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The GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit is a single multiplex assay that amplifies a set of 24 markers, which encompass the European Standard Set and CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) recommended composite set of loci. In addition to more loci and a 6-dye chemistry format, the Master Mix has been formulated to allow higher sample loading volume for trace DNA samples. The GlobalFiler™ Kit has been optimized to deliver high performance on casework samples, while also delivering fast thermal cycling, with an amplification time of approximately 80 min. Here, we report the results of the developmental validation study which followed the SWGDAM (Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods) guidelines and includes data for PCR-based studies, sensitivity, species specificity, stability, precision, reproducibility and repeatability, concordance, stutter, DNA mixtures, and performance on mock casework samples. The results validate the multiplex design as well as demonstrate the kit’s robustness, reliability, and suitability as an assay for human identification with casework DNA samples.

On quantum nature Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) studies the interaction between a quantum emitter (for example an atom or a quantum dot) and a single mode from a radiation field. When the two are strongly coupled it is possible to realize key quantum information processing tasks. In the solid state this could be achieved by coupling semiconductor quantum dots to optical microcavities. However, validating the efficacy of quantum dots in quantum information applications requires confirmation of the quantum nature of the quantum-dot–cavity system in the strong coupling regime. A collaboration between labs at ETH Zurich and the University of California, Santa Barbara, now provides this sought-after confirmation. The experiments involve a photonic crystal nanocavity in which one, and only one, quantum dot is located precisely at the cavity electric field maximum. A series of experiments that provide confirmation of the quantum nature of the quantum–dot–cavity system in the strong coupling regime by studying a photonic crystal nanocavity in which one, and only one, quantum dot is located precisely at the cavity electric field maximum. Cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) studies the interaction between a quantum emitter and a single radiation-field mode. When an atom is strongly coupled to a cavity mode 1 , 2 , it is possible to realize important quantum information processing tasks, such as controlled coherent coupling and entanglement of distinguishable quantum systems. Realizing these tasks in the solid state is clearly desirable, and coupling semiconductor self-assembled quantum dots to monolithic optical cavities is a promising route to this end. However, validating the efficacy of quantum dots in quantum information applications requires confirmation of the quantum nature of the quantum-dot–cavity system in the strong-coupling regime. Here we find such confirmation by observing quantum correlations in photoluminescence from a photonic crystal nanocavity 3 , 4 , 5 interacting with one, and only one, quantum dot located precisely at the cavity electric field maximum. When off-resonance, photon emission from the cavity mode and quantum-dot excitons is anticorrelated at the level of single quanta, proving that the mode is driven solely by the quantum dot despite an energy mismatch between cavity and excitons. When tuned to resonance, the exciton and cavity enter the strong-coupling regime of cavity QED and the quantum-dot exciton lifetime reduces by a factor of 145. The generated photon stream becomes antibunched, proving that the strongly coupled exciton/photon system is in the quantum regime. Our observations unequivocally show that quantum information tasks are achievable in solid-state cavity QED.

Bacteroides fragilis comprises 1%–5% of the gut microbiota in healthy humans but can expand to >50% of the population in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients experiencing inflammation. The mechanisms underlying such microbial blooms are poorly understood, but the gut of UC patients has physicochemical features that differ from healthy patients and likely impact microbial physiology. For example, levels of the secondary bile acid deoxycholate (DC) are highly reduced in the ileoanal J-pouch of UC colectomy patients. We isolated a B. fragilis strain from a UC patient with pouch inflammation (i.e., pouchitis) and developed it as a genetic model system to identify genes and pathways that are regulated by DC and that impact B. fragilis fitness in DC and crude bile. Treatment of B. fragilis with a physiologically relevant concentration of DC reduced cell growth and remodeled transcription of one-quarter of the genome. DC strongly induced expression of chaperones and select transcriptional regulators and efflux systems, and down-regulated protein synthesis genes. Using a barcoded collection of ≈50,000 unique insertional mutants, we further defined B. fragilis genes that contribute to fitness in media containing DC or crude bile. Genes impacting cell envelope functions including cardiolipin synthesis, cell surface glycosylation, and systems implicated in sodium-dependent bioenergetics were major bile acid fitness factors. As expected, there was limited overlap between transcriptionally regulated genes and genes that impacted fitness in bile when disrupted. Our study provides a genome-scale view of a B. fragilis bile response and genetic determinants of its fitness in DC and crude bile. The Gram-negative bacterium Bacteroides fragilis is a common member of the human gut microbiota that colonizes multiple host niches and can influence human physiology through a variety of mechanisms. Identification of genes that enable B. fragilis to grow across a range of host environments has been impeded in part by the relatively limited genetic tractability of this species. We have developed a high-throughput genetic resource for a B. fragilis strain isolated from a UC pouchitis patient. Bile acids limit microbial growth and are altered in abundance in UC pouches, where B. fragilis often blooms. Using this resource, we uncovered pathways and processes that impact B. fragilis fitness in bile and that may contribute to population expansions during bouts of gut inflammation.

