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Summary: Longitudinal studies are subject to nonresponse when individuals fail to provide data for entire waves or particular questions of the survey. We compare approaches to nonresponse bias analysis (NRBA) in longitudinal studies and illustrate them on the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–2011 (ECLS‐K:2011). Wave nonresponse with attrition often yields a monotone missingness pattern, and the missingness mechanism can be missing at random (MAR) or missing not at random (MNAR). We discuss weighting, multiple imputation (MI), incomplete data modelling and Bayesian approaches to NRBA for monotone patterns. Weighting adjustments can be effective when the constructed weights are correlated with the survey outcome of interest. MI allows for variables with missing values to be included in the imputation model, yielding potentially less biased and more efficient estimates. We add offsets in the MAR results to provide sensitivity analyses to assess MNAR deviations. We conduct NRBA for descriptive summaries and analytic model estimates in the ECLS‐K:2011 application. The strength of evidence about our NRBA depends on the strength of the relationship between the fully observed variables and the key survey outcomes, so the key to a successful NRBA is to include strong predictors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Materials and Methods Results Conclusion This study aims to inform about the clinical image, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment options for cats and dogs diagnosed with ocular encephalitozoonosis.Medical records of 7 dogs and 75 cats with ocular encephalitozoonosis presented at the Clinical Unit of Ophthalmology of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna between 08/2006 and 02/2022 have been compiled. Diagnosis was based on the presence of cataracts and positive antibody titer against Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Patient history, details on the characteristics of the cataracts, level of antibody titers, and the treatment regimen were summarized, as are the results of histological stainings of surgical samples to determine the presence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, as well as PCR analyses to identify its sub‐strains.Our analysis of the clinical data shows that focal cortical anterior cataracts often associated with anterior uveitis and lesions in the fundus are the most prevalent manifestation of ocular encephalitozoonosis in cats and dogs.Serological testing and PCR analysis of lens material are the most important diagnostic tools. Timely phacoemulsification with adjuvant anti‐inflammatory and antiparasitic medication is the most promising therapy for Encephalitozoon cuniculi‐induced cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During summer 2023 Canada experienced its most intense wildfire season on record. Smoke plumes from these fires advected across the United States (U.S.) Upper Midwest, producing regional scale surface enhancements of PM2.5 and ozone, as recorded by the U.S. surface monitoring network. These events are notable because they occurred early in the fire season (May 15‐June 30), and they produced the highest regional‐scale surface ozone levels ever recorded across the northern tier of the U.S. during early (May–June) or late (July‐August) summer. Specifically, the Upper Midwest 50th ozone percentile was greater than in any other year since 1995, when the ozone monitoring network had sufficient coverage to assess regional‐scale ozone levels; the 90th percentile was the highest since 2002. Satellite and aircraft measurements demonstrate the availability of ozone precursors and ozone production within the smoke plumes. Plain Language Summary: Ozone is a trace gas in the atmosphere that acts as an important greenhouse gas, and high concentrations near Earth's surface are a form of air pollution, detrimental to human health and vegetation productivity. Ozone is formed by sunlight reacting with precursor gases, such as those emitted by fossil fuel combustion. Wildfires are also an important source of ozone precursor gases. During summer 2023 Canada experienced its most intense wildfire season on record. Smoke from these fires impacted the U.S. Upper Midwest during May–June 2023, leading to regional scale surface enhancements of fine particulate matter and ozone. These unusual early season fires produced the highest regional‐scale surface ozone levels ever recorded across the northern U.S. Mid‐latitude wildfires have increased as the planet warms, and their frequency is expected to increase further with continued climate change. This analysis suggests that extreme ozone pollution episodes associated with wildfires could also increase in the future. Key Points: During summer 2023 Canada experienced its most intense wildfire season on recordSmoke from these fires impacted the United States (U.S.) Upper Midwest during May–June, leading to regional scale surface enhancements of PM2.5 and ozoneThese unusual early season fires produced the highest regional‐scale surface ozone levels ever recorded across the northern United States [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively little work has focused on why we are motivated to learn words. In adults, recent experiments have shown that intrinsic reward signals accompany successful word learning from context. In addition, the experience of reward facilitated long‐term memory for words. In adolescence, developmental changes are seen in reward and motivation systems as well as in reading and language systems. Here, in the face of this developmental change, we ask whether adolescents experience reward from word learning, and how the reward and memory benefit seen in adults is modulated by age. We used a naturalistic reading paradigm, which involved extracting novel word meanings from sentence context without the need for explicit feedback. By exploring ratings of enjoyment during the learning phase, as well as recognition memory for words a day later, we assessed whether adolescents show the same reward and learning patterns as adults. We tested 345 children between the ages of 10–18 (N > 84 in each 2‐year age‐band) using this paradigm. We found evidence for our first prediction: children aged 10–18 report greater enjoyment for successful word learning. However, we did not find evidence for age‐related change in this developmental period, or memory benefits. This work gives us greater insight into the process of language acquisition and sets the stage for further investigations of intrinsic reward in typical and atypical development. Research Highlights: We constantly learn words from context, even in the absence of explicit rewards or feedback.In adults, intrinsic reward experienced during word learning is linked to a dopaminergic circuit in the brain, which also fuels enhancements in memory for words.We find adolescents also report enhanced reward or enjoyment when they successfully learn words from sentence context.The relationship between reward and learning is maintained between the ages of 10 and 18.Unlike in adults, we did not observe ensuing memory benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the effect of emotion regulation skills‐focused (ERSF) interventions to reduce pain intensity and improve psychological outcomes for people with chronic pain and to narratively report on safety and intervention compliance. Methods: Six databases and four registries were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 29 April 2022. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, and certainty of evidence was assessed according to the Grading, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta‐analyses for eight studies (902 participants) assessed pain intensity (primary outcome), emotion regulation, affect, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and pain interference (secondary outcomes), at two time points when available, post‐intervention (closest to intervention end) and follow‐up (the first measurement after the post‐intervention assessment). Results: Compared to TAU, pain intensity improved post‐intervention (weighted mean difference [WMD] = −10.