cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glacioisostatic influences on Virginia's late Pleistocene coastal plain deposits

Abstract The late Pleistocene of Virginia's outer coastal plain consists of sediments dated to marine isotope stages (MIS) 5 and 3. Two members from the Tabb Formation south of the Chesapeake Bay in southeastern Virginia and two formations east of the bay on the southern Delmarva Peninsula were dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). The stratigraphically older Butlers Bluff Member yielded OSL ages of 70 ka (62–78 ka) (MIS-5a), and the younger Poquoson Member and Wachapreague Formation, MIS-3 ages of approximately 43 ka (33–50 ka) and 42 ka (33–54 ka), respectively. These shoreface and near-shore geologic units reached maximum altitudes ranging from 3 to 12 m above present sea level, and were deposited when established glacial-eustatic sea-level curves suggest that sea levels were significantly lower than present by approximately 40 m. If these new ages and the sea-level curves are correct, there must have been regional uplift of more than 40 m, probably due to isostatic adjustments of forebulges peripheral to North American ice sheets when they were at their maxima during MIS-6 and MIS-2. If the late MIS-6 forebulge collapse continued throughout MIS-5 and MIS-4, we propose that regional land elevations may have been low enough for deposition to occur during the lower eustatic sea levels of MIS-3. During late MIS-3, the units experienced renewed uplift followed by subsidence to present-day elevations. If this paraglacial region is not yet in isostatic equilibrium and still requires further forebulge subsidence, this could explain the present-day altitude and age discrepancies associated with these relict marine deposits.
God and the World: William Paley's Argument from Perfection Tradition—A Continuing Influence

William Paley is best remembered for his formulation of the watch analogy in his classic Natural Theology (1802). What is less widely known is that in the same work, Paley, in response to Erasmus Darwin, anticipates the argument from perfection. The present discussion traces the argument from perfection tradition from its probable inception in Natural Theology through important moments in its subsequent history. The discussion will address its contemporary wide-ranging impact upon such thinkers as philosopher of religion Alvin Plantinga, as well as scholars standing outside the tradition, such as geneticist Richard Goldschmidt and paleontologist Stephen Jay Gould. The article concludes with a discussion of the theological significance of this research in terms of its impact upon the issue of the relationship between God and the world.
Rhinovirus replication in suspension cultures of HeLa cells.

SummaryRhinovirus-infected HeLa suspension cultures did not increase in cell number and lost viability late in the infectious cycle. Maximum adsorption occurred within 30 min with approximately 40% of the virus being adsorbed. Yields of intracellular virus of about 8-10 PFU/cell were obtained at 12 hr after infection. Comparable levels of extracellular virus were not obtained until 30 hr after infection. The suspended cell culture system should have practical value in studies on replication and for obtaining concentrated preparations of virions.
Induction of the SOS Response Increases the Efficiency of Global Nucleotide Excision Repair of Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers, but Not 6-4 Photoproducts, in UV-Irradiated Escherichia coli

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is responsible for the removal of a variety of lesions from damaged DNA and proceeds through two subpathways, global repair and transcription-coupled repair. In Escherichia coli, both subpathways require UvrA and UvrB, which are induced following DNA damage as part of the SOS response. We found that elimination of the SOS response either genetically or by treatment with the transcription inhibitor rifampin reduced the efficiency of global repair of the major UV-induced lesion, the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), but had no effect on the global repair of 6-4 photoproducts. Mutants in which the SOS response was constitutively derepressed repaired CPDs more rapidly than did wild-type cells, and this rate was not affected by rifampin. Transcription-coupled repair of CPDs occurred in the absence of SOS induction but was undetectable when the response was expressed constitutively. These results suggest that damage-inducible synthesis of UvrA and UvrB is necessary for efficient repair of CPDs and that the levels of these proteins determine the rate of NER of UV photoproducts. We compare our findings with recent data from eukaryotic systems and suggest that damage-inducible stress responses are generally critical for efficient global repair of certain types of genomic damage.
Approach angle-based switching function for sliding mode control design

This paper investigates a novel continuous switching function for a sliding mode controller. This novel continuous switching function incorporates the state trajectory approach angle, which is a measure of the orientation of the state trajectory with respect to the sliding surface. By incorporating the state approach angle into the switching function, the overall sliding mode controller guarantees that the system achieves asymptotic stability, with only a slight amount of system chattering. The novel switching function overcomes the shortcomings of a pure discontinuous switching function (excessive system chattering) and a traditional continuous switching function (does not ensure asymptotic stability). In addition, a hybrid sliding mode control structure, such as fuzzy-sliding mode control, is avoided. A sliding mode controller that utilizes the proposed switching function is applied to the classic nonlinear inverted pendulum. The effectiveness of the sliding mode controller is shown via the results of a simulation.
Seismic damage assessment and basis for damage-limiting-design

