White Circles Research Articles

The temporal window of attention to self-generated stimuli

Perceptual stimuli generated by one's actions (i.e., action-effects) attract attention more strongly than stimuli that occur independently of the action. Whether a stimulus is perceived as an action-effect or not is thought to depend on the temporal proximity of the action and stimulus. Given that, it is possible that the attentional boost to action-effects would have a specific temporal window. Thus, we assessed whether temporal contiguity between the action and effect modulates attention capture. We adopted a spatial orientating task in which a white central fixation and two white placeholders at the left and right locations were presented. We had two conditions; when the fixation turned red, participants in the action condition pressed a middle key while those in the non-action condition did not. Following this, one of two placeholders flashed in red for 50 ms as a cue, and after 50 ms a white circle as a target appeared inside either of the two placeholders. Thus, in the action condition, keypress caused the presentation of the cue while in the no-action condition, it did not. In the action condition, the interval between keypress and cue onset was 50, 750, or 3550 ms and in the no-action condition, the interval between the color change of the fixation and cue onset was 400, 1100, or 3900 ms (including 350 ms as an alternative of keypress time in the action condition). Participants quickly pressed either the left or right key depending on the target location. The results did not support the presence of a strict temporal window; action-effects captured more attention than external stimuli even more than three seconds after the action. This finding implies that the attention to action-effects does not result from time-sensitive sensorimotor processing, but reflects a more general process of action-effect monitoring.

T2 Relaxometry Evidence of Microstructural Changes in Diffusely Abnormal White Matter in Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and Clinically Isolated Syndrome: Impact on Visuomotor Performance

Axial sections of the last echo of the multi-echo spin echo (MESE) sequence (echo time = 214.4 MSEC), fluidattenuated inversion recovery (Flair) and T1 magnetization prepared - rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) sequences (Upper Row), and maps of short t2, long t2, and myelin water fraction (MWF) values (Lower Row) from a representative relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RR-MS) patient. Regions of interest were positioned in diffusely abnormal white matter (Red Circles) and posterior periventricular normal appearing white matter (NAWM) (Black Circles). Measurements were, also, made in focal lesions identified on T2-weighted images, varying on their intensity on T1-weighted images (see materials and methods section). In this section A T1 isointense focal lesion (White Circles) and a T1 moderate hypointense focal lesion (Yellow Circles) are shown. According to the results, MWF and T2 values were intermediate between the respective values of NAWM and T1 hypointense focal lesions, but not significantly different from T1 isointense lesions by papadaki et al (1077–1087)

P–029 Identification of spermatozoa by unsupervised learning from video data

Abstract Study question Can artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms identify spermatozoa in a semen sample without using training data annotated by professionals? Summary answer Unsupervised AI methods can discriminate the spermatozoon from other cells and debris. These unsupervised methods may have a potential for several applications in reproductive medicine. What is known already Identification of individual sperm is essential to assess a given sperm sample’s motility behaviour. Existing computer-aided systems need training data based on annotations by professionals, which is resource demanding. On the other hand, data analysed by unsupervised machine learning algorithms can improve supervised algorithms that are more stable for clinical applications. Therefore, unsupervised sperm identification can improve computer-aided sperm analysis systems predicting different aspects of sperm samples. Other possible applications are assessing kinematics and counting of spermatozoa. Study design, size, duration Three sperm-like paint images were manipulated using a graphic design tool and used to train our AI system. Two paintings have an ash colour background and randomly distributed white colour circles, and one painting has a predefined pattern of circles. Selected semen sample videos from a public dataset with videos obtained from 85 participants were used to test our AI system. Participants/materials, setting, methods Generative adversarial networks (GANs) have become common AI methods to process data in an unsupervised way. Based on single image frames extracted from videos, a GAN (SinGAN) can be trained to determine and track locations of sperms by translating the real images into localization paintings. The resulting model showed the potential of identifying the presence of sperms without any prior knowledge about data. Main results and the role of chance Visual comparisons of localization paintings to real sperm images show that inverse training of SinGANs can track sperms. Converting colour frames into grayscale frames and using grayscale synthetic sperm-like frames showed the best visual quality of generated localization paintings of sperm frames. Feeding real sperm video frames to the SinGAN at different scaling factors, which is defining the resolution of the input image, showed different quality levels of generated sperm localization paintings. A sperm frame given to the algorithm with a scaling factor of one leads to random sperm tracking, while the scales two to four result in more accurate localization maps than scaling levels five to eight. In contrast, scales from six to eight result in an output close to the input frame. The proposed method is robust in terms of the number of spermatozoa, meaning that the detection works well for samples with a low or high sperm count. For visual comparisons, visit our Github page: https://vlbthambawita.github.io/singan-sperm/. The sperm tracking speed of our SinGAN using an NVIDIA 1080 graphic processing unit, is around 17 frames per second, which can be improved by using parallel video processing capabilities. This shows the capability of using this method for real-time analysis. Limitations, reasons for caution Unsupervised methods are hard to train, and the results need human verification. The proposed method will need quality control and must be standardized. Unsupervised sperm tracking SinGAN may identify blurry bright spots as non-existing sperm heads which may restrict the use of SinGAN sperm tracking for sperm counting. Wider implications of the findings: Assessment of semen samples according to the WHO guidelines is subjective and resource-demanding. This unsupervised model might be used to develop new systems for less time-consuming and more accurate evaluation of semen samples. It may also be used for real-time analysis of prepared spermatozoa for use in assisted reproduction technology. Trial registration number N/A

