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Virginia spiraea (Spiraea virginiana Britton, Rosaceae) is a putative shade-intolerant, disturbance-adapted, riparian shrub species native to the southern Appalachian Mountains. This species was listed as threatened in 1990, and a federal recovery plan was developed in 1992. Current reassessment of the recovery plan includes proposals for propagation and out-planting to supplement and restore wild populations. Genotypes with greater shade acclimation would likely have higher survival in natural populations, would require less frequent shade-reduction management, and could be integrated into populations that need restoration. In summer 2022, we examined steady-state (maximum light-saturated photosynthetic, dark respiration rates, quantum yield, light compensation point) and dynamic (photosynthetic induction and loss patterns) photosynthetic characteristics, pigment concentrations, and specific leaf mass of cloned propagules from five elements of occurrence along the South Fork of the New River in Ashe County, North Carolina, along an artificial light gradient (100%, 75%, 50%, and 20% of full sun) in a common garden. Data were compared among light treatments using ANOVA or non-parametric tests. Light treatment had significant effects on maximum photosynthesis, dark respiration, specific leaf mass, and light compensation, but not quantum yield, pigment concentrations, or induction and loss times. Some parameters had plasticity similar to that seen in other woody shrubs, while others were less plastic. A surprising finding was that plants performed better under 75% full sunlight suggesting an ability to tolerate, and maybe even a preference for, partial shade in this species. Future studies should examine photosynthetic characteristics of individuals from genetically contrasting source populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is growing evidence that Technology Assisted Sexual Abuse (TASA) represents a serious problem for large numbers of children. To date, there are very few evidence-based interventions available to young people (YP) after they have been exposed to this form of abuse, and access to support services remains a challenge. Digital tools such as smartphones have the potential to increase access to mental health support and may provide an opportunity for YP to both manage their distress and reduce the possibility of further victimization. The current study explores the acceptability of a digital health intervention (DHI; the i-Minds app) which is a theory-driven, co-produced, mentalization-based DHI designed for YP aged 12–18 who have experienced TASA. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 YP recruited through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre and an e-therapy provider who had access to the i-Minds app as part of a feasibility clinical trial. Interviews focused on the acceptability and usability of i-Minds and were coded to themes based on the Acceptability of Healthcare Interventions framework. Results: All participants found the i-Minds app acceptable. Many aspects of the app were seen as enjoyable and useful in helping YP understand their abuse, manage feelings, and change behavior. The app was seen as usable and easy to navigate, but for some participants the level of text was problematic and aspects of the content was, at times, emotionally distressing at times. Conclusions: The i-Minds app is useful in the management of TASA and helping change some risk-related vulnerabilities. The app was designed, developed and evaluated with YP who had experienced TASA and this may account for the high levels of acceptability seen. Trial registration: The trial was registered on the ISRCTN registry on the 12/04/2022 as i-Minds: a digital intervention for young people exposed to online sexual abuse (ISRCTN43130832). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Achieving glycemic control can help reduce complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study compared the pharmacy cost per responder and number needed to treat (NNT) of tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg versus semaglutide 1 mg to achieve glycemic, weight loss, and composite treatment endpoints in patients with T2D in the United States. Methods: The proportions of patients achieving glycemic, weight loss, and composite treatment endpoints were obtained from the phase 3 SURPASS-2 randomized clinical trial which compared tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg to semaglutide 1 mg. Annual pharmacy costs were calculated using 2022 wholesale acquisition costs. Cost per responder and NNT were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals and tests for statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Tirzepatide had a lower cost per responder to achieve glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) endpoints of ≤ 6.5% (10 mg and 15 mg doses) and < 5.7% (all doses) and weight loss endpoints of ≥ 5% (10 mg and 15 mg doses), ≥ 10% (all doses), and ≥ 15% (all doses). The cost per responder to achieve HbA1c < 7% (all doses of tirzepatide) and ≤ 6.5% (5 mg tirzepatide) were not statistically significantly different between tirzepatide and semaglutide 1 mg. The cost per patient to achieve the composite endpoints (HbA1c < 7.0%, ≤ 6.5%, or < 5.7%/weight loss ≥ 10%/no hypoglycemia) was statistically significantly lower for all doses of tirzepatide than for semaglutide 1 mg. The NNTs for all doses of tirzepatide were statistically significantly lower than that for semaglutide 1 mg to achieve all individual and composite endpoints, with the exception of the 5 mg dose for HbA1c < 7.0% and HbA1c ≤ 6.5%, where tirzepatide had numerically lower NNTs that were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Tirzepatide is a novel glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (RA) that may offer the potential to achieve stringent glycemic goals, weight loss targets, and composite treatment goals at a lower cost per responder compared to semaglutide 1 mg among people with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative case study aims to explore the ways in which communities of practice support teacher learning, decision-making, and the purposeful infusion of social justice topics that are important to children within project work. The authors draw from transformative learning theory and critical pedagogy to guide their work in supporting early childhood education teachers in how social justice issues are connected to diversity, equity, advocacy, and liberation. The preliminary findings indicate the ways the communities of practice provided a safe space for the teachers to support one another regarding tensions of practice, and a space to center the knowledge and truth of children when integrating social justice topics in project work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating young adults (18–25 year olds) as a distinct group within the criminal justice system is receiving growing support. This article asks three specific questions. Should specialist young adult courts be introduced so that young age and developing maturity are considered with more consistency across court sentencing; should social background factors be taken into account when appraising culpability and have the 2019 'sentencing guidelines' that give judicial direction for sentence mitigation gone far enough? The article argues significant gains in sentencing policy have been made, but a specialist young adult court model would ensure a dedicated response to this age group and would foster a shared courts working culture that pursues the common goals of rehabilitation and social pedagogic interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal bile acids play an essential role in the Clostridioides difficile lifecycle having been shown in vitro to modulate various aspects of pathogenesis, including spore germination, vegetative growth, and more recently the action of the primary virulence determinant, TcdB. Here, we investigated whether physiological levels of the total pool of intestinal bile acids in mice and humans protect against TcdB action. Small molecules extracted from the lumenal contents of the small intestine, cecum, colon, and feces were found to inhibit TcdB in accordance with the differential amounts of total bile acids in each compartment. Extracts from antibiotic-treated and germ-free mice, despite harboring dramatically altered bile acid profiles, unexpectedly also prevented TcdB-induced cell rounding to similar extents. We show that protection, however, is surmountable and can be overcome at higher doses of TcdB--typical to those seen during severe C. difficile infection--suggesting that the protective properties of intestinal bile acids are operant primarily under low to moderate toxin levels. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a role for intestinal bile acids in attenuating virulence, provide insights into asymptomatic carriage of toxigenic C. difficile, and inform strategies to manipulate bile acid levels for therapeutic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community pharmacies are well-placed to deliver well-being interventions; however, to date, nothing has been produced specifically for this setting. The aim of this study was to develop a positive psychology intervention suitable for a community pharmacy setting with the goal of increasing the well-being of community members. Methods: Intervention development consisted of three steps: Step 1—identify the evidence-base and well-being model to underpin the basis of the intervention (Version 1); Step 2—model the intervention and gather user feedback to produce Version 2, and Step 3—revisit the evidence-base and refine the intervention to produce Version 3. Results: Findings from nine studies (seven RCTs, one cross-sectional, one N-1 design plus user feedback were applied to model a 6-week 'Prescribing Happiness (P-Hap)' intervention, underpinned by the PERMA model plus four other components from the positive psychology literature (Three Good Things, Utilising Your Signature Strengths in New Ways, Best Possible Selves and Character Strengths). A PERMA-based diary was designed to be completed 3 days a week as part of the intervention. Conclusions: This work is an important development which will direct the future implementation of interventions to support well-being in this novel setting. The next stage is to gain the perspectives of external stakeholders on the feasibility of delivering the P-Hap for its adoption into community pharmacy services in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the scale-up of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antiretroviral therapy and estimation of averted infections and HIV-related deaths in Uganda from 2004 to 2022. The study calculated mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) as the number of HIV-exposed infants during pregnancy or the breastfeeding period with positive HIV test result. It estimated the number of infections and deaths averted in the absence of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess whether simethicone reduces the rectal volume (RV) and gas volume (GV), to increase treatment accuracy and to decrease toxicity of prostate radiation therapy. Methods: 30 patients were randomised to simethicone or no intervention. Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were performed on Days 1–3 and weekly until completion of radiation. RV and GV were measured using volume delineation. Toxicity data were collected. Results: 264 CBCTs were analysed. RV and GV were not significantly different in the simethicone group compared with the control group at each time point (P >0.05) after adjusting for Week 0 values as a covariate. The simethicone group showed an average reduction in RV and GV of 10% and 21%, respectively, compared with the control group (P >0.05). Standard deviations were calculated over 10 time points, which were grouped to represent the first 2–3 weeks of radiation therapy versus subsequent weeks. These were not significantly different between the simethicone and control group. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in the variability of RV at time points 6–10 compared with time points 1–5 within the simethicone group (P = 0.012), but no significant difference was found between these grouped time points in the control group (P = 0.581). The toxicity questionnaires showed no significant difference between the groups. Conclusions: Simethicone did not decrease the RV or GV overall. However, simethicone appeared to significantly decrease the RV variability from Week three onwards. This suggests that taking simethicone two to three weeks before starting radiation therapy may reduce RV variability, although a larger study is needed to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Population‐based biomarker surveys are the gold standard for estimating HIV prevalence but are susceptible to substantial non‐participation (up to 30%). Analytical missing data methods, including inverse‐probability weighting (IPW) and multiple imputation (MI), are biased when data are missing‐not‐at‐random, for example when people living with HIV more frequently decline participation. Heckman‐type selection models can, under certain assumptions, recover unbiased prevalence estimates in such scenarios. Methods: We pooled data from 142,706 participants aged 15–49 years from nationally representative cross‐sectional Population‐based HIV Impact Assessments in seven countries in sub‐Saharan Africa, conducted between 2015 and 2018 in Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini. We compared sex‐stratified HIV prevalence estimates from unadjusted, IPW, MI and selection models, controlling for household and individual‐level predictors of non‐participation, and assessed the sensitivity of selection models to the copula function specifying the correlation between study participation and HIV status. Results: In total, 84.1% of participants provided a blood sample to determine HIV serostatus (range: 76% in Malawi to 95% in Uganda). HIV prevalence estimates from selection models diverged from IPW and MI models by up to 5% in Lesotho, without substantial precision loss. In Tanzania, the IPW model yielded lower HIV prevalence estimates among males than the best‐fitting copula selection model (3.8% vs. 7.9%). Conclusions: We demonstrate how HIV prevalence estimates from selection models can differ from those obtained under missing‐at‐random assumptions. Further benefits include exploration of plausible relationships between participation and outcome. While selection models require additional assumptions and careful specification, they are an important tool for triangulating prevalence estimates in surveys with substantial missing data due to non‐participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In early childhood education (ECE) classrooms, teachers navigate practices about how to allow space for students to make sense of new STEM-based ideas. We posit that such pedagogical moves require ample in-the-moment perseverance by the instructor. In this paper, we seek to explore the nature of such instructional perseverance in ECE classrooms and how it manifests when ECE educators are supporting young children to develop their STEM reasoning, with a primary focus on the mathematics discipline in a social justice context. Working with a dataset consisting of four ECE classroom episodes, we employed an analytical framework that captured evidence of instructional perseverance. We found that the instructional perseverance of the ECE teacher was integral to the development of STEM reasoning of her young students. We present an illustrative case that details the instructional perseverance of the ECE teacher and the related STEM reasoning of her students in the context of exploring income variance by race. We argue that teacher education development must address how ECE teachers can plan for and navigate in-the-moment instructional obstacles in order to support young students' STEM reasoning development, which positions students for productive STEM-based outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many scholars have examined the idea of consumption preferences, also known as taste, in capitalist contexts, they have not explored how taste manifests in socialist or communist societies. In this case study, we query the ways in which two Cuban communities express taste through food choices and consumption patterns. We find that identity influences preferences less than the prevailing discourse around Cuban cuisine suggests. In addition, patterns among subjects' responses speak to the ways in which local custom and larger structural forces intersect in respondents' lives. Instead of simply reflecting the notion of class differentiation through consumption, our subjects reveal the significance of gender roles and individual relationships to food production in their discussions of preferences. Thus, this study demonstrates that, while food preferences appear in this resource-constrained context, taste and actuality do not always align. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada's Calls to Action in 2015, many post-secondary institutions have hired educational developers (EDs) to support instructors in the Indigenization of curricula and pedagogy. Drawing from a Canada-wide study, and best practices identified in the literature, this article explores the experiences of educational developers EDs in these roles, and proposes strategies for how institutions of higher education can better foster transformative change and practices inclusive of First Peoples in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the collection of manuscripts from the symposium, "Biology Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Learning through Authentic Research, Design, and Community Engagement," presented at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology. The following papers showcase innovative approaches for engaging undergraduate students in experiential science learning experiences. Specifically, we focus on three high-impact practices that allow students to take their learning outside of the classroom for increased relevance and authenticity: (1) Course-Based Undergraduate Research, (2) Digital Fabrication