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Sophorolipids (SL) are glycolipids composed of a sophorose head‐group linked to a hydroxy‐fatty acid tail which makes them a potential source of structurally unique biobased hydroxy fatty acids. Furthermore, Lesquerella is a native southwestern plant that has been commercially cultivated as a replacement for castor seed oil due to high seed oil concentrations of 14‐hydroxy‐eicosenoic acid (14‐OH‐C20:1c11). In this study, SL‐derived hydroxy fatty acids and methyl esters containing 15‐hydroxy‐palmitic acid (15‐OH‐C16), 17‐hydroxy‐stearic acid (17‐OH‐C18), 15‐hydroxy‐palmitic acid methyl ester (15‐OH‐C16ME), 17‐hydroxy‐stearic acid methyl ester (17‐OH‐C18ME), and 13‐hydroxy‐behenic acid methyl ester (13OH‐C22ME) were obtained from the SL produced by two yeast strains. In addition, hydrogenated Lesquerella oil (HLO) was made with ~62% 14‐OH‐eicosanoic (C20) acid (14‐OH‐C20). These materials, along with 12‐hydroxy‐stearic acid (12‐OH‐C18) as a standard for comparison were used to make soybean oil oleogels, and their properties determined. The minimum gelation concentration (MGC) of 12‐OH‐C18 was 1% (wt/wt), while the MGC of 15‐OH‐C16 and 17‐OH‐C18 were 5% and 10%, respectively. The MGC for 15‐OH‐C16ME was 5%, but 17‐OH‐C18ME was unable to form a stable gel at concentrations up to 10%. HLO formed a viscous solution rather than an oleogel, but its crystal morphology underwent a large transformation during storage over a 2.5‐month period, after which it was able to form a stable gel. SL‐based hydroxy fatty acids were able to form oleogels in soybean oil and have the potential to be considered as a new source of low‐molecular weight oleogelators as well as biobased hydroxy fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T cell receptor (TCR) recognition of a peptide–major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) is crucial for adaptive immune response. The identification of therapeutically relevant TCR‐pMHC protein pairs is a bottleneck in the implementation of TCR‐based immunotherapies. The ability to computationally design TCRs to target a specific pMHC requires automated integration of next‐generation sequencing, protein–protein structure prediction, molecular dynamics, and TCR ranking. A pipeline to evaluate patient‐specific, sequence‐based TCRs to a target pMHC is presented. Using the three most frequently expressed TCRs from 16 colorectal cancer patients, the protein–protein structure of the TCRs to the target CEA peptide–MHC is predicted using Modeller and ColabFold. TCR‐pMHC structures are compared using automated equilibration and successive analysis. ColabFold generated configurations require an ≈2.5× reduction in equilibration time of TCR‐pMHC structures compared to Modeller. The structural differences between Modeller and ColabFold are demonstrated by root mean square deviation (≈0.20 nm) between clusters of equilibrated configurations, which impact the number of hydrogen bonds and Lennard‐Jones contacts between the TCR and pMHC. TCR ranking criteria that may prioritize TCRs for evaluation of in vitro immunogenicity are identified, and this ranking is validated by comparing to state‐of‐the‐art machine learning‐based methods trained to predict the probability of TCR‐pMHC binding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical photoresists utilized in direct laser writing (DLW) rely on photoinitiators and radical polymerization mechanisms to induce the cross‐linking process. Herein, a simple initiator‐free photoresist is introduced that enables the rapid fabrication of intrinsically thermally degradable 3D microstructures via DLW. The reported photoresist exploits the [2 + 2] photo‐dimerization reaction of a multifunctional monosubstituted thiomaleimide compound while harvesting on‐demand microstructure degradation through the intrinsic thermally reversible nature of the photocrosslinks. The photoresist exceeds attainable DLW printing speeds for non‐chain growth resins, readily attaining 1500 µm s−1 and up to 5000 µm s−1, making it a promising system to compete with traditional photo‐initiator containing resists while introducing on‐demand post‐printing degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether preoperative body morphometry analysis can identify patients at risk of parastomal hernia (PH), which is a common complication after radical cystectomy (RC). Patients and Methods: All patients who underwent RC between 2010 and 2020 with available cross‐sectional imaging preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years postoperatively were included. Skeletal muscle mass and total fat mass (FM) were determined from preoperative axial computed tomography images obtained at the level of the L3 vertebral body using Aquarius Intuition software. Sarcopenia and obesity were assigned based on consensus definitions of skeletal muscle index (SMI) and FM index (FMI). PH were graded using both the Moreno‐Matias and European Hernia Society criteria. Binary logistic regression and recursive partitioning were used to identify patients at risk of PH. The Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank and Cox proportional hazards models included clinical and image‐based parameters to identify predictors of PH‐free survival. Results: A total of 367 patients were included in the final analysis, with 159 (43%) developing a PH. When utilising binary logistic regression, high FMI (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, P < 0.001) and low SMI (OR 0.96, P = 0.039) were primary drivers of risk of PH. A simplified model that only relied upon FMI, SMI, and preoperative albumin improved the classification of patients at risk of PH. On Kaplan–Meier analysis, patients who were obese or obese and sarcopenic had significantly worse PH‐free survival (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Body morphometry analysis identified FMI and SMI to be the most consistent predictors of PH after RC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic disturbance of stream ecosystems, often chronic in nature, has been studied extensively. However, when disturbance is driven by more than one resource policy over many decades, feedback between habitat evolution and biological adaptation can be disrupted and ecological function affected in unforeseen ways. We analyzed over 100 years of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) length frequency trends associated with fisheries management and changes in available spawning substrate (habitat) linked to flow regulation in a highly altered California river. Over time, salmon lengths generally decreased, fluctuating with exploitation (ocean harvest) and hatchery production rates. Female size reduction, coupled with a degrading and coarsening channel, and perching peripheral habitat related to past mining activity, indicates available spawning substrate may be too large to support the current salmon population. Assuming a salmon can move material ~10% of her body length, length frequency data and current substrate size distribution suggest that increasing salmon sizes to historic distributions could increase available spawning habitat by as much as 13%. Alternatively, decreasing spawning substrate size could support a greater portion of the current population. To test the latter hypothesis and inform future management actions, we monitored two spawning riffles where large and small gravel was placed on top of a cobble. We observed an immediate spawning activity increase that was more pronounced where smaller gravel was deposited. Following a decade of habitat decline, the two sites were both replenished with medium gravel. Elevated spawning use occurred immediately at both sites, commensurate with this intermediate size, further supporting our hypotheses. Sediment coarsening and habitat disconnect below dams, combined with reduced salmon size, indicate the natural spawning process may be decoupled from available habitat below dams in the foreseeable future without continuous intervention. Actively managing salmon population demographics through modified hatchery and size‐selective harvest practices and developing a coarse sediment budget with size‐appropriate material for regulated anadromous rivers could produce immediate benefits for ecosystem services, including salmon populations. However, these management actions will require continued maintenance and informed socio‐ecological goals to remain successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch‐guest molecule amylose inclusion complexes (AIC) are of interest to industry as a means to encapsulate and deliver compounds. Coconut fatty acids (CFA) consist predominantly of medium chain fatty acids having useful food and nonfood applications. This article describes the formation of high amylose corn (HAC)‐ or waxy corn starch (WC)‐CFA AIC containing 0%, 2%, 7.5%, and 15% CFA using a continuous thermomechanical extrusion process at 20% feed moisture and a twin‐screw extruder with a unique screw design. The extrusion conditions completely destructure both the HAC and waxy starch granules and the resulting materials are evaluated using SEM, XRD, FT‐IR, FTIR‐m, and TGA. The HAC‐CFA materials are shown to contain AIC having 61 V type helical structure between amylose and the CFA that are confirmed by XRD and IR spectral analysis. By TGA, extruded HAC materials containing 15% CFA are shown to have excess CFA present in addition