Bars are ubiquitous morphological features in the observed distribution of galaxies. There are similarly many methods for classifying these features and, without a strict theoretical definition or common standard practice, this is often left to circumstance. So, we were concerned whether astronomers even agree on the bar which they perceive in a given galaxy and whether this could impact perceived scientific results. As an elementary test, we twenty-one astronomers with varied experience in studying resolved galaxies and circumstances, have each assessed 200 galaxy images, spanning the early phase of bar evolution in two different barred galaxy simulations. We find variations exist within the classification of all the standard bar parameters assessed: bar length, axis-ratio, pitch-angle and even whether a bar is present at all. If this is indicative of the wider community, it has implications for interpreting morphological trends, such as bar-end effects. Furthermore, we find that it is surprisingly not expertise but gender, followed by career stage, which gives rise to the largest discrepancies in the reported bar parameters. Currently, automation does not seem to be a viable solution, with bar classifications from two automated bar-finding algorithms tested and failing to find bars in snapshots where most astronomers agree a bar must exist. Increasing dependence on machine learning or crowdsourcing with a training dataset can only serve to obfuscate any existing biases if these originate from the specific astronomer producing the training material. On the strength of this small sample, we encourage an interim best practice to reduce the impact of any possible classification bias and set goals for the community to resolve the issue in the future.

Indaziflam (Rejuvra®), a preemergence herbicide first registered in vine and tree nut crops, was recently approved for applications to rangeland for winter annual grass control. Indaziflam controls cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.) for at least 3 yr, and control can extend into a fourth and fifth year; however, it is very difficult to find indaziflam residues in the soil 2 yr after application. Indaziflam could be absorbed by seeds still retained on the plant and on the soil surface in sufficient concentrations to stop establishment. To test this hypothesis, B. tectorum seeds and jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host) spikelets were treated with indaziflam and imazapic at rates from 5.4 to 175 g ai ha−1 using a greenhouse track sprayer delivering 187 L ha−1. Treated seeds were planted into field soil, and plants were allowed to grow for 21 d under greenhouse conditions. Growth was compared with growth of non-treated controls. In addition, a second set of treated seeds were exposed to rainfall 1 and 24 h after treatment and rainfall amounts ranging from 3 to 24 mm to determine whether rainfall impacted herbicide performance. Bromus tectorum was so sensitive to indaziflam that establishment was eliminated at all rates. Imazapic inhibited B. tectorum establishment with an ED90 of 67 g ai ha−1. Indaziflam effectively inhibits A. cylindrica establishment with an ED90 of 7.4 g ai ha−1 compared with imazapic with an ED50 of 175 g ai ha−1. Indaziflam’s impact on A. cylindrica establishment was not significantly impacted by rainfall, indicating that the herbicide was absorbed to the seed coat. These findings support the hypothesis that indaziflam’s long-term control could result from its ability to inhibit establishment of seeds retained in the canopy and those on the soil surface at the time of application.

Recent changes to US research funding are having far-reaching consequences that imperil the integrity of science and the provision of care to vulnerable populations. Resisting these changes, the BJPsych Portfolio reaffirms its commitment to publishing mental science and advancing psychiatric knowledge that improves the mental health of one and all.

Objectives/Goals: This study’s objective was to explore how a personal cancer diagnosis impacts the social connectedness (i.e., quality, structure, and functions of social relationships) of adolescent/young adult cancer survivors (AYACS, patients diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 39 years old), to inform intervention development fostering social health. Methods/Study Population: In this qualitative study (part of larger study assessing AYACS’ psychosocial challenges), participants were 15–25 years old at the time of cancer diagnosis and within 6 years of cancer diagnosis. Participants (and consenting parents of participants 18 years old and older) had to have fluency in written and spoken English and access to a computer or smartphone. Qualitative interviewers utilized an interview guide to conduct individual participant interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data using a phenomenological approach to explore how a personal cancer diagnosis impacted social connectedness. Qualitative data related to social connectedness (corresponding to code “Relationships and Support”) are presented. Results/Anticipated Results: Three themes emerged through thematic analysis: (1) AYACS experience substantial heterogeneity related to social support needs; (2) AYACS leverage multiple relationships and resources when seeking support after a personal cancer diagnosis; (3) AYACS’ individual experiences were unique in that some noted positive changes, whereas others noted negative changes in relationships within social networks, specifically with peers. Discussion/Significance of Impact: AYACS experience various social support needs, and leverage multiple relationships when seeking social support. These translational findings create a foundation to develop AYACS social programming, foster peer relationships, and incorporate social science methods to aid intervention development to strengthen AYACS’ social connectedness.