Abstract A seismic damage model is developed for reinforced concrete structures in which the structural damage is expressed as a linear combination of the maximum deformation and the hysteretic energy dissipation. From an extensive damage analysis of various reinforced concrete buildings, an intensity scale is derived to describe the potential destructiveness of ground motion. It is a simple function of the rms acceleration and strong-motion duration. The proposed damage model is calibrated with observed building damages from past earthquakes. On this basis, a design procedure is developed accordingly to limit the potential structural damage to a tolerable level.
The SPARK Agent Framework

There is a need for agent systems that can scale to real-world applications, yet retain the clean semantic underpinning of more formal agent frameworks. We describe the SRI Procedural Agent Realization Kit (SPARK), a new BDI agent framework that combines these two qualities. In contrast to most practical agent frameworks, SPARK has a clear, well-defined formal semantics that is intended to support reasoning techniques such as procedure validation, automated synthesis, and procedure repair. SPARK also provides a variety of capabilities such as introspection and meta-level reasoning to enable more sophisticated methods for agent control, and advisability techniques that support user directability. On the practical side, SPARK has several design constructs that support the development of large-scale agent applications. SPARK is currently being used as the agent infrastructure for a personal assistant system for a manager in an office environment.
Inhibition of Herpesvirus Replication by Hexadecyloxypropyl Esters of Purine and Pyrimidine Based Phosphonomethoxyethyl Nucleoside Phosphonates

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often suffer from herpesvirus infections as a result of immunosuppression. These infections can occur while patients are receiving antiretroviral therapy, and additional drugs required to treat their infection can adversely affect compliance. It would be useful to have antivirals with a broader spectrum of activity that included both HIV and the herpesviruses. We reported previously that alkoxyalkyl ester prodrugs of cidofovir are up to 3 orders of magnitude more active against herpesvirus replication and may be less toxic than the unmodified drug. To determine if this strategy would be effective for certain phosphonomethoxyethyl nucleoside phosphonates which are also active against HIV infections, the hexadecyloxypropyl (HDP) esters of 1-(phosphonomethoxyethyl)-cytosine, 1-(phosphonomethoxyethyl)-5-bromo-cytosine (PME-5BrC), 1-(phosphonomethoxyethyl)-5-fluoro-cytosine, 9-(phosphonomethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (PME-DAP), and 9-(phosphonomethoxyethyl)-2-amino-6-cyclopropylaminopurine (PME-cPrDAP) were evaluated for activity against herpesvirus replication. The HDP esters were substantially more active than the unmodified acyclic nucleoside phosphonates, indicating that esterification with alkoxyalkyl groups increases the antiviral activity of many acyclic nucleoside phosphonates. The most interesting compounds included HDP-PME-cPrDAP and HDP-PME-DAP, which were 12- to 43-fold more active than the parent nucleoside phosphonates against herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus, and HDP-PME-cPrDAP and HDP-PME-5BrC which were especially active against Epstein-Barr virus. The results presented here indicate that HDP-esterified acyclic nucleoside phosphonates with antiviral activity against HIV also inhibit the replication of some herpesviruses and can extend the spectrum of activity for these compounds.
Structure and properties of phospholipid-peptide monolayers containing monomeric SP-B 1-25 II. Peptide conformation by infrared spectroscopy

The conformation and orientation of synthetic monomeric human sequence SP-B1–25 (mSP-B1–25) was studied in films with phospholipids at the air–water (A/W) interface by polarization modulation infrared reflectance absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS). Modified two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) correlation analysis was applied to PM-IRRAS spectra to define changes in the secondary structure and rates of reorientation of mSP-B1–25 in the monolayer during compression. PM-IRRAS spectra and 2D IR correlation analysis showed that, in pure films, mSP-B1–25 had a major a-helical conformation plus regions of h-sheet structure. These a-helical regions reoriented later during film compression than h structural regions, and became oriented normal to the A/W interface as surface pressure increased. In mixed films with 4:1 mol:mol acyl chain perdeuterated 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1,2dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (sodium salt) (DPPC-d62:DOPG), the IR spectra of mSP-B1–25 showed that a significant, concentration-dependent conformational change occurred when mSP-B1–25 was incorporated into a DPPC-d62:DOPG monolayer. At an mSP-B1–25 concentration of 10 wt.%, the peptide assumed a predominately h-sheet conformation with no contribution from a-helical structures. At lower, more physiological peptide concentrations, 2D IR correlation analysis showed that the propensity of mSP-B1–25 to form a-helical structures was increased. In phospholipid films containing 5 wt.% mSP-B1–25, a substantial a-helical peptide structural component was observed, but regions of a and h structure reoriented together rather than independently during compression. In films containing 1 wt.% mSP-B1–25, peptide conformation was predominantly a-helical and the helical regions reoriented later during compression than the remaining h structural components. The increased a-helical structure of mSP-B1–25 demonstrated here by PM-IRRAS and 2D IR correlation analysis in monolayers of 4:1 DPPC:DOPG containing 1 wt.% (and, to a
Amiloride and guggulsterone suppression of esophageal cancer cell growth in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts

Esophageal adenocarcinoma is increasing in the US and Western countries and frequent gastresophageal reflux or gastresophageal reflux disease carrying gastric acid and bile acid could contribute to esophageal adenocarcinogenesis. This study was designed to detect the expression of gastric acid-inducing gene Na+/H+ exchanger-1 (NHE-1) ex vivo and then to explore targeting of NHE-1 expression or activity to control esophageal cancer cell viability in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. The data showed that NHE-1 was highly expressed in esophageal adenocarcinoma tissues (66 of 101 cases [65.3%], but not in normal esophageal squamous cell epithelium (1 of 26 cases [3.8%]). Knockdown of NHE-1 expression using NHE-1 shRNA or inhibition of NHE-1 activity using the NHE-1 inhibitor amiloride suppressed viability and induced apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Molecularly, amiloride inhibited expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metallopeptidase-9 but not NHE-1 mRNA in esophageal cancer cells. A combination of amiloride and guggulsterone (a natural bile acid receptor inhibitor) showed more than additive effects in suppressing esophageal cancer cell growth in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. This study suggests that inhibition of NHE-1 expression or activity or combination of amiloride and guggulsterone could be useful in control of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Education for Sustainability in the K-12 Educational System of the United States

This chapter describes the evolution and current status of education for sustainability (EfS) in the K-12 school system of the United States. We briefly review the major educational and political movements that set the stage for contemporary EfS in the United States. In particular, we describe how the guiding concept of sustainability vanished and reemerged from discussions about education in the early years of the twenty-first century. We outline the national and state policy landscape and discuss the unusual role of educational nonprofits in shaping policy. Then, drawing on the available research literature and on illustrative examples from educational practice, we discuss the nascent strengths and formidable challenges facing EfS in US public schools. Throughout the chapter, we focus particular attention on the contribution of environmental education to EfS.
Blunt bilateral diaphragmatic rupture—A right side can be easily missed

Abstract Blunt diaphragmatic rupture (BDR) is uncommon with a reported incidence range of 1%–2%. The true incidence is not known. Bilateral BDR is particularly rare. We presented a case of bilateral BDR and we think that the incidence is under-recognised thanks to an easily missed and difficult to diagnose right sided injury.
Effects of Vitamin A and Restricted Intake on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Serum Retinol Status in Angus × Simmental Feedlot Cattle

Three feedlot experiments examined the effects of vitamin A (VA) on marbling and serum retinol (ROL) in Angus × Simmental cattle. Diets contained 2300 [low VA (LVA)] or 7250 IU VA/ kg [high VA (HVA)]. In Exp. 1, 48 early weaned (51.0 ± 2.2 d) heifers (309.3 ± 7.0 kg; 12 pens) were fed ad libitum or were limit-fed 70 or 85% of ad libitum intake for 183 d then were fed for ad libitum intake for 149.3 ± 4.1 d. Vitamin A treatments were fed for 163.3 ± 4.1 d, and heifers were harvested at compositional endpoints. Serum was collected three times during the experiment. Limitfed heifers had improved (P<0.05) feed efficiency, but reduced marbling and yield grade. Intermediate and final ROL were greater in HVA-fed heifers. In Exp. 2, 42 yearling steers (371.8 ± 0.8 kg; six pens) were fed LVA or HVA for ad libitum intake for 105 d. No treatment differences were observed. In Exp. 3, 144 early weaned (69.8 ± 1.9 d) steers (184.8 ± 1.6 kg; 18 pens) were fed ad libitum with VA treatments (LVA or HVA), were program-fed 1.27 kg/d throughout, or were fed 0.91 kg/d for 140 d then were fed ad libitum for 280.1 ± 3.5 d. Serum was collected three times during the experiment. Program-fed steers had less (P<0.05) ADG, increased days on feed, and improved marbling. Intermediate and final ROL were greater for HVA-fed steers. Intake restriction (15%) or program feeding (1.27 kg/d) tended to improve feed efficiency without altering carcass merit. Finishing phase intakes of VA at 3.3 times NRC (1996) recommendations increased ROL, but did not affect marbling in Angus × Simmental feedlot cattle.
A Review of the Legal and Financial Implications of Going Private: What Shareholders, Boards, and Employees of Public Companies Need to Know

This article attempts to disentangle the various issues a public company should consider when answering the question: “to go or not to go private?” It provides a review of the literature with an eye towards coverage of the main questions a practitioner would ask. The article explores factors that are positively correlated with a company going private, as well as factors that are relevant to the going private decision. It is my hope that this work contributes to an improvement in the quality of debate among stakeholders at public companies on the subject of going private. I would be thrilled if a company made an informed decision to go private — or not to go private — in part because of the contents herein.
Benign Giant Gastric Rugae Complicated by Submucosal Gastric Carcinoma: Report of Case

Summary 1.The complication of a diffuse submucosal gastric carcinoma, in a patient observed for ten years with generalized benign giant gastric rugae has been presented. 2.The problems in diagnosis and the details in management of such coexistent pathology has been discussed.
Governmentality, Pluralism, and Deconstruction

