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This chapter (Sampling as Part of the Measurement Process) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of AHandbook of Silicate Rock Analysis (P. J. Potts, 1987, Blackie, Glasgow). Chapter 1 (Part 2) forms part of Section 1 of the handbook dealing with fundamentals of measurement and instrument design. The geochemical measurement process is considered to begin when the primary sample is taken from the sampling target, rather than when that sample arrives at the laboratory. This integration of sampling within the measurement procedure enables both sampling and chemical analysis to be optimised in order to achieve a measurement procedure that is fit for its intended geochemical purpose. The key metric in judging this fitness for purpose, and hence validating a measurement procedure, is the uncertainty of each measurement value. This measurement uncertainty is explained, together with methods to estimate and express it in a way that includes the contribution from sampling, with a worked example. The resultant more realistic estimates of measurement uncertainty are shown to improve the reliability of the geochemical interpretation of measurement values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Parasites have a rich and long natural history among biological entities, and it has been suggested that parasites are one of the most significant factors in the evolution of their hosts. However, it has been emphasized less frequently how co‐evolution has undoubtedly also shaped the paths of parasites. It may seem safe to assume that specific differences among the array of potential hosts for particular parasites have restricted and diversified their evolutionary pathways and strategies for survival. Nevertheless, if one looks closely enough at host and parasite, one finds commonalities, both in terms of host defences and parasite strategies to out‐manoeuvre them. While such analyses have been the source of numerous reviews, they are generally limited to interactions between, at most, one kingdom of parasite with two kingdoms of host (e.g. similarities in animal and plant host responses against fungi). With the aim of extending this view, we herein critically evaluate the similarities and differences across all four eukaryotic host kingdoms (plants, animals, fungi, and protists) and their parasites. In doing so, we show that hosts tend to share common strategies for defence, including both physical and behavioural barriers, and highly evolved immune responses, in particular innate immunity. Parasites have, similarly, evolved convergent strategies to counter these defences, including mechanisms of active penetration, and evading the host's innate and/or adaptive immune responses. Moreover, just as hosts have evolved behaviours to avoid parasites, many parasites have adaptations to manipulate host phenotype, physiologically, reproductively, and in terms of behaviour. Many of these strategies overlap in the host and parasite, even across wide phylogenetic expanses. That said, specific differences in host physiology and immune responses often necessitate different adaptations for parasites exploiting fundamentally different hosts. Taken together, this review facilitates hypothesis‐driven investigations of parasite–host interactions that transcend the traditional kingdom‐based research fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anacetrapib, a cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor previously under development, exhibited an usually extended terminal half‐life and large food effect and accumulated in adipose tissue. Other CETP inhibitors have not shown such effects. Obicetrapib, a potent selective CETP inhibitor, is undergoing Phase III clinical development. Dedicated assessments were conducted in pre‐clinical and Phase I and II clinical studies of obicetrapib to examine the pharmacokinetic issues observed with anacetrapib. After 9 months of dosing up to 50 mg/kg/day in cynomolgus monkeys, obicetrapib was completely eliminated from systemic circulation and not detected in adipose tissue after a 13‐week recovery period. In healthy humans receiving 1–25 mg of obicetrapib, the mean terminal half‐life of obicetrapib was 148, 131, and 121 h at 5, 10, and 25 mg, respectively, and food increased plasma levels by ~1.6‐fold with a 10 mg dose. At the end of treatment in Phase II trials, mean plasma levels of obicetrapib ranged from 194.5 ng/mL with 2.5 mg to 506.3 ng/mL with 10 mg. Plasma levels of obicetrapib decreased by 92.2% and 98.5% at four and 15 weeks post‐treatment, respectively. Obicetrapib shows no clinically relevant accumulation, is minimally affected by food, and has a mean terminal half‐life of 131 h for the 10 mg dose. These data support once daily, chronic dosing of obicetrapib in Phase III trials for dyslipidemia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling produces patient discomfort which deters patients from completing the recommended treatment series. Objective: The primary objective was to determine the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of a neurocosmetic postprocedure cream post‐RF microneedling in reducing patient discomfort and enhancing recovery across the length of the study and, secondarily, to evaluate against a leading comparator. The third objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the neurocosmetic on self‐perceived improvement and objective grading. Materials and Methods: An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved, fourteen‐day, randomized, single‐center, double‐blind, controlled clinical case study was conducted with 11 healthy female subjects, 6 randomized to the neurocosmetic and 5 to the comparator cell. Following a 7‐day washout period, subjects received RF microneedling (face and neck) and applied the postprocedure cream twice daily for 7 days. Objective and subjective tolerability, self‐assessments, and clinical photography were performed immediately postprocedure, 24 h, three and seven days following the procedure. Results: The neurocosmetic was tolerable and safe. Erythema and stinging immediately decreased postprocedure, postneurocosmetic application. After 24 h, 83% favorably agreed the neurocosmetic "reduced irritation on the skin post‐procedure," and after 7 days, 100% favorably agreed "experience with the product was positive and I would be interested in returning for a second treatment." The neurocosmetic reduced skin tone redness in the face and neck faster and to a greater degree when measured against a comparator. Conclusion: The neurocosmetic postprocedure cream improved patient discomfort and enhanced recovery when used immediately post‐RF microneedling and after 7 days. IRB Protocol Number: Pro00064211 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lasers and other energy‐based devices are increasingly becoming popular in aesthetic practice. Many centers employ doctors or technicians to perform these procedures where treating doctor and operating doctor may be different. Hence the need for standard operative protocols, to be followed while performing these procedures to avoid mistakes, complications and to get optimum results. In the current review article, group of doctors who have worked with these energy‐based devices over many years worked together and suggested the protocols to be followed for the most commonly used energy‐based procedures. Aim: To provide Standard operating protocols for the operator and staff to ensure, efficacy, safety, for the patient and for the devices. Methods: The following protocols have been drafted based on the best practices followed by the authors in their clinics and reflect their consensus opinion. The objective is to provide operating protocols in a standard format, which can be of use by practicing dermatologists and their staff. The protocols include both general guidelines for the laser room and specific protocols for different machines. The draft follows the following schema: General instructions for all the energy‐based devices.Specific protocols for different devices: Laser hair removal, fractional lasers, Q‐switched lasers, fractional microneedling radiofrequency and cryolipolysis. Conclusions: The protocols proposed help to maintain the uniformity and avoid complications. However, these instructions are generalized and not machine or lesion specific. There may be variations in the protocols depending on the treatment lesion and treating doctor as well as machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent advancements in dermatological therapeutics have highlighted the need for treatments that enhance skin regeneration and healing. Diamond‐Augmented Zinc Oxide (ND‐ZnO) technology combines zinc oxide with diamond particles in a unique core‐shell structure, offering a multifaceted approach to overall skin health. Aims: This study evaluates the efficacy of ND‐ZnO in promoting human dermal fibroblast migration and growth, enhancing total collagen synthesis, and improving transdermal delivery of active ingredients as a daily comprehensive skin regeneration topical therapy. Patients/Methods: In vitro assays assessed wound healing, collagen production, and skin absorption. Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs) were used in scratch wound assays. Collagen synthesis was quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Permeation tests were performed on reconstructed human epidermal tissues to evaluate niacinamide absorption. Clinical case studies validated ND‐ZnO efficacy in post‐CO₂ laser treatments and Actinic Keratosis removal recovery. Results: ND‐ZnO increased HDF migration by 198% compared to controls. Collagen synthesis assays showed a 71.3% restoration of collagen production in aged HDFs. Skin permeation studies revealed a 203% increase in niacinamide skin absorption with ND‐ZnO. Clinical case studies demonstrated faster and more effective healing post‐ablative CO₂ laser and significant improvements in Actinic Keratosis recovery. Conclusions: ND‐ZnO technology enhances wound healing, collagen synthesis, and active ingredient delivery, offering substantial benefits for daily skin regeneration and other dermatological applications. This innovative approach holds promise for advancing dermatological therapeutics, providing comprehensive skin care solutions that address both protective and regenerative needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary highlights a need for comprehensive measures of structural racism tailored to cancer health disparities, in particular Black–White disparities in multiple myeloma (MM). Recent political and social calls and advances in the ability to quantitate structural racism have led to rapidly growing research on the health consequences of structural racism. However, to date, most studies have used unidimensional measures of structural racism that do not capture cumulative influences or enable the identification of factors most responsible for driving disparities. Furthermore, measures may not reflect aspects of structural racism most relevant to underlying disease processes and risks. This study proposes a multifaceted approach to measuring structural racism relevant to MM that includes comprehensive, disease‐ and at‐risk population‐tailored social and environmental data and biomarkers of susceptibility and progression related to underlying biological changes associated with structural racism. Such novel measures of structural racism may improve the ability to assess the influence of structural racism on cancer health disparities, which may advance understanding of disease etiology and differences observed by racialized groups. This commentary highlights a need for comprehensive measures of structural racism tailored to cancer health disparities, in particular Black–White disparities in multiple myeloma. Novel, tailored measures of structural racism may advance understanding of disease etiology and differences observed by racialized groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaics (PV) on building rooftops is a major contributor to the decarbonization of energy systems. We simulate the PV energy yield potential for 2.5 million individual roofs in three German regions. We cumulate the results for each single roof to calculate the cost‐potential curves for the three cities Berlin, Cologne, and Hanover. These curves give the amount of electricity that can be generated at less than a given cost per kWh. We find that these curves have the shape of a hockey stick. Neglecting the dependence of PV investment on building size and thus on the system sizes causes largely different cost‐potential curves that differ by 11%–18% for flat roofs due to their heterogeneous building size distribution. The cost‐potential curves of the three cities are very similar when appropriately normalized, for example, by the local solar irradiation and the settlement area of the city, despite substantial variations in population density. This allows for an extrapolation of our results. For Germany, we reveal an upper limit for the total electricity generation from rooftop PV of 762 TWh/a with cost as low as 6.9 ct/kWh without accounting for area losses due to chimneys, air conditioning systems, and so forth. We estimate the actual potential to be at least half of that figure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xerosis is highly prevalent in the population aged over 50 years and substantially impacts quality of life due to the associated stigma, related pruritus, and potential sequelae. We propose that the term mature xerosis be used for subjects over 50 who suffer from age‐related xerosis and replace senile xerosis to describe the phenomenon. The etiology of xerosis depends on genetic and environmental factors that affect stratum corneum hydration and skin barrier function. Skincare to restore barrier function is essential in xerosis treatment and is relevant for maintaining and preventing its progression. Many moisturizers and cleansers are available for xerosis; however, they are underutilized by patients with mature xerosis. A panel of eight global dermatologists reviewed the unique aspects of xerosis in mature skin and discussed the specific needs, relevance, and considerations for skincare selection to prevent, treat, and maintain skin with mature xerosis. The panel selected five statements based on evidence from a literature review and the panel's clinical experience to provide clinical considerations and recommendations for dermatologists and other healthcare providers treating patients with mature xerosis. Increased recognition of the burden of xerosis in mature skin is warranted. Gentle cleansers and barrier‐restoring ceramide‐containing moisturizers are essential to xerosis management, reducing signs and symptoms of xerosis, including associated pruritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate seismic azimuthal anisotropy for the Juan de Fuca ‐ Gorda plates from inversion of a new 10–80 s period Rayleigh wave dataset, resulting in a two‐layer model to 80 km depth. In the lithosphere, most anisotropy patterns reflect the kinematics of plate formation, as approximated from seafloor‐age‐based paleo‐spreading, except for regions close to propagator wakes and near plate boundaries. In the asthenosphere, the fast propagation orientations align with convective shear as inferred from the NUVEL1A plate motion model, which is indicative of a ∼3 Myr average, rather than with the more recent, ∼0.8 Myr, motions inferred from MORVEL. Regional anisotropy of this young plate system thus records convection like older plates such as the Pacific. On smaller scales, anisotropy imaging provides insights into dynamics of plate generation and can further elucidate plate reorganizations and changes in boundary loading. Plain Language Summary: The speed of seismic waves can depend on the direction the wave travels, a phenomenon known as seismic azimuthal anisotropy. Below the Earth's crust, this property is linked to the alignment of olivine fabrics under deformation in the oceanic lithosphere and asthenosphere, allowing us to infer spreading histories and mantle flow. Here, we construct a new 3‐D model of seismic azimuthal anisotropy for the Juan de Fuca ‐ Gorda plate system. The fast propagation orientation of azimuthal anisotropy in most of the lithosphere records paleo‐spreading, and the asthenosphere mantle flow as inferred from a longer‐term plate motion model, although not the most recent convergence directions. These findings indicate that this young oceanic plate system has similar azimuthal anisotropy properties to older plates and shallow anisotropy can be used to understand the evolution of the plate system. Key Points: A new seismic azimuthally anisotropic model of the Juan de Fuca‐Gorda plate system is constructed based on surface wavesPaleo‐spreading explains most of azimuthal anisotropy within the shallow oceanic lithosphereAzimuthal anisotropy in the asthenosphere reflects plate shear as inferred from the NUVEL1A plate motion model [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in host species richness can alter infection risk and disease