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The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) is the insect vector of the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the pathogen associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB, citrus greening). HLB threatens citrus production worldwide. Suppression or reduction of the insect vector using chemical insecticides has been the primary method to inhibit the spread of citrus greening disease. Accurate structural and functional annotation of the Asian citrus psyllid genome, as well as a clear understanding of the interactions between the insect and CLas, are required for development of new molecular-based HLB control methods. A draft assembly of the D. citri genome has been generated and annotated with automated pipelines. However, knowledge transfer from well-curated reference genomes such as that of Drosophila melanogaster to newly sequenced ones is challenging due to the complexity and diversity of insect genomes. To identify and improve gene models as potential targets for pest control, we manually curated several gene families with a focus on genes that have key functional roles in D. citri biology and CLas interactions. This community effort produced 530 manually curated gene models across developmental, physiological, RNAi regulatory, and immunity-related pathways. As previously shown in the pea aphid, RNAi machinery genes putatively involved in the microRNA pathway have been specifically duplicated. A comprehensive transcriptome enabled us to identify a number of gene families that are either missing or misassembled in the draft genome. In order to develop biocuration as a training experience, we included undergraduate and graduate students from multiple institutions, as well as experienced annotators from the insect genomics research community. The resulting gene set (OGS v1.0) combines both automatically predicted and manually curated gene models. All data are available on https://citrusgreening.org/.

A multiobjective optimization model integrating with high-resolution geographical data was applied to examine the optimal switchgrass supply system in Tennessee that considers both feedstock cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the system. Results suggest that the type of land converted into switchgrass production is crucial to both plant gate cost and GHG emissions of feedstock. In addition, a tradeoff relationship between cost and GHG emissions for the switchgrass supply is primarily driven by the type of land converted. The imputed cost of lowering GHG emissions in the feedstock supply system was also calculated based on the derived tradeoff curve.Biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) is being advocated as an alternative to fossil-based transportation fuels in the United States. LCB-based biofuel production has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector and to enhance rural economic activity through more intense use of agricultural lands (English et al., 2006). The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) established in 2005 and revised in the Energy Independence and Security Act 2007 mandates 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuel (other than ethanol derived from corn starch) available for transportation use by 2022 with 16 billion gallons to be produced from LCB feedstock (U.S. Congress, 2007). Based on the recently revised One Billion Ton Update study (U. S. Department of Energy, 2011), considerable LCB feedstock, including dedicated energy crops, will be required to fulfill this goal. Notwithstanding the potential availability of LCB feedstock to meet the mandate, the cost of LCB feedstock will be an important factor influencing the sustainability of an LCB-based biofuel industrial sector.

The developing fetus is likely to be exposed to the same environmental chemicals as the mother during critical periods of growth and development. The degree of maternal-fetal transfer of chemical compounds will be affected by chemical and physical properties such as lipophilicity, protein binding, and active transport mechanisms that influence absorption and distribution in maternal tissues. However, these transfer processes are not fully understood for most environmental chemicals. This review summarizes reported data from more than 100 studies on the ratios of cord:maternal blood concentrations for a range of chemicals including brominated flame-retardant compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, organochlorine pesticides, perfluorinated compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, metals, and tobacco smoke components. The studies for the chemical classes represented suggest that chemicals frequently detected in maternal blood will also be detectable in cord blood. For most chemical classes, cord blood concentrations were found to be similar to or lower than those in maternal blood, with reported cord:maternal ratios generally between 0.1 and 1. Exceptions were observed for selected brominated flame-retardant compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and some metals, for which reported ratios were consistently greater than 1. Careful interpretation of the data in a risk assessment context is required because measured concentrations of environmental chemicals in cord blood (and thus the fetus) do not necessarily imply adverse effects or risk. Guidelines and recommendations for future cord:maternal blood biomonitoring studies are discussed.

The production reliability and relatively low costs of sustainably harvested woody biomass such as logging residue and low value roundwood could make it a significant component of the Renewable Fuel Standards portfolio. This research explored a set of woody biomass harvesting combinations of different sources and wood types using a cost minimizing linear programming model populated with disaggregated regional inventory, yield, and cost data, and projected future conventional wood demand of the United States. The model pre-satisfied conventional wood demand before harvesting roundwood as woody biomass. Findings suggest that collecting forest residue and non-merchantable (small sized) timber may provide the largest initial contribution in woody biomass supply. Regional estimations imply that not all regions have the capacity to develop bioenergy plants without using merchantable (medium sized) wood. Within a reasonable range of harvesting costs, demand for roundwood is expected to increase with higher energy production targets. Harvesting merchantable natural softwood as woody biomass has a relatively small impact on marginal supply costs. This will result in little or no disturbance to merchantable natural softwood timber management and operations if demand for woody biomass increased.

