Search for eccentric black hole coalescences during the third observing run of LIGO and Virgo

Despite the growing number of confident binary black hole coalescences observed through gravitational waves so far, the astrophysical origin of these binaries remains uncertain. Orbital eccentricity is one of the clearest tracers of binary formation channels. Identifying binary eccentricity, however, remains challenging due to the limited availability of gravitational waveforms that include effects of eccentricity. Here, we present observational results for a waveform-independent search sensitive to eccentric black hole coalescences, covering the third observing run (O3) of the LIGO and Virgo detectors. We identified no new high-significance candidates beyond those that were already identified with searches focusing on quasi-circular binaries. We determine the sensitivity of our search to high-mass (total mass M>70 M⊙) binaries covering eccentricities up to 0.3 at 15 Hz orbital frequency, and use this to compare model predictions to search results. Assuming all detections are indeed quasi-circular, for our fiducial population model, we place an upper limit for the merger rate density of high-mass binaries with eccentricities 0<e≤0.3 at 0.33 Gpc−3 yr−1 at 90\% confidence level

Tutorial: Power analyses for interaction effects in cross-sectional regressions

Interaction analyses (also termed ‘moderation’ analyses or ‘moderated multiple regression’) are a form of linear regression analysis designed to test whether the association between two variables changes when conditioned on a third variable. It can be challenging to perform a power analysis for interactions with existing software, particularly when variables are correlated and continuous. Moreover, while power is impacted by main effects, their correlation, and variable reliability, it can be unclear how to incorporate these effects into a power analysis. The R package InteractionPoweR and associated Shiny apps allow researchers with minimal or no programming experience to perform analytic and simulation-based power analyses for interactions. At minimum, these analyses require the Pearson’s correlation between variables and sample size, and additional parameters including reliability and the number of discrete levels that a variable takes (e.g., binary or likert scale) can optionally be specified. In this Tutorial we demonstrate how to perform power analyses using our package and give examples of how power can be impacted by main effects, correlations between main effects, reliability, and variable distributions. We also include a brief discussion of how researchers may select an appropriate interaction effect size when performing a power analysis

Smoking cessation care for patients with cancer in NSW hospitals

Background: Smoking status is a powerful clinical risk indicator for patients with cancer and merits the full attention of the healthcare team and the patient. However, limited evidence suggests that smoking cessation care for patients is typically poor. There is little rigorous research on the extent to which cessation support is offered to Australian patients with cancer. Aims: To identify the degree to which hospitals support the delivery of routine smoking cessation care in oncology, and describe staff attitudes to smoking cessation care. Methods: All staff involved in the care of oncology patients (including medical, nursing and allied health) in seven NSW hospitals were invited to complete a survey. The survey assessed: the delivery of smoking cessation care; strategies used to encourage smoking cessation care and staff attitudes toward smoking cessation care for patients with cancer. Results: Of the 193 respondents (response rate: 31.2%), the highest proportion asked patients about their smoking status (approximately 48% of all inpatients and 43% of all outpatients). The most common strategy to encourage smoking cessation care was to include a specific section on the patient file to denote their status as a smoker (approximately 33%). Respondents indicated that smoking cessation care was clinically appropriate; yet most reported that they lacked skills to deliver such care. Conclusions: Although respondents acknowledged the importance of smoking cessation care, its delivery was low, particularly when patients were referred to follow-up care and across outpatient settings. The limited delivery of smoking cessation care might reflect inadequate resources, including training and time. These findings collectively suggest the importance of a multimethod approach to promote smoking cessation care that addresses the needs of individual clinicians and the services they are affiliated with. Translational Aspect: This research examines the capacity of oncology units to implement smoking cessation care routinely and as such is T3 translation research