levels in multi‐host communities. I review theoretical predictions for direct and environmental transmission pathogens about the effects of host additions (or removals) on three commonly used disease metrics: the pathogen community reproduction number R0 and infection prevalence and infected density in a focal host. To extend this prior work and explain why predictions differ between metrics, I analyze Susceptible Infected‐Recovered‐type models of an environmentally transmitted pathogen and multiple host species that compete for resources. Using local sensitivity analysis, I show how trait‐mediated and density‐mediated indirect effects drive each metric's response to variation in an added host's ability to transmit a pathogen, the added host's density, and the pathogen transmission mechanism. For each disease metric, the responses are typically predicted by the added host's ability to transmit the pathogen when interspecific competition is weak whereas the responses can be altered by shifts in host densities when interspecific competition is strong. In addition, the three metrics often respond in the same direction. However, the metrics can respond in different directions for three reasons: (1) differences between the ability of exposed individuals to transmit the pathogen over the length of time the individuals are infected (i.e., host competence) and a host population's instantaneous net rate of production of infectious propagules; (2) strong density‐mediated feedbacks driven by disease‐induced mortality; and (3) host additions or removals cause large changes in focal host density via competition or disease‐induced mortality. This study extends and unifies prior theoretical studies, and helps identify the rules governing the context‐dependent relationships between host species richness and the three metrics of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Anti‐amyloid antibody therapies such as lecanemab are increasingly being used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD). These therapies are associated with a high rate of amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). METHODS: We review the case history of a patient who developed ARIA associated with lecanemab treatment. RESULTS: In addition to microhemorrhages and cerebral edema that are recognized features of ARIA, the patient developed several ischemic strokes. The patient also experienced frequent electrographic seizures without overt clinical seizures. The patient demonstrated clinical and radiographic improvement after steroid treatment. DISCUSSION: Our case suggests that ischemic strokes may be a feature of ARIA and highlights the importance of having a high clinical suspicion for seizures in ARIA. As anti‐amyloid therapies are likely going to be increasingly used to treat AD, it is important to appreciate the spectrum of clinical and radiographic findings that can result as side effects from this class of therapies. Highlights: We report a patient who developed severe amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) after treatment with lecanemab.Our report suggests that ischemic strokes may be a novel imaging feature of ARIA.Our report highlights the need for high clinical suspicion for seizures in ARIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of iltamiocel investigational autologous muscle cell therapy in females with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods: Adult females were randomized 2:1 to iltamiocel (150 × 106 cells) or placebo and stratified by severity and prior SUI surgery. The primary objective was efficacy based on the frequency of stress incontinence episodes (SIE) recorded in a 3‐day diary at 12 months posttreatment. After 12 months, placebo participants could elect to receive open‐label iltamiocel. Efficacy and safety analyses were performed using all patients as treated populations. Results: The study enrolled 311 patients, 297 were randomized to either iltamiocel (n = 199) or placebo (n = 98). Of the 295 participants that completed 12 months blinded follow‐up, the proportion achieving the primary endpoint of ≥ 50% SIE reduction was not statistically different between treatment groups (52% vs. 53.6%; p = 0.798). A significantly greater proportion of iltamiocel participants in the prior SUI surgery stratum group achieved ≥ 75% SIE reduction compared with placebo, (40% vs. 16%; p = 0.037). Treatment response was maintained at 24 months in 78.4% and 64.9% of iltamiocel participants who achieved ≥ 50% and ≥ 75% SIE reduction, respectively, at Month 12. Adverse events related to the treatment were reported in 19 (9.5%) iltamiocel participants and 6 (6.1%) placebo participants. Conclusion: The study did not meet its primary endpoint however, iltamiocel cell therapy is safe and may be ideally suited to female patients who have undergone prior surgery for SUI. Additional study in this group of patients with high unmet medical needs is warranted. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01893138; EudraCT number: 2014‐002919‐41. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A shallow sub‐seafloor seismic model that includes well‐determined seismic velocities and clarifies sediment‐crust discontinuities is needed to characterize the physical properties of marine sediments and the oceanic crust and to serve as a reference for deeper seismic modeling endeavors. This study estimates the seismic structure of marine sediments and the shallow oceanic crust of the Alaska‐Aleutian subduction zone at the Alaska Peninsula, using data from the Alaska Amphibious Community Seismic Experiment (AACSE). We measure seafloor compliance and Ps converted wave delays from AACSE ocean‐bottom seismometers (OBS) and seafloor pressure data and interpret these measurements using a joint Bayesian Monte Carlo inversion to produce a sub‐seafloor S‐wave velocity model beneath each available OBS station. The sediment thickness across the array varies considerably, ranging from about 50 m to 2.80 km, with the thickest sediment located in the continental slope. Lithological composition plays an important role in shaping the seismic properties of seafloor sediment. Deep‐sea deposits on the incoming plate, which contain biogenic materials, tend to have reduced S‐wave velocities, contrasting with the clay‐rich sediments in the shallow continental shelf and continental slope. A difference in S‐wave velocities is observed for upper oceanic crust formed at fast‐rate (Shumagin) and intermediate‐rate (Semidi) spreading centers. The reduced S‐wave velocities in the Semidi crust may be caused by increased faulting and possible lithological variations, related to a previous period of intermediate‐rate spreading. Plain Language Summary: Sediment input has been regarded as a "lubricant" that smooths the subduction interface, allowing earthquakes to rupture over large horizontal distances and resulting in large earthquakes. Variations in sediment properties have been correlated with heterogeneity in the intensity and frequency of earthquakes along the Alaska‐Aleutian subduction zone. Here, we produce a shear‐wave velocity (Vs) model of seafloor sediment and the shallow oceanic crust along the Alaska Peninsula using ocean‐bottom seismic and seafloor pressure data from the Alaska Amphibious Community Seismic Experiment. Lithological composition significantly influences the seismic properties of seafloor sediment, and the deep‐sea seafloor sediments that include biogenic materials are characterized by reduced Vs, differing from the shallow‐water clay‐rich sediments. In addition, we observe a difference in the shear‐wave velocity of the shallow oceanic crust between the Shumagin and Semidi segments of the Alaskan margin, which might be evidence of varying seafloor spreading rates during previous plate reorganizations. Key Points: Sub‐seafloor Vs model offshore the Alaska Peninsula is constructed using a joint inversion of seafloor compliance and Ps delaysSeismic properties of the seafloor sediments correlate with lithological composition, with the deep‐sea sediments showing reduced VsThe upper oceanic crust of the Semidi exhibits lower Vs than the Shumagin, possibly related to different seafloor spreading rates [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid populations of Africanized honey bees (scutellata‐hybrids), notable for their defensive behaviour, have spread rapidly throughout South and North America since their unintentional introduction. Although their migration has slowed, the large‐scale trade and movement of honey bee queens and colonies raise concern over the