cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Nature of Neuron Connections: Neuronal Plasticity and Spontaneous Degeneration in the Normal Cerebellum

In this detailed analysis of the dentate nucleus, electron microscopy will be used for defining the cytology of the neurons and their processes and the fine synaptic connections between these and axons with extracerebellar origins. A systematic analysis of this type begins with the definition of the most obvious neuronal elements—the perikarya of all neurons, their attached dendrites, large or small, dendritic appendages and thorns, the axonal hillocks and initial segments; then, a catalogue of the synaptic connections upon these receptive surfaces. This was accomplished in two earlier chapters, IV and V. Now, the remaining neuropil is to be analyzed, that mesh-work containing axons and dendrites that are not in continuity with their neurons of origin in thin sections—from any point of view a formidable task. It will be approached by the systematic elimination of the more readily recognized elements in the normal brain, then those identifiable by means of some experimental perturbation such as ablation of a connecting part of the brain.
Characterization of 4H-SiC Jfets for use in Analog Amplifiers Capable of 723K Operation

Discrete, buried-gate 4H-SiC JFETs (W/L = 1 mm/5 μm) were packaged and characterized at temperatures ranging from 290 Κ to 773 Κ for use in a hybrid, 4H-SiC analog amplifier. A contaminated passivation oxide was found to limit high-temperature operation initially, but upon removal of the passivation layer the devices demonstrated stable operation to 773 Κ with adequate amplification (Aν greater than 200 V/V) up to 673 K. From the 16 devices tested, a peak extrinsic saturated transconductance (gmsat) of 27.1 mS/mm was measured at 308 K, corresponding to a channel mobility of 400 cm2/Vs, excluding significant series resistance effects.
Video Ratings of Surgical Skill and Late Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery

Importance Measures of surgeons’ skills have been associated with variations in short-term outcomes after laparoscopic gastric bypass. However, the effect of surgical skill on long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery is unknown. Objective To study the association between surgical skill and long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective observational study, 20 surgeons performing bariatric surgery submitted videos; surgeons were ranked on their skill level through blinded peer video review and sorted into quartiles of skill. Outcomes of bariatric surgery were then examined at the patient level across skill levels. The patients (N = 3631) undergoing surgery with these surgeons had 1-year postoperative follow-up data available between 2006 and 2012. The study was conducted using the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative, a prospective clinical registry of 40 hospitals performing bariatric surgery in the state of Michigan. Exposure Surgeon skill level. Main Outcomes and Measures Excess body weight loss at 1 year; resolution of medical comorbidities (hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia), functional status, and patient satisfaction. Results Surgeons in the top and bottom quartiles had each been practicing for a mean of 11 years. Peer ratings of surgical skill varied from 2.6 to 4.8 on a 5-point scale. There was no difference between the best (top 25%) and worst (bottom 25%) performance quartiles when comparing excess body weight loss (67.2% vs 68.5%; P = .86) at 1 year. There were no differences in resolution of sleep apnea (62.6% vs 62.0%; P = .77), hypertension (47.1% vs 45.4%; P = .73), or hyperlipidemia (52.3% vs 63.4%; P = .45). Surgeons with the lowest skill rating had patients with higher rates of diabetes resolution (78.8%) when compared with the high-skill group (72.8%) ( P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance In contrast to its effect on early complications, surgical skill did not affect postoperative weight loss or resolution of medical comorbidities at 1 year after laparoscopic gastric bypass. These findings suggest that long-term outcomes after bariatric surgery may be less dependent on a surgeon’s operative skill and instead be driven by other factors. Operative technique was not assessed in this analysis and should be considered in future studies.
Heat transfer analysis of PCM slurry flow between parallel plates

Abstract A CFD analysis of melting of solid particles during sedimentation in their own melt is presented. The motion of the solid particles is determined using a Lagrangian approach, while hydrodynamics and heat transfer throughout the fluid are determined using a finite volume scheme. Particle and fluid motions are two-way coupled through moving solid–liquid interfaces, whose morphologies are determined from the local interfacial heat fluxes and tracked using a deforming grid. The accuracy of the model is verified using benchmark solutions of a single particle undergoing simultaneous melting and settling. The results show that the presence of solid-phase particles within the liquid enhances the heat transfer between the bulk fluid and the heating surfaces due to improved mixing, as well as the latent heat associated with phase change. Particle loadings corresponding to solid volume fractions of 3–18% have been considered here, and it is found that the average wall Nusselt number increases linearly with volume fraction. An enhancement in the average wall Nusselt number of 100% as compared to a single-phase flow is achieved using a slurry with 18% solid particles by volume. Initial particle arrangement is found to have a minimal effect on the overall heat transfer. Additionally, for a fixed solid volume fraction, it is found that particle diameter does not strongly influence heat transfer enhancement.
406 MODULATION OF CYTOCHROME P4501A1 EXPRESSION IN HUMAN LUNG EPITHELIAL CELL LINES BY HYPEROXIA

