Geologic and Structural Evolution of the NE Lau Basin, Tonga: Morphotectonic Analysis and Classification of Structures Using Shallow Seismicity

The transition from subduction to transform motion along horizontal terminations of trenches is associated with tearing of the subducting slab and strike-slip tectonics in the overriding plate. One prominent example is the northern Tonga subduction zone, where abundant strike-slip faulting in the NE Lau back-arc basin is associated with transform motion along the northern plate boundary and asymmetric slab rollback. Here, we address the fundamental question: how does this subduction-transform motion influence the structural and magmatic evolution of the back-arc region? To answer this, we undertake the first comprehensive study of the geology and geodynamics of this region through analyses of morphotectonics (remote-predictive geologic mapping) and fault kinematics interpreted from ship-based multibeam bathymetry and Centroid-Moment Tensor data. Our results highlight two unique features of the NE Lau Basin: (1) the occurrence of widely distributed off-axis volcanism, in contrast to typical ridge-centered back-arc volcanism, and (2) fault kinematics dominated by shallow-crustal strike slip-faulting (rather than normal faulting) extending over ~120 km from the transform boundary. The orientations of these strike-slip faults are consistent with reactivation of earlier-formed normal faults in a sinistral megashear zone. Notably, two distinct sets of Riedel megashears are identified, indicating a recent counter-clockwise rotation of part of the stress field in the back-arc region closest to the arc. Importantly, these structures directly control the development of complex volcanic-compositional provinces, which are characterized by variably-oriented spreading centers, off-axis volcanic ridges, extensive lava flows, and point-source rear-arc volcanoes that sample a heterogenous mantle wedge, with sharp gradients and contrasts in composition and magmatic affinity. This study adds to our understanding of the geologic and structural evolution of modern backarc systems, including the association between subduction-transform motions and the siting and style of seafloor volcanism

More than Fast Food: Development of a Story Map to Compare Adolescent Perceptions and Observations of Their Food Environments and Related Food Behaviors

The purpose of this convergent, multiphase, mixed methods study was to better understand the perceptions of adolescents’ food environments and related food behaviors using grounded visualization and story mapping. Adolescents from one high school (13–16 years) in the southeastern United States were evaluated via data from health behavior surveys (n = 75), school environment maps, focus groups (n = 5 groups), and Photovoice (n = 6) from October 2016 to April 2017. Data from each phase were integrated using grounded visualization and new themes were identified (n = 7). A story map using ArcGIS Online was developed from data integration, depicting the newly identified themes. Participants failed to meet national recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake (2.71 cups). Focus group and Photovoice findings indicated the need for convenience food items in all environments. The story map is an online, interactive dissemination of information, with five maps, embedded quotes from focus groups, narrative passages with data interpretation, pictures to highlight themes, and a comparison of the participants’ food environments. Story mapping and qualitative geographic information systems (GIS) approaches may be useful when depicting adolescent food environments and related food behaviors. Further research is needed when evaluating story maps and how individuals can be trained to create their own maps

Maintenance of Sertoli Cell Number and Function in Immature Human Testicular Tissues Exposed to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy-Implications for Fertility Restoration

