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BackgroundSmall pilot studies have indicated that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) may help alleviate symptoms of neurological conditions like depression, traumatic brain injury and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).ObjectiveTo examine the effect of tPBM on the behavioral symptoms of ASD and brain electrophysiology in children aged 2–7.MethodsWe conducted an open label, one-arm study with 23 participants, aged 2–7, previously diagnosed with ASD. We delivered non-invasively to all participants pulses of near-infrared light (wavelength 850 nm, pulse 40 Hz) to cortical nodes of Default Mode Network, Broca and Wernicke areas, and occipital lobe of the brain, twice weekly for 10 weeks. The tPBM was delivered using an investigational medical device designed for this purpose. Changes in ASD symptoms were measured using pre- and post-intervention scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS-2, 2nd Edition). We collected electroencephalogram (EEG) data after each treatment session from all children who tolerated wearing the EEG cap to monitor changes in brain activity.ResultsThe intervention resulted in a significant 7-point reduction in average CARS-2 scores (t = 10.23, p

IntroductionIn late June 2021, the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada experienced an unprecedented atmospheric heatwave that co-occurred with one of the lowest day-time tide series of the year. Several consecutive days of air temperatures 10-20°C above normal, coupled with mid-afternoon low tides proved deadly for many rocky intertidal organisms, which live at the margin of land and sea.MethodsTo assess short (weeks) and longer-term (1 year) impacts of the heatwave on rocky intertidal communities, we used long-term monitoring data collected annually at 16 sites throughout Washington State.Results and discussionOur findings indicate that impacts were most severe at sites within the Salish Sea region of WA, where peak low tides occurred during the hottest, mid-afternoon hours. Focal species assemblages at Olympic coast sites, where low tides occurred in the morning, were largely spared. In addition, while the heatwave was associated with substantial short-term changes in acorn barnacle, rockweed, and California mussel assemblages, lasting impacts (1 year) were only observed in the mussel assemblage at the one Salish Sea site where this species is common. These findings will aid in forecasting both short-term and longer lasting impacts of future heatwave events and help direct potential mitigation efforts to regions and species assemblages where impacts will likely be greatest.

A study conducted to investigate the fabrication of organic solar cells based on PC61BM:PCPDTBT using the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) method. The research carries out a number of analyses for structural evaluations (XRD and ESEM), compositional change (XPS and FTIR), and functional assessment (absorption and I-V testing), with the goal of understanding the materials’ properties, their behavior during deposition and the resulting characteristics of the fabricated solar cells. While demonstrating promise, the PVD method faces challenges in the maintenance of electrical attributes during vaporization, and the need for further optimization. The findings highlight both the advantages and limitations of the method and point the way toward achieving optimal outcomes in the manufacture of organic solar cells using PVD. The main scientific contribution of this manuscript lies in the application of the PVD method for fabricating PCPDTBT. The final device features a working solar cell device made of the materials discussed above with Cell size of 0.0026mm2, cell efficiency of about 0.18% and thickness of 309 nm–400nm. These results showcasing the possibility of building and fabricating organic cells with the PVD method.

Since the initial discovery of Dyakonov surface waves at a flat infinite interface of two dielectrics, at least one of which is positively anisotropic, extensive research has been conducted towards their theoretical and experimental studies in materials with positive anisotropy. The potential applications of these waves were initially limited due to the stringent conditions for their existence and the requirement for position anisotropy. In our study, we present the theoretical prediction and experimental observation of a novel type of Dyakonov surface waves that propagate along the flat strip of the interface between two dielectrics with negative anisotropy. We demonstrate that the conditions for surface waves are satisfied for negatively anisotropic dielectrics owing to the specific boundaries of the strip waveguide confined between two metallic plates. We study such modes theoretically by using the perturbation theory in the approximation of weak anisotropy and demonstrate that the electromagnetic field distribution in these modes is chiral. Experimental verification of theoretical predictions is made in the microwave range using 3D-printed negatively anisotropic water-dielectric metamaterial slabs. The existence of Dyakonov surface waves in negative crystals prompts a reassessment of the list of materials suitable for practical realization of these waves in the visible and infrared ranges. Due to the ability of the considered modes to transmit chiral light, they have potential in the sensing of chiral organic molecules.

A comparison of methods for finding phase cycle losses in highprecision navigation satellite measurements was made. A basic algorithm and its improved version were proposed. The results were compared with the Springer algorithm. The results are presented in graphical form. The advantages and disadvantages of the compared methods are described. The accuracy of the method was tested on real measurement data. A conclusion was made about the possibility of the method operating in real time. The method was implemented and tested in a navigation receiver used by the “Farvater” company.