(2008). Governmentality, Pluralism, and Deconstruction. Administrative Theory & Praxis: Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 363-368.
Evaluating the Relationship between FRET Changes and Distance Changes Using DNA Length and Restriction Enzyme Specificity

FRET (Forster resonance energy transfer) involves the transfer of energy from an excited donor fluorophore to an acceptor molecule in a manner that is dependent on the distance between the two. A biochemistry laboratory experiment is described that teaches students how to use FRET to evaluate distance changes in biological molecules. Students measured the apparent FRET between donor and acceptor fluorophores located on the ends of several DNAs of unknown lengths, enabling them to order the DNAs according to size. In addition, students investigated site-specific DNA cleavage by restriction endonucleases, using loss of apparent FRET to determine which enzyme cut sites were present in each of the DNAs. After completing this experiment, students understood the inverse relationship between changes in FRET and changes in distance, and understood how changes in FRET could be used to monitor a conformational change in a molecule. As an extension to the experiment, a tutorial is included that uses the same DNAs to...
Section Celluloderma of the Genus Pluteus in North America

Section Celluloderma of the genus Pluteus is subdivded into two subsections, Mixtini and Celluloderma. In the following account, four species are discussed for subsection Mixtini. Pluteus eugraptus...
Book Review: Core Topics in Critical Care Medicine. Fang Gao Smith, Joyce Yeung, editors. New York: Cambridge University Press. 2010. Hard cover, 408 pages, illustrated, $99.

There is a growing demand for critical care services as the population ages and the average severity of illness of hospitalized patients increases. Despite a movement toward intensivist-managed care of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, such as the Leapfrog Group initiative, the majority of ICU
The Efficacy Observation for Control Mosquitoes of Peacekeeping Unit Camp of United Nations Mission in Sudan

Objective Objective To efficacy control mosquito density in Peacekeeping unit camp of United Nations mission in Sudan and reduce mosquito vector infection such as malaria and Japanese B encephalitis. Methods Mosquitoes were collected with lamp-trap in surroundings and with mosq-trap in tents to estimate effect of integration control measure. Result The mosquito density was reduced 58.6%~72.4% in entironment of camp and reached 0~2 mosquitoes in every tent compared pre-control through surroundings, physical and chemical control. The main strain is Aedes(43.3%) and Anopheles is only about 17.9% account for all mosquitoes. conclusion Mosquitoes in tents can be controled near zero by integrate measure, but it is very difficult to control mosquitoes density in small surroudings when there have many breed sites around camp.
The value of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in the diagnosis of rickets in infants

Objective To identify the clinical value of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level for the evaluation of vitamin D deficiency and the diagnosis of rickets in infants.Methods The 25(OH)D concentrations were determined in blood samples of neonates(cord blood) and infants(venous blood) and the infants were followed up for 4 months.Results The median 25(OH)D concentrations was 20.8 nmol/L in 73 neonates.After vitamin D3 supplemention,the 25(OH)D level of infants increased from 20.8 nmol/L to 117.6 nmol/L.Serum 25(OH)D levels 50 nmol/L was present in 10 cases(13.7%,10/73),9 of them were receiving breast feeding.Sixty-three cases of the follow-up infants had suspected rickets signs and symptoms,including shallow sleep,sweating,easy to panic,night cry,pillow bald and skull softening.Serum 25(OH)D were(71.6±56.7)nmol/L and(109.9±41.4)nmol/L(t = 2.209,P = 0.031) in infants who had ≥4 or4 of above signs and symptoms.Vitamin D intake was lower in infants who had ≥4 above signs and symptoms.Nine of the infants with≥2 above symptoms took the left carpal anteroposterior X-rays image,2 of whom were highly suspected as rickets while their serum 25(OH)D level were 50.1 nmol/L and 88.3 nmol/L.The mean daily vitamin D intake was 218 IU and 260 IU in infants who were highly suspected as rickets.Conclusion The serum 25(OH)D level is a nutritional surrogate marker for the assessment of vitamin D status.The role of serum 25(OH)D in diagnosing vitamin D deficiency rickets has some limitations.
Reducing Communication in Distributed Asynchronous Iterative Methods

Communication costs are an important factor in the performance of massively parallel algorithms. We present a new asynchronous parallel algorithm for solving sparse linear systems that reduces communication compared to other algorithms on distributed memory machines. Implemented using passive one-sided remote memory access (RMA) MPI functions, the new method is a variation of the Southwell method, where rows are relaxed greedily, instead of sequentially, by choosing the row with the maximum residual norm. A process relaxes its rows if it holds the maximum residual norm among its neighbors at any given moment. Experimental results show that this method reduces communication costs compared to several other asynchronous iterative methods and the classic synchronous Jacobi method.
Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis to School-Based Instructional Intervention

