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In the Anglo-American world the field of surgeon well-being is already very prominent, while in Germany it is still underrepresented. In this article, we aim to analyze the challenges and factors that affect the well-being of surgeons, including stress, burnout, workload, job satisfaction, autonomy, leadership, teamwork and work-life integration. Additionally, we discuss the connection between surgeon well-being and the shortage of new talent in surgery, which is currently being exacerbated by increasing treatment and physician demands, the age development of specialists and an overall high turnover. Finally, we propose several solutions that can be implemented at individual, institutional and systemic levels to promote and maintain the well-being of surgeons. These include improving working conditions, providing resources and support, promoting resilience and mindfulness and recognizing and appreciating achievements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Three-column osteotomies (3COs), such as pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and vertebral column resection (VCR), are used to surgically correct rigid adult spinal deformity (ASD). While extensive research exists about complications associated with 3COs, there remains a paucity of studies analyzing risk factors for mortality following 3CO. We believe the mortality rate after 3-column osteotomy will be low with specific identifiable demographic or medical risk factors. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Patients undergoing 3CO were identified via CPT codes. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day postoperative mortality. Univariate statistical analysis was performed, followed by multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Results: The analysis included 1,441 patients. 446 patients had thoracic osteotomies, 996 patients had lumbar osteotomies, and 226 had multilevel osteotomies. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.2% (18 patients). On univariate analysis, mortality was more likely in patients with diabetes (2.8% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.029) and COPD (7.0% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001). Mortality was associated with higher 5-factor modified frailty index (P = 0.004). After controlling for age, sex, and BMI, multivariable analysis revealed that mortality rates were independently associated with longer operative times (OR = 1.28, 95% CI:1.06–1.54, P = 0.010) and COPD (OR = 10.36, 95% CI: [2.17–49.47], P = 0.003). Conclusion: Thirty-day mortality after 3CO is 1.2% globally. The greatest univariate risk factors are diabetes, COPD, and frailty. Regardless of age, sex, or BMI, it was found that COPD and duration of surgery were independently associated with increased rates of mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When designing a set of climate projections for a given amount of supercomputing, the choice of resolution affects the ensemble size that can be afforded. The larger sample size helps to quantify uncertainties more robustly and provide better statistics to understand the projections. The trade-off is that the use of coarser resolution risks some compromise on quality in representing processes that could play a crucial role in the climate response. But what exactly is the added value of the enhanced resolution? We use two tools, which are applicable to a broader set of applications, to assess this for processes (teleconnections) that drive the year-to-year variability of late winter circulation over the North Atlantic. First, a causal network, which captures the teleconnections that relate key drivers of variability to late winter North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), is elicited from experts in seasonal forecasting. Causal Inference theory is then used to estimate the teleconnection strengths. Second, we use two parallel perturbed parameter ensembles (PPEs) of coupled control simulations based on HadGEM3-GC3 at low and medium atmosphere/ocean resolutions. Combining the two tools allows us to identify teleconnections which have strengths (a) controlled by parameters, and (b) that are altered in a systematic way across parameter space by the enhanced resolution. Overall, the medium resolution is marginally better than the lower resolution, notably in the way El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects the Indian Ocean Dipole. For many of the teleconnections, most model configurations have weaker relationships than observed. Several teleconnections are shown to have modest parametric effects that produce correlated changes across the two PPEs. However, the ensemble size would need to be increased to better identify the key parameters and processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the benefits of two ways to use flashcards to perform retrieval practice: alone versus with a partner. In three experiments, undergraduate students learned word-definition pairs using flashcards alone (Individual condition) or with another student (Paired condition). Participants then made global judgments of learning (gJOLs; Experiments 1–3), and item-level judgments of learning (iJOLs; Experiment 3). Finally, participants took a cued-recall test after a 5-min delay (Experiments 1–3) and a 24-h delay (Experiments 2–3). In Experiment 1, students in the Paired condition dropped flashcards less often than in the Individual condition (dropping was prohibited in Experiments 2–3). In addition, although final test performance tended to be similar across conditions, inaccurate gJOLs for the immediate test—inflated by ~ 20% relative to actual immediate test performance—were common in the Individual condition but not in the Paired condition in Experiments 1–2. In Experiment 3, we tested whether this difference in metacognitive calibration was due to the Paired condition requiring overt retrieval by instructing participants in the Individual condition to retrieve out loud. With this change, participants in the Individual and Paired conditions reported similarly accurate gJOLs and iJOLs. Taken together, these findings suggest that although performing retrieval practice with flashcards alone versus with a partner yields comparable amounts of learning, doing so with a partner can increase metacognitive accuracy, a benefit possibly driven by the facilitation of overt retrieval. Overall, these findings have implications for self-regulated learning and effective exam preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain white matter disruptions have been implicated in contributing to fatigue, brain fog and other central symptoms commonly reported in inflammatory diseases. In this study, we included 252 RA patients with 756 age and sex matched controls and 240 UC patients with 720 age and sex matched controls using the UK Biobank imaging dataset. We looked for differences in total volume of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) between patients compared to controls. Then, using voxelwise analysis, we explored the spatial distribution of these white matter hyperintensities and differences in these between patients and controls and between disease groups. A significantly higher volume of WMH was observed in both the RA (p = 1.9 × 10−8, β = − 0.36, 95% CI = − 0.48, − 0.23) and UC (p = 0.003, β = − 0.18 95% CI = − 0.31, − 0.06) patients compared to their respective control groups. Voxelwise analysis revealed only a small cluster of RA associated WMH compared to controls. These results indicate an increased risk of white matter hyperintensities in patients with RA and UC. These findings help quantify the effect of inflammation from autoimmune diseases on cerebrovascular health and white matter integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare surgical parameters and short-term outcomes between open radical cystectomy (ORC) and robotic radical cystectomy with total intracorporeal urinary diversion (icRARC). Methods: Among the study period, 133 patients who underwent ORC and pelvic node dissection for bladder cancer (group 1) were matched and compared to 61 patients who underwent icRARC during the same period (group 2). The groups were matched 1:1 according to their propensity scores adjusted on their baseline demographics and disease characteristics. The main surgical parameters compared were: operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and postoperative outcomes including time to