The global population and status of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiacus are particularly challenging to assess because individuals are irruptive and nomadic, and the breeding range is restricted to the remote circumpolar Arctic tundra. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) uplisted the Snowy Owl to “Vulnerable” in 2017 because the suggested population estimates appeared considerably lower than historical estimates, and it recommended actions to clarify the population size, structure, and trends. Here we present a broad review and status assessment, an effort led by the International Snowy Owl Working Group (ISOWG) and researchers from around the world, to estimate population trends and the current global status of the Snowy Owl. We use long-term breeding data, genetic studies, satellite-GPS tracking, and survival estimates to assess current population trends at several monitoring sites in the Arctic and we review the ecology and threats throughout the Snowy Owl range. An assessment of the available data suggests that current estimates of a worldwide population of 14,000–28,000 breeding adults are plausible. Our assessment of population trends at five long-term monitoring sites suggests that breeding populations of Snowy Owls in the Arctic have decreased by more than 30% over the past three generations and the species should continue to be categorised as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List Criterion A2. We offer research recommendations to improve our understanding of Snowy Owl biology and future population assessments in a changing world.

The interaction of relativistically intense lasers with opaque targets represents a highly non-linear, multi-dimensional parameter space. This limits the utility of sequential 1D scanning of experimental parameters for the optimization of secondary radiation, although to-date this has been the accepted methodology due to low data acquisition rates. High repetition-rate (HRR) lasers augmented by machine learning present a valuable opportunity for efficient source optimization. Here, an automated, HRR-compatible system produced high-fidelity parameter scans, revealing the influence of laser intensity on target pre-heating and proton generation. A closed-loop Bayesian optimization of maximum proton energy, through control of the laser wavefront and target position, produced proton beams with equivalent maximum energy to manually optimized laser pulses but using only 60% of the laser energy. This demonstration of automated optimization of laser-driven proton beams is a crucial step towards deeper physical insight and the construction of future radiation sources.

We present the development and characterization of a high-stability, multi-material, multi-thickness tape-drive target for laser-driven acceleration at repetition rates of up to 100 Hz. The tape surface position was measured to be stable on the sub-micrometre scale, compatible with the high-numerical aperture focusing geometries required to achieve relativistic intensity interactions with the pulse energy available in current multi-Hz and near-future higher repetition-rate lasers ($>$kHz). Long-term drift was characterized at 100 Hz demonstrating suitability for operation over extended periods. The target was continuously operated at up to 5 Hz in a recent experiment for 70,000 shots without intervention by the experimental team, with the exception of tape replacement, producing the largest data-set of relativistically intense laser–solid foil measurements to date. This tape drive provides robust targetry for the generation and study of high-repetition-rate ion beams using next-generation high-power laser systems, also enabling wider applications of laser-driven proton sources.

Some human settlements endure for millennia, while others are founded and abandoned within a few decades or centuries. The reasons for variation in the duration of site occupation, however, are rarely addressed. Here, the authors introduce a new approach for the analysis of settlement longevity or persistence. Using seven regional case studies comprising both survey and excavation data, they demonstrate how the median persistence of individual settlements varies widely within and among regions. In turn, this variability is linked to the effects of environmental potential. In seeking to identify the drivers of settlement persistence in the past, it is suggested that archaeologists can contribute to understanding of the sustainability and resilience of contemporary cities.

In Gauthier, Manolaki, and Nestoridis (2021, Advances in Mathematics 381, 107649), in order to correct a false Mergelyan-type statement given in Gamelin and Garnett (1969, Transactions of the American Mathematical Society 143, 187–200) on uniform approximation on compact sets K in $\mathbb C^d$ , the authors introduced a natural function algebra $A_D(K)$ which is smaller than the classical one $A(K)$ . In the present paper, we investigate when these two algebras coincide and compare them with the classes of all plausibly approximable functions by polynomials or rational functions or functions holomorphic on open sets containing the compact set K. Finally, we introduce a notion of O-hull of K and strengthen known results.

In 1955, Lehto showed that, for every measurable function $\psi $ on the unit circle $\mathbb T,$ there is a function f holomorphic in the unit disc, having $\psi $ as radial limit a.e. on $\mathbb T.$ We consider an analogous problem for solutions f of homogenous elliptic equations $Pf=0$ and, in particular, for holomorphic functions on Riemann surfaces and harmonic functions on Riemannian manifolds.