This chapter describes how ABA principles and strategies can be used for assessment and school-based intervention of children’s academic problems. The chapter emphasizes the importance of developing stimulus control over academic responding as the first goal of instruction, and of then developing stimulus generalization as the ultimate goal of instruction. Empirically supported instructional interventions that promote stimulus control through the basic processes of differential reinforcement, modeling, prompting, and error correction are reviewed. A useful heuristic for guiding how to change procedures as a function of progressive response strengthening is applied to assist the reader in knowing which interventions are most appropriate at any given time. The chapter concludes with a description of strategies shown to improve generalized academic responding for application across stimulus situations, and for use with more complex curricular requirements.
The Many Roles of Ral GTPases in Ras-Driven Cancer

Abstract The small Ras-related GTPases RalA and RalB have been demonstrated to play an important role in mediating many of the pro-tumorigenic effects downstream of oncogenic Ras. A great deal of research over the past several decades supports the notion that inhibition of Ral signaling may represent a viable therapeutic strategy in cancer, and thus the recent identification of specific small molecule inhibitors of Ral GTPases has been met with great excitement. This chapter investigates the current state of the knowledge related to RalA and RalB, discusses the gaps in our understanding of how these two proteins differentially contribute to the tumorigenic process, and explores the prospects of inhibiting Ral signaling as a therapeutic approach.
Use of Flaviviral genetic fragments as a potential prevention strategy for HIV-1 Silencing.

Introduction: Coinfection with certain members of the Flaviviridae , such as Dengue Virus (DV), West Nile Virus (WNV) Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) and most importantly, GBV-C have been documented to reduce HIV-1 viral load in vivo . Numerous studies strongly support the notion that persistent coinfection with non-pathogenic virus prolongs survival in HIV-1 infected individuals. Coinfected individuals show higher CD4+ cell counts, lower HIV-1 RNA viral loads and live three times longer than clinically matched HIV-1 monoinfected patients. We have previously shown that one of the major anti-HIV defenses conferred by GBV-C coinfection is the upregulation of intracellular miRNAs in CD4+ cells that share significant mutual homologies with GBV-C and HIV-1 (>80%) genomes. Methodology: Genome-wide bioinformatics analyses were carried out to search for miRNA binding sites in mutual homologies between HIV and several members of the Flaviviridae Results: Several miRNAs shared significant mutual homology with HIV-1 genetic sequences and GBV-A, B, C, DV, WNV and YFV. These may be responsible for beneficial effects in HIV-1 infected individuals. Three highly mutual homologous miRNAs (i.e. miR-627-5, miR-369-5 and miR-548f), expressed in CD4+ cell lines, reduce HIV-1 replication by up to 90% whereas miRNAs with low mutual homologies (i.e. miR-34-1 and miR-508) impart only slight inhibition of HIV-1. Conclusion: We hypothesize that a recombinant GBV-C-based vector can be constructed which expresses several beneficial genetic motifs of the Flaviviridae without causing any side effects while stimulating a wide array of beneficial miRNAs that can more efficiently prevent HIV-1 infection.
Philanthropy for Science: Is It a Viable Option?

Philanthropy is frequently viewed as an alternative way for supporting innovative research, but how to ideally approach this in Academic Medical Centers is rarely discussed. There are several ethical principles that should be adhered to, while recognizing that philanthropy should also be regarded as a partnership between donors and physician-scientists. Training of physician leaders, incorporating the institution’s d evelopment officers will allow philanthropy to fill potential funding gaps and successfully be used to support promising research in an ethical manner. The past decade has seen a substantial fall in medical research funding from government resources and international outsourcing of clinical research, creating a difficult environment for US medical schools and Academic Medical Centers. Although some of the increased competitiveness to obtain National Institutes of Health funding was driven by a substantial growth in funding during the 1990s, it was later corrected by reduced funding and sequestration, leading to an unprecedented low funding rate for grants after the recession in 2008. It has been estimated that there has been a crippling 20% reduction in National Institutes of Health funding since 2004, with a minor recent uptick.1 This reduction has led to a risk-averse funding environment where truly innovative projects or investigators get triaged and overlooked in the review process. Therefore, it has become attractive for Academic Medical Centers to seek alternative methods of support for innovative projects. It has been estimated that in 2009 $4.8 billion was donated through philanthropic support to US Academic Medical Centers, healthcare systems, or community hospitals, making this an attractive source for funding projects and scientists.2 However, although this process is vastly different from competitive grant writing, it requires similar rigor of attention to detail, strategic thinking and planning, infrastructure and due process, which is rarely discussed in the medical literature. The word philanthropy …
Diving behavior and thermal habitats of gravid hawksbill turtles at St. Croix, USA