oral intake, ninety-day complications, readmission rate, and secondary procedures. Results: Overall, 122 patients (61 in each group) were matched and finally analyzed. Although operative times (307 ± 97 min vs. 444 ± 113 min; p < 0.001) were longer, EBL (948 ± 657 ml vs. 357 ± 219 ml; p < 0.001) and transfusion rates were lower in the icRARC group. Overall complications were comparable but late complications tended to be lower in the icRARC group (p = 0.06). Readmission rate (54.8% vs. 26.8%, p = 0.01) was higher in the ORC group while secondary procedures (28.6% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.07) also tended to be lower in the robotic approach. Finally, in multivariable logistic regression the icRARC group was not associated with any complications of any grade including grade 3 or higher compared to the open approach. Conclusion: This study comparing open radical cystectomy to robotic radical cystectomy with total intracorporeal urinary diversion demonstrated encouraging outcomes for the minimally invasive management of urothelial carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the usefulness of adding a discrete choice model to the hedonic model via a finite mixture approach. Our approach leads to different hedonic models for different housing market segments based on household information. As such, the proposed method goes beyond measuring the average price of housing attributes. As a case study, we estimate the finite mixture model for the Miami and Louisville metropolitan areas using information on race, ethnicity, and income from the American Housing Survey. We find that the model outperforms the standard hedonic model or a model with linear interaction terms between demographics and housing characteristics. Moreover, market segmentation is based on a complex combination of race, ethnicity, and income. For Louisville, Black households need 2.5 times higher income than White households to advance to a higher market segment and even at high incomes tend to occupy their own segment. For Miami, low-income, non-Hispanic households live in their own segment even if occupying the same dwelling size as households in other segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To address the clinical need for totally implantable mechanical circulatory support devices, Bionet Sonar is developing a novel Ultrasonic Transcutaneous Energy Transmission (UTET) system that is designed to eliminate external power and/or data communication drivelines. Methods: UTET systems were designed, fabricated, and pre-clinically tested using a non-clinical HeartWare HVAD in static and dynamic mock flow loop and acute animal models over a range of pump speeds (1800, 2400, 3000 RPM) and tissue analogue thicknesses (5, 10, 15 mm). Results: The prototypes demonstrated feasibility as evidenced by meeting/exceeding function, operation, and performance metrics with no system failures, including achieving receiver (harvested) power exceeding HVAD power requirements and data communication rates of 10kB/s and pump speed control (> 95% sensitivity and specificity) for all experimental test conditions, and within healthy tissue temperature range with no acute tissue damage. Conclusion: During early-stage development and testing, engineering challenges for UTET size reduction and stable and safe operation were identified, with solutions and plans to address the limitations in future design iterations also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: CoRISMA MCS Systems Inc (Hamden CT) is developing an innovative mechanical circulatory support system (CMCS) as a durable therapeutic option for heart failure (HF) patients. The CMCS system is comprised of an axial flow pump, non-contacting hydrodynamic bearings, and integrated DC motor designed to be fully implantable in a left atrial (LA) to aortic (Ao) configuration; this unloading strategy may be particularly beneficial for HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The small (5.5 cm3), lightweight (20 g), and low power (5–7 W) device design should allow for a less invasive off-pump implant. We present early-stage engineering development and testing of the prototype CoRISMA pumps. Methods: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was performed to evaluate flow and shear in two impeller (3 blades, 0.5 mm thickness, 8.9 mm diameter, 0.15 mm gap, polished titanium) and diffusor (5 blades, polished titanium) candidate designs. Test apparatuses were custom built to expedite development of the impeller/diffuser designs and iteratively refine the CFD models. Two candidate impeller/diffusor designs were fabricated and tested in each of the two test apparatuses (n = 4 impeller/diffuser + test fixture configurations) in static mock flow loops (hydrodynamic H-Q curves, 3.5 cP glycerol solution at 37 °C), and in dynamic mock flow loops (hemodynamics, 3.5 cP glycerol solution at 37 °C) tuned to HF conditions (mean aortic pressure 50 mmHg, central venous pressure 15 mmHg, aortic flow 3.0 L/min, and heart rate 80 bpm). Results: CFD predicted flows of 4.56 L/min and 4.82 L/min at 100 mmHg for impellers/diffusers 1 and 2, respectively. Impeller 2 required less torque to generate a 6% increase in fluidic flow, and the diffuser had a larger area of high pressure, indicative of lower friction, which likely contributed to the increased efficiency. Experimental testing for all four configurations in the static and dynamic mock loops met performance metrics as evidenced by generating 4.0–4.5 L/min flow against 70–76 mmHg pressure at 25,000 rpm and restoring hemodynamics in the dynamic mock flow loop (MAP = 80 mmHg, CVP = 0 mmHg, total flow = 5.5 L/min) from baseline simulated HF test conditions. Conclusion: These results demonstrate proof-of-concept of the early engineering design and performance of the prototype CoRISMA pumps. Engineering specifications, challenges observed, and proposed solutions for the next design iteration were identified for the continued development of an effective, reliable, and safe LA-to-Ao CMCS system for HF patients. Current design plans are underway for incorporating a wireless energy transfer system for communication and power, eliminating the need for and complications associated with an external driveline, to achieve a fully-implantable system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test predictions from the language emergent perspective on verbal working memory that lexico-syntactic constraints should support both item and order memory. In natural language, long-term knowledge of lexico-syntactic patterns involving part of speech, verb biases, and noun animacy support language comprehension and production. In three experiments, participants were presented with randomly generated dative-like sentences or lists in which part of speech, verb biases, and animacy of a single word were manipulated. Participants were more likely to recall words in the correct position when presented with a verb over a noun in the verb position, a good dative verb over an intransitive verb in the verb position, and an animate noun over an inanimate noun in the subject noun position. These results demonstrate that interactions between words and their context in the form of lexico-syntactic constraints influence verbal working memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine and its derivatives have been used as an antibacterial agent to reduce Salmonella contamination in poultry meat during processing. We evaluated the survival of 4 different Salmonella serotypes (Typhimurium, Enteritidis, Heidelberg, and Gaminara) in the presence of 50 ppm sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone or with the addition of thiourea (radical scavenger) or Dip (iron chelator) to determine the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bactericidal activity of NaOCl. The result showed that for all four serotypes the addition of thiourea or Dip significantly increased the % survival as compared to the respective NaOCl treatment groups, while it was significantly higher with thiourea as compared to Dip (P < 0.05). We also evaluated the survival of 11 deletion mutants of S. Typhimurium, which were demonstrated to increase (∆atpC, ∆cyoA, ∆gnd, ∆nuoG, ∆pta, ∆sdhC, and ∆zwf) or decrease the production of ROS (∆edd, ∆fumB, ∆pykA, and ∆tktB) in Escherichia coli (E. coli), in the presence of 50 ppm. The results showed that only two (∆sdhC and ∆zwf) out of 7 ROS-increasing mutants showed reduced % survival as compared to