DNA rearrangements resulting in human genome structural variants (SVs) are caused by diverse mutational mechanisms. We used long- and short-read sequencing technologies to investigate end products of de novo chromosome 17p11.2 rearrangements and query the molecular mechanisms underlying both recurrent and non-recurrent events. Evidence for an increased rate of clustered single nucleotide variant (SNV) mutation in cis with non-recurrent rearrangements was found. Indel and SNV formation are associated with both copy number gains and losses of 17p11.2, occur up to ~1 Mb away from the breakpoint junctions, and favor C>G transversion substitutions; results suggesting that single stranded DNA is formed during the genesis of the SV and providing compelling support for a microhomology-mediated break-induced replication (MMBIR) mechanism for SV formation. Our data show an additional mutational burden of MMBIR consisting of hypermutation confined to the locus and manifesting as SNVs and indels predominantly within genes.

Background Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of irritant contact dermatitis due to frequent hand washing and use of alcohol gel. This has increased the incidence of occupational skin diseases. Aims To evaluate hand dermatitis in HCWs in our hospital by means of a survey which also examined trends of exposure and the utility of patch testing. Methods HCWs diagnosed with hand dermatitis in our contact dermatitis clinic from January 2011 to July 2012 were included. Information was collected retrospectively from medical notes, computer records and the database of the British Cutaneous Allergy Society. Results A total of 69 HCWs were diagnosed with hand dermatitis, with a prevalence of ~4%. The majority were female and the clinical areas in which they worked were diverse. About 98% (68) had irritant contact dermatitis, and hand washing was the commonest cause of symptoms. About 75% (51) had irritant dermatitis exclusively. Patch test was positive in 42% with the commonest reaction to nickel, followed by formaldehyde. Associated atopy was found in less than half of the cases. Conclusions Irritant hand dermatitis is prevalent in HCWs in this setting. Patch testing is useful to identify any additional allergic element in such cases.

Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a newly described form of interstitial lung disease that originates in the upper lung zones and typically progresses to involve the entire lung. The disease may be idiopathic but is often associated with other pre- or coexisting conditions. Pneumothorax is a common complication and can occur at presentation or at other times during the course of the disease. Pathologically, interstitial fibrosis takes the form of a dense consolidation with some preservation of alveolar septal outlines and demonstrates a distinctly abrupt interface with residual normal lung. Unrecognized cases of PPFE may be incorrectly diagnosed as sarcoidosis, atypical idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or other unclassifiable interstitial pneumonias.

The timing of technology adoption is influenced by profitability and farmer ability to bear risk. Innovators are typically more risk tolerant than laggards. Understanding the factors influencing early adoption of precision agriculture (PA) technologies by cotton farmers is important for anticipating technology diffusion over time. The factors influencing the timing of grid soil sampling (GSS), yield monitoring (YMR) and remote sensing (RMS) adoption by cotton producers was evaluated using multivariate censored regression. Data for cotton farmers in 12 states were obtained from a survey conducted in 2009. The factors hypothesized to influence the timing of adoption included farm characteristics, operator characteristics, PA information sources, adoption of other PA technologies, and farm location. The results suggest that different factors influenced when cotton farmers adopted GSS, YMR and RMS after these technologies became commercially available. For example, land ownership was associated with the timing of GSS adoption, but not YMR or RMS adoption; farmer age was correlated with the timing of GSS and YMR adoption, but not RMS adoption; and obtaining PA information from consultants affected the timing of GSS and RMS adoption, but not YMR adoption. The only factors correlated with the early adoption of all three technologies were beliefs that PA would improve environmental quality and the adoption of at least one other PA technology. Thus, the potential for improved environmental quality appears to be a strong adoption motivator across PA technologies, as is the earlier adoption of other PA technologies. This research may be useful for farmers, researchers, Extension personnel, machinery manufacturers, PA information providers and agricultural retailers to anticipate the future adoption of new and emerging PA technologies.

The human fingernail contributes to the precise dexterity of the fingers, enhances sensibility, allows manipulation of fine objects, and shields the fingertip from traumatic injury. Nail abnormalities are a common incidental finding in the course of a hand surgeon's daily practice. These abnormalities may be clues to systemic, dermatologic, traumatic, and infectious processes that would benefit from further evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this review is to discuss common nail dystrophies and their related diagnoses.