accidental importation of scutellata‐hybrids to previously unoccupied areas. Therefore, developing an accurate and robust assay to detect scutellata‐hybrids is an important first step toward mitigating risk. Here, we used an extensive population genomic dataset to assess the genomic composition of Apis mellifera native populations and patterns of genetic admixture in North and South American commercial honey bees. We used this dataset to develop a SNP assay, where 80 markers, combined with machine learning classification, can accurately differentiate between scutellata‐hybrids and non‐scutellata‐hybrid commercial colonies. The assay was validated on 1263 individuals from colonies located in Canada, the United States, Australia and Brazil. Notably, we demonstrate that using a reduced SNP set of as few as 10 loci can still provide accurate results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some studies in humans show that the concurrent use of clopidogrel and omeprazole decreases plasma clopidogrel active metabolite (CAM) concentrations and clopidogrel antiplatelet effects. Whether this drug interaction occurs in cats is unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that administration of clopidogrel with omeprazole would decrease plasma CAM concentrations and decrease clopidogrel antiplatelet effects in healthy cats. Animals: Ten domestic cats. Methods: In this 2‐sequence, 2‐period, 2‐treatment randomized crossover study, healthy cats were randomly assigned to receive clopidogrel only (18.75 mg PO q24h) or clopidogrel with omeprazole (1 mg/kg PO q12h) for 10 days, followed by a 2‐week washout period, and then the opposite treatment for another 10 days. Blood was collected by jugular venipuncture on days 0, 5, and 10. Plasma CAM concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Platelet function was evaluated using Plateletworks, Multiplate Analyzer, and Platelet Function Analyzer‐100 (PFA‐100). Results: Multiplate Analyzer and PFA‐100 detected no difference in platelet function between days or treatment groups. Plateletworks detected a significant difference (P <.001) in platelet function from day 0 to 5 and day 0 to 10 in both treatment groups but no difference between treatment groups. Plasma CAM concentrations were significantly lower on day 10 (P <.02) in cats receiving both medications versus clopidogrel only. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Concurrent omeprazole and clopidogrel administration was associated with altered pharmacokinetics on day 10, but no difference in pharmacodynamics between the 2 treatment groups. The short‐term use of clopidogrel and omeprazole does not seem to alter platelet function significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Autoantibodies are a hallmark of lupus nephritis (LN), but their association with LN classes and treatment response are not adequately known. In this study, we quantified circulating autoantibodies in the Accelerating Medicines Partnership LN longitudinal cohort to identify serological biomarkers of LN histologic classification and treatment response and how these biomarkers change over time based on treatment response. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from 279 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus undergoing diagnostic kidney biopsy based on proteinuria. Of these, 268 were diagnosed with LN. Thirteen autoantibody specificities were measured by bead‐based assays (Bio‐Rad Bioplex 2200) and anti‐C1q by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at the time of biopsy (baseline) and at 3, 6, and 12 months after biopsy. Clinical response was determined at 12 months. Results: Proliferative LN (International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society class III/IV±V, n = 160) was associated with higher concentrations of anti‐C1q, anti‐chromatin, anti–double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), and anti–ribosomal P autoantibodies compared to nonproliferative LN (classes I/II/V/VI, n = 108). Anti‐C1q and‐dsDNA were independently associated with proliferative LN. In proliferative LN, higher baseline anti‐C1q levels predicted complete response (area under the curve [AUC] 0.72; P = 0.002) better than baseline proteinuria (AUC 0.59; P = 0.21). Furthermore, all autoantibody levels except for anti‐La/SSB decreased over 12 months in patients with proliferative, but not membranous, LN with a complete response. Conclusion: Baseline levels of anti‐C1q and anti‐dsDNA may serve as noninvasive biomarkers of proliferative LN, and anti‐C1q may predict complete response at the time of kidney biopsy. In addition, tracking autoantibodies over time may provide further insights into treatment response and pathogenic mechanisms in patients with proliferative LN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new concept for the synthesis of dialkyl chloronium cations [R−Cl−R]+ is described (R=CH3, CH2CF3), that allows the formation of fluorinated derivatives. By utilizing the xenonium salt [XeOTeF5][M(OTeF5)n] (M=Sb, n=6; M=Al, n=4) chlorine atoms of chloroalkanes or the deactivated chlorofluoroalkane CH2ClCF3 are oxidized and removed as ClOTeF5 leading to the isolation of the corresponding chloronium salt. Since the resulting highly electrophilic cation [Cl(CH2CF3)2]+ is able to alkylate weak nucleophiles, this compound can be utilized for the introduction of a fluorinated alkyl group to those. In addition, the fluorinated alkyl chloronium cation displays a high hydride ion affinity, enabling the activation of linear hydrocarbons by hydride abstraction even at low temperatures ultimately leading to the formation of branched carbocations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Es wird ein neuer Ansatz für die Synthese von Dialkylchloronium‐Kationen [R−Cl−R]+ beschrieben (R=CH3, CH2CF3), der die Herstellung von fluorierten Derivaten ermöglicht. Unter Verwendung des Xenonium‐Salzes [XeOTeF5][M(OTeF5)n] (M=Sb, n=6; M=Al, n=4) werden Chloratome von Chloralkanen oder dem deaktivierten Chlorfluoralkan CH2ClCF3 oxidiert und als ClOTeF5 abgespalten, wodurch die Isolierung des entsprechenden Chloronium‐Salzes möglich ist. Da das resultierende stark elektrophile Kation [Cl(CH2CF3)2]+ in der Lage ist, schwache Nukleophile zu alkylieren, kann diese Verbindung für die Einführung einer fluorierten Alkylgruppe verwendet werden. Darüber hinaus weist das fluorierte Alkylchloronium‐Kation eine hohe Hydrid‐Ionen‐Affinität auf, sodass lineare Kohlenwasserstoffe auch bei niedrigen Temperaturen durch Hydridabstraktion aktiviert werden und so verzweigte Carbokationen bilden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community assembly provides the foundation for applications in biodiversity conservation, climate change, invasion, restoration and synthetic ecology. However, predicting and prioritising assembly outcomes remains difficult. We address this challenge via a mechanism‐free approach useful when little data or knowledge exist (LOVE; Learning Outcomes Via Experiments). We carry out assembly experiments ('actions', here, random combinations of species additions) potentially in multiple environments, wait, and measure abundance outcomes. We then train a model to predict outcomes of novel actions or prioritise actions that would yield the most desirable outcomes. Across 10 single‐ and multi‐environment datasets, when trained on 89 randomly selected actions, LOVE predicts outcomes with 0.5%–3.4% mean error, and prioritises actions for maximising richness, maximising abundance, or removing unwanted species, with 94%–99% mean true positive rate and 10%–84% mean true negative rate across tasks. LOVE complements existing mechanism‐first approaches for community ecology and may help address numerous applied challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 3D‐analysis of the calcaneus, a consistent coordinate system aligned with the original anatomical directions is crucial for pre‐ and postoperative analysis. This importance stems from the calcaneus's key role in weight‐bearing and biomechanical alignment. However, defining a reliable coordinate system based solely on fractured or surgically reconstructed calcanei presents significant challenges. Given its anatomical prominence and consistent orientation, the talus offers a potential solution to this challenge. Our work explores the feasibility of talus‐derived coordinate systems for 3D‐modeling of the calcaneus across its various conditions. Four methods were tested on nonfractured, fractured and surgically reconstructed calcanei, utilizing Principal Component