the wild-type (P < 0.05), while all four deletion ROS-decreasing mutants showed significantly higher % survival as compared to the wild-type (P < 0.05). This work suggests that the production of ROS is a major component of the bactericidal activity of NaOCl against Salmonella serotypes and there might be a significant difference in the metabolic pathways involved in ROS production between Salmonella and E. coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncocytic renal neoplasms are a major source of diagnostic challenge in genitourinary pathology; however, they are typically nonaggressive in general, raising the question of whether distinguishing different subtypes, including emerging entities, is necessary. Emerging entities recently described include eosinophilic solid and cystic renal cell carcinoma (ESC RCC), low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT), eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT), and papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP). A survey was shared among 65 urologic pathologists using SurveyMonkey.com (Survey Monkey, Santa Clara, CA, USA). De-identified and anonymized respondent data were analyzed. Sixty-three participants completed the survey and contributed to the study. Participants were from Asia (n = 21; 35%), North America (n = 31; 52%), Europe (n = 6; 10%), and Australia (n = 2; 3%). Half encounter oncocytic renal neoplasms that are difficult to classify monthly or more frequently. Most (70%) indicated that there is enough evidence to consider ESC RCC as a distinct entity now, whereas there was less certainty for LOT (27%), EVT (29%), and PRNRP (37%). However, when combining the responses for sufficient evidence currently and likely in the future, LOT and EVT yielded > 70% and > 60% for PRNRP. Most (60%) would not render an outright diagnosis of oncocytoma on needle core biopsy. There was a dichotomy in the routine use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the evaluation of oncocytoma (yes = 52%; no = 48%). The most utilized IHC markers included keratin 7 and 20, KIT, AMACR, PAX8, CA9, melan A, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)B, and fumarate hydratase (FH). Genetic techniques used included TSC1/TSC2/MTOR (67%) or TFE3 (74%) genes and pathways; however, the majority reported using these very rarely. Only 40% have encountered low-grade oncocytic renal neoplasms that are deficient for FH. Increasing experience with the spectrum of oncocytic renal neoplasms will likely yield further insights into the most appropriate work-up, classification, and clinical management for these entities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medulloblastomas with extensive nodularity are cerebellar tumors characterized by two distinct compartments and variable disease progression. The mechanisms governing the balance between proliferation and differentiation in MBEN remain poorly understood. Here, we employ a multi-modal single cell transcriptome analysis to dissect this process. In the internodular compartment, we identify proliferating cerebellar granular neuronal precursor-like malignant cells, along with stromal, vascular, and immune cells. In contrast, the nodular compartment comprises postmitotic, neuronally differentiated malignant cells. Both compartments are connected through an intermediate cell stage resembling actively migrating CGNPs. Notably, we also discover astrocytic-like malignant cells, found in proximity to migrating and differentiated cells at the transition zone between the two compartments. Our study sheds light on the spatial tissue organization and its link to the developmental trajectory, resulting in a more benign tumor phenotype. This integrative approach holds promise to explore intercompartmental interactions in other cancers with varying histology. The mechanisms regulating the balance between proliferation and differentiation in medulloblastomas with extensive nodularity (MBEN) remain poorly understood. Here, single cell multi-omics and spatial analysis characterises the spatial tissue organisation of MBEN in the context of the developmental trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The transarterial radioembolization (TARE) dose is traditionally calculated using the single-compartment Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) formula. This study utilized voxel-based dosimetry to correlate tumor dose with explant pathology in order to identify dose thresholds that predicted response. Methods: All patients with HCC treated with TARE using yttrium-90 [90Y] glass microspheres at a single institution between January 2015 – June 2023 who underwent liver transplantation were eligible. The [90Y] distribution and dose-volume histograms were determined using Simplicity90 (Mirada Medical, Oxford UK) with a Bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT. A complete response was assigned if explant pathology showed complete necrosis and the patient had not undergone additional treatments to the same tumor after TARE. Logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate dose thresholds correlated with response. Results: Forty-one patients were included. Twenty-six (63%) met criteria for complete response. Dose to 95% (D95), 70% (D70), and 50% (D50) of the tumor volume were associated with likelihood of complete response by logistic regression (all p < 0.05). For lesions with complete response versus without, the median D95 was 813 versus 232 Gy, D70 was 1052 versus 315 Gy, and D50 was 1181 versus 369 Gy (all p < 0.01). A D95 > 719 Gy had the highest accuracy at 68% (58% sensitivity, 87% specificity) for predicting complete response. Median percent of tumor volume receiving at least 100 Gy (V100), 200 Gy (V200), 300 Gy (V300), and 400 Gy (V400) also differed by pathologic response: the median V100, V200, V300, and V400 was 100% versus 99%, 100% versus 97%, 100% versus 74%, and 100% versus 43% in the complete response versus non-complete response groups, respectively (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Voxel-based dosimetry was well-correlated with explant pathology. The D95 threshold had the highest accuracy, suggesting the D95 may be a relevant target for multi-compartment dosimetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptoms of the Post-COVID-19 Condition are often non-specific making it a challenge to distinguish them from symptoms due to other medical conditions. In this study, we compare the proportion of emergency department patients who developed symptoms consistent with the World Health Organization's Post-COVID-19 Condition clinical case definition between those who tested positive for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection and time-matched patients who tested negative. Our results show that over one-third of emergency department patients with a proven acute infection meet Post-COVID-19 Condition criteria 3 months post-index visit. However, one in five test-negative patients who claim never having been infected also report symptoms consistent with Post-COVID-19 Condition highlighting the lack of specificity of the clinical case definition. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 during the acute phase of a suspected infection should continue until specific biomarkers of Post-COVID-19 Condition become available for diagnosis and treatment. In this study of more than 6500 emergency department patients, symptoms consistent with Long COVID are reported by 38.9% of SARS-CoV-2 test-positive and 20.7% of test-negative patients three months after their visit. A documented SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the risk fourfold of reporting Long COVID symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coherent continental-wide speleothem water isotope records are accompanied by regionally inconsistent moisture patterns within the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) region, leaving a disputed explanation of monsoonal hydroclimate variability at the orbital timescale. Here, the transient simulation forced by orbital parameters during the past 300,000 years in an isotope-enabled fully coupled model shows that the complex ASM response can be understood as a grand dipole pattern of oxygen isotope and rainfall between South Asia and Japan, with South China lying in a hybrid transition region. While the dipole monsoon rainfall change between South Asia and Japan is related to the large-scale circulation adjustment in response to Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, the dipole oxygen isotope pattern is associated with the changing contribution of moisture sources. Our results provide new clues to reconcile ASM hydroclimate patterns at orbital timescale as revealed by the water isotope records and other hydrological proxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion studies have commonly reported impaired emotional processing in individuals with heightened anhedonic depressive symptoms, as typically measured by collecting single subjective ratings for a given emotional cue. However, the interindividual variation in moment-to-moment emotional reactivity, and associated time-varying brain networks recruitment as emotions are unfolding, remains unclear. In this study, we filled this gap by using the unique temporal characteristics of music to investigate behavioural and brain network dynamics as a function of anhedonic depressive symptoms severity. Thirty-one neurotypical participants aged 18–30 years completed anhedonic depression questionnaires and then continuously rated happy, neutral and sad pieces of music whilst undergoing MRI scanning. Using a unique combination of dynamic approaches to behavioural (i.e., emotion dynamics) and fMRI (i.e., leading eigenvector dynamics analysis; LEiDA) data analysis, we found that participants higher in anhedonic depressive symptoms exhibited increased recruitment of attentional networks and blunted emotional response to both happy and sad musical excerpts. Anhedonic depression mediated the relationship between attentional networks recruitment and emotional blunting, and the elevated recruitment of attentional networks during emotional pieces of music carried over into subsequent neutral music. Future studies are needed to investigate whether these findings could be generalised to a clinical population (i.e., major depressive disorder). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop effective and personalized interventions, it is essential to identify the most critical processes or psychological drivers that impact an individual's well-being. Some processes may be universally beneficial to well-being across many contexts and people, while others may only be beneficial to certain individuals in specific contexts. Method: We conducted three intensive daily diary studies, each with more than 50 within-person measurement occasions, across three data sets (n1 = 44; n2 = 37; n3 = 141). We aimed to investigate individual differences in the strength of within-person associations between three distinct process measures and a variety of outcomes. We utilized a unique idiographic algorithm, known as i-ARIMAX (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average), to determine the strength of the relationship (Beta) between each process and outcome within individuals ("i"). All of the computed betas were then subjected to meta-analyses, with individuals treated as the "study". Results: The results revealed that the process-outcome links varied significantly between individuals, surpassing the homogeneity typically seen in meta-analyses of studies. Although several processes showed group-level effects, no process was found to be universally beneficial when considered individually. For instance, processes involving social behavior, like being assertive, did not demonstrate any group-level links to loneliness but still had significant individual-level effects that varied from positive to negative. Discussion: Using i-ARIMAX might help reduce the number of candidate variables for complex within-person analyses. Additionally, the size and pattern of i-ARIMAX betas could prove useful in guiding personalized interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical data are usually analyzed with the assumption that knowledge gathered from group averages applies to the individual. Doing so potentially obscures patients with meaningfully different trajectories of therapeutic change. Needed are "idionomic" methods that first examine idiographic patterns before nomothetic generalizations are made. The objective of this paper is to test whether such an idionomic method leads to different clinical conclusions. Methods: 51 patients completed weekly process measures and symptom severity over a period of eight weeks. Change trajectories were analyzed using a nomothetic approach and an idiographic approach with bottom-up clustering of similar individuals. The outcome was patients' well-being at post-treatment. Results: Individuals differed in the extent that underlying processes were linked to symptoms. Average trend lines did not represent the intraindividual changes well. The idionomic approach readily identified subgroups of patients that differentially predicted distal outcomes (well-being). Conclusions: Relying exclusively on average results may lead to an oversight of intraindividual pathways. Characterizing data first using idiographic approaches led to more refined conclusions, which is clinically useful, scientifically rigorous, and may help advance individualized psychotherapy approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with Plasmodium falciparum and Epstein-Barr virus, both of which affect metabolic pathways. The metabolomic patterns of BL is unknown. Materials and methods: We measured 627 metabolites in pre-chemotherapy treatment plasma samples from 25 male children (6–11 years) with BL and 25 cancer-free area- and age-frequency-matched male controls from the Epidemiology of Burkitt Lymphoma in East African Children and Minors study in Uganda using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Unconditional, age-adjusted logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the BL association with 1-standard deviation increase in the log-metabolite concentration, adjusting for multiple comparisons using false discovery rate (FDR) thresholds and Bonferroni correction. Results: Compared to controls, levels for 42 metabolite concentrations differed in BL cases (FDR < 0.001), including triacylglyceride (18:0_38:6), alpha-aminobutyric acid (AABA), ceramide (d18:1/20:0), phosphatidylcholine ae C40:6 and phosphatidylcholine C38:6 as the top signals associated with BL (ORs = 6.9 to 14.7, P < 2.4✕10− 4). Two metabolites (triacylglyceride (18:0_38:6) and AABA) selected using stepwise logistic regression discriminated BL cases from controls with an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00). Conclusion: Our findings warrant further examination of plasma metabolites as potential biomarkers for BL risk/diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Hypothesis: Risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are not well understood in lower resource settings. The objective of this study is to determine the risk factors associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women of reproductive age in rural Nepal. Methods: This is a case–control study nested within a community-based cross-sectional survey of parous women of reproductive age with PFDs in the Sarlahi District of Nepal. The presence of PFDs was confirmed by clinical assessment. Detailed sociodemographic information and histories were captured. Results: We examined 406 women; the mean (SD, range) age was 32.7 (8.5, 16–49) years, mean BMI (SD) was 19.7 (3.3) kg/m2, and median (range) number of pregnancies was 4 (1–11). Two hundred and three women (50.0%) had either SUI or UUI, 85 (17.8%) had both SUI and UUI, and 71 (17.5%) had POP at or beyond the hymen. After controlling for other variables significant on bivariate analysis, age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.06 [95% CI 1.03–1.09]), illiteracy (aOR 2.24 [95% CI 1.04–4.80]), and presence of upper gastrointestinal issues (aOR 3.30, [95% CI 1.77–6.16]) were independently associated with SUI/UUI. Age (aOR 1.05 [95% CI 1.02–1.09]), bispinous diameter (aOR 2.88 ([95% CI 1.11–7.47]), and subpubic angle (aOR 2.78 [95% CI 1.55–5.03]) were independently associated with POP. Conclusion: Risk factors for PFDs in a homogenous community of parous women of reproductive age in rural Nepal are similar to those found in parous women in higher income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is designed to explicate the somewhat misunderstood analysis in the 2023 Merger Guidelines (MGs) and situate the MGs in the context of the legal as well as economic environment in which they operate. The MGs refine economic analyses in previous MGs, renew emphasis on certain competitive concerns and approaches, and add several