A two part project spanning four and one half years was designed to investigate a number of aspects of the natural history of Octopus dofleini in the Northeast Pacific. The tag-release recapture (Part I) involved weekly SCUBA dives, during daylight hours, at three sites on Southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. A total of 320 octopuses were sighted during 616 dives (Part I) and 151 of those octopuses were tagged or recaptured. The ratio of dives per octopus sighted was 1.93:1 and the ratio of dives per octopus tagged or recaptured was 4.08:1. A total of 98 octopuses were tagged (Part I) and 30 of those octopuses were recaptured two or more times for a recapture rate of 30.61%. Statistical analysis of data weighted to provide uniform effort showed Site 1 (Tanner Rock) to have a significantly greater number of large octopuses while Site 2 (Tozier Rock) had a significantly greater number of very small octopuses. An analysis of the data on octopus sex ratios found no significant difference between the number of males and females at each site even though there had been a significant difference in the ratio within Site 2. Analysis of data on annual distribution of octopus body weight combined with the results from the recapture of individual octopuses led to the proposal of a four year lifespan for female Octopus dofleini and an undetermined, but longer, lifespan for males of the species. An examination of the data on octopus movement showed that a peak number of small octopuses (approximately 250 g) appeared at the sites in February. The evidence showed that over the next 19 to 22 months the octopuses grew from approximately 250 grams to a pre adult body weight of 13.8 kg for males (in September) and 14.7 kg for females (in December). No octopuses between 16 and 19.5 kg were captured suggesting a movement of octopuses of that body weight away from the sites. Small numbers of octopuses weighing between 19.5 kg and 28 kg were captured mainly during the first half of the year. An analysis of octopus position data showed that Octopus dofleini does not maintain a constant distance from its nearest neighbour. Nearest neighbour distance was not significantly influenced by the size or sex of the neighbour nor by changes in water temperature. A highly significant correlation was found between estimated den volume and octopus body weight. There were no significant relationships between den surroundings, number of exits, den type and den depth when compared to den usage suggesting that Octopus dofleini is an opportunistic animal using whatever shelter of appropriate volume it discovers. The major food item at all sites as determined by midden heap contents was the Red Rock Crab, Cancer productus. An examination of the physical condition of each octopus captured revealed 21.2% of the animals had either scars or amputated arms or both. Correlations examining the relationships between water temperature and growth rate, body weight, sex and nearest neighbour distance were nonsignificant. Part 11 of the project was the physical measuring and describing of each den at each site. During the 126 SCUBA dives done another 127 octopuses were sighted. As octopuses were captured only when it was necessary to examine the inside of the den there were only 11 octopuses captured during the second part of the project. In total, 447 octopuses were sighted during 742 dives. This results in an effort per octopus sighted of 1.66 dives per octopus. / Graduate

The Nugget Formation in the Anschutz Ranch East field, northeast Utah and southwest Wyoming, provides an exceptional example of how primary eolian rock properties have a considerable influence on the style of structural deformation. Both new and existing subsurface data were integrated for an overall characterization of sedimentologic and diagenetic heterogeneities, which demonstrate relationships with different styles of structural compartmentalization in reservoirs. The Anschutz Ranch East field is a large asymmetric anticlinal trap in the Utah-Wyoming thrust belt. Three cores were analyzed in order to investigate brittle deformation in eolian facies: dune, apron, and interdune. Selected cores are located along the back limb of the main structure and are nearly perpendicular to the fold axis. Each eolian facies appears to have an associated style of deformation that generally occurs within this tectonic setting. Within the dune facies, deformation bands are the most common style of deformation, unless a fault is present; when faults are present open fractures and breccia occur. In the apron facies, open fractures are more prevalent; however deformation bands are still very frequent. The primary styles of brittle deformation observed in interdune facies are breccias and closed fractures. This relationship between facies and rheology also correlates with porosity. These results support a hypothesis that high porosity rocks tend to be weaker and develop deformation bands, while low porosity rocks have a greater strength and will deform brittlely.