Acne vulgaris is a commonly seen dermatologic condition that plagues millions and can be very psychosocially disabling. Severe and recalcitrant acne is typically treated with isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A derivative that has been available since 1982. This therapeutic option has been the most effective at putting severe and recalcitrant acne vulgaris into remission. Despite its effectiveness, it has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, depression, suicidality, and teratogenicity. We review the current literature on isotretinoin's role in inflammatory bowel disease, depression, and suicidality. In addition, we review whether or not the iPledge program has been successful at reducing pregnancy rates while on isotretinoin.

A B S T R AC T Background Major issues in the implementation of screening for lung cancer by means of lowdose computed tomography (CT) are the definition of a positive result and the management of lung nodules detected on the scans. We conducted a populationbased prospective study to determine factors predicting the probability that lung nodules detected on the first screening low-dose CT scans are malignant or will be found to be malignant on follow-up. Methods We analyzed data from two cohorts of participants undergoing low-dose CT screening. The development data set included participants in the Pan-Canadian Early Detection of Lung Cancer Study (PanCan). The validation data set included participants involved in chemoprevention trials at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA), sponsored by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The final outcomes of all nodules of any size that were detected on baseline low-dose CT scans were tracked. Parsimonious and fuller multivariable logistic-regression models were prepared to estimate the probability of lung cancer. Results In the PanCan data set, 1871 persons had 7008 nodules, of which 102 were malignant, and in the BCCA data set, 1090 persons had 5021 nodules, of which 42 were malignant. Among persons with nodules, the rates of cancer in the two data sets were 5.5% and 3.7%, respectively. Predictors of cancer in the model included older age, female sex, family history of lung cancer, emphysema, larger nodule size, location of the nodule in the upper lobe, part-solid nodule type, lower nodule count, and spiculation. Our final parsimonious and full models showed excellent discrimination and calibration, with areas under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve of more than 0.90, even for nodules that were 10 mm or smaller in the validation set. Conclusions Predictive tools based on patient and nodule characteristics can be used to accurately estimate the probability that lung nodules detected on baseline screening low-dose CT scans are malignant. (Funded by the Terry Fox Research Institute and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00751660.)

Tundra snow cover is important to monitor as it influences local, regional, and global-scale surface water balance, energy fluxes, as well as ecosystem and permafrost dynamics. Observations are already showing a decrease in spring snow cover duration at high latitudes, but the impact of changing winter season temperature and precipitation on variables such as snow water equivalent (SWE) is less clear. A multi-year project was initiated in 2004 with the objective to quantify tundra snow cover properties over multiple years at a scale appropriate for comparison with satellite passive microwave remote sensing data and regional climate and hydrological models. Data collected over seven late winter field campaigns (2004 to 2010) show the patterns of snow depth and SWE are strongly influenced by terrain characteristics. Despite the spatial heterogeneity of snow cover, several inter-annual consistencies were identified. A regional average density of 0.293 g/cm3 was derived and shown to have little difference with individual site densities when deriving SWE from snow depth measurements. The inter-annual patterns of SWE show that despite variability in meteorological forcing, there were many consistent ratios between the SWE on flat tundra and the SWE on lakes, plateaus, and slopes. A summary of representative inter-annual snow stratigraphy from different terrain categories is also presented. © 2013 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Hydrological Processes. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Introduction: To assess the accuracy of CT pixel analysis for fat attenuation in pulmonary hamartomas. Methods: Retrospective review identified 32 patients in three separate groups; pathologically proven hamartoma (n = 11), hamartoma diagnosed on imaging (n = 9) and a control group (n = 14) of pathology-proven non-hamartomatous smoothly marginated solitary pulmonary nodules. All lesions were assessed using: visual assessment for fat, pixel analysis of the inner 2/3rds and mean attenuation of the entire lesion, using an internal reference for fat. Fat percentages on CT and at histology were compared. Results: Visual assessment for macroscopic fat was the most reliable method for diagnosing pulmonary hamartoma. Combining percentage of fatattenuation pixels in the inner 2/3rds of the lesion improved specificity to 100%. Mean attenuation or pixel analysis in isolation were not helpful in lesional characterization. Conclusion: Combining percentage fat-attenuating pixels in the inner 2/3rds with visual assessment for macroscopic fat improves specificity for diagnosing pulmonary hamartomas.

One of the major motivations to establish a biobased energy sector in the United States is to promote economic development in the rural areas of the nation. This study estimated the economic impact of investing and operating a switchgrass-based ethanol plant in East Tennessee. Applying a spatially oriented mixed-integer mathematical programming model, we first determined the location of biorefinery, feedstock draw area, and the resources used in various feedstock supply systems by minimizing the total plant gate cost of feedstock. Based on the model output, an input-output model was utilized to determine the total economic impact, including direct, indirect, and induced effects of feedstock investment and annual production in the study region. Moreover, the economic impact of ethanol plant investment and annual conversion operation was analyzed. Results suggest that the total annual expenditures in an unprotected large round bale system generated a total $92.5 million in economic output within the 13 counties of East Tennessee. In addition, an estimated $234 million in overall economic output was generated through the operation of the biorefinery. This research showed that the least-cost configuration of the feedstock supply chain influenced the levels and types of economic impact of biorefinery.