emerging new competitive issues. They also integrate certain goals of post-Chicago and Neo-Brandeisian approaches to merger analysis. The MGs integrate the economic analysis into the traditional legal structure of the "prima facie" and "rebuttal" evidentiary stages and place greater weight on avoiding false negatives over false positives in various places, which is a principal element in both post-Chicago and Neo-Brandeisian approaches. An important theme that runs through the 2023 MGs is that competitive effects analysis should not be limited to static competitive effects analysis of the immediate unilateral or coordinated price effects of a merger. They stress that the analysis should also account for the dynamic effects that result from the change in market structure that follows from the merger as well as the changes in the incentives of the firms. As in the seminal Spence-Dixit models, the entrant would rationally anticipate that the lower marginal costs of the merged firm could produce more intense post-entry price competition and a higher likelihood that the entry would be unprofitable. Thus, higher barriers to entry or expansion may result, which means that the merged firm's rebuttal burden of production under the sliding scale should be increased accordingly under the decision theory risk analysis that places greater weight on avoiding false negatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the intricate relationship between molecular architecture and function underpins most challenges at the forefront of chemical innovation. Bond-forming reactions are particularly influenced by the topology of a chemical structure, both on small molecule scale and in larger macromolecular frameworks. Herein, we elucidate the impact that molecular architecture has on the photo-induced cyclisations of a series of monodisperse macromolecules with defined spacers between photodimerisable moieties, and examine the relationship between propensity for intramolecular cyclisation and intermolecular network formation. We demonstrate a goldilocks zone of maximum reactivity between the sterically hindered and entropically limited regimes with a quantum yield of intramolecular cyclisation that is nearly an order of magnitude higher than the lowest value. As a result of the molecular design of trifunctional macromolecules, their quantum yields can be deconvoluted into the formation of two different cyclic isomers, as rationalised with molecular dynamics simulations. Critically, we visualise our solution-based studies with light-based additive manufacturing. We formulate four photoresists for microprinting, revealing that the precise positioning of functional groups is critical for resist performance, with lower intramolecular quantum yields leading to higher-quality printing in most cases. Chemical topology is important in bond-forming reactions, but understanding the relationship between them is challenging. Here, the authors report a study considering photo-induced cyclisations for a series of monodisperse macromolecules with defined spacers and apply their findings to 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spin accumulation in semiconductor structures at room temperature and without magnetic fields is key to enable a broader range of optoelectronic functionality1. Current efforts are limited owing to inherent inefficiencies associated with spin injection across semiconductor interfaces2. Here we demonstrate spin injection across chiral halide perovskite/III–V interfaces achieving spin accumulation in a standard semiconductor III–V (AlxGa1−x)0.5In0.5P multiple quantum well light-emitting diode. The spin accumulation in the multiple quantum well is detected through emission of circularly polarized light with a degree of polarization of up to 15 ± 4%. The chiral perovskite/III–V interface was characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cross-sectional scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy imaging, showing a clean semiconductor/semiconductor interface at which the Fermi level can equilibrate. These findings demonstrate that chiral perovskite semiconductors can transform well-developed semiconductor platforms into ones that can also control spin.By using a chiral halide perovskite material, spin injection at room temperature into a conventional III–V semiconductor multiple quantum well light-emitting diode is demonstrated, resulting in a semiconductor platform that can also control spin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Heme has a critical role in the chemical framework of the cell as an essential protein cofactor and signaling molecule that controls diverse processes and molecular interactions. Using a phylogenomics-based approach and complementary structural techniques, we identify a family of dimeric hemoproteins comprising a domain of unknown function DUF2470. The heme iron is axially coordinated by two zinc-bound histidine residues, forming a distinct two-fold symmetric zinc-histidine-iron-histidine-zinc site. Together with structure-guided in vitro and in vivo experiments, we further demonstrate the existence of a functional link between heme binding by Dri1 (Domain related to iron 1, formerly ssr1698) and post-translational regulation of succinate dehydrogenase in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis, suggesting an iron-dependent regulatory link between photosynthesis and respiration. Given the ubiquity of proteins containing homologous domains and connections to heme metabolism across eukaryotes and prokaryotes, we propose that DRI (Domain Related to Iron; formerly DUF2470) functions at the molecular level as a heme-dependent regulatory domain. Heme is an abundant cofactor required by nearly all known organisms. Here, authors discover a cyanobacterial protein with a distinct Zn-mirror heme site, which may function to sense heme and regulate energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS) have been variably implicated in risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but there is lack of consensus on these relationships. We sought to assess subclinical CVD measures and RLS/PLMS in a large cohort to further evaluate these associations. The Emory Center for Health Discovery and Well Being cohort is composed of employed adults, with subclinical CVD measures including endothelial function (flow-mediated vasodilation), microvascular function (reactive hyperemia index, RHI), arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity and augmentation index), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Participants were grouped based on presence (N = 50) or absence (N = 376) of RLS and subclinical CVD measures compared between groups. A subset of participants (n = 40) underwent ambulatory monitoring for PLMS and obstructive sleep apnea. PLMS association with subclinical CVD measures was assessed. RLS status was significantly associated with flow-mediated dilation in univariate analyses but not after controlling for potential confounders; RLS was not associated with other subclinical CVD measures. PLMS were significantly correlated with the RHI, augmentation index, and cIMT in univariate analyses; only the association between PLMS and cIMT remained significant (p = 0.04) after controlling for RLS status, age, apnea–hypopnea index, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. The observed association between higher PLMS and greater cIMT suggests that PLMS may be a marker of subclinical CVD. Further work is needed to determine the relationship between PLMS and CVD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on a new ground-level neutron monitor design for studying cosmic rays and fluxes of solar energetic particles at the Earth's surface. The first-of-its-kind instrument, named the NM-2023 after the year it was standardised and following convention, will be installed at a United Kingdom Meteorological Office observatory (expected completion mid 2024) and will reintroduce such monitoring in the UK for the first time since ca. 1984. Monte Carlo radiation transport code is used for the development and application of parameterised models to investigate alternative neutron detectors, their location and bulk material geometry in a realistic cosmic ray neutron field. Benchmarked against a model of the current and most widespread design standardised in 1964 (the NM-64), two main parameterisation studies are conducted; a simplified standard model and a concept slab parameterisation. We show that