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] [−17.55, −2.56]) and at follow‐up (WMD = −11.38; 95% CI [−13.55, −9.21]). Emotion regulation improved post‐intervention (standard mean difference [SMD] = 0.57; 95% CI [0.14, 1.01]), and depressive symptoms improved at follow‐up (SMD = −0.45; 95% CI [−0.66, −0.24]). Compared to active comparators, anxiety symptoms improved favouring the comparator post‐intervention (SMD = 0.10; 95% CI [0.03, 0.18]), and compared to CBT, pain interference improved post‐intervention (SMD = −0.37; 95% CI [−0.69, −0.04]). Certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. Significance: The findings provide evidence that ERSF interventions reduce pain intensity for people with chronic pain compared to usual treatment. These interventions are at least as beneficial to reduce pain intensity as the current gold standard psychological intervention, CBT. However, the limited number of studies and certainty of evidence mean further high‐quality RCTs are warranted. Additionally, further research is needed to identify whether ERSF interventions may be more beneficial for specific chronic pain conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) of physicians significantly impacts their personal well‐being and professional success with broad implications in health care. A focused training on EI is often lacking in medical curricula. We sought to understand the impact of improvisation training on clinicians' EI. Approach: Four online medical improv workshops were offered to a diverse group of physicians with varied levels of practice experience including medicine‐paediatric residents, paediatric educators, practising paediatricians and internal/family medicine clinicians. The improv training was thoughtfully curated and remained consistent for all four cohorts, lasting 2 h. Self‐reported EI scales (pre and post) were captured using an online survey tool. The overall EI score and the scores of three EI components were compared before and after training. Evaluation: Out of 64 participants, 41 participants (64%) completed both the pre‐ and post‐surveys and were included in the final analysis. Participant's pre‐training score (mean:123.9, range: 121.1–126.7) was compared to their post‐training score (mean:128.9, range: 126.3–131.3). The t tests comparing EI scores showed that compared to pre‐intervention, participants on average scored 4.9 points higher (95% CI: 3.1–6.7; p < 0.01) on the overall scale, 2.2 points higher (95% CI: 1.2–3.2; p < 0.01) on the appraisal score, 1.4 points higher (95% CI: 0.8–2.0; p < 0.01) on the regulation score and 1.2 points higher (95% CI: 0.4–2.1; p = 0.01) on the utilisation score. Implications: Improv training is an innovative method to fill the crucial gap in EI curricula. There was a statistically significant improvement in average score for clinicians' EI after a pilot improv training programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory results are frequently abnormal in pregnant mothers. Abnormalities usually relate to pregnancy or associated complications. Hematological abnormalities and age in pregnancy may increase the likelihood for transfusion and mortality. Study Design and Methods: Hematological profiles and transfusion history of pregnant mothers presenting to a tertiary hospital, were evaluated over 2 years. Age, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were assessed for transfusion likelihood. Iron deficiency and coagulation were assessed in transfused patients. Anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and transfusion were assessed for mortality likelihood. Results: There were 12,889 pregnant mothers included. Mothers <19‐years‐old had the highest prevalence of anemia (31.5%) and proportion of transfusions (19%). The transfusion likelihood was increased in mothers with anemia (odds ratios [OR] = 6.41; confidence intervals at 95% [95% CI] 5.46–7.71), leukocytosis (OR = 2.35; 95% CI 2.00–2.76) or thrombocytopenia (OR = 2.71; 95% CI 2.21–3.33). Mothers with prolonged prothrombin times received twice as many blood products as their normal counterparts (p =.03) and those with iron deficiency anemia five times more blood products (p <.001). Increased likelihood for mortality was seen in patients with anemia (OR = 4.15, 95% CI 2.03–8.49), leukocytosis (OR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.19–6.04) and those receiving blood transfusion (OR = 3.6, 95% CI 1.75–7.47). Discussion: Adolescence, anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia expose mothers to a high risk for transfusion and/or mortality. These risk factors should promptly trigger management and referral of patients. Presenting hematological profiles are strong predictors of maternal outcome and transfusion risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Vegetation change such as woody encroachment is characterised by changing species interactions, and processes such as competition and facilitation may be inferred from patterns of association between juveniles and mature individuals of different species. Our aim was to apply and evaluate association rules analysis (ARA), a rule‐based data‐mining technique more commonly known as market basket analysis, as a novel tool to examine the associations between woody species in different demographic stages along a thicket encroachment gradient. Location: The research was conducted in a subtropical thicket–savanna mosaic (730 mm mean annual rainfall) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Methods: We used a space‐for‐time substitution approach and sampled woody plants in different size classes at sites representing early, intermediate and late stages of encroachment. All individuals were recorded as occurring singly or in unique clumps. We used ARA to determine which associations between species in different size classes were common overall, and more common than expected, at each of the three encroachment stages. Results: The most important association rules indicated that Vachellia karroo recruited singly and in large numbers in open grassland and, once mature, provided nucleation sites for a small suite of species dominated by Scutia myrtina. In the later stages, multiple diverse associations were found in increasingly large clumps. Conclusions: Our sampling approach and ARA proved useful for characterising common species‐size class associations, illuminating changing species interactions and recruitment patterns along a thicket clump formation sequence. In studies of vegetation change, ARA can complement multivariate analyses of species composition to reveal specific associations, and it can provide a less laborious alternative to point‐pattern analysis for elucidating spatial associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used diverse methods to characterize the role of avian lateral spiriform nucleus (SpL) in basal ganglia motor function. Connectivity analysis showed that SpL receives input from globus pallidus (GP), and the intrapeduncular nucleus (INP) located ventromedial to GP, whose neurons express numerous striatal markers. SpL‐projecting GP neurons were large and aspiny, while SpL‐projecting INP neurons were medium sized and spiny. Connectivity analysis further showed that SpL receives inputs from subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), and that the SNr also receives inputs from GP, INP, and STN. Neurochemical analysis showed that SpL neurons express ENK, GAD, and a variety of pallidal neuron markers, and receive GABAergic terminals, some of which also contain DARPP32, consistent with GP pallidal and INP striatal inputs. Connectivity and neurochemical analysis showed that the SpL input to tectum prominently ends on GABAA receptor‐enriched tectobulbar neurons. Behavioral studies showed that lesions of SpL impair visuomotor behaviors involving tracking and pecking moving targets. Our results suggest that SpL modulates brainstem‐projecting tectobulbar neurons in a manner comparable to the demonstrated influence of GP internus on motor thalamus and of SNr on tectobulbar neurons in mammals. Given published data in amphibians and reptiles, it seems likely the SpL circuit represents a major direct pathway‐type circuit by which the basal ganglia exerts its motor influence in