Digital Trail Making Test‐Black and White: For android and iOS

AbstractBackgroundThe pen‐paper version Trail Making Test‐Black and White (TMT‐B&W) method was developed previously, the collection of pen‐paper based results and its analyses may increase time‐consumption and create workloads for administrators/subjects while performing the trial test and afterward. To increase the efficiency of the data, collections, and analyses, the touch‐screen based digital Trail Making Test‐Black and White (dTMT‐B&W) based on Android tablets/iPad was developed to enhance the pen‐paper based TMT‐B&W.MethodThe dTMT‐B&W was developed using a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Thunkable X application inventor software, a visual online programming environment with the Android/iOS development tools, which are used to build fully functional apps for Android/iOS smartphones and tablets. The dTMT‐B&W is designed with self‐administration and additional features that help in easy data collection and analysis within much less time. The dTMT‐B&W was designed to run on a 10.5 inch Samsung Galaxy Tab A and 12.9 inches iPad Pro touchscreen tablets. The dTMT‐B&W, designed to be consistent with the pen‐paper based TMT‐B&W as possible, uses black and white circles with numbers arranged in sequential order consisting of two parts: Part‐A and Part‐B, where the subject is instructed to push buttons in black and white circles to connect them as quickly as possible while maintaining the accuracy and time. Paper‐based TMT‐B&W, a subject has to connect randomly distributed black & white circles with numbers distributed on a sheet of paper in ascending order in two parts as quickly as possible without lifting the pen or pencil from the paper sheet.ResultThe dTMT‐B&W was successfully developed as an Android/iOS application with some well‐improved features that were embedded into the design to look as similar to the original pen‐paper TMT‐B&W test as possible in order to establish equal convergent validity.ConclusionThe dTMT‐B&W can measure the same aspects of cognition as the pen‐paper based TMT‐B&W more easily. Furthermore, dTMT‐B&W’s additional features and data may be able to help administer other cognitive methods not obtained by the pen‐paper TMT‐B&W.

Actin-Membrane Release Initiates Cell Protrusions.

Despite the well-established role of actin polymerization as a driving mechanism for cell protrusion, upregulated actin polymerization alone does not initiate protrusions. Using a combination of theoretical modeling and quantitative live-cell imaging experiments, we show that local depletion of actin-membrane links is needed for protrusion initiation. Specifically, we show that the actin-membrane linker ezrin is depleted prior to protrusion onset and that perturbation of ezrin's affinity for actin modulates protrusion frequency and efficiency. We also show how actin-membrane release works in concert with actin polymerization, leading to a comprehensive model for actin-driven shape changes. Actin-membrane release plays a similar role in protrusions driven by intracellular pressure. Thus, our findings suggest that protrusion initiation might be governed by a universal regulatory mechanism, whereas the mechanism of force generation determines the shape and expansion properties of the protrusion.

