High Accuracy Molecular Line Lists for Studies of Exoplanets and Other Hot Atmospheres

The desire to characterize and model the atmospheres of the many extrasolar planets that have been discovered over the last three decades is a major driver of current astronomy. However, this goal is impacted by the lack of spectroscopic data on the molecules in question. As most atmospheres that can be studied are hot, some surprisingly so, this activity requires spectroscopic information not readily available from laboratory studies. This article will review the current status of available molecular spectroscopic data, usually presented as line lists, for studies of exoplanet atmospheres and, indeed, the atmospheres of other astronomical objects hotter than the Earth such as brown dwarfs, cool stars and even sunspots. Analysis of exoplanet transit spectra and the calculation of the relevant opacities often require huge datasets comprising billions of individual spectroscopic transitions. Conversely, the newly-developed high-resolution Doppler-shift spectroscopy technique has proved to be a powerful tool for detecting molecular species in exoplanet atmospheres, but relies on the use of smaller, highly accurate line lists. Methods of resolving issues arising from the competing demands of completeness versus accuracy for line lists are discussed.

Interprofessional Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) has emerged as a core educational method among human service and medical educational settings. Research suggests that learners who learn in IPE settings have better transdisciplinary communication skills and are better team members. Unfortunately, competing demands of multiple academic divisions can make facilitating IPE cumbersome. This chapter will describe the processes for developing, implementing, and evaluating an IPE experience drawn from de-identified patient records. The model includes information about incorporating learners from medicine, pharmacy, psychology, social work, and law, but could easily be expanded to include learners from other disciplines. The authors include descriptions of the process of implementing the unfolding case series in both face-to-face and live remote settings. This will include a sample case vignette, a pre-/post-survey, and learning objectives. Finally, the authors include opportunities for expansion and discussion of the challenges of implementing a curriculum targeted toward learners from diverse disciplines.

Student Perception of Face-to-Face vs Online Language Training

Since the spring of 2020, practically all educational institutions have transferred instruction online. However, questions remain about whether online learning is as effective as face-to-face (F2F) one. This is especially relevant in the case of non-formal adult education, as students have competing demands on their time, established learning habits, and their relationship with a training provider is short-term. This paper compares results of students’ evaluation of teaching (SET) collected from two adult learner cohorts of similar demographic characteristics. While both cohorts had English language courses of the same core content and volume, one studied F2F, the other online. A Likert-type questionnaire form is used for the analysis. Analysis of the results from both groups reveals no statistically significant differences in students’ opinions. Moreover, students are consistent in their overall favorable attitude to both learning formats. A very slight preference towards F2F format is detected in some aspects of the course.

You Are What You Eat: Affirming Podcast and Subjective Wellbeing among African American Women

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate whether intentional exposure to affirming messages via podcast would lead to improvement in subjective wellbeing in a sample of African American women. This two-part study used a mixed-methods design to measure subjective wellbeing using the Multicultural Quality of Life Index and a series of focus groups. During Phase 1, participants rated and discussed culturally relevant affirmations that informed the development of the podcast intervention used in Phase 2. The results revealed that stressors such as microaggressions, mental distress, and competing demands justified the need for support. Participants indicated that the podcast intervention was an enriching experience that illuminated the necessity of restorative practices that heal and revitalize the spirit. The intervention led to positive behavior change; and these results demonstrated the podcast benefits, suggesting that intentional exposure to positive messages may help some African American women cope with life stressors.

Pathways to Unsegregated Sharing of Airspace: Views of the Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Industry

The uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV or drone) industry is expanding, offering services such as video/photography, inspection, monitoring, surveying, and logistics. This is leading to competing demands for airspace with existing crewed aircraft activities, especially in uncontrolled airspace. As a result, there is an increasingly urgent need for a shared airspace solution that enables drones to be integrated with the wider aviation community in unsegregated operations. The purpose of this research was to engage with the drone industry to understand their issues regarding shared airspace as an important first step in the co-development of operating procedures that can provide equitable airspace access for all. An online, interactive workshop format was employed, with participants (n~80) drawn from the UK drone industry and other attendant organisations. Verbal and written data were recorded, and then analysed using thematic analysis. The findings summarise the issues on a range of topics, grouped into three over-arching themes: (1) operational environment; (2) technical and regulatory environment; and (3) equity and wider society. Results suggested that important issues included the necessity for a dependable detect-and-avoid (DAA) system for in-flight de-confliction, based on onboard electronic conspicuity (EC) devices, and the need for support for shared airspace from the wider aviation community. This study contributes to the stakeholder engagement that will be essential if the co-development of a shared airspace solution is to be widely acceptable to all.

Predictors of Participation Restriction in Midlife Caregivers: An Exploratory Study

Mid-life family caregivers (CGs) are at risk for participation restrictions (reduced engagement in valued roles and activities) due to competing demands of work, parenting, and family caregiving responsibilities. When CGs experience participation restrictions, quality of care for care recipients (CR) decreases, yet CG burden and risk for poor health increases. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors contributing to decreased participation in mid-life CGs. Participants were CGs aged 45-64 years (n = 677) from the National Study of Caregiving/National Health and Aging Trends Study. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine attributes of CGs, CRs, and the care situation that independently contribute to participation restrictions. We found that negative aspects of caregiving (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.33, 1.71) and CR depression and anxiety (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.83, 0.99) significantly predicted participation restrictions (p < 0.05). Positive aspects of care (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.74, 1.01), frequency of helping with chores (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.70), frequency of providing personal care (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.59), and frequency of providing help getting around the home (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.97, 1.75) showed trends for association with participation restrictions (p < 0.10). We identified factors that are related to participation restriction in mid-life CGs. Some of these factors (e.g., positive and negative aspects of caregiving, frequency of assistance provided) are potentially modifiable intervention targets that could bolster participation in this at-risk group.