Habitat connectivity for endangered Indochinese tigers in Thailand

Habitat connectivity is crucial for the conservation of species restricted to fragmented populations within human-dominated landscapes. However, identifying habitat connectivity for apex predators is challenging because trophic interactions between primary productivity and prey species influence both the distribution of habitats, and predator movement. Our goal was to assess habitat connectivity for Indochinese tigers (Panthera tigris) in Thailand. We quantified suitable habitat and dispersal corridors based an ensemble species distribution model that included prey distributions, primary productivity, and abiotic variables and was based on camera-trap data from 1996 to 2013 in 15 protected areas. We employed graph theory to evaluate the relative importance of habitat patches and dispersal corridors to the overall connectivity network. We found that tiger occurrence models with and without prey distributions performed well (Area Under the Curve: 0.932–0.954). However, inclusion of prey distributions significantly improved model performance (P < 0.001). Protected areas with tigers at the time of our surveys were highly isolated with high resistance to movement within the dispersal corridors, and four of them have lost their tiger populations since. Potential habitat patches outside of protected areas were also mostly isolated, but it was encouraging to find that there is ample potential habitat that tigers are not occupying. The Huai Kha Kaeng - ThungYai habitat patch and Kaeng Krachan dispersal corridor were the most important for overall habitat connectivity. Generally, integrating prey distributions into assessments of connectivity is a promising approach that can be widely applied to predict species occurrence and delineate dispersal corridors, thereby supporting conservation planning of tigers and other large carnivores

sj-pdf-1-amp-10.1177_25152459231187531 – Supplemental material for Tutorial: Power Analyses for Interaction Effects in Cross-Sectional Regressions

Supplemental material, sj-pdf-1-amp-10.1177_25152459231187531 for Tutorial: Power Analyses for Interaction Effects in Cross-Sectional Regressions by David A. A. Baranger, Megan C. Finsaas, Brandon L. Goldstein, Colin E. Vize, Donald R. Lynam and Thomas M. Olino in Advances in Methods and Practices in Psychological Science</p

Wireless Exercise Monitoring Enhances Cancer Rehabilitation Program

Cancer rehabilitation increases functional capacity (FC) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Exercise monitoring enhances program safety and effectiveness. Advanced monitoring technology and devices may further enhance program quality and integrity. PURPOSE: Examine the use of the Zephyr BioHarness in monitoring and analyzing physiological parameters during a 12-week cancer rehabilitation program. METHODS: Oklahoma cancer survivors (CS) and caregivers (CG) are recruited to participate in the OBU CARES Program, an evidence-based cancer rehabilitation program designed to promote healthy lifestyles, increase FC, and enhance HRQOL. Programming includes an orientation session, fitness testing, exercise prescriptions (ExRx), and supervised exercise sessions. ExRx are designed based on participant goals, participant preferences, fitness test results, and progression; involving a combination of aerobic, anaerobic, resistance training, flexibility, and Neuromotor exercises. Exercise sessions (45min–1hr, 1x wk) are led by the program director, assisted by student-research assistants. Participants are wirelessly monitored via the Zephyr BioHarness, monitoring 7 live parameters (HR, %HRmax, HRV, BR, activity level, core body temperature, posture) and 23 additional parameters recorded in the database. FC evaluated via modified Bruce ETT, hand grip test, Timed Up & Go (TUG) Test, and sit-and-reach test. HRQOL evaluated via the FACIT-SP (v4) and a modified cancer symptom severity survey. RESULTS: 8 CS included in the analysis, completing exercise sessions 65 to ³85% HRmax. Zephyr software works best on a Windows-based system. Biosensor conductivity is dependent upon BioHarness fit and position, sensor wetting or use of hydrogels, and participant body composition. Data accuracy is dependent on percent HR confidence (\u3e80%). Computer monitor size and location should be visible within the exercise area. Participants indicated that the BioHarness was comfortable throughout exercise activities. CONCLUSION: The Zephyr BioHarness is a promising system for cancer rehabilitation programs, with advanced monitoring capabilities. Further study is needed to determine application and effectiveness

Mechanistic insight into organic and industrial transformations: general discussion

status: publishe