15963 Dermoscopy of early and advanced folliculotropic mycosis fungoides: A correlation of dermoscopic and trichoscopic criteria with clinical features

There are limited data concerning dermoscopic/trichoscopic presentation of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF).The aim of this study was to analyze dermoscopic/trichoscopic features in FMF patients in relation to lesion morphology and location. The study group included patients diagnosed/treated owing to FMF at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology or the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic (from May 2016 to May 2019). In all patients (n = 6) the diagnosis was made based on clinical and histopathologic criteria. Yellow dots of different size were present in all analyzed cases of FMF. The presence of white peripheral circle (white halo) was more prevalent within the facial and auricular lesions, compared with other anatomic locations. Scalp lesions also revealed yellow dots associated with various anomalies of hair shafts. Yellow dots were most evident in comedogenic lesions, less visible in plaques and tumours, and discrete within the papular/erythematous lesions. In long standing scalp lesions yellow dots became replaced by hairless white/pinkish structureless areas with white dots and/or lines (representing scarring). The vascular pattern (polymorphic vessels/ branched vessels of large diameter) was more evident in plaques and tumours, and more discrete in papules. The present study supports the role of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of FMF. This diagnosis should be taken into consideration in the presence of yellow dots (with or without white peripheral ring) and polymorphic vascular pattern. The details and distribution of these features may differ depending on the lesion location and morphology. Later in the course of disease yellow dots may become replaced with structureless areas and white dots/lines.

Intersectionality of whiteness, racism, and homophobia among agriculture students

ABSTRACT This study looks to unearth bigoted ideas among White students in education classes at a large land-grant University. This research utilises Critical Whiteness in a narrative format to elicit 14 White education students’ history of bigotry and its effect on their behaviour. Their stories highlight how White families and their friends talk about people of colour and members of the LGBTQ community in their White circles. While Whiteness studies traditionally focus on the discrimination against people of colour, this study found that many White students also talk about sexuality, class, and gender as necessary components to their White identity development. The strong bigoted views against members of the LGBTQ community by many of the students’ families and even themselves warrant discussion of Whiteness as an intersection of multiple identities.

UM171-Expanded Cord Blood Transplants Support Robust T-Cell Reconstitution with Low Rates of Severe Infections

