In the transitioning era towards the COVID-19 endemic, there is still a sizable population that has never been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Netherlands. This study employs Bayesian spatio-temporal modelling to assess the relative chances of COVID-19 vaccination uptake – first, second, and booster doses – both at the municipal and regional (public health services) levels. Incorporating ecological regression modelling to consider socio-demographic factors, our study unveils a diverse spatio-temporal distribution of vaccination uptake. Notably, the areas located in or around the Dutch main urban area (Randstad) and regions that are more religiously conservative exhibit a below-average likelihood of vaccination. Analysis at the municipal level within public health service regions indicates internal heterogeneity. Additionally, areas with a higher proportion of non-Western migrants consistently show lower chances of vaccination across vaccination dose scenarios. These findings highlight the need for tailored national and local vaccination strategies. Particularly, more regional efforts are essential to address vaccination disparities, especially in regions with elevated proportions of marginalized populations. This insight informs ongoing COVID-19 campaigns, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions for optimizing health outcomes during the second booster phase, especially in regions with a relatively higher proportion of marginalized populations.

Complaints regarding the sensitivity of rice to florpyrauxifen-benzyl and off-target movement of the herbicide occurred following its commercial launch in 2018 in the midsouthern United States. These two concerns encouraged the exploration of an alternative application method for florpyrauxifen-benzyl in rice. A field study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to determine if coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea would reduce negative impacts of the herbicide to rice. Five commercial rice lines were evaluated: ‘Diamond’, ‘Titan’, ‘RT7321 FP’, ‘RT7521 FP’, and ‘XP753’. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated on urea at a 2× rate (60 g ai ha–1) reduced rice injury in one of five commercial rice lines in 2020 and four of five commercial rice lines in 2021, compared to spray applications at the same rate. In 2020, ‘RT7521 FP’ exhibited a 17-percentage point injury reduction when coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea at a 2× rate vs. the same rate sprayed. In 2021, rice injury was reduced by 26, 10, and 27 percentage points in the commercial rice lines ‘Diamond’, ‘Titan’, and ‘XP753’, respectively, following coated urea vs. spray applications at 4 wk after treatment (WAT). ‘XP753’ exhibited reduced injury (15 percentage points) by coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl at a 1× rate (30 g ai ha–1) 4 WAT in 2021, and another, ‘Diamond’, had comparable groundcover to nontreated plots when florpyrauxifen-benzyl was coated on urea at a 1× rate rather than the reductions observed from the spray application at a 2× rate. Yield differences were a function of urea rate rather than application method, where in six out of ten instances greater rough rice grain yield occurred at the higher rate. Findings from this experiment indicate that coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea can reduce the amount of injury observed, especially in areas of overlap where you would have a 2× rate.

Carl Snyder was one of the most prominent US monetary economists of the 1920s and 1930s. His pioneering work on constructing the empirical counterparts of the terms in the equation of exchange led him to formulate a 4% monetary growth rule. Snyder is especially apposite because he was on the staff of the New York Federal Reserve Bank. Why, despite his pioneering empirical work and his position as an insider, did Snyder fail to effectively challenge the dominant real bills views of the Federal Reserve (Fed)? A short answer is that he did not possess a convincing version of the quantity theory that attributed the Great Depression to a contraction in the money stock produced by the Fed, as opposed to the dominant real bills view attributing it to the collapse of speculative excess.

Background: Automated sepsis alerts have become a widely implemented screening tool aimed at early detection of clinically unstable patients. Prior research has shown mixed results depending on the type of screening tools used and the patient population studied. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of an alert system created for identifying patients with sepsis to determine utility in clinical practice prior to implementation. Additionally, clinical management of those with and without sepsis was compared to measure potential added benefit of this system in clinical decision making. Methods: A TheraDoc® software sepsis alert was generated for non-ICU patients meeting >2 SIRS criteria within a 24-hour time period (temperature >38°C or 90, respiratory rate >20 or partial pressure CO2 12,000 or 10% bands/immature cells) during March 2023. Alerts were excluded if they were duplicates (using identical criteria or a second alert within 24 hours), triggered by labs collected >48 hours prior, or death or discharge occurred before the time of alert. The primary outcome was positive predictive value (PPV) of sepsis identification, confirmed by ICD-10 codes and diagnostic studies (cultures, imaging). Secondary outcomes included clinical management (antibiotic utilization [AU] and choice, infectious disease [ID] consultations and culture collection). Antibiotics were categorized as broad-spectrum using National Healthcare Safety Network (NSHN) criteria. Secondary outcomes were compared between sepsis and SIRS without infection groups (SIRS) by chi-square analysis. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, 116 of 166 alerts were analyzed; 55 of 116 alerts had confirmed sepsis (PPV 47.4%). Patients with sepsis were more likely to have an ID consult (16% [9/55] vs 7% [4/61]) and cultures collected (70.9% [39/55] vs 39.3% [24/61]) compared to SIRS patients, however these differences were not statistically significant. AU was higher with confirmed infections compared to SIRS patients (94.5% [52/55] vs 32.8% [20/61], p < 0 .05) along with use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (73% [38/52] vs 40% [ 8/20] p < 0 .05). Conclusions: While automated alerts may enable early identification of sepsis, use of SIRS criteria alone has poor specificity, which was borne out by the low PPV in this study. Our study found that management of sepsis patients (as measured by AU and culture ordering) was better than expected and combined with the low PPV of this alert system resulted in our team rejecting widespread adoption of SIRS-based sepsis alerts.