nonmammalian tetrapods. The present studies also show that avian striatum is divided into three spatially segregated territories with differing connectivity, a medial striato‐nigral territory, a dorsolateral striato‐GP territory, and the ventrolateral INP motor territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper explores the field of nanobiotechnology, focusing on the design, characterisation, and potential dermal applications of metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs). ZnO and FeO NPs exhibit distinctive properties that are valuable in dermato‐cosmetic applications and transdermal drug delivery. This study investigates Cannabidiol (CBD) as a capping agent for MONPs synthesis. Employing microwave‐assisted techniques, MONPs were synthesised using either CBD or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as capping agents. The TEM, SEM, FTIR, and XRD characterisation results confirmed the successful formation of CBD‐capped ZnO and FeO NPs exhibiting an average particle size of 90 and 76 nm, respectively. The cytotoxicity of CBD‐capped MONPs was evaluated on HaCaT cells over a concentration range of 100 to 6.25 μg/mL, which revealed that CBD‐capped ZnO NPs exerted a cytotoxic effect on HaCaT cells (IC50 85.34±1.17 μg/mL). In contrast, CBD‐capped FeO NPs and PVP‐capped MONPs exhibited negligible cytotoxicity (IC50 >100 μg/mL). TEM analysis revealed a noticeable structural alteration of ZnO NPs in the supplemented cell culture medium, which could contribute to enhanced NP uptake, thereby explaining the more pronounced cytotoxic effect of ZnO NPs. Therefore, the disparity in cytotoxic responses can be attributed to the protein coating adhering to the NPs surface in a biological medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The diagnosis of plasma cell neoplasms depends on the accurate quantification of plasma cells, traditionally done by immunohistochemical CD138 staining of bone marrow biopsies. Currently, there is no fully satisfactory reference method for this quantification. In our previous study, we compared the commonly used overview estimation method (method A) with a novel method for counting plasma cells in three representative areas (method B). Results showed comparable concordance parameters between the two methods. In this follow‐up study, we compared the previously evaluated methods with a digital analysis method (method C) that uses artificial intelligence in open‐source software, QuPath. Methods: Archived CD138 immunohistochemically stained trephine sections of bone marrow samples used in our previous study were used (n = 33). Reviewers selected three representative areas on each sample by taking images with a light microscope and camera. Digital analysis was performed using the positive cell detection function in QuPath. The entire process was repeated by each reviewer to test intraobserver concordance (concordance correlation coefficient [CCC]) in addition to interobserver concordance (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]). Results: Intraobserver concordance of method C showed strong agreement for all reviewers with the lowest CCC = 0.854. Interobserver concordance for method C using ICC was 0.909 and 0.949. This showed high interobserver agreement with significant differences between method C and previously assessed method A (ICC = 0.793 and 0.713) and method B (ICC = 0.657 and 0.658). Conclusion: We were able to successfully count CD138‐positive plasma cells in bone marrow biopsies using artificial intelligence. This method is superior to both manual counting and overview estimation, regardless of tumour load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While climate warming is widely predicted to reduce body size of ectotherms, evidence for this trend is mixed. Body size depends not only on temperature but also on other factors, such as food quality and intraspecific competition. Because temperature trends or other long‐term environmental factors may affect population size and food sources, attributing trends in average body size to temperature requires the separation of potentially confounding effects. We evaluated trends in the body size of the midge Tanytarsus gracilentus and potential drivers (water temperature, population size, and food quality) between 1977 and 2015 at Lake Mývatn, Iceland. Although temperatures increased at Mývatn over this period, there was only a slight (non‐significant) decrease in midge adult body size, contrary to theoretical expectations. Using a state‐space model including multiple predictors, body size was negatively associated with both water temperature and midge population abundance, and it was positively associated with 13C enrichment of midges (an indicator of favorable food conditions). The magnitude of these effects were similar, such that simultaneous changes in temperature, abundance, and carbon stable isotopic signature could counteract each other in the long‐term body size trend. Our results illustrate how multiple factors, all of which could be influenced by global change, interact to affect average ectotherm body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses a blended methodology—conventional tests of 'Thirlwall's law' combined with an in‐depth growth narrative approach and unit root tests—to identify the dominant balance‐of‐payments adjustment mechanism in the Zambian economy over the period 1956–2017. Consistent with Thirlwall's growth law, the main results identify income changes as the dominant balance‐of‐payments adjustment mechanism, rather than relative price changes. The three‐regime export demand function further reflects the vulnerability of the Zambian economy to unexpected busts in the world copper market, and highlights the need for effective industrial policies to create a more diversified economy into higher value‐added manufactures. The analysis also demonstrates that the results are robust to some of the main criticisms that have been levelled against Thirlwall's original growth law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Verification of blood collection tubes is essential for clinical laboratories. The aim of this study was to assess performance of candidate tubes from four alternative suppliers for routine diagnostic haematology testing during an impending global shortage of blood collection tubes. Methods: A multicentre verification study was performed in Cape Town, South Africa. Blood from 300 healthy volunteers was collected into K2EDTA and sodium citrate tubes of BD Vacutainer® comparator tubes and one of four candidate tubes (Vacucare, Vacuette®, V‐TUBE™ and Vacutest®). A technical verification was performed, which included tube physical properties and safety. Routine haematology testing was performed for clinical verification. Results: Vacucare tubes did not have a fill‐line indicator, Vacuette® tubes had external blood contamination on the caps post‐venesection and Vacutest® tubes had hard rubber stoppers. K2EDTA tubes of Vacuette®, Vacucare and Vacutest® performed similarly to the comparator. Unacceptable constant bias was seen for PT in Vacucare (95% CI −2.38 to −0.10), Vacutest® (95% CI −1.91 to −0.49) and Vacuette® (95% CI 0.10–1.84) tubes and for aPTT in Vacuette® (95% CI 0.22–2.00) and V‐TUBE™ (95% CI −2.88 to −0.44). Unacceptable %bias was seen for aPTT in Vacucare (95% CI 2.78–4.59) and Vacutest® tubes (95% CI 2.53–3.82; desirable ±2.30), and in V‐TUBE™ for mean cell volume (95% CI 1.15–1.47, desirable ±0.95%) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (95% CI −1.65 to −0.93, desirable ±0.43%). Conclusion: Blood collection tubes introduce variability to routine haematology results. We recommend that laboratories use one brand of tube. Verification of new candidate tubes should be performed to ensure consistency and reliable reporting of results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the morphology and volume of Meibomian glands (MG) of dogs with microCT before and after partial tarsal plate excision (PTPE), cryotherapy, and laser therapy. Procedure: MicroCT scans were made of 12 upper lids (ULs) and lower lids (LLs) of 12 dogs. After undergoing PTPE, 10 ULs and LLs were scanned again, and one UL and one LL was scanned after laser therapy and one