Introduction Rapid T cell reconstitution following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is essential for protection against infections and has been associated with lower incidence of chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD), relapse and transplant-related mortality (TRM). While cord blood (CB) transplants are associated with lower rates of cGVHD and relapse, their low stem cell content results in slower immune reconstitution and higher risk of graft failure, severe infections and TRM. Recently, results of a Phase I/II trial revealed that single UM171-expanded CB transplant allowed the use of smaller CB units without compromising engraftment. We now report on T cell reconstitution and immune function in patients transplanted with UM171-expanded CB grafts. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 20 patients treated with UM171-expanded CB and compared it to a contemporary cohort of 12 patients treated in the same institution who received unmanipulated CB transplant with similar conditioning regimens. Of note, no patient received ATG as part of the conditioning in either cohort. We used flow cytometry and TCR sequencing to evaluate T cell reconstitution, and virus-specific ELISpot assays to evaluate T cell function in the first year post-transplantation. We also categorized infectious events as per definitions of infection severity in the BMT CTN Technical MOP Version 3.0 and report the mean cumulative count of infectious events for each cohort. Results While median T cell dose in graft was at least 2-3x lower for the cohort of patients treated with UM171-expanded CB due to the selection of smaller cords and to cell loss occurring during CD34 selection process, numbers and phenotype of T cells at 3, 6 and 12 months post-transplant were similar in patients treated with UM171-expanded or unmanipulated CB transplant. TCR sequencing analyses revealed that UM171 patients had greater T cell diversity and higher numbers of T cell clonotypes at 12 months post-transplant compared to patients who received unmanipulated CB. Younger UM171 patients (i.e. <40 years old) also showed a more pronounced increase in naïve T cells and recent thymic emigrants (RTE) between 3- and 12-months post-transplant compared to age-matched unmanipulated CB patients, suggesting that UM171-expansion improves thymopoiesis at least in the young patients. This also correlated with the demonstration that UM171 expands common lymphoid progenitors in vitro. ELISpot assays revealed that UM171 patients showed early virus-specific T cell reactivity, at 2- and 3-months post-transplant. Most importantly, UM171 patients had a 2-fold lower frequency of severe (i.e. grade 2-3) infections at 1 year post-transplant, even though time to engraftment of 500 neutrophils was similar between the two cohorts (17 and 20 days for the UM171-expanded and unmanipulated CB cohorts respectively, p=0.94). Conclusion Our data show that the relative T-cell paucity of the UM171 graft is rapidly compensated after transplant with no significant difference observed between the two cohorts in terms of numbers and phenotypes of T cells at 3, 6 or 12 months post-transplant. Although it is difficult to dissect the relative contribution of homeostatic expansion and de novo thymopoiesis, recipients of UM171 grafts had a greater TCR diversity at one year, which was more evident among patients younger than 40 years of age. The prompt immune reconstitution observed in UM171 patients translated into a low rate of severe (grade 2-3) infections and no infection-related mortality. These results support rapid and functional T cell reconstitution following UM171 expanded CB transplantation, which likely contributes to the absence of moderate/severe cGVHD, infection-related mortality and late TRM observed in this cohort. Figure legend: Mean cumulative counts of infectious events in patients transplanted with UM171-expanded (blue) or unmanipulated (red) CB. Mean cumulative counts are shown for all infectious events (A), bacterial (B) and viral (C) infections. Events were categorized by type and severity as per BMT CTN guidelines (Appendix 4A). Infectious events of grade 1-3 are shown in pale colors, while more severe events (grade 2-3) are shown in dark colors. Censored patients (including those who relapsed) are indicated with white circles. Figure 1 Disclosures Dumont-Lagacé: ExCellThera: Current Employment. Busque:Novartis: Honoraria; BMS: Honoraria; Pfizer: Honoraria. Sauvageau:ExCellThera: Current equity holder in private company, Other: CEO, Patents & Royalties. Cohen:ExCellThera: Consultancy, Other: principal investigator of an ongoing UM171 clinical trial.

S2853 Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Presents as Small Bowel Perforation

INTRODUCTION: Lung adenocarcinomas are often diagnosed at the advanced stage of disease and gastrointestinal metastases from pulmonary neoplasms are rare with the incidence of 0.2-0.5%. Early diagnosis of small intestinal metastasis is difficult due to the low incidence of symptoms and scarcity of imaging modalities to evaluate small intestinal lumen. Here, we present a case of visceral perforation of the ileum from lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 61 years old Caucasian male with a history of lung adenocarcinoma and metastatic lymphadenopathy presented with severe acute abdominal pain. A recent PET scan revealed interval improvement of the lung mass with decreasing nodal sizes after chemotherapy with docetaxel and ramucirumab. Vital signs were unremarkable and physical examination revealed a distended abdomen with significant abdominal tenderness, involuntary guarding, and Blumberg sign. Laboratory results noted marked leukocytosis of 30,000 per microliter with 16% band neutrophils. Computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed extraluminal gas and ruptured viscus (Figure 1). Exploratory laparotomy revealed mid ileal perforation and a totally constricted lumen. The patient underwent resection of 30 cm of the mid-ileum with end-to-end anastomosis. Histology (Figure 2) and immunochemistry (Figure 3) findings were similar to the carcinoma in the previous nodal biopsy. The patient was referred to outpatient oncology follow-up with chemotherapy and a short-term follow up in 6 months was uneventful. DISCUSSION: Perforations occurs more commonly in Jejunum (53%) than ileum (28%). Histological type associated with gastrointestinal metastasis is still unclear. Small bowel perforation can occur even with a favorable prognosis as evidenced by our patient’s staging PET/CT scan showing improved tumor burden. Once metastasis occurred to small bowel, they trend to perforate due to tumor necrosis rather than obstruction. Intestinal tumor metastases are uncommon but should be considered in the diagnosis of a patient with an acute abdomen with a history of pulmonary neoplasm. The surgical approach is mandatory even as a palliative measure. Preoperatively establishing, or suspecting, a diagnosis of metastases to the small bowel can help inform surgical planning and ultimately enhance outcomes.Figure 1.: Coronal Imaging of computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen pelvis with contrast revealed extraluminal gas and ruptured viscus (white circle).Figure 2.: Small bowel resection showing poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (hematoxylin-eosin, original magnification 40X).Figure 3.: Small bowel resection poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma showing positive TTF-1 nuclear expression by immunohistochemistry most consistent with metastatic poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of lung primary (original magnification 200X).