In 1955, Lehto showed that, for every measurable function $\psi $ on the unit circle ${\mathbb T}$ , there is a function f holomorphic in the unit disc ${{\mathbb D}}$ , having $\psi $ as radial limit a.e. on ${\mathbb T}$ . We consider an analogous boundary value problem, where the unit disc is replaced by a Stein domain on a complex manifold and radial approach to a boundary point p is replaced by (asymptotically) total approach to p.

Depuis une dizaine d’années, l’entraînement cognitif est un type d’intervention non pharmacologique qui s’est développé afin de favoriser la réhabilitation après un traumatisme crânien ou un accident vasculaire cérébral. Le but de cette intervention est l’amélioration du fonctionnement cognitif par la répétition d’exercices généralement informatisés [1]. Cette intervention peut être envisagée dans le traitement du Trouble de Déficit de l’Attention/Hyperactivité (TDA/H) car ce trouble est associé à un déficit du fonctionnement cognitif [2]. À ce jour, la majorité des études TDA/H portent sur l’entraînement de la mémoire de travail par le programme Cogmed. Mais, les résultats des études sont controversés quant à l’impact du programme sur : le fonctionnement cognitif, les symptômes liés au TDA/H et les performances scolaires [3]. Face à ces constats, une première étude est réalisée au Québec auprès d’enfants présentant un Trouble de Déficit de l’Attention/Hyperactivité (TDA/H). Une seconde étude est réalisée en France auprès d’adultes présentant ce même trouble. L’objectif principal commun de ces deux études est d’évaluer l’efficacité d’un entraînement de la mémoire de travail assisté par ordinateur (Cogmed) sur les symptômes liés au TDA/H et le fonctionnement cognitif auprès (1) d’enfants, et (2) d’adultes présentant un TDA/H. Les objectifs secondaires de l’étude réalisée auprès d‘enfants sont d’évaluer l’efficacité du programme sur le rendement scolaire. Pour l’étude réalisée auprès d’adultes, les objectifs secondaires sont d’évaluer les effets du programme sur : (1) la symptomatologie anxieuse et (2) dépressive. Les deux études sont réalisées en double insu et comprennent une assignation aléatoire des participants. Pour chacune des deux études un groupe témoin actif durant lequel les participants réalisent également des exercices d’entraînement assistés par ordinateur est constitué. Toutefois, dans ce programme les exercices d’entraînement demeurent à un niveau de difficulté limité, ce qui a pour impact d’en réduire les effets. Les résultats de ces deux études sont présentés.

There is wide acknowledgement that apathy is an important behavioural syndrome in Alzheimer’s disease and in various neuropsychiatric disorders. In light of recent research and the renewed interest in the correlates and impacts of apathy, and in its treatments, it is important to develop criteria for apathy that will be widely accepted, have clear operational steps, and that will be easily applied in practice and research settings. Meeting these needs is the focus of the task force work reported here.

The task force includes members of the Association Française de Psychiatrie Biologique, the European Psychiatric Association, the European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium and experts from Europe, Australia and North America. An advanced draft was discussed at the consensus meeting (during the EPA conference in April 7th 2008) and a final agreement reached concerning operational definitions and hierarchy of the criteria.

Apathy is defined as a disorder of motivation that persists over time and should meet the following requirements. Firstly, the core feature of apathy, diminished motivation, must be present for at least four weeks; secondly two of the three dimensions of apathy (reduced goal-directed behaviour, goal-directed cognitive activity, and emotions) must also be present; thirdly there should be identifiable functional impairments attributable to the apathy. Finally, exclusion criteria are specified to exclude symptoms and states that mimic apathy.

La mémoire de travail est une fonction cognitive souvent affectée, dans le contexte d’un TDAH . L’entraînement de la mémoire de travail par le programme informatisé Cogmed est une intervention qui est proposée auprès des patients présentant un TDAH . Le but de cette intervention est l’amélioration de la mémoire de travail par la répétition d’exercices généralement informatisés . Les résultats des études évaluant les effets du programme Cogmed auprès de participants présentant TDAH, indiquent que cette intervention améliore la mémoire de travail . Cependant, selon ces auteurs le maintien des effets de cette intervention sur plusieurs mois ne sont pas attestés. Afin de pallier à cette limite, deux études sont présentées. L’une est réalisée en France auprès d’adultes présentant un TDAH et la seconde au Québec auprès d’enfants présentant ce même trouble. L’objectif de ces études est d’évaluer le maintien des effets à six mois d’un entraînement de la mémoire de travail assisté par ordinateur (Cogmed) sur les symptômes liés au TDAH, la mémoire de travail, le raisonnement non verbal, l’inhibition et les capacités attentionnelles. Le maintien des effets pour la compréhension de la lecture et le raisonnement mathématique est également évalué auprès des enfants. Pour les deux études, les participants sont assignés aléatoirement dans une des deux conditions suivantes :

– le groupe d’entraînement Cogmed ;

– un groupe témoin actif (version placebo du programme), durant cette version les mêmes activités que celles proposées par le programme Cogmed sont effectuées.

