A numerical investigation of the effects of model parameterization on the delineation of source protection zones under uncertainty.

Source protection zone delineation has evolved over the past decades from fixed radius or analytical and numerical methods which do not consider uncertainty, to more complex stochastic numerical approaches. In this paper we explore options for delineating a source protection zone, while considering the inherent uncertainty involved in characterizing hydraulic conductivity. We consider a representative pumping well in an unconfined alluvial aquifer under steady-state flow conditions, with the hydraulic conductivity distribution inferred from borehole lithology data in the West Melton area near Christchurch, New Zealand.

An expert consensus statement on biomarkers of ageing for use in intervention studies.

Biomarkers of ageing serve as important outcome measures in longevity-promoting interventions. However, there is limited consensus on which specific biomarkers are most appropriate for human intervention studies. This work aimed to address this need by establishing an expert consensus on biomarkers of ageing for use in intervention studies via the Delphi method.

Consumption of antimicrobials for use in food-producing animals in New Zealand, a measure of progress in reduction from 2015 to 2022.

Aims: To describe progress in the reduction of the consumption of antimicrobial drugs by food-producing animals in New Zealand to 2022 and to identify the animal production sectors where progress has been greatest, and those where opportunities remain.

Methods: Data were sourced from official government and industry reports to update previous estimates of consumption (as sales) of antimicrobial products applied to food-producing animals in New Zealand, European countries and the USA. Antimicrobial consumption (AMC) was estimated based on the amount of active ingredient sold, per kg of animal biomass standardised to the probable weight at time of treatment or lifetime mean weight but not slaughter weight (population correction unit; PCU).

Xenon anaesthesia is associated with a reduction in frontal electroencephalogram peak alpha frequency.

Background: Administration of conventional anaesthetic agents is associated with changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillatory dynamics, including a reduction in the peak alpha frequency. Computational models of neurones can reproduce such phenomena and are valuable tools for investigating their underlying mechanisms. We hypothesised that EEG data acquired during xenon anaesthesia in humans would show similar changes in peak alpha frequency and that computational neuronal models of recognised cellular actions of xenon would be consistent with the observed changes.

Macropinocytosis controls metabolic stress-driven CAF subtype identity in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors are deficient in glutamine, an amino acid that tumor cells and CAFs use to sustain their fitness. In PDAC, both cell types stimulate macropinocytosis as an adaptive response to glutamine depletion. CAFs play a critical role in sculpting the tumor microenvironment, yet how adaptations to metabolic stress impact the stromal architecture remains elusive.