Dermoscopic features of port-wine stains: A study of 264 cases.

Port-wine stains (PWS) occur in 0.3-0.5% of the population. However, the dermoscopic features of PWS have not been systematically studied. Dermoscopic images of 264 cases with PWS were retrospectively analysed. Linear vessels were the most frequent dermoscopic features of PWS (42.0%). Other dermoscopic features were reticular vessels (28.0%), sausage-like vessels (13.6%), dots or globules vessels (9.1%) and mixed vessels (7.2%). Nonvascular morphology comprised white circles (13.6%) and whitish veil (38.3%). Sausage-like vessels and whitish veil were mainly present in the thickened type and in those with PWS aged ≥18years; mixed vessels were mainly present in purple type of PWS. Dermoscopic features showed no significant difference betweenlesions located on different facial areas (V1, V2 and V3). Dots or globular vessels were more common in non-facial lesions (P<0.0001). White circles were only found in the facial lesions, and the frequency of white circles and whitish veil was higher in the treated group than in the untreated group (P=0.004 and P=0.04, respectively). The frequency of white circles was significantly higher in the prior treated group than in the untreated group (P<0.0001). There are various of dermoscopic features of PWS. The dermoscopic features of patients with PWS maycorrelate with age, subtype, location, prior treatment history and pulsed dye laser (PDL) resistance.

Strength variations of the Australian continent: Effects of temperature, strain rate, and rheological changes

The Australian continent is composed of several geologic provinces, showing a general age progression from Archean in the west to Phanerozoic in the east. The lithospheric heterogeneity and complex tectonic history of this region make it a key area for studying the thermal and rheological structure of the geological provinces and testing the influence of different conditions, such as temperature, rheology, and strain rate on the plate strength. In a previous study, temperature and compositional variations of the Australian upper mantle have been determined based on a joint interpretation of the seismic tomography and gravity data. In this study, we further implement a thermal model of the crust, based on available surface heat flow data from regional and global database. The crustal and upper mantle thermal models show different anomalies distribution, indicating a significant variation of the thermal conditions with depth. The new thermal models are used to estimate strength and effective elastic thickness ( Te ) distribution in the lithosphere. For this aim, we assigned the rheology of the crust based on the seismic velocities provided by the AuSREM model and used the strain rate values obtained from a global mantle flow model, constrained by seismic and gravity data. The maximal strength and Te are found in the West Australian Craton, on account of the low temperatures in the lithospheric mantle. We found that locations of the intraplate earthquakes attend to sharp changes in the lithospheric strength. Comparison of the results with those obtained for uniform rheology and strain rate, indicate that in the Officer basin the variations of the crustal rheology enhance the effect of temperature changes, while in the Yilgarn craton they reduce it. On the other hand, the lower values of the strain rate in the cratons than in the Phanerozoic regions influence the strength/ Te in the opposite way with respect to temperatures. Integrated strength (Pa m) and strength (Pa) variations along three cross-sections. Horizontal and vertical axes of the cross-sections display the distance and depth (both in km), respectively. (a) Integrated strength of the lithosphere. The three black lines show the location of the cross-sections; (b) Integrated strength of the crust. White circles show the earthquakes location, occurred from 1990 to present-day, with moment magnitudes (Mw) >2.5, taken from the USGS seismic catalogue ( https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/search/ ); (c) Integrated strength of the mantle lithosphere; (d) Percentage of crustal strength; (e) Strength variations along three cross-sections (A-A′, B-B′, and C-C′, respectively). • A crustal themal and rheological model of the Australian continent is set up. • Crustal thermal anomalies correlate with surface heat flow variations. • Upper mantle thermal anomalies correlate with age of the tectonic features. • The strength distribution is strongly influenced by the temperature variations.

