The Washoe, Tourism and Lake Tahoe Landscapes: Examining Reciprocal Effects Between Washoe Cultural Heritage and Tourism

This research examines the cultural heritage landscape as both representing and the medium through which tourism influences cultural heritage production and preservation. It explores the reciprocal effect between tourism and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, looking at the landscapes of Lake Tahoe that embody and reflect this relationship. Lake Tahoe is examined as a large, single landscape and smaller landscapes within it, Tahoe City, Cave Rock, the Tallac area and Meeks Bay; all represent Washoe and Euro-American landscape formation processes through time. This research introduces and employs the reciprocity of tourism model and the hybrid tourist/cultural heritage landscape as methods to examine complex relationships represented in the Lake Tahoe landscapes. The reciprocity of tourism model engages the reciprocal relationships between tourism and cultural heritage by examining five factors, representation, identity, production, practice and agency, allowing for the interconnected multi-dimensionality of this relationship to be more fully represented. The analysis of hybrid tourist/cultural heritage landscapes examines landscape formation through time using two factors, tourism and cultural heritage. The Washoe were marginalized from the published work about Lake Tahoe and their presence in the Lake Tahoe landscapes was limited when examined in the Euro-American-centric media and from a Euro-American viewpoint. However, this study re-examines tourist and popular media from the 1850s to today. It employs the reciprocity of tourism model to show how the Washoe used the practice of tourism and the tools of survivance to overcome Euro-American subjugation and colonization of their traditional lands and cultural heritage practices. Early in the history of Lake Tahoe tourism, the Washoe provided tourist services as hunting and fishing guides; estate caretakers; handymen; hotel employees and domestic servants. During this time the Washoe remained at Lake Tahoe, and Euro-Americans ascribed to the Washoe a negative, generic “Indian” identity, representative of the cultural ethos at the time. However, individual Washoe identity remained; it was mainly associated with their basketry tradition and was represented in tourist photographs and guidebooks. The basketry tradition is tied to Lake Tahoe, in particular Tahoe City. The landscape of Washoe basketry exemplifies the reciprocity of tourism because traditional basketry was re-worked for the tourist market and, in turn, created an appreciation for Washoe cultural heritage. Washoe agency within Lake Tahoe landscapes came to the forefront beginning in the 1930s and by the 1990s became increasingly evident. Today Lake Tahoe landscapes, large and small, reflect the cultural heritage of both the Washoe and tourists, creating hybrid tourist/cultural heritage landscapes. Washoe cultural heritage permeates Lake Tahoe landscapes in both obvious and subtle ways. For example, the Tallac area is the only area where Washoe use has remained uninterrupted; early on Washoe families owned property and stables and also worked in resorts and summer homes. Later in the twentieth-century, the Washoe began to host cultural festivals and presented Washoe-curated exhibits on the grounds of Tallac area summer estates, now an historic site for tourists. Another example can be seen in the Washoe Tribe’s current management of Meeks Bay Resort, one of the oldest tourist resorts still in operation. Additionally, the Washoe were successful in their litigation to ban sport rock climbing from Cave Rock, one of their most sacred sites. The reciprocity of tourism shows how the Washoe clearly remained and influenced Lake Tahoe landscapes through time. They adapted to and used tourism as a means of survival that today has come full circle. The Environmentalist Landscape, represented by the “Keep Tahoe Blue” campaign, is perhaps the most identifiable tourist landscape today, promoted through government, academic and tourist media. The environmental and ecological awareness of Lake Tahoe today unconsciously promotes Washoe traditional land ethics and land use practices; the very ethics and practices used by Euro-Americans as justifications for colonization. Through their ecological restoration work, the Washoe represent their cultural heritage as forefathers and stewards of Lake Tahoe landscapes. As a result of Euro-American settlement pressures, the Washoe reworked and adapted their cultural heritage and in the process they also reshaped Euro-American cultural heritage at Lake Tahoe

Microchannel neural interface manufacture by stacking silicone and metal foil laminae

Objective: Microchannel neural interfaces (MNIs) overcome problems with recording from peripheral nerves by amplifying signals independent of Node of Ranvier position. Selective recording and stimulation using an MNI requires good insulation between microchannels and a high electrode density. We propose that stacking microchannel laminae will improve selectivity over single layer MNI designs due to the increase in electrode number and an improvement in microchannel sealing. Approach: This paper describes a manufacturing method for creating MNIs which overcomes limitations on electrode connectivity and microchannel sealing. Laser cut silicone – metal foil laminae were stacked using plasma bonding to create an array of microchannels containing tripolar electrodes. Electrodes were DC etched and electrode impedance and cyclic voltammetry were tested. Main results: MNIs with 100 µm and 200 µm diameter microchannels were manufactured. High electrode density MNIs are achievable with electrodes present in every microchannel. Electrode impedances of 27.2 ± 19.8 kΩ at 1kHz were achieved. Following 2 months of implantation in Lewis rat sciatic nerve, micro-fascicles were observed regenerating through the MNI microchannels. Significance: Selective microchannel neural interfaces with the peripheral nervous system may allow upper limb amputees to control prostheses intuitively