the NM-64 standard is well optimised for the intended large-diameter boron trifluoride (BF 3 ) proportional counters but not for multiple smaller diameter counters. The new design (based on a novel slab arrangement) produces comparable counting efficiencies to an NM-64 with six BF 3 counters and has the added advantage of being more compact, lower cost and avoids the use of highly toxic BF 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past eighteen years, research into test-enhanced learning has expanded significantly and remains vibrant to this day. The fact that many major research questions in the literature have already been addressed, however, raises the question: “What’s next?” That question motivates this special issue. We asked leading researchers in the field to contribute articles highlighting cutting-edge and new directions in test-enhanced learning research. The resulting review papers, empirical articles, and commentaries address many fascinating topics, including: (a) new approaches that are generating insights into test-enhanced learning in relation to other learning techniques (e.g., combining testing with elaborative or generative learning activities); (b) investigations of lesser-known test-based learning strategies that have the potential to enhance educational outcomes (e.g., pretesting and prequestioning, spaced retrieval practice, test-potentiated new learning or forward testing; and successive relearning); (c) new research on effective uses of practice testing during self-regulated learning and in other contexts; and (d) how to promote awareness and acceptance of test-enhanced learning among students and practitioners. These articles showcase some of the most promising new directions in test-enhanced learning research, so we anticipate that this special issue will inspire further investigations of practice testing and its educational applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nephron-sparing approaches are preferred for renal mass in a solitary kidney (RMSK), with partial nephrectomy (PN) generally prioritized. Thermal ablation (TA) also is an option for small renal masses in this setting; however, comparative functional/survival outcomes are not well-defined. Methods: A retrospective study of 504 patients (1975–2022) with cT1 RMSK managed with PN (n = 409)/TA (n = 95) with necessary data for analysis was performed. Propensity score was used for matching patients, including age, preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR), tumor diameter, R.E.N.A.L. ((R)adius (tumor size as maximal diameter), (E)xophytic/endophytic properties of tumor, (N)earness of tumor deepest portion to collecting system or sinus, (A)nterior (a)/posterior (p) descriptor, and (L)ocation relative to polar lines), and comorbidities. Functional outcomes were compared, and Kaplan-Meier was used to analyze survival. Results: The matched cohort included 132 patients (TA = 66/PN = 66), with median tumor diameter of 2.4 cm, R.E.N.A.L. of 6, and preoperative GFR of 52 ml/min/1.73 m2. Acute kidney injury occurred in 11%/61% in the TA/PN cohorts, respectively (p < 0.01). After recovery, median GFR preserved was 89%/83% for TA/PN, respectively (p = 0.02), and 5-year dialysis-free survival was 96% in both cohorts. Median follow-up was 53 months. Five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 62%/86% in the TA/PN cohorts, respectively (p < 0.01). Five-year local recurrence (LR)-free survival was 74%/95% in the TA/PN cohorts, respectively (p < 0.01). Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 96%/98% in the TA/PN cohorts, respectively (p = 0.7). Local recurrence was observed in nine of 36 (25%) and five of 30 (17%) patients managed with laparoscopic versus percutaneous TA, respectively. For TA with LR (n = 14), nine patients presented with multifocality and/or cT1b tumors. Twelve LR were managed with salvage TA, and seven remained cancer-free, while five developed systemic recurrence, three with concomitant LR. Conclusions: Functional outcomes for TA for RMSK were improved compared with PN. Local recurrence was more common after TA and often was associated with the laparoscopic approach, multifocality, and large tumor size. Improved patient selection and greater experience with TA should improve outcomes. Salvage of LR was not always possible. Partial nephrectomy remains the reference standard for RMSK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disease outbreaks can drastically disturb the environment of surviving animals, but the behavioural, ecological, and epidemiological consequences of disease-driven disturbance are poorly understood. Here, we show that an outbreak of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) coincided with unprecedented short-term behavioural changes in Northern gannets (Morus bassanus). Breeding gannets show characteristically strong fidelity to their nest sites and foraging areas (2015–2019; n = 120), but during the 2022 HPAIV outbreak, GPS-tagged gannets instigated long-distance movements beyond well-documented previous ranges and the first ever recorded visits of GPS-tagged adults to other gannet breeding colonies. Our findings suggest that the HPAIV outbreak triggered changes in space use patterns of exposed individuals that amplified the epidemiological connectivity among colonies and may generate super-spreader events that accelerate disease transmission across the metapopulation. Such self-propagating transmission from and towards high density animal aggregations may explain the unexpectedly rapid pan-European spread of HPAIV in the gannet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is generally preferred for localized renal masses due to strong functional outcomes. Accurate prediction of new baseline glomerular filtration rate (NBGFR) after PN may facilitate preoperative counseling because NBGFR may affect long-term survival, particularly for patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease. Methods for predicting parenchymal volume preservation, and by extension NBGFR, have been proposed, including those based on contact surface area (CSA) or direct measurement of tissue likely to be excised/devascularized during PN. We previously reported that presuming 89% of global GFR preservation (the median value saved from previous, independent analyses) is as accurate as the more subjective/labor-intensive CSA and direct measurement approaches. More recently, several promising complex/multivariable predictive algorithms have been published, which typically include tumor, patient, and surgical factors. In this study, we compare our conceptually simple approach (NBGFRPost-PN = 0.90 × GFRPre-PN) with these sophisticated algorithms, presuming that an even 90% of the global GFR is saved with each PN. Patients and Methods: A total of 631 patients with bilateral kidneys who underwent PN at Cleveland Clinic (2012–2014) for localized renal masses with available preoperative/postoperative GFR were analyzed. NBGFR was defined as the final GFR 3–12 months post-PN. Predictive accuracies were assessed from correlation coefficients (r) and mean squared errors (MSE). Results: Our conceptually simple approach based on uniform 90% functional preservation had equivalent r values when compared with complex, multivariable models, and had the lowest degree of error when predicting NBGFR post-PN. Conclusions: Our simple formula performs equally well as complex algorithms when predicting NBGFR after PN. Strong anchoring by preoperative GFR and minimal functional loss (≈ 10%) with the typical PN likely account for these observations. This formula is practical and can facilitate counseling about expected postoperative functional outcomes after PN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visual analysis and authentication of artworks are challenging tasks central to art history and criticism. This preliminary study presents a computational tool for scholars examining and authenticating a restricted class of paintings, with a specific focus on the paintings of Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, more popularly known as Raphael. We applied transfer learning to the ResNet50 deep neural network for feature extraction and used a support vector machine (SVM) binary classifier in support of authentication. Edge detection and analysis algorithms, considered to be crucial for capturing the essence of Raphael's artistic style, including the brushwork signatures, were also integrated and are used as an authentication