Background Expert consultation and institutional policies mandating second review of pathologic diagnoses in the course of referral have been advocated to optimize patient care. Objective We sought to investigate the rate of diagnostic discrepancies between pathologists with and without dermatopathology fellowship training. Methods All available outside pathology reports were reviewed for material sent to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Dermatopathology Unit during 1 year. The outside diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis rendered by the referral dermatopathology service. Cases were assigned into 1 of 4 categories: melanocytic neoplasm, nonmelanocytic neoplasm, inflammatory, and other. For each case, the outside pathologist's level of dermatopathology training was noted. Any change in diagnosis resulting in significant alteration in therapy or prognosis, as dictated by the accepted standard of care, was considered a major discrepancy. Results A total of 405 cases were reviewed. In 51 cases (13%), no preliminary diagnosis was rendered at the outside facility. The referral diagnosis differed from the outside diagnosis in 226 cases (56%), and major discrepancies were identified in 91 cases (22%). Of these 91 cases, 84 were received from outside pathologists who were not dermatopathology trained and 7 were received from pathologists with dermatopathology training. The 91 cases with major discrepancies were categorized as: 36 nonmelanocytic neoplasms (40%), 30 inflammatory (33%), 23 melanocytic neoplasms (25%), and 2 other (2%). Limitations This was a retrospective study limited to 2 consultant dermatopathologists at an academic referral center, which typically receives and reviews select cases. Conclusion Dermatopathology fellowship training is associated with a substantial decrease in major diagnostic discrepancies. Pathologists without dermatopathology fellowship training tend to successfully identify those cases for which expert consultation is most useful.

This study explores the factors that influence consumer likelihood of purchasing two different types of alternative-fuel vehicles - flexible fuel and hybrid-electric. Data for the study come from an online survey of US automobile owners. Results suggest that concerns about energy security, the environment, and the availability of alternative fuels, along with demographic factors, have significant effects on consumer purchase expectations for alternative-fuel vehicles.

Previous work has found yield-maximizing nitrogen (N) rates in switchgrass production and results have varied widely. Little attention, however, has been given to estimating profit-maximizing N rates. The objectives of this research were to determine the (1) yield- and (2) profit-maximizing N rates for producing switchgrass on four soil types/landscapes in Tennessee. Mixed models were used to perform an analysis of variance on the effects of four N rates on average yield and average net returns for switchgrass grown on the four soil types/landscapes. Data were analyzed from a switchgrass experiment conducted at Milan, Tennessee over a six-year period on: (1) a moderately- to well-drained level upland (WDLU), (2) a moderately- to well-drained flood plain (WDFP), (3) a moderate-to somewhat poorly-drained eroded sloping upland (MDSU), and (4) a poorly-drained flood plain (PDFP). The N rates that maximized average yield were 67, 134, 134, and 200 kg N ha −1 for the WDFP, WDLU, MDSU, and PDFP soil types/landscapes, respectively. The profit-maximizing N rate was estimated by soil type/landscape using three prices of switchgrass and three prices of N. Results demonstrated that yield- and profit-maximizing N rates can be different, and the yield- and profit-maximizing N rates across different across the soil types/landscapes. The profit-maximizing N rate was sensitive to the price of N and the price of switchgrass across all soil types/landscapes, but sensitivity to price changes were not equal for all soil types/landscapes.

It is well-established that inflammation plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD). Inflammation and synapse loss occur in disease prior to the formation of larger aggregates, but the contribution of tau to inflammation has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Tau pathologically aggregates to form large fibrillar structures known as tangles. However, evidence suggests that smaller soluble aggregates, called oligomers, are the most toxic species and form prior to tangles. Furthermore, tau oligomers can spread to neighboring cells and between anatomically connected brain regions. In addition, recent evidence suggests that inspecting the retina may be a window to brain pathology. We hypothesized that there is a relationship between tau oligomers and inflammation, which are hallmarks of early disease. We conducted immunofluorescence and biochemical analyses on tauopathy mice, FTLD, and AD subjects. We showed that oligomers co-localize with astrocytes, microglia, and HMGB1, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Additionally, we show that tau oligomers are present in the retina and are associated with inflammatory cells suggesting that the retina may be a valid non-invasive biomarker for brain pathology. These results suggest that there may be a toxic relationship between tau oligomers and inflammation. Therefore, the ability of tau oligomers to spread may initiate a feed-forward cycle in which tau oligomers induce inflammation, leading to neuronal damage, and thus more inflammation. Further mechanistic studies are warranted in order to understand this relationship, which may have critical implications for improving the treatment of tauopathies.