Hydrological summary for the United Kingdom: September 2023

The monthly summary of hydrological conditions in the United Kingdom is compiled as part of the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (a joint UKCEH and BGS enterprise). The report features contemporary data for rainfall, river flow, reservoir and groundwater levels in the form of maps and graphs. A commentary is provided on the status of the nation’s water resources and any notable hydrological events during the month. The National River Flow and National Groundwater Level Archives help provide an historical context for these contemporary assessments. Financial support for the production of the Hydrological Summaries is provided by Defra, the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Rivers Agency in Northern Ireland and the Office of Water Services

Image analysis as an adjunct to manual HER-2 immunohistochemical review: a diagnostic tool to standardize interpretation

Dobson L, Conway C, Hanley A, Johnson A, Costello S, O’Grady A, Connolly Y, Magee H, O’Shea D, Jeffers M & Kay E (2010) Histopathology57, 27–38 Image analysis as an adjunct to manual HER-2 immunohistochemical review: a diagnostic tool to standardize interpretatio

Hydrological summary for the United Kingdom: June 2024

The monthly summary of hydrological conditions in the United Kingdom is compiled as part of the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (a joint UKCEH and BGS enterprise). The report features contemporary data for rainfall, river flow, reservoir and groundwater levels in the form of maps and graphs. A commentary is provided on the status of the nation’s water resources and any notable hydrological events during the month. The National River Flow and National Groundwater Level Archives help provide an historical context for these contemporary assessments. Financial support for the production of the Hydrological Summaries is provided by Defra, the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Rivers Agency in Northern Ireland and the Office of Water Services

Associations of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with bone mineral density and bone turnover in postmenopausal women

PURPOSE: The immunomodulatory properties of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are reported to reduce bone loss through alteration of bone remodelling and n-3 LCPUFA, therefore, may benefit bone health in post-menopausal women, a vulnerable group at high risk of osteoporosis. METHODS: Measures of bone mineral density (BMD) were determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in 300 post-menopausal women. The bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX) and total alkaline phosphatase were quantified in serum along with urinary creatinine corrected deoxypyridinoline (DPD/Cr) and CTX/Cr and the CTX:OC ratio calculated. Total serum n-6 PUFA (LA + AA) and n − 3 LCPUFA (ALA + EPA + DPA + DHA) were measured and the n − 6:n − 3 ratio was calculated. RESULTS: Mean (SD) age and body mass index (BMI) were 61 (6.4) years and 27.4 (4.8) kg/m(2), respectively with participants being 12.6 (7.6) years post-menopause. Multiple regression analysis identified no association between n-3 LCPUFA and any of the measures of T-score or BMD albeit a significant positive association between total n − 3 LCPUFA and femur BMD (β = 0.287; p = 0.043) was observed within those women with a low n − 6:n − 3 ratio. There was a significant inverse association between ALA and urinary DPD/Cr (β = − 0.141; p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: A favourable low n − 6:n − 3 ratio was associated with higher femur BMD and a higher n − 3 LCPUFA (ALA) was associated with lower bone resorption. These results support a beneficial role for n − 3 LCPUFA in reducing postmenopausal bone resorption and favourably influencing BMD. TRIAL NUMBER & DATE OF REGISTRATION: ISRCTN63118444, 2nd October 2009, “Retrospectively registered”

Calcium for pre-eclampsia prevention: A systematic review and network meta-analysis to guide personalised antenatal care