Background Oxygen supplementation is often required to treat pulmonary insufficiency in newborn infants. Acute lung injury caused by hyperoxic therapy contributes to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The molecular mechanisms of oxygen-mediated lung injury are not well understood, but reactive oxygen species likely play a role. Hyperoxia induces cytochrome P450 1A1/1A2 (CYP1A1/CYP1A2) in rodent lung and liver and contributes to attenuation of hyperoxic lung injury. Whether this occurs in human tissue is not known. We hypothesized that hyperoxia modulates CYP1A1 expression in human lung. Methods Studies were performed in the human lung cell lines H441 (ATCC# HTB-174) and BEAS-2B (ATCC# CRL-9609). Each cell line was exposed to hyperoxia (95% oxygen, 5% carbon dioxide) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Control cells were exposed to room air (5% carbon dioxide). Cells were harvested and CYP1A1 activity was measured using the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay. To determine if modulation of CYP1A1 expression is preceded by activation of the CYP1A1 promoter, we transfected H441 cells with the plasmid pGL3-1A1 containing a 1.6 kb human CYP1A1 promoter and the luciferase reporter gene, followed by exposure of the cells to hyperoxia for selected time points and determination of luciferase activities. Results Hyperoxia for 24 hours did not significantly alter EROD (CYP1A1) activities compared to room air controls. However, hyperoxia exposure for 48 hours induced CYP1A1 activity 2-3 fold over control in the BEAS-2B and H441 cells. By 72 hours, the EROD activity was diminished to room air values. Transient transfection experiments with human CYP1A1 promoter revealed significant induction of reporter gene expression by hyperoxia, with maximum induction being observed at 8 hours. The induction declined after 24 hours. Conclusions Hyperoxia induces CYP1A1 in the human lung epithelial cell lines tested, as measured by EROD activity. Results of our transfection experiments support the hypothesis that hyperoxia induces CYP1A1 in these cells by transcriptional activation of the CYP1A1 gene. Future studies will focus on determining the oxygen responsive elements in the human CYP1A1 gene promoter. Understanding the mechanisms of regulation of CYP1A1 gene expression by hyperoxia could lead to the development of strategies to minimize lung injury in infants undergoing supplemental oxygen therapy.
Evolution of neurodegeneration-imaging biomarkers from clinically normal to dementia in the Alzheimer disease spectrum.

The availability of antemortem biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) enables monitoring the evolution of neurodegenerative processes in real time. Pittsburgh compound B (PIB) positron emission tomography (PET) was used to select participants in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging and the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center with elevated β-amyloid, designated as "A+," and hippocampal volume and (18)fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography were used to characterize participants as having evidence of neurodegeneration ("N+") at the baseline evaluation. There were 145 clinically normal (CN) A+ individuals, 62 persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who were A+ and 20 with A+ AD dementia. Over a period of 1-6 years, MCI A+N+ individuals showed declines in medial temporal, lateral temporal, lateral parietal, and to a lesser extent, medial parietal regions for both FDG standardized uptake value ratio and gray matter volume that exceeded declines seen in the CN A+N+ group. The AD dementia group showed declines in the same regions on FDG standardized uptake value ratio and gray matter volume with rates that exceeded that in MCI A+N+. Expansion of regional involvement and faster rate of neurodegeneration characterizes progression in the AD pathway.
Noninvasive Alcohol Monitoring Using a Wearable Tattoo-Based Iontophoretic-Biosensing System

In this paper we demonstrate a wearable tattoo-based alcohol biosensing system for noninvasive alcohol monitoring in induced sweat. The skin-worn alcohol monitoring platform integrates an iontophoretic-biosensing temporary tattoo system along with flexible wireless electronics. The wearable prototype enables the transdermal delivery of the pilocarpine drug to induce sweat via iontophoresis and amperometric detection of ethanol in the generated sweat using the alcohol-oxidase enzyme and the Prussian Blue electrode transducer. The new skin-compliant biosensor displays a highly selective and sensitive response to ethanol. On-body results with human subjects show distinct differences in the current response before and after alcohol consumption, reflecting the increase of ethanol levels. The skin-worn alcohol sensor is coupled with a flexible electronics board, which controls the iontophoresis/amperometry operation and transmits data wirelessly in real time via Bluetooth communication. The new wireless epiderm...
Classification of the Trypetinae (Diptera: Tephritidae), with a discussion of the Afrotropical fauna

The subfamily Trypetinae is considered to comprise the tribes Trypetini, Zaceratini nov., Rivelliomimini nov., Acanthonevrini, Euphrantini, Adramini and Phytalmiini.The Afrotropical fauna is reappraised, reclassified, discussed and illustrated. Several new synonymies are proposed, and a key to the Afrotropical genera of Trypetinae is provided.
Effects of Steroid Hormones on Hearing and Communication in Frogs