UL and one LL after cryotherapy. Results: The length of the area containing MGs did not change pre‐ and post‐PTPE, and cryo‐ or laser therapy. The mean number of MGs in the ULs and LLs was 30.50 and 29.42, respectively, and did not change during the procedures. The average length of one individual MG was 2.60 mm. The mean volume of MGs in the 10 ULs and LLs pre‐PTPE was 21.45 and 17.2 mm3, respectively, and 12.84 and 11.25 mm3 in the UL and LL after PTPE, respectively. The mean volume of MGs decreased from 29.78 mm3 precryotherapy to 28.91 mm3 post‐treatment and in the lower eyelid from 22.87 to 22.4 mm3 after cryotherapy. The mean volume of MGs in the UL and LL before laser therapy was 8.95 and 6.78 mm3, respectively, and after 9.25 and 6.38 mm3, respectively. Conclusion: MicroCT is a valuable tool to determine the morphology and the volume of MGs and to demonstrate changes that occur after PTPE, laser‐, and cryotherapy. There is no need for additional preparation, such as staining, of the specimen prior to scanning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Rare diseases often result in delays in diagnosis. It is important to recognize conditions that have features of both inborn errors of immunity and predispose to myeloid neoplasia. Here we report a patient with GATA2 deficiency that presented with disseminated non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection and pancytopenia secondary to myelodysplastic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiences with books before age three predict children's motivation to read (Bus et al., 1995), and can support the development of vocabulary, communication, and symbolic skills (Scarborough, 2001). Sharing books with infants and toddlers is different than reading aloud to older children. For example, it is important to attend more closely to infants' eye gaze and to support toddlers to respond with gestures. This article presents 10 research‐based practices for book‐sharing with infants and toddlers to foster love of reading and emergent literacy skills. For each practice, we provide examples with preverbal infants and newly verbal toddlers. We encourage teachers of reading to use these practices in their interactions with infants and toddlers and to use their role as literacy leaders to share the practices with childcare providers, families, and others who work with this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first year of life, children begin to develop preferences for their own racial group over others. To interrupt the development of these and other biases during infancy and toddlerhood, educators can use books to promote anti‐racist and anti‐bias thinking and behaviors in children, while also supporting children's emergent literacy. This article presents criteria for educators to consider as they curate a collection of developmentally appropriate books for infant/toddler classroom libraries. In doing so, educators can expose children to positive representations of others and cultivate respect for children and their communities. We offer practical information about how educators can use these books to promote anti‐racist and anti‐bias education during the first years of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profile of the glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist, lixisenatide, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in pediatric individuals. Materials and Methods: In this Phase 1, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, ascending repeated dose study (NCT02803918), participants aged ≥10 and < 18 years were randomized 3:1 to receive once‐daily lixisenatide in 2‐week increments of 5, 10, and 20 μg (n = 18) or placebo (n = 5) for 6 weeks. Results: Mean lixisenatide concentrations generally increased with increasing doses irrespective of anti‐drug antibody (ADA) status; however, mean lixisenatide concentrations and inter‐subject variability were higher for participants with positive ADA status. Improvements in fasting plasma glucose, post‐prandial glucose, AUC0–4.5, HbA1c, and body weight were observed with lixisenatide. Overall, the safety profile was consistent with the known profile in adults, with no unexpected side effects and no treatment‐emergent adverse events resulting in death or discontinuation. The most common events in the lixisenatide group were vomiting (11.1%) and nausea (11.1%). No symptomatic hypoglycemia was reported in either group. No clinically significant hematologic, biochemical or vital sign abnormalities were observed. Conclusions: Mean lixisenatide concentrations generally increased with increasing dose, irrespective of ADA status. Lixisenatide was associated with improved glycemic control and a trend in body weight reduction compared with placebo. The safety and tolerability profile of repeated lixisenatide doses of up to 20 μg per day in children and adolescents with T2D was reflective of the established safety profile of lixisenatide in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare and aggressive malignancy of mature T-cells. Limited epidemiological studies have shown that there is substantial variation in age at diagnosis and subtype distribution between different geographical regions. This is the first epidemiological study of ATLL in South Africa. Methods. A national epidemiological study of ATLL in South Africa was performed. All new cases of ATLL from 2009 to 2019 were identified by laboratory database search in public and private health care sectors. Demographic and diagnostic data were obtained, and the cases were subtyped according to the Shimoyama classification. Results. There were 31 patients with ATLL over the 10-year period, with an incidence of 0.06 per 100000 population. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1 and the median age at diagnosis was 37 years. Acute ATLL was the most commonly seen subtype in South Africa. Conclusion. In this, the first epidemiological study of ATLL in South Africa, we demonstrate that ATLL is a rare disease, that acute ATLL is the most commonly diagnosed subtype, and that ATLL is likely under diagnosed. Patients present at a considerably younger age than the reported age in other nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Establishing an immunohistochemical approach for semi‐quantitative assessment of the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in equine, canine, and feline corneas. Procedures: Healthy corneas of horses, dogs, and cats, euthanized because of a fatal disease or an unrecoverable trauma unrelated to and without a history of ophthalmic disease were formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, and determined to be pathomorphologically healthy by light microscopy. Automated immunohistochemistry was performed using primary antibodies against IgG, biotin‐conjugated secondary antibodies, and streptavidin‐peroxidase, as well as diaminobenzidine for visualization. After counterstaining with hematoxylin, epithelium, stroma, Descemet´s membrane (DM), and endothelium were semi‐quantitatively scored for the presence of IgG on a 4‐grade scale (0 = no, 1 = faint, 2 = medium, 3 = strong staining) by light microscopy. Results: Corneal specimens of 20 horses (40 eyes) with a median age of 15.5 years (range 2–31 years), 12 dogs (21 eyes) with a median age of 10.0 years (range 4–16), and 13 cats (24 eyes) with a median age of 10.0 years (range 2–18) were included in the study. Different sexes and breeds were represented. In all corneas (100%), significant medium signal intensity in the stroma was observed. Variable immunosignal was obtained in epithelium, DM, and endothelium. Conclusion: This method reproducibly allows for the detection of IgG in healthy equine, canine, and feline corneas, particularly stroma. Semi‐quantitative results evidence medium presence of IgG in the corneal stroma. Further research is needed to evaluate IgG presence in diseased corneas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Children with aerodigestive disorders often have many of the reported risk factors for development of perioperative respiratory adverse events. This study sought to evaluate the incidence of such events in this group of patients undergoing general anesthesia for "triple endoscopy" (flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, rigid laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and to identify any patient‐specific or procedure‐specific risk factors associated with higher incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of children 18 years or younger who underwent triple endoscopy as part of an aerodigestive evaluation. Data collected from medical records included: preoperative polysomnography, symptoms of acute respiratory illness, medical comorbidities, demographics, postoperative hospital or intensive care unit admission, and all respiratory events and interventions in the perioperative period. Patient‐specific and procedure‐specific factors were investigated via univariate analysis for any correlations with perioperative respiratory adverse events. Results: Of the 122 patients undergoing triple endoscopy, 69 (57%) experienced a perioperative respiratory adverse event. We found no difference in the incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events among children with documented lung disease compared with those with no lung disease (OR: 0.89, p =.8 95% CI: 0.43, 1.8), and no significant difference between those children who had a respiratory illness at the time of surgery, 1–2 weeks prior, 3–4 weeks prior, and those with no preceding respiratory illness. A higher percentage of males had a perioperative respiratory adverse event, compared with females (OR: 2.7, p =.01 95% CI: 1.3, 5.09). Conclusion: Patients undergoing triple endoscopy for evaluation of aerodigestive disorders at our institution experienced perioperative respiratory adverse events at a rate of 57%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effect and safety of topical anti‐human vascular endothelial growth factor bevacizumab in dogs with persistent corneal vascularization. Animals studied: Prospective case series of 15 adult dogs (20 eyes). Procedures: Dogs received 0.25% bevacizumab eye drops BID for 28 days. Follow‐ups were scheduled 28 days and 6–7 months after treatment start. Macroscopic findings were scored for conjunctival hyperemia, chemosis, ocular discharge, corneal edema, vascularization, and pigmentation. Vascularized area was assessed by analyzing photographs using an imaging software. Results: The treatment response was variable. Some cases showed a marked reduction in vascularized area and edema, while other eyes had subtle signs of improvement. Vascularization score decreased from 1.5 to 1.1 and vascularized area was reduced by 48.8% after 28 days. A thinning of vessels, consolidation of areal bleedings into fine vascular networks, decrease in distal vessel branching, and a change from blurry vascularized beds into demarcated thin vessels were observed. One dog developed a SCCED 6 months after the last bevacizumab administration. Two dogs died 4 and 4.5 months after the last bevacizumab administration, aged 16 and 12 years, respectively. In all events, a causal relationship is unlikely but cannot be ruled out with certainty. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that topical 0.25% bevacizumab may be an effective treatment option for corneal vascularization in dogs. Further long‐term placebo‐controlled studies with larger patient cohorts are recommended to provide scientific evidence of efficacy and to investigate dosage, safety, possible use as a single treatment, and routes of administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Transplantation of minor salivary glands (MSGs) to the conjunctiva is a treatment option for patients suffering from dry eye disease. As there is not enough information about labial and buccal MSGs in dogs, the aim of this study was to provide evidence of the presence of these glands and to investigate their spatial arrangement and excretory ducts. Methods: The oral mucosa of the lower lip of 4 dogs and the whole lower jaw of 1 dog were used for histological and microCT analysis. Presence, number, volumes and the tissue depth of MSGs were assessed. Results: Histological analysis showed that compact tubulo‐acinar glands were located in the submucosal connective tissue. MicroCT images revealed that 9 to 21 MSGs were arranged in a single row at the level of the dental alveolae. The volume of the MSGs increased from rostral to caudal and the total volume of glandular tissue per animal ranged from 35.01 mm3 to 549.43 mm3. The mean tissue depth of MSGs ranged from 0.57 mm to 1.37 mm (upper surface of glands) and between 1.43 mm and 3.09 mm (lower surface of the glands). Excretory ducts left the dorsal part of the glands and ran in dorso‐rostral direction. Conclusions: The location, number and volume of the labial and buccal MSGs in the dog could be detected and described using microCT scans and histology. The present results can provide valuable information for future transplantation of labial MSGs as therapeutic measure against keratoconjunctivitis sicca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strong for Surgery (S4S) is a public health campaign focused on optimizing patient health prior to surgery by identifying evidence-based modifiable risk factors. The potential impact of S4S bundled risk factors on outcomes after major surgery has not been previously studied. This study tested the hypothesis that a higher number of S4S risk factors is associated with an escalating risk of complications and mortality after major elective surgery in the VA population. Methods: The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) database was queried for patients who underwent major non-emergent general, thoracic, vascular, urologic, and orthopedic surgeries between the years 2008 and 2015. Patients with complete data pertaining to S4S risk factors, specifically preoperative smoking status, HbA1c level, and serum albumin level, were stratified by number of positive risk factors, and perioperative outcomes were compared. Results: A total of 31,285 patients comprised the study group, with 16,630 (53.2%) patients having no S4S risk factors (S4S0), 12,323 (39.4%) having one (S4S1), 2,186 (7.0%) having two (S4S2), and 146 (0.5%) having three (S4S3). In the S4S1 group, 60.3% were actively smoking, 35.2% had HbA1c > 7, and 4.4% had serum albumin < 3. In the S4S2 group, 87.8% were smokers, 84.8% had HbA1c > 7, and 27.4% had albumin < 3. Major complications, reoperations, length of stay, and 30-day mortality increased progressively from S4S0 to S4S3 groups. S4S3 had the greatest adjusted mortality risk (adjusted odds radio [AOR] 2.56, p = 0.04) followed by S4S2 (AOR 1.58, p = 0.02) and S4S1 (AOR 1.34, p = 0.02). Conclusion: In the VA population, patients who had all three S4S risk factors, namely active smoking, suboptimal nutritional status, and poor glycemic control, had the greatest risk of postoperative mortality compared to patients with fewer S4S risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The simple view of reading is commonly presented to educators in professional development about the science of reading. The simple view is a useful tool for conveying the undeniable importance—in fact, the necessity—of both decoding and linguistic comprehension for reading. Research in the 35 years since the theory was proposed has revealed additional understandings about reading. In this article, we synthesize research documenting three of these advances: (1) Reading difficulties have a number of causes, not all of which fall under decoding and/or listening comprehension as posited in the simple view; (2) rather than influencing reading solely independently, as conceived in the simple view, decoding and listening comprehension (or in terms more commonly used in reference to the simple view today, word recognition and language comprehension) overlap in important ways; and (3) there are many contributors to reading not named in the simple view, such as active, self‐regulatory processes, that play a substantial role in reading. We point to research showing that instruction aligned with these advances can improve students' reading. We present a theory, which we call the active view of reading, that is an expansion of the simple view and can be used to convey these important advances to current and future educators. We discuss the need to lift