Background: Calcium supplementation reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, but questions remain about the dosage to prescribe and who would benefit most. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of high (≥1 g/day) and low (<1 g/day) calcium dosing for pre-eclampsia prevention, according to baseline dietary calcium, pre-eclampsia risk and co-interventions, and intervention timing. Search strategy: CENTRAL, PubMed, Global Index Medicus and CINAHL, from inception to 2 February 2021, clinical trial registries, reference lists and expert input (CRD42018111239). Selection criteria: Randomised controlled trials of calcium supplementation for pre-eclampsia prevention, for women before or during pregnancy. Network meta-analysis (NMA) also included trials of different calcium doses. Data collection and analysis: Two independent reviewers extracted published data. The meta-analysis employed random-effects models and the NMA, a Bayesian random-effects model, to obtain direct and indirect effect estimates. Main results: The meta-analysis included 30 trials (N = 20 445 women), and the NMA to evaluate calcium dosage included 25 trials (N = 15 038). Calcium supplementation prevented pre-eclampsia similarly with a high dose (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36–0.66) or a low dose (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36–0.65). By NMA, high-dose (vs low-dose) calcium did not differ in effect (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.43–1.40). Calcium was similarly effective regardless of baseline pre-eclampsia risk, vitamin D co-administration or timing of calcium initiation, but calcium was ineffective among women with adequate average baseline calcium intake. Conclusions: Low- and high-dose calcium supplementation are effective for pre-eclampsia prevention in women with low calcium intake. This has implications for population-level implementation where dietary calcium is low, and targeted implementation where average intake is adequate. Tweetable abstract: A network meta-analysis of 25 trials found that low-dose calcium supplementation (<1 g/day) is as effective as high-dose calcium supplementation (≥1 g/day) in halving the risk of pre-eclampsia when baseline calcium intake is low.Fil: Woo Kinshella, Mai-Lei. University of British Columbia; CanadáFil: Sarr, Catherine. Kings College London (kcl);Fil: Sandhu, Akshdeep. University of British Columbia; CanadáFil: Bone, Jeffrey N.. University of British Columbia; CanadáFil: Vidler, Marianne. University of British Columbia; CanadáFil: Moore, Sophie E.. Kings College London (kcl);Fil: Elango, Rajavel. University of British Columbia; CanadáFil: Cormick, Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Belizan, Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública. Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria. Centro de Investigaciones en Epidemiología y Salud Pública; ArgentinaFil: Hofmeyr, G. Justus. University of the Witwatersrand; Sudáfrica. University of Walter Sisulu; Sudáfrica. University of Fort Hare; Sudáfrica. University of Botswana; BotsuanaFil: Magee, Laura A.. University of British Columbia; Canadá. Kings College London (kcl);Fil: von Dadelszen, Peter. University of British Columbia; Canadá. Kings College London (kcl)

An appraisal of the severity of the 2022 drought and its impacts

The summer of 2022 was particularly notable for the prolonged and extensive hot and dry conditions experienced across the UK. The resultant 2022 drought had widespread impacts and prompted much discussion about the continuing vulnerability of the UK to drought, particularly in the context of anthropogenic warming. Here, we briefly describe the evolution of the drought before focusing on the severity of rainfall, river flow, soil moisture and groundwater level deficits from summer 2022, placing the event into a historical context and addressing the impacts of the drought. We also consider whether the 2022 drought is part of a long-term trend towards increasing drought severity

WILL (When to Induce Labour to Limit risk in pregnancy hypertension): a multicentre randomised controlled trial - adaptations to deliver a timing-of-birth trial during the COVID-19 international pandemic.

BACKGROUND: As a pragmatic randomised timing-of-birth trial, WILL adapted its trial procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are reviewed here to inform post-pandemic trial methodology. METHODS: The trial (internal pilot) paused in March 2020, re-opened in July 2020, and is currently recruiting in 37 UK NHS consultant-led maternity units. We evaluated pandemic adaptations made to WILL processes and surveyed sites for their views of these changes (20 sites, videoconference). RESULTS: Despite 88% of sites favouring an electronic investigator site file (ISF), information technology requirements and clinical trial unit (CTU) operating procedures mandated the ongoing use of paper ISFs; site start-up delays resulted from restricted access to the CTU. Site initiation visits (SIVs) were conducted remotely; 50% of sites preferred remote SIVs and 44% felt that it was trial-dependent, while few preferred SIVs in-person as standard procedure. The Central team felt remote SIVs provided scheduling and attendance flexibility (for sites and trial staff), the option of recording discussions for missing or future staff, improved efficiency by having multiple sites attend, and time and cost savings; the negative impact on rapport-building and interaction was partially mitigated over time with more familiarity with technology and new ways-of-working. Two methods of remote consent were developed and used by 30/37 sites and for 54/156 recruits. Most (86%) sites using remote consenting felt it improved recruitment. For remote data monitoring (5 sites), advantages were primarily for the monitor (e.g. flexibility, no time constraints, reduced cost), and disadvantages primarily for the sites (e.g. document and access preparation, attendance at a follow-up meeting), but 81% of sites desired having the option of remote monitoring post-pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: COVID adaptations to WILL trial processes improved the flexibility of trial delivery, for Central and site staff, and participants. Flexibility to use these strategies should be retained post-pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN77258279. Registered on 05 December 2018

Internal validation of STRmix™ – A multi laboratory response to PCAST

We report a large compilation of the internal validations of the probabilistic genotyping software STRmix™. Thirty one laboratories contributed data resulting in 2825 mixtures comprising three to six donors and a wide range of multiplex, equipment, mixture proportions and templates. Previously reported trends in the LR were confirmed including less discriminatory LRs occurring both for donors and non-donors at low template (for the donor in question) and at high contributor number. We were unable to isolate an effect of allelic sharing. Any apparent effect appears to be largely confounded with increased contributor number