Cette étude concerne la région du Kordofan, au centre-Sud du Soudan. La région étudiée est comprise entre les méridiens 28° 00' et 31° 00' E, et les latitudes 11° 30' et 15°00' N, et couvre une surface d’environ 125 835 km2. Le Kordofan est situé en bordure Sud du Sahara actuel. Les dépôts du Pléistocène supérieur-Holocène du Kordofan, ont enregistré des discontinuités sédimentaires qui reflètent des fluctuations climatiques au cours du Quaternaire terminal. Des datations au 14C et des collectes archéologiques ont permis de dater la série étudiée. Quatre unités stratigraphiques ont été identifiées, qui comprennent huit faciès sédimentaires.La première unité est antérieure à ≈ 10 ka BP et est formée de grès ou siltstone marmorisés d’origine éolienne. La deuxième unité (≈ 10 à 6 ka BP) comprend des faciès palustres et lacustres au Nord et au centre, et des faciès fluviatiles au Sud. La troisième unité, d’âge ≈ 6 à 3 ka BP, n’est présente qu’au Sud; elle est faite de dépôts éoliens intercalés de faciès fluviatiles ou de plaine d’inondation. La quatrième unité est plus jeune que 1000 ans BP, et est dominée par des grès rouges éoliens au Nord, et par des dépôts de plaine d’inondation au Sud. Entre ≈ 6 et 1 ka BP au Nord et entre ≈ 3 et 1 ka BP au Sud, un hiatus est marqué par une surface de déflation au North, et est interprété comme une période de forte activité éolienne, qui a empêché le dépôt et a même érodé une partie des sédiments déposés entre 6 et 3 ka BP.Plusieurs proxys (sédimentologie, gastéropodes, pollens, isotopes stables, géochimie des majeurs, minéralogie des argiles et paléo-hydrologie) ont servi à reconstituer l’évolution climatique de la région depuis 13000 ans, qui est cohérente avec l’évolution paléo-climatique de l’Afrique nord-orientale à la même époque. Nos résultats montrent que la région a connu un climat aride avant 10 ka BP, matérialisé par d’épais dépôts éoliens. Entre 10 et 6 ka BP, un climat humide est démontré par le développement de nodules calcaires pédogénétiques, le dépôt local de calcaires palustres et lacustres, l’abondance de gastéropodes aquatiques et semi-aquatiques, le haut niveau de lacs, et les valeurs très négatives du δ18O des coquilles d’escargots et des nodules calcaires. Après ≈ 6 ka BP, le climat s’assèche dans le Nord de la région étudiée comme le suggèrent la forte activité éolienne enregistrée par un hiatus sédimentaire, des érosions et surfaces de déflation, alors que le Sud reste plus humide, comme le montrent des dépôts fluviatiles (chenaux et plaine d’inondation), et les pollens tropicaux et aquatiques. Après 1000 ans BP, et plus probablement après 3 ka BP, la région devient aride comme en témoignent les dépôts éoliens, la prédominance de pollens de milieu aride et l’enrichissement en 18O des coquilles d’escargots terrestres. / This study is conducted in the Kordofan region, central-southern Sudan. The study area is bounded by longitudes 28° 00' and 31° 00' E, and latitudes 11° 30' and 15°00' N and covers an area of about 125835 km2. The Kordofan region is located at the southern end of the present-day Sahara. Late Pleistocene-Holocene deposits in Kordofan, recorded sedimentary discontinuities that probably reflect climatic fluctuations during the latest Quaternary. 14C dating and some archeological findings have been used to date the latest Pleistocene-Holocene succession. In the investigated sections, four stratigraphic units have been recognized, which exhibit eight sedimentological facies.The first unit is older that ≈ 10 ky BP and is formed of mottled sandstone or siltstone facies of aeolian origin. The second unit (≈ 10 to 6 ky BP) comprises palustrine and lacustrine facies in the central and northern parts, and fluviatile facies in the South. The third unit ranges from ≈ 6 to 3 ky BP and is restricted to the southern part; it is made of aoelian deposits intercalated with fluviatile or flood plain facies. The fourth unit is younger than 1000 y BP, and is dominated by aeolian red sandstone in the North, and by flood plain facies to the South. Between ≈ 6 and 1 ky BP in the North and between ≈ 3 and 1 ky BP in the South, no deposits are recorded. This hiatus is marked by deflation surfaces in the North, and is interpreted as a period of strong aeolian activity, which prevented deposition, or even eroded part of the sediments deposited between 6 and 3 ky BP.Several proxies (sedimentology, gastropod sub-fossil shells, pollens, stable isotopes, major element chemistry, clay mineralogy and paleohydrology) have been used to reconstruct the climatic evolution of the region for the past 13 ky, which can be correlated to the well-known evolution of Eastern Sahara during this time-span. Our results indicate that the region has been subjected to arid climate prior to 10 ky BP as evidenced by thick aeolian deposits. Between 10 and 6 ky BP, the region experienced a wet climate as evidenced by the development of pedogenetic calcareous nodules, local deposition of palustrine and lacustrine limestone, abundance of aquatic and semi-aquatic gastropods, high lake levels, and depleted δ18O values from gastropod shells and calcareous nodules. After ≈ 6 ky BP, climate evolved to dry conditions in the northern part of the region as indicated by an strong aeolian activity recorded by erosion features, sedimentary hiatus and deflation surfaces, while its southern part remained more humid, as shown by channel and flood plain deposits, and tropical and aquatic pollen taxa. From 1000 yr BP to Present, and probably after 3 ka BP, the region became arid as evidenced by aeolian deposits, the predominance of arid indicator pollens and the enrichment in 18O of land snail shells.

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No description available.