Dermatoscopic features of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck.

Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma is characterized by dermatoscopic dots and structureless areas, including dots in linear arrangement and by coiled vessels. There are no studies describing the dermatoscopic features of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck. We aim to characterize the clinical and dermatoscopic appearance of this entity. We retrospectively analyzed 79 cases of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck. Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck was characterized dermatoscopically by multiple colors (98.7%, n=78), pigmented circles (48.1%, n=38), white circles (17.7%, n=14), angulated lines (41.8%, n=33) and structureless areas (86.1%, n=68). Dots in linear arrangement were present in 13.9% (n=11). Coiled vessels were present in 7.6% (n=6), the dominant vessel type being prominent serpentine vessels (29.2%, n=23), thicker and/or redder in color than surrounding vessels, most being in the angular arrangement of the dermal plexus (24.1%, n=19). Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck differs from current published descriptions of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma, reaching statistical significance with a lower incidence of coiled vessels and a higher incidence of pigmented circles, with evident similarities to pigmented actinic keratosis at that location.

Oleic Acid, Cholesterol, and Linoleic Acid as Angiogenesis Initiators.

The current study determined the natural angiogenic molecules using an unbiased metabolomics approach. A chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model was used to examine pro- and antiangiogenic molecules, followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis. Vessel formation was analyzed quantitatively using the angiogenic index (p < 0.05). At embryonic day one, a white streak or circle area was observed when vessel formation begins. GCMS analysis and database search demonstrated that angiogenesis may initiate when oleic, cholesterol, and linoleic acids increased in the area of angiogenic reactions. The gain of function study was conducted by the injection of cholesterol and oleic acid into a chick embryo to determine the role of each lipid in angiogenesis. We propose that oleic acid, cholesterol, and linoleic acid are natural molecules that set the platform for the initiation stage of angiogenesis before other proteins including the vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin, angiotensin, and erythropoietin join as the angiome in sprout extension and vessel maturation.

Fetal eye movements in response to a visual stimulus.

IntroductionIn 2D ultrasound, the lens of the fetal eye can be distinguished as white circles within the hypoechoic eyeball, and eye movements can be visualized from about 15 weeks' gestation. It has been shown that from 31 weeks gestational age the fetal sensory system is capable of directed vision if enough light is available.MethodsWe have developed a light source for delivering visual stimuli to be seen by the fetal eye, using laser dot diodes emitting at 650 nm. The 2D component of 94 fetal ultrasound scans (mean gestational age 240 days), where the light stimulus was presented, was coded to determine whether the eyes moved in response to the stimuli independent of any head movement.ResultsThe light stimulus significantly provoked head and eye movements, but after the light was withdrawn the head stopped moving, yet the eyes continued to move.ConclusionThis provides evidence for visual attention mechanisms that can be controlled through eye movements that are independent of head movements prior to birth.

CORR Synthesis: Can Guided Growth for Angular Deformity Correction Be Applied to Management of Pediatric Patellofemoral Instability?

CORR Synthesis: Can Guided Growth for Angular Deformity Correction Be Applied to Management of Pediatric Patellofemoral Instability?

Visual timing abilities of a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) and a South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) for sub- and supra-second time intervals

Timing is an essential parameter influencing many behaviours. A previous study demonstrated a high sensitivity of a phocid, the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), in discriminating time intervals. In the present study, we compared the harbour seal’s timing abilities with the timing abilities of an otariid, the South African fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus). This comparison seemed essential as phocids and otariids differ in many respects and might, thus, also differ regarding their timing abilities. We determined time difference thresholds for sub- and suprasecond time intervals marked by a white circle on a black background displayed for a specific time interval on a monitor using a staircase method. Contrary to our expectation, the timing abilities of the fur seal and the harbour seal were comparable. Over a broad range of time intervals, 0.8–7 s in the fur seal and 0.8–30 s in the harbour seal, the difference thresholds followed Weber’s law. In this range, both animals could discriminate time intervals differing only by 12 % and 14 % on average. Timing might, thus be a fundamental cue for pinnipeds in general to be used in various contexts, thereby complementing information provided by classical sensory systems. Future studies will help to clarify if timing is indeed involved in foraging decisions or the estimation of travel speed or distance.