Background: Retrospective studies in adult survivors of childhood cancer show long-term impacts of exposure to alkylating chemotherapy on future fertility. We recently demonstrated germ cell loss in immature human testicular tissues following exposure to platinum-based chemotherapeutic drugs. This study investigated the effects of platinum-based chemotherapy exposure on the somatic Sertoli cell population in human fetal and pre-pubertal testicular tissues. Methods: Human fetal (n = 23; 14–22 gestational weeks) testicular tissue pieces were exposed to cisplatin (0.5 or 1.0 μg/ml) or vehicle for 24 h in vitro and analysed 24–240 h post-exposure or 12 weeks after xenografting. Human pre-pubertal (n = 10; 1–12 years) testicular tissue pieces were exposed to cisplatin (0.5 μg/ml), carboplatin (5 μg/ml) or vehicle for 24 h in vitro and analysed 24–240 h post-exposure; exposure to carboplatin at 10-times the concentration of cisplatin reflects the relative clinical doses given to patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed for SOX9 and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) expression and quantification was carried out to assess effects on Sertoli cell number and function respectively. AMH and inhibin B was measured in culture medium collected post-exposure to assess effects on Sertoli cell function. Results: Sertoli cell (SOX9(+ve)) number was maintained in cisplatin-exposed human fetal testicular tissues (7,647 ± 459 vs. 7,767 ± 498 cells/mm(2); p > 0.05) at 240 h post-exposure. No effect on inhibin B (indicator of Sertoli cell function) production was observed at 96 h after cisplatin (0.5 and 1.0 μg/ml) exposure compared to control (21 ± 5 (0.5 μg/ml cisplatin) vs. 23 ± 7 (1.0 μg/ml cisplatin) vs. 25 ± 7 (control) ng/ml, p > 0.05). Xenografting of cisplatin-exposed (0.5 μg/ml) human fetal testicular tissues had no long-term effect on Sertoli cell number or function (percentage seminiferous area stained for SOX9 and AMH, respectively), compared with non-exposed tissues. Sertoli cell number was maintained in human pre-pubertal testicular tissues following exposure to either 0.5 μg/ml cisplatin (6,723 ± 1,647 cells/mm(2)) or 5 μg/ml carboplatin (7,502 ± 627 cells/mm(2)) compared to control (6,592 ± 1,545 cells/mm(2)). Conclusions: This study demonstrates maintenance of Sertoli cell number and function in immature human testicular tissues exposed to platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents. The maintenance of a functional Sertoli cell environment following chemotherapy exposure suggests that fertility restoration by spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplant may be possible in boys facing platinum-based cancer treatment

Satellite detection of dinoflagellate blooms off California by UV reflectance ratios

© The Author(s), 2021. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Kahru, M., Anderson, C., Barton, A. D., Carter, M. L., Catlett, D., Send, U., Sosik, H. M., Weiss, E. L., & Mitchell, B. G. Satellite detection of dinoflagellate blooms off California by UV reflectance ratios. Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene, 9(1), (2021): 00157, https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2020.00157.As harmful algae blooms are increasing in frequency and magnitude, one goal of a new generation of higher spectral resolution satellite missions is to improve the potential of satellite optical data to monitor these events. A satellite-based algorithm proposed over two decades ago was used for the first time to monitor the extent and temporal evolution of a massive bloom of the dinoflagellate Lingulodinium polyedra off Southern California during April and May 2020. The algorithm uses ultraviolet (UV) data that have only recently become available from the single ocean color sensor on the Japanese GCOM-C satellite. Dinoflagellates contain high concentrations of mycosporine-like amino acids and release colored dissolved organic matter, both of which absorb strongly in the UV part of the spectrum. Ratios 1, consistent with historical observations showing a sharp transition from dinoflagellate- to diatom-dominated waters in these areas. UV bands are thus potentially useful in the remote sensing of phytoplankton blooms but are currently available only from a single ocean color sensor. As several new satellites such as the NASA Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, and marine Ecosystem mission will include UV bands, new algorithms using these bands are needed to enable better monitoring of blooms, especially potentially harmful algal blooms, across large spatiotemporal scales.Part of this work was funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) grants to the CCE-LTER Program, most recently OCE-1637632. Processing of Second-Generation Global Imager satellite data was funded by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Data shown in Figure 1 were collected by BGM and MK with support from the NASA SIMBIOS project. DC was supported by the NASA Biodiversity and Ecological Forecasting Program (Grant NNX14AR62A), the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management Ecosystem Studies Program (BOEM award MC15AC00006), and the NOAA through the Santa Barbara Channel Marine Biodiversity Observation Network. HMS was supported by NSF (Grant OCE-1810927) and the Simons Foundation (Grant 561126). ELW was supported by NSF GRFP (Grant DGE-1650112). Funding for Scripps and Santa Monica Piers sampling was through the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring Program by NOAA NA16NOS0120022

Alexa?: Possibilities of Voice Assistant Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