Analysis, anatomical landmarks, bounding box, and an atlas‐based approach. The methods were compared with a self‐defined calcaneus reference coordinate system. Additionally, the impact of deviation of the coordinate system on morphological measurements was investigated. Among methods for constructing nonfractured calcanei coordinate systems, the atlas‐based method displayed the lowest Root Mean Square value in comparison with the reference coordinate system. For morphological measures like Böhler's Angle and the Critical angle of Gissane, the atlas talus‐based system closely aligned with ground truth, yielding differences of 0.6° and 1.2°, respectively, compared to larger deviations seen in other talus‐based coordinate systems. In conclusion, all tested methods were feasible for creating a talus derived coordinate system. A talus derived coordinate system showed potential, offering benefits for morphological measurements and clinical scenarios involving fractured and surgically reconstructed calcanei. Further research is recommended to assess the impact of these coordinate systems on surgical planning and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maribavir was recently approved by the FDA, expanding treatment options for post–solid‐organ transplant refractory/resistant CMV. We sought to describe the post–marketing experience with maribavir at a large academic transplant center. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of all renal transplant recipients treated with maribavir for refractory/resistant CMV DNAemia/disease. CMV viral loads, immunosuppression regimens and management, resistance testing, and antiviral therapy durations were reviewed. Outcomes of interest included treatment success, defined as undetectable CMV DNAemia for two consecutive weeks or detected but unquantifiable DNAemia for five consecutive weeks, as well as the emergence of antiviral resistance, and recurrent DNAemia. Results: From 2021 to 2023, 5/10 (50%) patients achieved durable virologic suppression with maribavir (classified as responders). Among responders, 2/5 (40%) experienced low‐level CMV DNAemia recurrence (defined as a viral load less than 1000 IU/mL) within 8 weeks of antiviral discontinuation. Among nonresponders, 2/3 (66.7%) were found to have UL97 protein mutations associated with maribavir resistance identified 85 and 75 days after initiation of maribavir. Two patients are currently on maribavir with clinical outcomes that are yet to be determined. Responders had a mean reduction of 200 mg (SD—274 mg) in mycophenolate dosing with nonresponders having a mean increase of 167 mg (SD—764 mg). Conclusions: Maribavir, often in conjunction with mycophenolate dose reduction, was effective for many patients with refractory/resistant CMV DNAemia at our transplant center, though several experienced recurrent DNAemia. In patients who did not respond to therapy, resistance to maribavir was frequently detected. Clinicians treating these patients should remain vigilant for rebound CMV DNAemia and consider repeat antiviral resistance testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saltwater intrusion (SWI) is a well‐studied phenomenon that threatens the freshwater supplies of coastal communities around the world. The development and advancement of numerical models has led to improved assessment of the risk of salinization. However, these studies often fail to include the impact of surface waters as potential sources of aquifer salinity and how they may impact SWI. Based on field‐collected data, we developed a regional, variable‐density groundwater model using SEAWAT for east Dover, Delaware. In this location, major users of groundwater from the surficial aquifer are the City of Dover and irrigation for agriculture. Our model includes salinized marshland and tidal streams, along with irrigation and municipal pumping wells. Model scenarios were run for 100 years and included changes in pumping rates and sea‐level rise (SLR). We examined how these drivers of SWI affect the extent and location of salinization in the surficial aquifer by evaluating differences in chloride concentration near surface waters and the subsurface freshwater‐saltwater interface. We found the presence of the marsh inverts the typical freshwater‐saltwater wedge interface and that the edge of the interface did not migrate farther inland. Additionally, we found that tidal streams are the dominant pathways of SWI at our site with salinization from streams being exacerbated by SLR. Our results also show that spatial distribution of pumping affects both the magnitude and extent of salinization, with an increase in concentrated pumping leading to more intensive salinization than a more widely distributed increase of the same total pumping volume. Key Points: Presence of a saltmarsh inverts the freshwater‐saltwater interface in our study locationTidal streams contribute substantially to salinization of inland groundwaterConcentrated pumping led to more intensive salinization than widespread pumping [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Initiating urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) in gout can precipitate arthritis flares. There have been limited comparisons of flare risk during the initiation and escalation of allopurinol and febuxostat, administered as a treat‐to‐target strategy with optimal anti‐inflammatory prophylaxis. Methods: This was a post‐hoc analysis of a 72‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, noninferiority trial comparing the efficacy of allopurinol and febuxostat. For this analysis, the occurrence of flares was examined during weeks 0 to 24 when ULT was initiated and titrated to a serum urate (sUA) goal of less than 6 mg/dl (<5 mg/dl if tophi). Flares were assessed at regular intervals through structured participant interviews. Predictors of flare, including treatment assignment, were examined using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: Study participants (n = 940) were predominantly male (98.4%) and had a mean age of 62.1 years with approximately equal proportions receiving allopurinol or febuxostat. Mean baseline sUA was 8.5 mg/dl and all participants received anti‐inflammatory prophylaxis (90% colchicine). In a multivariable model, there were no significant associations of ULT treatment (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17; febuxostat vs allopurinol), ULT‐dose escalation (HR 1.18 vs no escalation), prophylaxis type, or individual comorbidity with flare and no evidence of ULT‐dose escalation interaction. Factors independently associated with flare risk during ULT initiation/escalation included younger age, higher baseline sUA, and absence of tophi. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that gout flare risk during the initiation and titration of allopurinol is similar to febuxostat when these agents are administered according to a treat‐to‐target strategy using gradual ULT‐dose titration and best practice gout flare prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biological clock of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) orchestrates circadian (approximately daily) rhythms of behaviour and physiology that underpin health. SCN cell‐autonomous time‐keeping revolves around a transcriptional/translational feedback loop (TTFL) within which PERIOD (PER1,2) and CRYPTOCHROME (CRY1,2) proteins heterodimerise and suppress trans‐activation of their encoding genes (Per1,2; Cry1,2). To explore its contribution to SCN time‐keeping, we used adeno‐associated virus–mediated translational switching to express PER2 (tsPER2) in organotypic SCN slices carrying bioluminescent TTFL circadian reporters. Translational switching requires provision of the non‐canonical amino acid, alkyne lysine (AlkK), for protein expression. Correspondingly, AlkK, but not vehicle, induced constitutive expression of tsPER2 in SCN neurons and reversibly and dose‐dependently suppressed pPer1‐driven transcription in PER‐deficient (Per1,2‐null) SCN, illustrating the potency of PER2 in negative regulation within the TTFL. Constitutive expression of tsPER2, however, failed to initiate circadian oscillations in arrhythmic PER‐deficient SCN. In rhythmic, PER‐competent SCN, AlkK dose‐dependently reduced the amplitude of PER2‐reported oscillations as inhibition by tsPER2 progressively damped the TTFL. tsPER2 also dose‐dependently lengthened the period of the SCN TTFL and neuronal calcium rhythms. Following wash‐out of AlkK to remove tsPER2, the SCN regained TTFL amplitude and period. Furthermore, SCN retained their pre‐washout phase: the removal of tsPER2 did not phase‐shift the TTFL. Given that constitutive tsCRY1 can regulate TTFL amplitude and period, but also reset TTFL phase and initiate rhythms in CRY‐deficient SCN, these results reveal overlapping and distinct properties of PER2 and CRY1 within the SCN, and emphasise the utility of translational switching to explore the functions of circadian proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) was mapped by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)/Mid‐Infrared Instrument (4.9–27.9 μ ${\upmu }$m) in July and August 2022. These observations took place alongside a suite of visual and infrared observations from; Hubble, JWST/NIRCam, Very Large Telescope/VISIR and amateur observers which provided both spatial and temporal context across the jovian disc. The stratospheric temperature structure retrieved using the NEMESIS software revealed a series of hot‐spots above the GRS. These could be the consequence of GRS‐induced wave activity. In the troposphere, the temperature structure was used to derive the thermal wind structure of the GRS vortex. These winds were only consistent with the independently determined wind field by JWST/NIRCam at 240 mbar if the altitude of the Hubble‐derived winds were located around 1,200 mbar, considerably deeper than previously assumed. No enhancement in ammonia was found within the GRS but a link between elevated aerosol and phosphine abundances was observed within this region. North‐south asymmetries were observed in the retrieved temperature, ammonia, phosphine and aerosol structure, consistent with the GRS tilting in the north‐south direction. Finally, a small storm was captured north‐west of the GRS that displayed a considerable excess in retrieved phosphine abundance, suggestive of vigorous convection. Despite this, no ammonia ice was detected in this region. The novelty of JWST required us to develop custom‐made software to resolve challenges in calibration of the data. This involved the derivation of the "FLT‐5" wavelength calibration solution that has subsequently been integrated into the standard calibration pipeline. Plain Language Summary: Regularly observed for over 150 years, Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) is one of the best documented storms in the Solar System. Despite the frequency of observations, crucial questions remain unanswered regarding the internal composition, dynamics and driving mechanism for the storm. Mid‐infrared observations acquired by the James Webb Space Telescope allowed us to peer past the colorful clouds to assess the composition and dynamics of the jovian weather layer. Data from the mid‐infrared instrument was modeled in the 7.30–10.75 μ ${\upmu }$m range to "retrieve" the temperature distribution. Further modeling of these temperatures allowed us to derive the wind speeds throughout the vortex, enabling us to assess the dynamics of the GRS and how the vortex interacts with its surroundings. In addition, a series of hot‐spots were observed above the GRS that could be the result of atmospheric wave activity. The distribution of ammonia was also mapped in this spectral range. Comparison of the distribution of ammonia to the cloud distribution implied that this molecule may condense into the thick layers of cloud above the GRS. Finally phosphine, indicative of upwelling air was mapped and allowed us to identify a small convective storm north‐west of the GRS. Key Points: Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS) was observed by James Webb Space Telescope/Mid‐Infrared Instrument in 2022 to study the 3D structure of temperature, aerosols and gaseous speciesA series of stratospheric hot‐spots were discovered to be co‐moving with the GRS in the longitude directionElevated phosphine and a complex distribution of ammonia gas were observed inside the GRS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider multi‐variate versions of two popular classes of integer‐valued processes. While the transition mechanism is time‐homogeneous, a possible non‐stationarity is introduced by an exogeneous covariate process. We prove absolute regularity (β‐mixing) for the count process with exponentially decaying mixing coefficients. The proof of this result makes use of some sort of contraction in the transition mechanism which allows a coupling of two versions of the count process such that they eventually coalesce. We show how this result can be used to prove asymptotic normality of a least squares estimator of an involved model parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel method to fabricate scalable photovoltaic fibers (PVFs) by leveraging crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cell technology, known for its high‐power conversion efficiency (PCE), stable performance, and low cost. The c‐Si PVF is built on a flexible circuit strip as narrow as 400 µm, and c‐Si cells as small as 0.35 mm2 are surface‐mounted on the strip. The cells are diced from an interdigitated back‐contact c‐Si solar cell (≈153 cm2). A c‐Si PVF including a 1 mm2 cell reaches PCE up to 9.6% and 11.0% under simulated AM 1.5G illumination without and with encapsulation, respectively, the highest reported for c‐Si PVFs, while a 1.5 ft‐long fiber produces ≈37 mW m−1. Additionally, the PVF can tolerate bending fatigue with no sign of performance loss after 8000 bending cycles. To demonstrate practical applicability, the c‐Si PVFs are also woven into textile swatches. They deliver ≈10 mW cm−2 under a halogen lamp and successfully power a light‐emitting‐diode. This PVF technology is scalable with regards to both achieving thin fibers and its compatibility with roll‐to‐roll fabrication processes. The fiber concept presented here can also be extended to any chip‐scale surface mountable devices, enabling cell‐agnostic fiber technologies for multifunctional electronic textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technically viable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) must be both active and stable under the harsh conditions at an electrolyser anode. While numerous highly active metal‐oxide catalysts have been identified, only very few are sufficiently stable, with iridium oxides being the most prominent. In this perspective, we draw insights from OER mechanisms to circumvent the activity‐stability conundrum generally plaguing the development of OER catalysts. In the commonly considered OER mechanisms, one or several metal‐oxygen (M−O) bonds are required to be broken along the OER pathway, providing a mechanistic link between the OER and oxide decomposition. However, a recently discovered mechanism on crystalline iridium dioxide provides a new OER pathway without M−O bond breakages, thus enabling the combination of sufficient activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obicetrapib is a selective inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein that is currently in phase 3 of development for the treatment of dyslipidemia as adjunct therapy. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) disposition of obicetrapib. Data from 7 clinical trials conducted in healthy adults and those with varying degrees of dyslipidemia were included for model development. The structural model that best described obicetrapib PK was a 3‐compartment model with 4‐compartment transit absorption and first‐order elimination. Body weight was the only covariate found to significantly explain observed variability and was therefore included using allometric scaling on all disposition parameters. For a typical patient weighing 75 kg, the estimated apparent total body clearance and apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment was 0.81 L/h and 36.1 L, respectively. The final PK model parameters were estimated with good precision and were ultimately leveraged to sequentially inform 2 turnover models that describe obicetrapib's effect on low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) concentrations. The maximum stimulatory effect of obicetrapib on LDL‐C loss was estimated to be 1.046, while the maximum inhibitory effect of obicetrapib on HDL‐C loss was 0.691. This corresponds to a predicted typical maximum percent change from baseline LDL‐C and HDL‐C of 51.1% and 224%, respectively. The final sequential model described obicetrapib PKPD well and was ultimately able to both demonstrate evidence of internal consistency and support decision‐making throughout the development lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American College of Rheumatology and the US Food and Drug Administration co‐sponsored a public meeting