up updated theories and models to guide practitioners' work in supporting students' reading development in classrooms and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decades of research offer important understandings about the nature of comprehension and its development. Drawing on both classic and contemporary research, in this article, we identify some key understandings about reading comprehension processes and instruction, including these: Comprehension instruction should begin early, teaching word‐reading and bridging skills (including graphophonological semantic cognitive flexibility, morphological awareness, and reading fluency) supports reading comprehension development, reading comprehension is not automatic even when fluency is strong, teaching text structures and features fosters reading comprehension development, comprehension processes vary by what and why we are reading, comprehension strategy instruction improves comprehension, vocabulary and knowledge building support reading comprehension development, supporting engagement with text (volume reading, discussion and analysis of text, and writing) fosters comprehension development, and instructional practices that kindle reading motivation improve comprehension. We present a visual depiction of this model, emphasizing the layered nature of impactful comprehension instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is a strategic public health measure designed to reduce the adverse effects of many infectious diseases. Although national recommendations exist for vaccine administration across the life span, immunization rates are affected by barriers to vaccine access and hesitancy in vaccine acceptance. Midwives and women's health clinicians are optimally poised to assess their client's vaccination status and provide vaccinations during clinical encounters. In order to address client concerns about vaccine safety and administration, each clinician is expected to be knowledgeable about vaccine benefits, recommendations, side effects, and potential adverse reactions. Socioeconomic factors, social policies, and historic and continued experiences related to racism have been identified as barriers to ready access to vaccinations and vaccine acceptance. Midwives can act as leaders within their practice sites and communities through participation in projects that reduce barriers to vaccine access and uptake. Community vaccine outreach programs and relationship‐based care can increase vaccine uptake through improved health literacy and associated behavioral changes including greater vaccine acceptance. This article focuses on identifying barriers to vaccine uptake and describing harm reduction measures designed to improve uptake of vaccines. A variety of leadership activities are discussed that can improve clinicians' understanding of their role in optimizing vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Project Cityringen Branch off to Sydhavnen – practical example for tunnel lining segments The overall Cityringen project means enormous progress in public transport for the city of Copenhagen. The extension towards Sydhavnen is an important part of the underground concept. With this expansion, the southern harbour district will be connected to the already existing metro network of Copenhagen and will therefore also become a key element for further urban development. The tunnel for the Sydhavnen extension consists of two approx. 4,500 m long tubes with an inner diameter of 4.90 m, with one cross passage. In addition, five train stations and two shafts have been created. The route is driven with two EPB TBMs. For the production of the tunnel segments in 5+1 system with a thickness of 30 cm, the use of steel fibres as reinforcement (approx. 85 % of the overall production is foreseen with SFRC) was already foreseen in the planning. The design of the steel fibre reinforced concrete was carried out according to DBV data sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health is a key component of overall health and there is a cost to not including it in the value-based transformation conversation. Health care needs to break down the silos that exist between dentistry and medicine so we can leverage integration to achieve value-based care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Blastomyces antigen concentration in urine (BACU) test is used to diagnose blastomycosis and monitor treatment in dogs. It is unknown if a higher BACU is associated with shorter survival. Objectives: To determine if the magnitude of BACU before treatment is associated with survival in dogs with blastomycosis. Animals Fifty‐two dogs with blastomycosis. Methods: Retrospective case review. BACU, radiographic lung severity (RLS) score (0‐4 scale), and survival time up to 1 year after diagnosis were obtained through medical record review of dogs with Blastomyces dermatitidis. Results: The overall survival was: discharge, 87%; 1 week, 85%; 2 months, 74%; and 6 months, 69%. BACU correlated with RLS score (rs = 0.33, P =.02). BACU and RLS scores were lower in survivors to 2 months than nonsurvivors (average BACU difference of 2.5 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2‐4.8 ng/mL, P =.04; median RLS difference of 2; range, 0‐4, P =.02). Dogs with BACU <5 ng/mL and dogs with mild (0‐1) RLS scores had a greater proportion surviving than those with BACU >5 ng/mL (P =.03) and dogs with severe (3‐4) RLS scores (P =.04). All dogs with a BACU <5 ng/mL or mild RLS score were alive at last follow‐up (median, 365 days; range, 44‐365 days). In all, 68.1% of other dogs survived to 2 months (95% CI, 54.8%‐84.8%). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Dogs with lower BACU and RLS scores have improved survival; however, it is unclear what specific cutoffs should be used for prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐trait eco‐evolutionary models of arms races between consumers and their resource species often show inhibition rather than promotion of community diversification. In contrast, modelling arms races involving multiple traits, we found that arms races can promote diversification when trade‐off costs among traits make simultaneous investment in multiple traits either more beneficial or more costly. Coevolution between resource and consumer species generates an adaptive landscape for each, with the configuration giving predictable suites of consumer and resource species. Nonetheless, the adaptive landscape contains multiple alternative stable states, and which stable community is reached depends on small stochastic differences occurring along evolutionary pathways. Our results may solve a puzzling conflict between eco‐evolutionary theory that predicts community diversification via consumer–resource interactions will be rare, and empirical research that has uncovered real cases. Furthermore, our results suggest that these real cases might be just a subset of alternative stable communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed fluxes of organisms across ecosystem boundaries can exert top‐down and bottom‐up effects in recipient food webs, through both direct effects on the subsidized trophic levels and indirect effects on other components of the system. While previous theoretical and empirical studies demonstrate the influence of allochthonous subsidies on bottom‐up and top‐down processes, understanding how these forces act in conjunction is still limited, particularly when an allochthonous resource can simultaneously subsidize multiple trophic levels. Using the Lake Mývatn region in Iceland as an example system of allochthony and its potential effects on multiple trophic levels, we analyzed a mathematical model to evaluate how pulsed subsidies of aquatic insects affect the dynamics of a soil–plant–arthropod food web. We found that the relative balance of top‐down and bottom‐up effects on a given food web compartment was determined by trophic position, subsidy magnitude, and top predators' ability to exploit the subsidy. For intermediate trophic levels (e.g., detritivores and herbivores), we found that the subsidy could either alleviate or intensify top‐down pressure from the predator. For some parameter combinations, alleviation and intensification occurred