed that the AlGaAsSb APD has a low k of 0.01 (the ratio of electron and hole impact ionization coefficients) compared to Si APDs. The k of the 1000-nm AlGaAsSb APD is similar to that of the thick AlAsSb APDs (k ∼ 0.005) and 5–8 times lower than that of 170 nm-thick AlGaAsSb APDs (k ∼ 0.5–0.8). Increasing the thickness of the multiplication layer over 1000 nm can also reduce k further since the difference between electron and hole impact ionization coefficients becomes significant in this material system as the thickness of the multiplication layer increases. Therefore, this thick AlGaAsSb-based APD on an InP substrate shows the potential to be a high-performance multiplier that can be used with available short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) absorption layers for a SWIR APD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convectively injected water vapor (H2O) in the North American (NA) summer lowermost stratosphere results in significant outliers in the 100‐hPa H2O measurements from the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). MLS statistics from 15 years confirm that the NA region contains over 60% of global 100‐hPa H2O > 12 ppmv, despite having only ∼1.8% of all MLS observations. A profile sampled in August 2019 stands out, with H2O=26.3 ppmv, far exceeding the prior record and the median ∼4.5‐ppmv abundance in NA. This particular outlier is associated with a large overshooting convective event (OCE) that spanned multiple U.S. states and persisted for several hours. Colocation of the MLS data over NA with cloud observations from Aqua's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reveals the unique character of this case, as only 2.3% of MLS profiles are as close to an OCE and only 0.024% of OCEs cover as large an area within a 500‐km perimeter of a profile. Plain Language Summary: Large‐scale convection over the North American continent during the summer can significantly moisten the lowermost stratosphere. This study provides statistical analysis of 15 years of humidity outliers observed from space, including a recent event that yielded an outlier that far exceeded typically observed background values and summer enhancements. It is shown that this sampled air mass was in close proximity to an exceptionally large and long‐lived convective event. Further analysis reveals that these two factors help explain the largest humidity outliers. Key Points: A profile with unprecedented stratospheric humidity is associated with large overshooting convectionLarge lower stratospheric humidity outliers are in close proximity to strong overshooting convectionMLS humidity indicates trend toward larger stratospheric outliers and strengthening of North American monsoon [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of harvest on cooperatively breeding species are often more complex than simply subtracting the number of animals that died from the group count. Changes in demographic rates, particularly dispersal, could offset some effects of harvest mortality in groups but this is rarely explored with cooperative breeders. We asked whether a cooperatively breeding species known for long‐distance dispersal could compensate for the effect of harvest mortality on density by adopting immigrants into the group. We used genetic samples to estimate the minimum density of gray wolves (Canis lupus) and proportion of immigrants in groups in the northern US Rocky Mountains after an annual harvest regime was initiated and in the Canadian Rocky Mountains where wolves were managed consistently under an annual harvest regime. We tested whether immigration (1) compensated, (2) partially compensated or (3) did not compensate numerically for harvest mortality in groups and hypothesized immigration would increase with increasing harvest intensity. Density of wolves in groups declined after harvest was initiated whereas immigration into groups was consistently low and did not change with harvest in the US study area. Immigration into groups was similarly low and density even lower in the Canadian study area compared to the US study area. Our results indicate immigration did not compensate for harvest mortality in groups in two separate populations of a cooperatively breeding carnivore. We hypothesize the social structure of wolf groups may limit the potentially compensatory response of immigration in some populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a technique for estimating the liquid water content (LWC) and a characteristic particle diameter in stratocumulus clouds using radar and lidar observations. The uncertainty in LWC estimate from radar and lidar measurements is significantly reduced once the characteristic particle diameter is known. The technique is independent of the drop size distribution. It is applicable for a broad range of W-band reflectivity Z between −30 and 0 dBZ and all values of lidar backscatter β observations. No partitioning of cloud or drizzle is required on the basis of an arbitrary threshold of Z as in prior studies. A method for estimating droplet diameter and LWC was derived from the electromagnetic simulations of radar and lidar observations. In situ stratocumulus cloud and drizzle probe spectra were input to the electromagnetic simulation. The retrieved droplet diameter and LWC were validated using in situ measurements from the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The retrieval method was applied to radar and lidar measurements from the northeastern Pacific. Uncertainty in the retrieved droplet diameter and LWC that are due to the measurement errors in radar and lidar backscatter measurements are 7% and 14%, respectively. The retrieved LWC was validated using the concurrent G-band radiometer estimates of the liquid water path. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) is a minimally invasive resection technique that allows definite diagnosis and treatment for complex colorectal lesions ≤ 30 mm unsuitable for conventional endoscopic resection. This study reports clinical outcomes from the Dutch colorectal eFTR registry.Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing eFTR in 20 hospitals were prospectively included. The primary outcome was technical success, defined as macroscopic complete en bloc resection. Secondary outcomes were: clinical success, defined as tumor-free resection margins (R0 resection); full-thickness resection rate; and adverse events. RESULTS : Between July 2015 and October 2018, 367 procedures were included. Indications were difficult polyps (non-lifting sign and/or difficult location; n = 133), primary resection of suspected T1 colorectal cancer (CRC; n = 71), re-resection after incomplete resection of T1 CRC (n = 150), and subepithelial tumors (n = 13). Technical success was achieved in 308 procedures (83.9 %). In 21 procedures (5.7 %), eFTR was not performed because the lesion could not be reached or retracted into the cap. In the remaining 346 procedures, R0 resection was achieved in 285 (82.4 %) and full-thickness resection in 288 (83.2 %). The median diameter of resected specimens was 23 mm. Overall adverse event rate was 9.3 % (n = 34/367): 10 patients (2.7 %) required emergency surgery for five delayed and two immediate perforations and three cases of appendicitis. CONCLUSION : eFTR is an effective and relatively safe en bloc resection technique for complex colorectal lesions with the potential to avoid surgery. Further studies assessing the role of eFTR in early CRC treatment with long-term outcomes are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Nervenarzt is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As superconducting qubit circuits become more complex, addressing a large array of qubits becomes a challenging engineering problem. Dense arrays of qubits benefit from, and may require, access via the third dimension to alleviate interconnect crowding. Through-silicon vias (TSVs) represent a promising approach to three-dimensional (3D) integration in superconducting qubit arrays—provided they are compact enough to support densely-packed qubit systems without compromising qubit performance or low-loss signal and control routing. In this work, we demonstrate the integration of superconducting, high-aspect ratio TSVs—10 μm wide by 20 μm long by 200 μm deep—with superconducting qubits. We utilize TSVs for baseband control and high-fidelity microwave readout of qubits using a two-chip, bump-bonded architecture. We also validate the fabrication of qubits directly upon the surface of a TSV-integrated chip. These key 3D-integration milestones pave the way for the control and readout of high-density superconducting qubit arrays using superconducting TSVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that a signal bandlimited by σ cannot oscillate at higher frequencies. The phenomenon of superoscillation provides a refutation of that quite general belief. Temporal superoscillations have been rarely demonstrated and are mostly treated as a mathematical curiosity. In the present article we demonstrate experimentally for the first time to our best knowledge, the transmission of superoscillating signals through commercial low pass filters. The experimental system used for the demonstration is described, providing the insight into the transmission of superoscillations, or super-narrow pulses. Thus, while the phenomenon may seem rather esoteric, a very simple system is used for our demonstration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chorine- and fluorine-containing methyl radicals have been investigated by ab initio methods. Geometries and vibrational frequencies were derived with quadratic configuration methods at the QCISD/6-311G(d,p) level of theory, and energies via QCISD(T)/6-311 + G(3df,2p) and Gaussian 3 theory. Anharmonicity of the out of plane bending mode was taken into account by numerical integration of the Schrödinger equation with a potential derived from a relaxed scan of this mode. The results are in good accord with experimental data where available. For the radicals CHF[sub 2], CF[sub 3], CH[sub 2]Cl, CHCl[sub 2], and CCl[sub 3], we compute &DElta;[sub f]H[sup 0, sub 298] values of -241.2, -465.9, 117.0, 91.1, and 72.2 kJ mol[sup -1], respectively, which agree with well-established experimental values to within 2.2 kJ mol[sup -1]. For the more poorly characterized molecules CH[sub 2]F, CHClF, CClF[sub 2], and CCl[sub 2]F we compute Δ[sub f]H[sup 0, sub 298] values of -29.0, -63.8, -274.7, and -94.3 kJ mol[sup -1], respectively, with recommended confidence limits of ±4.1 kJ mol[sup -1]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cloud System Evolution in the Trades (CSET) aircraft campaign was conducted in the summer of 2015 in the northeast Pacific to observe the transition from stratocumulus to cumulus cloud regime. Fourteen transects were made between Sacramento, California, and Kona, Hawaii, using the NCAR's High-Performance Instrumented Airborne Platform for Environmental Research (HIAPER) Gulfstream V (GV) aircraft. The HIAPER W-band Doppler cloud radar (HCR) and the high-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL), in their first deployment together on board the GV, provided crucial cloud and precipitation observations. The HCR recorded the raw in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components of the digitized signal, from which the Doppler spectra and its first three moments were calculated. HCR/HSRL data were merged to develop a hydrometeor mask on a uniform