Coastal wetlands are hotspots of carbon sequestration, and their conservation and restoration can help to mitigate climate change. However, there remains uncertainty on when and where coastal wetland restoration can most effectively act as natural climate solutions (NCS). Here, we synthesize current understanding to illustrate the requirements for coastal wetland restoration to benefit climate, and discuss potential paths forward that address key uncertainties impeding implementation. To be effective as NCS, coastal wetland restoration projects will accrue climate cooling benefits that would not occur without management action (additionality), will be implementable (feasibility) and will persist over management-relevant timeframes (permanence). Several issues add uncertainty to understanding if these minimum requirements are met. First, coastal wetlands serve as both a landscape source and sink of carbon for other habitats, increasing uncertainty in additionality. Second, coastal wetlands can potentially migrate outside of project footprints as they respond to sea-level rise, increasing uncertainty in permanence. To address these first two issues, a system-wide approach may be necessary, rather than basing cooling benefits only on changes that occur within project boundaries. Third, the need for NCS to function over management-relevant decadal timescales means methane responses may be necessary to include in coastal wetland restoration planning and monitoring. Finally, there is uncertainty on how much data are required to justify restoration action. We summarize the minimum data required to make a binary decision on whether there is a net cooling benefit from a management action, noting that these data are more readily available than the data required to quantify the magnitude of cooling benefits for carbon crediting purposes. By reducing uncertainty, coastal wetland restoration can be implemented at the scale required to significantly contribute to addressing the current climate crisis.

We examined the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults with neurological disorders. A pre-registered systematic search of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Neurobite was performed from inception to May 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which examined the efficacy of cognitive and behavioral interventions in treating depression and/or anxiety among adults with neurological disorders were included. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed on categorical and continuous moderators, respectively. Main outcomes were pre- and post-intervention depression and anxiety symptom scores, as reported using standardized measures. Fifty-four RCTs involving 5372 participants with 11 neurological disorders (including multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke) were included. The overall effect of interventions yielded significant improvements in both depression (57 arms, Hedges' g = 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.54) and anxiety symptoms (29 arms, g = 0.38, 95% CI 0.29–0.48), compared to controls. Efficacy was greater in studies which employed a minimum baseline symptom severity inclusion criterion for both outcomes, and greater in trials using inactive controls for depression only. There was also evidence of differential efficacy of interventions across the neurological disorder types and the outcome measure used. Risk of bias, intervention delivery mode, intervention tailoring for neurological disorders, sample size, and study year did not moderate effects. Cognitive and behavioral interventions yield small-to-moderate improvements in symptoms of both depression and anxiety in adults with a range of neurological disorders.

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum L.) is an invasive aquatic plant that can hybridize with the native northern watermilfoil (M. sibiricum Kom.). These milfoil hybrids (M. spicatum × M. sibiricum) are becoming more prevalent in many lakes where the invasive and the native milfoil co-occur. Hybrid plants are more vigorous than either parent with a faster growth rate and lower sensitivity to some herbicides. The aquatic herbicides endothall and 2,4-D provide two effective modes of action for management of the hybrids. For more than a decade, these two herbicides have been used in combination as an effective control option and a resistance management strategy. How this combination impacts herbicide movement and efficacy is unknown. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the activity of endothall and 2,4-D combined compared with activity applied alone. Absorption and translocation of endothall, 2,4-D, and the combination was determined in hybrid plants over a 96-h time course. Endothall accumulation was not impacted when these herbicides were applied in combination; however, 2,4-D accumulation increased by 80%, relative to when 2,4-D was applied alone. Endothall translocation from shoots to roots decreased by almost 50% when applied in combination with 2,4-D (alone = 16.7% ± 2.6%; combination = 9.2% ± 1.2%). Shoot-to-root translocation of 2,4-D also decreased when the two herbicides were applied in combination (24.8% ± 2.6% when applied alone to only 3.93% ± 0.4% when in the presence of endothall). This research demonstrates that combining herbicides can significantly impact herbicide activity in plants. Future research is needed to determine whether this reduced translocation negatively impacts operational effectiveness when these herbicides are applied in combination.