tool. The machine learning approach we have developed demonstrates an accuracy of 98% in image-based classification tasks during validation using a test set of well known and authentic paintings by Raphael. Of course, a full authentication protocol relies on provenance, history, material studies, iconography, studies of a work's condition, and more. Our work, then, contributes to just a portion of a full authentication protocol. Our findings suggest that machine learning methods, properly employed by experts aware of context, may enhance and expand traditional visual analysis for problems in art authentication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing students on information that they do not know might seem like a fruitless endeavor. After all, why give anyone a test that they are guaranteed to fail because they have not yet learned the material? Remarkably, a growing body of research indicates that such testing—formally known as prequestioning or pretesting—can benefit learning if there is an opportunity to study the correct answers afterwards. This prequestioning effect or pretesting effect has been successfully demonstrated with a variety of learning materials, despite many erroneous responses being generated on initial tests, and in conjunction with text materials, videos, lectures, and/or correct answer feedback. In this review, we summarize the emerging evidence for prequestioning and pretesting effects on memory and transfer of learning. Uses of pre-instruction testing in the classroom, theoretical explanations, and other considerations are addressed. The evidence to date indicates that prequestioning and pretesting can often enhance learning, but the extent of that enhancement may vary due to differences in procedure or how learning is assessed. The underlying cognitive mechanisms, which can be represented by a three-stage framework, appear to involve test-induced changes in subsequent learning behaviors and possibly other processes. Further research is needed to clarify moderating factors, theoretical issues, and best practices for educational applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment often consists of major surgery followed by adjuvant therapy, which can result in treatment-related side effects, decreased physical function, and diminished quality of life. Perioperative nutrition interventions and early mobilization improve recovery after HNC treatment. However, there are few studies on prehabilitation that include exercise within the HNC surgical care pathway. We have designed a multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention for HNC patients undergoing surgical resection with free flap reconstruction. We will use a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design guided by the RE-AIM framework to address the following objectives: (1) to evaluate intervention benefits through physical function and patient-reported outcome assessments; (2) to determine the safety and feasibility of the prehabilitation intervention; (3) to evaluate the implementation of exercise within the HNC surgical care pathway; and (4) to establish a post-operative screening and referral pathway to exercise oncology resources. The results of this study will provide evidence for the benefits and costs of a multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention embedded within the HNC surgical care pathway. This paper describes the study protocol design, multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention, planned analyses, and dissemination of findings. Trial registration: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Advances in Atmospheric Sciences 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.)

The prevalence of bullying worldwide is high (UNESCO, 2018). Over the past decades, many anti-bullying interventions have been developed to remediate this problem. However, we lack insight into for whom these interventions work and what individual intervention components drive the total intervention effects. We conducted a large-scale individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis using data from 39,793 children and adolescents aged five to 20 years (Mage = 12.58, SD = 2.34) who had participated in quasi-experimental or randomized controlled trials of school-based anti-bullying interventions (i.e., 10 studies testing nine interventions). Multilevel logistic regression analyses showed that anti-bullying interventions significantly reduced self-reported victimization (d = − 0.14) and bullying perpetration (d = − 0.07). Anti-bullying interventions more strongly reduced bullying perpetration in younger participants (i.e., under age 12) and victimization for youth who were more heavily victimized before the intervention. We did not find evidence to show that the inclusion of specific intervention components was related to higher overall intervention effects, except for an iatrogenic effect of non-punitive disciplinary methods–which was strongest for girls. Exploratory analyses suggested that school assemblies and playground supervision may have harmful effects for some, increasing bullying perpetration in youth who already bullied frequently at baseline. In conclusion, school-based anti-bullying interventions are generally effective and work especially well for younger children and youth who are most heavily victimized. Further tailoring of interventions may be necessary to more effectively meet the needs and strengths of specific subgroups of children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, no disease-modifying therapies are approved for osteoarthritis (OA) use. One obstacle to trial success in this field has been our existing endpoints' limited validity and responsiveness. To overcome this impasse, the Foundation for the NIH OA Biomarkers Consortium is focused on investigating biomarkers for a prognostic context of use for subsequent qualification through regulatory agencies. This narrative review describes this activity and the work underway, focusing on the PROGRESS OA study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution remains a serious environmental and social problem in many big cities in the world. How to predict and estimate the risk of extreme air pollution is unsettled yet. This study tries to provide a solution to this challenge by examining the winter PM2.5 concentration in Beijing based on the UNprecedented Simulation of Extremes with ENsembles (UNSEEN) method. The PM2.5 concentration observations in Beijing, Japanese 55-yr reanalysis data, and the Met Office near term climate prediction system (DePreSys3a) large ensemble simulations are used, and 10,000 proxy series are generated with the model fidelity test. It is found that in Beijing, the main meteorological driver of PM2.5 concentration is monthly 850-hPa meridional wind (V850). Although the skill in prediction of V850 is low on seasonal and longer timescales, based on the UNSEEN, we use large ensemble of initialized climate simulations of V850 to estimate the current chance and risk of unprecedented PM2.5 concentration in Beijing. We unravel that there is a 3% (2.1%–3.9%) chance of unprecedented low monthly V850 corresponding to high PM2.5 in each winter, within the 95% range, calculated by bootstrap resampling of the data. Moreover, we use the relationship between air quality and winds to remove the meridional wind influence from the observed record, and find that anthropogenic intervention appears to have reduced the risk of extreme PM2.5 in Beijing in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which mental health services for youths embody system-of-care (SOC) principles is an important quality indicator. This study tested whether youth and family experiences of SOC principles varied depending on youths' level of need after adjusting for sociodemographic and treatment factors. The relationship to caregiver-reported clinical outcomes was also examined. Using administrative data and cross-sectional surveys from a stratified random sample of 1124 caregivers of youths ages 5–20 within a statewide system, adjusted analyses indicated caregivers of youths with the most intensive needs were significantly less likely to report receiving care that embodied SOC principles, with deficits on six of nine items. Youths whose services embodied SOC principles experienced significantly greater improvement in caregiver-reported functioning even after adjusting for level of need. Results highlight disparities in SOC principles for