in Makerspaces, and (3) Service or Community-based Learning Opportunities. Although each topic is unique, all provide an alternative approach to the traditional lecture and have proven effective at appealing to diverse groups of students who are traditionally underrepresented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engaging students in authentic research increases student knowledge, develops STEM skills, such as data analysis and scientific communication, and builds community. Creating authentic research opportunities in plant biology might be particularly crucial in addressing plant awareness disparity (PAD) (formerly known as plant blindness), producing graduates with botanical literacy, and preparing students for plant-focused careers. Our consortium created four CUREs (course-based undergraduate research experiences) focused on dual themes of plant biology and global change, designed to be utilized by early and late-career undergraduates across a variety of educational settings. We implemented these CURES for four semesters, in a total of 15 courses, at four institutions. Pre- and post-course assessments used the Affective Elements of Science Learning Questionnaire and parts of a "plant blindness" instrument to quantify changes in scientific self-efficacy, science values, scientific identity, and plant awareness or knowledge. The qualitative assessment also queried self-efficacy, science values, and scientific identity. Data revealed significant and positive shifts in awareness of and interest in plants across institutions. However, quantitative gains in self-efficacy and scientific identity were only found at two of four institutions tested. This project demonstrates that implementing plant CUREs can produce affective and cognitive gains across institutional types and course levels. Focusing on real-world research questions that capture students' imaginations and connect to their sense of place could create plant awareness while anchoring students in scientific identities. While simple interventions can alleviate PAD, implementing multiple CUREs per course, or focusing more on final CURE products, could promote larger and more consistent gains in student affect across institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report titled "Honouring the Truth and Reconciling for the Future" has evoked a persistent call within learning institutions to Indigenize education, decolonize systems of power, and reconcile Indigenous-settler relations and knowledge. Within this context, the TRC's "Calls to Action" are frequently invoked by institutions attempting to achieve just action. While reconciliation remains a complex, political, and settler-driven endeavour, there has been an effort to "fill the gap" with Indigenous presence, knowledge, and students within academic institutions. Given the limited research on the gendered aspect of reconciliation, our paper contributes to this conversation by examining the impact of the "filling effort" on our critical community work and the ways in which we as Indigenous women engage in reconciliation. By this, we mean the ways we live and understand reconciliation by looking inward toward each other as women, to learn from each other, and to lift each other up. Through a relational accountability methodology and mixed methods (Wilson 2008), we draw strength from our relational and resurgence approaches in an effort to capture our commitment, challenges, and transformative vision of reconciliation as Indigenous women in the academy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugees often parent under extreme circumstances. Parenting practices have implications for child outcomes, and parenting in the context of refugee resettlement is likely to be dynamic as parents negotiate a new culture. This study examined African origin mothers' infant care values and practices related to feeding, carrying, and daily activities following resettlement in the Southeastern region of the U.S. Ten African origin mothers were asked about their infant care practices through semi-structured interviews. Results indicated that mothers valued breastfeeding but often chose to use formula as a supplement or instead of breastfeeding. In addition, participants valued carrying their infants close to the body but used equipment such as strollers. Mothers expressed that perceptions of American culture and rules, social support, interactions with community agencies, and the need to engage in formal employment were factors that influenced their infant care practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 90% of all annual net primary productivity in temperate deciduous forests ends up entering the detritus food web as leaf litter. Due to chemical and physical differences from native litter, inputs from invasive species may impact the litter-dwelling community and ecosystem processes. We compared leaf-litter nutritional quality and decomposition rates from two invasive shrubs, Lonicera maackii and Rhamnus davurica, and the invasive tree Ailanthus altissima to litter from native oak-hickory forest in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, USA. We sampled litter from both invaded and uninvaded habitats and conducted litter colonization experiments to test for effects on microflora and the litter-dwelling arthropod communities. Litter from all three invasive species decomposed more rapidly than native litter, with native habitats averaging two to nearly five times as much litter by June. Invasive litter had higher nitrogen concentration and lower C:N ratios than native litter. Invasive litter supported greater growth of bacteria and fungi. Higher numbers of arthropods colonized invasive litter than native litter, but litter arthropod numbers on the forest floor of invaded habitats dropped in the early summer as litter decomposed. Litter had no effect on arthropod richness. Over short time scales, our results indicate that these invasive species represent beneficial, novel resources for the litter-dwelling community. However, the short-lived nature of this resource resulted in a crash in the abundance of the