Search

Teachers of color often work in schools with few colleagues from the same racial or ethnic background. This racial isolation may affect their work experiences and important job outcomes, including retention. Using longitudinal administrative and survey data, we investigate the degree to which Tennessee teachers who are more racially isolated are more likely to turn over. Accounting for other factors, we find that racially isolated Black teachers are more likely to leave their schools than less isolated teachers. This turnover is driven by transfers to a different district and exiting the profession altogether. Consistent with an explanation that isolated teachers' work experiences differ, they also report less collaboration with colleagues and receive lower observation scores.

Research suggests that longer commute times may increase employee turnover probabilities by increasing stress and reducing job attachment and embeddedness. Using administrative data from a midsized urban school district, we test whether teachers with longer commute times are more likely to transfer schools or exit the district. Both descriptively and in regression results employing multiple fixed effects, we find that teachers with longer commutes are more likely to transfer schools within the district. Regression results show that each 5-minute increase in one-way commute time predicts an increase in transfer probability of 0.8 to 1.0 percentage points over most of the commute time distribution. We also find evidence that teachers with the longest commutes (i.e., 40+ minutes each way) have higher district exit probabilities. Moreover, teachers with longer commute times are absent from work more frequently and receive lower observation ratings. We discuss potential implications for local human resources policy and practice.

The deep continental biosphere is supported by chemolithoautotrophy and depends on rock-derived substrates for energy. The majority of microorganisms in these crustal environments are likely attached to mineral surfaces within rock fractures, making characterization of deep life challenging. To better understand both biogeochemical cycling and mineral-hosted microbial communities in the deep subsurface, we characterized naturally occurring mineral particulate and associated biomass collected from boreholes drilled into a 2.7 Ga banded iron formation within the southern Canadian Shield. Particulate mineralogy was characterized via X-ray diffraction and Fe X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The particulate in one borehole was identified as a mixture of hematite and quartz, while the other borehole contained a mixture of the iron sulfides mackinawite and greigite, suggesting an active sulfur cycle mediated by microbial activity. Carbon associated with the particulate was imaged via scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and characterized via C XANES spectroscopy. In both boreholes, the particulate was colonized by microbial cells; many samples contained abundant biofilm. The cells and biofilm were chemically distinct, with the C XANES spectra for the cells consisting primarily of a protein-like signal and the biofilm resembling a mixture of protein, saccharide, and lipid. In the borehole containing the sulfidic particulate, the abundance of cells and biofilm increased with sample depth. Mineral particulate found in boreholes, whether forming in situ or as a result of drilling and weathering, are a valuable way to access the deep subsurface without the contamination and disturbance caused by drilling new cores. To better understand the microbial community composition and function associated with the particulate-biofilm aggregates and surrounding groundwater, filtered-water and particulate samples were characterized via shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Metagenomic analyses showed that while microbial communities were distinct between boreholes, all communities contained the genetic potential for the oxidation and reduction of a variety of sulfur phases. This suggests that the biogeochemical cycling of S, potentially connected to Fe cycling in this iron-rich habitat, could be fueling life in deep crustal environments.

Drugs of abuse can persistently change the reward circuit in ways that contribute to relapse behavior, partly via mechanisms that regulate chromatin structure and function. Nuclear orphan receptor subfamily4 groupA member2 (NR4A2, also known as NURR1) is an important effector of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3)-dependent mechanisms in persistent memory processes and is highly expressed in the medial habenula (MHb), a region that regulates nicotine-associated behaviors. Here, expressing the Nr4a2 dominant negative (Nurr2c) in the MHb blocks reinstatement of cocaine seeking in mice. We use single-nucleus transcriptomics to characterize the molecular cascade following Nr4a2 manipulation, revealing changes in transcriptional networks related to addiction, neuroplasticity, and GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. The network controlled by NR4A2 is characterized using a transcription factor regulatory network inference algorithm. These results identify the MHb as a pivotal regulator of relapse behavior and demonstrate the importance of NR4A2 as a key mechanism driving the MHb component of relapse.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play major roles in cancer and are emerging as therapeutic targets. Recent reports suggest low-molecular weight PTP (LMPTP)-encoded by the ACP1 gene-is overexpressed in prostate tumors. We found ACP1 up-regulated in human prostate tumors and ACP1 expression inversely correlated with overall survival. Using CRISPR-Cas9-generated LMPTP knockout C4-2B and MyC-CaP cells, we identified LMPTP as a critical promoter of prostate cancer (PCa) growth and bone metastasis. Through metabolomics, we found that LMPTP promotes PCa cell glutathione synthesis by dephosphorylating glutathione synthetase on inhibitory Tyr270. PCa cells lacking LMPTP showed reduced glutathione, enhanced activation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2-mediated stress response, and enhanced reactive oxygen species after exposure to taxane drugs. LMPTP inhibition slowed primary and bone metastatic prostate tumor growth in mice. These findings reveal a role for LMPTP as a critical promoter of PCa growth and metastasis and validate LMPTP inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for treating PCa through sensitization to oxidative stress.