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common forms of non-scarring alopecia for which patients present to a dermatologist. It is a challenging disorder to treat and study, primarily owing to its multifactorial etiology which includes both physiologic and non-physiologic factors. Nutritional deficiency has been purported to contribute to hair shedding, and a patient's clinical history usually aids in directing laboratory evaluation. Many prior studies have either supported or failed to find a correlation between telogen effluvium and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, in particular, vitamin D, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, and zinc. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients with telogen effluvium in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, and measured the rates of these deficiencies. Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of vitamin D, ferritin, and zinc deficiencies is non-trivial and therefore justifies including these laboratory studies in initial clinical evaluation.br /br /emJ Drugs Dermatol./em2016;15(10):1235-1237.

Context.— The histopathologic criteria for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were revised in the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society/Japan Respiratory Society/Latin American Thoracic Association guidelines in 2011. However, the evidence of diagnosis based on the guidelines needs further investigation. Objective.— To examine whether the revised histopathologic criteria for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis improved interobserver agreement among pathologists and the predicted prognosis in patients with interstitial pneumonia. Design.— Twenty, consecutive, surgical lung-biopsy specimens from cases of interstitial pneumonia were examined for histologic patterns by 11 pathologists without knowledge of clinical and radiologic data. Diagnosis was based on American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines of 2002 and 2011. Pathologists were grouped by cluster analysis, and interobserver agreement and association to the patient prognosis were compared with the diagnoses for each cluster. Results.— The generalized κ coefficient of diagnosis for all pathologists was 0.23. If the diagnoses were divided into 2 groups: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/probable UIP (the UIP group) or possible/not UIP (the non-UIP group), according to the 2011 guidelines, the κ improved to 0.37. The pathologists were subdivided into 2 clusters in which 1 showed an association between UIP group diagnosis and patient prognosis (P < .05). Conclusions.— Agreement about pathologic diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia is low; however, results after division into UIP and non-UIP groups provided favorable agreement. The cluster analysis revealed 1 of the 2 clusters providing high interobserver agreement and prediction of patient prognosis.

Background The high prevalence of hand dermatitis in nurses is attributed to frequent hand washing with soap and infrequent use of hand moisturisers Aim To test the hypothesis that a bespoke, web-based behavioural change programme (BCP) coupled with provision of hand moisturisers, can produce a clinically useful reduction in the prevalence of hand dermatitis after one year, when compared to standard care, in at-risk nurses. Methods 35 Trusts/Health Boards have been recruited as participating sites. Sites will be the unit of randomisation. There are two groups of participants per site: a) student nurses (n > 40/site) who are about to start their first clinical placements, and who are at increased risk of hand dermatitis because of a past history of atopic disease or hand dermatitis; b) nurses working in intensive care units (n > 40/site) who are at increased risk of hand dermatitis because of the nature of their work. The intervention centres on the BCP, which will include information on: when and when not to use gloves, antibacterial hand gels and moisturising cream. Participants will be asked to form implementation intentions for performing each behaviour. Facilities will be provided to encourage adherence, including personal supplies of moisturising cream for student nurses, and provision of optimal equipment for washing and moisturising hands on the wards for intensive care nurses. The impact of the interventions will be evaluated from information collected by questionnaires and standardised photographs of hands/wrists. In addition, we will undertake a cost/benefit analysis. Statistical analysis will be by multi-level regression modelling to allow for clustering by site, and will take account of the paired nature of before and after comparisons in individuals. Primary outcome The difference between intervention and control sites in the change in point prevalence of visible hand dermatitis from baseline to 12 months after the intervention.

and Bradly Wilson This study minimizes total cost for single-feedstock supply chains of two dedicated energy crops, perennial switchgrass and biomass sorghum, in Tennessee using a spatial optimization model. Greenhouse gas emissions from the transport of feedstock to the conversion facility were estimated for respective feedstock supply chains. Results show that different demand for land types from two feedstocks and the geographically diverse landscape across the state affect the economics of bioenergy crops supply chains and feedstock transportation emissions. Switchgrass is more suitable than biomass sorghum for biofuel production in Tennessee based on the supply chains cost and feedstock hauling emissions.

