Anisotropy studies around the galactic centre at EeV energies with the Auger Observatory

Data from the Pierre Auger Observatory are analyzed to search for anisotropies near the direction of the Galactic Centre at EeV energies. The exposure of the surface array in this part of the sky is already significantly larger than that of the fore-runner experiments. Our results do not support previous findings of localized excesses in the AGASA and SUGAR data. We set an upper bound on a point-like flux of cosmic rays arriving from the Galactic Centre which excludes several scenarios predicting sources of EeV neutrons from Sagittarius $A$. Also the events detected simultaneously by the surface and fluorescence detectors (the `hybrid' data set), which have better pointing accuracy but are less numerous than those of the surface array alone, do not show any significant localized excess from this direction.Comment: Matches published versio

Prediction of Prostate Cancer Biochemical and Clinical Recurrence Is Improved by IHC-Assisted Grading Using Appl1, Sortilin and Syndecan-1.

Gleason scoring is used within a five-tier risk stratification system to guide therapeutic decisions for patients with prostate cancer. This study aimed to compare the predictive performance of routine H&E or biomarker-assisted ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology) grade grouping for assessing the risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and clinical recurrence (CR) in patients with prostate cancer. This retrospective study was an assessment of 114 men with prostate cancer who provided radical prostatectomy samples to the Australian Prostate Cancer Bioresource between 2006 and 2014. The prediction of CR was the primary outcome (median time to CR 79.8 months), and BCR was assessed as a secondary outcome (median time to BCR 41.7 months). The associations of (1) H&E ISUP grade groups and (2) modified ISUP grade groups informed by the Appl1, Sortilin and Syndecan-1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) labelling were modelled with BCR and CR using Cox proportional hazard approaches. IHC-assisted grading was more predictive than H&E for BCR (C-statistic 0.63 vs. 0.59) and CR (C-statistic 0.71 vs. 0.66). On adjusted analysis, IHC-assisted ISUP grading was independently associated with both outcome measures. IHC-assisted ISUP grading using the biomarker panel was an independent predictor of individual BCR and CR. Prospective studies are needed to further validate this biomarker technology and to define BCR and CR associations in real-world cohorts.Jessica M. Logan ... Lisa M. Butler ... Douglas A. Brooks ... et al

Evaluation of low-flow frequency analysis methods

Low flows in 21 rivers in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand were estimated using several different frequency analysis methods and compared to assist in setting minimum flows for protection of instream uses. Theoretical frequency distributions, including the log-normal, Weibull, and Extreme Value Type 1 distributions, and the Gringorton plotting position were used with historical discharge data. Goodness-of-fit tests, including L-moment methods for regional data, were used to determine the best distributions. Regional analysis for ungauged locations, such as regression methods using catchment characteristics and low-flow contour maps, were also evaluated. The specific 7-day mean annual low flows ranged from 0.23 1 s-1 km-2 to 7.76 1 s-1 km-2. The mean value for all stations was 2.62 1 s-1 km-2. Based on the log-normal estimate, values for the specific 7-day 10-year low flow ranged from 0.01 1 s-1 km-2 to 3.93 1 s-1 km-2. The mean for all stations was 1.31 1 s-1 km-2. The log-normal estimate was usually higher than the Weibull estimate with differences ranging up to 46%. Few stations had differences greater than or equal to 20%, and the mean difference for all stations was 13%. Results for the Extreme Value Type 1 distribution were usually lower than for the other two distributions. There was no clear pattern of the plotting position values being higher or lower than the theoretical estimates. The L-moments method is good technique for evaluation of goodness-of-fit and regional analysis. The Generalised Pareto distribution was best for most individual stations. For the Otago sites, LCV values ranged from 0.1808 to 0.5694, and LSK and LKUR values ranged up to 0.3895 and 0.6186, respectively. Only one station had a discordancy value considerably higher than the others. Heterogeneity tests showed that the group of stations can be considered homogenous. The best distribution for the group was the Generalised Extreme Value distribution, but the 3-parameter log-normal and Extreme Value Type 1 distributions also fit the data well. Regression equations can be used for very rough estimates of low flows, but more detailed data from nearby stations and evaluation of catchment characteristics are needed for ungauged sites, especially where minimum flows are proposed. The detailed evaluation of historical discharge data for stations across the region can improve low-flow contour maps that could be useful for ungauged locations. The techniques used in this study can help to provide a sound scientific basis for delineating minimum flows and protecting instream values

Effects of landslides on contaminant sources and transport in steep pastoral hill country