The following paper represents the combined effort of 10 educators exploring the experience and use of voice assistant technology in classrooms. This reflection and study of our classrooms looks to better understand both our use of technology and students’ use of technology in very specific ways. Is there a place for voice assistant technology in our classrooms? What benefits are there? What obstacles exist? We tell our stories and experiences here with the intent to provide context and continue the discussion among more of our colleagues

Healthcare outcomes in undocumented immigrants undergoing two emergency dialysis approaches

BACKGROUND: Current estimates suggest 6,500 undocumented end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients in the United States are ineligible for scheduled hemodialysis and require emergent dialysis. In order to remain in compliance with Emergency Medicaid, an academic health center altered its emergency dialysis criteria from those emphasizing interdialytic interval to a set emphasizing numerical thresholds. We report the impact of this administrative change on the biochemical parameters, utilization, and adverse outcomes in an undocumented patient cohort. METHODS: This retrospective case series examines 19 undocumented ESRD patients during a 6-month transition divided into three 2-month periods (P1, P2, P3). In P1, patients received emergent dialysis based on interdialytic interval and clinical judgment. In P2 (early transition) and P3 (equilibrium), patients were dialyzed according to strict numerical criteria coupled with clinical judgment. RESULTS: Emergent criteria-based dialysis (P2 and P3) was associated with increased potassium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and acidosis as compared to P1 (p < 0.05). Overnight hospitalizations were more common in P2 and P3 (p < 0.05). More frequent adverse events were noted in P2 as compared to P1 and P3, with an odds ratio (OR) for the composite endpoint (intubation, bacteremia, myocardial infarction, intensive care unit admission) of 48 (5.9 - 391.2) and 16.5 (2.5 - 108.6), respectively. Per-patient reimbursement-to-cost ratios increased during criteria-based dialysis periods (P1: 1.49, P2: 2.3, P3: 2.49). DISCUSSION: Strict adherence to criteria-based dialysis models increases biochemical abnormalities while improving Medicaid reimbursement for undocumented immigrants. Alternatives to emergent dialysis are required which minimize cost, while maintaining dignity, safety, and quality of life.

ASCT2 regulates glutamine uptake and cell growth in endometrial carcinoma

Glutamine commonly becomes a conditionally essential amino acid in cancer. Glutamine is supplied to the cell by transporters such as ASCT2 (SLC1A5), which is frequently upregulated in multiple cancers. Here we investigated the expression of ASCT2 in endometrial carcinoma, and evaluated the contribution of ASCT2 to glutamine uptake and endometrial cancer cell growth. Analysis of human gene expression data showed that ASCT2 was significantly upregulated in both endometrioid and serous subtypes of endometrial carcinoma, compared to normal, age-matched endometrium. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of primary human endometrioid adenocarcinomas showed that tumours stain positive for ASCT2 in either a uniform or mosaic expression pattern, while normal adjacent glands appeared predominantly negative for ASCT2 staining. Chemical inhibition of glutamine transport by benzylserine or GPNA led to a significant decrease in endometrial cancer cell growth and spheroid cross-sectional area. ASCT2 knockdown recapitulated the decrease of cell growth and spheroid cross-sectional area in HEC1A cells, suggesting a reliance on ASCT2-mediated glutamine uptake. ASCT2 knockdown in Ishikawa cells led to lower glutamine uptake and cell growth, but did not affect spheroid area. Ishikawa cells express higher levels of the glutamine transporter SNAT1 compared to HEC1A cells, suggesting these cells may rely on both ASCT2 and SNAT1 for glutamine uptake. Since SNAT1 is also significantly upregulated in the endometrioid and serous subtypes, these data indicate that ASCT2 and SNAT1 could be used as markers of malignancy, and/or potential therapeutic targets in patients with endometrial carcinoma

Babesia microti, Upstate New York

Five cases of human babesiosis were reported in the Lower Hudson Valley Region of New York State in 2001. An investigation to determine if Babesia microti was present in local Ixodes scapularis ticks yielded 5 positive pools in 123 pools tested, the first detection of B. microti from field-collected I. scapularis in upstate New York