We examined the effects of past and future climate change on natural snow cover in southeastern mainland Australia and assessed the role of snowmaking in adapting to projected changes in snow conditions. Snow-depth data from 4 alpine sites from 1957 to 2002 indicated a weak decline in maximum snow depths at 3 sites and a moderate decline in mid- to late-season snow depths (August to September). Low-impact and high-impact climate change scenarios were prepared for 2020 and 2050 and used as input for a climate-driven snow model. The total area with an average of at least 1 d of snow cover per year was projected to decrease by 10 to 39% by 2020, and by 22 to 85% by 2050. By 2020, the length of the ski season was projected to have decreased by 10 to 60%, while by 2050 the decrease was 15 to 99%. Based on target snow-depth profiles from May to September nominated by snowmaking managers at various ski resorts, the snow model simulated the amount of snow that is needed to be made each day, taking into account natural snowfall, snow-melt and the pre-existing natural snow depth. By the year 2020, an increase of 11 to 27% in the number of snow guns would be required for the low impact scenario, and 71 to 200% for the high impact scenario. This corresponds to changes in total snow volume of 5 to 17% for the low impact scenario to 23 to 62% for the high impact scenario. Therefore, with sufficient investment in snow guns, the Australian ski industry may be able to manage the effect of projected climate change on snow cover until at least 2020.

An increase in global average precipitation of about 10% is simulated by two global climate models with mixed layer oceans in response to an equilibrium doubling of carbon dioxide. The UKHI model was developed in the United Kingdom at the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research and the CSIRO9 model was developed in Australia by the CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research. Regional changes in daily precipitation simulated by these models have been compared. Both models simulate fewer wet days in middle latitudes, and more wet days in high latitudes. At middle and low latitudes, there is a shift in the precipitation type toward more intense convective events, and fewer moderate non-convective events. At high latitudes, the precipitation type remains non-convective and all events simply get heavier, resulting in fewer light events and more moderate and heavy events. The probability of heavy daily precipitation increases by more than 50% in many locations. Extreme events with a probability of 1% or less were considered in terms of return periods (the average period between events of the same magnitude). For a given return period of at least 1 y, precipitation intensity in Europe, USA, Australia and India increases by 10 to 25%. For a given precipitation intensity, the average return period becomes shorter by a factor of 2 to 5. Given that larger changes in frequency occur for heavier simulated events, changes may be even greater for more-extreme events not resolved by models.