The effects of landslides on contaminant sources and transport during storms in steep pastoral hill country were evaluated for a small, first-order hillslope in the Lake Tutira catchment, New Zealand. Nitrate (NO3- - N) concentrations were significantly higher in soil water than in subsurface water in the saturated zone, in surface runoff, and in a stream draining the hillslope. Concentrations in colluvium and undisturbed areas were higher than in landslide debris, scars and the stream. Stream NO3- - N was lower due to instream processes, and was derived primarily from soil water in colluvium and undisturbed areas where livestock congregate and waste accumulates. Concentrations of dissolved reactive phosphorus were higher in streams than in other types of water, particularly greater than in runoff from scars. Colluvium and other unmonitored source areas were contributing dissolved reactive phosphorus to the stream. Landslide scars and debris were not significant sources of NO3- - N or dissolved reactive phosphorus because of the lack of soil, vegetation, livestock and waste in these areas. Soil and subsurface water had the highest levels of total dissolved solids because of the relatively long residence times and leaching of solutes. Landslide disturbed areas had the greatest dissolved solids concentrations and, with the exception of nutrients, were sources of solutes transported to the stream via subsurface pathways. During a storm NO3- - N loadings were largest from colluvium and debris subsurface discharges. Loadings of total P in runoff were much higher than those of dissolved reactive phosphorus and were greatest from debris. They were primarily composed of particulate P and were a significant source of elevated stream phosphorus values. Loading of total dissolved solids in runoff were also highest from debris, and loadings in subsurface water were greatest from debris and colluvium. Landslides can alter the sources and transport of contaminants in steep, agricultural hill country directly through physical disturbances that affect pollutant generation and movement, and indirectly by altering livestock use of area. These effects should be considered when modelling contaminant transport and managing these types of catchments

Uncertainty in flow and sediment projections due to future climate scenarios for the 3S Rivers in the Mekong Basin

Reliable projections of discharge and sediment are essential for future water and sediment management plans under climate change, but these are subject to numerous uncertainties. This study assessed the uncertainty in flow and sediment projections using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) associated with three Global Climate Models (GCMs), three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and three model parameter (MP) sets for the 3S Rivers in the Mekong River Basin. The uncertainty was analyzed for the short term future (2021–2040 or 2030s) and long term future (2051–2070 or 2060s) time horizons. Results show that dominant sources of uncertainty in flow and sediment constituents vary spatially across the 3S basin. For peak flow, peak sediment, and wet seasonal flows projection, the greatest uncertainty sources also vary with time horizon. For 95% low flows and for seasonal and annual flow projections, GCM and MP were the major sources of uncertainty, whereas RCPs had less of an effect. The uncertainty due to RCPs is large for annual sediment load projections. While model parameterization is the major source of uncertainty in the short term (2030s), GCMs and RCPs are the major contributors to uncertainty in flow and sediment projections in the longer term (2060s). Overall, the uncertainty in sediment load projections is larger than the uncertainty in flow projections. In general, our results suggest the need to investigate the major contributing sources of uncertainty in large basins temporally and at different scales, as this can have major consequences for water and sediment management decisions. Further, since model parameterization uncertainty can play a significant role for flow and sediment projections, there is a need to incorporate hydrological model parameter uncertainty in climate change studies and efforts to reduce the parameter uncertainty as much as possible should be considered through a careful calibration and validation process

Insights into Melanoma Clinical Practice: A Perspective for Future Research

Background: Early diagnosis is the key to improving outcomes for patients with melanoma, and this requires a standardized histological assessment approach. The objective of this survey was to understand the challenges faced by clinicians when assessing melanoma cases, and to provide a perspective for future studies. Methods: Between April 2022 and February 2023, national and international dermatologists, pathologists, general practitioners, and laboratory managers were invited to participate in a six-question online survey. The data from the survey were assessed using descriptive statistics and qualitative responses. Results: A total of 54 responses were received, with a 51.4% (n = 28) full completion rate. Of the respondents, 96.4% reported ambiguity in their monthly melanoma diagnosis, and 82.1% routinely requested immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing to confirm diagnosis. SOX10 was the most frequently requested marker, and most respondents preferred multiple markers over a single marker. Diagnostic and prognostic tests, as well as therapeutic options and patient management, were all identified as important areas for future research. Conclusions: The respondents indicated that the use of multiple IHC markers is essential to facilitate diagnostic accuracy in melanoma assessment. Survey responses indicate there is an urgent need to develop new biomarkers for clinical decision making at multiple critical intervention points.Giang T. Lam, Carmela Martini, Tiffany Brooks, Sarita Prabhakaran, Ashley M. Hopkins, Ben S.-Y. Ung, Jingying Tang, Maria C. Caruso, Robert D. Brooks, Ian R. D. Johnson, Alexandra Sorvina, Shane M. Hickey, Litsa Karageorgos, Sonja Klebe, John J. O, Leary, Douglas A. Brooks, and Jessica M. Loga