Rhincodon typus, or the whale shark, is the largest extant fish in the world and is classified as endangered on the IUCN’s Red List. Due to their enormous size and conservation status, whale sharks are rarely housed in aquaria. Here we present a behavioral analysis culminating from a large effort by 89 observers from 2008–2012 to study four R. typus (ID codes: AL, TA, TR, YU) longitudinally in an aquarium setting. We found that relatively simple behavioral metrics such as swim speed, depth occupation, swimming direction, and lead-follow interactions demonstrated R. typus individual variation and responses to habitat changes. All sharks displayed increased swim speeds 30-minutes before regimented feed times, when there was scent of food being fed to other animals in the habitat. Consistently in the habitat, one male shark (YU) was recorded swimming more at depth, faster, almost exclusively clockwise, and engaged in fewer close proximity interactions with others than expected by chance. In contrast, a larger female shark (AL) was observed swimming the slowest, at the surface more than others, led other sharks more than she followed, and had strong lead-follow interactions with another shark of the opposite sex (TA). TA and TR did not differ from each other in depth profiles or speed, but did differ in their proclivity to lead or follow. Depth preferences and lead-follow interactions suggest some partitioning of the habitat and the possibility of social hierarchy in this species. These results represent the first longitudinal behavioral analysis of aquarium R. typus, offering meaningful similarities and contrasts to field observations.

A subset of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) are thought to have a microvascular component to their illness with studies demonstrating alterations in retinal superficial, deep, and choroidal microvasculature networks. However, the direction and location of these alterations have differed across studies. In a recent study, we reported that individuals with SZ demonstrated lower superficial layer perfusion density than a healthy control (HC) group. The current study investigated characteristics of the deep vascular layer in SZ. We included 28 individuals with a diagnosis of SZ or schizoaffective disorder, and 37 HCs. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) data was collected to measure deep retinal layer perfusion density, skeletonized vessel density, vessel diameter index, and fractal dimension. We conducted between-group comparisons to examine differences in these OCTA variables between SZ and HC groups. A trend analysis was conducted to determine if differences reflected a linear trend according to age and illness length, and Spearman correlations were conducted to determine associations between deep and superficial layer density. Individuals with SZ demonstrated significantly lower bilateral perfusion density and vessel diameter index, as well as lower left eye skeletonized vessel density and fractal dimension. There was a significant linear trend in the data indicating that individuals with chronic SZ demonstrated the lowest OCTA values, followed by individuals within two years of their first episode of psychosis who did not differ from older controls, followed by younger controls, who demonstrated the highest values in at least one eye. Lower density values in the deep retinal layer were also significantly associated with lower density values in the superficial layer. Overall, results suggest that microvascular alterations are present in multiple retinal layers in SZ and that they may be useful visual system biomarkers of neurovascular changes in the disorder.

BackgroundSmall pilot studies have suggested that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could help reduce symptoms of neurological conditions, such as depression, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).ObjectiveTo examine the impact of tPBM on the symptoms of ASD in children aged two to six years.MethodWe conducted a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial involving thirty children aged two to six years with a prior diagnosis of ASD. We delivered pulses of near-infrared light (40 Hz, 850 nm) noninvasively to selected brain areas twice a week for eight weeks, using an investigational medical device designed for this purpose (Cognilum™, JelikaLite Corp., New York, United States). We used the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS, 2nd Edition) to assess and compare the ASD symptoms of participants before and after the treatment course. We collected electroencephalogram (EEG) data during each session from those participants who tolerated wearing the EEG cap.ResultsThe difference in the change in CARS scores between the two groups was 7.23 (95% CI 2.357 to 12.107, p = 0.011). Seventeen of the thirty participants completed at least two EEGs and time-dependent trends were detected. In addition, an interaction between Active versus Sham and Scaled Time was observed in delta power (Coefficient = 7.521, 95% CI -0.517 to 15.559, p = 0.07) and theta power (Coefficient = −8.287, 95% CI -17.199 to 0.626, p = 0.07), indicating a potential trend towards a greater reduction in delta power and an increase in theta power over time with treatment in the Active group, compared to the Sham group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the condition (Treatment vs. Sham) in the power of theta waves (net_theta) (Coefficient = 9.547, 95% CI 0.027 to 19.067, p = 0.049). No moderate or severe side effects or adverse effects were reported or observed during the trial.ConclusionThese results indicate that tPBM may be a safe and effective treatment for ASD and should be studied in more depth in larger studies.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04660552, identifier NCT04660552.