sequentially during and after the resource pulse. The total effect of the subsidy on detritivores and herbivores, including top‐down and bottom‐up processes, was determined by the rate at which predator consumption saturated with increasing size of the allochthonous subsidy, with greater saturation leading to increased bottom‐up effects. Our findings illustrate how resource pulses to multiple trophic levels can influence food web dynamics by changing the relative strength of bottom‐up and top‐down effects, with bottom‐up predominating top‐down effects in most scenarios in this subarctic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic regulation is important in human health and disease, but the exact mechanisms remain largely enigmatic. DNA methylation represents one epigenetic aspect but is challenging to quantify. In this study, we introduce a digital approach for the quantification of the amount and density of DNA methylation. We designed an experimental setup combining efficient methylation‐sensitive restriction enzymes with digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to quantify a targeted density of DNA methylation independent of bisulfite conversion. By using a stable reference and comparing experiments treated and untreated with these enzymes, copy number instability could be properly normalized. In silico simulations demonstrated the mathematical validity of the setup and showed that the measurement precision depends on the amount of input DNA and the fraction methylated alleles. This uncertainty could be successfully estimated by the confidence intervals. Quantification of RASSF1 promoter methylation in a variety of healthy and malignant samples and in a calibration curve confirmed the high accuracy of our approach, even in minute amounts of DNA. Overall, our results indicate the possibility of quantifying DNA methylation with digital PCR, independent of bisulfite conversion. Moreover, as the context‐density of methylation can also be determined, biological mechanisms can now be quantitatively assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Plant species allocate resources to multiple defensive traits simultaneously, often leading to so‐called defence syndromes (i.e. suites of traits that are co-expressed across several species). While reports of ontogenetic variation in plant defences are commonplace, no study to date has tested for ontogenetic shifts in defence syndromes, and we know little about the ecological and evolutionary drivers of variation in plant defence syndromes across ontogeny.We tested for ontogenetic variation in plant defence syndromes by measuring a suite of defensive and nutritional traits on saplings and adult trees of 29 oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) species distributed across Europe, North America, and Asia. In addition, we investigated if these syndromes exhibited a phylogenetic signal to elucidate the nature of their macro‐evolutionary variation, whether they were associated with levels of herbivore pressure and climatic conditions, and if any such evolutionary and ecological patterns were contingent on ontogeny.Our analyses revealed three distinct oak defence syndromes: the first included species with high defences, the second species with high defences and low nutrient levels, and the third species with high nutrients and thinner leaves. Interestingly, these defence syndromes remained virtually unchanged across the two ontogenetic stages sampled. In addition, our analyses indicated no evidence for a phylogenetic signal in oak syndromes, a result consistent across ontogenetic stages. Finally, with respect to ecological factors, we found no effect of climatic conditions on defences for either ontogenetic stage, whereas defence syndromes were associated with differing levels of herbivory in adults but not saplings suggesting an association between herbivore pressure and syndrome type that is contingent on ontogeny.Synthesis. Together, these findings indicate that defence syndromes remain remarkably consistent across oak ontogenetic stages, are evolutionarily labile, and while they appear unrelated to climate, they do appear to be associated with herbivory levels in an ontogenetic‐dependent manner. Overall, this study builds towards a better understanding of ecological and evolutionary factors underlying multivariate plant defensive phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate assessment of tumor response to therapy is critical in guiding management of veterinary oncology patients and is most commonly performed using response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria. This process can be time consuming and have high intra‐ and interobserver variability. The primary aim of this serial measurements, secondary analysis study was to compare manual linear tumor response assessment to semi‐automated, contoured response assessment in canine nasal tumors. The secondary objective was to determine if tumor measurements or clinical characteristics, such as stage, would correlate to progression‐free interval. Three investigators evaluated paired CT scans of skulls of 22 dogs with nasal tumors obtained prior to and following radiation therapy. The automatically generated tumor volumes were not useful for canine nasal tumors in this study, characterized by poor intraobserver agreement between automatically generated contours and hand‐adjusted contours. The radiologist's manual linear method of determining response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categorization and tumor volume is significantly faster (P <.0001) but significantly underestimates nasal tumor volume (P <.05) when compared to a contour‐based method. Interobserver agreement was greater for volume determination using the contour‐based method when compared to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categorization utilizing the same method. However, response evaluation criteria in solid tumors categorization and percentage volume change were strongly correlated, providing validity to response evaluation criteria in solid tumors as a rapid method of tumor response assessment for canine nasal tumors. No clinical characteristics or tumor measurements were significantly associated with progression‐free interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There are both opportunities and challenges with the implementation of oral health value‐based care (OHVBC). To tackle concerns and advance conversation, a symposium was convened with subject matter experts to develop a gap analysis and capture insights into professional readiness for value‐based care design. Methods: The symposium was convened as a private event for 46 participants over the course of one and a half days in December 2019. Thematic analyses utilized the OHVBC Readiness Framework (DentaQuest Partnership, 2019) to further codify conversations as part of the gap‐analysis process. Poll Everywhere, a text messaging application that allows participants to answer questions in real time, was also employed to solicit responses. Results: Attendees of the symposium felt that OHVBC would have a large portion of market share within the next 10 years. A qualitative assessment of multiple table discussions determined that the participants developed more consensus around themes for the current state and the future‐desired state than the action‐planning needed to close the gap between the two. This may relate to individual ideology, and the siloed environment is still prevalent in the oral health realm. In a postsymposium survey, respondent attendees did not perceive that COVID‐19 would delay or negatively impact the adoption of OHVBC and may result in accelerating its utilization. Conclusion: The oral health community is experiencing multiple drivers to adopt more OHVBC within business and care models. However, there is still a lack of uniformity on how to execute this delivery model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree diversity exerts a strong influence on consumer communities, but most work has involved single time point measurements over short time periods. Describing temporal variation associated with diversity effects over longer time periods is necessary to fully understand the