This paper connects the science of sustainability theory with applied aspects of sustainability deployment. A suite of 35 sustainability indicators spanning six environmental, three economic, and three social categories has been proposed for comparing the sustainability of bioenergy production systems across different feedstock types and locations. A recent demonstration-scale switchgrass-to-ethanol production system located in East Tennessee is used to assess the availability of sustainability indicator data and associated measurements for the feedstock production and logistics portions of the biofuel supply chain. Knowledge pertaining to the available indicators is distributed within a hierarchical decision tree framework to generate an assessment of the overall sustainability of this no-till switchgrass production system relative to two alternative business-as-usual scenarios of unmanaged pasture and tilled corn production. The relative contributions of the social, economic and environmental information are determined for the overall trajectory of this bioenergy system s sustainability under each scenario. Within this East Tennessee context, switchgrass production shows potential for improving environmental and social sustainability trajectories without adverse economic impacts, thereby leading to potential for overall enhancement in sustainability within this local agricultural system. Given the early stages of cellulosic ethanol production, it is currently difficult to determine quantitative values for all 35more » sustainability indicators across the entire biofuel supply chain. This case study demonstrates that integration of qualitative sustainability indicator ratings may increase holistic understanding of a bioenergy system in the absence of complete information.« less

There is increasing awareness worldwide that traditional flood-mitigation strategies that attempt to control the flow of water only increase the likelihood of catastrophic consequences in the long run, when failure inevitably occurs after years of complacency and development behind flood barriers. Amphibious architecture is a non-defensive flood mitigation and climate change adaptation strategy that works in synchrony with a floodprone region’s natural cycles of flooding, allowing water to flow rather than creating an obstruction. Since the height to which an amphibious building rises is not necessarily fixed but adapts to the variable depth of flood water, amphibiation can accommodate rising sea levels and land subsidence as well. Amphibious retrofitting can provide measurable cost savings compared to other flood mitigation strategies, performing well in loss avoidance studies for both flood and wind damage. An amphibious approach to planning and construction recognizes the beneficial aspects of seasonal and occasional flooding, allowing us not merely to live with water, but to thrive with it. This paper reviews case studies of both existing and proposed amphibious buildings, with discussion of their systems and components. It also discusses the limitations of amphibious construction, some of the regulatory obstacles that have discouraged its development, and possible paths forward. The first International Conference on Amphibious Architecture, Design and Engineering, ICAADE 2015, was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in August 2015. The second, ICAADE 2017, will convene at the University of Waterloo in Canada in June 2017.

The impact of storage dry matter (DM) losses on the profitability of producing switchgrass ( Panicum virgatum L.) is poorly understood. This article evaluates net returns to storage considering DM losses using data from a 500-day experiment at Milan, TN. Switchgrass was harvested in large round and large rectangular bales wrapped with twine and stored outdoors with and without a tarp on grass, gravel, and pallet surfaces. Comparative breakeven analysis incorporating DM loss estimates from the experiment determined optimal harvest and storage strategies. Bale shape and choice of cover most impacted DM losses, which increased at a decreasing rate with time in storage. Even though covered rectangular bales had higher DM losses than uncovered round bales, they were more profitable for a wide range of switchgrass price and storage period combinations because of lower overall harvest, storage and transportation costs Mg −1 . Uncovered round bales were only more profitable than covered rectangular bales for high price and long storage period combinations. Covered round bales were not profitable for any price and storage period combination evaluated in the analysis. The use of a cover is generally worth the added cost for rectangular bales but not for round bales.

Cyril of Jerusalem's proposed theology of the Trinity has been labeled generic. That is, the term “God” identifies not so much a species of being or an individual being, but a unique, sui generis genus. Within the genus of God there are three species or ways of being God, though not three discrete individual beings. The article will attempt to defend and renew Cyril's theology by an appeal to the contemporary philosopher, Saul Kripke, and his notion of rigid designators. One way to contemporize and perhaps better understand Cyril's position is to interpret the term “God” as a Kripkean natural kind rigid designator with the properties of Fatherhood, Sonship, and Spiration.

The wound-healing maggot, Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae), degrades extracellular matrix components by releasing enzymes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the glycosylation profiles of wound slough/eschar from chronic venous leg ulcers and the complementary presence of glycosidase activities in first-instar excretions/secretions (ES1) and to define their specificities. The predominant carbohydrate moieties present in wound slough/eschar were determined by probing one-dimensional Western blots with conjugated lectins of known specificities. The presence of specific glycosidase activities in ES1 was determined using chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates. The removal of carbohydrate moieties from slough/eschar proteins by glycosidases in ES1 was determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis and Emerald 300 glycoprotein staining. α-D-glucosyl, α-D-mannosyl and N-acetylglucosamine residues were detected on slough/eschar-derived proteins. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the treatment of slough/eschar with ES1 significantly reduced uptake of the carbohydrate-specific stain. Subsequently, α-D-glucosidase, α-D-mannosidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities were identified in ES1. Specific chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates and gel filtration chromatography showed that these activities result from distinct enzymes. These activities were mirrored in the removal of α-D-glucosyl, α-D-mannosyl and N-acetylglucosamine residues from proteins of slough/eschar from maggot-treated wounds. These data suggest that maggot glycosidases remove sugars from slough/eschar proteins. This may contribute to debridement, which is ultimately accomplished by a suite of biochemically distinct enzymes present in ES1.