Background Foot and ankle involvement for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common and can significantly impact quality of life [1]. As foot health care specialists, podiatrists have an important role in managing these problems [2]. However, the provision for specialist podiatry care is often limited [3]. The impact of current service provision on patients and the podiatrists treating these patients is unknown. Objectives To explore the experiences of patients and podiatrists regarding podiatry care for people with RA and their opinions on what ideal foot health care would entail. Methods Two focus groups were conducted with participants from five National Health Service (NHS) Health Boards in Scotland. The involved NHS Health Boards are responsible for the treatment of approximately 48% of the population with RA in Scotland. One focus group was conducted with patients who had previously received podiatry care, and a second focus group was conducted with podiatrists who treat patients with RA. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and anonymised. Core concepts and associated themes were identified using the Framework approach. Core concepts and associated themes were discussed and agreed by all authors. Results Five patients (all female) with mean ±SD age of 53.6±6.6 years and disease duration 15±11.1 years participated in the first focus group. The average duration of podiatry care was 7 years (range 3-15). Six rheumatology specialist podiatrists formed the second focus group. Both agreement and differences were observed between the two focus groups with regards to current podiatry services and ideal services, and the differences between them. Patients and podiatrists identified similar problems with the provision of podiatry care for people with RA and similar steps that could be taken to achieve ideal service provision. Two core concepts were identified – access to health care services and complex nature of podiatry care. In the former, themes of access facilitated (eg early referral) and access inhibited (eg limited access to specialist podiatrist) emerged from both focus groups. In the latter, themes of ideal service (eg national model) and complex intervention (eg individual treatments) emerged from both focus groups. Additionally, the theme of complex clinical structure (eg disease-stage focus) emerged from the focus group with the podiatrists. Overall, podiatry care was a positive experience for patients. However, gaps in specialist rheumatology podiatry services and improved education about the complex nature of foot involvement for patients and the multidisciplinary rheumatology team were identified as areas for improvement. These issues were also identified by the podiatrists. To combat these issues, both patients and podiatrists wanted a nationally adopted specialist rheumatology podiatry care model that allowed for early referral, greater flexibility and continuity of care, increased education for all involved, and a multidisciplinary team working closely together. Conclusions Patients regard podiatry as a positive part of their overall care. However, improvements to services and moves towards a national model of care may be beneficial. These themes were also widely endorsed by the participating podiatrists. References Scott et al, 2005, Best Pract Res Cl Rheumatol, 19:117-136 Korda et al, 2004, Best Pract Res Cl Rheumatol, 18:587-611 Redmond et al, 2005, Rheumatology (Oxford), 45:571–576 Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their families require resources to cope with postdeployment readjustment. Responding to this need, the current study examined a brief Internet-based intervention that provided Veterans' families with psychoeducation on postdeployment readjustment. Participants were 103 dyads of Veterans with probable PTSD and a designated family member/partner. Dyads were randomized to an intervention group, in which the family member completed the intervention, or to a control group with no intervention. Each member of the dyad completed surveys at baseline and 2 mo follow-up. Family member surveys focused on perceived empowerment, efficacy to provide support, and communication (perceived criticism and reactivity to criticism). Veteran surveys assessed perceived family support and communication. Results showed that Veterans in the intervention group reported decreases in reactivity to criticism but also decreased perceived family support. No significant differences were observed in outcomes reported by family members. This preliminary study provides an early understanding of this novel outreach program, as well as the challenges inherent with a very brief intervention. Future research can build on the current study by more closely evaluating the communication changes that occur with this form of intervention and whether greater intervention intensity is needed. Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT01554839.

Several sets of reference regions have been used in the literature for the regional synthesis of observed and modelled climate and climate change information. A popular example is the series of reference regions used in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Adaptation (SREX). The SREX regions were slightly modified for the Fifth Assessment Report of the IPCC and used for reporting subcontinental observed and projected changes over a reduced number (33) of climatologically consistent regions encompassing a representative number of grid boxes. These regions are intended to allow analysis of atmospheric data over broad land or ocean regions and have been used as the basis for several popular spatially aggregated datasets, such as the Seasonal Mean Temperature and Precipitation in IPCC Regions for CMIP5 dataset. We present an updated version of the reference regions for the analysis of new observed and simulated datasets (including CMIP6) which offer an opportunity for refinement due to the higher atmospheric model resolution. As a result, the number of land and ocean regions is increased to 46 and 15, respectively, better representing consistent regional climate features. The paper describes the rationale for the definition of the new regions and analyses their homogeneity. The regions are defined as polygons and are provided as coordinates and a shapefile together with companion R and Python notebooks to illustrate their use in practical problems (e.g. calculating regional averages). We also describe the generation of a new dataset with monthly temperature and precipitation, spatially aggregated in the new regions, currently for CMIP5 and CMIP6, to be extended to other datasets in the future (including observations). The use of these reference regions, dataset and code is illustrated through a worked example using scatter plots to offer guidance on the likely range of future climate change at the scale of the reference regions. The regions, datasets and code (R and Python notebooks) are freely available at the ATLAS GitHub repository: https://github.com/SantanderMetGroup/ATLAS (last access: 24 August 2020), https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3998463 (Iturbide et al., 2020).