litter-dwelling organisms once the litter decomposed. As a whole, native habitat seems to support a larger, more stable litter-dwelling community over the course of a growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to present how quantitative literacy was made a focus in a preschool classroom of threeand four-year-old children. With a focus on examining two areas of quantitative literacy, number knowledge and counting (Jordan, Kaplan, and Locuniak 2007) we seek to explore how educators, within an early childhood setting, used a project approach (Katz, Chard, and Kogan, 2014) and inquiry-based practices to build and extend upon the emerging competencies of the children. Utilizing narrative inquiry (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000), we draw from planning meeting notes, lesson plans, and lesson artifacts to construct a story that chronicles the journey of these teachers and children, attending to the ways in which both took up early learning standards related to numeracy and infused them into the classroom projects. Furthermore, we examine noticings of the teachers with regards to how the children expanded upon their abilities related to number knowledge and counting throughout the project and school year. As we reflect upon the journey, we note how project work served as a vessel for this knowledge to develop, as well as the need for these elements to be examined and planned for during the early years so that young children can demonstrate their learning in the clearest way possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) roots have long been harvested for use in herbal medicine. Overharvesting has threatened long-term viability of wild American ginseng populations. Research has been ongoing to determine factors affecting the variation of ginsenosides in roots. Given the conservation concerns regarding wild American ginseng, we began experimenting with a partial-root harvest method in 2014 for extracting tissue for ginsenoside analysis without killing individual plants or causing long-term declines in wild populations. We took partial-root harvest samples from 57 plants in four wild populations throughout western North Carolina and monitored morphological attributes of these and 56 paired, unharvested plants of similar size for four years after harvest. Partial-root samples were taken from an additional 162 plants from 16 new populations in 2015 and 2016. Morphological attributes of these plants were monitored annually or biannually. In the paired plant study, annual reemergence did not differ between harvested and unharvested plants in any year after harvest. Leaf area was significantly lower in harvested plants than unharvested controls in the first year postharvest, but these differences did not persist after the first year. In the unpaired study, preharvest-postharvest comparisons were more variable, likely due to different harvest years and interannual variation in weather. Our results demonstrate that partial-root harvest could be an effective way for ginsenoside researchers to reduce their impact on wild and cultivated American ginseng populations and it may represent a non-destructive harvest protocol for root tissue phytochemical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Romanowsky staining is often the initial method used to stain hematologic and cytologic materials. While immunocytochemistry (ICC) is a well‐established method on air‐dried smears, there are rare veterinary reports of ICC involving Romanowsky‐stained slides. Objectives: This study aimed to compare immunoreactivity of unstained vs Romanowsky‐stained specimens, evaluate reactions over time, and assess ICC associations with confirmatory tests of 50 lymphoma cases. Another goal aimed to optimize manual ICC protocols with cellular and tissue immunomarkers to detect CD3ε, CD20, Pax5, MHCII, lysozyme, MUM1, vimentin, cytokeratin, and Melan‐A antigens on Romanowsky‐stained specimens. Materials and methods: Cytologic specimens from cases of lymphoid and nonlymphoid neoplasms were stained with a methanolic Romanowsky method. Additional unstained slides from these cases were used for comparison with the stained materials. Antigen retrieval involved a citrate buffer pH6 or Tris/EDTA pH9 at 95°C for 25 minutes in a decloaking chamber. Immunocytochemistry used known positive and secondary antibody‐only negative cytologic controls. Immunoreactivity of unstained and prestained lymphoma slides was graded by the intensity and percent of stained cells. Signal grading was monitored over time for diagnostic differences. Results: Unstained and Romanowsky‐stained slides had similar membrane/cytoplasm graded reactions, but unstained slides produced stronger signals. Romanowsky‐stained blood films from B‐cell and T‐cell leukemias showed minimal loss of signal when monitored over 20 weeks. Signal differences did not change the diagnosis. There was a significant association between ICC and confirmatory tests. Optimization involved antibody dilution and antigen retrieval methodology for each antibody tested. Conclusions: Immunocytochemistry of Romanowsky‐stained material can be successfully performed using antibodies against CD3ε, CD20, cytokeratin, lysozyme, Melan‐A, MHCII, MUM1, Pax5, and vimentin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decade, usability testing has become an integral component of Web design and development in libraries. Within the past five years, library portals allowing some degree of personal customization have established a presence on a number of library home pages. This chapter reviews some basic concepts of usability testing and then examines how usability testing has been employed to inform the design and use of Web sites and customized library portals at the University of Washington and at other institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large public-health training events may result in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission. Universal SARS-CoV-2 testing during trainings for the Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment identified 28 of 475 (5.9%) individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among attendees; most (89.3%) were asymptomatic. Until COVID-19 vaccine is readily available for staff and participants, effective COVID-19 mitigation measures, along with SARS-CoV-2 testing, are recommended for in-person trainings, particularly when trainees will have subsequent contact with survey participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecotourism is growing worldwide, with a Latin American focus on both cultural and environmental sustainability. In this case study, the authors immersed themselves in the seven-year-old agroecotourism venture of La picadora, living among neighbours and conducting formal interviews with 14 persons to learn about agricultural practices, hosting approaches, and the effects of tourism on life at La picadora. Results showed a community practising and committed to sustainable use of land and human resources, and revealed agricultural practices typical of broader Cuba. Foods served to tourists reflected a combination of Cuban tradition and ingredient availability. Residents noted cultural and monetary benefits of welcoming tourists to their communities. In conclusion, the La picadora collective is a microcosm of sustainable tourism, affecting and affected by broader socioeconomic forces. It is likely that this early agroecotourism adopter will become a model for other Cuban visitor hubs operating outside traditional beach-based ventures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on a larger, cross-institutional study that examines equitable elementary mathematics education, this article reports initial findings related to tensions that emerged for preservice teachers (PSTs) related to trusting students with open-ended, challenging mathematics tasks. Data composed of 194 PSTs' written responses to a survey question. Using methods of qualitative analysis, findings indicate two prominent tensions that emerged for PSTs related to trusting students with open-ended challenging tasks: productive struggle versus unproductive failure and teacher control versus student control. These findings suggest that reform efforts that encourage teachers to implement open-ended, challenging tasks may not come to fruition if underlying issues of (mis)trust teachers may have related to students are not unpacked and addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in the treatment of limited numbers of brain metastases in selected breast cancer patients is well-established. Aims: To analyse outcome from a single institutional experience with SRS, to identify any significant prognostic factors and to assess the influence of Her-2, estrogen receptor status, and prescribed dose on outcome. Methods: The medical records of 56 patients treated at in a single institution between 2009 and 2014 were reviewed. Demographic, treatment related and outcome data were analyzed to identify prognostic factors in this patient population. The primary endpoints were overall survival and local control. Secondary endpoint was distant intra-cranial progression-free survival. Results: The median follow- up time for the entire cohort was 10.33 months (1.25–97.28). The overall median survival was 12.5months (95%CI = 5.8–19.2), with 53.3%, and 35.8% surviving at 1- and 2- years post-SRS. After adjustment for the effect of Her 2 status, uncontrolled extra-cranial disease at the time of SRS predicted for shorter survival (HR for death = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4–6.9, p = 0.006). At the time of death, 75% of the patients had active, uncontrolled intra-cranial disease, with 56% these patients presenting intra-cranial disease only. Sustained local control was observed in 56 (59.6%) of 94 treated metastases. In univariate analysis, Her2 status, ERHer2 group status?, and prescribed SRS dose were highly significant for local progression free-survival (LPFS). After adjustment for the effect of Her 2 status, patients receiving 12–16 Gy can expect shorter LPFS than those receiving 18–20 Gy (HR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0–2.8, p = 0.043). After adjustment for the effect of dose group, patients with Her 2 negative cancer can expect shorter LPFS than those with Her 2 positive cancer (HR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.5–4.4, p < 0.0005). Use of prior WBRT did not impact survival, local or distant intra-cranial progression-free survival. Conclusions: Survival outcome is similar to the published literature. Improved outcomes are observed in patients with Her 2-positive, controlled extracranial disease at the time of SRS and higher SRS dose delivered. Achieving intra-cranial control appears to be an important factor for the survival of the breast cancer patients in the era of targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac dysfunction is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in amyloid light chain (AL) amyloidosis caused by a clonal immunoglobulin light chain (LC). Previously published transgenic animal models of AL amyloidosis have not recapitulated the key phenotype of cardiac dysfunction seen in AL amyloidosis, which has limited our understanding of the disease mechanisms in vivo, as well as the development of targeted AL therapeutics. We have developed a transgenic zebrafish model in which a λ LC derived from a patient with AL amyloidosis is conditionally expressed in the liver under the control of the Gal4 upstream activation sequence enhancer system. Circulating LC levels of 125 µg/ml in these transgenic zebrafish are comparable to median pathological serum LC levels. Functional analysis links abnormal contractile function with evidence of cellular and molecular proteotoxicity in the heart, including increased cell death and autophagy. However, despite pathological and functional phenotypes analogous to human AL, the lifespan of the transgenic fish is comparable to control fish without the expressed AL-LC transgene. Nuclear labeling experiments suggest increased cardiac proliferation in the transgenic fish, which can be counteracted by treatment with a small molecule proliferation inhibitor leading to increased zebrafish mortality because of cardiac apoptosis and functional deterioration. This transgenic zebrafish model provides a platform to study underlying AL disease mechanisms in vivo further. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Heart failure is a major cause of mortality in amyloid light (AL) amyloidosis, yet it has been difficult to model in animals. We report the generation of a transgenic zebrafish model for AL amyloidosis with pathological concentration of circulating human light chain protein that results in cardiac dysfunction. The light chain toxicity triggers regeneration in the zebrafish heart resulting in functional compensation early in life, but with age develops into cardiac dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about manuscripts and printed music indexed in RISM (Répertoire International des Sources Musicales), a large, international project that records and describes musical sources, was for decades available solely through book publications, CD-ROMs, or subscription services. Recent initiatives to make the data available on a wider scale have resulted in, most significantly, a freely accessible online database and the availability of its data as open data and linked open data. Previously, the task of increasing the amount of data was primarily carried out by RISM national groups and the Zentralredaktion (Central Office). The current opportunities available by linking to other freely accessible databases and importing data from other resources open new perspectives and prospects. This paper describes the RISM data and their applications for digital libraries and digital musicological projects. We discuss the possibilities and challenges in making available a large and growing quantity of data and how the data have been utilized in external library and musicological projects. Interactive functions in the RISM OPAC are planned for the future, as is closer collaboration with the projects that use RISM data. Ultimately, RISM would like to arrange a "take and give" system in which the RISM data are used in external projects, enhanced by the project participants, and then delivered back to the RISM Zentralredaktion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YEATS domain (YD) containing proteins are an emerging class of epigenetic targets in drug discovery. Dysregulation of these modified lysine‐binding proteins has been linked to the onset and progression of cancers. We herein report the discovery and characterisation of the first small‐molecule chemical probe, SGC‐iMLLT, for the YD of MLLT1 (ENL/YEATS1) and MLLT3 (AF9/YEATS3). SGC‐iMLLT is a potent and selective inhibitor of MLLT1/3–histone interactions. Excellent selectivity over other human YD proteins (YEATS2/4) and bromodomains was observed. Furthermore, our probe displays cellular target engagement of MLLT1 and MLLT3. The first small‐molecule X‐ray co‐crystal structures with the MLLT1 YD are also reported. This first‐in‐class probe molecule can be used to understand MLLT1/3‐associated biology and the therapeutic potential of small‐molecule YD inhibitors. Molecular poetry: YEATS domain (YD) containing proteins are an emerging class of epigenetic protein targets in drug discovery. A screening hit has been developed into the first potent, selective, and cell‐active chemical probe for the YD‐containing proteins MLLT1 and MLLT3. The probe represents the first inhibitor of its class to explore YD‐associated biology and disease links. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure reproductive success, Canis species establish contiguous mosaics of territories in suitable habitats to partition space and defend limiting resources. Consequently, Canis species can exert strong effects on prey populations locally because of their year-round maintenance of territories. We assessed prey use by coyotes (Canis latrans) by sampling scats from within known territories in southeastern Alabama and the Savannah River area of Georgia and South Carolina. We accounted for the size and habitat composition of coyote home ranges to investigate the influence of space use, vegetation density, and habitat type on coyote diets. Coyote use of prey was influenced by a combination of mean monthly temperature, home range size, vegetation density, and hardwood forests. For example, coyote use of adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) was associated with cooler months and smaller home ranges, whereas use of rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.) was associated with cooler months, larger home ranges, and less vegetation density. Coyotes in our study relied primarily on nutritionally superior mammalian prey and supplemented their diet with fruit when available, as their use of mammalian prey did not appreciably decrease with increasing use of fruit. We suggest that differential use of prey by coyotes is influenced by habitat heterogeneity within their home ranges, and prey-switching behaviors may stabilize local interactions between coyotes and their food resources to permit stable year-round territories. Given that habitat composition affects coyote prey use, future studies should also incorporate effects of habitat composition on coyote distribution and abundance to further identify coyote influences on prey communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Aneurysm recanalization constitutes a limitation in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using conventional bare platinum coils. The development of platinum coils coupled with hydrogel polymers aimed at decreasing the rates of recurrence by way of enhanced coil packing density and biological healing within the aneurysm. While enhanced occlusion and durability has been shown for the first generation hydrogel coils, their use was limited by technical challenges. Less data is available regarding the second-generation hydrogel coils which have been designed to perform like bare platinum coils.Methods: The new generation Hydrogel Endovascular Aneurysm Treatment Trial (HEAT) is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial that compares the health outcomes of the