The dynamics of our species’ dispersal into the Pacific remains intensely debated. The authors present archaeological investigations in the Raja Ampat Islands, north-west of New Guinea, that provide the earliest known evidence for humans arriving in the Pacific more than 55 000–50 000 years ago. Seafaring simulations demonstrate that a northern equatorial route into New Guinea via the Raja Ampat Islands was a viable dispersal corridor to Sahul at this time. Analysis of faunal remains and a resin artefact further indicates that exploitation of both rainforest and marine resources, rather than a purely maritime specialisation, was important for the adaptive success of Pacific peoples.

Florpyrauxifen-benzyl has generated complaints and concerns around rice injury and off-target movement to soybean since its commercial launch in 2018. Developing a precise method for applying florpyrauxifen-benzyl was imperative for its continued use. Experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate rice weed control as influenced by preflood application interval and flood loss following florpyrauxifen-benzyl at 30 g ai ha−1 applied as a spray or coated on urea. In a preflood application experiment, coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl on urea and applying it the day of flood establishment and 5 and 10 d prior to flooding (DPTF) resulted in lower yellow nutsedge, broadleaf signalgrass, and barnyardgrass control than when the herbicide was spray at 3 and 5 wk after final treatment (WAFT). Coating florpyrauxifen-benzyl onto urea provided only 61% to 63% yellow nutsedge control at 3 and 5 WAFT, which was 35 to 37 percentage points lower than when the spray was applied at 5 or 10 DPTF. Likewise, rice yields following applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated onto urea were 1,200 kg ha−1 less than yields following spray applications. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated onto urea and clomazone provided lower levels of weed control than spraying the herbicide alone, suggesting an explanation for the yield losses. The timing of flood loss experiment suggested that when florpyrauxifen-benzyl coated onto urea at 30 g ai ha−1 was applied preflood and flood was relinquished at 2 h, 24 h, and 7 d after flood establishment, hemp sesbania and yellow nutsedge control were not affected. However, loss of floodwater 2 h after flood establishment resulted in lower barnyardgrass control than when the flood was lost 24 h and 7 d after flooding. Generally, the period between a herbicide application and flooding completion should be minimized to aid in weed control. These results indicate the importance of maintaining a flood for weed control and nutrient management.

COVID-19 vaccine uptake in healthcare personnel (HCP) is poor. A cross-sectional survey study of behavioral health HCP was performed. Commonly identified reasons for vaccination were protecting others and oneself. Reasons against were a lack of perceived protection, dosing intervals, and side effects. Assessing vaccination attitudes can assist in uptake strategy.