to formed AIC. In contrast, the WC is shown not to form AIC with the CFA and only trap the CFA within the starch matrix. The understanding gained from this study is helpful to design the processing of starch‐based biopolymers to prepare AIC having improved functional properties for potential commercial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxyurea (HU) is the most common drug therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). The clinical benefits of HU derive from its upregulation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), which reduces aggregation of the mutated sickle hemoglobin protein (HbS) and reduces SCD symptoms and complications. However, some individuals do not respond to HU, or stop responding over time. Unfortunately, current understanding of the mechanism of action of HU is limited, hindering the ability of clinicians to identify those patients who will respond to HU and to optimize treatment for those receiving HU. Given that epigenetic modifications are essential to erythropoiesis and HbF expression, we hypothesize that some effects of HU may be mediated by epigenetic modifications, specifically DNA methylation. However, few studies have investigated this possibility and the effects of HU on DNA methylation remain relatively understudied. In this review, we discuss the evidence linking HU treatment to DNA methylation changes and associated gene expression changes, with an emphasis on studies that were performed in individuals with SCD. Overall, although HU can affect DNA methylation, research on these changes and their clinical effects remains limited. Further study is likely to contribute to our understanding of hematopoiesis and benefit patients suffering from SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limitations in the quality of race‐and‐ethnicity information in Medicare's data systems constrain efforts to assess disparities in care among older Americans. Using demographic information from standardized patient assessments may be an efficient way to enhance the accuracy and completeness of race‐and‐ethnicity information in Medicare's data systems, but it is critical to first establish the accuracy of these data as they may be prone to inaccurate observer‐reported or third‐party‐based information. This study evaluates the accuracy of patient‐level race‐and‐ethnicity information included in the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) submitted by home health agencies. Methods: We compared 2017–2022 OASIS‐D race‐and‐ethnicity data to gold‐standard self‐reported information from the Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems® survey in a matched sample of 304,804 people with Medicare coverage. We also compared OASIS data to indirect estimates of race‐and‐ethnicity generated using the Medicare Bayesian Improved Surname and Geocoding (MBISG) 2.1.1 method and to existing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administrative records. Results: Compared with existing CMS administrative data, OASIS data are far more accurate for Hispanic, Asian American and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and White race‐and‐ethnicity; slightly less accurate for American Indian or Alaska Native race‐and‐ethnicity; and similarly accurate for Black race‐and‐ethnicity. However, MBISG 2.1.1 accuracy exceeds that of both OASIS and CMS administrative data for every racial‐and‐ethnic category. Patterns of inconsistent reporting of racial‐and‐ethnic information among people for whom there were multiple observations in the OASIS and Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) datasets suggest that some of the inaccuracies in OASIS data may result from observation‐based reporting that lessens correspondence with self‐reported data. Conclusions: When health record data on race‐and‐ethnicity includes observer‐reported information, it can be less accurate than both true self‐report and a high‐performing imputation approach. Efforts are needed to encourage collection of true self‐reported data and explicit record‐level data on the source of race‐and‐ethnicity information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To rigorously evaluate the impact of the percentage of parenchymal volume preserved (PPVP) and how well the preserved parenchyma recovers from ischaemia (Recischaemia) on functional outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN) using an accurate and objective software‐based methodology for estimating parenchymal volumes and split renal function (SRF). A secondary objective was to assess potential predictors of the PPVP. Patients and Methods: A total of 894 PN patients with available studies (2011–2014) were evaluated. The PPVP was measured from cross‐sectional imaging at ≤3 months before and 3–12 months after PN using semi‐automated software. Pearson correlation evaluated relationships between continuous variables. Multivariable linear regression evaluated predictors of ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR) preserved and the PPVP. Relative‐importance analysis was used to evaluate the impact of the PPVP on ipsilateral GFR preserved. Recischaemia was defined as the percentage of ipsilateral GFR preserved normalised by the PPVP. Results: The median tumour size and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were 3.4 cm and 7, respectively. In all, 49 patients (5.5%) had a solitary kidney. In all, 538 (60%)/251 (28%)/104 (12%) patients were managed with warm/cold/zero ischaemia, respectively. The median pre/post ipsilateral GFRs were 40/31 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) percentage of ipsilateral GFR preserved was 80% (71–88%). The median pre/post ipsilateral parenchymal volumes were 181/149 mL, and the median (IQR) PPVP was 84% (76–92%). In all, 330 patients (37%) had a PPVP of <80%, while only 34 (4%) had a Recischaemia of <80%. The percentage of ipsilateral GFR preserved correlated strongly with the PPVP (r = 0.83, P < 0.01) and loss of parenchymal volume accounted for 80% of the loss of ipsilateral GFR. Multivariable analysis confirmed that the PPVP was the strongest predictor of ipsilateral GFR preserved. Greater tumour size and endophytic and nearness properties of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score were associated with a reduced PPVP (all P ≤ 0.01). Solitary kidney and cold ischaemia were associated with an increased PPVP (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: A reduced PPVP predominates regarding functional decline after PN, although a low Recischaemia can also contribute. Tumour‐related factors strongly influence the PPVP, while surgical efforts can improve the PPVP as observed for patients with solitary kidneys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are a major source of nitrogen oxides, which in the atmosphere help govern its oxidative capacity. Thus the response of soil nitric oxide (NO) emissions to forcings such as warming or forest loss has a meaningful impact on global atmospheric chemistry. We find that the soil emission rate of NO in Amazonia from a common inventory is biased low by at least an order of magnitude in comparison to tower‐based observations. Accounting for this regional bias decreases the modeled global methane lifetime by 1.4%–2.6%. In comparison, a fully deforested Amazonia, representing a 37% decrease in global emissions of isoprene, decreases methane lifetime by at most 4.6%, highlighting the sensitive response of oxidation rates to changes in emissions of NO compared to those of terpenes. Our results demonstrate that improving our understanding of soil NO emissions will yield a more accurate representation of atmospheric oxidative capacity. Plain Language Summary: Soils emit a gas called nitric oxide (NO). The amount of NO emitted from soils in tropical forests is not well known, but has been assumed to be small. We simulated how different amounts of NO emissions from soils in the Amazon impacted atmospheric chemistry. By comparing our modeled results to observations we found that NO emissions from soils in the Amazon may be between 10 and 20 times larger than the current default assumption. This matters because NO has a strong influence on the rate at which methane and other gasses are removed from the atmosphere. Therefore soil NO emissions end up impacting how long methane can last in the atmosphere, and that would have additional climate impacts. Even though soil NO emissions are smaller than other sources of NO emissions globally, we find that the amount of NO emitted in the Amazon matters a lot for how long methane can last in the atmosphere. Our results demonstrate that improving estimates of soil NO emissions is going to be necessary for making accurate estimates of how long methane and other reactive species will stay in the atmosphere. Key Points: Soil emission rates of NO in common inventories may be between 10× and 20× too low over the Amazon basinHigher soil NO over the Amazon basin alters the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere and decreases global methane lifetime by 1.4%–2.6%Global methane lifetime is more sensitive to Amazon soil NO fluxes than to the loss of terpene fluxes from total deforestation of the Amazon [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the clinically relevant anti‐CD40 antibody iscalimab for baseline immunosuppression in a preclinical pig‐to‐rhesus renal xenograft model. Summary Background Data: CD40/CD40L co‐stimulation blockade‐based immunosuppression has been more successful than calcineurin‐based protocols in prolonging xenograft survival in preclinical models. Methods: GGTA1 knockout/CD55 transgenic pig kidneys were transplanted into rhesus monkeys (n = 6) receiving an iscalimab‐based immunosuppressive regimen. Results: Two grafts were lost early (22 and 26 days) because of ectatic donor ureters with otherwise normal histology. The other recipients survived 171, 315, 422, and 439 days with good renal function throughout the posttransplant course. None of the recipients experienced serious infectious morbidity. Conclusions: It may be reasonable to evaluate an iscalimab‐based immunosuppressive regimen in clinical renal xenotransplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how climate and local stressors interact is paramount for predicting future ecosystem structure. The effects of multiple stressors are often examined in small‐scale and short‐term field experiments, limiting understanding of the spatial and temporal generality of the findings. Using a 22‐year observational dataset of plant and grazer abundance in a southeastern US salt marsh, we analyzed how changes in drought and grazer density combined to affect plant biomass. We found: (1) increased drought severity and higher snail density both correlated with lower plant biomass; (2) drought and snail effects interacted additively; and, (3) snail effects had a threshold, with additive top‐down effects only occurring when snails were present at high densities. These results suggest that the emergence of multiple stressor effects can be density dependent, and they validate short‐term experimental evidence that consumers can augment environmental stress. These findings have important implications for predicting future ecosystem structure and managing natural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observations show that mesospheric clouds (MCs) have been increasing in recent decades, presumably due to increased mesospheric water vapor which is mainly caused by greater methane (CH4) oxidation in the middle atmosphere. Past warm climates such as those of the early Cretaceous and Paleogene periods are thought to have had higher CH4 concentrations than present day, and future CH4 concentrations will also likely continue to rise. Here, idealized atmosphere chemistry‐climate model experiments forced with strong polar‐amplified sea‐surface temperatures and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) and CH4 concentrations predict a substantial spreading of MCs to middle and low latitudes, well beyond regions where they are currently found. Sensitivity tests show that increased water vapor from CH4 oxidation and cooling from increased CO2 and CH4 concentrations create favorable conditions for cloud formation, producing MC fractions of 0.02 in the low latitudes and 0.1 in the mid‐latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere when CH4 concentration is 16× higher than pre‐industrial. Further increases in CH4 result in a monotonic increase in low‐ and mid‐latitude MCs. A uniform surface ocean warming, changes in polar amplification, or the solar constant do not significantly affect our results. While the appearance of these clouds is interesting, their ice and liquid water content is not sufficient to cause a significant radiative effect. On the other hand, dehydration of the mesosphere due to these low‐ and mid‐latitude MCs could potentially lead to a reduction in atomic hydrogen, thereby affecting mesospheric ozone concentration, although further study is required to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increased access to biomedical and electronic health records data and the complexity of research questions, individuals in residency programmes who aim to conduct research require specialized educational programmes and biostatistics support. Biostatistics collaboration units in academic health centres often work with residents to conduct data‐intensive research. These units face numerous challenges related to providing training in statistical literacy and collaborating on resident‐led research within very restricted timelines. Since 2019, the Duke Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Methods Core has supported over 247 resident‐led projects by developing tools and resources to address these challenges. This manuscript presents novel processes and training materials that other institutions can use to help biostatistics collaboration units effectively support resident training programmes. We provide a framework to support the development of collaborative teams, along with specialized training materials for residents who collaborate with these teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing B cell affinity to pathogen‐specific antigens prior to or following exposure could facilitate the assessment of immune status. Current standard tools to assess antigen‐specific B cell responses focus on equilibrium binding of the secreted antibody in serum. These methods are costly, time‐consuming, and assess antibody affinity under zero force. Recent findings indicate that force may influence BCR‐antigen binding interactions and thus immune status. Herein, a simple laminar flow microfluidic chamber in which the antigen (hemagglutinin of influenza A) is bound to the chamber surface to assess antigen‐specific BCR binding affinity of five hemagglutinin‐specific hybridomas from 65 to 650 pN force range is designed. The results demonstrate that both increasing shear force and bound lifetime can be used to enrich antigen‐specific high‐affinity B cells. The affinity of the membrane‐bound BCR in the flow chamber correlates well with the affinity of the matched antibodies measured in solution. These findings demonstrate that a microfluidic strategy can rapidly assess BCR‐antigen‐binding properties and identify antigen‐specific high‐affinity B cells. This strategy has the potential to both assess functional immune status from peripheral B cells and be a cost‐effective way of identifying individual B cells as antibody sources for a range of clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean oil is an abundant commodity crop that has garnered attention for its use as a feedstock for sustainable materials. Soybean oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acid content, which can promote undesirable properties in biodiesel and lubricant applications. In this work, we characterized the fatty acid composition of commercial soybean oil along with two other soybean oil varieties, Ellis and TN18‐4110. Ellis and commercial soybean oils had similar fatty acid compositions, while TN18‐4110 was enriched in the monounsaturated oleic acid. Biodiesel and estolides were prepared from the three varieties and the relevant physical properties were measured. In comparison to commercial soybean diesel, both Ellis and TN18‐4110 exhibited unique advantages. As estolide‐based lubricants, all three varieties had advantageous cold flow properties, but TN18‐4110 also possessed excellent oxidative stability and lower viscosity. The physical properties and structural property relationships of the biodiesel and estolides are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric heart (HTx) and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients may have lower physical fitness than healthy children. This study sought to quantify fitness levels in transplant recipients, investigate associations to clinical factors and quality of life, and identify whether a quick, simple wall‐sit test is feasible as a surrogate for overall fitness for longitudinal assessment. Methods: Aerobic capacity (6‐min walk test, 6MWT), normalized muscle strength, muscle endurance, physical activity questionnaire (PAQ), and quality of life (PedsQL™) were prospectively assessed in transplanted children and matched healthy controls. Results: Twenty‐two HTx were compared to 20 controls and 6 KTx. 6MWT %predicted was shorter in HTx (87.2 [69.9–118.6] %) than controls (99.9 [80.4–120] %), but similar to KTx (90.3 [78.6–115] %). Muscle strength was lower in HTx deltoids (6.15 [4.35–11.3] kg/m2) and KTx quadriceps (9.27 [8.65–19.1] kg/m2) versus controls. Similarly, muscle endurance was lower in HTx push‐ups (28.6 [0–250] %predicted), KTx push‐ups (8.35 [0–150] %predicted), HTx curl‐ups (115 [0–450] %predicted), and KTx wall‐sit time (18.5 [10.0–54.0] s) than controls. In contrast to HTx with only 9%, all KTx were receiving steroid therapy. The wall‐sit test significantly correlated with other fitness parameters (normalized quadriceps strength R =.31, #push‐ups R =.39, and #curl‐ups R =.43) and PedsQL™ (R =.36). Conclusions: Compared to controls, pediatric HTx and KTx have similarly lower aerobic capacity, but different deficits in muscle strength, likely related to steroid therapy in KTx. The convenient wall‐sit test correlates with fitness and reported quality of life, and thus could be a useful easy routine for longitudinal assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two key challenges in the development of data‐driven gravity‐wave parameterizations are generalization, how to ensure that a data‐driven scheme trained on the present‐day climate will continue to work in a new climate regime, and calibration, how to account for biases in the "host" climate model. Both problems depend fundamentally on the response to out‐of‐sample inputs compared with the training dataset, and are often conflicting. The ability to generalize to new climate regimes often goes hand in hand with sensitivity to model biases. To probe these challenges, we employ a one‐dimensional (1D) quasibiennial oscillation (QBO) model with a stochastic source term that represents convectively generated gravity waves in the Tropics with randomly varying strengths and spectra. We employ an array of machine‐learning models consisting of a fully connected feed‐forward neural network, a dilated convolutional neural network, an encoder–decoder, a boosted forest, and a support‐vector regression model. Our results demonstrate that data‐driven schemes trained on "observations" can be critically sensitive to model biases in the wave sources. While able to emulate accurately the stochastic source term on which they were trained, all of our schemes fail to simulate fully the expected QBO period or amplitude, even with the slightest perturbation to the wave sources. The main takeaway is that some measures will always be required to ensure the proper response to climate change and to account for model biases. We examine one approach based on the ideas of optimal transport, where the wave sources in the model are first remapped to the observed one before applying the data‐driven scheme. This approach is agnostic to the data‐driven method and guarantees that the model adheres to the observational constraints, making sure the model yields the right results for the right reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the results of PADRES (Prior Axitinib as a Determinant of Outcome of Renal Surgery, NCT03438708), a study investigating neoadjuvant axitinib for tumours of high complexity with imperative indication for partial nephrectomy (PN). Methods: We conducted a single‐arm phase II clinical trial of localized (cT1b‐cT3M0) clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients with imperative indications for nephron preservation, where PN is a high‐risk procedure due to complexity (RENAL score 10–12). Axitinib 5 mg was administered twice daily for 8 weeks with repeat imaging at completion, followed by surgery. The primary outcome was successful completion of planned PN following axitinib treatment. Secondary objectives included changes in tumour diameter, RENAL nephrometry score, renal function and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) v1.1, and surgical complications. Results: Twenty‐seven patients were enrolled (median age 69 years). Prior to therapy, twenty patients (74.0%) had ≥ clinical T3a staged tumours. Axitinib resulted in reductions in tumour diameter (7.5 vs 6.2 cm; P < 0.001) and RENAL score (11 vs 10; P < 0.001). Nine patients (33.3%) had partial response based on RECIST and nine (33.3%) were clinically downstaged. PN was performed in twenty patients (74.0%); twenty‐five patients (96.2%) had negative margins. Six patients (22.2%) had Clavien III–IV complications. The median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (preoperative to last follow‐up) was 8.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Conclusion: Neoadjuvant axitnib resulted in reductions in tumour size and complexity, enabling safe and feasible PN and functional preservation in patients with complex renal masses and imperative indication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which examined the change in Internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with Medicare aged 65 and older in the U.S. Cited are the method used to calculate for the proportion of people with Medicare who reported ever using the Internet at home in each year, overall and by person-level characteristics, and the reasons why racially or ethnically minoritized people with Medicare may be less likely to have access to telemedicine.

Ecosystems vary broadly in their responses to disturbance, ranging from highly impacted to resilient or resistant. We conducted a large‐scale analysis of hurricane disturbance effects on coastal marshes by examining 20 years of data from 10 sites covering 100,000 ha at the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long‐Term Ecological Research site distributed across gradients of salinity and proximity to the ocean. We analyzed the impacts of Hurricanes Matthew (in 2016) and Irma (in 2017) on marsh biota (plants, crabs, and snails) and physical attributes (erosion, wrack deposition, and sedimentation). We compared these variables prior to the storms (2000–2015) to years with storms (2016, 2017) to those after the storms (2018–2020). Hurricanes generated storm surges that increased water depth and salinity of oligotrophic areas for up to 48 h. Biological variables in the marsh showed few effects of the hurricanes. The only physical variable affected was creek bank slumping; however, slumping had already increased a year before the hurricanes, suggesting that slumping could have a different cause. Thus, our study uncovered only minor, ephemeral impacts on Georgia coastal marshes, highlighting their resistance to hurricane disturbance of the lower magnitude that typically confronts this region of coastline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) have found wide use in today's market, ranging from industrial materials to pharmaceuticals. Castor oil, which is obtained from castor seeds, has served as a primary source of the most common HFA, ricinoleic acid, but also contains several undesirable compounds which pose severe health risks, the most notable being ricin, an unusually stable, toxic protein. A promising HFA alternative is lesquerella oil, an oil obtained from seeds of the Lesquerella fendleri species. Lesquerella oil is mainly comprised of lesquerolic acid, an HFA that is structurally similar to ricinoleic acid, the only difference being that lesquerolic acid possesses two additional methylene groups on the carboxyl end of the molecule. In addition, the bisphosphonate moiety has been shown to display interesting biological activities, primarily as osteoporosis drugs and anti‐cancer therapeutics. The synthesis of lesquerella‐based bisphosphonates, both an unsaturated and saturated series, have been produced in high yields and high purity and are reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying ecosystem resilience to disturbance is important for understanding the effects of disturbances on ecosystems, especially in an era of rapid global change. However, there are few studies that have used standardized experimental disturbances to compare resilience patterns across abiotic gradients in real-world ecosystems. Theoretical studies have suggested that increased return times are associated with increasing variance during recovery from disturbance. However, this notion has rarely been explicitly tested in field, in part due to the challenges involved in obtaining long-term experimental data. In this study, we examined resilience to disturbance of 12 coastal marsh sites (five low-salinity and seven polyhaline [=salt] marshes) along a salinity gradient in Georgia, USA. We found that recovery times after experimental disturbance ranged from 7 to >127 months, and differed among response variables (vegetation height, cover and composition). Recovery rates decreased along the stress gradient of increasing salinity, presumably due to stress reducing plant vigor, but only when low-salinity and polyhaline sites were analyzed separately, indicating a strong role for traits of dominant plant species. The coefficient of variation of vegetation cover and height in control plots did not vary with salinity. In disturbed plots, however, the coefficient of variation (CV) was consistently elevated during the recovery period and increased with salinity. Moreover, higher CV values during recovery were correlated with slower recovery rates. Our results deepen our understanding of resilience to disturbance in natural ecosystems, and point to novel ways that variance can be used either to infer recent disturbance, or, if measured in areas with a known disturbance history, to predict recovery patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the association between woman farmers and community well‐being using U.S. county‐level data. We address modeling uncertainty around three measures of community well‐being by using a spatial Bayesian model averaging approach and find that a higher share of farms operated or owned by women in a county is associated with higher rates of new business formation, longer life expectancies, and lower poverty rates. The results are consistent with a growing literature that finds women business owners approach their businesses more holistically, with positive community spillovers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate whether depression and anxiety symptoms and illness perception prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) predict health related quality of life (HRQOL) at Day 100 and 1 year following HSCT. Methods: A total of 205 patients who underwent HSCT (N = 127 autologous transplants, N = 78 allogeneic transplants) were included in this prospective study. Baseline assessment was assessed prior to transplantation and post HSCT data were collected at Day 100 and 1 year. At baseline we assessed depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire‐9), anxiety symptoms (Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7), illness perception (Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire), and HRQOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐BMT). Results: Patients who expressed a greater level of concern about the severity, course, and ability to exert control over one's illness (i.e., illness perception) and who reported a greater level of depression and anxiety symptoms prior to HSCT reported lower HRQOL at both Day 100 and 1 year posttransplant, with a similar degree of association observed at the two follow‐up time points. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that pretransplant perceptions about their illness and negative mood are significant predictors of HRQOL following HSCT. Illness perception, depression, and anxiety are potentially modifiable risk factors for less than optimal outcome after HCSCT and intervention strategies should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified intrinsic spinal cord activity, which forms organised motor (ventral) and sensory (dorsal) resting‐state networks. However, to facilitate the use of spinal fMRI in, for example, clinical studies, it is crucial to first assess the reliability of the method, particularly given the unique anatomical, physiological, and methodological challenges associated with acquiring the data. Here, we characterise functional connectivity relationships in the cervical cord and assess their between‐session test–retest reliability in 23 young healthy volunteers. Resting‐state networks were estimated in two ways (1) by estimating seed‐to‐voxel connectivity maps and (2) by calculating seed‐to‐seed correlations. Seed regions corresponded to the four grey matter horns (ventral/dorsal and left/right) of C5–C8 segmental levels. Test–retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Spatial overlap of clusters derived from seed‐to‐voxel analysis between sessions was examined using Dice coefficients. Following seed‐to‐voxel analysis, we observed distinct unilateral dorsal and ventral organisation of cervical spinal resting‐state networks that was largely confined in the rostro–caudal extent to each spinal segmental level, with more sparse connections observed between segments. Additionally, strongest correlations were observed between within‐segment ipsilateral dorsal–ventral connections, followed by within‐segment dorso–dorsal and ventro–ventral connections. Test–retest reliability of these networks was mixed. Reliability was poor when assessed on a voxelwise level, with more promising indications of reliability when examining the average signal within clusters. Reliability of correlation strength between seeds was highly variable, with the highest reliability achieved in ipsilateral dorsal–ventral and dorso‐dorsal/ventro–ventral connectivity. However, the spatial overlap of networks between sessions was excellent. We demonstrate that while test–retest reliability of cervical spinal resting‐state networks is mixed, their spatial extent is similar across sessions, suggesting that these networks are characterised by a consistent spatial representation over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and devastating chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS. CD4+ T cells are assumed to be the first to cross the blood–central nervous system (CNS) barrier and trigger local inflammation. Here, we explored how pathogenicity‐associated effector programs define CD4+ T cell subsets with brain‐homing ability in MS. Runx3‐ and Eomes‐, but not T‐bet‐expressing CD4+ memory cells were diminished in the blood of MS patients. This decline reversed following natalizumab treatment and was supported by a Runx3+Eomes+T‐bet− enrichment in cerebrospinal fluid samples of treatment‐naïve MS patients. This transcription factor profile was associated with high granzyme K (GZMK) and CCR5 levels and was most prominent in Th17.1 cells (CCR6+CXCR3+CCR4−/dim). Previously published CD28− CD4 T cells were characterized by a Runx3+Eomes−T‐bet+ phenotype that coincided with intermediate CCR5 and a higher granzyme B (GZMB) and perforin expression, indicating the presence of two separate subsets. Under steady‐state conditions, granzyme Khigh Th17.1 cells spontaneously passed the blood–brain barrier in vitro. This was only found for other subsets including CD28− cells when using inflamed barriers. Altogether, CD4+ T cells contain small fractions with separate pathogenic features, of which Th17.1 seems to breach the blood–brain barrier as a possible early event in MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments aimed to determine whether working memory capacity (WMC) and high‐order executive functions predict drown detection performance and maintenance under heightened task demands. Experiment 1 (n = 111) found a positive correlation between enhanced performance scores and higher WMC, while executive function showed no comparable association. Experiment 2 (n = 28) individuals with elevated WMC demonstrated an ability to detect a greater number of drowning events over an extended period overall, relative to their lower scoring counterparts. However, this heightened capacity did not necessarily prevent the presence of vigilance decrement, but enabled lifeguards to perform more effectively under conditions of increased bather numbers. Our findings highlight that lifeguards have a measurable underlying process that may systematically discriminate lifeguards of varying degrees of experience and detection performance. This offers a new avenue for future lifeguarding research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2022 mpox outbreak predominantly impacted gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Two models were developed to support situational awareness and management decisions in Canada. A compartmental model characterized epidemic drivers at national/provincial levels, while an agent‐based model (ABM) assessed municipal‐level impacts of vaccination. The models were parameterized and calibrated using empirical case and vaccination data between 2022 and 2023. The compartmental model explored: (1) the epidemic trajectory through community transmission, (2) the potential for transmission among non‐gbMSM, and (3) impacts of vaccination and the proportion of gbMSM contributing to disease transmission. The ABM incorporated sexual‐contact data and modeled: (1) effects of vaccine uptake on disease dynamics, and (2) impacts of case importation on outbreak resurgence. The calibrated, compartmental model followed the trajectory of the epidemic, which peaked in July 2022, and died out in December 2022. Most cases occurred among gbMSM, and epidemic trajectories were not consistent with sustained transmission among non‐gbMSM. The ABM suggested that unprioritized vaccination strategies could increase the outbreak size by 47%, and that consistent importation (≥5 cases per 10 000) is necessary for outbreak resurgence. These models can inform time‐sensitive situational awareness and policy decisions for similar future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Multifocal renal masses and large central‐endophytic tumors can be challenging for partial nephrectomy (PN) due to the paucity of capsule remaining after tumor removal. Our objective was to develop a neocapsule to provide tamponade and test its feasibility/safety in a porcine model. Methods: Eight live pigs (50–70 kg) underwent unclamped open right flank PN. Renal defects were 1 cm deep and had moderate ongoing venous bleeding. A 6 × 9 inch sheet of Nu‐knit® was used for neocapsular reconstruction with Fibrillar™ packing to provide modest tamponade and preclude ongoing bleeding. Blood chemistry and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were drawn preoperatively and postoperative Days 3/5/8. On postoperative Day 8, euthanasia was performed, and both kidneys were inspected and analyzed for histologic changes. Results: PN defects ranged from 1 × 1 × 1 cm to 4 × 2 × 1 cm; four pigs had PN performed in both poles and four in one pole. Neocapsular reconstruction was successful (n = 8), with no perioperative complications. Median baseline Hb was 10.4 g/dL, and median Hb postoperative Days 3/5/8 were 10.0/10.8/10.6 g/dL, respectively. Median baseline serum creatinine (SCr) was 1.9 mg/dL, and median SCr postoperative Days 3/5/8 were 1.5/1.4/1.5 mg/dL, respectively. At sacrifice, no significant hematomas were observed. Other than adjacent to the PN site, there were no significant histologic changes in the parenchyma for operative kidneys versus controls. Based on our experience, we recently performed neocapsular reconstruction safely/effectively after extensive PN for multifocal tumors and for an allograft with difficult‐to‐manage subcapsular hematoma. Conclusions: Neocapsular reconstruction after PN or capsular trauma appears feasible and safe and may be considered to reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding. However, further study will be needed to confirm the utility/efficacy of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neuropharmacological changes in visual snow syndrome (VSS) are poorly understood. We aimed to use receptor target maps combined with resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify which neurotransmitters might modulate brain circuits involved in VSS. Methods: We used Receptor‐Enriched Analysis of Functional Connectivity by Targets (REACT) to estimate and compare the molecular‐enriched functional networks related to 5 neurotransmitter systems of patients with VSS (n = 24), healthy controls (HCs; n = 24), and migraine patients ([MIG], n = 25, 15 of whom had migraine with aura [MwA]). For REACT we used receptor density templates for the transporters of noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin, GABA‐A and NMDA receptors, as well as 5HT1B and 5HT2A receptors, and estimated the subject‐specific voxel‐wise maps of functional connectivity (FC). We then performed voxel‐wise comparisons of these maps among HCs, MIG, and VSS. Results: Patients with VSS had reduced FC in glutamatergic networks localized in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) compared to HCs and patients with migraine, and reduced FC in serotoninergic networks localized in the insula, temporal pole, and orbitofrontal cortex compared to controls, similar to patients with migraine with aura. Patients with VSS also showed reduced FC in 5HT2A‐enriched networks, largely localized in occipito‐temporo‐parietal association cortices. As revealed by subgroup analyses, these changes were independent of, and analogous to, those found in patients with migraine with aura. Interpretation: Our results show that glutamate and serotonin are involved in brain connectivity alterations in areas of the visual, salience, and limbic systems in VSS. Importantly, altered serotonergic connectivity is independent of migraine in VSS, and simultaneously comparable to that of migraine with aura, highlighting a shared biology between the disorders. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:873–884 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of intensification of Amazon basin hydrological cycling—manifest as increasingly frequent floods and droughts—on water and energy cycles of tropical forests is essential to meeting the challenge of predicting ecosystem responses to climate change, including forest "tipping points". Here, we investigated the impacts of hydrological extremes on forest function using 12+ years of observations (between 2001–2020) of water and energy fluxes from eddy covariance, along with associated ecological dynamics from biometry, at the Tapajós National Forest. Measurements encompass the strong 2015–2016 El Niño drought and La Niña 2008–2009 wet events. We found that the forest responded strongly to El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO): Drought reduced water availability for evapotranspiration (ET) leading to large increases in sensible heat fluxes (H). Partitioning ET by an approach that assumes transpiration (T) is proportional to photosynthesis, we found that water stress‐induced reductions in canopy conductance (Gs) drove T declines partly compensated by higher evaporation (E). By contrast, the abnormally wet La Niña period gave higher T and lower E, with little change in seasonal ET. Both El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events resulted in changes in forest structure, manifested as lower wet‐season leaf area index. However, only during El Niño 2015–2016, we observed a breakdown in the strong meteorological control of transpiration fluxes (via energy availability and atmospheric demand) because of slowing vegetation functions (via shutdown of Gs and significant leaf shedding). Drought‐reduced T and Gs, higher H and E, amplified by feedbacks with higher temperatures and vapor pressure deficits, signaled that forest function had crossed a threshold, from which it recovered slowly, with delay, post‐drought. Identifying such tipping point onsets (beyond which future irreversible processes may occur) at local scale is crucial for predicting basin‐scale threshold‐crossing changes in forest energy and water cycling, leading to slow‐down in forest function, potentially resulting in Amazon forests shifting into alternate degraded states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploiting the optimum wavelength of reactivity for efficient photochemical reactions has been well‐established based on the development of photochemical action plots. We herein demonstrate the power of such action plots by a remarkable example of the wavelength‐resolved photochemistry of two triazolinedione (TAD) substrates, i.e. aliphatic and aromatic substituted, that exhibit near identical absorption spectra yet possess vastly disparate photoreactivity. We present our findings in carefully recorded action plots, from which reaction selectivity is identified. The profound difference in photoreactivity is exploited by designing a 'hybrid' bisfunctional TAD molecule, enabling the formation of a dual‐gated reaction manifold that demonstrates the exceptional and site‐selective (photo)chemical behavior of both TAD substrates within a single small molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Entwicklung von sog. „Action Plots" ermöglicht effizientere photochemische Prozesse durch Verwendung der optimalen Wellenlänge und damit der maximalen Reaktivität der Substrate. Wir präsentieren hier die Vorteile solcher Action Plots anhand der wellenlängenaufgelösten Photochemie zweier Triazolindion (TAD)‐Substrate, d. h. aliphatisch und aromatisch substituierter Substrate, die nahezu identische Absorptionsspektren, jedoch eine sehr unterschiedliche Photoreaktivität, aufweisen. Wir stellen unsere Ergebnisse in Action Plots dar, in welchen sich die Reaktionsselektivität zeigt. Der fundamentale Unterschied in der Photoreaktivität wird für die Entwicklung eines hybriden bisfunktionalen TAD‐Moleküls ausgenutzt, das die Bildung eines zweifach gesteuerten Reaktionpfades ermöglicht, welcher das außergewöhnliche regioselektive (photo)chemische Verhalten beider TAD‐Substrate innerhalb eines einzigen kleinen Moleküls vereint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxy fatty acids (HFAs) have long been a staple component of feedstock oils with uses ranging from motor oils to food to pharmaceuticals. Castor oil, which contains the HFA ricinoleic acid as its principal component, is the most widely used source of HFA in the world. In addition, bisphosphonates are a functional moiety that has been shown to display a variety of industrial applications, ranging from use in water softeners to osteoporosis drugs, primarily due to their affinity for the calcium ion. We have long been interested in the modification of ricinoleic acid from castor oil to phosphorus derivatives, including α‐hydroxy phosphonates and phosphonic acids, and have now accomplished the synthesis of a family of ricinoleic‐derived bisphosphonates: one that retains the cis alkene found in ricinoleic acid and one where the alkene has undergone hydrogenation. These compounds have been produced in high yields and high purity and the synthesis of these compounds is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify factors associated with longitudinal ipsilateral functional decline after partial nephrectomy (PN). Patients and Methods: Of 1140 patients managed with PN (2012–2014), 349 (31%) had imaging/serum creatinine levels pre‐PN, 1–12 months post‐PN (new baseline), and >3 years later necessary for inclusion. Parenchymal‐volume analysis was used to determine split renal function. Patients were grouped as having significant renal comorbidity (CohortSRC: diabetes mellitus with insulin‐dependence or end‐organ damage, refractory hypertension, or severe pre‐existing chronic kidney disease) vs not having significant renal comorbidity (CohortNoSRC) preoperatively. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of annual ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy and functional decline relative to new baseline values post‐PN, after the kidney had healed. Results: The median follow‐up was 6.3 years with 87/226/36 patients having cold/warm/zero ischaemia. The median cold/warm ischaemia times were 32/22 min. Overall, the median tumour size was 3.0 cm. The preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and new baseline GFR (NBGFR) were 81 and 71 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. After establishment of the NBGFR, the median loss of global and ipsilateral function was 0.7 and 0.4 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, respectively, consistent with the natural ageing process. Overall, the median ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy was 1.2 cm3/year and accounted for a median of 53% of the annual functional decline. Significant renal comorbidity, age, and warm ischaemia were independently associated with ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy (all P < 0.01). Significant renal comorbidity and ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy were independently associated with annual ipsilateral functional decline (both P < 0.01). Annual median ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy and functional decline were both significantly increased for CohortSRC compared to CohortNoSRC (2.8 vs 0.9 cm3, P < 0.01 and 0.90 vs 0.30 mL/min/1.73 m2/year, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Longitudinal renal function following PN generally follows the normal ageing process. Significant renal comorbidities, age, warm ischaemia, and ipsilateral parenchymal atrophy were the most important predictors of ipsilateral functional decline following establishment of NBGFR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Recent studies suggest that the radiological infiltrative feature (r‐IF) of renal tumors is strongly correlated with poor oncologic outcomes in locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study investigated the prognostic impact of r‐IF of primary renal tumors in metastatic RCC (mRCC) in comparison with International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk model. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 91 patients with previously untreated mRCC. Dynamic computed tomography of the primary renal tumor was reviewed to assess r‐IF, defined as a focally/extensively ill‐defined tumor interface with normal renal parenchyma. Results: The median age was 67 years, and 69 patients (76%) were men. Prior nephrectomy was performed in 47 patients (52%). The median size of the primary renal tumor was 6.7 cm, and 50 patients (55%) presented with cT3–4 stage. Overall, 25 (28%)/52 (57%)/14 (15%) patients were classified into IMDC favorable/intermediate/poor‐risk groups, respectively. An image review identified r‐IFs in the primary renal tumor in 40 patients (44%). The incidences of r‐IFs were 28%/46%/64% in IMDC favorable/intermediate/poor‐risk groups, respectively. During a median follow‐up of 2.6 years, 31 patients (34%) died of RCC. On multivariable analysis, r‐IF and IMDC intermediate‐poor risks were independently associated with poor cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Two‐year CSS were 64%/87% in patients with/without r‐IF, respectively. C‐index was improved from 0.73 to 0.81 by adding r‐IF to the IMDC risk factors. Conclusions: R‐IF of the primary renal tumor was an independent risk factor for poor CSS in patients with mRCC, which may improve the prognostic accuracy when combined with the IMDC risk model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of winds and local mineralogy on ambient aerosol composition are poorly understood. We measured the Raman spectra (RS) of ambient aerosol particles on the Jornada Experimental Range, a desert location in southern New Mexico, used these RS to group spectra by composition or spectral features, and compared the numbers of RS with the winds and minerology. An aerosol Raman hyperspectral imager was used to collect particles onto a tape and measure a hyperspectral Raman image in 15‐ or 20‐min intervals. Over a 48 h period, 6306 RS were above the thresholds used and were analyzed further. Multiple RS may originate from the same particle. Of these 6306 RS, 2567 were classified as luminescence; 2647 contained the D and G peaks of DG Carbon (DGC, which includes soots, black carbon, and similar materials); 43 exhibited peaks consistent with CH stretching; and 130, 102, and 29 RS were consistent with quartz, carbonates (calcite and dolomite), and potassium feldspar, respectively. A convective dust event was concurrent with an increase in the number of RS of luminescent particles >20X the median; numbers of DGC RS in the interquartile range of DGC for the entire measurement period; RS consistent with quartz, calcite, iron oxides, feldspar, and anatase; and no RS consistent with oxalates or nitrates. This work shows that hyperspectral Raman imaging can help understand the time‐dependent composition of ambient aerosol particles at time resolutions below an hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To advance the applications of direct laser writing (DLW), adaptability of the printed structure is critical, prompting a shift toward printing structures that are comprised of different materials, and/or can be partially or fully erased on demand. However, most structures that contain these features are often printed by complex processes or require harsh developing techniques. Herein, a unique photoresist for DLW is introduced that is capable of printing 3D microstructures that can be erased by exposure to darkness. Specifically, microstructures based on light‐stabilized dynamic materials are fabricated that remain stable when continously irradiated with green light, but degrade once the light source is switched off. The degradation and light stabilization properties of the printed materials are analyzed in‐depth by time‐lapse scanning electron microscopy. It is demonstrated that these resists can be used to impart responsive behavior onto the printed structure, and –critically– as a temporary locking mechanism to control the release of moving structural features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Appropriate evaluation of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is imperative because of the potentially life‐threatening complications. However, overtesting and overdiagnosis of HIT are common. Our goal was to evaluate the impact of clinical decision support (CDS) based on the HIT computerized‐risk (HIT‐CR) score, designed to reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing. This retrospective observational study evaluated CDS that presented a platelet count versus time graph and 4Ts score calculator to clinicians who initiated a HIT immunoassay order in patients with predicted low risk (HIT‐CR score 0–2). The primary outcome was the proportion of immunoassay orders initiated but cancelled after firing of the CDS advisory. Chart reviews were conducted to assess anticoagulation usage, 4Ts scores and the proportion of patients who had HIT. In a 20‐week period, 319 CDS advisories were presented to users who initiated potentially unnecessary HIT diagnostic testing. The diagnostic test order was discontinued in 80 (25%) patients. Heparin products were continued in 139 (44%) patients, and alternative anticoagulation was not given to 264 (83%). The negative predictive value of the advisory was 98.8% (95% CI: 97.2–99.5). HIT‐CR score‐based CDS can reduce unnecessary diagnostic testing for HIT in patients with a low pretest probability of HIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Identification of epilepsy patients with elevated risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) is critical given the heightened morbidity and premature mortality associated with this arrhythmia. Epilepsy is a worldwide health problem affecting nearly 3.4 million people in the United States alone. The potential for increased risk for AF in patients with epilepsy is not well appreciated, despite recent evidence from a national survey of 1.4 million hospitalizations indicating that AF is the most common arrhythmia in people with epilepsy. Methods: We analyzed inter‐lead heterogeneity of P‐wave morphology, a marker reflecting arrhythmogenic nonuniformities of activation/conduction in atrial tissue. The study groups consisted of 96 patients with epilepsy and 44 consecutive patients with AF in sinus rhythm before clinically indicated ablation. Individuals without cardiovascular or neurological conditions (n = 77) were also assessed. We calculated P‐wave heterogeneity (PWH) by second central moment analysis of simultaneous beats from leads II, III, and aVR ("atrial dedicated leads") from standard 12‐lead electrocardiography (ECG) recordings from admission day to the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). Results: Female patients composed 62.5%, 59.6%, and 57.1% of the epilepsy, AF, and control subjects, respectively. The AF cohort was older (66 ± 1.1 years) than the epilepsy group (44 ± 1.8 years, p <.001). The level of PWH was greater in the epilepsy group than in the control group (67 ± 2.6 vs. 57 ± 2.5 μV, p =.046) and reached levels observed in AF patients (67 ± 2.6 vs. 68 ± 4.9 μV, p =.99). In multiple linear regression analysis, PWH levels in individuals with epilepsy were mainly correlated with the PR interval and could be related to sympathetic tone. Epilepsy remained associated with PWH after adjustments for cardiac risk factors, age, and sex. Significance: Patients with chronic epilepsy have increased PWH comparable to levels observed in patients with AF, while being ~20 years younger, suggesting an acceleration in structural change and/or cardiac electrical instability. These observations are consistent with emerging evidence of an "epileptic heart" condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 40 species of parrots, members of order Psittaciformes, have established nonnative populations globally. Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are among the most invasive bird species worldwide. In their introduced range, populations of monk parakeets have caused negative impacts on native species, habitats, economies, and human safety. Lethal population management has been complicated by the intelligence of monk parakeets, as they quickly alter behavior to avoid risks. Further, lethal control programs have been halted due to public controversy, as parakeets are highly charismatic. The contraceptive DiazaCon has been demonstrated to effectively reduce fertility in monk parakeets and other psittacines. In field applications, chemical control agents (e.g., toxicants and contraceptives) must be delivered in a manner that prohibits access by nontarget species. We developed and tested a parakeet‐selective feeder. The feeder allows access by parakeets and limits access by nontarget bird species by lowering a wire exclusion curtain around the feeder, requiring a zygodactyl toe arrangement to access food. We tested the parakeet‐selective feeder in trials with captive and free‐ranging monk parakeets and nontarget species in Florida, USA. Monk parakeets successfully accessed food from the parakeet‐selective feeder throughout the study. The mean number of daily feeder uses by nontarget species decreased from a high of nearly 16 uses per day when the exclusion curtain was not implemented to <1 use per day when implemented. Our findings suggest the parakeet‐selective feeder is a promising tool for delivery of bait treated with chemical control agents to manage monk parakeets and other nonnative parakeet populations, but implementation success will likely vary by target species, location, local faunal diversity, and availability of alternative forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is associated with increased cancer risk. Because of the substantial and sustained weight loss following bariatric surgery, postsurgical patients are ideal to study the association of weight loss and cancer. Methods: Retrospectively (1982–2019), 21,837 bariatric surgery patients (surgery, 1982–2018) were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and BMI with a nonsurgical comparison group. Procedures included gastric bypass, gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch. Primary outcomes included cancer incidence and mortality, stratified by obesity‐ and non‐obesity‐related cancers, sex, cancer stage, and procedure. Results: Bariatric surgery patients had a 25% lower risk of developing any cancers compared with a nonsurgical comparison group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75; 95% CI 0.69–0.81; p < 0.001). Cancer incidence was lower among female (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.62–0.74; p < 0.001) but not male surgery patients, with the HR lower for females than for males (p < 0.001). Female surgery patients had a 41% lower risk for obesity‐related cancers (i.e., breast, ovarian, uterine, and colon) compared with nonsurgical females (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.52–0.66; p < 0.001). Cancer mortality was significantly lower after surgery in females (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.44–0.64; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery was associated with lower all‐cancer and obesity‐related cancer incidence among female patients. Cancer mortality was significantly lower among females in the surgical group versus the nonsurgical group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Stable flies [Stomoxys calcitrans (L.)] are economically important pests of cattle and other livestock. As an alternative to conventional insecticides, we tested a push–pull management strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid repellent formulation and an attractant‐added stable fly trap. RESULTS: In our field trials we found that weekly applications of a push–pull strategy can reduce stable fly populations on cattle as well as a standard insecticide (permethrin). We also found that the efficacy periods of the push–pull and permethrin treatments following on‐animal application were equivalent. Traps with an attractant lure used as the pull component of the push–pull strategy captured sufficient numbers of stable flies to reduce on‐animal numbers by an estimated 17–21%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first proof‐of‐concept field trial demonstrating the effectiveness of a push–pull strategy using a coconut oil fatty acid‐based repellent formulation and traps with an attractant lure to manage stable flies on pasture cattle. Also notable is that the push–pull strategy had an efficacy period equivalent to that of a standard, conventional insecticide under field conditions. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent endocrine‐disrupting chemicals that may contribute to breast cancer development; however, epidemiologic evidence is limited. We investigated associations between prediagnostic serum levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and postmenopausal breast cancer risk, overall and by hormone receptor status, in a nested case‐control study of 621 cases and 621 matched controls in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. PFOS and PFOA levels were determined based on serum metabolomic profiling performed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. We used multivariable conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between each PFAS and breast cancer risk, overall, by estrogen receptor (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) status, and by joint ER/PR status. We found little evidence of association between PFOS or PFOA and breast cancer risk overall. However, in subtype‐specific analyses, we observed statistically significant increased risks of ER+, PR+, and ER+/PR+ tumors for the third vs lowest quartile of serum PFOS (ORs [95% CIs] = 1.59 [1.01‐2.50], 2.34 [1.29‐4.23], and 2.19 [1.21‐3.98], respectively) and elevated but nonstatistically significant ORs for the fourth quartile. Conversely, for PFOA, modest positive associations with ER−, PR−, ER+/PR−, and ER−/PR− tumors were generally seen in the upper quartiles. Our findings contribute evidence supporting positive associations between serum PFOS and hormone receptor‐positive tumors, and possibly between PFOA and receptor‐negative tumors. Future prospective studies incorporating tumor hormone receptor status are needed to better understand the role of PFAS in breast cancer etiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To provide a more rigorous assessment of factors affecting functional recovery after partial nephrectomy (PN) using novel tools that allow for analysis of more patients and improved accuracy for assessment of parenchymal volume loss, thereby revealing the potential impact of secondary factors such as ischaemia. Patients and Methods: Of 1140 patients managed with PN (2012–2014), 670 (59%) had imaging and serum creatinine levels measured before and after PN necessary for inclusion. Recovery from ischaemia was defined as the ipsilateral glomerular filtration rate (GFR) saved normalised by parenchymal volume saved. Acute kidney injury was assessed through Spectrum Score, which quantifies the degree of acute ipsilateral renal dysfunction due to exposure to ischaemia that would otherwise be masked by the contralateral kidney. Multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of Spectrum Score and Recovery from Ischaemia. Results: In all, 409/189/72 patients had warm/cold/zero ischaemia, respectively, with median (interquartile range [IQR]) ischaemia times for cold and warm ischaemia of 30 (25–42) and 22 (18–28) min, respectively. The median (IQR) global preoperative GFR and new baseline GFR (NBGFR) were 78 (63–92) and 69 (54–81) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. The median (IQR) ipsilateral preoperative GFR and NBGFR were 40 (33–47) and 31 (24–38) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Functional recovery correlated strongly with parenchymal volume preserved (r = 0.83, P < 0.01). The median (IQR) decline in ipsilateral GFR associated with PN was 7.8 (4.5–12) mL/min/1.73 m2 with loss of parenchyma accounting for 81% of this loss. The median (IQR) recovery from ischaemia was similar across the cold/warm/zero ischaemia groups at 96% (90%–102%), 95% (89%–101%), and 97% (91%–102%), respectively. Independent predictors of Spectrum Score were ischaemia time, tumour complexity, and preoperative global GFR. Independent predictors of recovery from ischaemia were insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus, refractory hypertension, warm ischaemia, and Spectrum Score. Conclusions: The main determinant of functional recovery after PN is parenchymal volume preservation. A more robust and rigorous evaluation allowed us to identify secondary factors including comorbidities, increased tumour complexity, and ischaemia‐related factors that are also independently associated with impaired recovery, although altogether these were much less impactful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered postural control in the trunk/hip musculature is a characteristic of multiple neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. Previously it was not possible to determine if altered cortical and subcortical sensorimotor brain activation underlies impairments in postural control. This study used a novel fMRI‐compatible paradigm to identify the brain activation associated with postural control in the trunk and hip musculature. BOLD fMRI imaging was conducted as participants performed two versions of a lower limb task involving lifting the left leg to touch the foot to a target. For the supported leg raise (SLR) the leg is raised from the knee while the thigh remains supported. For the unsupported leg raise (ULR) the leg is raised from the hip, requiring postural muscle activation in the abdominal/hip extensor musculature. Significant brain activation during the SLR task occurred predominantly in the right primary and secondary sensorimotor cortical regions. Brain activation during the ULR task occurred bilaterally in the primary and secondary sensorimotor cortical regions, as well as cerebellum and putamen. In comparison with the SLR, the ULR was associated with significantly greater activation in the right premotor/SMA, left primary motor and cingulate cortices, primary somatosensory cortex, supramarginal gyrus/parietal operculum, superior parietal lobule, cerebellar vermis, and cerebellar hemispheres. Cortical and subcortical regions activated during the ULR, but not during the SLR, were consistent with the planning, and execution of a task involving multisegmental, bilateral postural control. Future studies using this paradigm will determine mechanisms underlying impaired postural control in patients with neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]