Knowledge of an animal’s behavior during particular life history stages can provide insights into habitat selection, and this can have important conservation implications. Gravid hawksbill turtles spend the internesting interval resting on the seafloor, but their diving behavior has only been previously examined in shallow-water habitats. We examined depth use of gravid hawksbills in a location of variable bathymetry to determine if hawksbills engage in deeper diving if deeper waters are available. We attached archival time-depth recorders onto hawksbills nesting at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, where the neritic zone ends within 500 m of the shoreline. We recorded seven internesting intervals from five individuals. Internesting intervals were characterized by long dives (mean 24.2 ± SD 22.3 min) to a constant depth, consistent with seafloor resting in a spatially restricted residence area. There was little variation in the water temperatures at all depths occupied (mean 29.06 ± SD 0.43 °C). Two turtles attained the deepest recorded dives for gravid hawksbills (95.1 and 84.4 m) and sometimes remained at depths greater than 60 m for up to 30 min. Although we recorded instances of relatively deep diving for the species, the overall pattern of seafloor resting and infrequent diving was consistent with hawksbills in other ocean basins with different offshore habitats. We propose that benthic resting is common behavior for gravid hawksbills globally, and protection of benthic habitats near the nesting beach should be a management priority.
Effect of Arm Positioning on Entrapment of Infraclavicular Nerve Block Catheter

Continuous brachial plexus nerve block catheters are commonly inserted for postoperative analgesia after upper extremity surgery. Modifications of the insertion technique have been described to improve the safety of placing an infraclavicular brachial plexus catheter. Rarely, these catheters may become damaged or entrapped, complicating their removal. We describe a case of infraclavicular brachial plexus catheter entrapment related to differences in arm positioning during catheter placement and removal. Written authorization to obtain, use, and disclose information and images was obtained from the patient.
Viscosity Measurements Using Microfluidic Droplet Length

Viscosity measurements have a wide range of applications from industrial chemical production to medical diagnosis. In this work, we have developed a simple droplet-based, water-in-oil continuous viscometer capable of measuring viscosity changes in 10 s or less and consuming a total sample volume of less than 1 μL/h. The viscometer employs a flow-focusing geometry and generates droplets under constant pressure. The length of the droplets (Ld) is highly correlated to the aqueous-phase viscosity (μaq) at high ratios of aqueous-inlet to oil-inlet pressure (AIP/OIP), yielding a linear relationship between μaq and 1/(Ld – Lc) where Lc is the minimal obtainable droplet length and approximately equals to the width of the droplet-generating channel. Theoretical analysis verifies this linear relationship, and the resulting equations can be used to optimize the design of the device such as the channel width, depth, and length. The viscometer can be used for Newtonian fluids and, by accurately calculating the shear r...
Community-Based Practice Variations in Topical Treatment of Actinic Keratoses.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are precancerous skin lesions afflicting nearly 58 million people in the United States per year and costing over a billion dollars annually to treat., Two of the most widely used topical field-based treatments for AKs are fluorouracil and imiquimod. Although variations exist in how these topical medications are prescribed in terms of frequency, duration, and strength for AK treatment, no studies have systematically examined how patient and health care provider factors impact prescribed regimens. Using data from a large community-based population, we examined how variations in fluorouracil and imiquimod prescription patterns for AKs treatment was influenced by patient age, sex, AK anatomic site, and prescriber type.
Definition of "Close Margin" in Oral Cancer Surgery and Association of Margin Distance With Local Recurrence Rate.

Importance There is a lack of consistency in the literature regarding the definition of “close” resection margins in the surgical treatment of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), and the relationship between local recurrence (LR) rates and different distances of invasive tumor from surgical margin is not well characterized. Objective To analyze the association between specific distances from invasive tumor to surgical margin and LR in patients with OCSCC. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of 432 patients treated via en bloc resection for OCSCC between 2005 and 2014 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. In all cases, permanent margin evaluation was performed on the main tumor specimen and with intraoperative frozen section margin assessment from the tumor bed. Main Outcomes and Measures The LR rate based on minimum millimeter distance between invasive tumor and inked main specimen margin. Results Of the 432 participants, 252 (58%) were men and 180 (42%) were women (mean age, 62.14 years; range, 19-99 years). In each case, the LR rate was analyzed in relation to each millimeter distance of invasive cancer from the inked main specimen margin, with results showing an exponential inverse relationship. The LR rate for microscopic positive margins was 44% (95% CI, 34%-55%); for margins less than 1 mm, 28% (95% CI, 18%-41%); for 1 mm, 17% (95% CI, 8%-31%); for 2 mm, 13% (95% CI, 6%-27%); for 3 mm, 13% (95% CI, 5%-32%); for 4 mm, 14% (95% CI, 5%-35%); and for 5 mm or greater, 11% (95% CI, 6%-18%). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve identified a cutoff of less than 1 mm as appropriate for classifying higher risk of local recurrence. Regardless of margin distance, resection of additional tissue beyond 1 mm based on intraoperative frozen section was not associated with improved local control. Conclusions and Relevance The commonly used cutoff of 5 mm for a close margin lacks an evidential basis in predicting local recurrence. Invasive tumor within 1 mm of the permanent specimen margin is associated with a significantly higher local recurrence rate, though there is no significant difference for greater distances. This study suggests that a cutoff of less than 1 mm identifies patients at increased local recurrence risk who may benefit from additional treatment. Analysis of the tumor specimen rather than the tumor bed is necessary for this determination.
Audiogram of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) from 16 Hz to 9 kHz.