NASA’s all-sky survey mission, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), is specifically engineered to detect exoplanets that transit bright stars. Thus far, TESS has successfully identified approximately 400 transiting exoplanets, in addition to roughly 6 000 candidate exoplanets pending confirmation. In this study, we present the results of our ongoing project, the Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST). Our dedicated effort is focused on the confirmation and characterisation of new exoplanets through the application of statistical validation tools. Through a combination of ground-based telescope data, high-resolution imaging, and the utilisation of the statistical validation tool known as TRICERATOPS, we have successfully discovered eight potential super-Earths. These planets bear the designations: TOI-238b (1.61$^{+0.09} _{-0.10}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-771b (1.42$^{+0.11} _{-0.09}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-871b (1.66$^{+0.11} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1467b (1.83$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1739b (1.69$^{+0.10} _{-0.08}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-2068b (1.82$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-4559b (1.42$^{+0.13} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), and TOI-5799b (1.62$^{+0.19} _{-0.13}$ R$_\oplus$). Among all these planets, six of them fall within the region known as ‘keystone planets’, which makes them particularly interesting for study. Based on the location of TOI-771b and TOI-4559b below the radius valley we characterised them as likely super-Earths, though radial velocity mass measurements for these planets will provide more details about their characterisation. It is noteworthy that planets within the size range investigated herein are absent from our own solar system, making their study crucial for gaining insights into the evolutionary stages between Earth and Neptune.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Community and other stakeholder engagement (CSE) is critical for relevant and equitable clinical research, yet implementation poses challenges. This study delineates the perspectives of scientists and diverse stakeholders regarding facilitators and challenges in CSE, its perceived value, and their recommendations for successful CSE. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The Tufts CTSI Pilot Studies Program requires applicants to propose a plan for CSE while implementing the award, including which stakeholders (SHs)—community members, clinicians, and others affected by the research--will be involved and at what stages. This qualitative study assessed the experiences of both Principal Investigators (PIs) and SHs engaged in pilot projects from three cohorts of awardees (2019-21). Recruitment targeted one PI and one SH per project. Semi-structured interviews explored their CSE experiences, including facilitators, challenges, meaningfulness, perceived impact, intent to participate in CSE in future studies, as well as recommendations for funders, research support organizations, and investigators. Inductive consensus-based coding and thematic analysis was employed. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Fourteen PIs from different pilot projects and a SH from five of these projects participated. Almost all PIs (92%) had over six years of experience, but two-thirds (67%) had little or no experience with CSE. Four SHs self-identified as representatives of community organizations and one as a clinician scientist. CSE was a “win-win” for both PIs and SHs, and all PIs intended to involve SHs in other research studies. Three facilitators were identified as fostering effective CSE (e.g., PI access to CSE expertise while conducting the project), while four challenges hindered it (e.g., limits on SH capacity and CSE funding). SHs advised scientists to build authentic, sustained relationships, and PIs and SHs provided three actionable recommendations for funders and research support organizations to deepen and expand CSE. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Perspectives of scientists and SHs engaged in research projects are vital for expanding and sustaining effective CSE in research. Funders and research support organizations can enhance their strategies for CSE integration in clinical and translational research by incorporating these diverse views to ensure the research achieves maximal impact.

A series of synthetic goethites containing varying amounts of Si and P dopants were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, electron diffraction, microbeam electron diffraction, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Very low level incorporation produced materials having structural and spectral properties similar to those of poorly crystalline synthetic or natural goethite. At higher incorporation levels, mixtures of noncrystalline materials were obtained which exhibited Mössbauer spectra typical of noncrystalline materials mixed with a superparamagnetic component. Microbeam electron diffraction indicated that these mixtures contained poorly crystalline goethite, poorly crystalline ferrihydrite, and a noncrystalline component. If the material was prepared with no aging of the alkaline Fe3+ solution before the addition of Na2HPO4 or Na2SiO3, materials were obtained containing little if any superparamagnetic component. If the alkaline Fe3+ solution was aged for 48 hr before the addition, goethite nuclei formed and apparently promoted the precipitation of a superparamagnetic phase. The Mössbauer-effect hyperfme parameters and the saturation internal-hyperfine field obtained at 4.2 K were typical of those of goethite; however, the Mössbauer spectra indicated that the ordering temperature, as reflected in the relaxation rate and/or the blocking temperature, decreased with increasing incorporation of Si and P. The complete loss of crystallinity indicates that Si and P did not substitute for Fe, but rather adsorbed on crystal-growth sites, thereby preventing uniform crystal growth.

The Brazil Nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa, Lecythidaceae) is a species of considerable historical, economic and ecological importance in South America. Radiocarbon dating indicates some individuals can live from hundreds to more than 1000 years, which means they have the potential to reconstruct deep time growth patterns and their relationship to anthropogenic management or climate change from pre-colonial to present times. However, age estimates vary considerably amongst trees dated with different methods (i.e. tree-ring analysis, radiocarbon-dating, and repeated diameter measurements). Here we analyze living Brazil Nut trees growing in four distinct regions across the Brazilian Amazon using two dating methods: tree-ring counting and radiocarbon dating. Our results show that the congruence between the two methods varies amongst regions, and the highest congruence is found at the site of Tefé, Amazonas. This region features archaeological sites with anthropogenic Terra Preta soils, and is known for its long-term human forest management. This management likely enhanced light and nutrient availability, which possibly enabled the trees to grow at higher rates and form annual rings. Our findings highlight the need for better understanding of the growth of Brazil Nut trees for ecological research, but also the potential of dendrochronology for exploring climate change and human-forest interactions in the Amazon Basin.