georeferenced grid of 2-Hz temporal and 20-m vertical resolutions. The hydrometeors are classified as cloud or precipitation using a simple fuzzy logic technique based on the HCR mean Doppler velocity, HSRL backscatter, and the ratio of HCR reflectivity to HSRL backscatter. This is primarily applied during zenith-pointing conditions under which the lidar can detect the cloud base and the radar is more sensitive to clouds. The microphysical properties of below-cloud drizzle and optically thin clouds were retrieved using the HCR reflectivity, HSRL backscatter, and the HCR Doppler spectrum width after it is corrected for the aircraft speed. These indicate that as the boundary layers deepen and cloud-top heights increase toward the equator, both the cloud and rain fractions decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern quantum technology currently experiences extensive advances in applicability in communications, cryptography, computing, metrology and lithography. Harnessing this technology platform for chem/bio sensing scenarios is an appealing opportunity enabling ultra-sensitive detection schemes. This is further facilliated by the progress in fabrication, miniaturization and integration of visible and infrared quantum photonics. Especially, the combination of efficient single-photon sources together with waveguiding/sensing structures, serving as active optical transducer, as well as advanced detector materials is promising integrated quantum photonic chem/bio sensors. Besides the intrinsic molecular selectivity and non-destructive character of visible and infrared light based sensing schemes, chem/bio sensors taking advantage of non-classical light sources promise sensitivities beyond the standard quantum limit. In the present review, recent achievements towards on-chip chem/bio quantum photonic sensing platforms based on N00N states are discussed along with appropriate recognition chemistries, facilitating the detection of relevant (bio)analytes at ultra-trace concentration levels. After evaluating recent developments in this field, a perspective for a potentially promising sensor testbed is discussed for reaching integrated quantum sensing with two fiber-coupled GaAs chips together with semiconductor quantum dots serving as single-photon sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Dowling–Degos disease (DDD), featuring reticulate pigmentation, and familial hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) share many clinical features including autosomal dominant inheritance, flexural location and follicular defects. The coexistence of the two disorders was recently found to result from mutations in PSENEN, encoding the γ‐secretase subunit protein presenilin enhancer. Objectives: To investigate PSENEN mutations in a series of four unrelated patients who presented with combined DDD and HS. Methods: Mutation and haplotype analysis of PSENEN by polymerase chain reaction, and cellular assays investigating the Notch signalling pathway. Results: Here we report four families of Jewish Ashkenazi origin who presented with clinical features characteristic of both disorders. All patients were found to carry the same, heterozygous mutation in PSENEN (c.168T>G, p.Y56X). Haplotype analysis revealed that the mutation originated from a common ancestor. Genes associated with DDD, as well as HS, have been shown to encode important regulators of Notch signalling. Accordingly, using a reporter assay, we demonstrated decreased Notch activity in a patient's keratinocytes. Conclusions: The present data confirm the genetic basis of the combined DDD‐HS phenotype and suggest that Notch signalling may play a central role in the pathogenesis of this rare condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The distal femoral extension osteotomy (DFEO) is often used in the treatment of crouch gait to help compensate for knee flexion contractures. The effects of DFEO on skeletal and muscle lengths are incompletely understood, but are important to consider in planning concomitant surgeries such as patellar tendon advancement (PTA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in femur, quadriceps, and hamstring lengths with DFEO, and to determine the sensitivity to surgical factors such as wedge location and magnitude. Methods A musculoskeletal model with six degrees of freedom tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints was used for analysis. A wedge was removed from the distal femur and the remaining bone segments were plated together to simulate the DFEO. After simulating the knee's post-operative equilibrium, the surgically-induced changes in muscle and bone lengths were analysed. Results Relative to the pre-operative state, DFEO stretches the hamstrings while shortening the femur and quadriceps. A more posterior wedge apex location (i.e. creation of a cuneiform wedge) diminished the stretch of the hamstrings, but induced greater shortening of the femur and quadriceps. More proximal wedge locations necessitated greater translation of the distal fragment to maintain the knee joint axis. Conclusion Reduced quadriceps length after DFEO shown in this study is consistent with the need for simultaneous PTA. The induced hamstring stretch also may represent a potential mechanism for post-operative nerve palsies. Overall, the numerical results provide a firmer basis for planning the specifics of DFEO such that desired muscle lengths and joint alignment are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the O2 118 GHz spectral radiance measurements obtained by the Microwave Limb Sounder instrument on board the Aura spacecraft, we demonstrate that the Zeeman effect can be used to remotely measure the magnetic field perturbations produced by the auroral electrojet