Objective: Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) allows for informed and healthy decisions. College students often lack understanding of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Conversations and Pizza (CAP), an interactive curriculum, was designed to address gaps in CSE and improve SRH outcomes. Participants: 66 fraternity affiliated undergraduate students. Methods: A six-session intervention discussed gender norms, biology, consent, harassment, and bystander intervention. Pre- and post-quantitative surveys assessed attitudes and behaviors; plus-delta format was used for qualitative feedback. Results: Qualitative data reflected engagement. Post-intervention, multiple measures improved (McNemar p < 0.05): perceived self-efficacy in consent and peer norms (4/8 measures), bystander intervention (5/6), and awareness of harassment (2/5). Participants reported more conversations with partners (pregnancy and STI prevention, 50% to 75%); human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination receipt increased (60% to 93%, McNemar p < 0.001). Conclusion: Reproductive health outcomes improved in this pilot, laying the groundwork for continued testing. CAP is a successful pilot program that can be evaluated for a variety of groups and formats.

Abstract Understanding shell morphology is central to taxonomic and evolutionary studies of bivalves. When traditional systematic studies find limitations in the recognition and classification of taxa, geometric morphometrics methods become a tool to tackle these uncertainties. Taxonomic difficulties are frequently found in systematics studies of the generally homoplastic Pitarinae (Venereidae). Recent contributions have proposed that Neogene-Recent South American species traditionally assigned to Pitar sensu stricto showed a distinguishable morphology that allowed separating them from that genus, including them in Proteopitar. In this contribution, we perform two morphometric analyses: elliptic Fourier analysis (EFA) and 2D landmark analysis with the aim of evaluating the intra- and interspecific variation of these taxa from the Western Atlantic Ocean included in Pitar s.s. to evaluate its doubtful generic assignments. EFA results show a highly variable outline in Proteopitar patagonicus, superimposed in the morphospace of all other taxa. The three analyzed groups, Pitar, Proteopitar, and extant Western Atlantic Ocean species, are statistically differentiable in hinge morphologies (landmark analysis), as corroborated by the Discriminant Function Analysis. The latter taxa are also distributed in a restricted portion of morphospace in EFA and along with the recognition of additional morphological differences allow us to define the new genus Jasypitar.

Few studies have sought to untangle the influence of social determinants and pregnancy on adolescent marriage declines. Using longitudinal data from 15- to 17-year-old girls in the Rakai Community Cohort Survey, we assessed how education, socio-economic status, orphanhood and pregnancy contributed to trends in adolescent marriage. We examined descriptive trends and logistic regressions of the associations between social determinants and adolescent marriage and conducted causal mediation analysis to assess the extent to which pregnancy mediated the effect of education on marriage. Between 1999 and 2018, adolescent marriages and pregnancies dropped substantially (24–6% and 28–8%). Girls’ secondary schooling was strongly associated with lower marriage risk (aOR marriage = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.07–0.12), accounting for time. Lower pregnancy rates partially explained the effect of secondary schooling on lower adolescent marriage (aOR indirect effect = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.421–0.721). Findings affirm the importance of education in preventing adolescent marriages but call attention to the role of pregnancies in influencing adolescent marriages.

A taxonomic revision of the Tribe Aequipectini from the upper Burdigalian, Lower Miocene Pirabas Formation in Brazil) resulted in an identification of Leptopecten daideleus comb. nov., Perapecten tetristriatus and description of Iemanjavola monlafertei gen. et sp. nov. The genus Perapecten is re-validated, P. tetristriatus being the first fossil representative of the genus, extending it back to the Early Miocene of the western Atlantic Ocean and Middle Miocene–Pliocene Perapecten scabrellus from the Mediterranean Sea/Central Paratethys is included into Perapecten. We also reported the oldest record of Leptopecten, which along with Perapecten, seem to have originated in the Early Miocene tropical region of the western Atlantic Ocean. Leptopecten dispersed during the Middle or Late Miocene to the eastern Pacific through the Central American Seaway, while Perapecten spread across the North Atlantic into Europe via the Circumtropical Current and the Gulf Stream/North Atlantic Drift.