Toutefois, le niveau de difficulté demeure faible et constant à travers le temps, ce qui devrait avoir pour effet d’en restreindre l’efficacité. Les évaluations sont réalisées en double insu. Les résultats des effets du programme six mois après l’intervention seront présentés.

Although radiocarbon (14C) dating is commonly used for archeological music instruments, little research has been conducted on modern instruments (16th–19th centuries). New technology, based on the Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS), enables some of the recurring challenges (e.g. sampling size) to be circumvented and paves the way for a new field of investigation. We here address the Indian instrumentarium, about which very little is known. We investigate the making and the restoration phases of two vina, a kinnari vina (E.1444), and a rudra vina or bin (E.997.24.1). By comparing 14C measurements made on several samplings of elements of the instruments with museological information, we were able to specify a unique calibrated interval of ages [1666 AD–1690 AD] for the kinnari vina, with a restoration phase [1678 AD–1766 AD] for the upper nut. The bin is likely attributed to the [1650 AD–1683 AD] interval.

Background: In this retrospective claims analysis, real-world healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs among SMA type 1 (SMA1) patients were assessed. Methods: SMA1 patients were identified from Symphony Health’s Integrated Dataverse® (09/01/2016–08/31/2018). The study period spanned from the index date (date of first SMA1 diagnosis after nusinersen approval [12/23/2016]) until death/end of available data. HRU and costs per-patient-per-year (PPPY; 2018USD) were described during the study period for all patients and after treatment initiation for nusinersen-treated patients. Results: A total of 349 SMA1 patients (median age=1 year; 55.6% female) with median follow-up of 7.9 months were included. The proportion of patients receiving mechanical ventilation, nutritional support, and physical therapy/rehabilitation was 46.4%, 46.1%, and 22.6%. Patients had, on average, 59.4 days with medical visits/year (14.1 inpatient, 13.4 respiratory failure-related). The 45 nusinersen-treated patients had, on average, 56.6 days with medical visits/year (4.6 inpatient, 11.4 respiratory failure-related). Excluding nusinersen-related costs, mean healthcare costs PPPY were $137,627 (median: $43,167) for all patients and $92,618 ($29,425) for nusinersen-treated patients. Mean nusinersen-related costs were $191,909 ($144,487) per month for the first 3 months post-initiation and $36,882 ($16,132) per month thereafter. Conclusions: HRU and costs associated with SMA1 are substantial, even among patients treated with nusinersen.

When a promising natural enemy of a key pest exists locally, it is a common practice in biological control (BC) to rear and release it for supplementary control in the targeted agroecosystem even though significant knowledge gaps concerning pre/post release may still exist. Incorporating genetic information into BC research fills some of these gaps. Habrobracon hebetor, a parasitoid of many economically important moths that infest stored and field crops worldwide is commonly used, particularly against the millet head miner (MHM), a key pest of millet in Sahelian countries. To advance our knowledge on how H. hebetor that occurs naturally in open-field cropping systems and grain stores as well as being mass-produced and released for MHM control, performs in millet agroecosystems in Niger we evaluated its population genetics using two mitochondrial and 21 microsatellite markers. The field samples were genetically more diverse and displayed heterozygote excess. Very few field samples had faced significant recent demographic bottlenecks. The mating system (i.e. nonrandom mating with complementary sex determination) of this species may be the major driver of these findings rather than bottlenecks caused by the small number of individuals released and the scarcity of hosts during the longlasting dry season in Niger. H. hebetor population structure was represented by several small patches and genetically distinct individuals. Gene flow occurred at local and regional scales through human-mediated and natural short-distance dispersal. These findings highlight the importance of the mating system in the genetic diversity and structure of H. hebetor populations, and contribute to our understanding of its reported efficacy against MHM in pearl millet fields.

In 1895, Cantor showed that between every two countable dense real sets, there is an order isomorphism. In fact, there is always such an order isomorphism that is the restriction of a universal entire function.