near the Hall current closure altitudes. Our derived current-induced magnetic field perturbations are found to be highly correlated with those coincidentally obtained by ground magnetometers. These perturbations are also found to be linearly correlated with auroral electrojet strength. The statistically derived polar maps of our measured magnetic field perturbation reveal a spatial-temporal morphology consistent with that produced by the Hall current during substorms and storms. With today's technology, a constellation of compact, low-power, high-spectral-resolution cubesats would have the capability to provide high precision and spatiotemporal magnetic field samplings needed for auroral electrojet measurements to gain insights into the spatiotemporal behavior of the auroral electrojet system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses two straightforward questions. First, how similar are the statistics of cirrus particle size distribution (PSD) datasets collected using the Two-Dimensional Stereo (2D-S) probe to cirrus PSD datasets collected using older Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) 2-D Cloud (2DC) and 2-D Precipitation (2DP) probes? Second, how similar are the datasets when shatter-correcting postprocessing is applied to the 2DC datasets? To answer these questions, a database of measured and parameterized cirrus PSDs - constructed from measurements taken during the Small Particles in Cirrus (SPARTICUS); Mid-latitude Airborne Cirrus Properties Experiment (MACPEX); and Tropical Composition, Cloud, and Climate Coupling (TC4) flight campaigns - is used. Bulk cloud quantities are computed from the 2D-S database in three ways: first, directly from the 2D-S data; second, by applying the 2D-S data to ice PSD parameterizations developed using sets of cirrus measurements collected using the older PMS probes; and third, by applying the 2D-S data to a similar parameterization developed using the 2D-S data themselves. This is done so that measurements of the same cloud volumes by parameterized versions of the 2DC and 2D-S can be compared with one another. It is thereby seen - given the same cloud field and given the same assumptions concerning ice crystal cross-sectional area, density, and radar cross section - that the parameterized 2D-S and the parameterized 2DC predict similar distributions of inferred shortwave extinction coefficient, ice water content, and 94 GHz radar reflectivity. However, the parameterization of the 2DC based on uncorrected data predicts a statistically significantly higher number of total ice crystals and a larger ratio of small ice crystals to large ice crystals than does the parameterized 2D-S. The 2DC parameterization based on shatter-corrected data also predicts statistically different numbers of ice crystals than does the parameterized 2D-S, but the comparison between the two is nevertheless more favorable. It is concluded that the older datasets continue to be useful for scientific purposes, with certain caveats, and that continuing field investigations of cirrus with more modern probes is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The objectives are to identify breakfast location patterns (frequency and place of breakfast consumption) and explore the association between breakfast patterns and weight status over time among preadolescents. Methods Surveys and physical measurements were completed among students from 12 randomly selected schools in a medium-sized urban school district. All students were followed from fifth (Fall, 2011) to seventh grade (Fall, 2013). Latent transition analysis and longitudinal analyses were used in the study. Results Six distinct breakfast location patterns emerged at baseline (1) frequent skippers; (2) inconsistent school eaters; (3) inconsistent home eaters; (4) regular home eaters; (5) regular school eaters and (6) double breakfast eaters. Results from the longitudinal analyses revealed that there was an increased odds of overweight/obesity among frequent skippers compared with double breakfast eaters after adjusting for school, year and students' race/ethnicity (AOR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.67, 4.24). Weight changes from year to year were similar between double breakfast eaters and other students. Conclusions Concerns that a second breakfast at school increases risk of excessive weight gain are unsupported. Students who regularly consumed breakfasts at school, including double breakfast eaters, were more likely to exhibit a healthy weight trajectory. Additional research is needed to understand the impact of universal school breakfast on students' overall diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Use of molecular-based diagnostics for companion animals is impeded by availability of technology platforms, tissue acquisition requirements, and species-specific reagents. Hypothesis/Objectives To validate a quantitative nuclease protection assay ( qNPA) to simultaneously measure RNA expression of multiple genes in archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ( FFPE) tumors from dogs. Animals All tumor biopsy samples were collected retrospectively from surgical biopsies and in the care of veterinarians. Methods Retrospective case series. A qNPA 96-well ArrayPlate was built using 30 canine-specific genes, 5 housekeeping genes, positive and negative controls with qualified gene-specific oligonucleotides. Pearson's correlation, coefficient of variation (CV), and multivariate analysis were used to determine analytical performance using 40 FFPE dog tumors. Once validated, 70 FFPE dog tumors were analyzed for differences in gene expression using hierarchical clustering and analysis of variance of log transformed data. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to correlate gene expression and protein expression in a subset of tumors. Results The assay was linear with decreasing sample input ( R2 = 0.978), reproducible within and between 96-well plates ( r = 0.988 and 0.95, respectively) and between different laboratories (CV = 0.96). Hierarchical cluster analysis showed grouping of tumors by histogenesis and oncogenes. Significant differences were found between BCl2, E2F transcription factor 1, MDM2, COX-2, MET proto-oncogene receptor kinase, and other biologically relevant gene expression in tumor subtypes. Immunohistochemistry confirmed protein expression. Conclusions and Clinical Implications Because this technology works reliably on FFPE specimens, it can help expedite the broad introduction of multiplexed genomic information for improved diagnostics and discovery of new targets for therapies in veterinary oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The identification of four Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMS1-4) of colorectal cancer forms a new paradigm for the design and evaluation of subtype-directed therapeutic strategies. The most aggressive subtype - CMS4 - has the highest chance of disease recurrence. Novel adjuvant therapies for patients with CMS4 tumours are therefore urgently needed. CMS4 tumours are characterized by expression of mesenchymal and stem-like genes. Previous pre-clinical work has shown that targeting Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors (PDGFRs) and the related KIT receptor with imatinib is potentially effective against mesenchymal-type colon cancer. In the present study we aim to provide proof for the concept that imatinib can reduce the aggressive phenotype of primary CMS4 colon cancer.Methods: Tumour biopsies from patients with newly diagnosed stage I-III colon cancer will be analysed with a novel RT-qPCR test to pre-select patients with CMS4 tumours. Selected patients (n = 27) will receive treatment with imatinib (400 mg per day) starting two weeks prior to planned tumour resection. To assess treatment-induced changes in the aggressive CMS4 phenotype, RNA sequencing will be performed on pre- and post-treatment tissue samples.Discussion: The development of effective adjuvant therapy for primary colon cancer is hindered by multiple factors. First, new drugs that may have value in the prevention of (early) distant recurrence are almost always first tested in patients with heavily pre-treated metastatic disease. Second, measuring on-target drug effects and biological consequences in tumour tissue is not commonly a part of the study design. Third, due to the lack of patient selection tools, clinical trials in the adjuvant setting require large patient populations. Finally, the evaluation of recurrence-prevention requires a long-term follow-up. In the ImPACCT trial these issues are addressed by including newly diagnosed pre-selected patients with CMS4 tumours prior to primary tumour resection, rather than non-selected patients with late-stage disease. By making use of the pre-operative window period, the biological effect of imatinib treatment on CMS4 tumours can be rapidly assessed. Delivering proof-of-concept for drug action in early stage disease should form the basis for the design of future trials with subtype-targeted therapies in colon cancer patients.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02685046 . Registration date: February 9, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses two straightforward questions. First, how similar are the statistics of cirrus particle size distribution (PSD) datasets collected using the 2D Stereo (2D-S) probe to cirrus PSD datasets collected using older Particle Measuring Systems (PMS) 2D Cloud (2DC) and 2D Precipitation (2DP) probes? Second, how similar are the datasets when shatter-correcting post-processing is applied to the 2DC datasets? To answer these questions, a database of measured and parameterized cirrus PSDs, constructed from measurements taken during the Small Particles in Cirrus (SPartICus), Mid-latitude Airborne Cirrus Properties Experiment (MACPEx), and Tropical Composition, Cloud, and Climate Coupling (TC4) flight campaigns is used. Bulk cloud quantities are computed from the 2D-S database in three ways: first, directly from the 2D-S data; second, by applying the 2D-S data to ice PSD parameterizations developed using sets of cirrus measurements collected using the older PMS probes; and third, by applying the 2D-S data to a similar parameterization developed using the 2D-S data itself. Thereby a parameterized version of what the 2DC would have seen had it flown on the above missions next to the 2D-S is compared to a similarly parameterized version of the 2D-S. It is seen, given the same cloud field and given the same assumptions concerning ice crystal cross-sectional area, density, and radar cross section, that the parameterized 2D-S and the parameterized 2DC predict similar distributions of inferred shortwave extinction coefficient, ice water content, and 94GHz radar reflectivity. However, the parameterization of the 2DC based on uncorrected data predicts a statistically significant higher number of total ice crystals and a larger ratio of small ice crystals to large ice crystals than does the parameterized 2D-S. The 2DC parameterization based on shatter-corrected data also predicts statistically different numbers of ice crystals than does the parameterized 2D-S, but the comparison between the two is nevertheless more favorable. It is concluded that the older data sets continue to be useful for scientific purposes, with certain caveats, and that continuing field investigations of cirrus with more modern probes is desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]