External anogenital warts, or condylomata acuminata, are caused by the proliferation of squamous epithelial cells secondary to human papillomavirus infection. In sexually active adults and adolescents, anogenital warts are a common sexually transmitted disease, but in children they may be a sign of sexual abuse. There are several treatment options available for anogenital warts, but no treatment has been proven to be the most efficacious, and recurrence after clinical clearance is common. Evidence-based treatment of genital warts is challenging because of the lack of controlled trials comparing treatments, especially in pediatric and adolescent populations. This paper discusses various treatment modalities such as physical destruction, cytotoxic agents, and immunomodulating therapies. Many variables influence the selection of a treatment, such as the size, quantity, and location of the warts; and the patient and provider preference, and its availability and cost. All treatments can cause local side effects, and patient tolerability must also be factored into treatment selection. Many treatments have similar clearance and recurrence rates, and none of the treatments completely eliminates the virus. With the numerous challenges surrounding the treatment of anogenital warts, the primary prevention of HPV infection through vaccination is a key component in decreasing the incidence of the disease.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandates that by 2022 at least 1.36 × 10 11 L of fuel ethanol be produced in the United States, with at least 6.06 × 10 10 L being derived from lignocellulosic biomass. However, the market for cellulosic biofuels is still developing and little is known about the willingness of agricultural producers to grow dedicated energy crops. While there have been some studies done on factors that determine farmers' willingness to produce switchgrass, these have been localized in nature and largely focused on factors other than price. This study analyzes the factors that influence interest among producers in the 12 southeastern U.S. states in growing switchgrass as a biomass feedstock and the share of farmland interested producers would be willing to devote to switchgrass production. The results suggest that about two-thirds of the producers in the region have some interest in growing switchgrass. Among those who are interested and willing to accept the hypothetical price, the predicted land conversion share is 35.8% or 56 ha per farm. At these rates, a commercial scale bio-refinery in the southeast might have to purchase switchgrass from as many as 567 different producers.

Th is research evaluated diff erences in yields and associated downside risk from using no-till and tillage practices. Yields from 442 paired tillage experiments across the United States were evaluated with respect to six crops and environmental factors including geographic location, annual precipitation, soil texture, and time since conversion from tillage to no-till. Results indicated that mean yields for sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with no-till were greater than with tillage. In addition, no-till tended to produce similar or greater mean yields than tillage for crops grown on loamy soils in the Southern Seaboard and Mississippi Portal regions. A warmer and more humid climate and warmer soils in these regions relative to the Heartland, Basin and Range, and Fruitful Rim regions appear to favor no-till on loamy soils. With the exception of corn (Zea mays L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the Southern Seaboard region, no-till performed poorly on sandy soils. Crops grown in the Southern Seaboard were less likely to have lower no-till yields than tillage yields on loamy soils and thus had lower downside yield risk than other farm resource regions. Consistent with mean yield results, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] andmore » wheat grown on sandy soils in the Southern Seaboard region using no-till had larger downside yield risks than when produced with no-till on loamy soils. Th e key fi ndings of this study support the hypothesis that soil and climate factors impact no-till yields relative to tillage yields and may be an important factor infl uencing risk and expected return and the adoption of the practice by farmers.« less

Background Positive autoimmune testing in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) has previously been associated with more severe disease. Objective We sought to determine whether patients with CIU and a positive autoimmune urticaria test finding were more difficult to treat clinically. Methods In this retrospective study, 428 patients seen by physicians of the Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh between January 2007 and March 2010 were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code 708.9 for urticaria. Included individuals met clinical criteria for CIU and had an autoimmune urticaria test (chronic urticaria index or CD203 expression test) result in their medical record. Results Twenty patients met the study criteria set forth and positive autoimmune urticaria test results occurred in 8 of the 20 patients. In all, 75% of patients in each group (positive and negative autoimmune test findings) were more than 75% clear of disease ( P = 1) by the last visit. Mean number of distinct medications prescribed for urticaria management in the positive and negative autoimmune groups was 6.9 and 8.4, respectively ( P = .4). No significant difference was detected between the various medications that led to more than 75% disease clearance in either group. The mean number of patient clinic visits over the study period was 3.1 and 4.8, respectively, for positive and negative groups ( P = .5). Limitations This was a retrospective study with a small sample size. Conclusion A positive autoimmune urticaria test finding in the setting of CIU is not indicative of a more complicated clinical course.