The auditory system of frogs and toads differs between sexes, seasons, and reproductive state in a way that suggests a strong influence of reproductive steroid hormones on hearing. Although few studies have measured auditory response properties after manipulating testosterone or estrogen, those that have done so have shown that sex steroid hormones increase the sensitivity and response strength of the auditory system in adult anurans in a way that enhances the ability of the auditory system to detect and respond to the vocal signals that guide reproductive social behavior in these vertebrates. For males, this could translate into increased calling as they compete with other males, and, for females, into a change in their detection and assessment of male advertisement calls as they search for mates. Furthermore, hearing conspecific calls increases circulating sex steroid hormones in both males and females, suggesting that the acoustic context found during a frog’s breeding season could modify the properties of its auditory system through hormonal modulation. As a result of the reciprocal interaction of hearing and hormones, the auditory system of anurans is not fixed but varies in its sensitivity, response strength, and potentially in more complex aspects of auditory coding, as the levels of testosterone and estrogen change with season, reproductive state, and the acoustic influence of other calling frogs.
Abstract LB-251: Radiotherapy sensitizes pancreatic cancer to immunotherapy by promoting T cell infiltration

Pancreatic cancer patients often fail to respond to immunotherapy, such as vaccines or checkpoint inhibitors. It is unknown if an immune phenotype predicts the efficacy of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer and what standard modalities are required to facilitate the response of pancreatic cancer to immunotherapy. We examined prognostic markers of immune cell infiltration in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients with low CD8+ T cell infiltration and high PD-L1 expression (CD8+ TloPD-L1hi) experienced worse outcomes compared to patients whose tumors demonstrate CD8+ TloPD-L1lo, CD8+ ThiPD-L1hi or CD8+ ThiPD-L1lo profiles. To understand how to improve tumor control in CD8+ TloPD-L1hi pancreatic cancers, we developed a mouse tumor fragment model with a trackable model antigen (SIYRYYGL or SIY) to mimic CD8+ TloPD-L1hi pancreatic cancers. Similar to pancreatic cancers, tumors arising from fragments contained few T cells, even after vaccination. Fragment tumors responded poorly to PD-L1 blockade, SIY vaccination or radiation as individual treatments. By contrast, local ionizing radiation coupled with vaccination increased CD8+ T cell infiltration that was associated with upregulation of CXCL10 and CCL5 chemokines in the tumor, but demonstrated modest inhibition of tumor growth. The addition of an anti-PD-L1 antibody enhanced the effector function of tumor-infiltrating T cells, leading to significantly improved tumor regression and increased survival compared to vaccination and radiation. These results indicate that combination of radiation, vaccination and checkpoint blockade could convert non-T cell-inflamed cancers to T cell-inflamed cancers, and thus effectively treat established pancreatic tumors with an initial CD8+ TloPD-L1hi phenotype. This suggests a novel immunostimulatory role for radiotherapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Citation Format: Wenxin Zheng, Kinga B. Skowron, Jukes P. Namm, Byron Burnette, Christian Fernandez, Ainhoa Arina, Hua Liang, Michael T. Spiotto, Mitchell C. Posner, Yang-Xin Fu, Ralph R. Weichselbaum. Radiotherapy sensitizes pancreatic cancer to immunotherapy by promoting T cell infiltration. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-251.
Temporal Variations of Water Productivity in Irrigated Corn: An Analysis of Factors Influencing Yield and Water Use across Central Nebraska.

Water Productivity (WP) of a crop defines the relationship between the economic or physical yield of the crop and its water use. With this concept it is possible to identify disproportionate water use or water-limited yield gaps and thereby support improvements in agricultural water management. However, too often important qualitative and quantitative environmental factors are not part of a WP analysis and therefore neglect the aspect of maintaining a sustainable agricultural system. In this study, we examine both the physical and economic WP in perspective with temporally changing environmental conditions. The physical WP analysis was performed by comparing simulated maximum attainable corn yields per unit of water using the crop model Hybrid-Maize with observed data from 2005 through 2013 from 108 farm plots in the Central Platte and the Tri Basin Natural Resource Districts of Nebraska. In order to expand the WP analysis on external factors influencing yields, a second model, Maize-N, was used to estimate optimal nitrogen (N)–fertilizer rate for specific fields in the study area. Finally, a vadose zone flow and transport model, HYDRUS-1D for simulating vertical nutrient transport in the soil, was used to estimate locations of nitrogen pulses in the soil profile. The comparison of simulated and observed data revealed that WP was not on an optimal level, mainly due to large amounts of irrigation used in the study area. The further analysis illustrated year-to-year variations of WP during the nine consecutive years, as well as the need to improve fertilizer management to favor WP and environmental quality. In addition, we addressed the negative influence of groundwater depletion on the economic WP through increasing pumping costs. In summary, this study demonstrated that involving temporal variations of WP as well as associated environmental and economic issues can represent a bigger picture of WP that can help to create incentives to sustainably improve agricultural production.
Molecular Breast Imaging for Screening in Dense Breasts: State of the Art and Future Directions.