The pure-tone thresholds of three mallard ducks were determined from 16 Hz to 9 kHz. The purpose was to determine whether the mallard duck hears infrasound, which then may potentially be used for navigation, similar to how it is proposed that pigeons use it for homing. At a level of 60 dB sound pressure level (re 20 μN/m2), their hearing range extends 6.85 octaves from 66 Hz to 7.6 kHz, with a best sensitivity of 12.5 dB at 2 kHz. However, at no frequency, including the lowest tested, were the ducks’ thresholds lower than those of humans. Therefore, unlike pigeons and chickens, but like budgerigars, mallard ducks do not hear infrasound. Thus, the fact that a bird may fly long distances does not necessarily indicate that it hears infrasound.
Cadaveric Dissection vs Homemade Model: What is the Best Way to Teach Endoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair?

Background Endoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP-IHR) requires practice and training to perform well. We developed a simple, low-cost, inanimate model to teach surgical residents inguinal anatomy and the technique of mesh insertion for a safe, endoscopic TEP-IHR. The objective of this study was to compare our model vs cadaveric dissection for teaching anatomy and mesh insertion. Methods A total of 14 general surgery residents participated in an institutional review board approved, prospective, and randomized study. Participants received a timed, web-based, interactive pretest assessing relevant anatomy and operative-based techniques. They then performed endoscopic TEP-IHRs on either a cadaver or our low-cost model. Participants then received a timed, web-based interactive posttest consisting of the same questions. Participants were surveyed anonymously regarding the degree to which either the model or the cadaver was educationally effective. Results Both groups of trainees (cadaver = 7, low-cost model = 7) scored higher on the posttest (p Conclusion While the overall educational experience of 14 learners favored a cadaver experience to learn TEP-IHR, initial anatomical learning and placing the mesh was better with an inanimate model. Given the educational value of the 2 methods was equivalent, the $1500 cost for cadavers make the inexpensive and repeatable inanimate model an attractive early resource for learning TEP-IHR.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and features of fatty liver disease in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). Methods: Two groups of participants with SBMA were evaluated. In the first group, 22 participants with SBMA underwent laboratory analysis and liver imaging. In the second group, 14 participants with SBMA were compared to 13 female carriers and 23 controls. Liver biopsies were done in 4 participants with SBMA. Results: Evidence of fatty liver disease was detected by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in all participants with SBMA in the first group, with an average dome intrahepatic triacylglycerol of 27% (range 6%–66%, ref ≤5.5%). Liver dome magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements were significantly increased in participants with SBMA in the second group relative to age- and sex-matched controls, with average disease and male control measurements of 17% and 3%, respectively. Liver biopsies were consistent with simple steatosis in 2 participants and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in 2 others. Conclusions: We observed evidence of nonalcoholic liver disease in nearly all of the participants with SBMA evaluated. These observations expand the phenotypic spectrum of the disease and provide a potential biomarker that can be monitored in future studies.
The intranuclear metabolism of testosterone in the accessory organs of reproduction.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the intranuclear metabolism of testosterone in the accessory organs of reproduction. Testosterone is taken up by nuclei of the accessory organs of male reproduction. Within these nuclei, testosterone may undergo at least two fates; it may either be bound to a protein of the chromatin or it may be reduced to dihydrotestosterone prior to or as a step in the binding process. The implications of these events in regard to the mechanism of action of the hormone are unclear. On the one hand, it is possible that specific testosterone metabolites may have different effects within a single target tissue. It seems more likely, however, that the various metabolites have different binding affinities for the same binding site(s) and that any differences in the effects of different metabolites can, as a consequence, be explained in qualitative terms. The physiological meaning of dihydrotestosterone formation is also uncertain. On the basis of the remarkable growth-promoting effects of dihydrotestosterone on prostate both in vivo and in organ culture, the correlation between the rate of dihydrotestosterone formation in skin of man and the known growth response of the skin to testosterone, and the striking relation between prostatic growth in different species and the rate of this conversion, it is tempting to speculate that dihydrotestosterone formation may have some special relation to the growth-promoting effects of testosterone.
Face-to-face experiences for online students: effective, efficient, and engaging hybrid classes

For the last four terms, we have been experimenting with a "hybrid" instructional format that aims to combine the best elements of a face-to-face and online experience. This paper continues to report on our experiences with our hybrid format. We evaluate the effectiveness of this approach within the e3 framework[5] and report on the resulting classroom experience and student perceptions. We also describe the technology and touch on design elements necessary for a successful hybrid format. At a time when a number of educational institutions are expanding to online, both to fulfill their mission and expand their markets, it is useful to be aware of the options for online instruction. Based on student surveys and faculty feedback, our hybrid approach is no worse than face-to-face and offers a better online experience than a traditional asynchronous online class.
Association of Immunophenotype With Cerebrospinal Fluid Involvement in Childhood B-Lineage Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