We evaluated whether universal chlorhexidine bathing (decolonization) with or without COVID-19 intensive training impacted COVID-19 rates in 63 nursing homes (NHs) during the 2020–2021 Fall/Winter surge. Decolonization was associated with a 43% lesser rise in staff case-rates (P < .001) and a 52% lesser rise in resident case-rates (P < .001) versus control.

In situ elemental imaging of planetary surface regolith at a spatial resolution of 100s to 1000s of microns can provide evidence of the provenance of rocks or sediments and their habitability, and can identify post-depositional diagenetic alteration affecting preservation. We use high-resolution elemental maps and XRF spectra from MapX, a flight prototype in situ X-ray imaging instrument, to demonstrate this technology in rock types relevant to astrobiology. Examples are given for various petrologies and depositional/diagenetic environments, including ultramafic/mafic rocks, serpentinites, hydrothermal carbonates, evaporites, stromatolitic cherts and diagenetic concretions.

Herbicide-resistant barnyardgrass and weedy rice control, without crop injury, is a challenge for rice producers in the United States. Herbicides not initially labeled for rice, such as oxyfluorfen, are now being evaluated as new tools for weed control. The ROXY® trait allows for the use of oxyfluorfen in rice for weed control preemergence and postemergence. Experiments were initiated in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate (1) the effectiveness of preemergence- and postemergence-applied oxyfluorfen on barnyardgrass and weedy rice, (2) the sensitivity of oxyfluorfen-resistant rice to oxyfluorfen as a function of application timing, and (3) the influence of soil moisture on oxyfluorfen-resistant rice sensitivity to oxyfluorfen. In the field, a rate response was observed for oxyfluorfen applied to weedy rice when averaged over application timings of 1-leaf, 2-leaf, 3-leaf, and tillering, with oxyfluorfen at 1,680 g ai ha−1 resulting in 81% and 72% control 7 d after application (DAA) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Under greenhouse conditions, barnyardgrass and weedy rice control averaged by the rate of oxyfluorfen was ≥85 and ≥70%, respectfully, 7 DAA for the 1-, 2-, and 3-leaf rice growth stage timings. Preemergence applications of oxyfluorfen under 100% soil saturation resulted in 75% injury to oxyfluorfen-resistant rice, greater than all other soil moisture at 7 DAA. All postemergence applications of oxyfluorfen resulted in 63% to 70% injury to oxyfluorfen-resistant rice at 7 DAA, regardless of soil moisture. Barnyardgrass and weedy rice control with oxyfluorfen is achieved with timely applications; however, injury to oxyfluorfen-resistant rice is likely.

Empowering the Participant Voice (EPV) is an NCATS-funded six-CTSA collaboration to develop, demonstrate, and disseminate a low-cost infrastructure for collecting timely feedback from research participants, fostering trust, and providing data for improving clinical translational research. EPV leverages the validated Research Participant Perception Survey (RPPS) and the popular REDCap electronic data-capture platform. This report describes the development of infrastructure designed to overcome identified institutional barriers to routinely collecting participant feedback using RPPS and demonstration use cases. Sites engaged local stakeholders iteratively, incorporating feedback about anticipated value and potential concerns into project design. The team defined common standards and operations, developed software, and produced a detailed planning and implementation Guide. By May 2023, 2,575 participants diverse in age, race, ethnicity, and sex had responded to approximately 13,850 survey invitations (18.6%); 29% of responses included free-text comments. EPV infrastructure enabled sites to routinely access local and multi-site research participant experience data on an interactive analytics dashboard. The EPV learning collaborative continues to test initiatives to improve survey reach and optimize infrastructure and process. Broad uptake of EPV will expand the evidence base, enable hypothesis generation, and drive research-on-research locally and nationally to enhance the clinical research enterprise.

In the course of an artificially triggered avalanche, a particle tracking procedure is combined with supplementary measurements, including Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning, terrestrial laser scanning and Doppler radar measurements. Specifically, an intertial measurement unit is mounted inside a rigid sphere, which is placed in the avalanche track. The sphere is entrained by the moving snow, recording translational accelerations, angular velocities and the flux density of Earth's magnetic field. Based on the recorded data, we present a threefold analysis: (i) a qualitative data interpretation, identifying different particle motion phases which are associated with corresponding flow regimes, (ii) a quantitative time integration algorithm, determining the corresponding particle trajectory and associated velocities on the basis of standard sensor calibration, and (iii) an improved quantitative evaluation relying on a novel in situ sensor calibration technique, which is motivated by the limitations of the given dataset. The final results, i.e. the evolution of the angular orientation of the sensor unit, translational and rotational velocities and estimates of the sensor trajectory, are assessed with respect to their reliability and relevance for avalanche dynamics as well as for future design of experiments.