OBJECTIVE. The purposes of this review are to discuss the motivation for supplemental screening, to address molecular breast imaging (MBI) radiation dose concerns, and to provide an updated guide t...
Improved accuracy in simulation of electron and x-ray beams in external beam radiotherapy

Methodology is presented with the goal to determine fluence to 1-2% for electron and x-ray beams used in external beam radiotherapy. Fluence was determined by combining accurate and detailed treatment head simulation of a modern clinical accelerator with accurate measurements done over a wide range of operating parameters. The treatment head was disassembled for confirmation of the information provided by the manufacturer and for direct measurement of treatment head geometry. Dose measurements were made on the same accelerator with methodology to improve the accuracy of the measurements. Detailed simulation of the treatment head for the different modalities and beam energies were done with two different, accurate Monte Carlo systems. Source and geometry details in the simulation were adjusted within tight constraints set by the measurements. Results give confidence the 1-2% accuracy goal is achievable for both electron and x-ray beams.
Production of solar-grade silicon: A comparison study of the reduction of SiF 4 with Na, Mg, or Al metals

The process of producing solar-grade silicon by direct reduction of SiF 4 with Na metal is well established and demonstrated to pilot-plant scale (50 MTY). The silicon obtained contains most impurities, including boron and phosphorus, at levels below 1 ppm. Such silicon has been used to produce solar cells with efficiencies over 18% using commercial manufacturing lines and processes. Recently, we have experimented using Mg and Al as reducing elements. We have shown that Mg may also be a good candidate, and its use may appreciably reduce material costs and total energy required for the solar-grade silicon production. The reduction with Al, although thermodynamically favored, takes place only at high temperatures with a relatively low rate and extent of reaction. In addition, this reaction is complicated by several chemical vapor transport mechanisms. The conclusion is that Al is not attractive reductant for solar silicon production. A comparison study of thermodynamics, the reaction behaviors, and the purity of silicon will be presented.
Deconvoluting physical and chemical heat: Temperature and spiciness influence flavor differently.

Abstract Flavor is an essential, rich and rewarding part of human life. We refer to both physical and chemical heat in similar terms; elevated temperature and capsaicin are both termed hot. Both influence our perception of flavor, however little research exists into the possibly divergent effect of chemical and physical heat on flavor. A human sensory panel was recruited to determine the equivalent level of capsaicin to match the heat of several physical temperatures. In a subsequent session, the intensities of multiple concentrations of tastant solutions were scaled by the same panel. Finally, panelists evaluated tastants plus equivalent chemical or physical “heat”. All basic tastes aside from umami were influenced by heat, capsaicin, or both. Interestingly, capsaicin blocked bitter taste input much more powerfully than elevated temperature. This suggests that despite converging percepts, chemical and physical heat have a fundamentally different effect on the perception of flavor.
Performance of a rigid porous-tube stratification manifold in comparison to an inlet pipe

Abstract Achieving thermal stratification of storage tanks has well documented advantages for increasing the efficiency and quality of delivered energy of solar heating systems. The present work presents experimental characterization of a porous tube manifold during charging of a water tank at 0.07 kg s−1. Measurements of vertical temperature distributions are used to evaluate the dimensionless exergy efficiency of the manifold in comparison to a top-mounted inlet pipe and an inlet pipe with a diffuser. Particle image velocimetry measurements illustrate the fluid dynamic behavior of the three inlet configurations. Results demonstrate that the manifold is superior to the other inlet configurations studied. It releases the incoming flow at the level of neutral buoyancy, and prevents suction of tank fluid into the manifold at other vertical levels.
Collapse of magnetized hypermassive neutron stars in general relativity: Disk evolution and outflows

We study the evolution in axisymmetry of accretion disks formed self-consistently through collapse of magnetized hypermassive neutron stars to black holes. Such stars can arise following the merger of binary neutron stars. They are differentially rotating, dynamically stable, and have rest masses exceeding the mass limit for uniform rotation. However, hypermassive neutron stars are secularly unstable to collapse due to MHD-driven angular momentum transport. The rotating black hole which forms in this process is surrounded by a hot, massive, magnetized torus and a magnetic field collimated along the spin axis. This system is a candidate for the central engine of a short-hard gamma-ray burst (GRB). Our code integrates the coupled Einstein-Maxwell-MHD equations and is used to follow the collapse of magnetized hypermassive neutron star models in full general relativity until the spacetime settles down to a quasistationary state. We then employ the Cowling approximation, in which the spacetime is frozen, to track the subsequent evolution of the disk. This approximation allows us to greatly extend the disk evolutions and study the resulting outflows, which may be relevant to the generation of a GRB. We find that outflows are suppressed when a stiff equation of state is assumed for low-density disk material and are sensitive to the initial magnetic field configuration.
Advancing Careers in Geoscience and Remote Sensing: Mentors, Advocates, Sponsors... Good, Better, Best [Women in GRS]