A FIPSE-funded project was designed to provide support and training to community college faculty electronically, and to develop a model to offer innovative, interactive strategies to support their students' academic and career needs. The goal of the mentoring/coaching program has been to support instructors in their online efforts, provide resources and assistance to students, and create a community of learning for all. The examination of the process was framed and guided by the concept of social presence theory. Data collected included mentors' weekly logs, researcher-generated weekly prompts, and bi-monthly focus groups. All data were analyzed qualitatively using open and axial coding. Results indicate that creating social presence may depend, in part, on having an authentic, clearly defined role. Reflections throughout the process required continuous revisions to the plans.

We report a case of a 53-year-old man who presented with twonodules in the lower lobe and one nodule in the upper lobe of theright lung almost 7 years after radical prostatectomy for pT3aN0M0,Gleason 4+5 disease, without evidence of osseous or lymphaticspread. Surgical resection of the lower lung nodules confirmedmetastases, but prostate-specific antigen did not drop to undetectablelevels. Isolated pulmonary metastases from prostate cancerare rare with only 33 previously described cases in the Englishlanguageliterature, 18 of which were solitary metastases. Wereview the principles of management, including metastasectomyand long-term prognosis.

Thyroid dysfunction is classically associated with alopecia. Studies focusing on manual thyroid examinations, with ultrasonography of palpable abnormalities, in alopecia patients are lacking.To examine the clinical utility of manual and sonographic evaluation of the thyroid in alopecia patients.A retrospective chart review was performed among patients diagnosed with alopecia.We found that 20.2% (74/367) of manual thyroid exams performed were deemed abnormal and 78.8% (41/52) of patients who had an ultrasound had an abnormal finding. Twenty two of the 74 patients did not obtain the requested ultrasound. Non-scarring alopecia was associated with 36 of 41 patients with abnormal ultrasounds (Telogen effluvium 29.3%, Androgenetic alopecia 27.8%, Alopecia areata 24.4%, and Traction alopecia 9.8%). No one specific structural abnormality was associated with a specific hair loss type. Of note, 78% (32/41) of patients with an abnormal ultrasound exam had normal thyroid function tests and only 9/41 (22%) patients had both.THESE INCLUDE: a retrospective study design, small sample size, use of multiple sites for laboratory and sonographic thyroid evaluation, and a high attrition rate for ultrasound evaluation.This study revealed that the manual examination of the thyroid in alopecia patients may identify additional thyroid abnormalities not detected with serologic evaluation alone. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the necessity and significance of manual thyroid palpation and subsequent ultrasound studies in this patient population.

Introduction Inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase beta (IKBKB) (IKK-β/IKK-2), which activates NF-κB, is a substrate of the KEAP1-CUL3-RBX1 E3-ubiquitin ligase complex, implicating this complex in NF-κB pathway regulation. We investigated complex component gene disruption as a novel genetic mechanism of NF-κB activation in non-small cell lung cancer. Methods A total of 644 tumor- and 90 cell-line genomes were analyzed for gene dosage status of the individual complex components and IKBKB. Gene expression of these genes and NF-κB target genes were analyzed in 48 tumors. IKBKB protein levels were assessed in tumors with and without complex or IKBKB genetic disruption. Complex component knockdown was performed to assess effects of the E3-ligase complex on IKBKB and NF-κB levels, and phenotypic importance of IKBKB expression was measured by pharmacological inhibition. Results We observed strikingly frequent genetic disruption (42%) and aberrant expression (63%) of the E3-ligase complex and IKBKB in the samples examined. Although both adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas showed complex disruption, the patterns of gene disruption differed. IKBKB levels were elevated with complex disruption, knockdown of complex components increased activated forms of IKBKB and NF-κB proteins, and IKBKB inhibition detriments cell viability, highlighting the biological significance of complex disruption. NF-κB target genes were overexpressed in samples with complex disruption, further demonstrating the effect of complex disruption on NF-κB activity. Conclusions Gene dosage alteration is a prominent mechanism that disrupts each component of the KEAP1-CUL3-RBX1 complex and its NF-κB stimulating substrate, IKBKB. Herein, we show that, multiple component disruption of this complex represents a novel mechanism of NF-κB activation in non-small cell lung cancer.