Background:Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a complex disease with profound physical and psychosocial effects. The core domain set for this condition was updated by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA)-Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) PsA working group in 20161 and the TICOPA (TIght COntrol of Psoriatic Arthritis) study suggested that adopting a ‘treat-to-target’ approach aiming for Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) could result in better clinical outcomes2.Objectives:To improve assessment of all the core domains of PsA during clinic appointments and aim to treat these patients using a ‘treat-to-target’ approach to improve clinical outcomes.Methods:We were able to confirm through a retrospective baseline audit that all core domains of PsA were not being fully addressed in our general rheumatology clinics. A dedicated weekly PsA clinic was then set up at our district general hospital. Subsequently, iPads incorporated with GRAPPA App were implemented in these clinics to facilitate multi-domain assessments aiming for MDA. This was supported by a Health Education England (Wessex) Quality Improvement Fellowship that involved rheumatology and dermatology team members working in close collaboration. We then carried out a re-audit to assess our performance. Additionally we set up quarterly combined Rheumatology and Dermatology clinics for patients with severe joint and skin involvement. We also conducted a baseline survey by asking patients for their opinion about the ‘setting up of the dedicated PsA service’, the ‘quarterly combined clinics’ and the ‘use of iPad-based assessments’. We asked them to score each of these on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being ‘very negative’ and 10 ‘very positive’.Results:We had pragmatically set a standard of 75% for our baseline audit but we found an overall compliance of only 27.4%. There was also a wide variation between different domains with a compliance of even 0% for some. Domains that are not assessed are unlikely to be fully taken into account when deciding about treatment. The re-audit following the implementation of iPad-based assessments in dedicated PsA clinics showed a significant improvement in each of the domains and the overall compliance went up to 97.9% (Table 1). The patient survey findings were also excellent with mean scores of 9.5, 9.0 and 9.5 respectively for the three items (Figure 1).Table. 1 Audit (n = 25)Re-audit (n = 29) Compliance Q1. Documented evidence of joint count being performed?84.0%100.0%Q2. If yes, then was it a 66/68 count for swollen and tender joints?4.7%100.0%Q3. Documented evidence of dactylitis being assessed?8.0%100.0%Q4. Documented evidence of enthesitis being assessed?4.0%100%Q5. Documented evidence of assessment of spinal involvement?8.0%100.0%Q6. Documented evidence of assessment of skin involvement?36.0%100.0%Q7. Documented evidence of assessment of nail involvement?4.0%93.1%Q8. Documented evidence of assessment of fatigue?8.0%96.6%Q9. Documented evidence of assessment of degree of pain?60.0%100.0%Q10. Documented evidence of patient’s global assessment?68.0%96.6%Q11. Documented evidence of assessment of physical function?0.0%96.6%Q12. Documented evidence of assessment of health-related quality of life?0.0%93.1%Q13. Documented evidence of assessment of systemic inflammation?72.0%96.6%Overall Compliance27.4%97.9%Conclusion:Dedicated PsA clinics using the GRAPPA App on iPads could facilitate comprehensive multi-domain assessments of patients with PsA and potentially lead to better outcomes as well as greater patient satisfaction.References:[1]Orbai AM et al., (2017) Updating the psoriatic arthritis (PsA) core domain set: a report from the PsA workshop at OMERACT 2016. J Rheumatol 44(10):1522–1528[2]Coates LC et al., Effect of tight control of inflammation in early psoriatic arthritis (TICOPA): a UK multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2015; 386(10012):2489–2498AcknowledgmentsDisclosure of Interests:None declared

A bstract The isospin asymmetries of B → Kμ + μ − and B → K * μ + μ − decays and the partial branching fractions of the B 0 → K 0 μ + μ − , B + → K + μ + μ − and B + → K *+ μ + μ − decays are measured as functions of the dimuon mass squared, q 2 . The data used correspond to an integrated luminosity of 3 fb −1 from proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector at centre-of-mass energies of 7 TeV and 8 TeV in 2011 and 2012, respectively. The isospin asymmetries are both consistent with the Standard Model expectations. The three measured branching fractions favour lower values than their respective theoretical predictions, however they are all individually consistent with the Standard Model.