Discusses career development strategies for those interested in the geoscience and remote sensing industry.
The pressure-assisted master sintering surface

It has been reported that the master sintering curve (MSC), in which the sintered density is a unique function of the integral of a temperature function over time, is insensitive to the heating path. The present research was undertaken to determine whether the MSC concept is applicable to hot pressing, and to develop the pressure-assisted master sintering surface for alumina. Densification of Sumitomo AKP30 alumina was continuously recorded during heating at 10°C/min at fixed pressures from 7 to 34.5 MPa. Final densities computed from the dilatometer traces were in excellent agreement with values determined by the Archimedes method. The thermocouple was calibrated using the melting point of the Ni/C eutectic. An accuracy of ±2°C was established. The pressure-assisted master sintering surface was successfully constructed. Using this surface, the final density can be predicted to about 1% accuracy for a fixed pressure and an arbitrary temperature-time path.
SETTLEMENT SCALING IN MIDDLE-RANGE SOCIETIES

The contemporary relevance of archaeology would be greatly enhanced if archaeologists could develop theory that frames human societies of all scales in the same terms. We present evidence that an approach known as settlement scaling theory can contribute to such a framework. The theory proposes that a variety of aggregate socioeconomic properties of human networks emerge from individuals arranging themselves in space so as to balance the costs of movement with the benefits of social interactions. This balancing leads to settlements that concentrate human interactions and their products in space and time in an open-ended way. The parameters and processes embedded in settlement scaling models are very basic, and this suggests that scaling phenomena should be observable in the archaeological record of middle-range societies just as readily as they have been observed in contemporary first-world nations. In this paper, we show that quantitative scaling relationships observed for modern urban systems, and more recently for early civilizations, are also apparent in settlement data from the Central Mesa Verde and northern Middle Missouri regions of North America. These findings suggest that settlement scaling theory may help increase the practical relevance of archaeology for present-day concerns.
Pilot Randomized Trial of an Automated Smoking Cessation Intervention via Mobile Phone Text Messages as an Adjunct to Varenicline in Primary Care

Objective: Varenicline is a safe and effective aid to smoking cessation but most trials have involved frequent visits or intensive behavioral support unlike that typically provided in primary care. The current study examined if motivational text messages, sent via cellphone, would increase quit rates in smokers being treated with varenicline and 3 brief sessions in a family practice setting. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled, parallel-group smoking cessation trial. Intervention group participants (n = 74) received daily motivational text messages, additional texted tips in response to keywords, and weekly study questions while control group participants (n = 76) received only weekly study questions. Both groups received individualized counseling. Self-reported non-smoking and exhaled breath CO <10ppm were used to validate smoking abstinence at 3 weeks and 12 weeks. Results: Overall, 30.7% (46/150) of participants were abstinent at the 12 week follow-up and the abstinence rate did not differ ...
Impaired reward prediction error encoding and striatal-midbrain connectivity in depression

Anhedonia (hyposensitivity to rewards) and negative bias (hypersensitivity to punishments) are core features of major depressive disorder (MDD), which could stem from abnormal reinforcement learning. Emerging evidence highlights blunted reward learning and reward prediction error (RPE) signaling in the striatum in MDD, although inconsistencies exist. Preclinical studies have clarified that ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons encode RPE and habenular neurons encode punishment prediction error (PPE), which are then transmitted to the striatum and cortex to guide goal-directed behavior. However, few studies have probed striatal activation, and functional connectivity between VTA-striatum and VTA-habenula during reward and punishment learning respectively, in unmedicated MDD. To fill this gap, we acquired fMRI data from 25 unmedicated MDD and 26 healthy individuals during a monetary instrumental learning task and utilized a computational modeling approach to characterize underlying neural correlates of RPE and PPE. Relative to controls, MDD individuals showed impaired reward learning, blunted RPE signal in the striatum and overall reduced VTA-striatal connectivity to feedback. Critically, striatal RPE signal was increasingly blunted with more major depressive episodes (MDEs). No group differences emerged in PPE signals in the habenula and VTA or in connectivity between these regions. However, PPE signals in the habenula correlated positively with number of MDEs. These results highlight impaired reward learning, disrupted RPE signaling in the striatum (particularly among individuals with more lifetime MDEs) as well as reduced VTA-striatal connectivity in MDD. Collectively, these findings highlight reward-related learning deficits in MDD and their underlying pathophysiology.
Living Fast and Dying Young: Life History and Ecology of a Neogene Sperm Whale