Observations of radiocarbon (14C) in Earth’s atmosphere and other carbon reservoirs are important to quantify exchanges of CO2 between reservoirs. The amount of 14C is commonly reported in the so-called Delta notation, i.e., Δ14C, the decay- and fractionation-corrected departure of the ratio of 14C to total C from that ratio in an absolute international standard; this Delta notation permits direct comparison of 14C/C ratios in the several reservoirs. However, as Δ14C of atmospheric CO2, Δ14CO2 is based on the ratio of 14CO2 to total atmospheric CO2, its value can and does change not just because of change in the amount of atmospheric14CO2 but also because of change in the amount of total atmospheric CO2, complicating ascription of change in Δ14CO2 to change in one or the other quantity. Here we suggest that presentation of atmospheric 14CO2 amount as mole fraction relative to dry air (moles of 14CO2 per moles of dry air in Earth’s atmosphere), or as moles or molecules of 14CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere, all readily calculated from Δ14CO2 and the amount of atmospheric CO2 (with slight dependence on δ13CO2), complements presentation only as Δ14CO2, and can provide valuable insight into the evolving budget and distribution of atmospheric 14CO2.

Clinical outcomes of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) vary widely and there is no mood rating scale that is standard for assessing rTMS outcome. It remains unclear whether TMS is as efficacious in older adults with late-life depression (LLD) compared to younger adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study examined the effect of age on outcomes of rTMS treatment of adults with TRD. Self-report and observer mood ratings were measured weekly in 687 subjects ages 16–100 years undergoing rTMS treatment using the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology 30-item Self-Report (IDS-SR), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ), Profile of Mood States 30-item, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item (HDRS). All rating scales detected significant improvement with treatment; response and remission rates varied by scale but not by age (response/remission ≥ 60: 38%–57%/25%–33%; <60: 32%–49%/18%–25%). Proportional hazards models showed early improvement predicted later improvement across ages, though early improvements in PHQ and HDRS were more predictive of remission in those < 60 years (relative to those ≥ 60) and greater baseline IDS burden was more predictive of non-remission in those ≥ 60 years (relative to those < 60). These results indicate there is no significant effect of age on treatment outcomes in rTMS for TRD, though rating instruments may differ in assessment of symptom burden between younger and older adults during treatment.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has been a leader in weed science research covering topics ranging from the development and use of integrated weed management (IWM) tactics to basic mechanistic studies, including biotic resistance of desirable plant communities and herbicide resistance. ARS weed scientists have worked in agricultural and natural ecosystems, including agronomic and horticultural crops, pastures, forests, wild lands, aquatic habitats, wetlands, and riparian areas. Through strong partnerships with academia, state agencies, private industry, and numerous federal programs, ARS weed scientists have made contributions to discoveries in the newest fields of robotics and genetics, as well as the traditional and fundamental subjects of weed–crop competition and physiology and integration of weed control tactics and practices. Weed science at ARS is often overshadowed by other research topics; thus, few are aware of the long history of ARS weed science and its important contributions. This review is the result of a symposium held at the Weed Science Society of America’s 62nd Annual Meeting in 2022 that included 10 separate presentations in a virtual Weed Science Webinar Series. The overarching themes of management tactics (IWM, biological control, and automation), basic mechanisms (competition, invasive plant genetics, and herbicide resistance), and ecosystem impacts (invasive plant spread, climate change, conservation, and restoration) represent core ARS weed science research that is dynamic and efficacious and has been a significant component of the agency’s national and international efforts. This review highlights current studies and future directions that exemplify the science and collaborative relationships both within and outside ARS. Given the constraints of weeds and invasive plants on all aspects of food, feed, and fiber systems, there is an acknowledged need to face new challenges, including agriculture and natural resources sustainability, economic resilience and reliability, and societal health and well-being.

Advances in translational science require innovative solutions, and engagement of productive transdisciplinary teams play a critical role. While various forms of scientific meetings have long provided venues for sharing scientific findings and generating new collaborations, many conferences lack opportunities for active discussions. We describe the use of an Un-Meeting to foster innovative translational science teams through engaged discussions across multidisciplinary groups addressing a shared theme. The Un-Meeting was delivered by the University of Rochester Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration, the national coordinating center for the National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program. This pilot CTSA program Un-Meeting focused on engaging translational scientists, policy-makers, community members, advocates, and public health professionals to address the opioid crisis. The participant-driven format leveraged lightning talks, attendee-led idea generation, and extensive breakout discussions to foster multidisciplinary networking. Results indicated participation by a broad set of attendees and a high level of networking during the meeting. These results, coupled with the growth of the Un-Meeting across the CTSA Consortium, provide practices and models to potentially advance team and translational science. While future work will further assess the impact of Un-Meetings, this format presents a promising approach to enhance translational science.