The records of 71 pediatric patients who had B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were studied retrospectively to document the correlation between antigenic phenotype of leukemic blasts in bone marrow (BM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) involvement. Immunofluorescence assay for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT-IF) was used to examine specimens of CSF for the presence (CSF + ) or absence (CSF - ) of leukemic blasts at diagnosis and at various times after the induction of chemotherapy. The results of immunophenotyping of the leukemic blasts in the BM of the CSF + and CSF- patient groups were then compared, and the relative risk ratio and positive predictive value were calculated for each marker. In addition, other possible prognostic factors, such as gender, race and ethnicity, age, and initial leukocyte count were compared between the two groups. Thirty-eight percent of all patients, including those who had cytologically confirmed cases of CNS leukemia, had TdT + cells in the CSF at diagnosis or during the course of the disease. No differences were observed between the CSF + and CSF- groups with respect to clinical and demographic factors. However, the cases of CSF+ leukemia had the almost exclusive expression of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin heavy chain (cp) or surface CD22 (Leu-14), CD23 (B6), and/or IgM markers, which normally characterize the most developmentally mature members of the B-cell series in BM. The expression of any of these antigenic markers at diagnosis appears to identify at least 88% of cases of B-lineage ALL that have or ultimately may have TdT + cells in CSF. The results of this study therefore may have both basic and clinical implications: The former concerns the mechanisms by which these phenotypically defined forms of ALL invade and persist in the CNS; the latter concerns the utility of routine immunophenotyping of BM blasts at diagnosis to assess the biologic predisposition to CNS involvement in individual cases of ALL.
Alternative Carbohydrate Reserves Used in the Daily Cycle of Crassulacean Acid Metabolism

Each day a massive interlocked biochemical cycle occurs in the green tissues of crassulacean acid metabolism plants. The function of this interlocked cycle, in its simplest context, is to furnish most of the CO2 for CAM plant photosynthesis. In addition, this diel (24 h) cycle produces the primary identifying marks of a CAM tissue through two ancillary cycles. One cycle involves a nocturnal acidification and its loss the next day, while the second concerns the depletion of a carbohydrate reserve at night and its replenishment the next day. Formally Benjamin Heyne (1815) is credited with writing, nearly two centuries ago, about the “acid as sorrel” taste of a succulent green plant at dawn and the “bland taste” caused by acidity loss later in the day. In fact, the exact origins of these observations are lost in antiquity, but certainly are referred to in Roman and Biblical writings. The circumstantial cause of the acidity was postulated to be an organic acid about a century ago and the bland taste later was associated with starch; but these ideas were not plainly coupled together in theory nor quantitatively studied until the late 1940s. Then, with the discovery of major portions of intermediary metabolism and the advent of additional quantitative biochemical procedures, the nature of the daily reciprocal relation between the acid and the bland taste was recognized and measured quantitatively. The acid taste is caused principally by malic acid, while the bland taste is caused by deacidification plus the reciprocal synthesis of a bland tasting carbohydrate, e.g. a polysaccharide such as starch.
Feeds, Ration Formulation | Dry Period Rations in Cattle

At the end of a lactation cycle, high-producing dairy cows require a dry period, where milk production is halted, to prepare the mammary gland and rumen for the next lactation. Traditionally, nonlactating (dry) cows were considered inactive; they were largely unmanaged and their nutritional requirements were poorly characterized. However, it is now clear that preparations for a successful lactation begin during, or even before, the preceding dry period. This article will focus on recent advances in the understanding of dry cow nutrition and management techniques used to maximize milk production. For the purposes of this article, dry cows will be considered in two groups: cows recently dried off (far-off dry cows) and those within 2–3 weeks of calving (close-up or transition cows).
Tumor mutation burden in lung cancer: a new predictive biomarker for immunotherapy or too soon to tell?

Immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shifted the therapeutic landscape in lung cancer. At the same time, the clinical benefits of ICIs in unselected patients remain modest.
Efficacy of the ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine in mice models of pain.

Background and objectives Ketamine has been shown to reduce chronic pain; however, the adverse events associated with ketamine makes it challenging for use outside of the perioperative setting. The ketamine metabolite (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine ((2R,6R)-HNK) has a therapeutic effect in mice models of depression, with minimal side effects. The objective of this study is to determine if (2R,6R)-HNK has efficacy in both acute and chronic mouse pain models. Methods Mice were tested in three pain models: nerve-injury neuropathic pain, tibia fracture complex regional pain syndrome type-1 (CRPS1) pain, and plantar incision postoperative pain. Once mechanical allodynia had developed, systemic (2R,6R)-HNK or ketamine was administered as a bolus injection and compared with saline control in relieving allodynia. Results In all three models, 10 mg/kg ketamine failed to produce sustained analgesia. In the neuropathic pain model, a single intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg (2R,6R)-HNK elevated von Frey thresholds over a time period of 1–24hours compared with saline (F=121.6, p Conclusions This study demonstrates that (2R,6R)-HNK is superior to ketamine in reducing mechanical allodynia in acute and chronic pain models and suggests it may be a new non-opioid drug for future therapeutic studies.