Physeteroidea (sperm whales) attained great diversity during the Miocene and early Pliocene, and the phosphatic sands of the U.S. Atlantic Coastal Plain have produced thousands of specimens. Although postcranial and cranial materials are rare, teeth are remarkably common and have the potential to provide valuable insight into the lives of these animals. We examine a suite of Physeteroidea indet. teeth from the Lee Creek Mine to better constrain the life history and ecology of this extinct group. Wear facets indicate that these animals, unlike modern sperm whales, had both maxillary and mandibular teeth, suggesting a raptorial feeding ecology more akin to killer whales. A relationship between tooth diameter and body size established for modern odontocetes suggests that these animals as adults were also about the size of modern killer whales. Because physeteroid teeth grow continuously over ontogeny and are not replaced, counts of accretionary growth layer groups can be used to ascertain the age of an animal at death. Tallies of growth increments from 10 teeth, including some of the largest available, reveal that life spans only rarely exceeded 20 years, significantly shorter than the 65 years typical of modern sperm whales or orcas. Despite their large size, these odontocetes experienced a ‘fast’ life history, more like beluga whales today. We suggest that the rapid growth and short life span exhibited by the Lee Creek physeteroids are, like the modern beluga, evolutionary responses to high predation pressure imposed by large co-occurring predatory taxa, particularly including Carcharocles megalodon or other large macroraptorial physeteorids.
Distance Learning in the 21st Century

We begin our journey in this book with a look at 21st Century Skills: what they are and how they impact learning. We set the stage for the rest of the book by discussing issues in distance education today and how we might rethink how we are delivering courses over the Web. Finally we attempt to justify the crucial nature of what is being taught from a distance and how we are preparing students for the workforce.
Effect of strain rate on stepwise fatigue and creep slow crack growth in high density polyethylene

The effects of frequency and R-ratio (the ratio of minimum to maximum stress in the fatigue loading cycle) on the kinetics of step-wise crack propagation in fatigue and creep of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was characterized. Stepwise crack growth was observed over the entire range of frequency and R-ratio examined. A model relating crack growth rate to stress intensity factor parameters and applied strain rate was proposed by considering the total crack growth rate to consist of contributions from creep and fatigue loading components. The creep contribution in a fatigue test was calculated from the sinusoidal loading curve and the known dependence of creep crack growth on stress intensity factor in polyethylene. At a very low frequency of 0.01 Hz, fatigue crack growth rate was found to be completely controlled by creep processes. Comparison of the frequency and R-ratio tests revealed that the fatigue loading component depended on strain rate. Therefore, crack growth rate could be modeled with a creep contribution that depended only on the stress intensity factor parameters and a fatigue contribution that depended on strain rate.
Use of Cord Blood in Regenerative Medicine

It is estimated that up to 128 million individuals might benefit from regenerative medicine therapy, or almost one in three individuals in the USA. Multipotent stem cells are easily available in large numbers in umbilical cord blood (CB), and may be the best alternative to embryonic stem (ES) cells. CB stem cells are capable of giving rise to hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial, and neural tissues both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, CB stem cells are amenable to treat a wide variety of diseases including cardiovascular, ophthalmic, orthopedic, neurological, and endocrine diseases. Examples of these usages currently in clinical trials include applications that affect the nervous and endocrine system, including cerebral palsy and type I diabetes. The numbers of such individuals affected with each of these diseases are estimated to be 10,000 annually. A summary of the initial beneficial results from such clinical trials using autologous CB stem cells will be presented.
GROWTH OF PRESUMED CHOROIDAL NEVUS INTO MELANOMA OVER 4 YEARS IN BAP1 TUMOR PREDISPOSITION SYNDROME.

PURPOSE To report a case of presumed choroidal nevus that eventually grew into melanoma in a patient with family history of choroidal melanoma and germline BAP1 mutation. METHODS Case report. RESULTS A 55-year-old healthy white woman with a family history of uveal melanoma in her father, paternal aunt, and paternal cousin was referred for evaluation of an asymptomatic small pigmented choroidal lesion in her right eye, measuring 2 mm × 2 mm in basal diameter and 1 mm in thickness. There were no clinical risk factors. The patient was advised routine monitoring but returned 4 years later with intermittent photopsia. The choroidal mass demonstrated growth and suggestive of transformation into melanoma, measuring 9 mm × 6 mm in basal diameter and 2.5 mm in thickness with overlying orange lipofuscin pigment and no associated subretinal fluid. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy disclosed Chromosome 3 mosaic monosomy and Chromosomes 6 and 8 disomy. Iodine 125 plaque radiotherapy was provided. Based on growth to melanoma and strong family history of uveal melanoma, BAP1 germline mutation testing was performed, and the results were positive. CONCLUSION This case demonstrates growth of a presumed choroidal nevus into melanoma in the setting of underlying germline BAP1 mutation. We suggest that small pigmented choroidal lesions be monitored closely in patients with germline BAP1 mutation or with family history of uveal melanoma, even in the absence of known local risk factors predictive of tumor growth.
Gastric Ulcer Management

Gastric ulcer is one of the most common gastrointestinal diagnoses in the USA. Common presentations requiring surgical intervention include bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. This chapter describes the algorithmic approach to these complications.
Prosthetic replacement of the mitral valve. Continuing assessments of the 100 patients operated upon during 1961-1965.