Using Documentary Short Film for Health Impact: An Example for Supporting Family Caregivers

Storytelling through film is a powerful tool with potential to improve understanding, spark discussion, shape perceptions of health and illness, and influence related behavior. We developed a film discussion guide for the documentary short film Caregiver: A Love Story. The 24-minute film follows the experience of a man who leaves his job to become the primary caregiver of his 59 year-old wife, who opts out of non-beneficial chemotherapy, choosing instead to remain at home with hospice support. The 2-hour program was facilitated by an experienced social worker and offered on five different days/times using Zoom video (n=60 total attendees; 9-15/ session). At each session, we showed the film, discussed self-care and caregiver resources, and fielded a survey to assess satisfaction, format acceptability and session impact (response rates 67-100%/session). Attendees liked the session format (90%); found the film relevant to their situations (80%); intended to look for new professional resources (79%); were motivated to do something different(71%); learned something new (64%); and intended to ask for more help from family or friends (64%). Many commented that they preferred the video meeting format over in-person meetings. The film viewing and discussion format is acceptable and accessible to family caregivers who may otherwise not be able to attend given competing demands. This format also has potential to improve support access to resources. Extensions to this work are planned to tailor the film discussion guide for health care providers and students working with family caregivers across inpatient, outpatient and hospice settings.

School-based HPV Vaccination: The Challenges in a Brazilian Initiative

Objective The present study assesses the implementation and the impact after 2 years of a school-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in a Brazilian city. Methods A prospective study assessing the implementation of the program, offering quadrivalent HPV vaccine in two annual doses to girls and boys aged from 9 to 10 years old. The program was started in the city of Indaiatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2018, and had authorization from the National Immunization Program. The number of HPV vaccine first doses applied and the coverage in 2018 was calculated and compared to the year 2017. There were described events that have influenced the results. Results The program invited 4,878 children through schools (87.1% of the target population), and 7.5% refused vaccination. Several concurrent events required or competed for health professionals of the vaccination teams. The coverage of the first dose (between 9 and 10 years old) was 16.1% in 2017 and increased to 50.5% in 2018 (p < 0.0001). The first dose in all ages increased 78% in 2018 compared with 2017 (6,636/3,733). Competing demands over the program continued in 2019, and the first dose coverage dropped (26.9%). For 2020, a municipal law instituted school-based vaccination and the creation of dedicated teams for vaccination, and these strategies are waiting to be tested. Conclusion School-based annual HPV vaccination in children between 9 and 10 years old was feasible and increased vaccination coverage, regardless of gender, although the program was vulnerable to competing events.

T-cell microvilli simulations show operation near packing limit and impact on antigen recognition.

T-cells are immune cells that continuously scan for foreign-derived antigens on the surfaces of nearly all cells, termed antigen-presenting cells (APCs). They do this by dynamically extending numerous protrusions called microvilli (MV) that contain T-cell receptors (TCRs) towards the APC surface to scan for antigens. The number, size, and dynamics of these MV, and the complex multi-scale topography that results, play a yet unknown role in antigen recognition. We develop an anatomically informed model of the T-cell/APC interface to elucidate the role of MV dynamics in antigen sensitivity and discrimination. We find that MV surveillance reduces antigen sensitivity compared to a completely flat interface unless MV are stabilized in an antigen-dependent manner and find that MV has only a modest impact on antigen discrimination. The model highlights that MV contacts optimize the competing demands of fast scanning speeds of the APC surface with antigen sensitivity and that T-cells operate their MV near the interface packing limit. Finally, we find that observed MV contact lifetimes can be largely influenced by conditions in the T-cell/APC interface with these lifetimes often being longer than the simulation or experimental observation period. The work highlights the role of MV in antigen recognition.

A corticothalamic circuit trades off speed for safety during decision-making under motivational conflict

Decisions to act while pursuing goals in the presence of danger must be made quickly but safely. Premature decisions risk injury or death whereas postponing decisions risk goal loss. Here we show how mice resolve these competing demands. Using microstructural behavioral analyses, we identified the spatiotemporal dynamics of approach-avoidance decisions under motivational conflict. Then we used cognitive modelling to show that these dynamics reflect the speeded decision-making mechanisms used by humans and non-human primates, with mice trading off decision speed for safety of choice when danger loomed. Using calcium imaging and functional circuit analyses, we show that this speed-safety trade off occurs because increases in paraventricular thalamus (PVT) activity increase decision caution, thereby increasing approach-avoid decision times in the presence of danger. Our findings demonstrate that a discrete brain circuit involving the PVT and its prefrontal cortical input dynamically adjusts decision caution during motivational conflict, trading off decision speed for decision safety when danger is close. They identify the corticothalamic pathway as central to cognitive control during decision-making under conflict.