Background: Studies analyzing non-antibiotic alternatives in kidney transplant UTI's are lacking. d-Mannose, a simple sugar, inhibits bacterial attachment to the urothelium, as does Proanthocyanidins; both could act as a synergic strategy preventing UTI; nonetheless their efficacy and safety have not been evaluated in kidney transplant population yet. Methods: This is a pilot prospective, double-blind randomized trial. Sixty de novo kidney transplant recipients were randomized (1:1) to receive a prophylactic strategy based on a 24-h prolonged release formulation of d-Mannose plus Proanthocyanidins vs. Proanthocyanidins (PAC) alone. The supplements were taken for the first 3 months after kidney transplant and then followed up for 3 months as well. The main objective of the study was to search if the addition of Mannose to PAC alone reduced the incidence of UTI and/or asymptomatic bacteriuria in the first 6 months post-transplantation. Results: 27% of patients experienced one UTI episode (cystitis or pyelonephritis) while asymptomatic bacteriuria was very common (57%). Incidences according UTI type or AB were: 7% vs. 4% for cystitis episode (p 0.3), 4% vs. 5% for pyelonephritis (p 0.5) and 17% vs. 14% for asymptomatic bacteriuria (p 0.4) for patients in the Mannose + PAC group vs. PAC group respectively. The most frequent bacteria isolated in both groups was Escherichia coli (28% of all episodes), UTI or AB due to E. coli was not different according to study group (30% vs. 23% for Mannose + PAC vs. PAC alone p 0.37). Conclusions: Non-antibiotic therapy is an unmet need to prevent UTI after kidney transplantation; however, the use of d-Mannose plus PAC does not seem capable to prevent it. Resumen: Antecedentes: Faltan estudios que analicen alternativas no antibióticas para tratar las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) en los pacientes trasplantados renales. La D-Manosa, un azúcar simple, inhibe la adhesión bacteriana al urotelio, al igual que las Proantocianidinas; ambas moléculas podrían actuar como una estrategia sinérgica para prevenir las ITUs; pero su eficacia y seguridad aún no se han evaluado en la población trasplantada renal. Métodos: Este es un ensayo piloto prospectivo y doble ciego. Sesenta receptores de trasplante renal de novo fueron asignados al azar (1:1) para recibir una estrategia profiláctica basada en una formulación de liberación prolongada de 24 horas de D-Manosa más Proantocianidinas (PAC), frente a solo Proantocianidinas (PAC). Los suplementos se tomaron durante los primeros 3 meses después del trasplante renal y luego se realizó un seguimiento durante otros 3 meses. El objetivo principal del estudio fue determinar si la adición de D-Manosa a PAC reducía la incidencia de ITU y/o bacteriuria asintomática en los primeros 6 meses después del trasplante. Resultados: El 27% de los pacientes experimentó un episodio de ITU (cistitis o pielonefritis), mientras que la bacteriuria asintomática fue muy común (57%). Las incidencias según el tipo de ITU o bacteriuria asintomática fueron: 7% frente a 4% para episodio de cistitis (p 0.3), 4% frente a 5% para pielonefritis (p 0.5) y 17% frente a 14% para bacteriuria asintomática (p 0.4) en el grupo de manosa + PAC frente al grupo PAC, respectivamente. La bacteria más frecuente en ambos grupos fue Escherichia coli (28% de todos los episodios), sin embargo las ITU o bacteriuria asintomática debidas a E. coli no fueron diferentes según el grupo de estudio (30% frente a 23% para Manosa + PAC frente a PAC solo, p.0.37). Conclusiones: La terapia no antibiótica es una necesidad para prevenir las ITU después del trasplante renal; sin embargo, el uso de D-Manosa más PAC no parece ser capaz de prevenir las ITU en este grupo especial de pacientes.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic receptors designed to selectively bind specific molecules, mimicking natural antibody–antigen interactions. Produced through polymerization around a target molecule (template), MIPs create imprints that confer high specificity and binding affinity upon template removal. Initially developed in the 1970s with organic polymers, MIPs now play critical roles in separation sciences, catalysis, drug delivery, and sensor technology. In forensic science, MIPs offer potential for sample preparation, pre-concentration, and analyte detection, especially with complex biological and non-biological matrices. They exhibit superior stability under extreme conditions, enabling their use in challenging forensic contexts such as detecting new psychoactive substances or trace explosives. Despite advantages like reusability and high selectivity, MIPs face limitations in forensic analysis due to their complex synthesis, potential template leakage, and non-specific binding. Moreover, the lack of standardized protocols limits their mainstream adoption, as forensic applications require validated, reproducible methods. This review systematically assesses MIPs in forensic toxicology, focusing on their current capabilities, limitations, and potential for broader integration into forensic workflows. Future research should address standardization and evaluate MIPs’ effectiveness in diverse forensic applications to realize their full potential.

An exploratory study using a questionnaire was conducted among 597 full-time enrolled online students and 53 full-time online faculty teaching at a private university in the Southwest. Results are presented in frequency tables and participant feedback to compare differences and similarities of instructor and student perceptions of reasons for late assignment submission, late point policy, and leniency within an online learning environment. Differences in perception between student and faculty participants are noted. Further inquiry into the impact late assignment submissions, late point policies and instructor leniency have on student success rates, satisfaction, and persistence is warranted.