Abstract Prey selection is a fundamental aspect of ecology that drives evolution and community structure, yet the impact of intraspecific variation on the selection for prey size remains largely unaccounted for in ecological theory. Here, we explored puma (Puma concolor) prey selection across six study sites in North and South America. Our results highlighted the strong influence of season and prey availability on puma prey selection, and the smaller influence of puma age. Pumas in all sites selected smaller prey in warmer seasons following the ungulate birth pulse. Our top models included interaction terms between sex and age, suggesting that males more than females select larger prey as they age, which may reflect experiential learning. When accounting for variable sampling across pumas in our six sites, male and female pumas killed prey of equivalent size, even though males are larger than females, challenging assumptions about this species. Nevertheless, pumas in different study sites selected prey of different sizes, emphasizing that the optimal prey size for pumas is likely context‐dependent and affected by prey availability. The mean prey weight across all sites averaged 1.18 times mean puma weight, which was less than predicted as the optimal prey size by energetics and ecological theory (optimal prey = 1.45 puma weight). Our results help refine our understanding of optimal prey for pumas and other solitary carnivores, as well as corroborate recent research emphasizing that carnivore prey selection is impacted not just by energetics but by the effects of diverse ecology.

Terrestrial wildlife species are important yet often overlooked taxa in the recovery of ecosystems following dam removal. Their presence can shape ecosystem recovery, signal restoration of ecosystem function, and influence food web dynamics and nutrient transfer. We used camera traps to examine seasonal use of two former reservoir beds and an upstream reference reach by the mammalian community following the removal of two large dams on the Elwha River, Washington, USA. For certain taxa, we compared current species use to data collected prior to dam removal. Camera traps revealed use by at least fifteen mammal species, including but not limited to American black bear (Ursus americanus), Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti), puma (Puma concolor), coyotes (Canis latrans), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus). Coyotes were found mostly lower in the watershed outside the Olympic National Park boundary, while other species were distributed throughout the restoration area. We did not see major differences in species composition between the restoration areas and the upstream reference reach, though number of detections across study reaches differed for most species. Unlike previous findings, black bears were observed across all seasons in this study, suggesting a shift in seasonal use since dam removal. Full restoration of the terrestrial wildlife community could take decades to unfold, but early patterns demonstrate rapid establishment and use by wildlife on new riparian surfaces that are expected to continue to evolve with restoration of fish and vegetation communities.

Aims To update and examine available literature germane to the recognition, assessment and treatment of comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disruption, with a predominant focus on children, adolescents and emerging adults. Background Considerable overlaps exist among ASD, ADHD and sleep disruption. Literature and guidance for clinicians, administrators, policy makers and families have been limited, as such deliberations were rarely considered until 2013. Method This narrative review of the literature addressing sleep disruption issues among those with ASD, ADHD and comorbid ASD and ADHD involved searching multiple databases and use of reverse citations up to the end of September 2022. Emphasis is placed on secondary sources and relevant data for clinical practice. Results Complex clinical presentations of ASD/ADHD/sleep disruption are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Prior to 2013, prevalence, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, prognosis, other sleep-related factors and interventions were determined separately for each disorder, often with overlapping objective and subjective methods employed in the process. High percentages of ADHD and ASD patients have both disorders and sleep disruption. Here, the extant literature is integrated to provide a multidimensional understanding of the relevant issues and insights, allowing enhanced awareness and better care of this complex clinical population. Database limitations are considered. Conclusions Assessment of ASD symptomatology in youth with ADHD, and the reverse, in cases with disrupted sleep is critical to address the special challenges for case formulation and treatment. Evidence-based approaches to treatment planning and multi-treatment modalities should consider combining psychosocial and biological interventions to address the complexities of each case.

Abstract The Dead Sea seismites comprise the worlds longest record of earthquakes. The seismites appear as deformed layers enclosed between undeformed layers of alternating millimetre‐thick laminae with annual pairs of winter detritus and summer evaporitic aragonite. Understanding the physical conditions that govern their formation will promote the recovery of the causative earthquake properties from the deformation character. The first step towards this goal is understanding the microscopic structure of the seismites. To this end, scanning electron microscope images of the Dead Sea Basin sediments were analysed to extract their pore and grain sizes. The implementation of image processing techniques to determine the microscopic‐scale physical properties of the deformed and undeformed layers are in general agreement with results from classical labour‐intensive instruments. However, the image processing analyses provide more detailed unbiased information. A MATLAB‐based code has been developed as a ready‐to‐use package, which can be easily implemented on any other occurrence of soft sediment outcrops to analyse sediment microscopic‐scale physical properties from scanning electron microscope images.