The late postoperative results of isolated mitral valve replacement in 100 patients operated upon from 1961 to 1965 are summarized. Eighty-three of the patients survived operation, and 52 are still alive. Seventy-six percent of patients surviving operation were alive 5 years later, and 64% after 8 years. Of the entire group of 100 patients operated upon, 63% were alive after 5 years and 51% after 8 years. Sixteen of the 31 late deaths were definitely attributable to the presence of the prosthesis: systemic arterial emboli (eight patients), valve thrombosis (two), perivalvular leak (one), ball variance (two), endocarditis (two), and intracerebral hemorrhage due to anticoagulants (one). Congestive heart failure was the primary cause of death in the remaining patients. Predominance of either stenosis or regurgitation preoperatively did not significantly alter late survival, nor did coexistent tricuspid regurgitation. High operative and early postoperative mortality was seen in patients with associated aortic regurgitation. Patients who were in class IV preoperatively had a higher mortality (50% alive at 5 years) than those in class III (70% alive), but no difference in mortality was noted between patients who preoperatively had normal sinus rhythm and those who had atrial fibrillation. Forty-nine percent of patients have sustained systemic emboli, and these have occurred throughout the postoperative period. Currnetly, 50% of patients are class I, 42% are class II, and only 8% are class III. Prosthetic mitral valve replacement has provided gratifying long-term symptomatic improvement in the majority of patients.
Rapid Discovery of Illuminating Peptides for Instant Detection of Opioids in Blood and Body Fluids

The United States is currently experiencing an opioid crisis, with more than 47,000 deaths in 2017 due to opioid overdoses. Current approaches for opioid identification and quantification in body fluids include immunoassays and chromatographic methods (e.g., LC-MS, GC-MS), which require expensive instrumentation and extensive sample preparation. Our aim was to develop a portable point-of-care device that can be used for the instant detection of opioids in body fluids. Here, we reported the development of a morphine-sensitive fluorescence-based sensor chip to sensitively detect morphine in the blood using a homogeneous immunoassay without any washing steps. Morphine-sensitive illuminating peptides were identified using a high throughput one-bead one-compound (OBOC) combinatorial peptide library approach. The OBOC libraries contain a large number of random peptides with a molecular rotor dye, malachite green (MG), that are coupled to the amino group on the side chain of lysine at different positions of the peptides. The OBOC libraries were then screened for fluorescent activation under a confocal microscope, using an anti-morphine monoclonal antibody as the screening probe, in the presence and absence of free morphine. Using this novel three-step fluorescent screening assay, we were able to identify the peptide-beads that fluoresce in the presence of an anti-morphine antibody, but lost fluorescence when the free morphine was present. After the positive beads were decoded using automatic Edman microsequencing, the morphine-sensitive illuminating peptides were then synthesized in soluble form, functionalized with an azido group, and immobilized onto microfabricated PEG-array spots on a glass slide. The sensor chip was then evaluated for the detection of morphine in plasma. We demonstrated that this proof-of-concept platform can be used to develop fluorescence-based sensors against morphine. More importantly, this technology can also be applied to the discovery of other novel illuminating peptidic sensors for the detection of illicit drugs and cancer biomarkers in body fluids.
Who represents me? A patient‐derived model of patient engagement via patient and family advisory councils (PFACs)

Background Despite increasing attention to patient and family advisory councils (PFACs), what patients who are not PFAC members expect of PFACs remains understudied. Understanding their expectations is critical if PFACs are to help health systems achieve certain outcomes (eg increased patient satisfaction with health systems). Objective To obtain rich insights about what patients who are not PFAC members expect of PFACs. Design From July to September 2018, we conducted a qualitative study using focus groups. Setting and participants We recruited patients and caregivers who receive their care from the Johns Hopkins Medicine Alliance for Patients (JMAP), LLC, a Medicare accountable care organization that in 2014 established a PFAC, the Beneficiary Advisory Council. Approach Using grounded theory, we analysed field notes, analytic memos and transcripts to develop a theoretical model of patient engagement via PFACs. Results Forty-two patients and caregivers participated in five focus groups that included individuals of different ages, races, health statuses and socio-economic statuses. Participants were largely unaware of PFACs. Participants wanted to know who represented them (interpreted as a form of political representation) and emphasized the need for representatives' diversity. Who mattered because who could affect what PFACs do. Participants expected that all patients should be able to communicate with PFACs and that meaningful engagement could enhance perceptions of health systems. Conclusions Eliciting views about patient representation from patients who have not been engaged as advisors or representatives has the potential to inform PFACs' activities. Attention should be given to improving and measuring patients' awareness of, and interactions with, their patient representatives.
Principal angles and principal azimuths of a high-index transparent thin film on a low-index transparent substrate: Si on glass in the near infrared