in May 2022 about challenges in the clinical development of drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), focusing on innovative clinical trial designs, outcome measures, and data collection methods. Recommendations include early dose‐ranging studies and use of active comparators. Challenges and opportunities in assessing long‐term safety by leveraging real‐world data from electronic health records (EHRs) and claims data are discussed, along with insights from European registries and the evolving role of real‐world evidence and artificial intelligence in regulatory evaluations. Endpoints for assessing disease activity and outcome measures used in RA and PsA trials are explored, emphasizing challenges in defining remission, assessing clinical response, and evaluating structural progression. The need for outcome measures that better reflect treatment targets and the potential of advanced imaging in future trials are highlighted. Challenges with placebo‐controlled trials in RA are discussed and use of non‐inferiority clinical trial design, in which new drugs are evaluated with active comparators, is proposed. Pragmatic trials in RA and PsA, employing decentralized approaches, are highlighted for their real‐world relevance and administrative efficiencies. Strategies for identifying at‐risk populations for RA and the challenges of using EHRs and insurance claims data in drug development are discussed. Registry data and digital health technologies show promise in bridging the gap between clinical trials and real‐world effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia due to deficient glycine cleavage enzyme activity causes a severe neonatal epileptic encephalopathy. Current therapies based on mitigating glycine excess have only limited impact. An animal model with postnatal phenotyping is needed to explore new therapeutic approaches. We developed a Gldc p.Ala394Val mutant model and bred it to congenic status in two colonies on C57Bl/6J (B6) and J129X1/SvJ (J129) backgrounds. Mutant mice had reduced P‐protein and enzyme activity indicating a hypomorphic mutant. Glycine levels were increased in blood and brain regions, exacerbated by dietary glycine, with higher levels in female than male J129 mice. Birth defects were more prevalent in mutant B6 than J129 mice, and hydrocephalus was more frequent in B6 (40%) compared to J129 (none). The hydrocephalus rate was increased by postnatal glycine challenge in B6 mice, more so when delivered from the first neonatal week than from the fourth. Mutant mice had reduced weight gain following weaning until the eighth postnatal week, which was exacerbated by glycine loading. The electrographic spike rate was increased in mutant mice following glycine loading, but no seizures were observed. The alpha/delta band intensity ratio was decreased in the left cortex in female J129 mice, which were less active in an open field test and explored less in a Y‐maze, suggesting an encephalopathic effect. Mutant mice showed no evidence of memory dysfunction. This partial recapitulation of human symptoms and biochemistry will facilitate the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches with an early postnatal time window likely most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: We evaluated sex differences in time to initiation of receiving nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) among patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Methods: Using the 2013 to 2018 IBM MarketScan Database, we identified 174,632 patients with axSpA aged ≥18 years. We evaluated the time between axSpA diagnosis and the first prescription NSAID dispensing (among those with no baseline NSAIDs reception) or bDMARDs infusion/procedure claim (among those who were dispensed two or more different prescription NSAIDs in the baseline period). Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for time to initiation of patients receiving NSAIDs or bDMARDs were computed using survival analyses. Cox proportional hazard models estimated associations between sex and predictors of treatment initiation. Results: Average age at diagnosis was 48.2 years, 65.7% were female, and 37.8% were dispensed one or more NSAIDs before axSpA diagnosis. Of those who did not receive two or more different prescription NSAIDs before diagnosis, NSAID reception was initiated earlier in female patients than in male patients (NSAID reception initiators: female patients (32.9%), male patients (29.3%); aHR 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.16). Among those who received two or more different prescription NSAIDs in the baseline period, 4.2% received a bDMARD, whereas 77.9% continued receiving NSAIDs after diagnosis. Time to bDMARD reception initiation was longer for female patients than for male patients (aHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52–0.72), but bDMARDs were received sooner among those who received NSAIDs in the baseline period. Conclusion: Prescription NSAID reception was more common than initiation of receiving bDMARDs among patients newly diagnosed with axSpA. Female patients appeared more likely to continue receiving NSAIDs after diagnosis, and the time to initiation of receiving bDMARDs was longer for female patients than for male patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turn‐taking interactions are foundational to the development of social, communicative, and cognitive skills. In infants, vocal turn‐taking experience is predictive of infants' socioemotional and language development. However, different forms of turn‐taking interactions may have different effects on infant vocalizing. It is presently unknown how caregiver vocal, non‐vocal and multimodal responses to infant vocalizations compare in extending caregiver‐infant vocal turn‐taking bouts. In bouts that begin with an infant vocalization, responses that maintain versus change the communicative modality may differentially affect the likelihood of further infant vocalizing. No studies have examined how caregiver response modalities that either matched or differed from the infant acoustic (vocal) modality might affect the temporal structure of vocal turn‐taking beyond the initial serve‐and‐return exchanges. We video‐recorded free‐play sessions of 51 caregivers with their 9‐month‐old infants. Caregivers responded to babbling most often with vocalizations. In turn, caregiver vocal responses were significantly more likely to elicit subsequent infant babbling. Bouts following an initial caregiver vocal response contained significantly more turns than those following a non‐vocal or multimodal response. Thus prelinguistic turn‐taking is sensitive to the modality of caregivers' responses. Future research should investigate if such sensitivity is grounded in attentional constraints, which may influence the structure of turn‐taking interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate depth‐dependent azimuthal anisotropy and shear wave velocity structure beneath the Alaska subduction zone by the inversion of a new Rayleigh wave dispersion dataset from 8 to 85 s period. We present a layered azimuthal anisotropy model from the forearc region offshore to the subduction zone onshore. In the forearc crust, we find a trench‐parallel pattern in the Semidi and Kodiak segments, while a trench‐oblique pattern is observed in the Shumagins segment. These fast directions agree well with the orientations of local faults. Within the subducted slab, a dichotomous pattern of anisotropy fast axes is observed along the trench, which is consistent with the orientation of fossil anisotropy generated at the mid‐ocean ridges of the Pacific‐Vancouver and Kula‐Pacific plates that is preserved during subduction. Beneath the subducted slab, a trench‐parallel pattern is observed near the trench, which may indicate the direction of mantle flow. Plain Language Summary: The azimuthal anisotropy of seismic waves refers to the directional dependence of the seismic wave propagation speed. We present a comprehensive azimuthal anisotropy model of the Alaska subduction zone to a depth of 200 km, revealing anisotropy caused by local faults and fractures, fossil anisotropy inherited from the oceanic plate within the subducted slab, and sub‐slab mantle flow. The along‐strike variation of crustal anisotropy indicates variations in the stress regime in the forearc region. The along‐strike variation of anisotropy within the subducted slab identifies different origins of the subducted slab. Our model contributes to the understanding of the anisotropic structure and the sources of anisotropy in subduction zones. Key Points: A new model of depth‐dependent azimuthal anisotropy of the Alaska subduction zone is built based on a new surface wave datasetThe along‐strike variation in the azimuthal anisotropy of the forearc crust is caused by faults and fracturesAzimuthal anisotropy within the subducted slab is controlled by fossil anisotropy produced at different mid‐ocean ridges [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the effects of lower thermospheric water vapor deposited by launch vehicle plumes on polar mesospheric cloud (PMC) frequencies at 80°N. We use July‐averaged PMC frequencies from 2007 to 2022 from the Cloud Imaging and Particle Size (CIPS) instrument on NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) satellite. Launch sites worldwide are typically located near northern mid‐latitudes. Using the orbital launch record for the same time period, we find that the number of launches correlates with PMC frequencies with a coefficient of r = 0.60, which increases to r = 0.75 when only selecting launches from 2.5 to 21.5 local time (LT), indicating a weak LT dependence on global‐scale transport to 80°N. To support our findings, we use meridional winds from the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Imaging experiment on NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer satellite and winds from the Horizontal Wind Model climatology to interpret the northward motion of air parcels at 105 km. We find the launch LT window that maximizes the correlation coefficient to be consistent with the expected maximum northward motion from the diurnal variation of mid‐latitude meridional winds. Comparisons with Microwave Limb Sounder satellite observations of upper mesospheric temperature and water vapor reveal a strong dependence of cloud frequency on water vapor (r = 0.86) but not on temperature (r = −0.26), indicating that water vapor is the primary source of PMC variability for the bright PMCs at 80°N. We therefore find that launch vehicle plumes originating primarily from northern mid‐latitudes modulate PMC frequency at 80°N in July. Plain Language Summary: Formation of clouds in the mesosphere in the polar summer depends heavily on atmospheric water vapor. Main engine exhaust plumes from space shuttles and other launch vehicles contain many tons of water vapor which can be transported poleward at an altitude of ∼105 km. Over several days this water vapor descends to ∼80–85 km and aids in the formation of summertime polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs). This work shows how the number of launches per year correlates with the mean interannual PMC frequency averaged over July at 80°N latitude. The correlation maximizes for vehicles launched from 2.5 to 21.5 local time. To provide additional important evidence for the poleward transport of plumes launched at these local times, we use wind data to quantify the maximum northward motion of an exhaust plume over the diurnal cycle near 105 km altitude. We also use satellite temperature and water vapor data at PMC altitudes to show that bright PMCs vary more with the water vapor content than with the air temperature. We conclude that the total water vapor deposited by summertime space traffic worldwide modulates the PMC frequency at 80°N. Key Points: The correlation between orbital rocket launches and polar mesospheric clouds at 80°N in July from 2007 to 2022 is quantifiedMeridional wind, temperature, and water vapor data are used to support causal interpretation of the correlation coefficientsEvidence indicates that water vapor in space traffic exhaust plumes modulates frequencies of polar mesospheric clouds at 80°N [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term in situ soil moisture monitoring inevitably requires sensors to be replaced. Ensuing discontinuities in the data record can be mitigated by intercalibration, however it is unclear how long the existing sensor needs to remain alongside the newly installed before there is enough overlapping data to generate a robust intercalibration. We used 154 pairs of established and newly installed sensors within the Marena, Oklahoma, In Situ Sensor Testbed to determine if there is a minimum overlap time that should be considered when planning upcoming replacements. Hourly observations of the existing sensor were linearly calibrated to those of the newly installed sensor with coefficients determined from overlap periods incremented by 30 days until a reference period of 2 years was reached. The resulting bias, root‐mean‐square error, and correlation coefficient for sensor pairs indicate that a minimum of 6 to 9 months of overlapping data are required to generate a successful intercalibration. Extending that to a full year before decommissioning the old sensor results in a stable intercalibration with higher confidence. Core Ideas: Intercalibration mitigates discontinuities in long‐term soil moisture records caused by sensor replacement.Sensor pairs in a testbed are intercalibrated based on the initial 1 to 24 months of overlap and then validated.We recommend that a year be considered the minimum overlap period for statistical and practical reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding soil moisture variability and estimating high‐resolution soil moisture at subfield to field scales is critical for agricultural research and applications. However, systematic investigation of subfield scale soil moisture variability over cropland is still lacking from both measurement and satellite remote sensing. In this study, we aim to investigate (1) the characteristics of within‐field soil moisture distribution over typical cropland in the US Midwest and (2) the capabilities of satellite remote sensing in capturing the spatiotemporal variabilities of soil moisture at subfield scale. Specifically, we conducted soil moisture field experiments in three typical commercial agricultural fields (∼85 acres per field) in central Illinois, representing typical commercial farmlands in the US Midwest, and compared the soil moisture measurements with satellite remote sensing data from optical and active microwave sensors. In each field, dense soil moisture samples (spaced at 50–60 m) were obtained for two dry down events in May and July 2021, and multiple long‐term soil moisture stations were installed. We found prominent time‐invariant spatial structures of soil moisture at within‐field scales both during the dry down period and over longer time scales, and the stability is minimally affected by plant water use during the growing season. Comparing the field campaign measurements with satellite remote sensing data, we found that surface reflectance of shortwave infrared bands, such as SWIR1 (1610 nm) from Sentinel‐2, can capture relative surface soil moisture patterns at within‐field scales, but their relationships with soil moisture are field specific. These findings and the improved understanding of within‐field soil moisture dynamics could potentially help future research on high‐resolution soil moisture estimation with multi‐source remote sensing data. Core Ideas: High‐density soil moisture sampling was conducted in agricultural fields.Time‐invariant spatial structures of within‐field soil moisture were evaluated.Strong but field‐specific relationships between soil moisture and optical remote sensing were found.A pathway for remote sensing based high‐resolution soil moisture estimation was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rickettsia africae is a tick‐borne bacteria known to cause African tick bite fever (ATBF). While the disease was first described more than 100 years ago, knowledge of transmission risk factors and disease burden remain poorly described. To better understand the burden of R. africae, this article reviewed and summarized the published literature related to ATBF epidemiology and clinical management. Using a systematic approach, consistent with the PRISMA guidelines, we identified more than 100 eligible articles, including 65 epidemiological studies and 41 case reports. Most reports described R. africae in ticks and livestock, while human studies were less common. Human disease case reports were exclusively among returning travellers from non‐endemic areas, which limits our disease knowledge among at‐risk populations: people living in endemic regions. Substantial efforts to elucidate the ATBF risk factors and clinical manifestations among local populations are needed to develop effective preventative strategies and facilitate appropriate and timely diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]