youths with intensive needs and the need for policy and intervention development to improve care for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hail damage is a leading cause of insured losses in Australia, but changes in this hazard have not been robustly quantified. Here, we provide a continental-scale analysis of changes in hail hazard in Australia. A hail proxy applied to reanalysis data shows that from 1979–2021 annual hail-prone days decreased over much of Australia but increased in some heavily populated areas. For example, the annual number of hail-prone days increased by ~40% around Sydney and Perth, the largest cities on Australia's east and west coasts, respectively. Changes in atmospheric instability have driven the trends. Radar observations, while covering shorter time spans and a more limited area than the reanalysis, corroborate the broad pattern of results. This study shows consistent hail-frequency trends in radar indicators and atmospheric environments and demonstrates substantial increases in hail frequency in major Australian cities where hail impacts are most significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asian participants evaluated the vignette depicting the least responsive physician behavior 5.2 points more positively than White participants ( I p i < 0.01) and the most responsive behavior 4.7 points less positively ( I p i < 0.001). After reading each, respondents answered three questions about how much the doctor: Listened carefully to the patient Showed respect for what the patient had to say Spent enough time with the patient Response options were I not at all i , I very little i , I to some extent i , and I to a great extent i , and were transformed linearly to a 0-100 possible range. [Extracted from the article]

The pretesting or prequestion effect refers to the counterintuitive finding that taking tests on information that one has yet to learn, during which many erroneous responses typically occur, can benefit learning relative to nontesting methods (e.g., reading) if the correct answers are studied afterwards. Using a knowledge updating approach that entailed two or three cycles of pretesting versus reading followed by a criterial test, we investigated (a) the extent to which learners develop metacognitive awareness of the pretesting effect through experience (as evidenced by predictions of criterial test performance) and (b) three forms of external support—namely, performance feedback (displaying criterial test performance for pretested versus read items), prediction reminders (displaying learners' predictions alongside performance feedback), and recall prompts (asking learners to remember criterial test performance during the first cycle prior to making predictions for the second cycle)—that might improve, or provide insights into, such awareness. Across five experiments, we found that learners generally lack awareness of the memorial benefits of pretesting, are predisposed to believing that reading is more effective even after repeatedly experiencing both techniques, and need support before they recognize that pretesting is more beneficial. Overall, these results underscore the challenge of, and highlight several means of dislodging, learners' inaccurate beliefs about the efficacy of pretesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examined the role of self-other harmony in the relations between self-compassion, other-compassion, and well-being. Past research has shown self- and other-compassion to be positively related. But we hypothesised that self-compassion can be perceived as incompatible with other-compassion, and that self-compassion and other-compassion might be uncorrelated or negatively correlated in daily life for some individuals. We termed this pattern lack of self-other harmony in compassion and hypothesised that it would undermine the benefits of compassion. Method: Using an experience sampling method in patients (n=154) with a variety of diagnoses, we measured self-compassion, other-compassion, life-satisfaction, mood, and contextual variables six times per day for 42 time points. Results: For most participants, self-compassion was positively associated with other-compassion. However, there was substantial heterogeneity in this effect. The degree of self-other harmony moderated the link between compassion directed towards self or other and well-being. Higher levels of compassion were associated with higher levels of well-being, but only for those who experienced the harmony. When the two forms of compassion were not in harmony, levels of self/other-compassion were largely unrelated to well-being. Conclusions: The findings emphasise the importance of personalised compassion interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Increasing self-compassion or other-compassion is likely to improve well-being for most people. However, for a minority lacking the self-other harmony, it may be necessary to assess their interpretation of self- and other-compassion, then work with them to promote the compassion balance optimal for their well-being. Preregistration: This study is not preregistered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receptor-enriched analysis of functional connectivity by targets (REACT) is a strategy to enrich functional MRI (fMRI) data with molecular information on the neurotransmitter distribution density in the human brain, providing a biological basis to the functional connectivity (FC) analysis. Although this approach has been used in BOLD fMRI studies only so far, extending its use to ASL imaging would provide many advantages, including the more direct link of ASL with neuronal activity compared to BOLD and its suitability for pharmacological MRI studies assessing drug effects on baseline brain function. Here, we applied REACT to simultaneous ASL/BOLD resting-state fMRI data of 29 healthy subjects and estimated the ASL and BOLD FC maps related to six molecular systems. We then compared the ASL and BOLD FC maps in terms of spatial similarity, and evaluated and compared the test–retest reproducibility of each modality. We found robust spatial patterns of molecular-enriched FC for both modalities, moderate similarity between BOLD and ASL FC maps and comparable reproducibility for all but one molecular-enriched functional networks. Our findings showed that ASL is as informative as BOLD in detecting functional circuits associated with specific molecular pathways, and that the two modalities may provide complementary information related to these circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2021 extreme rainfall across Western Europe caused severe flooding and substantial impacts, including over 200 fatalities and extensive infrastructure damage within Germany and the Benelux countries. After the event, a hydrological assessment and a probabilistic event attribution analysis of rainfall data were initiated and complemented by discussing the vulnerability and exposure context. The global mean surface temperature (GMST) served as a covariate in a generalised extreme value distribution fitted to observational and model data, exploiting the dependence on GMST to estimate how anthropogenic climate change affects the likelihood and severity of extreme events. Rainfall accumulations in Ahr/Erft and the Belgian Meuse catchment vastly exceeded previous observed records. In regions of that limited size the robust estimation of return values and the detection and attribution of rainfall trends are challenging. However, for the larger Western European region it was found that, under current climate conditions, on average one rainfall event of this magnitude can be expected every 400 years at any given location. Consequently, within the entire region, events of similar magnitude are expected to occur more frequently than once in 400 years. Anthropogenic climate change has already increased the intensity of the maximum 1-day rainfall event in the summer season by 3–19 %. The likelihood of such an event to occur today compared to a 1.2 ∘ C cooler climate has increased by a factor of 1.2–9. Models indicate that intensity and frequency of such events will further increase with future global warming. While attribution of small-scale events remains challenging, this study shows that there is a robust increase in the likelihood and severity of rainfall events such as the ones causing extreme impacts in July 2021 when considering a larger region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]