second-generation HydroCoil Embolic System with bare platinum coils in the endovascular intracranial aneurysms. The primary endpoint is aneurysm recurrence, defined as any progression on the Raymond aneurysm scale, over a 24-month follow-up period. Secondary endpoints include packing density, functional independence, procedural adverse events, mortality rate, initial complete occlusion, aneurysm retreatment, hemorrhage from treated aneurysm, and any aneurysm recurrence.Results: Patient recruitment initiated in June 2011 and ended in January 2016 in 46 centers. Six hundred eligible patients diagnosed with an intracranial aneurysm, ruptured or unruptured were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms.Conclusion: The HEAT trial compares the durability, imaging, and clinical outcomes of the second-generation hydrogel versus bare platinum coils in the endovascular treatment of ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The results of this trial may further inform current endovascular treatment guidelines based on observed long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: RIPK2 mediates inflammatory signaling by the bacteria‐sensing receptors NOD1 and NOD2. Kinase inhibitors targeting RIPK2 are a proposed strategy to ameliorate NOD‐mediated pathologies. Here, we reveal that RIPK2 kinase activity is dispensable for NOD2 inflammatory signaling and show that RIPK2 inhibitors function instead by antagonizing XIAP‐binding and XIAP‐mediated ubiquitination of RIPK2. We map the XIAP binding site on RIPK2 to the loop between β2 and β3 of the N‐lobe of the kinase, which is in close proximity to the ATP‐binding pocket. Through characterization of a new series of ATP pocket‐binding RIPK2 inhibitors, we identify the molecular features that determine their inhibition of both the RIPK2‐XIAP interaction, and of cellular and in vivoNOD2 signaling. Our study exemplifies how targeting of the ATP‐binding pocket in RIPK2 can be exploited to interfere with the RIPK2‐XIAP interaction for modulation of NOD signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative effects of non-native invasive plants have been well documented, but few studies have examined long-term impacts of non-native plant removal on both native and non-native plant community composition. This case study compared consequences of three non-native invasive removal methods (chemical, mechanical, and a combination of the two), applied to all exotic species, on native and non-native abundance, richness (total number of species), and community composition in two forested sites over six growing seasons. Important nonnative vegetative components in pre-treatment and control plant communities included the vines English ivy (Hedera helix Linnaeus, 1753), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunberg, 1784), oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus Thunberg, 1784), and clematis (Clematis terniflora De Candolle, 1817), and the shrub Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense Lourero, 1790). In all removal treatments, nonnative herbs, tree seedlings, and shrubs declined over six years, and native herbs' and tree seedlings' cover and richness increased. Time to implement treatments varied widely (844 person hours / ha for combination vs. 44 h / ha for chemical), but treatment effects only differed for native shrub density (highest in control treatment at one site), and native herb, shrub, and tree seedling richness (highest in mechanical and combination treatments at one site). Treatment did not affect cover or richness of non-native herb and tree seedlings, or shrub density and richness. Native species cover and richness increased as exotic species cover declined for all treatments in this study, suggesting that seed supplementation is not always necessary for community recovery. Spot-application of herbicides to foliage or girdled trees did not significantly hinder native plant community recovery, and no native species except poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans (Linnaeus) Kuntze, 1891), which was intentionally removed, had its abundance or cover reduced by treatments. Even after treatment, clematis and Chinese privet remained important community components, demonstrating the difficulty in controlling these non-native species. Treatment effects were more pronounced at one site, perhaps due to imperfect selection of control plots, legacy land-use effects, or light limitation. This study supports the need for long-term treatment and measurement to accurately determine native plant community responses to non-native invasive removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the U.S. Court of Appeal for the Third Circuit Court case Zahner v. Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Human Services where plaintiff Anable Zahner's applied short-term annuities was examined under the Deficit Reduction Act's (DRA) safe harbor provision. The court examined use of annuities in Medicaid planning, and discussed long-term viability of short-term annuities.

This paper presents two collaborative programs at a small academic library that leverage the insights, engagement, and interests of our most important asset: our staff. Two new library committees, the Staff Training Advisory Group and the Marketing Team, extended planning, accountability, and partnerships to paraprofessional staff members. The onset and associated activities of these two committees yielded not only direct results in terms of staff training programs and marketing initiatives, but also resulted in creating a more collaborative culture and shared purpose in our library. This paper examines how the overlap of these two committees created a convergence that fostered excitement about the library, interest in improving library roles, and furthering library initiatives. By working together, and with our university community, we developed solid, popular programs in addition to cultivating a more intentional, thoughtful, and inclusive approach to our work and, ultimately, to supporting our university community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]