This study describes the changes in prevalence odds ratios (PORs) for Alzheimer disease (AD) in the northeast Tennessee region (NTR) during a 3-year period, describes the statistical assessment process, and critically assesses the database from which the statistical association was derived. The article also examines several beliefs pertinent to the clinical management of AD in the NTR from the perspective of professionals delivering services. Methods We extracted prevalence data for NTR counties for 2013, 2014, and 2015 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Geographic Variation Public Use File. We used the crude prevalence and the 2010 US Census Data fixed population for each county to compute the POR. The 2013 Economic Research Service Rural-Urban Continuum Codes were used to identify rural and urban counties in the NTR. We collected primary data on the perceived observation of the increasing prevalence in the NTR during the last 3 years and barriers to early diagnosis through an online survey from 44 experts and professionals working in AD-related fields within the NTR. Results The PORs of AD in rural counties in NTR increased by 18.3%, 4.7%, and 19% compared with urban counties for 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. The POR of AD for the entire NTR region increased by 22.7%, 22.5%, and 21.2% compared with other regions in Tennessee for 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. Compared with 2012, 68.4% of respondents currently work with more individuals with AD; 71.8% reported that the NTR has a higher number of late-stage diagnoses of AD. A total of 92.3% strongly agreed that early detection of AD is important, and 95% agreed that early diagnosis could prolong the lives of patients with AD; 51.2% were unaware of existing AD screening services. Reported barriers were denial, lack of patient awareness, inefficient screening methods, communication, and lack of community resources. Conclusions Increased prevalence of AD among inhabitants in the NTR and identified barriers to early screening or diagnosis in the management of AD were identified. Access to early screening techniques must be prioritized in deprived areas within the NTR. Healthcare providers and medical professionals in the NTR must be well equipped with the required training and resources to respond adequately to the increasing prevalence of AD.

No description available.

This study consists of an analysis of hospital discharge data from three Northeast Tennessee hospitals to identify maternal demographic factors that may be linked to higher rates of cesarean sections in this region of Appalachia. Maternal age, race, insurance status, length of stay, and birth weight were evaluated to identify regional trends in the prevalence of these factors over a two-year period. There were 1,678 (23.3%) singleton live births by cesarean section of which 7.6% were repeat cesarean section deliveries. Less than one percent of the 7,181 births were vaginal births after cesarean (VBAC) delivery. Overall, insurance and maternal age was found to be significant predictors of cesarean delivery. Using stepwise logistic regression, age was found to be a significant predictor of cesarean birth for women less than 35 years of age. Significance was found for cesarean birth and insurance status (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.00,1.19) and for cesarean birth and mother’s age (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.21,1.41). Mothers under the age of 35 who were insured under a managed care plan were at significant risk for cesarean section delivery. This study was limited in that only hospital discharge data were available and the study population was relatively homogeneous. Further research of this population is needed to continue investigation of the predictors of cesarean birth.

Our nation has made great strides since 1954's Brown v. Board of Education, 1963's I Have a Dream speech, and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, Jeannie and other minorities continue to endure in a struggle for true equality. A debate exists as to whether race issues are improved by discussion, or if they improve by ceasing these types of discussions and not even mentioning race. The purpose of this qualitative biographical narrative is to vicariously relive Jeannie's Journey and ascertain what relevance her life story has to our historical timeline. The sole participant in this study was Jeannie Hodges. Data for this study were collected through 3 in-depth interviews using an interview protocol based upon a conversational interview process. Who we are is a direct manifestation of where we have been and the journeys we have taken. Jeannie's journey shows us that we can look at the past and discuss history without hate, pointing fingers, or laying blame. We benefit from gaining a deeper understanding of where we as a people have been as opposed to as individual races of blacks and whites. Understanding our combined histories provides an appreciation for where we are today as well as guidance for the future. The point is to gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of our individual histories, like threads in a tapestry. It is crucial to our continued progress that we not cease discussions about race or about this part of our historical timeline. Can we as a nation, acknowledge our past, embrace our future, and continue the journey together?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has been demonstrated to be an effective addition to traditional medical practice. However, patient awareness of CAM techniques may be low, particularly in rural areas. The aim of this study is to measure adult patient interest in CAM, particularly Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMT), acupuncture, meditation, nutrition, and breathing techniques in a community Family Medicine practice. An anonymous survey was given to 200 adult patients in an outpatient clinic over the course of 3 months. Survey items were designed to assess if patients were aware of CAM, if they had experience with any of the mentioned modalities, if they were interested in the mentioned modalities, and which CAM services patients would like to see offered in clinic. In regards to having heard of CAM, 57.3% of patients had reported that they were aware of CAM, while 42.7% were not. Of those that had heard of CAM, 42.4% had experience with OMT, 55.1% had experienced acupuncture, 7.6% had experienced breathing techniques group, 14.4% had experienced nutrition groups, and 5.1% had experienced meditation groups. 22.3% of patients were not interested in any form of CAM being offered in clinic, while 77.7 were interested in at least one type of CAM. OMT held the highest rating among interested patients, with 29.1% wanting to see it offered in clinic. These results indicate that, while many patients were not aware of CAM, there was nonetheless a high degree of interest in seeing CAM techniques offered. The implication of this study is that CAM should be implemented in the clinic as soon as possible. Future research should assess the degree to which patients actually utilize these services, once offered.