effects of tree diversity on ecological function.We conducted a year‐long study in an experimental system in southern Mexico assessing the effects of tree diversity on the abundance and diversity of foraging birds. To this end, we recorded bird visitation patterns in 32 tree plots (21 × 21 m; 12 tree species monocultures, 20 four‐species polycultures) every 45 days (n = 8 surveys) and for each plot estimated bird abundance, richness, functional diversity (FD) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). In each case, we reported temporal (intra‐annual) variation in the magnitude of tree diversity effects, and calculated the temporal stability of these bird responses.Across surveys, tree diversity noticeably affected bird responses, demonstrated by significantly higher abundance (43%), richness (32%), PD (25%) and FD (25%) of birds visiting polyculture plots compared to monoculture plots, as well as a distinct species composition between plot types. We also found intra‐annual variation in tree diversity effects on these response variables, ranging from surveys for which the diversity effect was not significant to surveys where a significant 80% increase (e.g. for bird FD and PD) was observed in polyculture relative to monoculture plots. Notably, tree diversity increased the stability of all bird responses, with polycultures having a greater stability abundance (18%), richness (38%), PD (32%), and FD (35%) of birds visiting tree species polycultures compared to monocultures.These results show that tree diversity not only increases bird visitation to plots, but also stabilizes bird habitat usage over time in ways that could implicate insurance‐related mechanisms. Such findings are highly relevant for understanding the long‐term effects of plant diversity on vertebrates and the persistence of bird‐related ecosystem functions. More work is needed to unveil the ecological mechanisms behind temporal variation in vertebrate responses to tree diversity and their consequences for community structure and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) is central to the study of population genomics and has an increasingly important role in constructing phylogenies. Choices in research design for sequencing projects can include a wide range of factors, such as sequencing platform, depth of coverage and bioinformatic tools. Simulating HTS data better informs these decisions, as users can validate software by comparing output to the known simulation parameters. However, current standalone HTS simulators cannot generate variant haplotypes under even somewhat complex evolutionary scenarios, such as recombination or demographic change. This greatly reduces their usefulness for fields such as population genomics and phylogenomics. Here I present the R package jackalope that simply and efficiently simulates (i) sets of variant haplotypes from a reference genome and (ii) reads from both Illumina and Pacific Biosciences platforms. Haplotypes can be simulated using phylogenies, gene trees, coalescent‐simulation output, population‐genomic summary statistics, and Variant Call Format (VCF) files. jackalope can simulate single, paired‐end or mate‐pair Illumina reads, as well as reads from Pacific Biosciences. These simulations include sequencing errors, mapping qualities, multiplexing and optical/PCR duplicates. It can read reference genomes from fasta files and can simulate new ones, and all outputs can be written to standard file formats. jackalope is available for Mac, Windows and Linux systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate computation of multi‐coupled electric drive systems is a complex process. In order to consider a variety of physical effects, their interactions as well as the interactions of different components, multiple fields of science have to be addressed. Numerical simulations help to compute these complex systems and to design machines in the best possible way for its specific application. The numerical computation scheme proposed in this study consists of six main sectors: the rough machine design, the preparation of the finite element method including the characterisation and modelling of materials, the electromagnetic simulation, the mechanical simulation, the control and power electronics and the thermal design and simulation. In each of the main sectors, different effects affecting the machine and the system behaviour can be considered and calculated. Depending on the application, they can be added or removed modularly in order to adapt the simulation effort and the simulation accuracy to the application. A detailed insight into the computation methods and approaches in each of these main sectors and their coupling is given in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the popularity of project‐based learning grows, so does the importance of understanding how this instructional approach can support students' learning and development. The authors describe a project‐based approach to literacy and social studies instruction that research has shown to be effective. Key characteristics of the approach and illustrations of how those characteristics are enacted in a project‐based learning geography unit are identified. In the unit, students develop informational reading and persuasive writing skills and learn key social studies content and skills by engaging in the development of brochures about their local community for an authentic audience. The authors also describe how educators can navigate common challenges that can arise when transitioning to a project‐based approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine efficacy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) using different sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) doses to assess blood flow and perfusion in equine eyes and to evaluate safety of SF6 in horses. Procedures: Ocular B‐mode and contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography were performed bilaterally in nine sedated university‐owned horses. Intravenous SonoVue® bolus injections of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mL were administered for 2/18, 5/18, 6/18, 3/18, 1/18, and 1/18 eyes, respectively. Doses were increased based on ascending bodyweight. Each eye within one horse was examined utilizing a different dose. Qualitative blood flow and quantitative perfusion were analyzed. Heart and respiratory rates were monitored nonsedated, sedated, and during first and second minutes of CEUS. Results: Qualitative contrast enhancement (CE) was visible in 7/9 animals. Quantitative CE was measurable bilaterally in four horses, unilaterally in three individuals, and not detected in two animals. In all horses with unilateral CE, the positive eye received the higher dose. Fifteen mL dose resulted in significantly shorter time to peak than 10 mL (P <.05). Peak intensity, maximum signal increase, and corresponding area under the curve were significantly higher for 15 and 20 mL doses compared with 10 mL (P <.05). Uveal and retinal tissues were enhanced frequently. Twenty‐five and 30 mL doses revealed no CE. Only sedation reduced heart rates significantly (P <.05). Clinically relevant changes in respiratory rates or adverse reactions following SF6 application were not observed. Conclusions: Contrast enhancement was in most instances dose‐dependent. Fifteen mL appeared appropriate to assess equine ocular perfusion. The reliability in horses remains questionable; however, CEUS was well‐tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article makes two contributions to the insurance literature by studying optimal insurance policy indemnity schedules with policyholders' limited liability and background risk. First, generalizing a prominent approach by Huberman, Mayers, and Smith (1983), it is shown that a welfare subsidy in the case of a ruinous loss may make the insurance premium "overly fair" for nonbankrupting losses and full insurance for this event becomes optimal. Second, introducing correlated background risk into this limited liability framework relativizes or even turns results by Doherty and Schlesinger (1983) as to the impact of background risk on optimal coverage into its opposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]