Abstract Principal angles of incidence and associated principal azimuths, at which incident linearly polarized light becomes circularly polarized upon reflection, are determined for an IR-transparent high-index Si film (of the proper thickness) which is deposited on a low-index SiO2 (glass) substrate at the near-IR wavelength λ = 1.55 μm. The results are substantially different from those reported by the author [Appl. Opt. 57, 9529–9532 (2018)] for the SiO2–Si (film-substrate) system at the same wavelength. The intensity reflectances for incident p- and s-polarized light, and the linear-to-circular polarization conversion efficiency are also calculated as functions of the principal angle.
RNA-seq from archival FFPE breast cancer samples: molecular pathway fidelity and novel discovery

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues for RNA-seq have advantages over fresh frozen tissue including abundance and availability, connection to rich clinical data, and association with patient outcomes. However, FFPE-derived RNA is highly degraded and chemically modified, which impacts its utility as a faithful source for biological inquiry. True archival FFPE breast cancer cases (n = 58), stored at room temperature for 2–23 years, were utilized to identify key steps in tissue selection, RNA isolation, and library choice. Gene expression fidelity was evaluated by comparing FFPE data to public data obtained from fresh tissues, and by employing single-gene, gene set and transcription network-based regulon analyses. We report a single 10 μm section of breast tissue yields sufficient RNA for RNA-seq, and a relationship between RNA quality and block age that was not linear. We find single-gene analysis is limiting with FFPE tissues, while targeted gene set approaches effectively distinguish ER+ from ER- breast cancers. Novel utilization of regulon analysis identified the transcription factor KDM4B to associate with ER+ disease, with KDM4B regulon activity and gene expression having prognostic significance in an independent cohort of ER+ cases. Our results, which outline a robust FFPE-RNA-seq pipeline for broad use, support utilizing FFPE tissues to address key questions in the breast cancer field, including the delineation between indolent and life-threatening disease, biological stratification and molecular mechanisms of treatment resistance.
Price Transparency: Empowering Patient Choice and Promoting Provider Competition.

In light of recent health policy efforts to promote price transparency, this perspective reviews the challenges and benefits of price transparency. These price transparency efforts include the recent executive order and associated rulemaking directing providers to disclose negotiated and out-of-pocket costs for “shoppable” healthcare services. First, we explore the previous efforts of states and health plans targeted at price transparency, reviewing lessons for future implementation. Second, we address the value of price transparency in light of various policy concerns and objections. Finally, we jointly hypothesize potential effects of and opportunities presented by price transparency for patients, physicians, and other healthcare industry stakeholders.
Radiographic determination of normal canine femoral alignment in the sagittal plane: A cadaveric pilot study.

Objective To establish a reliable methodology for radiographic determination of alignment of the normal canine femur in the sagittal plane. Study design Cadaveric pilot study. Sample population Twenty-nine cadaveric canine femurs. Methods Femoral specimens were collected from the University of Missouri veterinary anatomy laboratory, and standardized sagittal plane radiographs were obtained. The anatomic and mechanical axes, joint orientation, lines and joint orientation angles were determined in the sagittal plane by using the center of rotation of angulation methodology. Landmarks were clearly described to allow repeatability and reliability of measurements. Three observers with various degrees of experience measured two centers of rotation of normal angulation, the anatomic caudoproximal femoral angle, and the mechanical caudodistal femoral angle for all femurs on three separate days. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were measured by using two-way mixed intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with associated 95% CI. Results Twenty-nine medium to large breed canine femora were measured. A high degree of correlation was present both among and between observers for all measurements performed, as defined by an ICC >0.8 for each. Conclusion The described methodology was reliable and repeatable for measurement of angulation of grossly normal canine femora in the sagittal plane when performed by observers with varying degrees of clinical experience, as evidenced by a high degree of correlation for all values measured. Clinical significance This methodology may be used for standardized evaluation of alignment of canine femora in the sagittal plane.
Oil and gas production and spontaneous preterm birth in the San Joaquin Valley, CA: A case-control study.

Background Recent studies report an association between preterm birth and exposure to unconventional oil and gas wells. There has been limited previous study on exposure to conventional wells, which are common in California. Our objective was to determine whether exposure to well sites was associated with increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth (delivery at <37 weeks). Methods We conducted a case-control study using data on 27,913 preterm birth cases and 197,461 term birth controls. All births were without maternal comorbidities and were located in the San Joaquin Valley, CA, between 1998 and 2011. We obtained data for 83,559 wells in preproduction or production during the study period. We assessed exposure using inverse distance-squared weighting and, for each birth and trimester, we assigned an exposure tertile. Using logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between exposure to well sites and preterm birth at 20-27, 28-31, and 32-36 weeks. Results We observed increased ORs for preterm birth with high exposure to wells in the first and second trimesters for births delivered at ≤31 weeks (adjusted ORs, 1.08-1.14). In stratified analyses, the associations were confined to births to Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black women and to women with ≤12 years of educational attainment. In a secondary analysis, we found evidence that exposure to wells in preproduction is associated with higher concentrations of particulate matter. Conclusions We found evidence that exposure to oil and gas well sites is associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth.