Search

Abstract We present the result of a search for the charged-lepton-flavor violating decay τ − → μ − μ + μ − using a 424 fb −1 sample of data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB e + e − collider. The selection of e + e − → τ + τ − events is based on an inclusive reconstruction of the non-signal tau decay, and on a boosted decision tree to suppress background. We observe one signal candidate, which is compatible with the expectation from background processes. We set a 90% confidence level upper limit of 1.9 × 10 −8 on the branching fraction of the τ − → μ − μ + μ − decay, which is the most stringent bound to date.

Abstract We present a measurement of the ratio R μ = B τ − → μ − ν ¯ μ ν τ / B τ − → e − ν ¯ e ν τ $$ {R}_{\mu }=\mathcal{B}\left({\tau}^{-}\to {\mu}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_{\mu }{\nu}_{\tau}\right)/\mathcal{B}\left({\tau}^{-}\to {e}^{-}{\overline{\nu}}_e{\nu}_{\tau}\right) $$ of branching fractions B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ of the τ lepton decaying to muons or electrons using data collected with the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB e + e − collider. The sample has an integrated luminosity of 362 ± 2 fb −1 at a centre-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV. Using an optimised event selection, a binned maximum likelihood fit is performed using the momentum spectra of the electron and muon candidates. The result, R μ = 0.9675 ± 0.0007 ± 0.0036, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic, is the most precise to date. It provides a stringent test of the light-lepton universality, translating to a ratio of the couplings of the muon and electron to the W boson in τ decays of 0.9974 ± 0.0019, in agreement with the standard model expectation of unity.

Abstract We present measurements of the branching fractions of eight B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D (*)+ K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ , B − → D (*)0 K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ decay channels. The results are based on data from SuperKEKB electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance collected with the Belle II detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 362 fb −1. The event yields are extracted from fits to the distributions of the difference between expected and observed B meson energy, and are efficiency-corrected as a function of m(K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ ) and m(D (*) K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ ) in order to avoid dependence on the decay model. These results include the first observation of B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D + K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ , B − → D* 0 K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ , and B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D* + K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ decays and a significant improvement in the precision of the other channels compared to previous measurements. The helicity-angle distributions and the invariant mass distributions of the K − K S ∗ 0 $$ {K}_{(S)}^{\left(\ast \right)0} $$ systems are compatible with quasi-two-body decays via a resonant transition with spin-parity J P = 1− for the K − K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ systems and J P = 1+ for the K − K* 0 systems. We also present measurements of the branching fractions of four B ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{B}}^0 $$ → D (*)+ D s − $$ {D}_s^{-} $$ , B − → D (*)0 D s − $$ {D}_s^{-} $$ decay channels with a precision compatible to the current world averages.

Abstract We report results from a study of B ± → DK ± decays followed by D decaying to the CP-even final state K + K − and CP-odd final state K S 0 π 0 $$ {K}_S^0{\pi}^0 $$ , where D is an admixture of D 0 and D ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{D}}^0 $$ states. These decays are sensitive to the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity-triangle angle ϕ 3. The results are based on a combined analysis of the final data set of 772 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs collected by the Belle experiment and a data set of 198 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs collected by the Belle II experiment, both in electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance. We measure the CP asymmetries to be A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP+ = (+12.5 ± 5.8 ± 1.4)% and A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP− = (−16.7 ± 5.7 ± 0.6)%, and the ratios of branching fractions to be R $$ \mathcal{R} $$ CP+ = 1.164 ± 0.081 ± 0.036 and R $$ \mathcal{R} $$ CP− = 1.151 ± 0.074 ± 0.019. The first contribution to the uncertainties is statistical, and the second is systematic. The asymmetries A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP+ and A $$ \mathcal{A} $$ CP− have similar magnitudes and opposite signs; their difference corresponds to 3.5 standard deviations. From these values we calculate 68.3% confidence intervals of (8.5 ° < ϕ 3 < 16.5 ° ) or (84.5 ° < ϕ 3 < 95.5 ° ) or (163.3 ° < ϕ 3 < 171.5 ° ) and 0.321 < r B < 0.465.

Abstract Background Prospective memory is the ability to engage in an intention to be performed in the future. The main objective of this study was to identify instruments that assess both time-based and event-based prospective memory in children and adolescents and that have the potential to be clinically applicable. Method Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO) were searched to identify existing PM measures in original articles published until 2022. Literature searches were conducted using the following terms: (prospective memor* OR memor* for intentions) AND (neuropsychological assessment) AND (test* OR instrument* OR questionnaire* OR task*) AND (psychometric properties) AND (child* OR adolescen*). Relevant studies identified in the reference lists were also included in the review. Results Ten instruments were identified and classified into three categories: (a) test batteries, (b) experimental procedures, and (c) questionnaires. All the instruments identified were described concerning their content and the psychometric properties available. Some of the instruments presented empirical evidence regarding validity and reliability, but no one provided normative data. Conclusion Besides the recent progress regarding studies publishing the development of a variety of novel measures, there are still many limitations surrounding the assessment of PM in the youth population because of the yet incipient psychometric properties presented by the majority of the PM instruments. Recommendations for a gold-standard PM instrument for assessing children and adolescents are provided.

Background: Individuals experiencing socioeconomic inequity have worse health outcomes and face barriers to palliative and end-of-life care. There is a need to develop palliative care programs tailored to this underserved population. Objectives: To understand the characteristics and symptom profiles of a group of urban patients experiencing socioeconomic inequity and receiving palliative care. Design: Descriptive exploratory analysis of a patient dataset. The patient dataset was generated through a pilot research study with patients experiencing socioeconomic inequity and life-limiting illness who received a community-based palliative care intervention. Methods: The intervention took place over 1 year in the Palliative Care Outreach and Advocacy Team, a community-based urban palliative care clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, serving persons experiencing socioeconomic inequity. Participants had to be at least 18 years of age, be able to communicate in English, require palliative care for a life-limiting illness, and be able to consent to inclusion in the study. Results: Twenty-five participants were enrolled. Participants predominantly identified as male and Indigenous, experienced poverty and housing instability, and had metastatic cancer. Our participants rated their pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety as more severe than the broader community-based palliative care population in the same city. Most patients died in inpatient hospices (73%). Conclusion: Our analysis provides an in-depth picture of an understudied, underserved population requiring palliative care. Given the higher symptom severity experienced by participants, our analysis highlights the importance of person-centered palliative care. We suggest that socioeconomic inequity should be considered in patients with life-limiting illnesses. Further research is needed to explore palliative care delivery to those facing socioeconomic inequity.

(1) Background: This observational cohort study describes the frequency, content, and satisfaction with advance care planning (ACP) conversations with healthcare providers (HCPs), as reported by patients with advanced colorectal cancer. (2) Methods: The patients were recruited from two tertiary cancer centers in Alberta, Canada. Using the My Conversations survey with previously validated questions, the patients were asked about specific ACP elements discussed, with which HCPs these elements were discussed, their satisfaction with these conversations, and whether they had a goals of care designation (GCD) order. We surveyed and analyzed data from the following four time points: enrollment, months 1, 2, and 3. (3) Results: In total, 131 patients were recruited. At enrollment, 24% of patients reported discussing at least one ACP topic. From enrollment to month 3, patients reported a high frequency of discussions (80.2% discussed fears, 71.0% discussed prognosis, 54.2% discussed treatment preferences at least once); however, only 44.3% of patients reported discussing what is important to them in considering health care preferences. Patients reported having ACP conversations most often with their oncologists (84.7%) and cancer clinic nurses (61.8%). Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with their ACP conversations, with over 80% of patients reported feeling heard and understood. From enrollment to month 3, there was an increase in the number of patients with a GCD order from 53% to 74%. (4) Conclusions: Patients reported more frequent conversations compared to the literature and clinical documentation. While the satisfaction with these conversations is high, there is room for quality improvement, particularly in eliciting patients’ personal goals for their treatment.

Considering the fundamental mechanism causing singularity phenomena, we performed the following abduction: Assuming that a multicellular system is driven by spontaneous fluctuation of each cell and dynamic interaction of the cells, state transition of the system would be experimentally predictable from cellular heterogeneity. This study evaluates the abductive hypothesis by analyzing cellular heterogeneity to distinguish pre-state of state transition of differentiating cells with Raman spectroscopy and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) technique. Herein, we investigated the time development of cellular heterogeneity in Raman spectra during cardiomyogenesis of six hiPSC lines and tested two types of analyses for heterogeneity. As expected, some spectral peaks, possibly attributed to glycogen, correctively exhibited higher heterogeneity, prior to intensity changes of the spectrum in the both analyses in the all cell-lines tested. The combination of spectral data and heterogeneity-based analysis will be an approach to the arrival of biology that uses not only signal intensity but also heterogeneity as a biological index.

Abstract Background Cancer disparities are a major public health concern in Canada, affecting racialized communities of Latin American and African descent, among others. This is evident in lower screening rates, lower access to curative, and palliative-intent treatments, higher rates of late cancer diagnoses and lower survival rates than the general Canadian population. We will develop an Access to Palliative Care Strategy informed by health equity and patient-oriented research principles to accelerate care improvements for patients with advanced cancer of African and Latin American descent. Methods This is a community-based participatory research study that will take place in two Canadian provinces. Patients and community members representatives have been engaged as partners in the planning and design of the study. We have formed a patient advisory council (PAC) with patient partners to guide the development of the Access to Palliative Care Strategy for people of African and Latin American descent. We will engage100 participants consisting of advanced cancer patients, families, and community members of African and Latin American descent, and health care providers. We will conduct in-depth interviews to delineate participants’ experiences of access to palliative care. We will explore the intersections of race, gender, socioeconomic status, language barriers, and other social categorizations to elucidate their role in diverse access experiences. These findings will inform the development of an action plan to increase access to palliative care that is tailored to our study population. We will then organize conversation series to examine together with community partners and healthcare providers the appropriateness, effectiveness, risks, requirements, and convenience of the strategy. At the end of the study, we will hold knowledge exchange gatherings to share findings with the community. Discussion This study will improve our understanding of how patients with advanced cancer from racialized communities in Canada access palliative care. Elements to address gaps in access to palliative care and reduce inequities in these communities will be identified. Based on the study findings a strategy to increase access to palliative care for this population will be developed. This study will inform ways to improve access to palliative care for racialized communities in other parts of Canada and globally.

Socioeconomic and environmental losses caused by water erosion have highlighted the importance of quantifying and understanding the dynamics of soil redistribution in the landscape to develop effective soil management practices. Several methods are applied to estimate erosion/deposition rates and identify sources of sediments, among them, the one that uses rare earth elements (REE) as a tracer stands out. However, an alternative not yet explored that can benefit the accuracy of the estimates provided by the method is using a tracer containing a chemical signature composed of more than one REE. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of a new water erosion tracer based on montmorillonite labeled with rare earth elements (La40-MMT). The innovative aspects of this La40-MMT tracer include its highly stable multi-chemical signature (Nd3+, La3+, and Pr3+), which enhances tracer detection in the environment, and its low production cost due to the use of an industrial residue in the synthesis process. The tracer was evaluated for a typical soil of the Cerrado biome, using a natural rainfall field-scale plot - NRFP (5 m × 20 m) and a physical predictive erosion model (WEPP). The results showed that the La40-MMT tracer could be used to estimate erosion/deposition rates, with agreement between the values observed with the tracer and the WEPP model. Thus, this study confirmed the great potential of La40-MMT as a tool to identify patterns of soil redistribution at the field scale and aid in the validation of erosion models.

Single model initial-condition large ensembles (LEs) are a useful approach to understand the roles of forced responses and internal variability in historical and future climate change. Here, we produce one of the largest ensembles thus far using the MIROC6 coupled atmosphere–ocean global climate model (MIROC6-LE). The total experimental period of MIROC6-LE is longer than 76 000 years. MIROC6-LE consists of a long preindustrial control run, 50-member historical simulations, 8 single forcing historical experiments with 10 or 50 members, 5 future scenario experiments with 50 members and 3 single forcing future experiments with 50 members. Here, we describe the experimental design. The output data of most of the experiments are freely available to the public. This dataset would be useful to a wide range of research communities. We also demonstrate some examples of initial analyses. Specifically, we confirm that the linear additivity of the forcing-response relationship holds for the 1850–2020 trends of the annual mean values and extreme indices of surface air temperature and precipitation by analyzing historical fully forced runs and the sum of single forced historical runs. To isolate historical anthropogenic signals of annual mean and extreme temperature for 2000–2020 relative to 1850–1900, ensemble sizes of 4 and 15, respectively, are sufficient in most of the world. Historical anthropogenic signals of annual mean and extreme precipitation are significant with the 50-member ensembles in 76 % and 69 % of the world, respectively. Fourteen members are sufficient to examine differences in changes in annual mean values and extreme indices of temperature and precipitation between the shared socioeconomic pathways (ssp), ssp585 and ssp126, in most of the world. Ensembles larger than 50 members are desirable for investigations of differences in annual mean and extreme precipitation changes between ssp126 and ssp119. Historical and future changes in internal variability, represented by departures from the ensemble mean, are analyzed with a focus on the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and global annual mean temperature and precipitation. An ensemble size of 31 is large enough to detect ENSO intensification from preindustrial conditions to 1951–2000, from 1951–2000 to 2051–2100 in all future experiments, and from low- to high-emission future scenario experiments. The single forcing historical experiments with 27 members can isolate ENSO intensification due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas and aerosol forcings. Future changes in the global mean temperature variability are discernible with 23 members under all future experiments, while 50 members are not sufficient for detecting changes in the global mean precipitation variability in ssp119 and ssp126. We also confirm that these temperature and precipitation variabilities are not precisely analyzed when detrended anomalies from the long-term averages are used due to interannual climate responses to the historical natural forcing, which highlights the importance of large ensembles for assessing internal variability.

This study explored the integration of TikTok, an emerging social media platform, into sport sciences education. Despite its popularity among youth, TikTok's educational impact has been understudied. Through a narrative critical rereview, this work analyzes sport sciences education literature to uncover TikTok's dual nature as both beneficial (‘angel’) and potentially harmful (‘demon’). Emphasizing the need for risk assessment before educational integration, this study identifies TikTok's unexplored potential and challenges. Six studies were identified during the review, demonstrating that the benefits of using TikTok in sport sciences outweigh the risks. Therefore, the use of TikTok in sport sciences is recommended, and faculty and researchers are encouraged to explore this emerging topic further. The article concludes with a proposed research agenda that serves as a starting point for future investigations into the impact and implications of TikTok use in higher education. The results of this study may interest educators and educational policymakers in integrating TikTok into higher education.

Abstract We measure CP asymmetries and branching-fraction ratios for B ± → DK ± and Dπ ± decays with D → K S 0 $$ {K}_{\textrm{S}}^0 $$ K ± π ∓, where D is a superposition of D 0 and D ¯ $$ \overline{D} $$ 0. We use the full data set of the Belle experiment, containing 772 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs, and data from the Belle II experiment, containing 387 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ pairs, both collected in electron-positron collisions at the Υ(4S) resonance. Our results provide model-independent information on the unitarity triangle angle ϕ 3.

Abstract We report the first measurement of the inclusive e + e − → b b ¯ $$ b\overline{b} $$ → D s ± $$ {D}_s^{\pm } $$ X and e + e − → b b ¯ $$ b\overline{b} $$ → D 0 / D ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{D}}^0 $$ X cross sections in the energy range from 10.63 to 11.02 GeV. Based on these results, we determine σ(e + e − → B s 0 B ¯ s 0 $$ {B}_s^0{\overline{B}}_s^0 $$ X) and σ(e + e − → B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ X) in the same energy range. We measure the fraction of B s 0 $$ {B}_s^0 $$ events at Υ(10860) to be f s = ( 22.0 − 2.1 + 2.0 $$ {22.0}_{-2.1}^{+2.0} $$ )%. We determine also the ratio of the B s 0 $$ {B}_s^0 $$ inclusive branching fractions B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ ( B s 0 $$ {B}_s^0 $$ → D 0 / D ¯ 0 $$ {\overline{D}}^0 $$ X)/ B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ ( B s 0 $$ {B}_s^0 $$ → D s ± $$ {D}_s^{\pm } $$ X) = 0.416 ± 0.018 ± 0.092. The results are obtained using the data collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider.

IntroductionIn Canada, people experiencing socioeconomic inequities have higher rates of late diagnosis and lower survival rates than the general population. Palliative care services focussed on this population are scarce. We developed a community-based nursing intervention to improve access to palliative care for people experiencing socioeconomic inequities and living with life-limiting illnesses in an urban Canadian setting. MethodsThis community-based, qualitative research study combined critical and participatory research methodologies. The study was conducted in partnership with the Palliative Care Outreach Advocacy Team (PCOAT) based in Edmonton, Alberta, a team dedicated to serving populations experiencing socioeconomic inequities who require palliative care. Following an exploratory phase that served to delineate the intervention, we undertook a one-year pilot implementation during which a part-time registered nurse (RN) joined PCOAT. The RN engaged in trust building, resolution of health and practical needs and complex care coordination. Twenty-five patients participated in the intervention. Participants were interviewed at least once to explore their experiences with the intervention. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis. ResultsMost participants were men, were Indigenous and had advanced cancer. Participants had significant financial concerns, lived or had lived in precarious housing situations and had previously faced serious challenges accessing health care. Participants reported social and health needs including housing, finances, transportation, symptom control, harm reduction and end-of-life care. Participants reported improved access to health and social services and expressed satisfaction with the study intervention. ConclusionStudy findings suggest the study intervention may have contributed to improved access to palliative care, improved experiences for participants and increased equity in the delivery of care.

IntroductionAu Canada, les personnes confrontées à des iniquités socioéconomiques présentent des taux supérieurs de diagnostics tardifs et des taux inférieurs de survie par rapport à la population générale. Peu de services de soins palliatifs sont destinés à ces personnes en particulier. Nous avons mis au point une intervention infirmière en milieu communautaire et en contexte urbain au Canada afin d’améliorer l’accès aux soins palliatifs pour les personnes confrontées à des iniquités socioéconomiques et atteintes d’une maladie limitant leur espérance de vie. MéthodologieCette étude de recherche qualitative communautaire combine des méthodes de recherche critiques et participatives. Elle a été réalisée en partenariat avec l’équipe PCOAT (Palliative Care Outreach Advocacy Team), basée à Edmonton (Alberta), qui offre des services de proximité aux populations désavantagées sur le plan socioéconomique ayant besoin de soins palliatifs. Après une phase exploratoire nous ayant permis de définir l’intervention, nous avons mis en oeuvre une phase pilote d’un an, durant laquelle une infirmière s’est jointe à l’équipe PCOAT. Cette infirmière a eu pour tâche d’établir des liens de confiance, de coordonner les soins complexes et de répondre aux besoins à la fois en matière de santé et sur le plan pratique. Vingt-cinq participants ont pris part à cette intervention. Ils ont été interviewés chacun au moins une fois afin de décrire leurs expériences en lien avec l’intervention. Nous avons ensuite effectué une analyse thématique des données. RésultatsLa plupart des participants étaient des hommes, étaient autochtones et étaient atteints d’un cancer à un stade avancé. Les participants avaient d’importantes difficultés financières, se trouvaient ou s’étaient déjà trouvés en situation de logement précaire et avaient précédemment connu de sérieuses difficultés d’accès à des soins de santé. Ils ont décrit leurs besoins sur le plan social et sur le plan de la santé, en matière notamment de logement, de finances, de transport, de soulagement des symptômes, de réduction des méfaits et de soins de fin de vie. Ils ont également déclaré que leur accès aux services sociaux et de santé s’était amélioré et se sont dits satisfaits de l’intervention liée à l’étude. ConclusionD’après les données recueillies, l’intervention liée à l’étude semble avoir favorisé un meilleur accès aux soins palliatifs, de meilleures expériences pour les participants et une prestation de soins plus équitable.

Ocean alkalinity is critical to the uptake of atmospheric carbon in surface waters and provides buffering capacity towards the associated acidification. However, unlike dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), alkalinity is not directly impacted by anthropogenic carbon emissions. Within the context of projections of future ocean carbon uptake and potential ecosystem impacts, especially through Coupled Model Intercomparison Projects (CMIPs), the representation of alkalinity and the main driver of its distribution in the ocean interior, the calcium carbonate cycle, have often been overlooked. Here we track the changes from CMIP5 to CMIP6 with respect to the Earth system model (ESM) representation of alkalinity and the carbonate pump which depletes the surface ocean in alkalinity through biological production of calcium carbonate and releases it at depth through export and dissolution. We report an improvement in the representation of alkalinity in CMIP6 ESMs relative to those in CMIP5, with CMIP6 ESMs simulating lower surface alkalinity concentrations, an increased meridional surface gradient and an enhanced global vertical gradient. This improvement can be explained in part by an increase in calcium carbonate (CaCO3) production for some ESMs, which redistributes alkalinity at the surface and strengthens its vertical gradient in the water column. We were able to constrain a particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) export estimate of 44–55 Tmol yr−1 at 100 m for the ESMs to match the observed vertical gradient of alkalinity. Reviewing the representation of the CaCO3 cycle across CMIP5/6, we find a substantial range of parameterizations. While all biogeochemical models currently represent pelagic calcification, they do so implicitly, and they do not represent benthic calcification. In addition, most models simulate marine calcite but not aragonite. In CMIP6, certain model groups have increased the complexity of simulated CaCO3 production, sinking, dissolution and sedimentation. However, this is insufficient to explain the overall improvement in the alkalinity representation, which is therefore likely a result of marine biogeochemistry model tuning or ad hoc parameterizations. Although modellers aim to balance the global alkalinity budget in ESMs in order to limit drift in ocean carbon uptake under pre-industrial conditions, varying assumptions related to the closure of the budget and/or the alkalinity initialization procedure have the potential to influence projections of future carbon uptake. For instance, in many models, carbonate production, dissolution and burial are independent of the seawater saturation state, and when considered, the range of sensitivities is substantial. As such, the future impact of ocean acidification on the carbonate pump, and in turn ocean carbon uptake, is potentially underestimated in current ESMs and is insufficiently constrained.

Although screen readers have made significant technological advancements, mathematics remains a challenging subject for people with visual disabilities. Due to its complex notations and abstract nature, mathematics presents difficulties in understanding through means other than visual. Consequently, reading mathematical content with screen readers poses challenges such as ambiguity, comprehension of long formulas, and identification of specific elements. Furthermore, even with reading difficulties, few screen readers support reading this type of content in Portuguese. This study presents an extension of a previous study which described the development and evaluation of an add-on for NVDA, which enables contextual exploration and navigation of mathematical formulas. The add-on, called Access8Math-NavMatBR, allows for internal exploration of formulas by providing contextual delineations of mathematical elements with support for the Brazilian variant of the Portuguese language. Based on the open-source Access8Math add-on, the new version was developed and evaluated in usability tests with six people with visual disabilities. Results showed that the new system improved understanding of formulas and provided better access to specific elements through formulas abstraction. The evaluation identified 52 issues, such as problems with commands and interaction approaches, verbalization by the screen reader, and platform structure. This extended version extends the analysis by presenting a teaching scenario in the context of numerical analysis and how the contextual exploration can be applied to aid in the understanding of complex elements. The paper presents design implications for systems for reading mathematical formulas in the Brazilian context and considerations for exploring patterns used by Brazilian users when reading and browsing mathematical formulas, dialoguing with the practical example presented.

Abstract We present the analysis of two-particle angular correlations using coordinate systems defined with the conventional beam axis and the event thrust axis. We propose the latter as a good representation for the correlation structure interpretation in the e + e − collision system. The e + e − collisions to hadronic final states at center-of-mass energies of s $$ \sqrt{s} $$ = 10.52 GeV and 10.58 GeV are recorded by the Belle detector at KEKB. In this paper, results on the first dataset are supplementary to the previous Belle publication [1]. At the same time, the latter is the first two-particle correlation measurement at collision energy on the Υ(4S) resonance and is sensitive to its decay products. Measurements are reported as a function of the charged-particle multiplicity. Finally, a qualitative understanding of the correlation structure is discussed using a combination of Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data.

Abstract We report the measurement of the two-photon decay width of χ c2(1P) in two-photon processes at the Belle experiment. We analyze the process γγ → χ c2(1P) → J/ψγ, J/ψ → ℓ + ℓ − (ℓ = e or μ) using a data sample of 971 fb −1 collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e + e − collider. In this analysis, the product of the two-photon decay width of χ c2(1P) and the branching fraction is determined to be Γ γγ χ c 2 1 P B χ c 2 1 P → J / ψγ B J / ψ → ℓ + ℓ − = 14.8 ± 0.3 stat . ± 0.7 syst . $$ {\Gamma}_{\gamma \gamma}\left({\chi}_{c2}(1P)\right)\mathcal{B}\left({\chi}_{c2}(1P)\to J/\psi \gamma \right)\mathcal{B}\left(J/\psi \to {\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{-}\right)=14.8\pm 0.3\left(\textrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.7\left(\textrm{syst}.\right) $$ eV, which corresponds to Γ γγ (χ c2(1P)) = 653 ± 13(stat.) ± 31(syst.) ± 17(B.R.) eV, where the third uncertainty is from B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ (χ c2(1P) → J/ψγ) and B $$ \mathcal{B} $$ (J/ψ → ℓ + ℓ − ).

Literature assessing the impact of palliative care (PC) consultation on aggressive care at the end of life (EOL) within a comprehensive integrated PC program is limited. We retrospectively reviewed patients with advanced cancer who received oncological care at a Canadian tertiary center, died between April 2013 and March 2014, and had access to PC consultation in all healthcare settings. Administrative databases were linked, and medical records reviewed. Composite score for aggressive EOL care was calculated, assigning a point for each of the following: ≥2 emergency room visits, ≥2 hospitalizations, hospitalization >14 days, ICU admission, and chemotherapy administration in the last 30 days of life, and hospital death. Multivariable logistic regression was adjusted for age, sex, income, cancer type and PC consultation for ≥1 aggressive EOL care indicator. Of 1414 eligible patients, 1111 (78.6%) received PC consultation. In multivariable analysis, PC consultation was independently associated with lower odds of ≥1 aggressive EOL care indicator (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.38–0.65, p < 0.001). PC consultation >3 versus ≤3 months before death had a greater effect on lower aggressive EOL care (mean composite score 0.59 versus 0.88, p < 0.001). We add evidence that PC consultation is associated with less aggressive care at the EOL for patients with advanced cancer.

Mass livestock mortality events during severe winters, a phenomenon that Mongolians call dzud, cause the country significant socioeconomic problems. Dzud is an example of a compound event, meaning that multiple climatic and social drivers contribute to the risk of occurrence. Existing studies argue that the frequency and intensity of dzud events are rising due to the combined effects of climate change and variability, most notably summer drought and severe winter conditions, on top of socioeconomic dynamics such as overgrazing. Summer droughts are a precondition for dzud because scarce grasses cause malnutrition, making livestock more vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. However, studies investigating the association between climate and dzud typically look at a short time frame (i.e., after 1940), and few have investigated the risk or the recurrence of dzud over a century-scale climate record. This study aims to fill the gaps in technical knowledge about the recurrence probability of dzud by estimating the return periods of relevant climatic variables: summer drought conditions and winter minimum temperature. We divide the country into three regions (northwest, southwest, and east Mongolia) based on the mortality index at the soum (county) level. For droughts, our study uses as a proxy the tree-ring-reconstructed Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) for three regions between 1700–2013. For winter severity, our study uses observational data of winter minimum temperature after 1901 while inferring winter minimum temperature in Mongolia from instrumental data in Siberia that extend to the early 19th century. Using a generalized extreme value distribution with time-varying parameters, we find that the return periods of drought conditions vary over time, with variability increasing for all the regions. Winter temperature severity, however, does not change with time. The median temperature of the 100-year return period for winter minimum temperature in Mongolia over the past 300 years is estimated as −26.08 ∘C for the southwest, −27.99 ∘C for the northwest, and −25.31 ∘C for the east. The co-occurrence of summer drought and winter severity increases in all the regions in the early 21st century. The analysis suggests that a continued trend in summer drought would lead to increased vulnerability and malnutrition. Prospects for climate index insurance for livestock are also discussed.

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) widely modulates the global carbon cycle. More specifically, it alters the net uptake of carbon in the tropical ocean. Indeed, over the tropical Pacific less carbon is released by oceans during El Niño, while the opposite is the case for La Niña. Here, the skill of Earth system models (ESMs) from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) to simulate the observed tropical Pacific CO2 flux variability in response to ENSO is assessed. The temporal amplitude and spatial extent of CO2 flux anomalies vary considerably among models, while the surface temperature signals of El Niño and La Niña phases are generally well represented. Under historical conditions followed by the high-warming Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP5-8.5) scenarios, about half the ESMs simulate a reversal in ENSO–CO2 flux relationship. This gradual shift, which occurs as early as the first half of the 21st century, is associated with a high CO2-induced increase in the Revelle factor that leads to stronger sensitivity of partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) to changes in surface temperature between ENSO phases. At the same time, uptake of anthropogenic CO2 substantially increases upper-ocean dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations (reducing its vertical gradient in the thermocline) and weakens the ENSO-modulated surface DIC variability. The response of the ENSO–CO2 flux relationship to future climate change is sensitive to the contemporary mean state of the carbonate ion concentration in the tropics. We present an emergent constraint between the simulated contemporary carbonate concentration with the projected cumulated CO2 fluxes. Models that simulate shifts in the ENSO–CO2 flux relationship simulate positive bias in surface carbonate concentrations.

Global and regional sources and sinks of carbon across the earth's surface have been studied extensively using atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) observations and atmospheric chemistry-transport model (ACTM) simulations (top-down/inversion method). However, the uncertainties in the regional flux distributions remain unconstrained due to the lack of high-quality measurements, uncertainties in model simulations, and representation of data and flux errors in the inversion systems. Here, we assess the representation of data and flux errors using a suite of 16 inversion cases derived from a single transport model (MIROC4-ACTM) but different sets of a priori (bottom-up) terrestrial biosphere and oceanic fluxes, as well as prior flux and observational data uncertainties (50 sites) to estimate CO2 fluxes for 84 regions over the period 2000–2020. The inversion ensembles provide a mean flux field that is consistent with the global CO2 growth rate, land and ocean sink partitioning of −2.9 ± 0.3 (± 1σ uncertainty on the ensemble mean) and −1.6 ± 0.2 PgC yr−1, respectively, for the period 2011–2020 (without riverine export correction), offsetting about 22 %–33 % and 16 %–18 % of global fossil fuel CO2 emissions. The rivers carry about 0.6 PgC yr−1 of land sink into the deep ocean, and thus the effective land and ocean partitioning is −2.3 ± 0.3 and −2.2 ± 0.3, respectively. Aggregated fluxes for 15 land regions compare reasonably well with the best estimations for the 2000s (∼ 2000–2009), given by the REgional Carbon Cycle Assessment and Processes (RECCAP), and all regions appeared as a carbon sink over 2011–2020. Interannual variability and seasonal cycle in CO2 fluxes are more consistently derived for two distinct prior fluxes when a greater degree of freedom (increased prior flux uncertainty) is given to the inversion system. We have further evaluated the inversion fluxes using meridional CO2 distributions from independent (not used in the inversions) aircraft and surface measurements, suggesting that the ensemble mean flux (model–observation mean ± 1σ standard deviation = −0.3 ± 3 ppm) is best suited for global and regional CO2 flux budgets than an individual inversion (model–observation 1σ standard deviation = −0.35 ± 3.3 ppm). Using the ensemble mean fluxes and uncertainties for 15 land and 11 ocean regions at 5-year intervals, we show promise in the capability to track flux changes toward supporting the ongoing and future CO2 emission mitigation policies.

In recent years, several works have addressed the problem of modeling blood flow phenomena in veins, as a response to increasing interest in modeling pathological conditions occurring in the venous network and their connection with the rest of the circulatory system. In this context, one-dimensional models have proven to be extremely efficient in delivering predictions in agreement with in-vivo observations. Pursuing the increase of anatomical accuracy and its connection to physiological principles in haemodynamics simulations, the main aim of this work is to describe a novel closed-loop Anatomically-Detailed Arterial-Venous Network (ADAVN) model. An extremely refined description of the arterial network consisting of 2,185 arterial vessels is coupled to a novel venous network featuring high level of anatomical detail in cerebral and coronary vascular territories. The entire venous network comprises 189 venous vessels, 79 of which drain the brain and 14 are coronary veins. Fundamental physiological mechanisms accounting for the interaction of brain blood flow with the cerebro-spinal fluid and of the coronary circulation with the cardiac mechanics are considered. Several issues related to the coupling of arterial and venous vessels at the microcirculation level are discussed in detail. Numerical simulations are compared to patient records published in the literature to show the descriptive capabilities of the model. Furthermore, a local sensitivity analysis is performed, evidencing the high impact of the venous circulation on main cardiovascular variables.

In this study, an extension on the previously reported status of the COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network's (COCCON) calibration procedures incorporating refined methods is presented. COCCON is a global network of portable Bruker EM27/SUN FTIR spectrometers for deriving column-averaged atmospheric abundances of greenhouse gases. The original laboratory open-path lamp measurements for deriving the instrumental line shape (ILS) of the spectrometer from water vapour lines have been refined and extended to the secondary detector channel incorporated in the EM27/SUN spectrometer for detection of carbon monoxide (CO). The refinements encompass improved spectroscopic line lists for the relevant water lines and a revision of the laboratory pressure measurements used for the analysis of the spectra. The new results are found to be in good agreement with those reported by Frey et al. (2019) and discussed in detail. In addition, a new calibration cell for ILS measurements was designed, constructed and put into service. Spectrometers calibrated since January 2020 were tested using both methods for ILS characterization, open-path (OP) and cell measurements. We demonstrate that both methods can detect the small variations in ILS characteristics between different spectrometers, but the results of the cell method indicate a systematic bias of the OP method. Finally, a revision and extension of the COCCON network instrument-to-instrument calibration factors for XCO2, XCO and XCH4 is presented, incorporating 47 new spectrometers (of 83 in total by now). This calibration is based on the reference EM27/SUN spectrometer operated by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and spectra collected by the collocated TCCON station Karlsruhe. Variations in the instrumental characteristics of the reference EM27/SUN from 2014 to 2017 were detected, probably arising from realignment and the dual-channel upgrade performed in early 2018. These variations are considered in the evaluation of the instrument-specific calibration factors in order to keep all tabulated calibration results consistent.

Abstract We report a measurement of the electric dipole moment of the τ lepton (dτ) using an 833 fb −1 data sample collected near the Υ(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider. Using an optimal observable method, we obtain the real and imaginary parts of d τ as Re(d τ ) = (−0.62 ± 0.63) × 10 −17 ecm and Im(d τ ) = (−0.40 ± 0.32) × 10 −17 ecm, respectively. These results are consistent with null electric dipole moment at the present level of experimental sensitivity and improve the sensitivity by about a factor of three.

Abstract In many phenomena of biological systems, not a majority, but a minority of cells act on the entire multicellular system causing drastic changes in the system properties. To understand the mechanisms underlying such phenomena, it is essential to observe the spatiotemporal dynamics of a huge population of cells at sub-cellular resolution, which is difficult with conventional tools such as microscopy and flow cytometry. Here, we describe an imaging system named AMATERAS that enables optical imaging with an over-one-centimeter field-of-view and a-few-micrometer spatial resolution. This trans-scale-scope has a simple configuration, composed of a low-power lens for machine vision and a hundred-megapixel image sensor. We demonstrated its high cell-throughput, capable of simultaneously observing more than one million cells. We applied it to dynamic imaging of calcium ions in HeLa cells and cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate in Dictyostelium discoideum, and successfully detected less than 0.01% of rare cells and observed multicellular events induced by these cells.

β-glucan has been shown to be effective for several diseases such as immune regulation and blood pressure suppression. Seaweed contains a β-1,3/1,6-glucan called laminaran. The present commercial source of β-glucan is black yeast; however, a fermentation process using organic carbon substrates makes production unsustainable, whereas macroalgae provide a sustainable alternative with the use of CO2 and seawater as growth substrates. However, bioactivity studies on laminaran are limited. We aimed to evaluate whether laminaran can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attenuate cytotoxicity caused by clinical drugs such as indomethacin (Ind) and dabigatran (Dab). Electron spin resonance assay revealed that laminaran scavenged singlet oxygen (1O2) and superoxide anions (O2•−) directly but did not scavenge hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Mitochondrial ROS detection dye showed that laminaran scavenged mitochondrial O2•− produced upon administration of Ind or Dab. Moreover, significant reductions in •OH and peroxynitrate (ONOO−) levels were observed. Since •OH and ONOO− are generated from O2•− in the cells, laminaran could indirectly suppress the generation of •OH and ONOO− via the removal of O2•−. Both Ind and Dab induce cell injury via ROS production. Laminaran attenuated the cytotoxicity derived from these drugs and may represent a functional food with anti-aging and disease prevention properties.

Characteristics and trends of surface ocean dimethylsulfide (DMS) concentrations and fluxes into the atmosphere of four Earth system models (ESMs: CNRM-ESM2-1, MIROC-ES2L, NorESM2-LM, and UKESM1-0-LL) are analysed over the recent past (1980–2009) and into the future, using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) simulations. The DMS concentrations in historical simulations systematically underestimate the most widely used observed climatology but compare more favourably against two recent observation-based datasets. The models better reproduce observations in mid to high latitudes, as well as in polar and westerlies marine biomes. The resulting multi-model estimate of contemporary global ocean DMS emissions is 16–24 Tg S yr−1, which is narrower than the observational-derived range of 16 to 28 Tg S yr−1. The four models disagree on the sign of the trend of the global DMS flux from 1980 onwards, with two models showing an increase and two models a decrease. At the global scale, these trends are dominated by changes in surface DMS concentrations in all models, irrespective of the air–sea flux parameterisation used. In turn, three models consistently show that changes in DMS concentrations are correlated with changes in marine productivity; however, marine productivity is poorly constrained in the current generation of ESMs, thus limiting the predictive ability of this relationship. In contrast, a consensus is found among all models over polar latitudes where an increasing trend is predominantly driven by the retreating sea-ice extent. However, the magnitude of this trend between models differs by a factor of 3, from 2.9 to 9.2 Gg S decade−1 over the period 1980–2014, which is at the low end of a recent satellite-derived analysis. Similar increasing trends are found in climate projections over the 21st century.

Abstract Using a data sample of 980 fb −1 collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider, we study the processes of Ξ c 0 → Λ K ¯ ∗ 0 $$ {\Xi}_c^0\to \Lambda {\overline{K}}^{\ast 0} $$ , Ξ c 0 → Σ 0 K ¯ ∗ 0 $$ {\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^0{\overline{K}}^{\ast 0} $$ , and Ξ c 0 → Σ + K ∗ − $$ {\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^{+}{K}^{\ast -} $$ for the first time. The relative branching ratios to the normalization mode of Ξ c 0 → Ξ − π + $$ {\Xi}_c^0\to {\Xi}^{-}{\pi}^{+} $$ are measured to be B Ξ c 0 → Λ K ¯ ∗ 0 / B Ξ c 0 → Ξ − π + = 0.18 ± 0.02 stat . ± 0.01 syst . , B Ξ c 0 → Σ 0 K ¯ ∗ 0 / B Ξ c 0 → Ξ − π + = 0.69 ± 0.03 stat . ± 0.03 syst . , B Ξ c 0 → Σ + K ∗ − / B Ξ c 0 → Ξ − π + = 0.34 ± 0.06 stat . ± 0.02 syst . , $$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{c}\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to \Lambda {\overline{K}}^{\ast 0}\right)/\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Xi}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\right)=0.18\pm 0.02\left(\mathrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.01\left(\mathrm{syst}.\right),\\ {}\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^0{\overline{K}}^{\ast 0}\right)/\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Xi}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\right)=0.69\pm 0.03\left(\mathrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.03\left(\mathrm{syst}.\right),\\ {}\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^{+}{K}^{\ast -}\right)/\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Xi}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\right)=0.34\pm 0.06\left(\mathrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.02\left(\mathrm{syst}.\right),\end{array}} $$ where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. We obtain B Ξ c 0 → Λ K ¯ ∗ 0 = 3.3 ± 0.3 stat . ± 0.2 syst . ± 1.0 ref . × 10 − 3 , B Ξ c 0 → Σ 0 K ¯ ∗ 0 = 12.4 ± 0.5 stat . ± 0.5 syst . ± 3.6 ref . × 10 − 3 , B Ξ c 0 → Σ + K ∗ 0 = 6.1 ± 1.0 stat . ± 0.4 syst . ± 1.8 ref . × 10 − 3 , $$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{c}\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to \Lambda {\overline{K}}^{\ast 0}\right)=\left(3.3\pm 0.3\left(\mathrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.2\left(\mathrm{syst}.\right)\pm 1.0\left(\mathrm{ref}.\right)\right)\times {10}^{-3},\\ {}\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^0{\overline{K}}^{\ast 0}\right)=\left(12.4\pm 0.5\left(\mathrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.5\left(\mathrm{syst}.\right)\pm 3.6\left(\mathrm{ref}.\right)\right)\times {10}^{-3},\\ {}\mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^{+}{K}^{\ast 0}\right)=\left(6.1\pm 1.0\left(\mathrm{stat}.\right)\pm 0.4\left(\mathrm{syst}.\right)\pm 1.8\left(\mathrm{ref}.\right)\right)\times {10}^{-3},\end{array}} $$ where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and from B Ξ c 0 → Ξ − π + $$ \mathcal{B}\left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Xi}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\right) $$ , respectively. The asymmetry parameters α Ξ c 0 → Λ K ¯ ∗ 0 $$ \alpha \left({\Xi}_c^0\to \Lambda {\overline{K}}^{\ast 0}\right) $$ and α Ξ c 0 → Σ + K ∗ − $$ \alpha \left({\Xi}_c^0\to {\Sigma}^{+}{K}^{\ast -}\right) $$ are 0.15 ± 0.22(stat.) ± 0.04(syst.) and −0.52 ± 0.30(stat.) ± 0.02(syst.), respectively, where the uncertainties are statistical followed by systematic.

Abstract We report the first measurement of the exclusive cross sections e + e − → B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ , e + e − → B B ¯ ∗ $$ B{\overline{B}}^{\ast } $$ , and e + e − → B ∗ B ¯ ∗ $$ {B}^{\ast }{\overline{B}}^{\ast } $$ in the energy range from 10.63 GeV to 11.02 GeV. The B mesons are fully reconstructed in a large number of hadronic final states and the three channels are identified using a beam-constrained-mass variable. The shapes of the exclusive cross sections show oscillatory behavior with several maxima and minima. The results are obtained using data collected by the Belle experiment at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider.

Abstract We present a search for the dark photon A′ in the B 0 → A′A′ decays, where A′ subsequently decays to e + e − , μ + μ − , and π + π − . The search is performed by analyzing 772 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ events collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB e + e − energy-asymmetric collider at the ϒ(4S) resonance. No signal is found in the dark photon mass range 0.01 GeV/c 2 ≤ m A′ ≤ 2.62 GeV/c 2, and we set upper limits of the branching fraction of B 0 → A′A′ at the 90% confidence level. The products of branching fractions, ℬ B 0 → A ′ A ′ × ℬ A ′ → e + e − 2 $$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({B}^0\to A^{\prime }A^{\prime}\right)\times \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}{\left(A\prime \to {e}^{+}{e}^{-}\right)}^2 $$ and ℬ B 0 → A ′ A ′ × ℬ A ′ → μ + μ − 2 $$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({B}^0\to A^{\prime }A^{\prime}\right)\times \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}{\left(A\prime \to {\mu}^{+}{\mu}^{-}\right)}^2 $$ , have limits of the order of 10 −8 depending on the A′ mass. Furthermore, considering A′ decay rate to each pair of charged particles, the upper limits of ℬ B 0 → A ′ A ′ $$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({B}^0\to A^{\prime }A^{\prime}\right) $$ are of the order of 10 −8–10 −5. From the upper limits of ℬ B 0 → A ′ A ′ $$ \mathrm{\mathcal{B}}\left({B}^0\to A^{\prime }A^{\prime}\right) $$ , we obtain the Higgs portal coupling for each assumed dark photon and dark Higgs mass. The Higgs portal couplings are of the order of 10 −2–10 −1 at m h ′ ≃ m B 0 $$ {m}_{h\prime}\simeq {m}_{B^0} $$ ± 40 MeV/c 2 and 10 −1–1 at m h ′ ≃ m B 0 $$ {m}_{h\prime}\simeq {m}_{B^0} $$ ± 3 GeV/c 2.

Despite the known benefits, healthcare systems struggle to provide early, integrated palliative care (PC) for advanced cancer patients. Understanding the barriers to providing PC from the perspective of oncology clinicians is an important first step in improving care. A 33-item online survey was emailed to all oncology clinicians working with all cancer types in Alberta, Canada, from November 2017 to January 2018. Questions were informed by Michie’s Theoretical Domains Framework and Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) and queried (a) PC provision in oncology clinics, (b) specialist PC consultation referrals, and (c) working with PC consultants and home care. Respondents (n = 263) were nurses (41%), physicians (25%), and allied healthcare professionals (18%). Barriers most frequently identified were “clinicians’ limited time/competing priorities” (64%), “patients’ negative perceptions of PC” (63%), and clinicians’ capability to manage patients’ social issues (63%). These factors mapped to all three BCW domains: motivation, opportunity, and capability. In contrast, the least frequently identified barriers were clinician motivation and perceived PC benefits. Oncology clinicians’ perceptions of barriers to early PC were comparable across tumour types and specialties but varied by professional role. The main challenges to early integrated PC include all three BCW domains. Notably, motivation is not a barrier for oncology clinicians; however, opportunity and capability barriers were identified. Multifaceted interventions using these findings have been developed, such as tip sheets to enhance capability, reframing PC with patients, and earlier specialist PC nursing access, to enhance clinicians’ use of and patients’ benefits from an early PC approach.

Abstract We present measurements of the branching fractions for the decays B → Kμ + μ − and B → Ke + e − , and their ratio (R K ), using a data sample of 711 fb −1 that contains 772 × 106 B B ¯ $$ B\overline{B} $$ events. The data were collected at the ϒ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider. The ratio R K is measured in five bins of dilepton invariant-mass-squared (q 2): q 2 ∈ (0.1, 4.0), (4.00, 8.12), (1.0, 6.0), (10.2, 12.8) and (> 14.18) GeV2 /c 4, along with the whole q 2 region. The R K value for q 2 ∈ (1.0, 6.0) GeV2 /c 4 is 1.03 − 0.24 + 0.28 $$ {1.03}_{-0.24}^{+0.28} $$ ± 0.01. The first and second uncertainties listed are statistical and systematic, respectively. All results for R K are consistent with Standard Model predictions. We also measure CP-averaged isospin asymmetries in the same q 2 bins. The results are consistent with a null asymmetry, with the largest difference of 2.6 standard deviations occurring for the q 2 ∈ (1.0, 6.0) GeV2 /c 4 bin in the mode with muon final states. The measured differential branching fractions, d ℬ $$ d\mathrm{\mathcal{B}} $$ /dq 2, are consistent with theoretical predictions for charged B decays, while the corresponding values are below the expectations for neutral B decays. We have also searched for lepton-flavor-violating B → Kμ ± e ∓ decays and set 90% confidence-level upper limits on the branching fraction in the range of 10 −8 for B + → K + μ ± e ∓, and B 0 → K 0 μ ± e ∓ modes.

Members of the brackish-water species Lamprothamnium succinctum (Charales, Charophyceae) are widely distributed from tropical to temperate regions, including East Asia. In Japan, L. succinctum is listed as an endangered species and is protected by the government, because it was recorded only at two localities, Lake Hachiro-gata (Akita Prefecture) and Oo-ike pond (Deba-jima Island, Tokushima prefecture), and has become extinct in the former. In this study, we identified five new localities of this species in Japan. The morphological characteristics of their thalli agreed with those provided in the original description of this species, with distinctive reproductive characteristics. Moreover, the oospores of Japanese specimens of L. succinctum were examined for the first time using scanning electron microscopy. The oospores of Japanese specimens exhibited granulate fossa wall patterns, which were consistent with those described in previous studies. Our genetic analyses based on the DNA sequences of two chloroplast DNA markers, including both the coding and non-coding regions, revealed that the sample from Oo-ike pond is distinguishable from those from other Japanese specimens, although they are genetically very similar.

Sex differences in fasting glucose and insulin have been identified, but the genetic loci underlying these differences have not. Here, the authors perform a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies to detect sex-specific and sex-dimorphic loci associated with fasting glucose and insulin.

Abstract Studies on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells highly rely on the investigation of their gene expression which requires normalization by housekeeping genes. Whether the housekeeping genes are stable during the iPS reprogramming, a transition of cell state known to be associated with profound changes, has been overlooked. In this study we analyzed the expression patterns of the most comprehensive list to date of housekeeping genes during iPS reprogramming of a mouse neural stem cell line N31. Our results show that housekeeping genes’ expression fluctuates significantly during the iPS reprogramming. Clustering analysis shows that ribosomal genes’ expression is rising, while the expression of cell-specific genes, such as vimentin (Vim) or elastin (Eln), is decreasing. To ensure the robustness of the obtained data, we performed a correlative analysis of the genes. Overall, all 70 genes analyzed changed the expression more than two-fold during the reprogramming. The scale of this analysis, that takes into account 70 previously known and newly suggested genes, allowed us to choose the most stable of all genes. We highlight the fact of fluctuation of housekeeping genes during iPS reprogramming, and propose that, to ensure robustness of qPCR experiments in iPS cells, housekeeping genes should be used together in combination, and with a prior testing in a specific line used in each study. We suggest that the longest splice variants of Rpl13a, Rplp1 and Rps18 can be used as a starting point for such initial testing as the most stable candidates.

Based on a set of climate simulations utilizing two kinds of Earth system models (ESMs) in which observed ocean hydrographic data are assimilated using exactly the same data assimilation procedure, we have clarified that the successful simulation of the observed air–sea CO2 flux variations in the equatorial Pacific is tightly linked to the reproducibility of coupled physical air–sea processes. When an ESM with a weaker ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillations) amplitude than that of the observations was used for historical simulations with ocean data assimilation, the observed equatorial anticorrelated relationship between the sea surface temperature (SST) and the air–sea CO2 flux on interannual to decadal timescales could not be represented. The simulated CO2 flux anomalies were upward (downward) during El Niño (La Niña) periods in the equatorial Pacific. The reason for this was that the non-negligible correction term in the governing equation of ocean temperature, which was added via the ocean data assimilation procedure, caused an anomalous, spurious equatorial upwelling (downwelling) during El Niño (La Niña) periods, which brought more (less) subsurface layer water rich in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) to the surface layer. On the other hand, in the historical simulations where the observational data were assimilated into the other ESM with a more realistic ENSO representation, the correction term associated with the assimilation procedure remained small enough so as not to disturb an anomalous advection–diffusion balance for the equatorial ocean temperature. Consequently, spurious vertical transport of DIC and the resultant positively correlated SST and air–sea CO2 flux variations did not occur. Thus, the reproducibility of the tropical air–sea CO2 flux variability with data assimilation can be significantly attributed to the reproducibility of ENSO in an ESM. Our results suggest that, when using data assimilation to initialize ESMs for carbon cycle predictions, the reproducibility of the internal climate variations in the model itself is of great importance.

Cardiometabolic disorders (CD), including cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and obesity, are the leading cause of health concern in the United States (U.S.), disproportionately affecting indigenous populations such a Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI). Dyslipidemia, a prevalent risk factor for the development and progression of CVD, is more prone to occur in NHOPI than other populations in the U.S. High-intensity statin therapy to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with the prevention of CVD events. However, significant side-effects, such as muscle disorders, have been associated with its use. Different ethnic groups could experience variation in the prevalence of statin side effects due to sociodemographic, behavioral, and/or biological factors. Therefore, identifying the most impactful determinants that can be modified to prevent or reduce statin side effects for individuals from high-risk ethnic minority groups, such as NHOPI, can lead to more effective strategies to reduce health disparities. Thus, our Mini-Review explores the challenging aspects of public health precise strategies in NHOPI taking statins, including a culturally informed additional therapy that could positively impact the NHOPI population.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether anti-transgender rights legislation among state legislators is associated with increased suicide- and depression-related Internet searches. Employing a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design, we focused on bills that were introduced to state legislatures from July 2019 to July 2020. As our panel is constructed of 51 states/territories over a 52-week time frame, our final dataset is composed of 2,652 observations. Results showed that states' passing of anti-transgender rights bills were linked with suicide- and depression-related Internet searches. Second, introducing or debating the bills did not have an association with Internet searches. Third, the defeat of anti-transgender bills was linked with fewer depression-related searches. Finally, the LGBT context in the state affected the results: anti-transgender legislation had a particularly strong association with suicide-related Internet searches when the state had a high LGBT population density.

Anthropogenic climate change is projected to lead to ocean warming, acidification, deoxygenation, reductions in near-surface nutrients, and changes to primary production, all of which are expected to affect marine ecosystems. Here we assess projections of these drivers of environmental change over the twenty-first century from Earth system models (ESMs) participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) that were forced under the CMIP6 Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Projections are compared to those from the previous generation (CMIP5) forced under the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). A total of 10 CMIP5 and 13 CMIP6 models are used in the two multi-model ensembles. Under the high-emission scenario SSP5-8.5, the multi-model global mean change (2080–2099 mean values relative to 1870–1899) ± the inter-model SD in sea surface temperature, surface pH, subsurface (100–600 m) oxygen concentration, euphotic (0–100 m) nitrate concentration, and depth-integrated primary production is +3.47±0.78 ∘C, -0.44±0.005, -13.27±5.28, -1.06±0.45 mmol m−3 and -2.99±9.11 %, respectively. Under the low-emission, high-mitigation scenario SSP1-2.6, the corresponding global changes are +1.42±0.32 ∘C, -0.16±0.002, -6.36±2.92, -0.52±0.23 mmol m−3, and -0.56±4.12 %. Projected exposure of the marine ecosystem to these drivers of ocean change depends largely on the extent of future emissions, consistent with previous studies. The ESMs in CMIP6 generally project greater warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and nitrate reductions but lesser primary production declines than those from CMIP5 under comparable radiative forcing. The increased projected ocean warming results from a general increase in the climate sensitivity of CMIP6 models relative to those of CMIP5. This enhanced warming increases upper-ocean stratification in CMIP6 projections, which contributes to greater reductions in upper-ocean nitrate and subsurface oxygen ventilation. The greater surface acidification in CMIP6 is primarily a consequence of the SSPs having higher associated atmospheric CO2 concentrations than their RCP analogues for the same radiative forcing. We find no consistent reduction in inter-model uncertainties, and even an increase in net primary production inter-model uncertainties in CMIP6, as compared to CMIP5.

In 2015, El Niño contributed to severe droughts in equatorial Asia (EA). The severe droughts enhanced fire activity in the dry season (June–November), leading to massive fire emissions of CO2 and aerosols. Based on large event attribution ensembles of the MIROC5 atmospheric global climate model, we suggest that historical anthropogenic warming increased the chances of meteorological droughts exceeding the 2015 observations in the EA area. We also investigate changes in drought in future climate simulations, in which prescribed sea surface temperature data have the same spatial patterns as the 2015 El Niño with long-term warming trends. Large probability increases of stronger droughts than the 2015 event are projected when events like the 2015 El Niño occur in the 1.5 and 2.0 ∘C warmed climate ensembles according to the Paris Agreement goals. Further drying is projected in the 3.0 ∘C ensemble according to the current mitigation policies of nations. We use observation-based empirical functions to estimate burned area, fire CO2 emissions and fine (<2.5 µm) particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions from these simulations of precipitation. There are no significant increases in the chances of burned area and CO2 and PM2.5 emissions exceeding the 2015 observations due to past anthropogenic climate change. In contrast, even if the 1.5 and 2.0 ∘C goals are achieved, there are significant increases in the burned area and CO2 and PM2.5 emissions. If global warming reaches 3.0 ∘C, as is expected from the current mitigation policies of nations, the chances of burned areas and CO2 and PM2.5 emissions exceeding the 2015 observed values become approximately 100 %, at least in the single model ensembles. We also compare changes in fire CO2 emissions due to climate change and the land-use CO2 emission scenarios of five shared socioeconomic pathways, where the effects of climate change on fire are not considered. There are two main implications. First, in a national policy context, future EA climate policy will need to consider these climate change effects regarding both mitigation and adaptation aspects. Second is the consideration of fire increases changing global CO2 emissions and mitigation strategies, which suggests that future climate change mitigation studies should consider these factors.

This article describes the new Earth system model (ESM), the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate, Earth System version 2 for Long-term simulations (MIROC-ES2L), using a state-of-the-art climate model as the physical core. This model embeds a terrestrial biogeochemical component with explicit carbon–nitrogen interaction to account for soil nutrient control on plant growth and the land carbon sink. The model's ocean biogeochemical component is largely updated to simulate the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and oxygen such that oceanic primary productivity can be controlled by multiple nutrient limitations. The ocean nitrogen cycle is coupled with the land component via river discharge processes, and external inputs of iron from pyrogenic and lithogenic sources are considered. Comparison of a historical simulation with observation studies showed that the model could reproduce the transient global climate change and carbon cycle as well as the observed large-scale spatial patterns of the land carbon cycle and upper-ocean biogeochemistry. The model demonstrated historical human perturbation of the nitrogen cycle through land use and agriculture and simulated the resultant impact on the terrestrial carbon cycle. Sensitivity analyses under preindustrial conditions revealed that the simulated ocean biogeochemistry could be altered regionally (and substantially) by nutrient input from the atmosphere and rivers. Based on an idealized experiment in which CO2 was prescribed to increase at a rate of 1 % yr−1, the transient climate response (TCR) is estimated to be 1.5 K, i.e., approximately 70 % of that from our previous ESM used in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The cumulative airborne fraction (AF) is also reduced by 15 % because of the intensified land carbon sink, which results in an airborne fraction close to the multimodel mean of the CMIP5 ESMs. The transient climate response to cumulative carbon emissions (TCRE) is 1.3 K EgC−1, i.e., slightly smaller than the average of the CMIP5 ESMs, which suggests that “optimistic” future climate projections will be made by the model. This model and the simulation results contribute to CMIP6. The MIROC-ES2L could further improve our understanding of climate–biogeochemical interaction mechanisms, projections of future environmental changes, and exploration of our future options regarding sustainable development by evolving the processes of climate, biogeochemistry, and human activities in a holistic and interactive manner.

Abstract The first dedicated search for the η c2(1D) is carried out using the decays B + → η c2(1D)K +, B 0 → η c2(1D) K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ , B 0 → η c2(1D)π − K +, and B + → η c2(1D)π + K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ with η c2(1D) → h c γ. No significant signal is found. For the η c2(1D) mass range between 3795 and 3845 MeV/c 2, the branching-fraction upper limits are determined to be ℬ(B + → η c2(1D)K +) × ℬ(η c2(1D) → h c γ) < 3.7 × 10 −5, ℬ(B 0 → η c2(1D)K 0) × ℬ(η c2(1D) → h c γ) < 3.5 × 10 −5, ℬ(B 0 → η c2(1D)π − K +) × ℬ(η c2(1D) → h c γ) < 1.0 × 10 −4, and ℬ(B + → η c2(1D)π + K S 0 $$ {K}_S^0 $$ ) × ℬ(η c2(1D) → h c γ) < 1.1 × 10 −4 at 90% C.L. The analysis is based on the 711 fb −1 data sample collected on the ϒ(4S) resonance by the Belle detector, which operated at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e + e − collider.