Introduction: In late June 2021, the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and Canada experienced an unprecedented atmospheric heatwave that co-occurred with one of the lowest day-time tide series of the year. Several consecutive days of air temperatures 10-20°C above normal, coupled with mid-afternoon low tides proved deadly for many rocky intertidal organisms, which live at the margin of land and sea. Methods: To assess short (weeks) and longer-term (1 year) impacts of the heatwave on rocky intertidal communities, we used long-term monitoring data collected annually at 16 sites throughout Washington State. Results and discussion: Our findings indicate that impacts were most severe at sites within the Salish Sea region of WA, where peak low tides occurred during the hottest, mid-afternoon hours. Focal species assemblages at Olympic coast sites, where low tides occurred in the morning, were largely spared. In addition, while the heatwave was associated with substantial short-term changes in acorn barnacle, rockweed, and California mussel assemblages, lasting impacts (1 year) were only observed in the mussel assemblage at the one Salish Sea site where this species is common. These findings will aid in forecasting both short-term and longer lasting impacts of future heatwave events and help direct potential mitigation efforts to regions and species assemblages where impacts will likely be greatest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our cohort, we found no significantly reduced refractive accuracy for patients with ED without edema using BUII, Haigis, Holladay, SRK/T, and Kane formulas. Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of several intraocular lens (IOL) formulas for patients with endothelial dystrophy (ED) without edema treated with cataract surgery alone. Setting: 1 academic, tertiary referral center. Design: Comparative retrospective cohort study. Methods: The predicted refractive results of patients with ED who underwent cataract surgery were assessed and compared with a matched control group. The accuracy of 5 different IOL formulas, Haigis, Holladay 1, Barrett Universal II (BUII), SRK/T, and Kane, was evaluated and compared between the groups. The SDs of the prediction error (PE) of all formulas were compared. Results: 221 eyes were included in this study. 50 (23%) eyes of patients with ED and 171 (77%) control eyes. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in clinical and demographical characteristics (P >.05). The postoperative spherical equivalent was −0.37 diopters (D) in the ED group and −0.30 D in the control group (P =.8). Overall, both groups had a comparable SD of the PE and absolute PE in all formulas (P >.05). In the ED group, absolute PE was 0.34 D for Haigis, 0.32 D for Holladay 1, 0.32 D for BUII, 0.38 D for SRK/T, and 0.32 D for Kane formulas. No statistically significant difference between formulas was found. Conclusions: The prediction accuracy of IOL power calculation in patients with ED was found comparable both between formulas and in comparison with healthy controls. This suggests that in patients with guttate without edema, the IOL power calculations are as effective and accurate as in healthy eyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Humble Proposals controversy (1652) offered competing interpretations of what ‘the propagation of the Gospel’ meant in revolutionary England and what degree of religious toleration it ought to entail. This dispute had far-reaching implications – not only for radical Protestant sects, but also for Catholics, Jews, and American Indigenous nations who lived, or might soon live, under English rule. For John Owen and other politically influential clerics, secular authorities were morally obligated to provide their subjects with access to soul-saving truth and to protect them from being exposed to anything a Reformed Christian would consider idolatry, blasphemy, or Sabbath-breaking. Within these limits, Owen and his allies supported toleration as an expression of Protestant irenicism or a means to evangelise Jews. By contrast, Owen’s critics, led by Roger Williams, repudiated the state’s moral obligation to evangelise its subjects. The radicals’ more expansive case for tolerating sectarians, Jews, and ‘idolaters’ was neither irenic nor conversionist. This was especially true of Williams, whose grim apocalyptic response to the evangelical zeal of his countrymen was rooted in a deep scepticism about the capacity of any human efforts, however well-intentioned, to lead others to the truth before the appointed hour for cataclysmic bloodshed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), conferring a greater relative risk in women than men. We sought to examine sex differences in cardiometabolic risk factors and management in the contemporary cohort represented by the Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes: A Comparative Effectiveness Study (GRADE).Research design and methods GRADE enrolled 5047 participants (1837 women, 3210 men) with T2DM on metformin monotherapy at baseline. The current report is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected July 2013 to August 2017.Results Compared with men, women had a higher mean body mass index (BMI), greater prevalence of severe obesity (BMI≥40 kg/m2), higher mean LDL cholesterol, greater prevalence of low HDL cholesterol, and were less likely to receive statin treatment and achieve target LDL, with a generally greater prevalence of these risk factors in younger women. Women with hypertension were equally likely to achieve blood pressure targets as men; however, women were less likely to receive ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Women were more likely to be divorced, separated or widowed, and had fewer years of education and lower incomes.Conclusions This contemporary cohort demonstrates that women with T2DM continue to have a greater burden of cardiometabolic and socioeconomic risk factors than men, particularly younger women. Attention to these persisting disparities is needed to reduce the burden of CVD in women.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01794143)