Zora's Legacy: Black Love as Critical and Creative Inquiry

Zora's Legacy: Black Love as Critical and Creative Inquiry

Geomorphology and Species Interactions Control Facilitation Cascades in a Salt Marsh Ecosystem.

Facilitation cascades are chains of positive interactions that occur as frequently as trophic cascades and are equally important drivers of ecosystem function, where they involve the overlap of primary and secondary, or dependent, habitat-forming foundation species [1]. Although it is well recognized that the size and configuration of secondary foundation species' patches are critical features modulating the ecological effects of facilitation cascades [2], the mechanisms governing their spatial distribution are often challenging to discern given that they operate across multiple spatial and temporal scales [1, 3]. We therefore combined regional surveys of southeastern US salt marsh geomorphology and invertebrate communities with a predator exclusion experiment to elucidate the drivers, both geomorphic and biotic, controlling the establishment, persistence, and ecosystem functioning impacts of a regionally abundant facilitation cascade involving habitat-forming marsh cordgrass and aggregations of ribbed mussels. We discovered a hierarchy of physical and biological factors predictably controlling the strength and self-organization of this facilitation cascade across creekshed, landscape, and patch scales. These results significantly enhance our capacity to spatially predict coastal ecosystem function across scales based on easily identifiable metrics of geomorphology that are mechanistically linked to ecological processes. Replication of this approach across vegetated coastal ecosystems has the potential to support management efforts by elucidating the multi-scale linkages between geomorphology and ecology that, in turn, define spatially explicit patterns in community assembly and ecosystem functioning.

Reformed Theology and Conscientious Refusal of Medical Treatment

AbstractTraditionally, healthcare workers have had the right to refuse to participate in abortions or physician-assisted suicide, but more recently there has been a movement in white Evangelical circles to expand these rights to include the refusal of any treatment at all to same-sex couples or their children, transgender individuals, or others who offend the provider’s moral sensibilities. Religious freedom of conscience exists in an uneasy tension with laws protecting equal rights in a liberal polity, and it is a particularly fraught question in the context of medicine, where providers’ consciences must be balanced against patients’ rights to access appropriate care. This article examines the refusal of care to classes of people, usually classes defined by various sexual issues with which the caregivers disagree. This expands conscientious refusals from the traditional concept of responses to actions and instead directs it at specific types of people. The article draws on Reformed thought to argue that such refusals are not justified and are, in fact, both a profound misreading of Christian morality and a new and dangerously expansive account of the right to conscientious refusal in medicine.

Accuracy of dermoscopic criteria for the differential diagnosis between irritated seborrheic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma

Even with the addition of dermoscopy, a significant morphologic overlap exists between irritated seborrheic keratosis (ISK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The aim of this study was to investigate the dermoscopic criteria that could serve as potent predictors for the differential diagnosis between ISK and SCC. Dermoscopic images of histopathologically diagnosed ISKs and SCCs were evaluated by 3 independent investigators for the presence of predefined criteria. A total of 104 SCCs and 61 ISKs were included. The main dermoscopic predictors of SCC were dotted vessels (odds ratio [OR], 10.4), branched linear vessels (OR, 5.30), white structureless areas (OR, 6.78), white circles surrounding follicles (OR, 23.45), a diffuse irregular (OR, 2.55) or peripheral (OR, 2.8) vessel arrangement, and a central scale arrangement (OR, 3.35). Dermoscopic predictors of ISK were hairpin vessels (OR, 0.38), a diffuse regular vessel arrangement (OR, 0.39 and OR, 0.36), and white halos surrounding vessels covering more than 10% of the lesion (OR, 0.29 and OR, 0.12). First, the retrospective design of the study; second, the differential diagnosis included in the study was restricted to ISK and SCC. We confirmed the significant morphologic overlap between ISK and SCC, but we also identified potent predictors for the differential diagnosis between these 2 entities.